Student Research Symposium Program-Fall 2023

Alexis Livingston - “Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Utilizing the Anion Gap for Treatment” (session 13) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most severe acute complications in diabetic patients. DKA has higher incidence rates in type one diabetics but can also occur in people with type two diabetes. Severe DKA can result in an unconscious state and even mortality; however, it is typically seen in patients with multiple comorbidities. Effective treatment protocols and prompt identification of reversible causes improve patient outcomes. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to allow glucose in the cells, causing the liver to break down fat for fuel, producing acidic ketones. Failure to properly administer insulin, drug and alcohol abuse, and illnesses such as infection, stroke, or traumatic events can all result in DKA. Evidence-based treatment protocols, including utilizing the anion gap and promptly identifying reversible causes, can improve patient outcomes. Lucinda Lombaard - “Marburg Virus: The Rising Filovirus in Africa” (session 1) Marburg virus is a hemorrhagic fever virus of the Filoviridae family, which consists of single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses. This highly infectious and fatal disease is transmitted to humans through a reservoir host such as bats and monkeys. It is further transmitted from human to human through bodily fluids and blood. This presentation will explore the history of the Marburg virus and will focus on the epidemiology of this specific virus. The significance and structure of Filoviruses will be discussed. Lalomilo Losefa, Jr. - “Capital Punishment” (poster session) The purpose of research on capital punishment is to provide a comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness and ethical implications. Firstly, this research examines whether the death sentence successfully deters crime. The study also determines if the possibility of execution influences criminal behavior by comparing crime statistics in counties with and without the death penalty. This purpose entails conducting a comprehensive investigation into the various aspects of capital punishment, including its deterrence value, potential biases in its application, impact on crime rates, cost- effectiveness, and the moral and ethical considerations surrounding its use.

Natasha Louw - “Ancient Greece Civilization and its Contribution to Astronomy” (session 5) The ancient Greece civilization had a significant impact on astronomy and created a stepping stone for the knowledge we have today. Two mechanisms, in particular, hold a large quantity of data, which will be explored in this presentation. The geocentric, Ptolemaic, suggested that the earth is at the center of the universe while many other planets orbit it. This is one of the first planetary theories, and it created a foundation for what we know today about astronomy. It will also look into the Antikythera Mechanism, which predicts astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance. With the vast majority of the information lost in history, 82 found that fragments of the Antikythera Mechanism hold enough knowledge to place ancient Greece as a far more advanced civilization than their contemporaries. Rachel Mapes - “Wonderful World of Teachers” (session 6) Teaching is where someone can teach a student how to succeed in life. During this session today, we will learn what teaching is and how teaching can help children, as well as the programs we have here at MVC and the organizations we have here, such as the Student Missouri Teachers Association (SMSTA) or the MSTA organization. We will also look at the beautiful things and benefits students can get from teachers and what they do to ensure students have a fantastic learning opportunity. We will also get to experience what it was like for me, a future teacher, to go out to observe as a practicum student and what other personal experiences teachers have had. Katelynn Martinez - “Trichomoniasis” (poster session) Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. This abstract summarizes key aspects of trichomoniasis, highlighting its impact on reproductive health. The parasite primarily affects the urogenital tract, leading to symptoms such as itching, discharge, and discomfort during urination. Trichomoniasis poses significant public health concerns due to its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased vulnerability to other STIs. Early detection through molecular testing and timely treatment with antimicrobial agents are crucial for managing and preventing further transmission. Ongoing research focuses on understanding the intricate host-parasite interactions, informing effective prevention strategies, and addressing

the global burden of trichomoniasis. Renata Martinez - See Hopkinson

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