Lung Cancer Screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography in Primary Care

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and early detection through screening can significantly reduce mortality. This study examines the frequency and barriers to Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) using Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) among qualifying patients in primary care based on the United States Preventative Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) recommendations. Data were compiled from 402 patient charts across five clinics or clinic systems in the southeastern United States, and the information was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software, version 29. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to assess screening frequency, barriers, and the influence of various demographic and provider factors. The results revealed that nearly half (47.3%) of the patients had a LDCT screening ordered, while 46.5% had no screening ordered. Additionally, 5.7% had a chest X-ray (CXR) ordered, and 0.5% had both tests ordered. Among those with screening orders, 76.84% completed LDCT, 95.7% completed CXR, and the overall completion rate was 79.1%. However, 20.1% of patients did not complete their screenings. Barriers to screening were documented in only 5.7% of cases, with patient noncompliance (4.2%) and cost (0.7%) being the most common barriers. The study reveals substantial gaps in LCS practices in primary care, with nearly half of the qualifying patients not receiving recommended screenings and poor documentation of barriers. This study underscores the need for improved adherence to LCS guidelines, better documentation of barriers, and targeted interventions to ensure effective and equitable screening practices in primary care

Disparities in Speech-Language Pathology as a Result of Race

For all children to receive fair and proper speech-language services, it is vital to grasp a better understanding of how disparities in these services might impact clients. It is vital to identify the role race plays so clients of various racial backgrounds can be provided with equitable treatment, regardless of their racial identity (Robinson & Norton, 2019). Research has revealed noticeable discrepancies between racial groups including the quality, time frame of discharge, and overall results of treatment, among children of minority- or majority-racial groups (Riccardi & Lundine, 2022). If speech language pathologists remain unaware of these discrepancies, they will be unable to recognize situations in which the quality of treatment alters, due to the client’s race or identification with a minority racial group. The cycle will continue and every individual who receives services will not receive the highest quality of treatment possible. This study aims to answer: What role does race play in the presence of disparities within the treatment of children receiving speech-language services? A researcher developed survey will be distributed among private therapy locations, serving children, in Lowndes County, Mississippi. The survey will focus on input from parents/caregivers of children receiving services at the specified locations. The parents/caregivers will share their perception of how they believe race has impacted the speech/language services provided to their child, compared to services provided to children of other racial groups

An Interdisciplinary Experience

This proposal showcases the success of an interdisciplinary approach. It provides an overview of a project titled: Cacao and Chocolate: A Powerful Legacy. It took place during Hispanic Heritage Month in 2023. The project aimed to explore the rich and multifaceted legacy of cacao and chocolate in Latin America, incorporating perspectives from various academic disciplines, including public history, chemistry, Spanish language, graphic design, culinary arts, and family science. The interdisciplinary nature of the project highlights the power of collaboration in research and education, serving as a model for integrating diverse fields of study. The project was divided into two main components: faculty-led research and experiential learning activities. The faculty-led research involved students Alyssa Vernon, a public history major, and Ethan Wilkins, a chemistry major, who conducted in-depth studies on the historical, cultural, and medicinal aspects of cacao and chocolate. Their research culminated in annotated bibliographies, research posters, and presentations at both the Hispanic Heritage Month event and the Association for Science Teacher Education annual conference. Experiential learning activities included cultural documentation by Spanish minor Olivia Eubanks, creative design by graphic design major Reggi Pech, culinary demonstration by culinary arts major Erik Vasquez-Diaz, and data collection for program evaluation by family science major Hailey McCool. These activities provided students with hands-on experience and opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts. The project also extended into the classroom, with Dr. Vergara integrating related themes into her Spanish language and literature courses. It also allowed Mr. Dodson the opportunity for continue mentoring outside of the classroom setting. Overall, the interdisciplinary experience highlighted the value of collaboration across disciplines and the importance of experiential learning in enhancing students\u27 understanding of complex topics

Understanding the Strain-Specific Pathogenicity of Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is the leading causative agent of infections like pneumonia, otitis media, and meningitis. It is also becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, this study aims to investigate strain-specific pathogenicity in the virulent TIGR4 and avirulent R6 strains of S. pneumoniae by comparing differences in virulent factors, like Pneumococcal Surface Protein A (PspA)

