Research Posters

Posters and supplementary materials resulting from UNE student research projects.

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Effect Of Xylitol Versus Sugar On Caries Risk

Alyssa Birmingham, Kailey Hart, Raissa Igihozo, and Amanda Osmolski

The effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk is a rising trend in caries prevention. The dominant explanation for this trend is explained by xylitol’s ability to significantly decrease caries rates in recent studies. To answer the question, in adult patients, what is the effect of xylitol versus sugar on caries risk, we compared previous studies in a literature review. The limitations of these findings include the many... Read More
Opioid Addiction And Its Effect On Oral Health

Nicholas Chamberlain-Nunes, Andalena Chancio, and Annika Thomas

Opioid addiction in this nation is an extremely prevalent public health crisis. The same can be said about dental caries and other oral health conditions. Research shows that opioid addiction and dental caries have a strong correlation, even former opioid addicts are more likely to have caries. The studies reviewed for this paper include an Iranian study, one on the effects of use during pregnancy, a systematic review and... Read More
The Effect Of Periodontal Therapy On Diabetic Patients

Amelia Cohen, Deidra Perreault, and Riley Reardon

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease affecting the body’s ability to produce the hormone insulin. The comparison between diabetic patients who received periodontal therapy, as opposed to those who have not, is explored in this report. Factors such as clinical attachment loss, probing depths, and effectiveness of periodontal therapy are measured. Recognizing the study's limitations, we conclude that non-surgical periodontal treatment on diabetic patients with periodontitis is shown... Read More
Periodontal Disease And Alzheimer’s Disease

Lexis Labonte and Jaycee Cole

There is a direct correlation between patients with periodontal disease and negative cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Research has proven that those who suffer from Alzheimer’s/dementia have a reduced dentition which negatively impacts masticatory function. With impaired masticatory function, it leads to poor nutrition which has a direct effect on cerebral stimulation and blood flow which worsens the effects of Alzheimer’s. The bacteria that is present during periodontitis, causes... Read More
Teledentistry In Dentistry

Jaycee Murray and Lauren Chestnut

Teledentistry is an online service that is utilized in many dental offices allowing for clinicians to virtually meet with patients using interactive tools and telecommunications. This method of care has been extremely beneficial to both the patient and clinician as it continues to become popular and more developed, it increases access to care for many populations by minimizing the cost of dental treatment and providing more convenient care options.... Read More
Vaping Is More Dangerous Than You Think

Chantel Perreault, Jodi Poirier, Chantelle Vazquez, and Kaelyn Gallipeau

It is predicted that cigarette smokers and users of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have poor periodontal health and greater levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 in their saliva, compared to nonusers. Electronic cigarettes heat the liquid within the cartridge at a level that permits the individual to inhale. The inhalation within the lungs leads to tooth decay, gum disease and even oral cancer. The studies included... Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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