Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pfas: A Threat To Public Health And Safety, Ibrahim Qazi, Adriana Carrillo, Alexa Guloy [email protected], Emily Moon, Rayan Muneer, Hien Tran, Raiden Wadsworth

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Nonstick pots and pans, takeout containers, waterproof clothes: these are items that people use in their daily lives. A common denominator in all of these items lies PFAS, or Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances. Our exposure to these chemicals has proven to be toxic and carcinogenic to human health. Despite the evidence of their harmful effects, many companies still continue to incorporate these forever chemicals into their products, thus prolonging their exposure to humans.

The Relationship Between Concussion History And Lower Extremity Biomechanics During A Land And Cut Task, Nghi G. Vu, Warren O. Forbes, Jason M. Avedesian

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In high impact landing tasks, athletes with a history of sports related concussion (SRC) have been found to demonstrate lower extremity (LE) biomechanics that are associated with elevated injury risk. However, the exact relationships between SRC history and LE biomechanics are inconclusive.

Socio-Demographic, Maternal, And Infant Characteristics Associated With Pacifier Use Among Six-Months Old Infants In Clark County, Nevada, Kaelia Lynn Saniatan, Smriti Neupane, Chad L. Cross, Gabriela S. Buccini

Epidemiology & Biostatistics Faculty Research

Background

Pacifier use can interfere with nurturing care practices such as breastfeeding, soothing, and sleeping. Due to contradicting beliefs, recommendations, and the high frequency of pacifier use, understanding its associations may support shaping equitable public health recommendations. This study explored the socio-demographic, maternal, and infant characteristics associated with pacifier use among six-months old infants in Clark County, Nevada.

Method

Cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021 with a sample of mothers (n = 276) of infants under six months old in Clark County, Nevada. Participants were recruited through advertisements in birth, lactation, pediatric care centers, and social media. We used binomial …

Use Of External Uterine Electromyography Across Stage I Labor, Rebecca Benfield, Edward R. Newton

Nursing Faculty Research

Introduction: Highly sensitive, external uterine electromyography (EMG) measures myometrial electrical activity and is noninvasive compared with the clinical intrauterine pressure catheter. Most experimental studies have measured EMG in 30-minute epochs, limiting the utility of this instrumentation in intrapartum clinical practice. To test proof of concept, surface uterine EMG contraction activity was continuously collected throughout the first stage of labor from healthy women at term gestation with (n = 3) and without (n = 1) epidural or combined spinal-epidural analgesia for a maximal length of 11 hours and 24 minutes.

Methods: EMG activity was recorded concurrently with tocodynamometer (toco) signals, using …

Guidelines For “Topics Brief” Submissions, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 6, 2023. The “Topics Brief”, a novel submissions format, is introduced with authors guidelines. Within this submissions format, a category describing a target audience should be identified, such as Topics Brief for: Patients, Clinicians, Practitioners, or Students. Authors may also suggest their own category for a target audience. The title should be descriptive and allow for maximum searchability. Authorship criteria include a substantial contribution, assisting with the manuscript draft, and approval of the final version. The format is open, with a focus of presenting work in a clear and …

Introducing The “Topics Brief”: Bridging The Gap Between University And Non-Academics In A Potentially More Meaningful Way, James W. Navalta, Robert Salatto, Donald L. Hoover, Andrea Stevenson

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 5, 2023. Introducing the “Topics Brief”, aiming to bridge the gap between university and non-academics. Topics Briefs should include the following: 1. Share what was done to a non-academic audience, 2. Condensed format (limited to 1-2 pages, 1 page preferred), 3. Include only the most important parts (i.e., main concepts, main results, main learned experience) to be implemented in practical application, 4. May be heavily visual (we encourage authors to be creative)

A Scoping Review Of Risk And Protective Factors For Negative Cannabis Use Consequences, Timothy J. Grigsby, Andrea Lopez, Larisa Albers, Christopher J. Rogers, Myriam Forster

Social and Behavioral Health Faculty Research

Objective:

Numerous reviews have examined risk and protective factors for alcohol-related negative consequences, but no equivalent review of risk and protective factors exists for cannabis-related negative consequences (CRNCs)-a gap filled by the present study. This scoping review examined survey-based research of risk and protective factors for CRNCs such as neglecting responsibilities, blacking out, or needing more cannabis.

