Comparing the Microbiomes of Dental Plaques in 19th Century Ancestral Remains

During the construction of VCU’s Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building in April 1994, nineteenth century ancestral remains were found in an abandoned well on the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) campus. This well, now known as the East Marshall Street Well (EMSW), is thought to have been used as a disposal location for cadaver dissection for surgical and other medical waste in the past. VCU is now seeking to use DNA sequencing technology to match and assemble bones from each individual for a proper burial, uncover the cultural and historical context in which these people lived, and bring a sense of closure to our community and to these ancestors. The development of oral diseases can result from disruptions to the ecological balance of the oral microbiome, especially by pathogenic bacteria, so studying the dental plaque microbiome and recognizing the different species present can provide insight into the health and disease status of these individuals. This research includes a preliminary study (n=8) on the calcified dental plaques (dental calculus) found on the teeth of the skulls using 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing to uncover information about microbes associated with dental calculus. The two most abundant bacteria associated with these samples were Caulobacteraceae and Cytophagales. The composition of the ancient oral microbiome, which preserves dietary and environmental debris, might also provide us with insight into the dietary patterns and environmental conditions of these individuals.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1425/thumbnail.jp

Mental Health among Chicanos and Chicanas: Barriers to Mental Health Care, Consequences of Disparities, and Resources

Mexican Americans, or Chicanos and Chicanas, face many barriers to mental health care. This literature review was conducted by the Collective Corazón—a VCU student organization, mentored by Dr. Indira Sultanić, that addresses Latinx health equity through service and advocacy—in order to examine the underlying causes and consequences of disparities in mental health in Chicanos and Chicanas. Some of the barriers that affect mental health care in Mexican Americans are racial inequities and discrimination, the societal and/or cultural stigma associated with receiving care, language barriers, lack of health insurance, and legal status. Furthermore, among Chicanos, machismo culture is associated with an increased risk for depression and higher stress levels. Colorism has also been correlated with depression among Chicanos with darker skin phenotypes. Cultural identity also plays a role in mental health for Mexican Americans; a balance of Mexican and American culture is associated with a decreased risk for depression. Among Chicanas, there may be justified mistrust of healthcare systems and services due to historical events. The Latina paradox also has unintended health consequences; Latina women are not screened for prenatal depression as often as other ethnic groups. Lastly, are mental health resources for Latinx communities, like Therapy for Latinx and The Focus on You. However, this review argues that in order to reduce the mental health disparities that Chicanos and Chicanas face, there must be increased awareness of the disparities as well as changes in the healthcare system that address current inequities and barriers.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1408/thumbnail.jp