Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Nucleic Acid Extraction Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus From Municipal Wastewater, Fritz Vanderford, Hayley Baker, Ching-Lan Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

In 2021, globally there were ~ 38.4 million people living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), ~650,000 people died from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related illnesses, ~1.5 million people acquired HIV. In the US, ~1.9 million people had HIV at the end of 2019, ~30,635 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2020.

Antibiotic Production Of Facultative Anaerobic Bacteria From Soil Isolates, Cierra Paaaina-Daquioag, Debra Kerr

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

In nature, antibiotics are produced by organisms to deter and possibly communicate with other organisms. The use of antibiotics to treat infections revolutionized medicine, but bacteria and fungal pathogens become resistant due to the overuse of these medications. A potential solution is to search for novel antibiotics produced by soil bacteria. Bacteria gene expression patterns, including antibiotic production, are different under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The objective of this research project was to identify soil bacteria that produce antibiotics that inhibit the growth of benign relatives of the ESKAPE pathogens under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. A secondary objective was to …

Groundwater Remediation Using Modified Biochar, Kers Ung-Watson, Ismail Abdulraheem, Nikki Tibayan, Suraj Pochampally

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Biochar, a lightweight black residue made of carbon, has proved to be an effective adsorbent to remove TCE from groundwater. Not only is it an economical substitute for conventional adsorbents but it can be created by using a variety of organic materials. For this project, it will rely on walnut shell feedstock to create biochar as this had the best ability to adsorb TCE.

Electrochemical Inactivation Of Tobacco Mosaic Virus: A Novel Vaccine Method, Angelica Diaz

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

We tested the effectiveness of using electrochemistry to irreversibly damage Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV). Hypothesis: By utilizing the acidic properties of DNA and RNA, viral genetic material can be irreversibly and selectively damaged using electrochemical methods. Technique could assist in development of highly targeted and effective vaccines.

Horizontal Ladder Task: Assessing The Effect Of A Walking Intervention On Mobility In People With Lower Limb Amputation, Chelsea Domingo

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Hundreds of thousands of people struggle with mobility due to lower limb amputation. Learning how to do something you have never done is a difficult task for anyone. Practice is important when person with amputation uses a prosthesis because each environment they encounter could vary. Across settings, different textures such as even and uneven terrain require different skills to maintain balance. The purpose of this research is to determine if practicing walking on uneven terrain will help people with amputation improve their ability to walk in different environments. We will use a horizontal ladder task (Christie et al., 2020) to …

Emotional Engagement To Music Is Correlated With Enhanced Frisson Experience But Not Misophonia, Sarah Al-Shimary, Nicole Datastanyan, Shelbie Silvers, Sivan Barashy, Solena Mednicoff

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

There is evidence that individuals who are particularly sensitive or intolerant to sounds are also more engaged or fascinated with positive sounds such as music.

Localization Of Ipmk, Braden Sio

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Inositol Polyphosphate Multikinase (IPMK) is a relatively new gene found in mammalian cells. To determine where I should further conduct our research, I localized this gene within HEK-293 cells. For this study, HEK-293 cells are used. These cells are easily cultured and transfected, both of which are needed for this study. IPMK tagged with Green Fluorescent Protein is transfected into our test group. The control group is transfected with only Green Fluorescent Protein. After transfecting the HEK-293 cells, the cells are put under a fluorescent microscope under the GFP setting. In the HEK-293 cells that were transfected with IPMK GFP, …

Poliovirus Detection In Las Vegas Wastewater, Sage Boss, Hayley Baker, Ching-Lan Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Wastewater surveillance for poliovirus is a useful tool for spatial surveillance and evaluation of immunization efficacy. Polio testing in wastewater has been conducted since the 1980s in Finland and Israel, and the virus was recently discovered in New York. With increasing concern regarding the vaccination of children against the virus, there has been worry that polio cases could once again present themselves in the Las Vegas Valley. By testing for the virus in wastewater, we can monitor any new cases or outbreaks that occur and inform authorities as to the location and viral count. The wastewater samples were collected at …

Self-Blame Associated With Sexual Maltreatment, Jessica Castillo, Mallory Constantine

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Sexually maltreated youth are at increased risk for developing thoughts of self-blame associated with their traumatic experiences (Melville et al., 2014). Self-blame increases risk of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and self-harming behaviors (Gorgi et al., 2019). Self-blame can cause negative side effects in development and adulthood, changing the trajectory of the child who was affected by sexual assault (Ullman et al., 2014). Recent studies suggest we must continue to investigate the role in shame in producing meaning making progress, and how it affects other emotions, cognitive learning, and emotion regulating strategies (McElvaney et al., 2022). In order to continue to …

Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Breastfeeding Information Provided During Prenatal Care Visits In Clark County, Nevada, Alexandra Maria Acosta, Smriti Neupane

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Breastfeeding information during prenatal care visits is associated with maternal race/ethnicity and maternal educational level. Black/African American race and college-level education are associated with increased breastfeeding information provided during prenatal care visits of Nevadan mothers.

