Public Health Commons^™

Ucf's Infectious Disease And Travel Health Initiative: Pioneering Resilience For A Healthier Tomorrow, Chait Renduchintala, Frank Badu-Baiden

Rosen Research Review

In a world grappling with the profound challenges posed by infectious diseases and global travel, the University of Central Florida (UCF) stands at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation. An exceptional new initiative—the Infectious Disease and Travel Health Initiative—is set to revolutionize how we approach health resilience, disease outbreak mitigation, traveler safety, and the continuity of essential services. Spearheaded by eminent researchers from UCF's College of Medicine, including Dr. Kenneth A. Alexander, Dr. Griff Parks, Dr. Eric Schrimshaw, and Dr. Taj Azarian, along with Dr. Robertico Croes, principal investigator from the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, this initiative …

Predictive Criterion Validity Of The Parsley Symptom Index Against The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 In A Chronic Disease Cohort: Retrospective Cohort Study, Hants Williams, Sarah Steinberg, Kendall Leon, Ryan Vingum, Mengyao Hu, Robin Berzin, Heather Hagg, Patrick Hanaway

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Approximately 60% of US adults live with chronic disease, imposing a significant burden on patients and the health care system. With the rise of telehealth, patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) have emerged as pivotal tools for managing chronic disease. While numerous PROMs exist, few have been designed explicitly for telehealth settings. The Parsley Symptom Index (PSI) is an electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) developed specifically for telehealth environments.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to determine whether the PSI predicts changes in the established Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 (PROMIS-10) Global Health, a 10-question short form.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort …

Backfilling Patients In Phase I Dose-Escalation Trials Using Bayesian Optimal Interval Design (Boin), Yixuan Zhao, Ying Yuan, Edward L Korn, Boris Freidlin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In recent years, there has been increased interest in incorporation of backfilling into dose-escalation clinical trials, which involves concurrently assigning patients to doses that have been previously cleared for safety by the dose-escalation design. Backfilling generates additional information on safety, tolerability, and preliminary activity on a range of doses below the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), which is relevant for selection of the recommended phase II dose and dose optimization. However, in practice, backfilling may not be rigorously defined in trial protocols and implemented consistently. Furthermore, backfilling designs require careful planning to minimize the probability of treating additional patients with potentially …

Virtual Facilitation Best Practices And Research Priorities: A Scoping Review, Asya Agulnik, Derrecka Boykin, Denalee M O'Malley, Julia Price, Mia Yang, Mark Mckone, Geoffrey Curran, Mona J Ritchie

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Facilitation is an implementation strategy that supports the uptake of evidence-based practices. Recently, use of virtual facilitation (VF), or the application of facilitation using primarily video-based conferencing technologies, has become more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thorough assessment of the literature on VF, however, is lacking. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe conceptual definitions of VF, evaluate the consistency of terminology, and recommend "best" practices for its use as an implementation strategy.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review to identify literature on VF following the PRISMA-ScR guidance. A search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

Aloe Vera Assisted Green Synthesis Of Ag And Cu Co-Doped Zno Nanoparticles And A Comprehensive Analysis Of Their Structural, Morphological, Optical, Electrical And Antibacterial Properties, Md Hasnat Rashid, Saiful Islam Sujoy, Md Saifur Rahman, Md Jahidul Haque

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study investigates the potential of utilizing Aloe vera-assisted green synthesis with transition metal dopants of Ag and Cu for greater efficiency and sustainability in advanced scientific applications utilizing ZnO nanoparticles. Samples were prepared using the co-precipitation method, maintaining a basic pH media of 10. Aloe vera gel extract was chosen for its acclaimed role as a stabilizing and reducing agent and its proven antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. The XRD report revealed the hexagonal Wurtzite crystal structure of nanoparticles, exhibiting a crystallite size range of 17-23 nm with substantial alterations in lattice parameters, dislocation density, and bond lengths when …

Guideline Concordance For Timely Chest Imaging After New Presentations Of Dyspnoea Or Haemoptysis In Primary Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Minjoung Monica Koo, Luke T A Mounce, Meena Rafiq, Matthew E J Callister, Hardeep Singh, Gary A Abel, Georgios Lyratzopoulos

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Guidelines recommend urgent chest X-ray for newly presenting dyspnoea or haemoptysis but there is little evidence about their implementation.