Methods:

Three databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed manuscripts published between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2021. A qualitative synthesis was performed using the matrix method and the results were organized using the socioecological model as a framework. …

Physician Workforce In The Mountain West, Hira Ahmed, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

Using data from the Association of American Medical College’s State Physician Workforce Data Report, this fact sheet synthesizes Mountain West data on the numbers of active physicians and active physician demographics in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. This fact sheet focuses on active physicians in the Mountain West region by gender, race and ethnicity, as well as the number of students pursuing medical and premedical education.

A Nationwide Analysis Of Gunshot Wounds Of The Head And Neck: Morbidity, Mortality, And Cost, John M. Menezes, Kavita Batra, Vladislav Pavlovich Zhitny

Department of Plastic Surgery Faculty Research

Background:

Gun violence in the United States rose continuously from 2010 to 2022, spiking during the pandemic, and peaking in 2021 at 48,830 deaths (14.8 per 100,000). Previous reports investigated health and financial burden associated with gunshot wounds (GSWs) during 2004 to 2013; however estimates related specifically to head and neck (H&N) injuries have been lacking. This population-based study aims to examine incidence, morbidity, mortality, and health resource utilization of H&N injuries utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.

Methods:

A population-based study was undertaken using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2015Q4–2017Q4). The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision …

The Pathogenesis Of Covid-19: Hypercoagulation And D-Dimer In Thrombotic Complications, Leonid Dubey, Halyna Lytvyn, Olha Dorosh, Nataliya Dubey, Olena Kozlova, Michal Pruc, Nina Kubikowska, Lukasz Szarpak, Kavita Batra, Francesco Chirico, Gabriella Nucera, Svitlana Doan, Uljana Shevtsiv

School of Medicine Faculty Research

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is highly contagious and its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In COVID-19, the inflammation and blood coagulation systems are excessively activated. SARS-CoV- 2 damages endothelial cells and pneumocytes, which leads to disruption of hemostasis in SARS. Thromboembolism is the main cause of mortality in patients with COVID-19. Clots, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), ranging from minor to fatal complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection are known. Individuals with pre-existing diseases are more susceptible to the development of blood clots and poor outcomes. …

Spiritual Well-Being And Burnout Syndrome In Healthcare: A Systematic Review, Francesco Chirico, Kavita Batra, Ravi Batra, Giuseppe Ferrari, Pietro Crescenzo, Gabriella Nucera, Lukasz Szarpak, Manoj Sharma, Nicola Magnavita, Murat Yildirim

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Introduction: Burnout syndrome (BOS) among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a widespread phenomenon that leads to poor staff health and diminished quality of medical care. Spirituality has been proposed as a coping strategy against BOS. The relationship between spirituality and BOS needs to be evaluated. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence for understanding association between spirituality and BOS.

Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct a systematic search of bibliographical databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and several others in June 2022. Titles. Abstracts, and full-texts of all articles were screened to determine eligibility. The National Heart, Lung, and …

Muscular Strength Predicts Phase Angle In Breast Cancer Survivors, Trevor Short, Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto, Paulette Yamada

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 4, 2023. Phase angle (PhA) has emerged as a prognostic indicator of survival and quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. Identifying measures of physical fitness that correlate with PhA can provide guidance toward optimizing cancer rehabilitation programs and future research. The purpose was to examine the relationship between PhA and physical fitness in breast cancer survivors. Sixty-three breast cancer survivors (60 ± 9 years, PhA 4.59±0.52, mean±SD) completed assessments for muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition. PhA and body composition were measured using bioimpedance …

Healthcare Associated Infections, Nurse Staffing, And Financial Performance, Soumya Upadhyay, Dean G. Smith

Healthcare Administration and Policy Faculty Research

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a concern to patients, hospital administrators and policymakers. For over than a decade, efforts have been made to hold hospitals accountable for the costs of HAIs. This study uses contingency theory as a framework to examine the association between HAIs and hospital financial performance. We use publicly available data on 2059 hospitals in 2014 to 2016 that include HAIs, staffing financial performance, and hospital and hospital market characteristics. The key independent variables are available infection rates and nurse staffing. The dependent variables are indicators of financial performance: operating margin, total margin, and days cash on …

