Marie Olivieri Russell and Sarah Sundborg Long

Marie Olivieri Russell Dr. Russell attended Jefferson Medical College where she graduated top of her class in 1970. In addition to being the first woman to receive the Alumni Prize for highest cumulative GPA, in 1971 she became the first student to serve as a full voting member of the Board of Trustees at Jefferson. After graduation she completed both a residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology Oncology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before continuing on as a part of their academic staff until 1981 and managing the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program. After leaving Children’s and academic medicine Dr. Russell transitioned into Primary Care, eventually co-founding a pediatric practice for Crozer-Keystone Health System in Media, Pennsylvania. The practice later moved to Springfield, Pennsylvania, grew to include six physicians, and became part of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Primary Care Network. Over the years she also held faculty appointments at University of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann Medical College, and Drexel University. Dr. Russell retired in 2005 to spend more time with her family. Sarah Sundborg Long Dr. Long graduated from St. Francis College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology before entering Jefferson Medical College. Upon her graduation in 1970 she completed an Infectious Disease residency and fellowship at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. She is currently the Chief for the Section of Infectious Diseases at St Christopher’s and a Professor of Pediatrics at Drexel University College of Medicine. Throughout her teaching career she has held more than seventy-five visiting professorships and earned a number of honors and awards, including most recently the Lindback Award. Dr. Long is the founding editor of Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Disease as well as an associate editor of The Journal of Pediatrics and the Red Book Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her main research areas are common infectious diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases in children.https://jdc.jefferson.edu/oral_histories/1010/thumbnail.jp

Mapping the Hot Spots: Zoning Approaches to Space Analysis

This poster examines a preliminary approach to space design developed and implemented in Eastern Kentucky University’s Noel Studio for Academic Creativity. The approach discussed here is entitled “Hot Spots,” which has allowed the research team to observe trends in space usage and composing activities among students. The Hot Spots approach has yielded valuable insights into the design of flexible learning spaces that provide a point of reflection for the future

Correlation Between Lecture Engagement and Academic Performance in the UTRGV School of Medicine

Introduction: The landscape of medical education has witnessed significant changes in recent years, marked by a decline in both in-person lecture attendance and online lecture viewership. This trend is particularly notable in the post-COVID-19 era and raises important questions about the relationship between lecture engagement and academic performance among medical students. Our study seeks to investigate the correlation between lecture viewership and course performance, with a specific focus on the unique context of the UTRGV School of Medicine. Our primary objectives were to (1) evaluate the correlation between lecture viewership and academic performance and (2) examine the relationship between lecture engagement and academic outcomes based on the medical school year (MS1 and MS2). We hypothesized that performance would be related to lecture engagement in a discipline-related manner. Our findings aim to provide insights into the effectiveness of lecture engagement as a learning method and its potential influence on academic success in the unique context of the UTRGV School of Medicine. The results may serve as valuable guidance for administrative decisions regarding the optimization of lecture formats to better meet the needs of medical students. Methodology: Lecture engagement was evaluated by analyzing viewing data from Panopto, the UTRGV learning management system capture system. The study focused on the class of 2026 in the 2023 Renal and Male Reproduction (RMR) module. De-identified viewing data from the module was systematically categorized by discipline and week. We evaluated relationships with viewing data to corresponding performance overall and by discipline. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. Results: Preliminary data from the Renal and Male Reproduction module suggests that total minutes of lecture viewing had a negative trend in relation to end of module performance (R=0.0135; slope = -0.2874). Notably, students performing above 90% were identified in both students who watched a substantial amount of lectures and those with minimal viewership. However, a positive trend was observed between online lecture engagement and performance on the quizzes, particularly in quiz 4 (R=0.0585, slope=87.575). Conclusions: In summary, our findings suggest that online lecture engagement correlates to a trend in increased quiz grades but decreased performance on the end-of-module exam. We attribute this pattern to the nature of assessments, with quizzes being professor-written and end-of-module exam questions sourced from an NBME standardized question bank. Also, it is worth noting that the higher scores associated with decreased lecture watching may point to active, in-class participation. Therefore, this negative trend may indicate a potential benefit of in-person lecture attendance and engagement. Moreover, reduced lecture engagement may suggest that those students could be utilizing self-study and alternative means of learning to fulfill course outcomes