You're So Harsh On Me: Meanness In Psychopathy And Perceived Family Criticism, Jordan E. Hayes, Kayla Mcginty

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Overall, the lack of research on percieved criticism, especially within populations that display meanness, show a need for research because just like mood, percieved criticism may change throughout the day. Understanding the relationship between psychopathic meanness and momentary patterns of percieved criticism among family members could provide helpful insight into social interactions and elucidating patterns of family dysfunction involved in the most antagonistic features of psychopathy.

Influenza And Wastewater Surveillance, Tiffany Familara, Hayley Baker, Anthony Harrington, Ching-Lan Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Quantitative PCR led to identification of influenza A viral RNA at three schools in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Predicting The Next Pandemic: Utilizing Wastewater-Based Epidemiology As A Novel Technique For Detecting Mpox Dna, Austin Tang, Michael Moshi, Hayley Baker, Ching-Lan Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Mpox cases are trending downward in Las Vegas, aligning with national trends. The study demonstrates that it is possible to extract mpox DNA directly from wastewater and quantify the genetic material using qPCR. This research indicates that WBE can be utilized to give a relative abundance of virual nucleic acids in wastewater, giving opportunities for early-warning systems and other public health interventions. Mpox remains a global threat to public health, continued surveillance of MPXV using wastewater is necessary to ensure that we can detect unusual spike in viral DNA level. Mpox detected in the wastewater samples will be sequences to …

Quantification Of Sars-Cov-2 Prevalence Using Wastewater Surveillance, Moonis Ghani, Hayley Baker, Nabih Ghani, Anthony Harrington, Ching-Lan Chang

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was successfully detected in the wastewater samples. PMMoV concentrations varied little, meaning it was a valid control. The diversity of SARS-CoV-2 concentrations indicated varying levels of infection within different parts of the community. PCR and WGS can help determine viral load and identify variants.

Occupational Therapy Students’ Time-Use After Transitioning To In-Person Learning, Jhannell Hannah Ocampo, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The COVID-19 pandemic had an emotional and physical impact on occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students. Students lost access to campus services, social circles, and “safe zones," which may have consequently become traumatic stressors (U.S. Department of Education, 2021; Bridgland et al., 2021). As students transition back to campus, they struggle to navigate and adapt to in-person occupations and how they use their time. Occupational therapists understand the need for meaningful occupations and the symbiotic relationship between their well-being and health (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). OTs have an emerging role in the post-secondary education setting, which …

Assessing Asian American And Pacific Islander (Aapi) Teachers’ Workplace Wellness, Fiona Tang, Karen Park, Susan Macdermott, Deja Anderson

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Teachers have many instructional, behavioral and classroom management, and administrative responsibilities (Cormier et al., 2021; Hilger et al., 2021; Roeser et al., 2022). There is limited research on occupational therapy's role in teacher wellness. This study aimed to assess the challenges and barriers that Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) teachers face, the causes of burnout, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AAPI teachers' wellness. This study used a mixed methods research design, including an online survey and semi-structured interviews, focused on the challenges, barriers, strengths, and needs that AAPI teachers face in public, middle, and high schools …

Covid-19 Newsletter (Vol. 148), Center For Disaster Medicine, New York Medical College

COVID-19 Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Cleft Lip And Palate Treatment, Kelly Toy, Karen Park, Amanda Amaro

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Problem: This research study aims to understand the lived experience of cleft lip and palate (CLP) on mental health, social participation, and leisure to answer the research question: what is the occupational impact of CLP on mental health, social participation, and leisure activity?

Methods: A qualitative mixed methods research design —34 participants for the survey and 12 interviewees. The interviews were conducted through Zoom and lasted 1 hour. This study used thematic analysis to create themes.

Results: 85% of individuals with CLP experienced bullying, all individuals with CLP stated that their mental health was affected because of CLP, and 59% …

Enhancing Leisure Participation In An Inpatient Mental Health Setting, Jawad Aqil, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project, Enhancing Leisure Participation in an Inpatient Mental Health Setting, was completed by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy candidate at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Project objectives aimed to identify and address internal and external barriers related to leisure participation in inpatient mental health settings from an occupational therapy perspective. A literature review of leisure engagement demonstrates beneficial mental health outcomes in correlation with increased leisure engagement during inpatient mental health treatment. However, leisure is often an underutilized facet of mental health treatment. Additionally, individuals with mental health challenges present with individualistic barriers decreasing leisure …

Exploring Occupation-Based Practice For Athletes With Sports-Related Injuries, Brett Taylor, Susan Macdermott, Jay Gerzmehale

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The profession of OT has yet to be widely acknowledged and recognized within the world of sports (Reed, 2011). There is currently a lack of research related to OT's role in working with athletes who have sustained sports-related injuries. Although occupational therapists are currently working with athletes on sports rehabilitation and recovery, there is uncertainty within the profession regarding the presence of occupation-based practice (OBP) in the population of athletes and within the sports rehabilitation setting. The project aims to advocate for the profession of OT in sports rehabilitation and recovery and increase awareness of the importance of OBP when …

