Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Mathematical Modeling Of The Combined Effects Of Thermal Burn And Local Irradiation, Quintessa Hay, Rachel Jennings, Amy Creel, Kyle Gaffney, Christina Wagner, Kidist Maxwell, Ginu Unnikrishnan, Tyler Dant

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Learning From Our Dental Colleagues: A Brief Review Of Counter-Stimulation To Reduce Procedural Pain In Emergency Medicine Mechanisms, Existing Evidence, And A Pragmatic Research Agenda, James Espinosa, Neal Appelstein, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Counter-stimulation techniques such as tapping, pressure, vibration, and tissue shaking are commonly observed in dental practice during administration of local anesthetic nerve blocks. Although not systematically described in the Emergency Medicine literature, individual clinicians may employ tactile counter-stimulation techniques during needle-based procedures. The practice remains under-theorized and under-studied within the Emergency Medicine literature. This brief review synthesizes mechanistic neurobiology—including segmental gate control theory (Melzack & Wall, 1965), descending inhibitory modulation, and attentional salience models—with evidence from dental and needle-procedure research. We propose a practical taxonomy of counter-stimulation techniques applicable to Emergency Medicine and identify gaps in the current literature. Finally, …

Challenges Of Weight Management In A Transgender Woman Veteran, Emily Sarett, Wilmington Va Medical Center

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Case Report

Title: Challenges of Weight Management in a Transgender Woman Veteran

Authors/Institutions: Emily Sarett, OMS-II1; Heather Dixon, PharmD2

Abstract:

Introduction: Obesity is a growing concern among transgender individuals, influenced by hormone therapy and social determinants of health. Bariatric surgery is effective, but weight regain is common and understudied in this population. Case: A transgender woman with prior sleeve gastrectomy presented with weight regain despite multiple pharmacologic trials. Her Gender-affirming hormone therapy included estrogen and androgen suppression. Results: Following the initiation of tirzepatide, the patient achieved clinically meaningful weight loss (8.4% total body weight reduction) with normalization of hemoglobin A1c …

Review Of Methodological Practices In Cadaveric Cerebral Arterial Morphometry: Variability In Contemporary Protocols (2015-2025), Marlena Muszynska, Emily Awdish, Afua Osei-Wusu, Parker Ballard

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Mapping The Unexpected: Aberrant Celiac Trunk Origination With Atypical Splenic Artery Bifurcation, David A. Delano, Fernando D. Gonzalez, Franco R. Ramos, Parker J. Ballard

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Visual Aids And Numeracy In Healthcare: Leveraging The Drawing Effect, Zephyr J. Markley

Capstone Showcase

Healthcare decisions often require patients to interpret numerical risk information under stress, yet many struggle with low numeracy, which can distort comprehension and undermine informed consent. Well-designed visual aids can improve diagnostic inference, calibrate confidence, and support better choices, especially for patients with limited numeracy, but their impact depends on whether users can actually interpret the format accurately. Drawing may further enhance these tools by adding a tactile, generative layer that engages visual, semantic, and motoric processing while helping patients organize information into concrete models.

Passive visual aids appear useful but limited because they often position patients as observers rather …

Implementing Diabetes Education And Prevention Protocol, Lilyanna B. Conkle, Alyssa M. Woodall

Scholars Week

This Evidence-Based Practice project proposes the implementation of a diabetes education and prevention protocol in school systems to address the rising prevalence of diabetes among students. The initiative includes mandatory pre-academic year training for school staff to improve recognition and response to diabetes related emergencies. To support school nurses, often the sole healthcare provider on campus; a mobile app will be introduced to alert personnel during emergencies and provide evidence-based intervention steps. This approach aims to enhance student safety, improve health outcomes, and ensure timely, coordinated care.

Maximizing Dna Yield And Integrity From Limited Ffpe Tissue: A Breakthrough Approach For Advancing Cancer Genomics, Shweta Singh, Astrid Perez, Sierra Vidaurri, Anupam Dhasmana, Swati Dhasmana, Murali Mohan Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan, Sheema Khan

Research Symposium

Introduction: Archived FFPE tissue specimens are a valuable resource for advancing cancer-related health disparities research. Retrospectively collected tissues help minimize follow-up time and prevent delays in research progress. While kits for DNA purification from FFPE are readily available, challenges such as limited tissue in FFPE blocks lead to insufficient DNA yield, and suboptimal quality persists. In this article, we have optimized and standardized methods for purifying DNA with high yield and integrity, making it highly suitable for generating DNA libraries and conducting high-throughput sequencing, thereby enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of cancer genomics studies.

Materials and Methods: We employed two …

A Systematic Review Of Persisting Tissue Health Challenges Amid Insulin Delivery System Advancements: Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (Csii) And Lipohypertrophy In Diabetic Patients, Marlena Muszynska, Emily Awdish

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Hgs-3 The Influence Of A Tandem Cycling Program In The Community On Physical And Functional Health, Therapeutic Bonds, And Quality Of Life For Individuals And Care Partners Coping With Parkinson’S Disease, Leila Djerdjour, Jennifer L. Trilk

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Purpose Statement: Several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can have a positive impact on alleviating symptoms experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite this evidence, the potential benefits of exercise for both PD patients and their care partners (PD dyad) remain unexplored. This research project investigates the effectiveness, therapeutic collaborations, and physical outcomes of a virtual reality (VR) tandem cycling program specifically designed for PD dyads.

