UH4504: Honors Discovery and Innovation Studios

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Increasing Equity and Decreasing Costs for Medicare Access and Treatment
Bourret, Kira; Cironi, Kate; Guzinski, Max; Huaman, Jonathan; Jones, P'trice; Mitchell, Shannon; Scott, Reilly; Slinde, Neil; Smith, Brett; Wear, Robert; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2018-05)
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law a bill that established Medicare. Since then, the medical needs and structure of our society have changed in many ways. But does our current medical care and payment system afford quality, affordable medical care to those who need it the most? What does data tell us is the story of our national health? Who is left behind as advancements are developed to serve our numerous health needs? To tackle these questions, national and global data on the status of health are summarized. Conclusions drawn from the data were connected to provide recommendations on adjustments to and priorities for the U.S. Medicare system.
Potential Influential Factors of Cognitive Decline and Engagement in Participants of Adult Day Services
Elms, Lauren; Hayes, Catherine; Shelburne, William (2018-12)
As the global population of older adults increases, so does the need for more affordable care taking services such as Adult Day Services (ADS) at Virginia Tech. Data collected over a 10-year period was assessed to understand factors affecting the quality of life for ADS participants. Two questions were posed: is there a relationship between blood pressure and cognitive decline over time, and is there a relationship between engagement levels and depressive symptoms? We hypothesized that increased blood pressure would correlate with increased mental decline, and that higher engagement levels would correlate with less depressive symptomology. To measure this, the dataset, which contains daily measurements and quarterly assessments, was cleaned and visualized using Tableau software. Due to software limitations and time restraints, it was not feasible to answer the blood pressure question in the time allotted. Instead, we researched the baseline relationship between blood pressure and indicators of cognitive decline and found no significant correlation between these factors. However, the results illustrated interesting variation in cognition scores over time. ADS participants’ first individual MMSE scores are unusually high compared to their average score, and the facility-wide average MMSE score has steadily declined over time. In answering the engagement question, we found a weak correlation between active participation and lower depressive symptomology (R 2 =0.0667), and between passive and non-participation and higher depressive symptomology (R 2 =0.0140 and R 2 =0.1742, respectively). This research does not provide implications considering blood pressure but does show that MMSE administration may need evaluation. Additionally, adult care taking services may combat depression by encouraging active participation among its participants.
Examining Health Conditions as Predictors of Unmet Need in Older Adults
Broshkevitch, Anna; Cáceres, Madeleine; Foley, Carolyn; Vipperman, Drew (2018-12)
According to current research, unmet need for activities of daily living (ADLs) are associated with greater negative health outcomes in older adults. ADLs include eating, bathing, dressing, transferring from a bed or a chair, and toileting. As the U.S. population ages, it is vital to identify predictors of unmet need in order to interrupt this progression and improve quality of life throughout the aging process. In our analysis, we evaluated chronic and acute health conditions, such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and cancer, as predictors of unmet need. We distinguished self-care and mobility-specific types of unmet need, and computed the frequencies of each condition and unmet need of each type. We then used the Chi Square (Χ²) and Fisher’s Exact tests to evaluate relationships for statistical significance. Through these analyses, we have identified dementia (p=0.04), heart attack (p=0.04), and stroke (p=0.02) as having significant associations with unresolved unmet need. Working from a disablement model theoretical framework that distinguishes between actual and intrinsic disability, we recommend a large-scale shift from the diagnostic healthcare model to more preventative model of healthcare. Specifically, we suggest providing free or affordable mobility assistance upon diagnosis of heart attack or stroke and free or affordable self-care assistance upon diagnosis of dementia, thus reducing future hospitalization costs and bridging the gap between human physical/mental capacity and environmental demand. We recommend further research be done to evaluate the causal relationship between chronic and acute health conditions and unmet need.
