Student Research Poster Presentations showcase innovative research by Misericordia students across all disciplines.
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The Effect of Reading Fluency after Coronavirus-19 Lockdown
Lauren Balogh
This poster's research discusses the impact of the Coronavirus-19 lockdown on students' reading fluency and the effectiveness of the hybrid method. It also explores the struggles students face in meeting benchmark scores after the lockdown.
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The Prevalence of Cardiac Risk Factors in College-Aged Students
Katelyn Butczynski, Brianna Fox, Kristen McCloskey, and Katrina Redline
Background: The impact of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is typically associated with adulthood. However, its roots can be traced back to childhood. The transition from high school to college includes many lifestyle and environmental changes, which can lead to the creation of new lifelong habits. The college experience can contribute to the development of CVD risk factors with these new lifestyle changes. These risk factors lead to the development of CVD in adulthood.
Aims: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of CVD in college-aged students and identify their risk for developing CVD in adulthood.
Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional design to analyze the prevalence of cardiac risk factors in college-age students at a small university. Based on convenience sampling, 174 participants were recruited. Participants completed a survey regarding sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and biophysical markers. Height, weight, and resting blood pressure measurements were obtained.
Results: The researchers found the following prevalence rates of cardiovascular risk factors: low risk 4.6%, moderate risk 86.8%, and high risk with a known diagnosis of cardiovascular or metabolic disease 8.6%. Factors such as BMI, decreased physical activity, and poor nutrition were the most prevalent factors increasing risk within the studied population.
Conclusion: The data demonstrated the presence of notable risk for CVD in this transitional period. These findings emphasize the need for consistent screening and proper education for college-aged students. Health professionals and college campuses can play a vital role in modifying this risk by recognizing the prevalence and understanding their role in providing education to improve overall health and wellness. Health professionals have an additional role that includes consistent screening to ensure proper care, management, and disease prevention.
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Rotablation and Shockwave in Cardiac Catheterization
Emily Corbett
This project explains what Cardiac Catheterization, Shockwave, and Rotablation are. In addition, it talks about how the use of Shockwave and Rotablation can be used in patients with severe calcifications of the coronary arteries. Case studies help to show the comparison between Shockwave and Rotablation, as well as the use of Rotablation and then Shockwave. Rotablation is more useful when treating patients with superficial calcifications, whereas shockwave is more beneficial at treating deeper calcifications. All of these treatment methods are used to keep the coronary arteries open and prevent people from having blocked off arteries causing heart attacks. Two different case studies examine the use of Rotablation following a successful Shockwave so that stents can be implanted into the arteries in attempt to keep them open and clear. Other factors discussed include fluoroscopy times and contrast amounts. The results showed that since Shockwave is a newer therapy more use is needed so that there are more statistics. Overall, the use of Rotablation and Shockwave together can be beneficial in treating patients with severe calcification of the coronary arteries.
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Effects of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Executive Dysfunction on Literacy Achievement: Through the Lens of Secondary-Level Education
Natalie Deutsch
The study examined the effects of emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) and executive dysfunction on literacy achievement in secondary-level education. The research questions focused on behavior interventions for at-risk students with behavioral disorders, the association between E/BD signs and reading deficits, incorporating executive functioning skills into reading instruction, and the positive and negative effects of self-contained classrooms on students with EBD. The study found that accommodating the specific needs of students with E/BD and executive dysfunction led to a statistically significant increase in mean test scores. The methods involved tiered intervention programs within the Units of Study curriculum, executive functioning interventions, and behavioral regulation support. The dependent variable was the student's comprehension level, attention to task, generalization of literacy skills, and conduct management. The conclusion highlighted the importance of executive functioning skills in organizing thoughts and comprehending text, the need for individualized check-lists and brain breaks for behavior interventions, the association between emotional and behavioral disorders and reading deficits, and the benefits of self-contained classrooms for direct instruction and skill building.
