Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Indio Trip: California Careforce, P Joseph Perez, Shiv Patel

Excellence Day

Objective The 2024 clinic held in Indio marked a pivotal moment in UOP's involvement in California Careforce's 13-year legacy of offering free medical, dental, and vision services at numerous clinics throughout the state. Following approval from the Dental Board of California, Dugoni students seized the chance to volunteer at the Coachella Valley Clinic. Operating under a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, our team provided care from March 8 to March 10, 2024. Summary In collaboration with the California Careforce team, composed of 5 third-year students and 2 supervising faculty members, our involvement primarily centered on oral surgery and restorative …

Exploring The Relationship Between Human Anatomy Education And Its Impact On Body Appreciation And Self-Esteem Among Students, Tyler Starley, Harrison Truman, Homer Asadi, Nick Forooghi, Rachel Novak

Excellence Day

Objectives: The correlation between lower levels of self-esteem and body appreciation has been firmly established, alongside their association with heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. Understanding the intricacies of human anatomy can empower students to comprehend the complex physiology of their bodies, fostering a deeper self-awareness. Such knowledge may potentially bolster levels of body appreciation and self-esteem, thus yielding favorable mental health outcomes. Methods: Anonymous pre- and post-class surveys were administered to undergraduate and predoctoral dental students across three universities at the commencement and conclusion of their respective human anatomy courses. Established and reputable scales were utilized to …

Effectiveness And Predictability Of Skeletally Anchored Maxillary Protraction In Late Adolescents And Young Adult Class Iii Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Cbct, Audrey Eller, Noah Kim, Justin Wu

Excellence Day

Introduction: Skeletal class III malocclusion can be attributed to maxillary retrognathism, mandibular prognathism, or a combination of the two. Common treatment modalities are largely dependent on the age and skeletal maturation of the patient. Skeletally anchored maxillary protraction (SAMP) aims to use skeletal anchorage to allow for orthopedic correction in patients at or past their pubertal peak. Aims: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of skeletally anchored maxillary protraction (SAMP) treatment compared to conventional treatment on skeletal, dental, and profile outcomes. The following factors will be evaluated as potential predictors for SAMP success: age, sex, …

Breastfeeding Of Infants With Cleft Lip And Palate, Aarthy Musuwathi Gunasekaran, Shaila Patel, Marie Tolarova

Excellence Day

OBJECTIVE: Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL±P) is one of the most common and most serious congenital anomalies. The birth prevalence of CL±P (non-syndromic and syndromic) varies from 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 births. Breastfeeding is recognized as the gold standard of infant nutrition that benefits both mother and infant. Cleft, however, presents a serious obstacle to it. In cleft lip, orbicularis oris muscle prevents a seal of the baby’s mouth to breast and cleft palate does not allow negative pressure needed for sucking. We explored obstacles of breastfeeding in infants with CL±P and recommendations of …

Classification Of Immune Landscapes In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Nicole Thompson

Excellence Day

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate. Prognostic biomarkers from the tumor immune microenviroment (TIME) are needed to determine treatment plans. We hypothesized that imaging mass cytometry (IMC) would reveal distinct TIME characteristics associated with histopathological grades. A 40-plex IMC, covering markers for tumor structure, multiple immune cells, and their signaling activity, was used to investigate the TIMEs of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) incisional oral tongue biopsies. These biopsies were sourced from 24 OSCC patients at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and contained 13 well-differentiated, 10 moderately differentiated, …

Exploring The Potential Of Periodontitis Vaccines: A Comprehensive Review And Analysis, Jenny Choi, Lena Nguyen

Excellence Day

P. gingivalis, a prevalent bacteria in the oral cavity of patients with active periodontitis, presents a persistent challenge. Patients often receive root debridement therapy to manage disease progression, however, it merely addresses symptoms without curing or reversing the condition. Therefore, there is a pressing need for more sophisticated therapeutic approaches, such as vaccination, targeting the pathogen directly. Although comprehensive research involving human clinical trials are pending, the aim of this invention is to introduce specific antigens of periodontitis to stimulate the targeted antibodies. The periodontitis vaccine has the potential to become a supplement to mechanical therapy. The comprehensive literature review …

The Effects Of Frankincense On Pathogenic Bacteria In The Oral Microbiome, Leo Lu, Parker Smith, Brendon Lowder

