Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Statin-Associated Immune Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy: A Case Report, Emily Andrews, Graham Mcdaniel, Haiping Mei

Research Day

Background: Statins are a widely used class of drugs that have been found to be safe and effective in treating hypercholesterolemia. Used for both primary and secondary prevention, statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, inhibiting a vital step in cholesterol production. Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are a clinical spectrum defined as muscle pain, discomfort, and/or weakness with or without elevated CK levels. This spectrum ranges from minimal myalgias to severe statin-associated immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). It is known that myocytes have upregulated levels of HMG-CoA reductase in the presence of statin use. While the exact pathophysiology of statin associated IMNM has yet …

Plaque-Like Cd34+ Dermal Fibroma On The Toe: A Case Report And Literature Review, Shaina S. Gagadam, Michael Shragher, Carmen Campanelli

Research Day

Plaque-like CD34+ dermal fibroma (PDF), also referred to as medallion-like dermal dendrocyte hamartoma (MLDDH), is a rare, benign dermal neoplasm that typically presents as a slow-growing, asymptomatic plaque. PDF is most commonly seen on the neck or trunk of young women. The pathogenesis of PDF remains poorly understood. Histologically, these lesions are characterized by the proliferation of spindle-shaped fibroblasts in the dermis, which are strongly positive for CD34 and negative for markers such as S100, Melan-A, and Factor XIIIa.

We present a case of a 57-year-old female with a one-year history of a plaque-like CD34+ dermal fibroma on the dorsal …

The All Of Us Research Program Provides An Efficient Platform For Remote Training Medical/Health Science Students In Science Methodology – Showcase: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy And Its Relationship With Proxies Of Socioeconomic Status., Nicole Blatt, Robert J. Barsotti, Brian J. Balin Phd, Eleonora Savio-Galimberti

Research Day

Background: Medicine is a science-based discipline. Scientific method investigates a problem by identifying it, formulating a question and a hypothesis to explain it, testing the hypothesis, and collecting and analyzing data that can potentially reject it. Scientific method also applies to clinical problems providing a systematic approach for diagnosis and treatment. It is an iterative process requiring repetition to achieve proficiency. Iterating processes need time that must integrate with busy schedules within medical school curricula. We explored the “All of Us” NIH-research program to introduce formal training in science methodology to medical students by conducting a retrospective analysis …

Cell Permeable Pkcβii Peptide Inhibition Reduced Cell Viability In Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells: Implications For Er+ Breast Cancer Treatment, Sindy P. Hernandez, Lindon H. Young

Research Day

Introduction

MCF-7 human breast cancer cells have long been used as a model for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, which is characterized by estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) status. In ER+ breast cancer, estrogen binding stimulates the transcription of genes crucial to unchecked cell proliferation, such as cyclin D1. Protein Kinase C beta II (PKCβII) has been shown to enhance estrogen-driven growth in ER+ breast cancer through phosphorylation of estrogen receptors (ERs), leading to increased transcriptional activity and faster tumor growth. Additionally, PKCβII reduces apoptosis through upregulation of Bcl-2 expression and suppression …

The Influence Of Best-Selling Skincare Products: Analyzing Benefits, Risks, And The Impact On Children, Emily M. Garelick, Shane M. Swink

Research Day

In recent years, the skincare industry has experienced a surge in product availability, with an overwhelming number of options available to consumers, especially at major retail stores like Sephora. While many of these products claim to improve skin health and are often promoted by social media influencers, their widespread use raises concerns regarding both their benefits and potential risks, particularly when it comes to children and adolescents. Approximately 95% of youth aged 13–17 report using social media, with over a third indicating that they engage with these platforms "almost constantly." While most social media platforms in the U.S. set 13 …

The Different Effects Between Trimethylamine And Trimethylamine N-Oxide On H9c2 Myoblast Cells, Jessica Tiedeken, Ann Le, Juliet Melnik, Lindon H. Young, Robert J. Barsotti, Qian Chen

Research Day

Background: Trimethylamine (TMA) is a gut-derived metabolite of choline and L-carnitine that is converted to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver. Elevated plasma TMAO levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies suggest that TMA and TMAO promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism, contributing to pro-atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels. We hypothesize that high levels of TMA and TMAO induce cardiac cell damage through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Goals/Methods: This study utilizes H9c2 myoblast cells to investigate the effects of TMA and TMAO on cardiac cell function. Cells were treated with …

Comparative Functional Outcomes For Ischemic Stroke Patients With And Without Covid-19, Christopher D. Howard, Jacob R. Pascual, Samantha K. Larosa, Michelle A. Cross, Katherine A. Moore, Julie M. Reichert, Isabella L. Filippone, Nicole Chiota-Mccollum, Danielle B. Cross, Lindsey L. Perea