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Documentation of Hadrosaurid Humeri from the Liscomb Bonebed, North Slope, Alaska Prior to Histological Sectioning
Makenna Galvin
Proper documentation of research specimens is a crucial component that must be completed prior to histological sectioning. Since specimens are unique and irreplaceable, documentation provides information that may later be unobtainable after sectioning, due to the inherent nature of the technique having to permanently alter the specimen. The hadrosaurid dinosaur, the Edmontosaurus, has an abundant fossil record, which can be partly attributed to being gregarious, and therefore preserves multiple monodominant bonebeds and several dozen associated skeletons across North America. This makes Edmontosaurus an ideal taxon to use for life history studies. However, previous Edmontosaurus bonebeds have only preserved specimens of size classes that were two years of age or older (Wosik et al., 2020; Wosik & Evans, 2022). The Liscomb Bonebed from the Prince Creek Formation of the North Slope of Alaska provides a potential avenue to help complete this early ontogenetic gap. This bonebed preserves individuals that align with the hypothesized yearling size class (Wosik et al., 2020; Wosik & Evans, 2022), and provide a rare opportunity to study the early ontogeny of Edmontosaurus. The aim of this project is to record the specimens chosen for histological sectioning. After documentation, these specimens will undergo histological sectioning to analyze their bone microstructure. This analysis aims to yield individual age data for each specimen, contributing to testing the hypothesis of the Liscomb Bonebed preserving yearling-aged individuals. Photogrammetry is suitable for effectively recreating fossil specimens in a 3-dimensional form. This is an ideal documentation method, displaying multiple characterics of the original specimens
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Treatment and Diagnosis of Pulmonary Emboli in CT
Jacob Gardner
This research project elaborates on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary emboli, and how computed tomography can provide a quick and accurate diagnosis. Statistics, symptoms, computed tomography pulmonary angiography protocol, and pulmonary emboli radiographic appearance are also discussed to provide information on how a diagnosis is achieved and which treatment is used. Pulmonary emboli are a life-threatening condition that, if untreated, can potentially be fatal. Pulmonary emboli are the third most frequently occurring cause of cardiovascular death behind a stroke and myocardial infarction. Deaths in the United States from pulmonary emboli are approximately 300,000 deaths per year. In addition, 5-10% of in-hospital deaths are caused by pulmonary emboli. Computed tomography is the quickest and most effective method for diagnosing pulmonary emboli. Specifically, computed tomography pulmonary angiography is used which highlights the pulmonary artery using iodinated contrast media. Treatments vary according to severity. In most cases, patients are given anticoagulation medication which is used to prevent blood clots. In more severe cases, patient will require surgery to remove the emboli called an embolectomy. Further research should be conducted for finding new treatment methods to lower the death toll in the United States.
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Osteohistological Assessment of Edmontosaurus Radii from the Liscomb Bonebed, Prince Creek Formation, North Slope, Alaska
Emma Griffin
Hadrosaurs were one of the most diverse dinosaur groups in the Late Cretaceous period and are known for their numerous articulated skeletons and monodominant bonebeds (Wosik et al., 2020). They are more commonly known as duck-billed dinosaurs and are found globally including latitudinal extremes such as the artic and Antarctica. Edmontosaurus, a genus of hadrosaur, are herbivores and are very large growing up to 8,000 pounds. Edmontosaurus were known to travel in herds as a defense mechanism and were one of the last non-avian dinosaurs living during the late Campanian stage through the end of the Maastrichtian stage, right up to the K-Pg boundary.
In previous research most Edmontosaurus bonebeds have only held 2-year-old individuals up through maturity. The one-to-two-year individuals seem to be missing in fossil records. The Liscomb bonebed is the only one known to preserve yearling sized individuals. These are presumed to be yearlings based on the size and anatomical structure of the fossils.
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Contrast Media in Computed Tomography
Reagan Harrison
This project explains the use of contrast media in Computed Tomography (CT). Intravenous and oral are the two types of contrast media discussed in detail, including information on injection rates and volumes. Other topics covered include common studies using contrast media such as head and abdomen/pelvis imaging, adverse reactions and their severity, common risk factors, routes of premedication, general facts and statistics, and possible future developments. It is estimated that over 100 million studies are performed using contrast media per year. Contrast agents are useful in computed tomography due to their ability to opacify internal structures for easier viewing. This helps to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies. The future of contrast media offers even more benefits to the patient and is likely to consist of nanoparticles that are non-toxic and even offer therapeutic effects. These advancements in contrast media can provide a safer and more effective patient experience.
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Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer
Madelyn Heidlauf
Prostate cancer affects the male population and radiation therapy plays a role in treating this type of cancer. Brachytherapy is a common type of treatment for prostate cancer. Low-dose brachytherapy uses radioactive seeds placed within the prostate to deliver dose directly to the cancer. Brachytherapy seeds are placed within the patient’s prostate in an invasive procedure, which are then used during treatment to make sure the radiation is going to the correct area and not affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Prostate cancer can affect any male, and the symptoms can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. However, males are encouraged to get screenings conducted yearly during the patient’s annual checkup. For diagnosing prostate cancer, at yearly check-ups if an abnormality is detected, further tests and imaging will be needed to determine the stage and grade of cancer. While history of prostate cancer can affect a certain male population, anyone is susceptible to getting cancer. There are three main different types of brachytherapy that can be used to treat prostate cancer. Treatment of brachytherapy involves getting radiation five days a week for several weeks, usually involves around 30-40 treatments. The outcome of low-dose brachytherapy for prostate cancer is excellent if the patient is willing to go through radiation treatment, and the occurrence of the cancer reappearing is slim to none.