Excellence Day

Frankincense oil, originating from Boswellia trees in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, has a rich history as a valuable remedy for various diseases. Recent scientific research has revealed its potential therapeutic effects on oral health, contributing to oral disease prevention and maintenance. As interest in natural remedies grows and concerns regarding side effects of synthetic drugs persist, frankincense serves as a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy. This study examines the impact of frankincense on the oral microbiome, focusing on its antimicrobial properties against pathogenic oral bacteria – P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum – that contribute to dental …

Carving A Path For The Unstoppable Dentist: Equipping Dental Students With Diverse Skills Through Our Dental Mba Program And Hands-On Cosmetic Restorative Workshop, Madison Brown, Vineet Gangadharan

Excellence Day

1) 6-Week Dental MBA Program with Dental Coach USA The 6-Week Dental MBA Program offers an immersive experience for dental students aspiring to own their practice. Over six weeks, participants engage in presentations by industry experts from Dental Coach USA, covering essential topics such as practice philosophy, marketing strategies, acquisition, and value addition. Through weekly PowerPoint presentations, students craft a blueprint for their future practice. The program culminates in an awards night where the top presenters showcase their projects, fostering confidence and strategic thinking among participants. This program equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complex landscape …

Management Of Pain In Orthodontics, Brianna Wolfe, Gregory Pavlos, Miroslav Tolar, Marie Tolarova

Excellence Day

Objectives: The objective of this literature review is to explore the current studies on orthodontic pain management amongst various orthodontic treatment approaches (fixed appliances, clear aligner therapy, expansions, temporary skeletal anchorage devices, etc.), and to analyze the efficacy of existing and new interventions for patients experiencing orthodontic pain. Methods: Search engines, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were employed, using keywords of orthodontic pain, orthodontic pain management, orthodontics AND pain, with NCBI filters of Free Full Text, Clinical Trial, Meta-Analysis, Randomized Controlled Trial, and Systematic Review. A time restriction from 2007-2024 and English language were applied. Results: After rigorous restrictions a …

Post Operative Instructions Resource, Guneet Gill, Gurleen Gill

Excellence Day

Working Title: “Post-Operative Instructions Resource” Summary of Project The purpose of this project is to create a concise and informational guide containing post-operative instructions for dental students and patients. The guide contains details regarding care after appointments in several specialties of care that fall within the scope of general dentistry, and covers several procedures where post-operative care is vital toward beneficial outcomes following treatment. The instructions provided include procedures commonly conducted in the specialties of restorative dentistry, periodontics, removable prosthodontics, and endodontics. The instructions are created with patient-centered terminology making it easy for the patient to understand and follow. Significance …

New Beginnings: Launching A Program To Empower And Diversify The Next Generation Of Pre-Dental Students, Brianna Wolfe, Samantha Rovno, Owen Chan, Melissa Yamanaka, Vivian Wu, Kim Benton, Bernadette Alvear Fa, Elisa Chavez

Excellence Day

Objective: Career pathway-based instruction in high-school is becoming increasingly common, yet access to pre-dental education for high school students remains limited primarily to shadowing and familial experience. This program introduced a diverse group of high-schoolers to the scope of opportunities in dentistry through personalized instruction and clinical activities developed by an interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and dental students. The goals of this program were to provide high school students from various backgrounds opportunities to explore a career in dentistry that they may not have otherwise had, and to advance diversity and inclusion amongst future dental school applicants. Methods: IRB …

Zirconia Vs Pfm In Long Span Bridges, Puneet Datewas, Sithara Nair, Hamza Tariq

Excellence Day

Objectives: 1. Compare the basic properties of Zirconia and Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) in dental prostheses. 2. Assess the rates of technical complications like fracture, chipping and biological outcomes between Zirconia and PFM prosthesis. 3. Investigate the survival rates of Zirconia-based fixed dental prosthesis (FDPs) versus PFM FDPs. 4. Evaluate the suitability of Zirconia and PFM for long-span bridges, considering strength, durability, aesthetics and its effects. Methods: 1. Conducted systematic research on peer-reviewed articles from websites such as embase, pubMed, google scholar and ovid medline comparing Zirconia Vs PFM. 2. Selected studies evaluating mechanical properties, aesthetics, biocompatibility, clinical outcomes and survival rates. …

