Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Development Of A Curriculum For Osteoporosis Education In Rural Populations, Serin Baker, Hannah Berhow, Rebekah Hans, Emily Schwartz, Hunter Stutz, Mehruba Alam, Alizon Pachas, Darell Schmick, David Sant Phd, Erika Noonan Md

Annual Research Symposium

Osteoporosis contributes to annual costs exceeding $10 billion in the U.S. due to hip fractures and is the primary cause of hospitalization among older women. Historically, geriatric populations have received inadequate education in navigating the U.S. medical system, emphasizing the importance of targeted education among the elderly. The study’s objective is to improve health literacy among the geriatric population in rural Utah by expanding their understanding of osteoporosis.

Substance Use Disorder (Sud)- The Impact Of Sud In Utah, Amber Escobedo

Annual Research Symposium

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a manageable mental disorder that causes affected individuals to lose control over their use of substances such as drugs or alcohol. The cost of this disorder leads to the loss of billions of dollars each year. The purpose of this study is to explore ways to minimize the cost SUD bring to Utah and the United States.

Birth Progression Monitoring Device, Erik Gardner, Jaryn Anderson, Alesia Larsen, Joseph Sherman, Marina Setelmayer, Hadley Thomas, Ben Merrell, Will Michelson, Preston Manwaring, Kim Manwaring

Annual Research Symposium

Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the number of cesarian sections performed in the United States both planned and unplanned. To help reduce the rise in unplanned cesarian sections we have developed a device that will give physicians and other medical professionals more information about where the fetus is in the birth canal in real time. This current study aims to test the accuracy and usability of the prototype birth progression monitor on birth simulations.

Ligaplant: Recreating Natural From Artificial, Disha Kamavisdar

Annual Research Symposium

Missing teeth can be substituted by the use of the dental implants. The most widely used implants in the current scenario are the osseointegrated implants with various shortcomings and the most prominent one is the lack of the periodontal ligament. To overcome this, implants with periodontal ligaments can be procured and this can be possible by the application of the tissue engineering concept along with suitable implant material.

Targeting Cyp51 In The Treatment Of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Ashkan Hassani, Vineet Sadarangani, Brad Haubrich

Annual Research Symposium

Acanthamoeba castellanii causes a rare but serious ocular infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Risk factors for infection include contact with contaminated water and poor hygiene of contact lenses. The first-line treatment is comprised of a months-long schedule of antibiotics. However, in cases where pharmacological interventions fail to address the infection, surgery may be necessary, with the continued risk of potential vision loss. Consequently, new treatments are needed, whether new pharmacological agents or new combination therapies with current agents. As an aerobic parasite, Acanthamoeba synthesizes ergosterol as a cell membrane insert, and ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors (EBIs), common in antifungal pharmaceuticals, could potentially …

Machine Learning For Child Oral Health: An Scoping Review, Sydnee Spector, Sam Schlaud

Annual Research Symposium

Machine Learning (ML) has great potential to assist dental professionals with diagnosing and predicting outcomes of oral health. Tooth decay in children is the most common chronic childhood disease and it can be prevented by early detection. We aimed to provide a map of the current evidence on machine learning (ML) in child oral health and provide insight for future research.

Application Of In-Silico Computational Biology Strategies To Demonstrate Mechanism Of Oral Cancer Cell Death By Natural Peptide, Dr Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

This research work is designed to identify biomolecules from Earthworm Coelomic Fluid (ECF) of Eudrilus Eugeniae (EE) that can inhibit oral cancer cells from proliferating. The study aims to construct a homology model of the 18 kDa protein from ECF of EE (18-ECFP) with molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) to enable its molecular docking with pro-apoptotic caspase receptors with determination of binding energy scores. The study also evaluates the anti-cancer potential of 18-ECFP on SCC-9 cells in vitro by wet lab techniques.

Factors Leading To White Blood Cell Misidentification, Kirsten A. Van Dam, Ryan Cordner

Annual Research Symposium

A study done to understand what factors lead to the correct identification of white blood cells (WBCs), and what factors are misleading. Research was conducted through an online survey where respondents who are trained to read peripheral blood smears were shown pictures of white blood cells, asked to identify them, and provide their reasoning.

