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  Stopping The Progression Of Periodontal Disease With Laser Therapy

  Sarah Almukhtar, Autumn Baker, and Joann Moulton

  
  

  A thorough execution of bacteria is not necessarily achieved by non-surgical periodontal instrumentation alone, so it is likely that optimal healing may not take place. Numerous studies have reported on the uses of laser therapy in conjunction with nonsurgical instrumentation. In periodontal laser therapy, the fiber optic tip is placed at the top of the periodontal pocket to remove the diseased tissue that lines the pocket. This is done... Read More

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  The Rehabilitation Of A 75-Year-Old Male Presenting With A Right Hip Flexor Strain Concomitant With Numerous Psychosocial Factors: A Case Report

  Jillian Battista, Megan Chapski, Suma Varanasi, Jillian Witwicki, and Tara Paradie

  
  

  Musculoskeletal disorders, often well understood, are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Concomitant psychosocial factors add a layer of complexity to the physical therapy treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the potential impact psychological factors have in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, specifically the rehabilitation of a right hip flexor strain.

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  Wash Your Hands... And Brush Your Teeth!

  Michelle Desjardins, Sarah Desrochers, Emma Heyland, and Joann Moulton

  
  

  COVID-19 has become a novel pandemic increasing rapidly all over the world. Periodontal disease and COVID-19 share many of the same risk factors such as age, gender, and systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Although not many studies exist on periodontal disease (PD) and COVID-19 due to it being a new and emerging topic, many studies suggest key links between the two. Maintaining superior oral health is especially important... Read More

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  Pour Me Some Polyphenols

  Sara Dupont, Sadie Garceau, Sydney Jones, and Debra Chalmers

  
  

  Polyphenols have a positive impact on the overall health of the oral cavity. They can be found in different drinks that are plant-based such as tea, coffee or products containing cocoa. They can be found in plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols are able to reduce the cariogenic process is what makes them have such an importance in oral health. They play a role in systemic health. The... Read More

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  Cranberry Extract’s Potential To Reduce Streptococcus Mutans

  Eliza Estey, Baylee Flemming, Emma Graves, Julia Hamilton, and Courtney E. Vannah

  
  

  Streptococcus mutans is the most prominent cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity due to strong adhesion properties. Reducing the leading cariogenic bacteria in dental caries is important for the longevity of natural teeth. The anti-adhesion effects from cranberry derivatives could be helpful in reducing the amount of S. mutans. This literature review aims to determine whether cranberry extract based mouth rinse is effective in reduction of the S. mutans... Read More

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  Excessive Oxygen Administration During General Anesthesia

  Soleil Gibbs

  
  

  Nearly all patients undergoing general anesthesia will be administered oxygen and 83% of patients will be exposed to potentially preventable hyperoxemia (Suzuki et al., 2018). Physiological changes occur within the body when exposed to supranormal oxygen levels. Nurse Anesthetists must evaluate the potential risk and benefit of oxygen therapy. A review of the literature was completed to provide evidence based practice guidance to Anesthesia Providers regarding the use of... Read More

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  Save the Bees, They Prevent Caries

  Michaela Godzick, Jessica Meyer, Magnolia Nishan, Aleigh Toof, and Debra Chalmers

  
  

  Research poster investigating the question: Does the use of natural product based dental products containing propolis provide a decreased risk of caries compared to dental products that are not natural product based? Propolis is a product that is created from bees that is commonly found in a wide variety of natural dental products. Propolis has many beneficial effects; antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. Dental caries are prominent in... Read More

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  Efficacy Of Programmed Intermittent Epidural Boluses For Labor Analgesia

  Keisha Joyce

  
  

  Programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) is an automated method of administering epidural local analgesia with or without opioids. Fixed boluses at scheduled intervals can be utilized as an alternative to a continuous epidural infusion (CEI) alone or as a background administration with a PCEA technique. The purpose of this research project is to provide education regarding PIEB and investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing this new technique into... Read More

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  Development Of A Comprehensive Web-Based Prehabilitation Program For Gastrointestinal Cancer Survivors

  Eric Norman, Maryam Nahidian, Amy J. Litterini, and Timothy Fitzgerald

  
  