Stronger Bond, Stronger Smiles: Adhesion Techniques In Modern Dentistry, Jana Abdulrahim, Sunny Fakhri, Niyousha Rafeie

Excellence Day

Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, current options, clinical considerations, and challenges in resin-dentin bonding in modern dentistry. Methods: A thorough review of the literature was conducted to gather information on the historical development of resin-dentin bonding systems, including first, second, and third-generation adhesives. Current options such as three-step etch-and-rinse adhesives, two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives, two-step self-etch adhesives, one-step self-etch adhesives, and universal adhesives were analyzed. Clinical factors impacting adhesive restorations, stresses at the resin-dentin interface, biocompatibility concerns, and clinical performance were also examined. Results: The review highlights the progression from early bonding systems with …

Comparison Of Lithium Disilicate And Zirconia As Restorative Materials, Navneet Akur Kainth, Ola Al Fakhri, Nishit Sachde

Excellence Day

Objectives: To compare lithium discilicate and monolithic zirconia as a restorative material. Background: Zirconia and Lithium disilicate have been widely utilized in dental restorations for both partial and full coverage procedures, employing monolithic and layered methods. The aim of this literature review was to assess these materials and compare them based on various criteria, such as tooth preparation, bonding techniques, optical and mechanical properties, clinical performance, biocompatibility, marginal fit and adaptation. Additionally, this review also compared the clinical outcomes of these materials in different types of restorations including full and partial coverage restorations, implants, fixed partial dentures, and endocrowns. Methods: …

Assessment Of Bacterial Diversity In South Georgia Water Sources Using Bacterial Isolation And Maldi Tof-Based Identification, Teighlor Livingston, Andrew Metry, Sammy Elmor, Steven Li, Hunter Medley, Alleluia Nishimwe, Nishi Patel, Gary Sellers, Daniel Torres, Girija Regmi, Allen Kalantari, Hemant K. Naikare, Nikita Mirajkar

Research Day

Background

Water bodies support diverse life but are vulnerable to microbial contamination, endangering human, animal, and plant health, especially in rural areas with limited clean water access. Regular water sample surveillance is vital to protect public health and prevent adverse effects. In addition to monitoring current filtration processes, this study surveys rural South Georgia's water sources to establish a baseline microbial profile for future comparative analysis.

Methods

Biweekly water sampling occurred from November 2023 to January 2024 in rural South Georgia, covering diverse sites such as lakes, ponds, filtered water fountains, and a city water treatment facility. Samples were collected …

Histological And Immunohistochemical Observations Of The Hippocampus In Clinically Established Neurodegenerative Disorders Linked To Cause Of Death, Joshua Owolabi, Jacquelyn Gerhart, Rasheed Agboola, Steven Morency, Brian J. Balin Phd

Research Day

Introduction: Neurodegeneration remains a very important subject of neuroscience research. While experimental studies have modeled conditions and attempted to provide insights, special opportunities exist in situations where clinically established conditions in the actual human brain can be investigated for the neurological, glial and molecular changes that characterize brain changes that produce pathological and neuronal aberrations that are manifested in these conditions. This study considers hippocampi in brains that have suffered clinically established neurodegeneration leading to death.

Methods: Twelve hippocampus samples [N=12] were obtained from 6 brains with clinically established cause of death being neurodegenerative disorders. In each case, whole hippocampi …

Comparison Of Metformin And Repaglinide Monotherapy In The Management Of Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Type 2; A Prospective Study, Nouman Rahim, Ahad Munir, Qavi Ur Rehman, Hassan Ali Durrani, Abdul Wahab, Ahmed Khalid, Fahad Muneer, Sumbal Irshad, Tayyab Mumtaz Khan, Jehanzeb Akram

Research Day

Background

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2), which is characterized by the raised blood sugar level due to insulin resistance in body cells, has now become global epidemic.

Objective

This study was aimed to compare the efficacy of metformin and repaglinide monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed DMT2.