Adderall and Academia: How Amphetamine binds in the Human Norepinephrine Transporter Protein
Bell, Ian; Jachimowski, Lindsey; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2019-05-07)
Recently, there has been a drastic increase in the use of prescription stimulants by healthy individuals in academia – specifically with undergraduate college students. We wanted to answer why this was phenomenon was occurring. Are there cognitive benefits from taking stimulants when there is no medical need and are these benefits why students are drawn to them? Amphetamine or AdderallTM is a popular misused stimulant and serves as an example to explore this issue. The first question to answer was how amphetamine is processed in the brain. Our chosen transporter was the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) protein. This transporter controls the uptake and reuptake of both dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE). The unbalance of these two neurotransmitters are believed to play a major role in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). hNET is often a main target in research studies because of this. To analyze the interaction of amphetamine and NET we built a human 3D model through a process known as homology modeling and docked amphetamine, NE, and DA into it. We found that amphetamine successfully binds in the hNET binding cavity. In impaired individuals this means that amphetamine does in fact have positive benefits. However, the effect on healthy individuals is still unknown. Further research needs to be done to determine whether or not healthy individuals experience any benefits before we can answer why undergraduate college students are misusing the drug.
Potential Opioid Addiction Therapeutics
Parras, Isabel; Kidd, Rachel; Merten, Eric; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2019-05-07)
Throughout the last thirty years, a severe opioid epidemic has arisen due to the excessive consumption and abuse of these addictive narcotics. Opioids are currently the best analgesic known to man, however the effects of opioids are not all beneficial; they are extremely addictive and are deadly when taken in high doses. Since opioids began rising in popularity in the 1990’s as a prescribed pain-reliever, opioid deaths have skyrocketed. These circumstances have caused the need for the development of both a potent, non-addictive pain reliever and also a way to treat patients with an opioid addiction. To solve this problem, we used computational methods and structural analysis to investigate the µ-opioid receptor binding cavity and its unique interactions with four different ligands: morphine, heroin, fentanyl, and naloxone. From the results, we have created a criterion of interactions that a potential opioid therapeutic should have.
Analyzing the Presence of Unmet Need and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
Butynes, Amanda; Tarr, Nina; Thompson, Caleb; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2019-12-11)
This paper works to examine and determine a relationship or association between unmet need from disability and depressive symptoms in older adults. The older adult population is extremely vulnerable to deteriorating quality of life in the presence of unmet need or disability. Older adults are significant members of the population and deserve the right to a healthy, positive quality of life. Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) provided quantitative data for both unmet need and depressive symptoms for beneficiaries of Medicare. The data was processed using descriptive statistics and basic statistical analysis. Dividing up data into subpopulations based on their unmet need and depressive symptoms across time points allowed the team to understand how the behaviors of the participants changed over time. The results of this analysis showed that those with a higher unmet need due to disability score also show more depressive symptoms. The data suggest that depressive symptoms and disability in adults are closely associated. Currently, there are several forms of governance helping this population out with basic needs, but there is substantial room for improvement. The results of this study have the potential to spread awareness and amend government policies to provide older adults with the services they need.
Binding Interactions of Psilocin and Serotonin in the 5-HT2A Receptor
Barnes, Katie; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2020-05-05)
Psilocin is a molecule found in psilocybin mushrooms, which are typically consumed recreationally for their hallucinogenic effects. Recently, studies have shown that psilocin can have almost immediate antidepressant effects in patients who are treatment-resistant to medications that increase serotonin levels in the synapse. Researchers believe that the molecule works by suppressing activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which are both brain structures involved in the emotional aspect of depression. However, psilocin’s exact mechanism of action and binding characteristics in the body remain unknown. Using Chimera for visualization and AutoDock Tools and AutoDock Vina for docking, psilocin and serotonin were separately docked in a crystallized 5-HT2A receptor. Key residues were identified using existing information in the RCSB database. Once the ligands were docked, the lengths of the potential bonds between atoms of the ligands and the key residues within the receptor were measured to determine if they were close enough to each other to interact. Serotonin had multiple possible hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions; however, psilocin only had one potential hydrophobic interaction. The main structural difference between psilocin and serotonin is the presence of the phosphate group in psilocin; therefore, studies of phosphate’s binding properties within the 5-HT2A receptor could potentially provide insight on the efficacy of psilocin.
