DNA Typing Compatibility with a One Step Saliva Screening Test

Screening a substrate for bodily fluids is an extremely important step for locating areas that may contain DNA. Several different methods have been developed for saliva (1). The Phadebas® Forensic Press (PFP) test is a presumptive saliva test that utilizes a preloaded paper that will react with the enzyme amylase, a component of saliva (2-5). Because of its ability to screen for amylase while simultaneously locating stains, the PFP may prove to be an effective, rapid method for screening. However it is important to assess whether the PFP introduces any inhibitors (7) to downstream processing such as PCR amplification. Based on previous studies, we hypothesize that the PFP will provide a rapid and sensitive method for locating multiple saliva stains simultaneously, without introducing inhibitors to DNA profiling. To test the limitations of PFP as well as evaluated its effects on DNA profiling we first created a dilution series of saliva ranging from neat to 1:5000. After this we preformed sensitivity tests on an indirect method, UV degraded samples and washed samples as well as with bodily fluid mixtures. Once all sensitivity tests were done, cuttings were taken from the substrate and PFP paper and analyzed for DNA. Tests found that the sensitivity ranges of the PFP were between 1:10 and 1:1000, indirect tests were less sensitive than direct, all bodily fluid mixtures were detected, and UV degraded samples took more time to react. In addition our DNA results confirmed our hypothesis that PFP does not inhibit DNA and is a useful method for locating stains. This project was funded by NSFREU Grant DBI 1262832

Agronomy in African smallholder systems

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Hidden Gem: Realizing the Value of Community in Healthcare Environments

Holistic approaches in healthcare address a problem from its root causes. The American healthcare model – both its treatment and distribution methods – is among the many issues that divides the nation. We have found ourselves with millions of uninsured people among a growing population where chronic illness is on the rise among adults and children, especially within low-income demographics (Goodman & Conway, 2016). Though this is a widespread epidemic, only recently has there been any effort to question and reform traditional healthcare. The way that wellness is assessed in America has been detrimental to patient outcomes. The over prescription of and dependency on pharmaceutical drugs has resulted in widespread addiction (World Health Organization, 2017). Too often, individuals wait until a problem is beyond fixing and are prescribed pharmaceuticals to simply cover the symptoms. These go-to drugs simplify the patient’s issue, contributing to the impersonal, rushed treatment that people have become accustomed to. This is especially true for women navigating a healthcare system that is not only uneducated in (Perez, 2019), but dismissive of female specific chronic conditions. It has created a cycle that we now must dig ourselves out of, and people are talking about it. It is becoming clear that, “for everyone, life is a preexisting condition waiting to happen” (Gawande, 2019). While access to healthcare and wellness resources is limited for many due to financial factors, race and gender bias also play a role (Blair, Steiner & Havranek, 2011). Hesitation to seek advice and treatment often comes from the anticipation of discrimination. The holistic approach of functional medicine is on the rise and addresses this bias by emphasizing individualized treatments and empathy. Holistic medicine is derived from nature and aims to treat the causes of chronic pain or illness, rather than merely treating its symptoms. These types of treatments include massage and bodywork, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbalism and stress management. A key aspect of functional medicine is that it fosters community. By considering the interconnectedness of the human body and mind, grassroots holistic practices work to overcome discrimination by focusing on accessible resources, meaningful patient to physician relationships and education that raises awareness. This research, supplemented by surveys and interviews with practitioners, experts and business owners both outside of and within Richmond’s wellness community, explores the ways in which the built environment can influence empathy and empowerment within healthcare. It will emphasize the value of community in healthcare environments, supporting the idea that functional medicine within a group setting promotes wellness and an overall better quality of life. Research findings support the development of a design concept for a functional medicine facility centered around a space for gathering, dialogue and education

Working with the Unknown

My capstone project consists of developing my personal skills and knowledge when working with children with special needs, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder. I provide some insight and background knowledge the reader will need to know. Then this capstone will showcase the most important findings of my research and how I applied it while caring for these children. It will also consider the perspectives of key stakeholders and how they benefit from this research. To conclude I will relish my findings of what worked and how my innovative approach helped others

Decreasing Hospital Acquired Pneumonia in Adult Patients by Patient Care Technicians: Education with a Focus on Oral Care and Tooth Brushing