Research Day

Background: COVID-19, primarily a respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, is associated with vascular complications like ischemia due to endothelial injury, hypercoagulability, and inflammation. This study examines how COVID-19 affects functional outcomes of ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: Ischemic stroke patients admitted to our Joint Commission-certified primary stroke center were retrospectively analyzed from March 1, 2020, to March 1, 2022. A subgroup analysis was conducted for patients during the vaccination period (April 14, 2021, to March 1, 2022). Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old and had a stroke on admission or during hospitalization. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used, …

Protein Kinase C Delta Peptide Activator Provides Protection During Hypoxia/Reoxygenation And Elicits Significant Anti-Cancer Effects In Vitro, Juliet M. Melnik, Qian Chen, Robert J. Barsotti, Lindon H. Young

Research Day

Introduction

Protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) activation is known to inhibit NOX-2/superoxide (SO) release in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and elicit cardioprotective effects in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Augmenting PKCδ activity also promotes tumor suppressive effects via apoptosis. This study examined the cardioprotective and anticancer effects of PKCδ peptide activator (PKCδ+) in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes, cardiovascular cells particularly susceptible to oxidative damage due to their high concentration of mitochondria.

Methods

Hypoxia/Reoxygenation: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cells), were cultured at 37°C in EBM-2 medium and DMEM, respectively and pretreated with PKCδ+ (Myr+MRAAEDPM) (0.25-5μM) or untreated …

The Impact Of Interactive Food Demonstration On Nutrition Education And Dietary Habits, Danielle Mikaliunas, Yachana Panchal, Kruti Patel, Zainab Rehman, Michael B. Roberts, Farzaneh Daghigh

Research Day

Introduction: Around 60 percent of American adults have at least one chronic disease that could mostly be managed by nutrition. The Mediterranean diet has been linked to reducing the risk of numerous health conditions, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular diseases that have high prevalence in the city of Philadelphia. This diet is known for scaling back on salt and red meats along with having an increased focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and healthy fats. With its ability to provide satiety and variation based on individual palate preferences, Mediterranean cuisine has been shown to …

Adipocyte/Progenitor Communication Axis Controls Beige Adipogenesis., Briana Noel Cortez, Nabil Rabhi, Kathleen Desevin, Jean Z. Lin, Stephen R. Farmer

Research Colloquium

The unique capacity of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) to brown has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating obesity and its adverse complications. Both white and beige adipose arise from a subpopulation of perivascular adipocyte progenitor cells (APC) expressing SM22 (Smooth Muscle Protein 22-Alpha). However, the early signaling events controlling ACP differentiation to beige adipocytes are still unknown.

To uncover the stromal cells heterogeneity during beige adipogenesis, we performed a single cell RNA-sequencing of iWAT under control condition, treatment with β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) agonist or exposure to cold. ScRNA-seq revealed the landscape of APCs undergoing beige adipogenesis. We …

Disseminated Cryptococcosis In Solid Organ Transplant Recipient, Sonal V. Jha, Thomas V. Gonzalez, Chelsea Chang

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) have been reported at fairly low incidences in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. 1 However, they are known to result in high mortality, ranging from 35%-100%, likely due to a delay in treatment caused by culture-based diagnosis.2-5 Cryptococcus are the third most common cause of fungal infection in SOT patients. 6-7

Objective: Here we present a case of disseminated cryptococcus in a patient with kidney transplantation unique in its rapid onset and presence of perinephric and perihepatic abscesses. The findings presented may inform clinicians of the potentially unusual manifestations of common fungal infections in …

Hands-On Healing: The Role Of Creative Art And Clay In Happiness And Stress Reduction, Aria Mokhtari, Mahdi Ghasemi, Melika Eshaghian, Kat Bishop, Brittany Turner, Ryan Golshir, Ana De Faria Lima, Kaylee Stone, Soojin Lee, Jennifer Cooper

Symposium of Student Scholars

Stress and mental health concerns are increasing among students at Kennesaw State University. Creativity has gained recognition for their therapeutic benefits. This research investigated the impact of clay sculpting on stress reduction and emotional well-being. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments, we analyzed participants' self-reported stress levels before and after participating in clay sculpting. A pre-and post-event survey measured the impact of engagement in these activities. After evaluating feedback and statistical trends, this study can provide evidence supporting clay sculpting as an effective tool for enhancing mental well-being among students. Stress levels were assessed using numerical rating scales (a form of …

Opioid Epidemic In Maine: An Analysis Of Increasing Overdose-Related Deaths Following The Coronavirus, Aysel S. Hamlin

Thinking Matters Symposium

The rate of drug overdose resulting in death doubled in Maine following the COVID-19 pandemic from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 through 2022. The correlation between increased isolation during the pandemic and overdose death rates sheds a concerning light on the insufficient resources for people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) throughout Maine. The increasing trade and access to fentanyl following the pandemic accounted for the majority of drug-related deaths in Maine in 2021 and 2022. This study examines the need for long-term access to drug treatment in rural and urban Maine, both environments with varying …