Compare and contrast mode of action of penicillin and vancomycin: Why penicillin is still an effective antibiotic today
Kim, Vincent; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2020-05-05)
Penicillin is a group of antibiotics that contains β-lactam, which prevents peptidoglycan crosslinking and indirectly bursts bacterial cell walls. It is widely used today against many infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci bacteria. Although antibiotics were effective at treating disease in the early development of these treatments, the late 20th century has seen an increase in antibiotic resistance. However, penicillin-derived antibiotics are still used today through generations and we see fewer cases of resistance to this antibiotic. Understanding the interactions between penicillin and bacterial proteins would be useful for studies on counteracting antibiotic resistance. Other antibiotic called Vancomycin was compared with penicillin because vancomycin resistance is arising in late 20th century like Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Computational methods were used to propose interactions between 6I1E and comparable ligands to understand what the mode of action of penicillin is. It was found that SER294 likely interacts with the carboxylic acid functional group. Additionally, assessment of vancomycin resistance provided a case study for understanding how resistance happens. Comparison of interactions between ligands and residue suggested that GLN67 and ALA88 were the key residues and mutations from Δ110 to 115 showed the significant loss of activity against substrate. This paper highlighted that each antibiotic reacts with hydrogen bond interaction between ligand and residues. In penicillin, amoxicillin and carbenicillin interacted through hydrogen bond. In vancomycin, it likely interacts through hydrogen bonding in D-Ala-D-Ala. Further steps would be choosing antibiotics that work through the same function as penicillin and comparing the structural differences and ligand interactions.
AT-121 as a Potential Opioid Replacement
Colgan, Grant; Patel, Kethan; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2020-05-05)
The mu opioid Receptor (μ-Receptor) is the neural structure involved in interpreting pain signals. An opioid acts as an agonist that provides pain relief by binding to a large number of these receptors and preventing pain signals from being processed by the brain. Over prescription of addictive opioids in America has led to a rise in addiction in recent decades. To reduce addiction rates, we sought to research a new drug that has the potential to block pain signals without causing dependence and see what sets it apart from common opioids. A ligand supposedly matching this description has been identified in AT-121. We used computational docking methods and structural analysis to determine if AT-121 poses a legitimate solution to opioid addiction. To determine if docking was successful, we relied on a complementary study to identify key ligands, and their residues involved with neurochemical opioid interactions. Our results indicate that AT-121 interacted with the residue that is essential for a conformational change to the binding cavity. Given this, human testing should be carried out to further assess the agonist’s effectiveness at reducing addiction to opioids. If testing results show positive results, AT-121 could pose as a beneficial drug for helping to cease the US opioid epidemic.
US Healthcare Reform in a Green New Deal World
Bonnes, Caroline; Harley, Diana; Koppler, Natalie; Phan, Jenna; Lewis, Stephanie N. (2020-05-09)
National health insurance has been a topic of discussion in the United States for over a century, yet even in 2020, this is a widely controversial and argued topic. There are disagreements about who should provide healthcare, who should be responsible for providing insurance, and what role, if any, the government should have in the process. One thing remains clear, however: access to healthcare in the United States is inherently unstable. Through an analysis of the Green New Deal, the current healthcare system, health expenditures and outcomes, private insurance in the US, and a survey of healthcare in other countries, this report aims to answer the following research question: Would a renovation of the current healthcare system following the initiatives outlined within the GND allow for the effective and efficient provision of equitable quality healthcare to all individuals living within the US? This report was developed as the final project deliverable for the Honors StudioStudio course "Data Analysis for Health Reform".
Prison Labor and the Green New Deal
Waldron, Trinity; Williams, Amariah; Rivas, Alexa; Mukai, Jessica; Serrani, Kat (2020-12-08)
This is a Prezi with supplemental text about the prison labor system in the United States and potential for reform through the Green New Deal. URL: https://prezi.com/view/ERoMJqsnSOjFgcU5eopJ/ This product is a learning artifact from the Fall 2020 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Joanie Banks-Hunt, Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
Drone Technology and University Public Safety Program Proposal
Hower, Madeline; Makwana, Sunny; Kerrick, Cason (2020-12-08)
This report is an initial program proposal for drone technology use for university public safety. Three different areas of focus are addressed in this report by the research team. The three focuses will include an extensive case study of similar programs adopted in other locations, with an analysis of their successes and failures, a proposed survey to be sent to Virginia Tech students on drone technology and the use of UAVs on campus and a CANVAS module outline used to inform Virginia Tech students of the campus drone guidelines, and a description of current Virginia Tech policies related to the proposed program and their challenges and needed adoptions. This product is a learning artifact from the Fall 2020 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Joanie Banks-Hunt, Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