Methods: We analysed linked primary care and hospital imaging data for patients aged 30+ years newly presenting with dyspnoea or haemoptysis in primary care during April 2012 to March 2017. We examined guideline-concordant management, defined as General Practitioner-ordered chest X-ray/CT carried out within 2 weeks of symptomatic presentation, and variation by sociodemographic characteristic and relevant medical history using logistic regression. Additionally, among patients diagnosed with cancer we described time to diagnosis, diagnostic route and stage at diagnosis by guideline-concordant status. …

Detection Of Cervical Lymph Node Micrometastasis - A Machine Learning Based Approach, Dr. Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine, Kuntala Mondal

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Abutments Surface (Machined Vs. Laser-Microgrooved) In Soft-Tissue Response During One Year Of Function: Clinical And Biochemical Outcomes Of A Rct With Split-Mouth Design, Elisa Maccari

Annual Research Symposium

To evaluate peri-implant soft tissue behaviour around machined vs laser-microgrooved implants/healing/prosthetic abutments during 1 year of function by assessing IL-6, IL-1b and MMP-8 levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF).

Matlab Based Phenotypic Evaluation And Gene Expression Of Cd44 And Cd133 Biomarkers In The Prediction Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis, Dr. Sowmya Sv

Annual Research Symposium

Oral cancer accounts to 20–30% of all cancers in India. The major difficulty in managing carcinomas is due to failure in the control and detection of metastases (>90% deaths). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor-initiating cells that survive even after extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, the use of computer-assisted quantification methods employing image processing is drawing attention wherein information can be automatically extracted from the immunostained digitized images. The aim of the study was to assess the metastatic risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) by the phenotypic evaluation and gene expression of CD44 and CD133 biomarkers with clinical …

Determination Of The Correlation Between Age And Gender With Canine Index, Intermolar Width And Palatal Rugae Patterns, Dr. Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Dental records are of paramount importance in human identification considering the distinct traits of every individual. Although DNA and finger print analysis are techniques employed for faster and secure identification, in mass disasters, odontometric analysis can play a vital role in identification. Studies in the past have used parameters like arch perimeters, lip prints and palatal rugae pattern to determine age and gender of an individual. However, these studies correlated one parameter at a time and concluded that there was no significant correlation of the parameters to age and gender. The present study aimed to assess the canine index, intermolar …

Confidence Of Clark County Medical Students In Identifying Dermatologic Conditions On Different Fitzpatrick Skin Types, Ramaditya Srinivasmurthy

Annual Research Symposium

Racial health disparities are apparent in the field of dermatology across the United States. Certain dermatologic conditions are more likely to go undiagnosed in people with skin of color (SOC), leading to increased morbidity/mortality. Underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical education may be a contributing factor. This study explores the ability and confidence of TUNCOM students to recognize dermatological conditions on various skin tones.

A 23 question survey was given to 173 second year students to examine their ability and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on non-SOC (Fitzpatrick I-III) and SOC (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Images of common skin disorders on …

Influence Of Sleep Pattern And Oral Hydration On Academic Performance Among Undergraduate Dental Students-A Pilot Study, Bassam Alibrahim

Annual Research Symposium

Sound sleep is important for preserving good physical, mental, and emotional health. An association with learning skills, critical decision making and thinking is also observed [1]. Poor hydration is associated with several health outcomes including poor oral health and academic performance. Timely assessment of oral hydration of students holds a potential to improve their oral health and academic performance [1, 2]. This study is designed to investigate the influence of oral hydration status and sleep deprivation on academic achievements of dental college undergraduates

Patient Education On Naloxone And Fentanyl Testing, Monika Baranek, Kyra Dockstader

Annual Research Symposium

To educate patients on the importance of naloxone use to prevent unintended opioid overdoses and deaths. To provide community resources for fentanyl testing and destigmatize their use.

Pharmacist Interventions Increase Uptake Of Pneumonia Vaccination In At-Risk Populations: A Review., Kaitlyn Hinton

Annual Research Symposium

Pneumonia is a large burden to healthcare costs and a large cause of hospitalization (Hayes, BH. Chest. 2018, 153(2), 427), and bacterial pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination. While pediatric vaccinations are routinely given, an additional dose is required for adults 65+ years of age or otherwise immune compromised, including diabetics. Only 22.2% of Immunocompromised patients and 65% of the elderly population have received the extra dose (Hung, MC. CDC. 2022). With pharmacist interventions, these vaccination rates could increase significantly. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of the literature to identify interventions that have yielded higher …

Effect Of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (Lipus) And Emdogain On Root Resorption In Amelogenin Knockout (Amex) Mice, Caitlin Huynh

Annual Research Symposium

In amelogenesis imperfecta, mutations are often found in the amelogenin gene. Inactivation of this amelogenin gene in 6-12 month old mice has led to root resorption in teeth and an increased number of osteoclasts in their bones. The objective of this study was to determine whether local injection of Emdogain (EMD) and low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) application to the jaw has a synergistic effect on the regeneration of root resorption (RR) in Amelogenin knockout (AMEX) mice; the ideal model representing Amelogenesis Imperfecta.