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention: How Cultural Components Play A Role In Programs Tailored For Minority Youth, Sarah B. Maness, Shristi Bhochhibhoya, Marshall Cheney

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Introduction: Cultural tailoring of adolescent pregnancy prevention programs has been utilized as a way to reduce persisting racial and ethnic disparities. This study explored how cultural components are included in evidence-based adolescent pregnancy prevention programs.

Methods: This study qualitatively assessed curricula of six federally supported evidence-based adolescent pregnancy prevention programs specifically tailored for African American and/or Hispanic youth. Patterns were analyzed within and between programs by two independent coders.

Results: Cultural components fell into five major themes: cultural art forms, traditions, history, community, and language. The most commonly included area was traditions (i.e. values, pride).

Conclusions: Variations exist in …

Diabetes Self-Management Support Program In Predominantly Hispanic Faith Community Settings: A Pilot Study, Leah Carrillo, Summer R. Wilmoth, Raymundo Mendoza, Ashton Balarin, Meixia Pan, Elena Martinez,, Erica T. Sosa, Zenong Yin, Sarah Ullevig, Meizi He

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, facilitators, barriers, and impact of adopting the Self-Management Resource Center Diabetes Self-Management Program (SMRC DSMP) on diabetes-related outcomes.

Methods: The SMRC DSMP was implemented in five churches in San Antonio, Texas. A single group pre-post-test design was used to evaluate program effect on improving T2D outcomes. The primary outcome was glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) and secondary outcomes included Self-Efficacy for Diabetes, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and patterns of eating and physical activity. Program feasibility, facilitators, and barriers were assessed through documentation and in-person interviews with participants.

Results: A total of 96 participants were …

Associated Factors With Colorectal Cancer (Crc) Screening Awareness In The Black Belt Region Of Alabama: A Comparison Among Three Types Of Crc Screening, Hee Yun Lee, Yan Luo, Chiahung Chou, Mi Hwa Lee, Marion Bennett

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: The present study aims to assess the levels of awareness of three types of CRC screening tests (FIT or FBOT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy) among African Americans living in the Black Belt area, and examine the factors associated with awareness of CRC screening tests among this population.

Methods: The current study utilized a survey research design. Univariate analysis was used to assess the awareness of three types of colorectal cancer screening: FIT or FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Three sets of logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the factors associated with the awareness level of each of the three colorectal …

Advancing Health Equity In The Us Military, James D. Mancuso, John Young, Jennifer Rusiecki, Shauna Stahlman, Natasha Schvey, Toya Randolph, Candy Wilson, Catherine Witkop, Patrick Hyde, Althea Green, Patcho Santiago, Donald Shell, Tracy Sbrocco

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity are central to US national health objectives and the Military Health System’s “quadruple aim,” which has readiness as its core aim. Because military service members enjoy universal eligibility for health care, it is sometimes assumed that health disparities do not exist in the Department of Defense (DoD). However, while some studies have shown that disparities have been attenuated or eliminated in the DoD, others suggest that significant disparities remain. Reasons these disparities may remain include that universal eligibility for care does not necessarily result in equal to access to care, and that equal …

The Pursuit Of Peak Athletic Performance, Trevor Short

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 3, 2023. Achieving peak performance in sports is a multifactorial phenomenon that spans several scientific disciplines. The optimization of human performance requires a comprehensive and systematic assessment that identifies potential performance-inhibiting factors. The result of such analysis allows for more individualized and accurate evaluation, athlete monitoring, and training interventions. Thus, there is a need for a multidisciplinary model of peak performance to guide practitioners when conducting a comprehensive analysis. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a brief but practical vade mecum for practitioners to consider in the …

Fluid Management In Septic Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension, Review Of The Literature, Blerina Asllanaj, Elizabeth Benge, Jieun Bae, Yi Mcwhorter