The Link Between Depression and Bone Fractures in the Rio Grande Valley

Background: The prevalence of depression has increased throughout the twenty-first century, with depression experiencing a spike in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent evidence has suggested that depression may be linked with changes in bone health such as fractures which may then worsen the existing depression. In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between depression and bone health directly in the patient population in the Rio Grande Valley, an area that is medically underserved. Specifically, we sought to determine how a history of depression was related to bone fracture frequency in our target population. We hypothesized that individuals diagnosed with depression would have an increased risk of bone fractures compared to individuals without depression. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records within the UTHealth RGV database at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) from 2019 through 2022. We analyzed medical records that had: (1) a dual diagnosis of depression and a bone fracture (Group 1; n=32), (2) a diagnosis of only a fractured bone (Group 2; n=117), (3) a diagnosis of only depression (Group 3; n=1,918), and (4) the total number of patients (Group 4; n=50,784). We then calculated the fracture incidence rate for individuals in Group 3 and compared it to the fracture incidence rate in individuals without depression. The depression prevalence and fracture incidence rates for our data were also calculated and compared to the national depression prevalence and fracture incidence rate. Lastly, 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the uncertainty in our data. Results:Our findings suggest that the fracture rate for individuals diagnosed with depression was 1.67% in the Rio Grande Valley, while the fracture incidence rate in individuals without depression was observed to be 0.24% (p Conclusion: Our results suggest that bone health may be impacted in individuals with depression in the Rio Grande Valley. Overall, we anticipate that our findings may be used to improve bone health in individuals with depression in order to prevent future fractures

The Influence of Concussions on Fracture Severity: A Retrospective Chart Review

Background: Since 2005, there has been an 87% increase in concussions in high school sports. Concussions and concussion-like events are associated with a myriad of pathologies, but recently, clinical research has suggested that such events can lead to hypoparathyroidism and decreased bone mass. Specifically, research has suggested that following a concussion-like event, blood calcium may be reduced and influence bone mass and future healing from bone insults. However, a specific correlation between the loss of available blood calcium and severity of bone fractures in previously concussed individuals has yet to be identified. In this study, we will explore the clinical correlations between head trauma, specifically concussions, and the severity of bone fractures in the unique and diverse population of the Rio Grande Valley. Methods: We conducted a Retrospective Chart Review of medical records within UTRGV Health. We evaluated medical charts that were classified with the following ICD-10 codes for concussion and concussion-like events: S06.0, S06.0X0, S06.0X1, S06.0XA, S06.0X9. For all reviewed charts, we evaluated sex, ethnicity/demographics, metabolic blood panel data, and age. ICD-10 concussion codes were cross-referenced with calcium serum levels derived by the metabolic blood panel data to determine if there is a correlation between the different criteria. Additional factors considered included: severity of the head trauma, time between the head trauma and calcium results, and relevant clinical pathologies the patients might possess. Within these parameters, seven individuals were identified and evaluated. Average calcium was determined by taking the average of all available calcium tests within the Athena database (n=20,960). Results/Discussion: Our criteria resulted in 7 medical charts being reviewed. Age ranges for reviewed patients were 17 to 46 years old. Blood calcium levels from the reviewed charts ranged from: 9.0 to 9.6 mg/dL. The average observed blood calcium level in individuals with a history of concussion was 9.2 +/- 0.22 mg/dL compared to normal calcium values of 9.35 mg/dL. Therefore our preliminary findings suggest that concussion-like events may be linked with lower calcium levels. Conclusion: Our data indicates that concussions may be implicated in causing a lowered serum calcium in patients, implying there may be a clinically relevant link between concussions and decreased serum calcium levels. Decreased serum calcium may be indicated as a risk factor for a plethora of other bone related illnesses, including osteoporosis and bone fractures. Further research is planned to expand the parameters of the study to include ICD-10 codes S02, S03, S07,and S09. This will allow researchers to further test if traumatic brain injury is clinically associated with a lowered serum calcium level