Hospital acquired pneumonia’s (HAPs) are unfortunate and preventable events quality improvement efforts should focus on. At a Northern California Hospital, there was an unmet HAP rate goal of 2.3 (20 out of 8795 patients) against a target goal of 2. This increase in HAP rates, both non-ventilated and ventilated was a call to action to reduce HAP to the target goal. The quality improvement project specifically aimed to reduce HAP rates on medical-surgical units through an ultra-brief refresher on the hospital validated and endorsed ROUTE bundle. The education focused on oral care completed by the patient care technicians (PCT’s). The second aim focused on pinpointing barriers PCT’s face in completing oral care. This was collected through survey questions. Additional visual aids (e.g., color ROUTE flyers) were distributed to the PCT’s and posted on each floor visited. We expect a decrease of HAP rates once data is collected in the quarterly report early next year 2023. This collected data will become available in the Crossing Quality Chasm (CQC) quarterly reports. Themes noted from the survey questions: addressing barriers to oral care included poor staff to patient ratio and patient refusal. Recommendations for future steps include focusing on how to motivate and educate patients on the negative ramifications of omitting oral care

Therapeutic Heat: Effects of Superficial and Deep Heating Modalities on Hamstring Flexibility

Poor muscle flexibility has often been associated with injury. Therapeutic heating modalities are frequently used to increase the extensibility of the muscle. The purpose of this study was to compare immediate changes in hamstring flexibility following the application of superficial (moist heat pack) and deep (1 MHz ultrasound) heating modalities. Twenty-four college aged subjects met the inclusion criteria and volunteered for this study. Subjects reported to the Athletic Training Lab and received either the ultrasound or moist heat pack treatment. Hamstring flexibility was measured pre and post treatment using an active knee extension test with an inclinometer. An average of three measurements was used in the analysis. Subjects who received the ultrasound treatment showed greater immediate gains in hamstring flexibility. Therefore ultrasound would be the recommended treatment for increasing extensibility of the hamstring muscles

The Perceived Influence of Non-Cognitive Skills on the Student Post-Secondary Journey

Learners typically enter higher education by meeting the academic threshold placed on them by their institution; however, their ability or inability to traverse the multi-interactional elements of post-secondary life are what underlie the premise of this research study. Over 320,000 students begin their post-secondary journey at a Canadian institution each year (Statistics Canada, 2019), and of those students, approximately 20-25% will withdraw before their second year (Grayson & Grayson, 2003). Of the students who choose to attend a community college in the Greater Toronto Area, 29-45% will never complete their program (Lopez-Rabson & McCloy, 2013). However, questions have been raised as to learner preparedness when entering higher education and whether today’s learners possess the non-cognitive skill levels needed to handle their new learning environment and to adequately engage with the resources designed to support their transition, success, and retention (Adams, 2012; Savitz-Romer & Bouffard, 2012). As a result, this study explored the current level, value, and role of non-cognitive skills in today’s college learners, along with the impact these skills have on their post-secondary journey. More specifically, the how and what stakeholders have experienced with non-cognitive skills were explored to understand its impact on student post-secondary experiences, academic and social development, engagement, and ultimately the decision-making process and ability to persist to graduation. Qualitative data were collected in the fall of 2019 at an Ontario community college located in the Greater Toronto Area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis as the research method. In total, the lived experiences of nine college stakeholders consisting of three students, two staff members, two faculty members, and two administrators were analyzed and interpreted to gain the perspectives of those who occupy the Ontario college ecosystem. Although not generalizable, results showed that staff, faculty members, and administrators perceived non-cognitive skills to be lacking among today’s college learners at a recognizable level. This, in turn, was said to contribute to student difficulties with juggling new responsibilities, coping with tragedies, forming new friendships and social circles, participating in academic and social activities, and making controlled decisions. These skill deficiencies were also found to contribute to students questioning their place within higher education and to situations where bumps along the college journey cannot be overcome. Student participants of this study held varying views regarding current skill levels. Student stories revealed perceptions of non-cognitive skill levels among the student population as lacking, good, and unknown. Nonetheless, non-cognitive skills were found to have a positive impact on a learner’s post-secondary journey and all stakeholder groups identified a need for institutions to work toward developing these skills among their student population. Three recommendations were offered to build community awareness and create skill-development opportunities. The recommendations encouraged institutions to: 1) plan, integrate, and embed non-cognitive skills development in all facets of college life from student services to the classroom; 2) raise non-cognitive skills awareness and development through exposure and education; 3) provide upfront disclosure of the essential skills needed for program and student success