School of Medicine Faculty Research

The management of sepsis in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is challenging due to significant conflicting goals of management and complex hemodynamics. As PH progresses, the ability of right heart to perfuse lungs at a normal central venous pressure (CVP) is impaired. Elevated pulmonary vascular pressure, due to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, opposes blood flow through lungs thus limiting the ability of right ventricle (RV) to increase cardiac output (CO) and maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissue. In sepsis without PH, avoidance of volume depletion with intravascular volume replacement, followed by vasopressor therapy if hypoperfusion persists, remains the cornerstone …

Increasing Student Engagement: Case-Based Teaching And Learning, Necole Leland, Lisa Nicholas

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Case-based learning (CBL) is an active learning approach using hypothetical or real life problems that help learners develop clinical judgment and problem-solving skills (Bastable, 2023). CBL can be used in multiple settings, including the classroom, the clinical environment, and simulation. CBL can be used in most disciplines to bring real life scenarios to life for learners. Learners identify the problem in the case, develop multiple approaches to solving problems, discuss different viewpoints or assumptions, propose alternate decisions, and weigh consequences (Young & Paterson, 2007). CBL helps make connections that transfer theoretical knowledge to practical application (Billings & Halstead, 2020). CBL …

Adaptation In The Sensory Cortex Drives Bistable Switching During Auditory Stream Segregation, Nathan C. Higgins, Alexandra N. Scurry, Fang Jiang, David F. Little, Mounya Elhilali, Joel S. Snyder

Psychology Faculty Research

Current theories of perception emphasize the role of neural adaptation, inhibitory competition, and noise as key components that lead to switches in perception. Supporting evidence comes from neurophysiological findings of specific neural signatures in modality-specific and supramodal brain areas that appear to be critical to switches in perception. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study brain activity around the time of switches in perception while participants listened to a bistable auditory stream segregation stimulus, which can be heard as one integrated stream of tones or two segregated streams of tones. The auditory thalamus showed more activity around the time …

Identification Of A Rare Sars-Cov-2 Xl Hybrid Variant In Wastewater And The Subsequent Discovery Of Two Infected Individuals In Nevada, Van Vo, Anthony Harrington, Salman Afzal, Katerina Papp, Ching-Lan Chang, Hayley Baker, Perseveranda Aguilar, Erin Buttery, Michael A. Picker, Cassius Lockett, Daniel Gerrity, Horng-Yuan Kan, Edwin C. Oh

Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine Faculty Research

The identification of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants can predict new patterns of COVID-19 community transmission and lead to the deployment of public health resources. However, increased access to at-home antigen tests and reduced free PCR tests have recently led to data gaps for the surveillance of evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. To overcome such limitations, we asked whether wastewater surveillance could be leveraged to detect rare variants circulating in a community before local detection in human cases. Here, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2 from a wastewater treatment plant serving Las Vegas, Nevada in April 2022. Using metrics that exceeded 100× …

Effects Of A Race Timer On The 3-Minute All-Out Test For Critical Power, Paul Mandell, Boe Burrus, Taylor Bloedon

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 2, 2023. The 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT) elicits valuable fitness metrics including V̇O_2peak, HR_max, Critical Power (CP), and Work Above End Power (WEP; equivalent to work prime; W’). Twelve (n = 12) healthy active males were recruited to participate in the current study on the effects of the implementation of a race timer on the 3MT. Participants completed a V̇O_2peak test and one 3MT familiarization trial before completing one standard 3MT and one 3MT with the presence of a countdown race timer in …

The Effects Of Acute Rauwolscine (Α-Yohimbine) Ingestion On Repeated Wingate Sprint Performance In Healthy Males, Megan E. Barnes, Tyler Williams, Camryn R. Cowan, Brenden A. Torres, W. Tanner Clark, Rebecca R. Rogers, Luke R. Harms, Christopher G. Ballmann

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 1, 2023. Background: Rauwolscine (RW), also known as α-Yohimbine, is an α-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist which possesses sympathomimetic properties. RW is commercially sold in pre-workout and energy supplements. However, the ergogenic potential of RW has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute RW supplementation on repeated sprint performance. Methods: Healthy male participants (n=12) completed 3 × 15-second Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT) separated by 2 minutes of active recovery. Blood lactate (La) was collected before exercise (Pre) and immediately following exercise …