Neurological Comorbidities in Hispanic Skin Cancer Patients in South Texas: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Skin cancer is highly prevalent in the South Texas region due to a combination of increased UVB exposure, occupational hazards, and lack of access to preventative screening. Unfortunately, several studies have suggested that skin cancer diagnosis may be linked with an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. For example, it was recently suggested that amyloid beta plaques may have a role in melanoma metastasis. Here, we seek to evaluate the role of skin cancer incidence and the degree and severity of neurological comorbidities, with a particular focus on the Hispanic patient population. We anticipate that a unique relationship will exist in the Hispanic patient population, where a history of skin cancer may be related to a more severe or early-onset neurodegenerative disease. Method: We conducted a comprehensive retrospective chart review of UT Health RGV medical records for all common skin cancers dating back five years. We included common skin cancers within ICD-10 codes C44, C43, and C4A for our analysis. This classification includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Inclusion criteria for the study included patients who self-reported as Hispanic or Latino/Spanish. We excluded charts that were duplicative or needed more information. After screening, we reviewed 838 unique patient charts for accompanying neurological comorbidities. We examined neurological comorbidities classified by the following ICD-10 codes: Q85.0, G20, and G30. These classifications include neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, schwannomatosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Statistical analysis consisted of chi-square testing, correlation analysis, and survival analysis. Results/discussion: Our analysis aimed to help elucidate potential relationships between common skin cancers and neurological comorbidities. Specifically, we evaluated the association between having skin cancer and neurological comorbidities, the strength and direction of the relationship between variables, and the time it takes to develop neurological conditions after the development of skin cancer. Our preliminary findings suggest a relationship will exist between the existence of our neurological comorbidities of interest and prior or concurrent skin cancer malignancies. Conclusion: This project aims to elucidate the prevalence of neurological disorders in patients with current or prior cases of common skin cancers. Due to the geographical and socioeconomic nature of the Rio Grande Valley, our patient population is increasingly susceptible to various skin-related malignancies. With a lack of specialists and medical professionals as a whole, this issue is compounded, leading to adverse outcomes in the long term. If a relationship is shown, the long-term goal would be to promote the education and screening of neurological and skin conditions in the area and provide additional fodder for future research goals

Quantifying Incidence of Early Onset Neurodegenerative Disease Post Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rio Grande Valley, a Retrospective Chart Review

Background: Researchers have previously established evidence of early onset neurodegenerative disease (NDD) in certain patient populations post traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a region in South Texas which has some of the largest health disparities in the United States. This retrospective chart review aims to quantify the difference in onset of NDD in patients with and without history of TBI within the RGV from that of the broader American population in order to determine the extent at which early onset NDD may be mitigated with appropriate intervention. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using electronic medical records (EMR) obtained from the UTRGV health system databases composed of multidisciplinary clinics and hospitals. A search query revealed 2686 unique patients that met our inclusion criteria for charts containing ICD-10 codes of S06.X or Z87.820 (TBI); and either G20, G23, G30, or G31-G35 (NDD). After review and curation, 594 charts met exclusion criteria for insufficient data, erroneous data entry, and redundant entry resulting in 2092 charts that met final inclusion criteria. Population coverage was determined by mapping clinic location via zip code and using corresponding census population data to reach a population estimate of 1,167,792. Patients with concomitant diagnoses of TBI and NDD were compared with patients with a history inclusive for only one of the pathologies by way of relative risk (RR) calculation. Results: Data analysis suggests a RR of 3.42 favoring NDD development in TBI positive patients within the RGV (RR = 3.42, 95% CI 1.10 - 10.6 ). This risk ratio nominally exceeds that found in comparable American populations (older American veterans; RR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.35–1.83). Average patient age of initial encounter for NDD within the RGV was 73 ±1.72 compared to 64.3 ±27.35 for dually diagnosed TBI/NDD patients. Conclusions: Trends exist in our current data which suggest an earlier onset of NDD in patients with a history of TBI compared to patients without TBI in the RGV. There also seems to be a greater relative risk for development of NDD in TBI positive patients within the RGV when compared to their broader American counterparts. Adoption of screening techniques aimed at identifying patients with history of TBI may lead to a timelier diagnosis and earlier initiation of treatment of NDD, reducing severity and burden of disease in the valley. In order to strengthen and establish significance of these observed trends, more patient EMRs must be identified which meet study criteria for review and continued analysis to clarify, discover, and strengthen the aforementioned relationships. Different methods can be adopted in the future to create a more robust and accurate data pool. We suggest employing TBI oriented survey questions and screening tools for appropriate patients

"Won’t You be my Neighbor?"

This study investigates family perceptions of character education and social emotional learning in PBS Kids educational media programming.  Interview transcripts of parents and their children were analyzed to investigate their perceptions of the media programming and the impact it has on character development and social emotional well-being.  This study indicates that many parents who were exposed to PBS in their youth and are returning to PBS for foundational support when in raising their children. The wholesome messages depicted on PBS shows, like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, are helping parents teach their children about complex topics, such as how they feel, what they value, and cleanliness in the home. This assistance, in turn, enables parents to have conversations that help their children thrive, and foster a healthy and supportive parental/child relationship

Hypertension Education and the Burlington Housing Authority

Background: • 2/3 seniors are hypertensive (\u3e140/90 mm Hg) • Hypertension is the most common risk factor for premature heart disease and stroke • Non-modifiable risk factors: race, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolemia • Modifiable risk factors: smoking, obesity, and excessive alcohol • Clinical trials show that lifestylemodification and medications can reduce the incidence of adverse outcomes associated with hypertension • Patient education is a high priorityhttps://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1026/thumbnail.jp