  Background: Individuals with frailty who undergo surgical procedures for gastrointestinal cancers are more likely to experience post-surgical complications, have a higher readmission rate, are more likely to be discharged to skilled care, and have an over four-fold risk of mortality. Developing targeted patient education tools and resources may support, and reduce complications for, individuals with frailty undergoing and recovering from major abdominal surgery.
  Methods: Program development began via the... Read More

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  Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

  Katelynn Perkins, Sophany Srey, and Courtney E. Vannah

  
  

  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by upper airway obstruction during sleep. This literature review aimed to determine if myofunctional therapy (MT) could be an effective treatment for OSA. The goal of MT is to induce changes in weak and dysfunctional upper airway muscles. The literature suggests that myofunctional therapy may reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate OSA.

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  Effects Of Vaping Nicotine Vs Traditional Cigarette Smoking On Periodontal Patients

  Rachel Pion, Brianna Fontes, Megan Robert, and Debra Chalmers

  
  

  Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as an attempt to decrease traditional smoking. Chemicals found in cigarettes are known to be harmful to the periodontium. Nicotine, found in both inhalants, is a vasoconstrictor that causes a reduction in the inflammatory response. This leads to less bleeding and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow in those that smoke cigarettes versus those that vape. Due to e-cigarettes new prevalence, additional research is required... Read More

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  Effects Of Polyphenols On Periodontitis

  Scott Roberts, Noah Sawtelle, Emma Nelson, Marayah Hynes, and Joann Moulton

  
  

  Pharmacological agents have been used for centuries to treat or cure diseases. Foods, herbs, and extracts can produce similar pharmacological effects, one being polyphenols. This extract in particular exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One cellular study stated the biofilm forming capacity and viability of periodontitis pathogens can be significantly altered by dietary polyphenols. Each year 2.8 million people in the United States are diagnosed with an antibiotic resistant bacterial... Read More

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  Melatonin, Hops, Valerian, Oh My!

  Jessie Shiers, Savanna Patenaude, Charlotte St. Louis, and Sydney Springer

  
  

  Research poster describing the following:

  This case report reviews the evidence for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) options for insomnia. Fourth-year pharmacy students conducted a comprehensive literature search to determine which CAMs have evidence for efficacy and safety in insomnia.

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  Exparel Versus Bupivacaine: Outcomes, Advantages, And Costs

  Jessica Duraney

  
  

  Research poster comparing two local anesthetics, bupivacaine and Exparel (liposomal bupivacaine). The use of these drugs in various regional techniques, specifically for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and abdominal surgeries, is discussed. Research shows that adequate pain control is associated with increased patient satisfaction, faster rehabilitation, mobilization, reduced hospital stays, and ultimately decreased hospital costs. Due to the many disadvantages of opioids, such as ileus, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, tolerance,... Read More

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  Protecting The Oral Health Of Those Who Protected Us

  Taylor Acheson, Jessica Daniels, Peyton Janelle, Anne Murphy, and Melissa Rocha

  
  

  Research poster addressing the question: What oral health programs in long-term care facilities improve oral health outcomes? The need for effective oral hygiene programs in long-term care (LTC) veterans facilities is crucial due to the rise in the elderly population, as well as untreated caries in older adults. As a state, Maine has 15% of older adults with untreated caries, 41% with gingivitis, 14% with periodontal diseases, and 2.7%... Read More

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  Physical Therapy Management Of Low Back Pain In A Young Female With Ankylosing Spondylitis Associated With HLA-B27 Antigen: A Case Report

  Jake Adkins

  
  

  Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial skeletal system that causes back pain and loss of mobility with strong potential for slow, eventual spinal fusion. It affects 0.2-0.5% of the United States population and has no known cure, yet greater than 60 genetic components are involved. HLA-B27 is a genetic component highly correlated with AS. Its presence creates inflammatory response at... Read More

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  Return To Golf In A 71-Year-Old Female After A Mako Robotic-Arm-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

  Katelyn Austin

  
  

  Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the elderly. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) have been increasing in prevalence at a rate of 30% each year. Robotic-arm-assisted UKAs increases the accuracy of implant positioning compared to traditional techniques which helps with a quicker recovery. Little literature on UKAs, but total knee arthroplasty (TKA) interventions should focus on knee range of motion (ROM), strengthening, gait training, icing, and... Read More