Biomechanically-Consistent Skin Stretch As An Intuitive Mechanism For Sensory Feedback: A Preliminary Investigation In The Lower Limb, Jenny A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

The proprioceptive loss accompanied by lower limb amputation can impair function and mobility. We explore a simple, mechanical skin-stretch array configured to generate superficial tissue behaviour that might occur with movement about an intact joint. Four adhesive pads attached around the circumference of the lower leg were connected via cords to a remote “foot” mounted on a ball joint attached to the underside of a fracture boot, such that “foot” reorientation would result in skin stretch. In two discrimination experiments performed with and without the connection, with no view of the mechanism, and with minimal training, unimpaired adults (i) estimated …

Prescription Drug Retail Sales In The Mountain West, Caren Royce Yap, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Health

This fact sheet synthesizes data on prescription drug retail sales in the Mountain West (Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah). "Retail Sales for Prescription Drugs Filled at Pharmacies by Payer," a 2019 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, includes data on the amount of retail sales for prescription drugs made in each state by dollar amount, along with the method of coverage, including commercial, Medicare, Medicaid and cash payment.

Epidemiological/Disease And Economic Burdens Of Cervical Cancer In 2010–2014: Are Younger Women At Risk?, Chuhao Xi, Jay J. Shen, Betty Burston, Soumya Upadhyay, Shoujun Zhou

Healthcare Administration and Policy Faculty Research

Objective: Cervical cancer is an important factor threatening women’s health in China. This study examined the epidemiological and economic burden of cervical cancer among the medically insured population, which could provide data support for government departments to formulate policies. Methods: All new cases of cervical cancer under the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) plan in a provincial capital city in eastern China from 2010 to 2014 were collected. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the factors affecting the survival rates for cervical cancer. Outpatient and hospitalization expenses were used to assess the direct economic burden, and …

Implementation Levels Of Electronic Health Records And Their Influence On Quality And Safety, Soumya Upadhyay

Healthcare Administration and Policy Faculty Research

Improvement in quality and patient safety outcomes have been at the forefront of the United States healthcare system. Policies advocate for implementing different electronic health records (EHR) levels to support this effort. Several studies have demonstrated mixed results on the impact of EHR on quality and safety outcomes. Our study delves deeper into gaining an understanding of this influence on hospitals that have adopted various levels of EHR, especially intermediate and comprehensive. Using a longitudinal study design for general acute care hospitals within the U.S., we examine the relationship between intermediate and comprehensive EHR on quality (readmission rates for pneumonia …

Factors Associated With Improved Outcome Of Inhaled Corticosteroid Use In Covid-19: A Single Institutional Study, A. Manfra, Claire Chen, Kavita Batra, Kyaw Min Tun, Mutsumi Kioka

Department of Internal Medicine Faculty Research

Asthmatics seem less prone to adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and some data shows that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are protective. We gathered data on anecdotal ICS and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, given there is literature supporting ICS may reduce risk of severe infection. In addition, we fill gaps in current literature evaluating Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) as a risk assessment tool for COVID-19. This was a single-center, retrospective study designed and conducted to identify factors associated intubation and inpatient mortality. A multivariate logistic regression model was fit to generate adjusted odds ratios (OR). Intubation was associated …

Prevalence And Predictors Of Burnout Syndrome Among Italian Psychologists Following The First Wave Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study, Pietro Crescenzo, Francesco Chirico, Giuseppe Ferrari, Lukasz Szarpak, Gabriella Nucera, Raffaella Marciano, Livio Tarchi, Diego Denicolo, Assunta Maiorino, Kavita Batra, Manoj Sharma

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Introduction: The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of Burnout Syndrome (BOS) among Italian psychologists following the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. As a secondary objective, geographical differences in the prevalence of BOS symptoms were investigated across regional macro-areas in this category of workers. Methods: Using a non-probabilistic convenience sample, four-hundred sixty-eight participants responded to an online survey which included psychometric valid questions from the Maslach Burnout Inventory and The Big Five Inventory-10. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the data. Results: The overall prevalence of BOS in the study sample was …