Distinguishing Leukemic Cells Using Fractal Chromatin Patterns And Machine Learning, Abigail Gordhamer, Paul Young, Ryan Cordner

Annual Research Symposium

One of the most important tests in the clinical laboratory is the Complete Blood Count, which involves identifying the white blood cells in a patient’s blood. The respective counts of the different white blood cell types correlate with various states of health and disease, and are critical to diagnosing diseases such as leukemia. Leukemic cells are considered especially difficult to distinguish, and it is of the upmost importance that these cells are identified correctly. To aid in the process of leukemic cell identification, we quantified fractal patterns in the chromatin of white blood cells and used the data to identify …

Alginate Dressings- Revisiting The Past, Oshine Jha, Oshine Jha

Annual Research Symposium

Wound healing in simple terms is the healing of skin which involves various mechanisms. It is not dressings themselves that heal wounds, but the careful selection of appropriate dressings that provide the optimal wound-healing environment for the individual wound. Wound dressings are prepared from biopolymers, synthetic polymers and biomaterials.

Pathogenic Implications Of Candidal Species In Both Oral Cancer And Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders - A Review, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv, Kuntala Mondal

Annual Research Symposium

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the 6th most common cancer in worldwide. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing are its major risk factors other factors that can lead to OSCC include excessive sun exposure, viral or fungal infection, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene. The carcinogenesis of OSCC occurs gradually and oral epithelial dysplasia is considered a potential histologic precursor of OSCC. Most OSCC cases are preceded by clinically evident oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The aim of this review is to correlate the association between Candida species and oral potentially malignant disorders and its possible mechanisms …

Immunohistochemical Expression Of Cyclin D1 In Dentigerous Cyst, Odontogenic Keratocyst And Unicystic Ameloblastoma- An In-Vitro Study, Kuntala Mondal, Sv Sowmya, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Cyclin D1, a G1 cyclin member, regulates the transition of the cell cycle from the G1 phase to the S phase. The uncontrolled and elevated expression of cyclin D1 has been associated with rapid growth, heightened proliferative activity and increased histologic aggressiveness. Unicystic ameloblastoma pertains to cystic lesions that present clinical, radiographic, or gross features akin to jaw cysts. Nevertheless, upon histological scrutiny, these lesions display a distinctive ameloblastomatous epithelium lining the cystic cavity, with or without luminal or mural proliferation. This cystic variant of tumor bears substantial resemblances to dentigerous cysts, and occasionally, both entities can become indistinguishable upon …

An Immunohistochemical Panel For The Accurate Differentiation Between Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma And Pleomorphic Adenoma, Kuntala Mondal, Sv Sowmya, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Salivary Gland Tumors (SGTs) are a diverse group of neoplasms, with a wide range of histological subtypes, some of which can exhibit overlapping features. Amongst this group of tumors, Pleomorphic Adenoma (PA) and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) stand out as prevalent entities originating from the salivary glands. The accurate differentiation between these two entities is crucial for treatment planning, as it influences decisions regarding the extent of surgical resection. Because of the overlapping histopathological features, it is difficult to differentiate these two lesions with the help of conventional Hematoxylin & Eosin (H& E). The evaluation of Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers holds pivotal …

Cheiloscopic Characteristics Detection And Pattern Classification By Machine Learning Technique, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv

Annual Research Symposium

Machine Learning (ML) is a field enhancing the rapid growth of technology. Though use of digital softwares for cheiloscopic investigations have been attempted with limited success, the use of ML based techniques are scarce and seldom have been employed in forensic odontology. The present study aimed to identify cheiloscopic patterns through machine learning based methods and to correlate the segmented patterns with age and gender of individuals.

Association Between Abo Blood Grouping And Odontometry: An Unexplored Evidence In Forensics, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv

Annual Research Symposium

Recent research has exhibited a strong association between ABO blood groups and susceptibility to diseases. Extraoral and intraoral hard tissue landmarks provide a stable and reliable record for odontological and anthropological analysis, forensic investigations and identification. The association between anthropometric indices and ABO blood grouping have been reported in the past, however, the association between ABO blood groups and odontometric indices is yet to be comprehensively explored. This study aimed to establish the correlation of ABO blood groups with odontometric indices and extraoral hard tissue landmarks for personnel identification.

Awareness Of The 20-20-20 Rule Amongst Students, Faculty, And Staff, Joseph Bachman, Jonathon Reynolds, Elizabeth Turner, Tipsuda Junsanto-Bahri Md

Annual Research Symposium

In the past several years, medical schools have increased utilization of recorded lectures and electronic devices: computers, smartphones, and tablets. Increased screen exposure hours where students, faculty, and staff may acquire eye strain. Many are not aware of the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of screen time, it is recommended to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds; a reminder to take frequent breaks to help prevent eye strain. We want to share reports from our institution regarding student, faculty and staff digital device usage and awareness of the 20-20-20 rule.