Methods: Following approval from the Prisma Health Institutional Review Board, individuals with PD were identified and screened by clinical neurologists. The pre-testing measures for PD dyads (N=9) included emotional and cognitive status …

Hhp-8 Barriers And Facilitators To Regular Physical Activity And Healthy Eating Behaviors In Schools: Perspectives Of South Carolina School Personnel, Logan J. Camp-Spivey, Susan D. Newman, Robert N. Stevens, Michelle Nichols

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Background: In South Carolina (SC), 42% of youth are overweight or obese. Two sets of modifiable behaviors contributing to obesity are physical activity (PA) and dietary habits. School-based interventions have successfully improved these behaviors. The purpose of this study was to identify SC public school personnel perspectives on the most common barriers and facilitators to regular PA and healthy eating behaviors in schools.
Methods: A needs assessment survey was conducted with school personnel statewide. There were 17 questions on the survey that addressed: (1) demographic information about participants’ educational backgrounds, (2) barriers to regular PA and healthy eating behaviors in …

Improvement Of Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Of Diabetic Patients Seen At The Internal Medicine Clinic​​, Jorge Nadal, Carol Soler, Mery Bartl, Jose Gomez, Michelle Lopez, Blesset Alexander, Gabriel Lora, Azucena Del Real, Maria Pesantez, Sergio Saenz, Jorge A. Bernal

Research Symposium

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss globally. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated the global population with diabetes to be 463 million in 2019 and 700 million in 2045. Retinopathy is a highly specific neurovascular complication of both type 1 and types 2 diabetes, and the prevalence strongly correlates to both the duration of diabetes and the level of glycemic control. Regular follow-up with early detection and treatment of vision-threatening retinopathy enables the prevention of up to 98% of visual loss due to diabetic retinopathy.

Development Of A Method For Identifying And Quantifying Epicatechin In Cinnamon Extract Supplement Capsules, Danielle Valls

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Clinical Effects Of Lactobacillus Reuteri Probiotic In The Treatment Of Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Josephine Ram, Shilpa Bhandi, Kamran H. Awan, Frank Licari, Shankargouda Patil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Dogma Of Tissue Ischemia With Local Anesthetic And Epinephrine Use, Laura Morrissey

Capstone Showcase

Epinephrine is often combined with Lidocaine for local anesthetic use as it improves the duration and quality of Lidocaine and promotes wound hemostasis.^1-2 Despite these benefits, epinephrine has been historically contraindicated from being injected into fingers, toes, ears and the nose due to concern over the vasoconstrictive properties of epinephrine leading to ischemia in these end-arteriole areas.^3-7 However, there is very little documented evidence of this happening with epinephrine use.^5-13 An exhaustive review done by Denkler in 2001 reviewed 21 cases between 1889-2001 that involve epinephrine local injection prior to digit ischemia. However, none of these cases …

Identification Of Non-Cholinergic Receptors In Embryonic Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle, Rhiannon Huffines

Scholars Week

No abstract provided.

Quantifying Differences In Pill Swallow Patterns In Adults, Catherine A. Sullivan, Luis F. Riquelme

Annual SHSP Student Research and Scholarship Day

Difficulty swallowing pills has become an increasing complaint among patients visiting swallow evaluation centers across the globe. Deficits are reported in healthy individuals as well as in clinical populations. In the USA, 40% of 679 persons responding to a survey reported difficulty swallowing pills (Business Wire, 2009). In an effort to facilitate pill intake, several modifications have been reported: use of liquid formulations, crushing tablet, opening capsule, whole pill mixed with food or via feeding tube (Cornish, 2005). A survey of 40 nurses revealed the most common modification was to use apple sauce (Riquelme et al., 2009). Current literature on …

The Effect Of Democracy, Development, Religion And Science On Animal Welfare, Sydney Richardson

Celebration of Learning

This project examined the determinants of animal welfare across five countries: India, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and the United Stated. The dependent variable of animal welfare was measured based on the Animal Protection Index (API) developed by the World Protection, a global non-profit organization. Democracy, development, religion and science were major areas that were evaluated to determine if there were correlations with the API. Correlation with the API was tested by using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. A Country’s Freedom House scores were used to evaluate Democracy. Development examined each country’s Human Development Index from the UN’s Human Development Reports and …

Executive Functioning Deficits Following Right Hemisphere Brain Damage: A Systematic Review, Ghalia Albakri

Western Research Forum

Background:

A growing body of literature has indicated that various executive functioning (EF) abilities are compromised subsequent to right hemisphere brain damage (RHD). EF supports communication and other complex daily activities via planning, monitoring, and controlling other cognitive processes to accomplish goal-oriented behaviors. Individuals with intact EF can achieve desirable tasks through fine cognitive control. The ability to use and understand pragmatics and discourse is dependent on one or more of these EF abilities. Consequently, if one of these cognitive abilities is impaired, communication challenges are expected.

