HPD Research Day | February 16, 2018

22 Steele Auditorium 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Effects of Methionine Gamma Lyase-Deaminase on Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells Rebecca S. Nosal, OMS-II, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Eduardo Diaz, OMS-I, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Randy Leibowitz, OMS-II, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kallidaikurich V. Venkatachalam, Ph.D., Professor, College of Medical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Objective. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effects of methionine gamma lyase-deaminase (Mgld) on colorectal carcinoma cell survival using MTT assay. Background. Mgld is in enzyme found in bacteria and protozoa including, Porphyromonas gingivalis. Mgld has the ability to catabolize methionine, an enzyme function that is absent in mammals. This enzyme function is of interest in methionine/S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) dependent cancer cells given the dysregulation of DNA methylation patterns that occur compared to normal mammalian cells. Methods. In this study, Porphyromonas gingivalis Mgld cloned into a cytoplasmic and nuclear plasmid vector was transfected into the human colorectal carcinoma T84 cell line using Lipofectamine 3000. The effects of cytoplasmic Mgld and nuclear Mgld were assessed in comparison to control non-transfected cells. Cell survival was assessed with an MTT assay at 570 nm as an indicator of metabolic functions of the live cells/mitochondria. Results. Results indicate that nuclear Mgld transfection causes most significant inhibition of metabolic activity in T84 colorectal carcinoma cells with a 19% decrease in absorbance compared to the control. Conclusion. Due to its effects on cellular survival, further studies should be conducted to evaluate and investigate the metabolic implications of nuclear Mgld on T84 colorectal carcinoma cells. Steele Auditorium 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. Awakenings: An Equine Assisted Learning Research Project Shelley Green, Ph.D., Professor, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Monica Schroeder, M.S., College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Michael Rolleston, M.S., College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Cynthia Penalva, M.S., College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Objective. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if and how the Awakenings Equine Assisted Learning program was effective at improving the professionalism, confidence, communication skills and adaptability of students preparing for careers as Anesthesiologist Assistants. Background. Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a rapidly growing experiential model that utilizes horses to enhance participants' awareness of their own non–verbal language, communication styles, projection of self-confidence and competence, and problem-solving abilities (Chandler, 2012; Green, 2012, 2013; Kane, 2012; Trotter, 2012). Methods. As a part of their regular educational and clinical rotations, first year students in the Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) program participated in a 6– week training that included weekly, 2 –hour Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions. Each session, the AA students participated in a 2– hour experiential equine assisted activity, specifically designed to address a certain target area necessary for their development as professionals in this field. The participants completed a pre and post assessment with 93 items that measured development as they relate to the EAL sessions. Results. The data was analyzed using t-tests, exploratory factor analysis, and qualitative self-reports. Confidence, empathy, awareness, and communication were the most significant factors. Conclusion. The qualitative data reinforced the quantitative findings that showed significant improvement in the objective factors as a result of the EAL sessions.