Methods

This randomized comparative prospective study was performed in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore. 108 Patients’ enrollment was made via simple random sampling technique and a developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into metformin and repaglinide groups via lottery method. Self-designed proforma was applied for data collection. Data analysis was …

Incomplete Horizontal Fissure In The Right Lung: A Cadaveric Case Study, Amaan S. Ismail, Zain M. Ismail, Alwin A. Khoja, Shifa S. Sohani, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction:

Broad spectrum analysis of variations amongst lung fissure anatomy in the field of pulmonary medicine is of vital importance for designing surgical blueprints and performing diagnostic studies. Normal lung fissure anatomy works to define the lobes of the lung, but variations such as azygos fissures, superior and inferior accessory fissures, and left horizontal fissures are relatively common and can crucially influence interpretations of imaging studies and surgeries of the thoracic cavity. The present case study exhaustively examines an incomplete horizontal fissure in the right lung recognized during cadaveric dissection and its potential to alter the practice of clinical pulmonary …

Uncommon Anatomical Variation Of The Sciatic Nerve: A Case Study From Cadaveric Dissection, Amaan S. Ismail, Shifa S. Sohani, Jason A. Kalathia, Erin R. Anderson, Anthony G. Pelache, Khusbu P. Patel, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction

The sciatic nerve is essential for motor and sensory functions of the lower extremities. This substantial nerve emerges from nerve roots L4 to S3 and has been documented to have numerous variations. These variations can bear significant clinical relevance in which it can affect therapeutic, diagnostic, and surgical approaches. This study will focus on a distinctive variation that was observed during cadaveric dissection in which the sciatic nerve bifurcated into the tibial and common fibular nerve more cephalad than which is usually documented.

Objective

The objective of this study is to document and analyze an anatomical variation of the …

Healthcare-Associated Infection Differences Within Hospital Referral Regions In Georgia, Pathya Kunthy, Randall L. Sisam

Research Day

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are preventable health outcomes that occur during or because of a health-related intervention such as hospital stay, surgery, or device-associated interventions. HAI is the fifth leading cause of death in acute-care hospitals in the US. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides publicly available data including HAI for healthcare consumers to compare hospitals. Previous researchers have criticized the use of HAI data for hospital comparisons for consumers and reporting mandate placed on hospitals. Given the scarcity of data reported by hospitals, the objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of HAI data …

Mindspace: A Multi-Media Art Exhibition On C-Ptsd Awareness, Emma Wallace

Student Research Symposium

"Mindspace" is an autobiographical art exhibition aimed at raising awareness about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) through a multi-sensory experience. The exhibition combines sculpture, lights, sound, and video projection to immerse viewers in the intricate emotional landscape of C-PTSD. Through a series of sculptural installations and carefully curated lighting and audio, visitors are invited to explore the internal world of an artist affected by C-PTSD and learn how it differs from PTSD and other types of mental health issues.

“Mindspace" incorporates specially composed soundscapes that offer an intimate look into the artist’s thoughts and memories, which range from spoken word …

A Case Report Of A Fused Pelvic Kidney In An 85-Year Old Male Caucasian: Analysis And Discussions On Diagnosis And Implications, Rajay Dockery, Ruhdeep K. Randhawa, Alize K. Berrios, Alice A. Koschella, Ebony Isagba, Ericka Westbrook, Joshua Owolabi

Research Day

Introduction: Typically during fetal development, the kidneys begin developing in the pelvic region and then ascend up into the abdomen. When this developmental process fails, the kidney may remain in the pelvis, in line or below the aortic bifurcation, forming a pelvic kidney. Pelvic kidneys are most commonly found to be malrotated, in an orientation where the hilum faces anteriorly instead of medially.

Methods: This is a case presentation of a pelvic kidney as observed in an 85-year old Caucasian male as well as a literature review on diagnosis and implications on renal health and life. Morphological analysis of the …

Management Of Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome In A Rural Hospital Setting: A Case Report, Sadie Daugereaux, Allison Tresner, Daniel York

Research Day

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) affects 5-15% of all identical twins, which accounts for approximately 6,000 babies a year. TTTS occurs in monochorionic twins (two fetuses sharing one placenta) when an abnormal vascular connection is formed between the two fetuses. This connection then causes one twin to have an excess of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). At the same time, the other is deficient (oligohydramnios or anhydramnios), potentially leading to signs of hypovolemia in the donor and hypervolemia in the recipient. If not identified and managed, TTS has an overall mortality rate between 50 and 90%, depending on the severity of the case. …

Navigating Obstetric Cholestasis: A Comprehensive Case Study On Diagnosis, Management, And Maternal-Fetal Outcomes, Carol Medina, Mailyn Cruz, Fredrick Merdian, Allison Tresner

Research Day

Introduction:

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a rare but potentially serious condition characterized by impaired bile flow, leading to elevated levels of bile acids in maternal serum. This case study highlights the importance of recognizing and managing ICP due to its associated risks, including adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Case presentation:

We present the case of a 25-year-old gravida-2 para-0 woman who presented with diffuse itching over her entire body in the third trimester of pregnancy. Laboratory investigations revealed significantly elevated bile acids, confirming the diagnosis of ICP. Prompt initiation of management, including pharmacological therapy and close monitoring, resulted …

Impact Of Usmle Examinations And Pass/Fail Level 1/Step 1 On Osteopathic Medical Students’ 2024 Residency Match Cycle, Samuel P. Prahlow, Darshan Patel, Herve P. Ineza, Derek T. George, Madison B. Kreitz, Anthony Sciuva, Kristie Petree

Research Day

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX) are a series of board exams required for medical licensing in the United States for Doctors of Medicine (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students, respectively. Historically, DO students have faced a unique disadvantage compared to their MD counterparts in that specific residency programs require DOs to provide USMLE board examination scores in addition to COMLEX board examination scores. The 2022 National Resident matching Program (NRMP) Program Director (PD) Survey showed that PDs had a higher value in USMLE scores for DOs compared to COMLEX: …

Examining Student Perceptions Surrounding Omt: An Investigation Of Factors Influencing Desire To Both Learn And Utilize Omt, Kristie Petree, Clayton King, Sadie Daugereaux

Research Day

Introduction:

Medical students’ perceptions of their medical education experience, as well as their views of their ideal future clinical practice settings, are constantly changing. Evidence has long supported that student experiences in the classroom and during clinical rotations have a direct impact on students’ beliefs. This evidence applies not only to their own medical knowledge and skill level but to their views of other physicians and medical specialties as well.

The goal of this study was to determine how the perceptions of students regarding OMM changed as they progressed through their first and second years of osteopathic medical school and …

Impact Of The Full Moon On Psychiatric Admissions And Consultations In The Emergency Department: A Retrospective Analysis, Jeanine Garcia, Philipa A. Wang, Richard Tricardo, Rizwana Ashraf

Research Day

Introduction:

This retrospective study explores how the full moon and various lunar phases correlate to the frequency of emergency department (ED) psychiatric consultations and admissions. The idea that lunar cycles may influence human behavior has long been a subject of fascination and folklore. However, empirical evidence in the context of psychiatric presentations in the ED remains limited. There are some contradictory research studies on how the full moon impacts human health and behavior. Various studies suggest a connection between lunar phases and neurological, reproductive, endocrine, immunological, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases, while other studies show no correlation between lunar phases and …

Variations In Lung Morphology And Their Clinical Correlations - A Cadaveric Study, Saron H. Araya, Zain M. Ismail, Amaan S. Ismail, Shiv Dhiman

Research Day

Introduction

Elucidating the relationship between lung morphology and clinical outcomes may enhance our ability to understand and manage pulmonary diseases. While variations in lung anatomy, like fissure completeness, presence of a lingula, and lung impressions, are well documented; the impact on clinical relevance, specifically within regions like South Georgia has yet to be explored. The goal of this study is to examine the anatomical variations among cadavers and discover how patient outcomes are correlated within a geographically focused context.

Objective

The goal of this research is to use a comprehensive and methodological approach to investigate and analyze the impact of …

Rural And Urban Differences In Eye Care Among Persons With Diabetes Enrolled In Original Medicare - Georgia, 2019, Pathya Kunthy, Grace M. Perry, Lauren Ball

Research Day

No abstract provided.

Describing Shen & Shen Ming Via A Hybrid Quantum Computational Model, Alex M. Cullen, Johnny Lemau

Student Research Symposium

Definitions for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terminology within the context of quantum biology (QB) have recently been proposed. These definitions aim to elucidate concepts such as qi meridians in TCM. Our study presents a hypothesis that seeks to provide an operational definition for Spirit (Shen) and Bright Spirit (Shen Ming) in TCM via a scoping review. We propose that Shen represents physical, phenomenological proto-consciousness/consciousness in the forms of computation, such as singular particles/bits/qubits, computers, organisms, or computational strategies, whereas Shen Ming may refer to emergent, quasi-physical meta-proto-consciousness/consciousness formed by coherent relationships of multiple orchestrated/integrated units of computation; manifesting itself as …