Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Illusion Of Brain Health Across A Plastic Canvas, Thomas J. Kelly Jr, Lauren Gaspar, Jaime Ross Phd, Guiseppe Coppotelli Phd

Senior Honors Projects

In recent years, there has been increasing concern for the role that plastic waste, and more specifically micro- and nanoplastics, play in our environment and their potential health risks. Microplastics are particles less than 5 mm in size and nanoplastics are considered to be less than 1000 nm in size. Microplastics can either purposely be produced or can sludge off larger pieces of plastic. Microplastics have not only been detected within soil, air, and water, but have also recently been found to accumulate within the human body. The mosaic artwork that is presented in this project, entitled “Our Cerebral Plastic …

Creating Caregiver Education Resources Forcaregivers Of Adults With Alzheimer’S And Dementia, Mary C. Upton

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This project addressed the significant issue of caregiver burden experienced by individuals caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop simplified and easy-to-understand educational resources for these caregivers, focusing on strategies for managing loved ones, community resources, and physical and emotional wellness. The project aimed to enhance the caregiving experience and reduce caregiver burden by increasing their knowledge of physical and cognitive changes, available resources, and self-care strategies.

The project involved caregivers and staff at a dementia-specific medical-model day memory care program. The primary deliverable was a four-part “Caring …

Food Allergies On The College Campus: Increasing Awareness, Kelly Wagner

DNP Projects

Project Title: Food Allergies on the College Campus: Increasing Awareness

Background and Rationale: The prevalence of food allergies in the United States is high and continues to increase, affecting approximately 32 million people (10.8% of the population). Food allergies are a chronic disease, and students transitioning to college are in the age group that experiences the highest rate of lethal anaphylactic reactions related to food allergies. Current best practice guidelines recommend that colleges should have a comprehensive, campus-wide approach to food allergy awareness, management, and emergency protocol. At a midsize southeastern university, there was no campus-wide approach to addressing the …

The Effects Of Dexmedetomidine On Nausea And Vomiting In Intraabdominal Surgical Patients, Sarah Mann

Scholars Week

Abstract

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affect a significant number of surgical patients. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project aimed to assess PONV rates and evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on PONV incidence in intraabdominal surgical patients. Additionally, the project sought to inform Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) about dexmedetomidine and assess the perceived value of this information through a survey.

Methodology: The retrospective analysis of 9,035 patients was conducted from January 2023 to July 2024. Data were divided into four datasets, and comparisons were made between the datasets to determine PONV rates and the effects of dexmedetomidine. The …

The Advantages Of Being A Nurse Extern, Raylynn Broaddus, Elle Covington

Scholars Week

New graduate nurses experience low confidence levels and increased anxiety due to the limited exposure in the hospital. Nurse extern programs allow nursing students to get more hands on experience in the hospital. Is their any advantages to this? Three different research articles show advantages that arise when students complete one of these programs.

The Importance Of Nurse Involvement In Hospitalized Patient Smoking Cessation, Eudora Larson

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Benefits Of Nursing Touch In Neonates, Lacy Baldwin, Camila Canedo Muzevic

Scholars Week

This paper explores the benefits of nursing neonatal soothing techniques, focusing on their short- and long-term effects in reducing stress and their influence on development. It emphasizes the nursing role through Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort in providing proactive non-pharmacological care. Neonates, particularly preemies, face significant amounts of stress in the clinical setting which can impede proper growth and development, as well as immediate well-being. It is part of the nursing duty to alleviate stress and promote comfort. This project analyzes evidence-based research on soothing techniques, including tactile, kinesthetic, gentle human touch, interactive newborn bathing, etc. It demonstrates the positive outcomes …

Evidence Based Practice Presentation: Proper Use Of Personal Protective Equipment Protecting Health Care Workers, Bella Batts, Kristine Puckett, Jimena Calderon

Scholars Week

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in safeguarding healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents, hazardous substances, and physical risks in clinical environments. PPE includes a variety of items such as gloves, masks, face shields, gowns, and respirators, each designed to provide a barrier between healthcare workers and potentially harmful pathogens or environmental hazards. The use of PPE is particularly crucial in settings where healthcare workers are at heightened risk, such as during the treatment of patients with infectious diseases, surgical procedures, or when handling hazardous materials. The importance of PPE extends beyond individual protection, as it helps reduce the …

Improving Recovery Nurses’ Satisfaction With Postoperative Transfer Of The Anesthetized Patient With The Utilization Of A Standardized Handoff Checklist, Gemma Nilsson

Scholars Week

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using a standardized tool during patient handoff, addressing the lack of an organized structure for patient transfers and the risk of miscommunication. Poor communication is a leading cause of medical errors in the hospital and the transfer reports of postoperative patients in the post-anesthesia care unit are often inaccurate or incomplete (Milby, 2014; Salzwedel, 2012).