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Effects of Core and Pelvic Floor Strength on Speed and Agility: A Systematic Review
Zackary Jayne and Thomas Vaccaro
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The Effect of an 8-week Core Training Program on 1 Mile and 100-Meter Dash Indoor Running Times in College-Aged Students
John Kelley, Dane Frantz, Spencer Sundeberg, Jarod Cipriano, and Tyler German
The Effect of an 8-week Core Training Program on 1 Mile and 100-M Dash Indoor Running Times in College-Aged Students
Background:
The core provides proximal stability of the trunk which enhances power production and strength with distal limb movement. Available literature has studied the correlation between increasing core strength and the augmentation of balance and stability, power generation, core endurance, neuromuscular control and injury prevention.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of an 8-week core training program on the running performance of college-aged students, specifically their 1 mile and 100-meter dash times. The study aims to determine whether incorporating a core training program into the regular training regimen of college-aged students will lead to significant improvements in their running times.
Methods:
Participants: Male and female individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 years of age. Inclusion criteria includes only English-speaking participants. Recruitment: Participants are recruited from three local college campuses, Misericordia University, King’s College, and Wilkes University on a volunteer basis. Program Interventions: Following initial data collection (week 0), participants complete an 8-week core endurance program. Participants complete an exercise log following each training session and a weekly survey.
Procedures:
Participant data for the 100 Meter dash and 1-Mile run collected at pretest (week 0) and posttest (week 8) utilizing Dashr Timing System. Following data collection, participants perform an 8-week core training program 3X/week with all three sessions performed as a home exercise program.
Hypothesis:
Based on prior studies we hypothesize that by increasing the strength and endurance of the core musculature there will be a decrease in the amount of time it takes to complete a 100-meter sprint and a 1 mile run, and a negative correlation between core strength and running times.
Results/Conclusion:
There was significant reduction in the 100-meter dash times (p = 0.012, CI = 0.95, SD = .62042s) and for the 1 mile run, it was determined that there was no significance (p = 0.061, CI = 0.95, SD = 21.04222s). Concluding that the core strengthening program is more effective in decreasing 100-meter dash times than 1-mile run times.
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Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer Through Computed Tomography
Olivia Kempf
Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive gynecological disease that appears as a mass on ovaries, often spreading throughout the body. This project explains ovarian cancer and the role of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing the disease. Diagnostic procedures, symptoms, pathology, staging criteria, and treatment options are also discussed. Affecting females, it is the seventh most common cancer paired with the highest mortality rate. The risk of developing ovarian cancer in one’s lifetime is about 1 in 87. Computed tomography provides a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of the genitourinary system. As such, CT is a valuable Medical Imaging modality for the evaluation of primary and metastatic impact of ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis is essential for a good prognosis of this common and devastating disease. Treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to slow the progression and in some cases cure patients. After treatment, computed tomography and other tests play essential roles in monitoring for recurrence of ovarian cancer.
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Low Dose Computed Tomography in Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Jocelyn M. King
This project explains the role of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) aiding in the diagnosis of lung cancer. General statistics, risks, signs, symptoms of lung cancer, as well as low dose scans are discussed. In addition, the doses of routine chest computed tomography scans (CT) and low-dose are compared. Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the United States, however early detection with the use of LDCT reduces mortality rate. About 80% of lung cancer diagnosis is caused by smoking. The use of LDCT reduces mortality rate in addition to a lower dose to the patient. Risks of preventive screening are overdiagnosis, false positives in addition to radiation induced cancer, etc. Doctors believe that the risks of biannual or annual screenings outweigh the risks of LDCT. Even though lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with preventative treatment, individuals have a lower chance of mortality than previous generations.
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MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy
Madison Preste
This project explains the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in performing image-guided breast biopsies. General statistics, breast screening protocols, the biopsy procedure, advantages, disadvantages, and new technology are discussed to highlight why MRI-guided breast biopsies are the method of choice. MRI has a high sensitivity to discern various tissues within the body playing a vital role in early detection of breast cancer. Routine breast MRI is explained to help understand how the patient qualifies for a breast MRI, and how the results help determine the next steps. If the lesion is only seen with MRI, then an MRI-guided breast biopsy is indicated. Despite the advantages, MRI-guided breast biopsies present challenges including a notable rate of benign findings and contraindications such as MRI non-conditional implants. The procedure requires special equipment and accurate techniques. Recent technological advancements are introducing image-guided automated robots (IGAR) as a potential alternative to manual biopsies. Ongoing research seeks to refine breast MRI techniques to enhance the specificity, ensuring its continued effectiveness in early cancer detection and treatment decisions.