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  Physical Therapy Interventions To Increase Independence With Functional Mobility For An Older Individual With Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report

  Eleni Bautz

  
  

  Spinal stenosis includes narrowing of the spinal canal which can affect nerves and other structures that pass through. Symptoms commonly associated with spinal stenosis are pain and paresthesia into the lower extremities. Spinal stenosis is diagnosed through patient history, clinical findings, and/or physical tests. Literature supports the use of physical therapy (PT) for conservative treatment in decreasing signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis The purpose of this case report... Read More

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  Rehabilitation And Prosthetic Training For An Individual With Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputations Due To Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Case Report

  Morgan Bessette

  
  

  Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition in which there is a disruption of blood flow to the extremities. Common causes of PVD include: hypertension (HTN), smoking, cardiac disease and/or diabetes. 12 to 20% of the population greater than 60 years old are affected by PVD. PVD can cause intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI) and is therefore the most common cause of lower extremity amputation (LEA). Individuals... Read More

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  Effects Of Sleep Hygiene In The Hospital

  Tina Bhakta, Paxton Arsenault, Maya Ahluwalia, and Rachel Coats

  
  

  Research poster by UNE Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy students investigating the definition of and recommendations for good sleep hygiene, the limitations of the hospital setting on attainment of sleep hygiene, and the benefits of sleep hygiene for hospital patients.

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  Oral Versus Intramuscular Cobalamin Treatment In Megaloblastic Anemia: A Single-Center, Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Study

  Tiara Bianco and John Wironen

  
  

  Research review poster of article:
  Bolaman, Z., Kadikoylu, G., Yukselen, V., Yavasoglu, I., Barutca, S., & Senturk, T. (2003). Oral versus intramuscular cobalamin treatment in megaloblastic anemia: a single-center, prospective, randomized, open-label study. Clinical therapeutics, 25(12), 3124–3134. doi:10.1016/s0149-2918(03)90096-8

  UNE Physician Assistant students reviewed research whose purpose was to compare the treatments of PO versus IM cobalamin for patients with megaloblastic anemia due to a cobalamin deficiency in terms of cost... Read More

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  Regaining Independence In Ambulation For A Visually Impaired Patient With Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report

  Brandon Bourgoin

  
  

  Rhabdomyolysis is a myopathic condition with an acute onset that causes a rapid degradation of muscle tissue. It causes a significantly elevated release of creatine kinase (CK), a muscle enzyme that is a cellular component in healthy muscle tissue, into the blood stream. Common causes include muscle trauma (injury/strenuous activity), drug/alcohol abuse, medications, toxins, infections, and extended periods of immobility. Hallmark signs/symptoms include muscle pain, swelling, weakness, and dark... Read More

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  Differences In Mechanics Between First And Second Drop Vertical Jump Landings

  Kirsten Buchanan, Irene S. Davis, Devin A. Finnegan, Brooke I. Flaherty, Jordan G. Lamb, Elisabeth M. Michaud, and Bryan J.M. Raksnis

  
  

  A drop jump and landing, followed by another maximal jump and landing, has been used when assessing injury risk utilizing the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and knee excursion are also commonly analyzed during a drop vertical jump. Previous studies have assessed initial drop vertical jump landing mechanics without assessing the second landing from the subsequent vertical jump. Additionally, analyzing landing mechanics based on... Read More

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  The Role Of Periodontal Disease In Lymphatic Function

  Kristen Carlisle, Hanna Marie, and Haley Taylor

  
  

  Research poster addressing the question: Does periodontal disease affect lymphatic function? Gingival lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid and transport immune cells to lymph nodes but despite this, it is unknown how the lymphatic system impacts periodontal disease in humans. In light of this, studies have been observed on animals with the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), a growth factor known to be increased in periodontal patients. VEGFC is... Read More

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  Physical Therapy Intervention For An Elderly Patient With Comorbidities Following Surgical Fixation Of A Femoral Neck Fracture: A Case Report

  Yu-min Chou

  
  

  More than 300,000 elderly people over age 65 required hospitalization due to hip fracture in 2016. More than 95% of hip fractures are the result of falls. Strength training programs are suggested for geriatric patients with surgical fixation following hip fracture. Returning to prior level of function and quality of life is the primary goal of rehabilitation for geriatric patients recovering from a hip fracture. Complex comorbidities such as... Read More