Enterococcus Faecalis: The Bacteria that Survives Snake Venom

Enterococcus faecalis is a bacterium responsible for many infections each year due to its virulence or its ability to withstand extremely harsh conditions. Not only can E. faecalis withstand evironmental and antibiotic stresses, but it has also been found to survive in snake venom. This has created a number of issues for the thousands of snake bite victims in the United States each year. The spx gene in E. faecalis has been found responsible for the bacterium\u27s virulence, however, it has not been specified which part of the gene is responsible. Therefore, I propose that the spx gene should be mutated in its entirety to determine the specific parts responsible for the virulance of E. faecalis

Closing Remarks and Award Announcements

Hillary A. H. Richardson - Closing remarks Amanda Clay Powers - Community Read Essay Contest Award Announcement Dr. Scott Tollison - 2024 URC Award Announcements This event will be live-streamed from the Tiered Classroom in Fant Memorial Library

Investigating SCUBE3 Nuclear Localization in Presence of Doxorubicin Treatment in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 3 (SCUBE3) is a glycosylated secreted protein. Prior to its secretion, SCUBE3 localizes in the cytoplasm. We observed that SCUBE3 protein trans-localized to the nucleus following Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. DOX is one of the strongest chemotherapeutic agents and the first-line drug used in breast cancer treatment. SCUBE3 structural analysis showed that it lacks a DNA binding domain. Based on this observation and other preliminary data, we hypothesized that nuclear SCUBE3 protein promotes the survival of cells against Doxorubicin treatment. To investigate this hypothesis, we made a wild-type construct and three constructs with mutated nuclear localization sequences (NLS). These constructs will help to determine whether SCUBE3 requires the predicted NLS to localize to the nucleus in the presence of DOX treatment and study SCUBE3 nuclear function. The constructs were also linked to green fluorescence protein (GFP). GFP is a report protein that will help us monitor the location of SCUBE3 in the cells and determine if putative NLS is required for SCUBE3 translocation. The GFP will also help the differentiation between endogenous and ectopic SCUBE3 proteins. We are also generating stable cells expressing each construct for functional analysis

Genomic Exploration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Unraveling Complexity for Effective Intervention

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is most often found attacking the lungs. We searched into the genomic aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, addressing the need to understand its genetic complexity and implications for effective intervention. We explore the genomic landscape of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, shedding light on key genetic features. Emphasis is placed on recent developments in microbial genomics that contribute to our understanding of the organism\u27s biology and pathogenicity. Focusing on the genes that exhibit variations within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome is crucial for advancing our knowledge and devising targeted strategies in the fight against tuberculosis

Language Interpreters in School Systems

In many classrooms across Mississippi, the number of English Language Learners, also known as ELL students, are increasing each school year. The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has 12,000 ELL students just within our state. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) must rely on a firm understanding of the culture, the case history obtained for the client, and assess normal communicative patterns of the client’s dominant language as well as normal patterns of the client’s second language acquisition. With this information in mind, it is evident that SLPs need to acquire a certain subset of diagnostic skills prior to engaging in language assessment with bilingual children. This current study is aimed to determine the possibility for SLPs to be accompanied by language interpreters in school systems across Mississippi with large populations of ELL students. This study will consist of two surveys. The first survey will analyze the number of verified interpreters working in Mississippi, or within a 30-mile radius. The second survey will evaluate the school’s SLP’s perception on the need for a Language Interpreter based on the number and languages of the ELL students in their school system. The goal for the research study is to show if it would be beneficial for each school system to have an interpreter, what languages need to be targeted for each individual school system, and if the possibility is even an option

Exploring the virulence of kasA and kasB gene of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains

Exploring the virulence of kasA and kasB gene of the M. tuberculosis strains Biraj Adhikari Mississippi University for Women; Columbus; MS Complex lipids on the pathogens cell surface are one of the cause of pathogens virulence. In case of M. tuberculosis, complex lipids along with lipoglycans on its cell surface makes its virulence stronger. In this study we are exploring the virulence caused by the gene product of kasA and kasB gene among different strains of M. tuberculosis