Enhancing Leisure Participation For Women Who Are Experiencing Homelessness, Christine Truong, Susan Macdermott

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Opportunities to engage in leisure activities are limited for women experiencing homelessness (Klitzing, 2004). The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for a residence serving women who are at risk of homelessness to improve their leisure participation and exploration. The needs assessment involved on-site observations at the Community Mission of Hope and Empowerment Village, literature review, client interviews, and an online questionnaire for volunteers and staff members. Although the program was not implemented due to time constraints and current programming already occurring, future sessions were outlined, and supplies were ordered through a grant to prepare for implementation. …

The Experiences Of Children With Neurological Conditions And Families, Charmaine Alexis Pasion, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with chronic neurological conditions and their families experience various challenges that impact their quality of life and occupational participation as they reintegrate back into their communities (Dumas & Grajo, 2021; Taib et al., 2021). However, rehabilitation for children with chronic neurological conditions focuses on addressing functional impairments and self-care activities rather than transitioning home (Diener et al., 2021). Therefore, children and their families are in need of resources and interventions to address their occupational impact as they return to their occupations (Diener et al., 2021). This capstone research study explored the lived experiences of children with chronic neurological conditions …

Evaluation Of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis In Spine Surgery Within An Enhanced Recovery Program At A Large Community Teaching Hospital, Sabrina Dipietro, Klea Noskey, Richard Zoltowski, Tania Saeed, Sapna Shah

Posters

The risk of surgical site infections post spine surgery is 0% to 18%.1

• American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guidelines recommend using an agent with activity against the most common surgical site pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus. 2,3

• The preferred agent is cefazolin 2 grams intravenous (IV) (3 grams if patient weighs ≥120 kilograms [kg]) administered 30 minutes prior to skin incision and re-dosed every four hours intraoperatively.2,3

• In the case of a cephalosporin allergy, clindamycin 900 milligrams (mg) IV or vancomycin 15 mg/kg IV are recommended alternatives.2,3

• Due …

Pharmacist-Provided Educational Intervention And Its Impact On Medical Resident Knowledge And Comfort Level With Continuous Glucose Monitors (Cgms), Chelsea Dezfuli, Sarah Muench, Colleen Lauster

Posters

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have become an integral component of diabetes care

American Diabetes Association now recommends that CGMs be offered to all patients on insulin who can use the device safely

Integrating CGMs into clinical practice can be challenging for several reasons: – Data overload – Cost – Need for education on data interpretation

Safety Evaluation Of Intravenous Heparin Protocol Following Alteplase Treatment In Patients With Suspected Or Confirmed Pulmonary Embolism, Erika Waldsmith, Lisa Hall Zimmerman, Claudia Hanni

Posters

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Safety Outcomes Of Two Hydrocortisone Dosing Regimens In Patients In Septic Shock, Alexandra Rola, Joshua Wirtz, Daniel Kalaj, Vasil Rrushi, Megan Cadiz

Posters

• Steroids are used in shock to minimize the impact of shock-induced dysregulation of inflammatory response – Hydrocortisone is preferred for its activity as a glucocorticoid and a mineralocorticoid • Available data on the use of hydrocortisone shows mixed benefit – Data to guide dosing is limited, use of 100 mg IV every 8 hours may have benefit over 50 mg IV every 6 hours • Use of steroids has been associated with potential risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, superinfection, etc.

Impact Of Continuous Infusion Ketamine As Sedation On Concomitant Opioid And Sedative Requirements In Mechanically Ventilated Covid-19 Patients, Gabrielle R. Bradley, Megan Cadiz, Allycia Natavio

Posters

Characterize the impact of continuous infusion ketamine (CIK) on concomitant opioid and sedative requirements in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients

Levetiracetam For Seizure Prophylaxis In Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Alanah Bratley, Krystal Commons, Allycia Natavio

Posters

Characterize the use of levetiracetam for early seizure prophylaxis in patients with sICH

Evaluation Of Antibiotic Selection And Duration In Patients With Non-Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia, Emily Reich, Sandra Hartnagle, Jennifer Pilotto, Heidi Klotz, Ryan Herc

Posters

No abstract provided.

The Farriers’ Perspective Of Ergonomics, Hailey Harrington, Gwen Morris

Fall 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Farriers, or individuals who specialize in the shoeing of horses, navigate a variety of ergonomic challenges. Such challenges have the potential to severely impact their working ability and other major areas of their lives. Early research from Holler (1984) and King (2003) investigated farrier perceptions of hazardous job requirements and tool hazards in relations to strain on their bodies. Additional factors to consider include other external factors such as human and animal interactions, physiological, and psychological factors (Flunker et al., 2020; Gombeski et al., 2017).The purpose of this study is to learn about the ergonomic conditions of farriers and their …