Health Services Research Commons^™

A Narrative Review Of Barriers To Utilization Of Surgical Risk Assessment Calculators, Jacob Lahti, Kaiya A. Noe, Abigail Veenstra, Sarah Gallitto, Victoria I. De Leon, Thomas C. Varkey, Nimit Agarwal

Annual Research Symposium

Over the last several decades, it has become the desire of surgical and medical teams to decrease risk levels involved for patients undergoing surgery. However, despite the advent of risk assessment calculators to help physicians obtain more accurate and objective judgements for postoperative complications, these tools are underutilized in standard clinical practices in comparison to other methods of risk assessment. This is likely due at least in part to certain barriers that decrease their functionality and ease of use. This review discusses the major barriers to the utilization of current risk calculators so as to allow for a better understanding …

Longitudinal Analysis Of The Healthcare Needs Of Hispanic-Latinx Population In Nevada And Neighboring States, Micah Kwallek, Sherli Koshy Chenthittayil Phd, Jeancarlo Marron

Annual Research Symposium

The rapidly growing Latinx population in California, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada is reshaping these states, but its impact on public health requires attention. This study aims to identify key medical issues within the Hispanic-Latinx community in Nevada and bordering states. This will provide public health officials with a detailed profile that can guide targeted healthcare policy changes for supporting the Latinx community, as well as equip healthcare providers with the knowledge of what to screen for and educate patients about, given specific health predispositions. Data on the Latinx and Caucasian populations in Arizona, Utah, California, and Nevada were sourced from …

Acute Care For Elders Unit Implementation At Banner Health: A Quality Improvement Analysis, Jacob Lahti, Tony Gaidici, Shreya Bharath, Esha Saraswat, Nimit Agarwal

Annual Research Symposium

There is an increasing need to optimize hospital care for older adults as Age Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) become increasingly popular. Geriatric patients may often be subject to extended hospital stays, which can result in functional decline, increases in hospital-acquired injury, infections, and neurocognitive deterioration. Early acute inpatient rehabilitation (IRF) is known to improve functional optimization of older adults as compared to therapy in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). In this study we demonstrate the effect of a structured program based on the 4Ms of AFHS in our newly established Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit, a first in Arizona. …

Impact Of Drug Addiction On Oral Health: Unveiling The Link Between Substance Abuse, Rahi [email protected], Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Impact Of N-Acetylcysteine In Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure: A Retrospective Analysis, Edward Ramirez, Alana Whittaker, Kaylee Putney

Annual Research Symposium

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been widely used in the treatment of liver failure secondary to acetaminophen overdose. At Valley Hospital Medical Center (VHMC) and other Valley Health System hospitals, NAC has been used as an off-label treatment for non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure (NAI-ALF) and ischemic hepatitis. Studies have shown NAC is safe for use in NAI-ALF and may provide a survival benefit in native liver without transplantation. While some evidence suggests potential benefits of NAC for NAI-ALF, lack of robust, high-quality studies limits its widespread adoption and routine use. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of NAC …

Assessment Of Condylar Morphology In Various Facial Types-Cbct Study, Dr.Shruti Patil

Annual Research Symposium

Mandibular condyle being part of the TMJ complex, its volume and shape play a pivotal role in treatment stability and outcomes in orthodontic and orthognathic patients over long term periods. Different loading patterns would result in different morphology of the TMJ. The association with different facial types and understanding the relationship between condylar position, morphology and jaw base divergence is limited. This study’s objective is to assess the condylar structure which includes condylar height, width and height of the fossa in different jaw base divergences.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 90 patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment were selected and …

A Systematic Review: Mirror Neurons & Schizophrenia, Yashesvi Sharma, Surajit Dey

Annual Research Symposium

This research project establishes a link between Mirror Neuron System (MNS) activity and this information's implications in treating and understanding schizophrenia, specifically, schizophrenic patients with negative symptoms.

Chronic Intractable Migraine: A Case Study, Natalie Tate, Luis Alvarez, Cassidy Byers, Davis Elm, Louis Michelon, Tallon Muhlestein, Layla Risdon, Garret Vincent, Christina A. Small, David W. Sant, Kyle B. Bills, Kurt M. Alexander

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Revolutionizing Denture Excellence: An Invigorating In-Vitro Exploration Of Organic Products In Prosthetic Rehabilitation, Nighila Ravindran, Sneha Joseph, Aswani Surya K

Annual Research Symposium

The denture base comes into contact with diverse substances in the oral cavity, acting as a reservoir for microorganisms like corynebacterium, streptococcus, lactobacillus, and candida. This colonization elevates the risk of complications such as denture stomatitis and candidiasis. Commercial denture cleaners have explored the use of natural ingredients, less commonly employed but offering various advantages. These ingredients aim to mitigate the potential issues associated with microbial colonization on denture surfaces, contributing to improved oral hygiene for denture wearers. The exploration of natural elements reflects a nuanced approach to denture care, considering both efficacy and less conventional alternatives.

Investigating Racial And Ethnic Healthcare Disparities In Screenable Ob/Gyn-Related Cancers, Lara Laughrey

Annual Research Symposium

This is a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature addressing healthcare inequity based on race and ethnicity with a specific focus on Ob/Gyn-related management and treatment of screenable cancers.