Hypotheses/Objectives:

The goals of this systematic review are to: (a) examine the RHD …

The Effect Of Arm Swing On Countermovement Vertical Jump Performance, Arash Mohammadzadeh Gonabadi

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Vertical jumping is one of the popular ways to evaluate ankle-knee efficiency in athletic population. Arm swing can play a crucial role in enhancing vertical jump performance. This study aimed to address the differences in kinetic and kinematic parameters during countermovement jump motion with arm swing (AS) and no arm swing (NAS). We used OpenSim to examine the efficacy of AS in reducing the impulse applied to the body and changes in range of lower limb joint angles at landing instant. We calculated the maximum vertical peak of the ground reaction force and impulse generated at landing in two different …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Instrumented Helmets To Assess Concussions In High School Football Athletics, Alyssa Irby

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Approximately 300,000 high school students experience a concussion yearly and are the third most common injury for youth football players accounting for 9.6% of all injuries. The current concussion monitoring systems are subjective and rely heavily on symptom recognition by players and coaches. Instrumented helmets fill a gap when subjective monitoring systems fail to recognize concussions. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of instrumented helmets and the effectiveness of alerting for a concussion in a youth population. Fifty-five football players from a local high school during the 2018 season who wore instrumented helmets participated. Impact …

Drawbacks Of Utilizing The Logit Link In Propensity Score Weighting Adjustment, Evrim Oral

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Identifying The Factors For Acute Cardiac Arrest For Establishing A New Recognition Protocol In Detecting Pre-Arrest Symptoms, Sarah Power

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

Abstract

Background: Worsening physiological symptoms can easily go overlooked or unmanaged. The early detection of clinical signs that precede cardiac arrest can reduce the risk of worsening condition or death. Determining a nursing protocol to recognize pre-arrests symptoms would allow a systematic way to evaluate patients and their health status before adverse events occur.

Objectives: The purpose of an integrative literature review was to identify signs and symptoms that precede cardiac arrest, and to specify a recognition protocol that ameliorates patient care outcomes.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted undergoing an extensive search to identify acute cardiac arrest and …

Assets And Barriers To Osteoarthritis, Allison K. Wiles

Scholars Week

Osteoarthritis has remained a prevailing health concern in our society for many years. OA is most commonly seen in middle aged men and women suffering from pain and stiffness in the hip, knee, and thumb areas. Risk factors for OA include age, obesity, previous joint injuries, overuse of joint areas, and weak muscles. If not treated, OA could lead to permanent discomfort and pain, and potentially develop into depression, lowered quality of life, or a need for long-term home health care.

By providing photo footage of every day health care issues, Photo voice persuades community members to change habits and …

Evaluating Virtual Reality Simulators As A Training Tool For Minimally Invasive Surgery, Jennifer F. Louie, Misa Shimono

Human Factors and Applied Psychology Student Conference

Minimally invasive surgery offers a number of advantages over traditional open surgeries, including faster patient recovery time, fewer side effects, and improved cosmesis. However, there are also a number of difficulties involved with performing this type of surgery, including poor visuo-spatial mapping, poor depth perception, and mechanical difficulties (e.g., the fulcrum effect). Considering the decrease in residency training hours required for surgical trainees in 2011 (Rajaram et al., 2014), it is essential that surgical trainees employ training methods that would best result in high accuracy and efficiency.

Simulator-based training addresses many of the issues of traditional master-apprentice surgical training methods …

Diet As A Risk Factor In Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Caitlin Bove, Vivek Jain, Naji Younes, Marijane Hynes

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease affecting approximately 2% of women and 4% of men. It is independently associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Established risk factors for OSA include obesity, male gender, post-menopausal state, smoking and increased neck circumference. Sleep deprivation, a common occurrence in OSA, is associated with weight gain and cravings for carbohydrates. Preference for fatty foods has been documented in sleep deprivation. Studies using mouse models have suggested that high fats diets increase the severity of sleep apnea independent of BMI (body mass index). We hypothesized that dietary habits, especially increased …

Paramedicine And Social Work: Case Studies In Authentic Student Recruitment, Nathalie Collins, Lynelle Watts, Renee Strauss, David Hodgson

eCULTURE

Selling the course experience to future students has been corporatised across the Higher Education sector. At many universities marketing and sales specialists, such as ECU’s Student Recruitment Team, rather than academic staff, field prospective student enquiries. Representing courses authentically is crucial to matching future students with an appropriate course experience and career, as well is managing future students’ expectations. A challenge for academics is communicating the course/career experience to university sales agents (recruiters). A challenge for recruiters is conveying an authentic course experience to future students when they have not taken a course themselves. This paper selects two ECU courses, …

A Day In My Life With Partial Lobe Damage, Ashley Dutton

Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.