Alzheimer’S Disease And Hiv-1 Comorbidity, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram L. Garcia, Khalid Benamar

Research Symposium

Background: AD is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder and one of the most common causes of neurodegenerative dementia. AD is characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive functions. Prominent pathophysiological characteristics of AD include extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) proteins. An estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with AD today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060 barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure AD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 53% of American adults living with …

Bibliometric Analysis Of Research Trends Related To Human Immunodeficiency Virus., Madyson E. Johnson, Kaitlyn R. Coffman, Valerie Rivas, Elizabeth Barrett

ATU Scholars Symposium

Human immunodeficiency virus poses major health burden across the globe including the United States of America and has its zoonotic origin from the Simian Immunodeficiency viruses of sooty mangabey monkey and chimpanzee in Africa. Epidemiological trends indicate that even though the mortality rates for HIV are falling globally, the rates of new cases have been rising since 2010 in several countries including the USA. An estimated 0.5% of the human population is currently infected with the virus with countries like USA, India, Nigeria and South Africa carrying the highest burden of the disease. Host receptors such as CD4 and coreceptors …

Ambulatory Ekg Project, Samuel G. Grisham

ATU Scholars Symposium

This project seeks to advance the work of previous researchers in the field of cardiac arrhythmia detection [1]. By leveraging existing wearable technology, a system which is capable of real time heart rate monitoring, timely alerts and electrocardiograph data acquisition was designed. In addition, a python script capable of identifying potential pathological patterns present in EKG recordings was designed. Future endeavors may include integrating these two systems

For real time heart rate monitoring and timely alerts, a Galaxy watch FE is used. Using Android studio integrated development environment, a wearable app was developed to notify a user when their heart …

The Effects Of Climate Change On The Advancement Of West Nile Virus, Mackenzie R. Epperson

ATU Scholars Symposium

The West Nile virus (WNV) first emerged in the United States in the year 1999 within the state of New York and has become endemic throughout the country over time. This virus is contracted from an avian species acting as the reservoir host, by the vector species which are mosquitoes. From this point, the mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans and other mammals, which are the dead end hosts. The WNV often presents itself as flu-like symptoms, but in serious cases can cause severe arboviral neurological disease. Since this is an arbovirus, it is important to have the ability to …

Neuropathic Pain: Chronic Administration Of Cannabidiol And Beta-Caryophyllene, Mohammed Alnoud, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Maria Sophia Malbas, Joshua Nwose, Zayd M. Ayas, Hiram L. Garcia, Jose Rios, Khalid Benamar

Research Symposium

Background: Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and an overall reduced quality of life. Unfortunately, the current treatment options for chronic pain are limited, often ineffective, and have associated side effects. Better outcomes can be achieved by developing new and improved therapeutics or more immediately by identifying favorable drugs that are already available or emerging as potential new analgesics. There is a growing interest in the use of opioid-sparing analgesics, in particular medicinal cannabis, for pain management. …

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

Differences In Peak Relative Landing Forces In Division Ii Women’S Gymnastics, Basketball, And Soccer, Hailey J. Meyers, Kalli Van Tassell

Research & Creative Achievement Day

PURPOSE: Female athletes tend to be at high risk for lower limb injuries during non-contact landing. Relative peak landing force (RPLF) is the metric being monitored in this study to compare landing forces among three different women’s sports teams. RPLF is the amount of force the athlete is landing with compared to their body weight. This gives insight into athletes that could be at risk for lower limb injuries. METHODS: 16 gymnasts (height: 163.04 ± 4.84cm; BW: 62.17 ± 5.01kg) from the Winona State University gymnastics team participated in five weeks of countermovement jump (CMJ) testing using two force plates …

Capturing Women's Birth Experiences Through Photos, Kristen Montgomery, Betsy Crabtree, Samantha Grayson, Alyssa Harmon, Rachael Robbins, Sarah Shelton, Hannah Sobas, Alexis Taliaferro, Nolan Willard

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Each year 3.5 to 4 million women give birth in the United States. Childbirth is a life-changing event that induces various emotions in women. Many women report having a negative experience due to short staffing, inadequate care, and a loss of autonomy. Aims: The aim of the study was to understand what factors contribute to a positive or negative birth experience.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using photo elicitation. Photos were collected from participants and included a description of how the photo represented the participant’s experience. Demographic data were collected through a survey. Participants …

Utilizing The Mdq For Bipolar I Screening In The Primary Care Environment, Jamie Strozier