Design: A handoff tool was developed for anesthesia providers to use during postoperative patient transfers. Using descriptive statistics, the project evaluated subjective survey responses from registered nurses before and after the implementation of the tool. Perception of the tool’s …

Advancing Provider Knowledge On Precedex Use To Prevent Postoperative Delirium Through Targeted Education, Brian Gibbs

Scholars Week

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and multifactorial complication commonly affecting elderly surgical patients. POD is associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The use of benzodiazepines and opioids during the perioperative period is a significant modifiable risk factor for POD. Despite the potential of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to reduce POD incidence due to its sedative, and analgesic properties, it is not widely available in many operating rooms (OR). This project aimed to educate anesthesia providers on the benefits of Precedex and its role in reducing POD in patients over 65 years old. A quality improvement project …

Implementation Of A Mental Health Wellness Toolkit For Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Mckenzie Lawson

Scholars Week

There is significant evidence that proves that Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists score exceptionally high on stress and anxiety scales. Research has demonstrated that high levels of anxiety and stress can lead to burnout and mental health concerns, including depression, fatigue, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. A PICOT question was developed for this problem and is as follows: For first-year student registered nurse anesthetists starting clinicals in the operating room, how does participating in a wellness program where students are taught stress-reduction techniques affect their stress and resiliency scores one month and three months following the implementation of the program? This …

Evaluation Of Unique Care Coordination And Transition Management Clinical Module, Debbie Solomon, Ann E. Holland Phd, Rn

Day of Scholarship

A two-year curriculum evaluation was undertaken to guide development of a unique clinical curricular module focused on care coordination and transition management. The module, in place in the junior curriculum since 2015, had been modified through the years in response to changes in faculty, clinical partners, and department resources. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly limited student field experiences, requiring development of existing and new on-campus simulated learning experiences. Three analytic processes were used to evaluate how teaching methods and resource utilization contributed to student achievement of learning outcomes. The results led faculty to reinitiate field experiences in home care and hospice …

Survey Of Mosquito Larval Habitats At The Ksu Field Station, Rose Sofia, Eli Lovvorn, Aspen Hartman, Andrew Haddow

Symposium of Student Scholars

The greater Atlanta metropolitan area hosts numerous mosquito species that are nuisance biters and can transmit arthropod-borne diseases to humans. We surveyed the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Field Station – an incredibly biodiverse location – where student, staff, and faculty-led groups engage in outdoor research and teaching activities. The KSU Field Station located in Cobb County, GA is a heavily trafficked 25-acre property that may attract various mosquito species capable of transmitting pathogens to humans and animals alike. On August 27th, 2024, our team investigated the KSU Field Station to quantify and record potential water-holding containers that serve as mosquito …

Retrospective Analysis Of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers And Knee Cartilage Volume In Osteoarthritis: Evidence From The Osteoarthritis Initiative, Parv Kale, Vijay Kale

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Potential Of Oncolytic Viruses As A Novel Therapeutic Approach For Breast Cancer Treatment, Renad Alsayyad, Claudia M. Tellez Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Simplicity Is The Ultimate Sophistication: Ume Lessons From Trauma-Focused Simulation, Victoria-Marie Berlandi-Short, Kelsey Yang, Jonmark Dolendo, Grace Hwang, Brianna Kuhse, Samuel Blees, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Simulation-based training has become essential in preparing medical professionals to manage high-stakes situations effectively before encountering them in real-life clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cut Suit Week (CSW), a high-stress, trauma-focused simulation training for second-year military medical students hosted by Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in San Diego, California. As members of the 2024 cohort, our team from Touro University Nevada (TUN) and Touro University California (TUC) sought to address three questions: (1) Does CSW improve confidence in managing stressful situations? (2) Does it enhance clinical and leadership skills? (3) Would similar training …

E-Cigarettes And Oral Health: A New Risk For Caries Development, Andrew Duplant, Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Oral-Gut Microbiome Axis: Implications For Systemic And Oral Health, Sana Shariff, Manas Mandal

Annual Research Symposium

The bidirectional relationship between the oral and gut microbiomes has gained attention for its role in systemic and oral diseases. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, disrupts these ecosystems, leading to inflammatory conditions. This research investigates the connection between these microbiomes, focusing on microbial translocation, disease correlation, and targeted interventions such as probiotics or dietary modifications to restore microbial homeostasis and reduce disease incidence.