Assessing The Prevalence Of Computer Vision Syndrome At An Osteopathic Medical School With An Electronic Content Delivery Model, Jonathon Reynolds, Joseph Bachman, Elizabeth Turner, Tipsuda Junsanto-Bahri Md

Annual Research Symposium

To determine the overall prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) among students, faculty, and staff while promoting awareness. CVS is caused by extended screen exposure that can lead to eye discomfort and vision changes which can affect quality of life and educational performance. Our institution is a new Osteopathic medical school that aims to create an innovative approach to medical education delivery via employment of modern technology that is already prevalent. Implementation of pre-recorded lecture materials in the curriculum requires 4-6 additional electronic screen exposure hours. Members of our institution are potentially at increased risk for CVS stemming from the …

Advanced Techniques For Tooth Pulp Rna Extraction In Forensic Investigations-A Systematic Review, Kuntala Mondal, Sv Sowmya, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Teeth are fundamental structures in a forensic context due to their high strength and specificity. It is challenging to obtain high quality RNA from pulpal tissues. It has been described that pulp RNA degradation could be an indicator of post-mortem interval. Researchers have been in the quest to develop optimal techniques for tooth RNA extraction. The systematic review aimed to determine the most reliable method of RNA extraction from dental tooth pulp for forensic investigations.

Assessment Of Micrometastasis In Lymph Nodes Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma –Attaining Excellence Through Immunohistochemistry, Dr Dominic Augustine, Sowmya Sv, Kuntala Mondal

Annual Research Symposium

Cervical lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (SCCHN). Lymph node prognostic determinants hold immense significance in influencing both patient’s survival outcomes and the propensity for recurrence. The current study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Cyclin D1 and Pan-CK for the detection of lymph node micrometastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue sections and re-evaluate the tumor staging.

Harm Reduction Measures In Substance Use Disorder (Sud), Kent Wood

Annual Research Symposium

This literature review aims to comprehensively analyze harm reduction strategies employed in addressing Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Focusing on key interventions such as fentanyl testing strips, naloxone distribution, syringe exchange programs, and methadone/buprenorphine clinics, the study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches in reducing the associated harms of substance misuse.

Substance Use Disorder –The Role Of The Pharmacist, Mackenzie Cruzan

Annual Research Symposium

The study illuminates the pivotal role of community pharmacists as accessible healthcare providers, offering medication management, patient education, and preventive care services. Simultaneously, it explores the intricate responsibilities of inpatient pharmacists, emphasizing their involvement in therapeutic monitoring and collaboration with healthcare teams.

Once Upon A Lime: A Tale Of Pediatric Phytophotodermatitis, Kyanna Orr

Annual Research Symposium

Phytophotodermatitis is a blistering skin condition caused by photoactivation of furocoumarins in certain plants including limes, carrots, and parsnips. High clinical suspicion based on the presentation and distribution of a patient’s findings, followed by thorough history-taking and identification of an exposure, were enough to diagnose this condition in an otherwise healthy child.

Clinical, Radiographic And Biochemical Evaluation Of One-Piece Vs Two-Piece Single Implants After 5 Years Of Functional Loading, Ippolito Caputo

Annual Research Symposium

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic conditions and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of two-piece/bone level (TP/BL) versus one-piece/tissue level (OP/TL) single implants with a laser-microgrooved collar after at least 5 years of functional loading.

Anti-Erosion Potential Of Fluoride Solutions Associated With Aminomethacrylate Copolymer: In Situ Randomized Crossover Study, Taiana Paola Prado, Karine Carvalho Dos Santos, Carlos Rocha Gomes Torres, Tais Scaramucci, Idalina Vieira Aoki, Alessandra Buhler Borges

Annual Research Symposium

The anti-erosion potential of fluoride solutions associated with aminomethacrylate (AMC) was evaluated in the presence of acquired pellicle on enamel and dentin. It is concluded that AMC was able to increase the anti-erosion potential of fluoride solutions in the presence of acquired pellicle.