Gabrielle and the Green New Deal
Lavoie, Maddie; Boyle, Natalie; Hasan, Mariam; Flanary, Trevor; Harral, William (2020-12-08)
The goal of this project was to educate the youth on the U.S. healthcare system and Green New Deal and encourage them to feel empowered to make a change. This was achieved through the creation of a children's novel that follows a young Black girl through her life and journey of learning about and experiencing the healthcare system. Through conversations with family members and friends, she learns about healthcare access, health outcome disparities, history of healthcare, health insurance, and the healthcare systems of the U.K. and Cuba. This product is a learning artifact from the Fall 2020 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Joanie Banks-Hunt, Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
Climate Crisis Barbies
Lyon, Karson; Tracy, Julia; Ragan, Katelyn; Wikiera, Amy (2020-12-08)
The goal of our project was to research ways that we could effectively educate the public on environmental concerns through art. We brainstormed different final products demonstrating the techniques that we learned from our research. Our final art deliverable was created by Julia Tracy depicting barbies in a climate crisis. She played with the idea of reversing roles with animals, and the barbies represent what we have done collectively as a society to harm our environment. This product is a learning artifact from the Fall 2020 semester of the Honors and UAP SuperStudio courses (UH-4504, UAP-4914, and UH-4514). Course instructors: Joanie Banks-Hunt, Ralph Hall, Nikki Lewis, Amy Showalter, Zack Underwood, Anne-Lise Velez, and Daron Williams
A study of urban agriculture and its impact on food deserts
Green, Jackson; Maunder, Lauren; Gulczewski, Kristina (2020-12-09)
Our project features group research about the use of urban agriculture as a tool in revitalizing urban food deserts via the use of a website. On this website are definitions, explanations, and examples of both food deserts and urban agriculture, as well as the combination of these ideas. The project also introduces an addendum to the Green New Deal discussing government recognition of urban food deserts. URL: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/superstudioportfolio/home
Autonomous Search and Rescue Drone Video Presentation
Asper, Garrett; Kaplan, Ryan; Mahesh, Rohith; Porter, Daniel (2020-12-09)
We researched the benefits of using autonomous search and rescue (SAR) drones during and after wildfires to aid in victim recovery. In this video presentation, we discuss the benefits to your search and rescue firm or agency of investing in such autonomous SAR drones. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enijWQ2fgT8
Drones in Agriculture: New Solution for Crop-Dusting
Bain, Celeste; Trang, Matthew; Balov-Madrid, Gregory (2020-12-09)
We hope to inform farmers through our website and brochure about drone technology in crop dusting and other farming techniques along with their environmental impacts, and educational and training opportunities to implement them in agricultural practices in order to encourage Green Technology. URL: https://mattluutrang.wixsite.com/agridroneresearch The attached WARC file can be viewed using Webrecorder Player if the webpage no longer exists.
Municipal Waste Sites in Baltimore, MD - A Case Study
Carpenter, Camden; Garrity, Sierra; Wells, Jordan; Janowsky, Sandrine (2020-12-09)
The project researches the connections between livability aspects, such as socioeconomic status, pollution, and negative health outcomes, found within communities surrounding municipal waste management sites. Baltimore City, Maryland is the scalable example. The three sites included in the research are the BRESCO Wheelabrator Baltimore Waste-to-Energy Facility, the Quarantine Road Landfill, and the Curtis Bay Energy Facility. The final deliverable serves as a resource for community leaders and residents. The original website is attached as a web archive file that can be viewed using a tool like Webrecorder Player.
Tracking Pollution in Waterways
McCarthy, Emily; Lord, Margaret; Kingry, Elise; Koby, Ben (2020-12-09)
We created a website about tracking plastic pollution in our oceans. We go in-depth on observation methods, impacts on water quality, and waste collection and management. With a goal of informing the public on how we can apply existing technologies and techniques to improve the quality of our waterways. URL: https://ekingry.wixsite.com/trackingpollution The attached WARC file can be viewed using Webrecorder Player if the webpage no longer exists.
Universal Health Care
Khan, Saad; Cummings, Emily; Kumi, Chelsea; Kinder, Regan (2020-12-09)
This online interactive infographic addresses issues with the current healthcare system in the United States and we specifically looked at the effects that the implementation of a universal healthcare system under the Green New Deal would have on minority groups in the United States. We also looked at the economic implications and the ties to employment that are present in our current privatized healthcare system. This infographic is intended to inform our audience of the benefits that healthcare reform and a universal healthcare system would have on the overall quality of care that they receive. URL: https://prezi.com/view/N8GpWafiyjjsNRax26yo/

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