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract- Utilizing the MDQ for Bipolar I Screening in the Primary Care Environment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by episodes of depression, mania, or mixed symptoms, affecting approximately 5.7 million adults in the U.S. and 40 million individuals worldwide. Despite its significant impact, bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) in primary care settings, leading to inappropriate treatment and worsening patient outcomes. Research indicates that 78% of bipolar patients are initially misdiagnosed, with only 32% of primary care providers (PCPs) screening for the disorder. This quality improvement project aims to enhance bipolar disorder …

The Relationship Between Player Age And Reporting Injuries To Coaches And Medical Personnel, Drew O. Lingen

Research & Creative Achievement Day

It is estimated that there are 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions sustained each year in the USA. While most athletes recover from concussions in just a few days or weeks, prolonged symptoms can affect one's everyday life. This is an essential topic for me because I have first-hand experience with concussions. In 2021-2022, I had four concussions in nine months, with one concussion lasting six months. That concussion ended my college-catching career. I would never want someone to go through what I have gone through in this experience, which is why I have been conducting this study for the past …

Disparities In Women's Healthcare, Allie Sonnleitner

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Purpose: Women's health care disparities remain an understudied topic within the scientific community, despite the emergence of the Women's Health Movement in the 1960s. It wasn't until 1986 that women were allowed to participate in clinical research and trials. In 2017, the National Institutes of Health launched its first dedicated program to address disparities among women. Studies have consistently found disparities between biological men and women in areas such as pain management, treatment and diagnostics, and inclusion in clinical trials. These studies highlight significant differences in care and provide substantial evidence to support their findings.

Methods and Results: To address …

Environmental Concerns Of Women In Appalachia, Kristen Montgomery, Adebayo Adeeko, Jessica Binns, Sarah Hall, Paula Hawkins, Allyson Newer, Michaela Outlaw, Karenna Turley

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Environmental contamination is rampant in the United States and other parts of the world. There are potential health implications related to environmental contamination.
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Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate how concerned women in Appalachia are regarding the environment. The following research question was addressed: What concerns do women have regarding the environment? The objective of this study was to understand how women perceive their environment and to evaluate what concerns they have regarding the environment. We also evaluated demographic factors to see if any demographics contributed to particular concerns related …

Moomoo Care Program, Shelby Knoble

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Set on a family farm, the Moo-Moo Care Program is a hands-on, multi-day recreational program designed to teach youth about dairy cattle care. As part of my RTTR 203 final project, I created a daily schedule, goals and objectives, a Gantt chart for task organization, marketing materials, and an evaluation form.

Within this program, participants will engage in at least six hours of structured farm activities each day. Through interactive lessons and hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn key aspects of dairy cattle care, including feeding, milking, and how to maintain a clean environment. Participants will practice proper calf grooming skills …

Medication Card Implementation In Public Health Clinics To Increase Health Literacy Within Older Adults In Rural Communities, Abigail Mulcahy, Audrey Ehling, Cecelia Braun, Janae Salvetti, Jocelyn Liddell, Joshua Boen, Madison Henneman, Zoe Dreckmann

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Health literacy in older adults living in a rural community continues to be a barrier to care. Improving health literacy though enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential in improving health literacy in the community.

Education On Advanced Directives In Rural Communities, Samantha Koster, Alyssa Iverson, Caroline O'Dell, Nulia Nguyen, Olivia Post, Gabrielle Gray, Cheol-Hyeon Roh

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Population Health Problem

Trempealeau County faces issues knowledge gaps and health literacy. The Compass Report (2024) highlights that 19% of residents in the county consider their community excellent in meeting their family’s educational needs, while 11% believe the opportunities for gaining additional knowledge are excellent.

A Jewel In The Crown Is Better Than Money In The Pocket": Historical Data On The Role Of Midwives In Caring For Families In Southern Appalachia, Kristen Montgomery

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Background: Midwives have provided care to women since the beginning of time. Early midwives had little training but learned their craft from experienced women. Later, formal training became available. Midwives have a rich history in Appalachia.

Purpose: to explore the rich history of all types of midwives in Appalachia.

Methods: Materials from the Archives of Appalachia were reviewed. Both written and oral materials were evaluated. This included a review of the document, identification of themes, and then comparing those themes with previously identified themes. Documents were reviewed in a random order by two researchers who met to discuss results.

Results: …

Kentucky House Bill 159: Health Care Policy Analysis, Lindsey Frasure

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Lindsey Frasure MSN-Ed., RN

Lincoln Memorial University, Caylor School of Nursing

DNP Student

An Educational Presentation: Kentucky House Bill 159: Health Care Policy Analysis

Abstract:

Purpose/Background: Kentucky House Bill 159 is a bill that passed through the state congress in 2024. It is known as the decriminalization bill. The aim of this presentation is to analyze and discuss the bill in its entirety, why the bill continues to be important in healthcare, implications for nursing, the future of nursing, and advocation for change. The significance of the presentation is to educate fellow healthcare professionals on the importance of policy …