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - February 15, 2024, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the February 15, 2024 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

• Distinguished Scientists Seminar to focus on cAMP signaling in heart
• Meet a Med Student: Cya Johnson
• Gulf Coast Trauma Symposium set for March 20-21
• Meet the Bands of Doc Rock
• Cardiovascular surgeons join Whiddon COM faculty

Cannabidiol Exposure During Gestation Leads To Adverse Cardiac Outcomes Early In Postnatal Life In Male Rat Offspring, Daniel Hardy, Kendrick Lee, Steven Laviolette, David Natale, Sebastian Vanin

Data and Test Instruments

Studies indicate that *7% of pregnant individuals in North America consume cannabis in pregnancy. Pre-clinical studies have established that maternal exposure to D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; major psychoactive component in cannabis) leads to fetal growth restriction and impaired cardiac function in offspring. However, the effects of maternal exposure to cannabidiol (CBD; major non-euphoric constituent) on cardiac outcomes in offspring remain unknown. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the functional and underlying molecular impacts in the hearts of offspring exposed to CBD in pregnancy.

Female Enrollment In Rehabilitation Trials: A Systematic Review Of Reporting Sex And Female Participation In Randomized Controlled Trials Of Poststroke Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Over 50 Years, Sarvenaz Mehrabi, Amber Harnett, Marcus Saikaley, Jamie L Fleet, Janice J Eng, Mark Bayley, Robert Teasell

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Publications

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the reporting of sex and the percentage of female participants in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining interventions for the post-stroke rehabilitation of upper extremity (UE) motor disorders.

DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from 1960 to April 1, 2021. Additional articles were identified using the Evidence-Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation.

STUDY SELECTION: Studies were eligible for inclusion if they (1) were RCTs or crossovers published in English, (2) ≥50% of participants were diagnosed and affected by stroke, (3) included adults ≥18 years old, and (4) applied an intervention to the …

Association Between Sociodemographic Variables And Low Birthweight Among Disabled Black Mothers, Yewunetu Dessalegn Malefia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Low birthweight (LBW) affects around 30 million infants annually. Infants with LBW face a 20-fold risk of mortality compared to those weighing 2,500 grams or more at birth. In the United States, the prevalence of LBW is nearly double among Blacks compared to Whites. Despite 61 million U.S. adults with disabilities, including 35 million women, there remains a significant research gap concerning factors that contribute to LBW among Black mothers with a disability (BMWD). This retrospective study employed 2019 and 2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) datasets to investigate the association between LBW and sociodemographic factors among BMWD. Bivariate …

Purification And Isolation Of Α-Chloro-Β-Lactone Precursor Molecules, Matthew Ellis

ASPIRE 2024

This research investigates the synthesis of α-chloro-β-lactone molecules, focusing on the production, isolation, and purification of two precursor compounds from chloroacetic acid and substituted benzaldehydes. While multiple methods were explored, including EDC, DIC, and DCC catalysis, DCC proved to be most effective in producing higher yields. However, challenges in purification arose due to the formation of byproducts, particularly with DCC, prompting further investigation for efficient extraction and purification techniques. DCC, however, shows a promising route for α-chloro-β-lactone synthesis, despite purification complexities.

Cyp2a6 Activity And Cigarette Consumption Interact In Smoking-Related Lung Cancer Susceptibility, Mulong Du, Junyi Xin, Rui Zheng, Qianyu Yuan, Zhihui Wang, Hongliang Liu, Hanting Liu, Guoshuai Cai, Demetrius Albanes, Stephen Lam, Adonina Tardon, Chu Chen, Stig E Bojesen, Maria Teresa Landi, Mattias Johansson, Angela Risch, Heike Bickeböller, H-Erich Wichmann, Gad Rennert, Susanne Arnold, Paul Brennan, John K Field, Sanjay S Shete, Loïc Le Marchand, Geoffrey Liu, Angeline S Andrew, Lambertus A Kiemeney, Shan Zienolddiny, Kjell Grankvist, Mikael Johansson, Neil E Caporaso, Angela Cox, Yun-Chul Hong, Jian-Min Yuan, Matthew B Schabath, Melinda C Aldrich, Meilin Wang, Hongbing Shen, Feng Chen, Zhengdong Zhang, Rayjean J Hung, Christopher I Amos, Qingyi Wei, Philip Lazarus, David C Christiani

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Cigarette smoke, containing both nicotine and carcinogens, causes lung cancer. However, not all smokers develop lung cancer, highlighting the importance of the interaction between host susceptibility and environmental exposure in tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to delineate the interaction between metabolizing ability of tobacco carcinogens and smoking intensity in mediating genetic susceptibility to smoking-related lung tumorigenesis. Single-variant and gene-based associations of 43 tobacco carcinogen-metabolizing genes with lung cancer were analyzed using summary statistics and individual-level genetic data, followed by causal inference of Mendelian randomization, mediation analysis, and structural equation modeling. Cigarette smoke-exposed cell models were used to detect gene expression patterns …