Assessment Of Emotional Intelligence Among Students In Dental College, Gowri Nandana S Final Year Student, Sudeep C. B Professor And Head Of The Department Of Public Health Dentistry

Annual Research Symposium

Over an extended period, the examination of intelligence predominantly centered on the adaptive deployment of cognitive abilities. In more recent times, scholars such as Gardner (1983) and Sternberg (1988) have proposed comprehensive frameworks for comprehending intelligence. Pioneering the concept of "emotional intelligence," Salovey and Mayer (1990) posited that emotional intelligence encompasses three distinct categories of adaptive capabilities: the evaluation and expression of emotions, the regulation of emotions, and the utilization of emotions in problem-solving. The objective is to evaluate emotional intelligence among dental students across various educational institutions.

Quality Of Life In Orthodontics, Claudia Eisenhuth, Gabriel Eisenhuth, Connor Schwartz, Amir Mohajeri, Man Hung, Tiffany Nelson, Ryann Glenn

Annual Research Symposium

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond mere cosmetic enhancement; it significantly impacts various aspects of an individual's quality of life. Beyond the physical benefits of improved oral function and prevention of dental issues, orthodontics also yields profound psychological benefits. Aligned teeth enhance self-confidence, reduce social anxiety, and contribute to better relationships and professional opportunities. Moreover, addressing dental concerns through orthodontic treatment reduces psychological distress and promotes overall happiness and satisfaction. Real-life case studies vividly illustrate the transformative effects of orthodontic interventions, emphasizing the importance of considering quality of life outcomes in dental care.

Exploring The Interconnected Role Of The Oral Microbiome And Periodontal Disease In The Development And Progression Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malak Al-Regib, Claudia M. Tellez Freitas

Annual Research Symposium

This comprehensive review explores the complex linkage among the oral microbiome, periodontal disease, and the onset and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Of The Oral Cavity - A Rare Entity, Anita J. Florence Dr, Karpagaselvi Sanjai Prof & Dr

Annual Research Symposium

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a subtype of lymphoma with two-thirds of the cases presenting as lymph node enlargement. The remaining one third of NHL cases has been reported in the extra nodal sites, including the gastro-intestinal tract, Waldeyer’s ring, bone, skin and brain. Intraoral NHL is uncommon and may affect either the jaw bones or occur within the soft tissues of the oral cavity. Here we report an unusual case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a 54-year-old male patient who presented with a growth from the right lower molar extraction socket with pus discharge.

Success And Challenges Of Infrazygomatic Crest Implants In Orthodontics, Gauri Gill

Annual Research Symposium

Poster on success rates of mini implants used in the infrazygomatic region for orthodontic anchorage , as well as the factors that influence the success of the mini implant placed in IZC region.

Automated Micronuclei Detection In Exfoliated Oral Epithelial Cells Of Smokers Using Image Analysing Softwares, Mukul Saini, Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine, Sanjana Shetty, Saiprasad Alva

Annual Research Symposium

Micronuclei assay yields an excellent path to monitor individuals or populations exposed to mutagenic, genotoxic or teratogenic events. Micronuclei are small nucleic structures formed due to the deposition of nuclear envelopes around lagging chromosomes that persist in the interphase. Mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and N-nitrosamines are believed to be responsible for the formation of micronuclei. Hence, micronuclei detection in exfoliated oral epithelial cells of smokers is a significant biomarker for genotoxicity and to identify cellular changes of biological importance to carcinogenesis. While studies have been conducted for the detection of micronuclei in smokers, they may …

Investigating The Role Of Chaos In Minimizing Tumor Growth, Maxwell Geiger

Annual Research Symposium

Chaos is a type of motion found in mathematical systems that is highly sensitive to initial conditions. While many biological systems described in literature have been analyzed for the presence of chaotic dynamics, there are still many that are yet to be discovered. The goal of this project is to reassess Itik and Banks’ discovery of chaotic behavior in their population dynamics model of cancer growth. Once chaotic behavior is confirmed, we want to investigate how chaos could possibly be controlled to minimize tumor growth and discover novel treatments for cancer patients.

A Pharmacist’S Central Role In Improving Hormonal Contraceptive Access, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

In 2019, the roles of Utah pharmacists grew with the implementation of a statewide standing order allowing prescribing abilities for hormonal contraceptives. With the rates of unplanned pregnancies in Utah up to 1 in every 5; pharmacists have a new role in birth control distribution. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns across the state of Utah are able to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraceptive medications including: oral pills, vaginal insertion medications, and birth control patches. Pharmacists are entrusted with the responsibility to evaluate the patient and their needs to ensure all women receiving birth control are educated about the risks and side effects …

The National Status Of Pharmacists’ Ability To Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives, Aleese Smith, Urvi Patel, Alexandra Arledge, Josie Young, Erin Johanson

Annual Research Symposium

The scope of practice for pharmacists first expanded in California and Oregon with the ability to prescribe hormonal contraceptives to patients in their communities. Since 2016, over 33 states now allow for pharmacist prescribing of birth control in their pharmacy practice laws.

90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a retail pharmacy, making community pharmacies an accessible resource who may otherwise be unable to access contraceptives. The gap in care experienced by certain patient populations is now being filled by pharmacists with their ability to prescribe birth control.

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.