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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The Role of Computed Tomography in Diagnosis of a Stroke
Gabriella Gaglia
A stroke can be defined as a neurological deficit attributed to an acute focal injury of the central nervous system (CNS). There are two types of strokes, and these include ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is due to a burst or rupture of a blood vessel within the brain. Computed tomography (CT) is the ideal imaging study done when diagnosing strokes in patients. The importance of quickly diagnosing a stroke and determining which type the person has experienced is one reason why CT scans are effective for stroke diagnosis. This allows the patient to get the quickest care possible. When using CT to diagnose a stroke it can be done without contrast, as an angiography, or as a perfusion study. The speed, availability, and diagnostic capabilities of CT scans make them valuable tools in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients.
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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 Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Injury Prevention in Youth Athletes: A Systematic Review
Eric Jeffries, Brianna McPeak, Andrea Carlson, Kaylee Strauns, and Jacqueline Stack
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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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How Did Anastasia Survive For So Long - A Conspiracy
Darya McDevitt
This poster explains had the conspiracy about Anna Anderson being the long lost Romanov Grand Duchess Anastasia was able to last for so long. Also explaining what made it so captivating and interesting.
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History and Fortitude of the Scranton Lace Company
Erin McGee
Scranton, Pennsylvania was home to early industry crucial to early American development. Early settlements turned to booming businesses as locals took advantage of local coal and iron deposits to build the rail industry. This growth, furthered by the geographic advantages of the city, made Scranton the perfect place for a new business venture. In 1891, the English Nottingham Lace Firm was looking to expand business, eventually settling on Northeastern Pennsylvania. Although the company saw some difficulties at its inception, it soon became the largest global producer of Nottingham lace in the world. Early management prioritized customer relationships, as shown through their efforts to cater products towards the public. Such sentiment is evident in their shift to wartime production during both world wars, as well as a continuous attempt to produce goods in demand. In the 1950s, as the surrounding industries declined, Scranton Lace was able to persevere, surviving bankruptcy and risky investments. However, it would never be able to completely recover and, in 2002, permanently closed its doors mid-shift. This project argues that this proliferation was due to the advantages provided by the region and established industries, as well as the tendency to cater advertisements and trends to consumer desires. “History and Fortitude of the Scranton Lace Company” builds on prior research conducted on the history of Scranton. Primary archival material and narratives are compared to data to understand how the Scranton Lace Company left a lasting impression, helping to build the city it called home for over a century.
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Flight 19 and the Origin of the Myth of the Bermuda Triangle
Lily Metress
The Bermuda Triangle has captivated the minds of the public with the disappearances that have occurred there. Flight 19 stands to be the most famous disappearance in the Bermuda Triangle and remains a mystery to this day. This research explores Flight 19 and how it led to the origin of the Bermuda Triangle mystery for years to come.
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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.
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The Effects of BPF on RT4 Schwannoma Cancer Cells
Rachael Sennett, Madeline Solomon, and Angela Asirvatham
Bisphenol A is a harmful compound common in plastics that causes negative health and environmental effects. Due to these effects, new guidelines have been made to limit exposure to BPA. However, modified versions of these compounds, including Bisphenol-F, are being used as a replacement. Exposure to BPF, which is comparable in structure to BPA, has similar effects as BPA on many organ systems with some being unknown. As there is not much known about BPF, especially in the peripheral nervous system, the aim of this research is to analyze proliferation rates in BPF-treated Schwann cells. It was hypothesized that with increased concentrations of BPF, there will be an increase in cell proliferation of RT4 Schwannoma cancer cells in comparison to cells without BPF. To investigate this hypothesis, RT4 cells were treated with BPF and assayed for cell division using an EdU cell proliferation assay. The EdU positive ration and cell density of each group under different concentrations was calculated after completing the EdU incorporation assay. Results indicate that higher dosages of BPF beyond 1x106 M (28.99% ± 0.107) did not elicit an increase in proliferation, although a concentration of 10-4 M (34.08% ± 0.123) slightly increased growth. The BPF treatment at a concentration of 10-7 M had the greatest percent change (43.6% ± 0.107). Based on these results, it was concluded that low concentrations (1x10-7 M) of BPF were sufficient to increase cell proliferation which has implications in the health of the peripheral nervous system.
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Woodstock '69: Catalyst for Counterculture?
Rachel Shook
This poster divulges on the societal impact the original Woodstock festival had, specifically on the counterculture movement of the nineteen sixties. The music festival, lasting between August 15th to August 17th of 1969, became a spontaneous event along the woods and farms of Bethel, New York. With as many as half of a million fans in attendance, this festival became much more than just a series of concerts. With such a spontaneous event gathering individuals from across the nation, this sparked this debate amongst historians regarding whether Woodstock truly was as impactful to counterculture as widely acclaimed to be, or if it was an exploitation of a unique and popular memory in the majority of Americans during the 1960s. There is divide between prominent performers of Woodstock as well, as Carlos Santana of the American rock band Santana depicts his experiences with Woodstock as rather positive, as he discusses the culture and diversity presented at the original Woodstock was unlike any other recreations of the festival, along with idolizing the spontaneous nature of Woodstock. In contrast, lead singer of the English rock band The Who Roger Daltrey shared his negative memories regarding the festival, including the lack of payment and chaotic nature of the gathering being less than fond in his memory of its unfolding. Additionally, it is important to consider the significance of Woodstock in its entirety, as despite the various viewpoints taken in regard to the three-day festival, it is worth considering the legacy of such an event on popular culture regardless of its controversy in leading the counterculture movement. Regardless of beliefs shared across a variety of both primary and secondary sources, the original Woodstock musical festival proved to be a revolutionary experience across all types of demographics to share the collective message of peace, love, and music for three brief days in history amidst the social and political upheaval of the time.
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The Effects of Bisphenol S on Glial Cells of the Peripheral Nervous System
Madeline Solomon, Rachael Sennett, and Angela Asirvatham
Schwann cells are glial cells in the peripheral nervous system that maintain nerve function and myelination. Peripheral nerve myelination is dependent on intact Schwann cell proliferation. Schwann cell proliferation can be adversely affected by environmental pollutants such as Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in plastic water bottles, receipt paper, containers, and many everyday products. Studies on BPA exposure showed that it stimulated cellular proliferation in neural stem cells. A commonly used manufactured derivative of BPA, Bisphenol S (BPS), has posed similar concerns. Previous research has found that BPS promotes the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by accelerating the cell cycle. Based on these studies, it was hypothesized that BPS treatment would stimulate Schwann cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. To test this hypothesis, Schwann cells were treated with control media (N2) or N2 with incremental concentrations of BPS at 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µM. Using the EdU proliferation assay, it was found that cells treated with BPS increased in proliferation in comparison to those without treatment. For instance, the percentage of cells proliferated to 81.9%±0.0379 at 0.1 µM, 84%±0.0322 at 1 µM, 77.5%±0.0239 at 10 µM, and 88.7%±0.0927 at 100 µM in comparison to the control at 70.6%±0.1245 implying an increase in proliferation for all treatments. Qualitatively, a change in the morphology of cells treated with BPS was observed. Schwann cells treated with BPS appear to be smaller than non-treated cells. These results suggest that BPS stimulates Schwann cell proliferation. An overproduction of Schwann cells due to the use of BPS in the environment has the potential to cause cancer, autoimmunity and limit their capacity to support endogenous repair.
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The Impact of Robotic-Assisted Ambulation on the Cardiopulmonary System: A Systematic Review
Alexandrea Steele, Zachary Johnson, Alanna O'Malley, Laurie Brogan, and Nicole Evanosky