Gingival Hyperplasia In Orthodontic Patients, Mohamed Ali Basha, Joseph Cheever, Man Hung

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Platelet Rich Fibrin With Biodentine In Direct Pulp Therapy Of Permanent Teeth - An In-Vivo Study, Rhea M Dr, Shruthi Nagaraja Dr

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

A Literary Review Of Physician Approach To Patient Care: Implications In Cancer Care, Daniel Ramirez, Kinsley Batson

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap: Miniscrew-Assisted Palatal Expansion In A Non-Growing Patient: A Case Report, Jacob Thomas, Ms Ravi, Suraj Prasad Sinha

Annual Research Symposium

This case report describes the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency using a Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE) appliance. MARPE is an innovative non-surgical appliance designed to expand the maxillary arch through skeletal and dentoalveolar modification.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation As A Treatment Modality For Functional Bowel Disorder And Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Possible Correlations With The Gut-Brain Axis: A Review, Lauren Draper, Devin Pfister, Ethan Zaugg

Annual Research Symposium

Functional Bowel Disorders (FBD), including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), are highly prevalent gastrointestinal conditions classified as Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBIs) under the Rome IV criteria. These conditions, marked by abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and significant psychological comorbidities, present substantial challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. Conventional therapies primarily target gut-centric mechanisms but often yield limited efficacy, underscoring the need for approaches that account for the complex interplay of the gut-brain axis in DGBI pathophysiology.

Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Resveratrol In Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review Of Its Effects On Kcc2 Expression, Lauren R. Nelson, Ashlyn Hughes, Jory Winward, Natalie Phanco, Andrew Payne Phd

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Unraveling Physiologic Mechanisms In Passive And Active Mechanoreceptor Stimulation, Halah Khan, Braden Ashcraft

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

A Morphological Investigation Of Alcohol-Induced Persister Formation, Isaac Young, Victor Jimenez

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Temporary Anchorage Devices: The Cornerstone Of Precision In Orthodontics, Aman Preet Kaur, Shilpa Bhandi, Frank W. Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Advancing Prosthetic Technology: 3d-Printed Robotic Arm With Micro Linear Actuators, Vu Tran, Nathan Reed, Mahdi Yazdanpour

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing demand for affordable and accessible prosthetic solutions has driven innovation in the field of robotics. In this project, we present the design and development of a 3D-printed robotic prosthetic arm aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with upper limb amputations. Our prosthetic arm utilizes five micro linear actuators to achieve precise and naturalistic movement. The design of the prosthetic arm prioritizes affordability and accessibility, with a focus on leveraging 3D printing technology to reduce manufacturing costs and enable customization. The use of micro linear actuators offers advantages in terms of compactness, lightweight construction, and efficient power …

Mobility Task Shows Rescue Of Scotopic Vision In A Swine Model For Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa After Treatment With The Meganuclease Rho 1-2, Gita Jaikumar, Jack Feist, Kautuk Kamboj, Aravind Kumar, Francesca Barone, Archana Jalligampala, Wei Wang, Jeff Smith, Dave Morris, Derek Jantz, Victor Bartsevich, Kristi Viles, Maureen Mccall

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Purpose : Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common form of inherited retinal disease with ~1:5000 people affected worldwide. The substitution of Proline to Histidine (P23H) at position 23 in the rhodopsin protein is the most common form of adRP in North America. We have shown that treating a transgenic P23H human RHO pig model of adRP (TgP23H hRHO) with a gene-editing meganuclease Rho 1-2, recovers rod structure and restores rod function. We ran WT, Rho1-2 treated and untreated TgP23H hRHO (Tg) pigs through an obstacle course to quantify visually guided mobility under light- and dark-adapted conditions using motion analysis …

Analyzing Whether Different Types Of Taste Nerve Fibers Have Different Innervation Patterns Through Proximity And Colocalization, Abdel-Rhman M. Al-Azzawi

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The taste system not only allows us to perceive and distinguish various flavors but also plays a vital role in detecting nutrients and avoiding toxins. However, the precise organization of the neurons that convey taste information to the brain remains largely unknown, making it a critical area of research This study aims to determine if different types of taste neurons (as determined by genetic expression) exhibit distinct innervation patterns. This was accomplished by analyzing their proximity and colocalization with different types of taste bud cells. Taste bud cell types include Type II cells, which detect sweet, bitter, and umami flavors, …