Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts Judges, please do NOT pre-judge these abstracts. They ...

66 Pages·2015·1.51 MB·English

Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

Judges, please do NOT pre-judge these abstracts. They should only be used to gain a better
understanding of the projects you will see on State Science Day.

Medicine and Health Sciences Subcategories
PHYS—Physiology and Pathophysiology

Alana Smith Does Eye Color Affect Eyesight? MED ANAT
For my project I did, "Does Eye Color Affect Eyesight?" I gathered test subjects, of all ages and eye
colors, and tested each individual. I recorded their results and averaged each color category together to
get my results.

Taylor March Does Wrist Strength Improve Setting Accuracy? MED ANAT
The purpose of this project was to see if simple strength exercises could improve the setting accuracy
for volleyball. To test this hypothesis I selected two groups of high school students. The groups were
divided so that neither group had an athletic advantage over the other. Each student was given a pretest
in which they aim for the basketball hoop, left, right, and center of the foul line. A set was considered a
success if the ball hit the backboard. Each student had fifteen attempts. For a period of six weeks, the
experimental group did wrist strengthening exercises using five pound weight balls. At the end of the
experiment, each group was then tested again using the exact same method as described previously.
The mean number of good sets in the control group was 3.6 for the pretest and 4.5 for the post test. The
mean number of sets for the experimental group was 8.8 for the pretest and 10.7 for the post test.
Statistically the control group did not show significant improvement, however, the test group was a T-
score of 2.17 with the critical value at 1.833(p:0.05). This shows that there was a significant
improvement. The research hypothesis was accepted. The group that improved wrist strength, also
improved their setting accuracy.

SHIVAM GANGAL GET BACK YOUR BACK MED ANAT
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

The purpose of this experiment is to find out if the weight of the backpack affects the time you can carry
it.
In the experiment, the test subjects were asked to time how long they could hold a backpack weighing
10, 15 and 20% of the weight. After all of the data was recorded and analyzed it was determined that
the heavier the weight of the backpack, the less time the subject will be able to hold it. This is because
of the strain on the back thus meaning if they go even higher in backpack weight, this could get to be
hazardous for the back.

Victoria Devore Vacuum Packaging vs. Other Known ways of Preservation MED ANAT
The purpose of this research is to compare a new way to dispose of human remains (vacuum Packaging),
but be able to view the deceased and not have the embalmer have much exposure to the remains. The
alternative hypothesis was that the vacuum packaging will have the best rating and will rank highly
compared to the other pieces of meat on natural appearance and firmness, and the null hypothesis was
that the vacuum packaging will not have the best rating and will rank poorly compared to the other
pieces of meat on natural appearance and firmness. This was tested by taking twenty four samples of
beef and putting them in different types of preservatives. Then after letting them set I rated them on
firmness and natural appearance. I found that the 24 Index had the best natural appearance and the
control had the worst natural appearance and the vacuum packaging and the second worst rating for
natural appearance compared to all of the other ways that the meat was preserved. I also found that the
Nican salt had the best rating for firmness out of all of the samples of meat. The control still had the
lowest test result for firmness and then the vacuum packaging had the second lowest. In conclusion I
found that the vacuum packaging was not a proper way to store the meat. This means I had to accept
my null hypothesis that the vacuum packaging will not have the best rating and will rank poorly
compared to the other pieces of meat on natural appearance and firmness."

Hannah Kardohely Massage Therapy: The Affects on Blood Pressure MED ANAT
The project I have completed is on massage therapy and the affects it has on blood pressure. Many
Americans today have stress in their lives, which can cause stress related conditions. Massage therapy
can help to relieve stress, but I wanted to know how much this solution actually helped the well-being of
others, which can be measured by blood pressure. For my experiment, I did nine different trials, each
time including a different activity. Before every activity, I took the subject’s blood pressure with an
automatic cuff and machine. I also recorded the pulse as well as the blood pressure into a chart. I then
had the subject perform one of the nine activities and took their blood pressure again immediately after
completion. After recording the numbers, I then massaged the subject for five minutes and recorded
their blood pressure a final time to compare the changes. After filling in the rest of the chart, I found
that after the massage, eight out of nine times, the subject’s blood pressure decreased. The only
activity the blood pressure did not decrease was sitting, in which it changed only slightly as an increase.
So in my conclusion, I found that massage therapy can help to relieve stress, as indicated by blood
pressure, from even everyday activities and can indeed be a benefit to those who suffer. This project
has helped to show another option to address and relieve problems caused by stress.
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

Ana Vazquez Does Exercise Increase Vital Capacity? MED ANAT
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if exercise increases a person’s vital capacity. The
hypothesis was that if a person exercises regularly, their vital capacity will increase. The experiment was
done using balloons and a ruler. Twenty subjects, half that exercised regularly and half that did not, had
their age, height and weight taken. The subjects had their vital capacities tested by breathing in and
exhaling all possible air into the balloon. The diameter of the balloon was taken and recorded. This was
done three times, giving the subjects a full minute in between each breath. Then an expected vital
capacity was calculated using their age, height, and weight. The two vital capacities were compared and
the total results were analyzed. In conclusion, the hypothesis was correct. The subjects that exercised
regularly had greater vital capacities than the ones that did not exercise often.

Michael Saturno A Continuation of the Analysis of Soccer Headgear Technology and it Efficacy
in Reducing Impact forces to the Brain MED Anatomy
This experiment is designed to determine if wearing soccer headgear aids in reducing impact forces to
the brain. Tests were conducted on three types of headgear: Storelli, Full 90 Premier, and DonJoy. The
procedure was to swing a regulation FIFA soccer ball from a height of 4.572 meters above the ground,
striking the head of a high-fidelity crash test dummy fitted with the soccer headgear. A 3-G
accelerometer was inserted inside the crash test dummy head acting as a simulated brain. The
accelerometer attached to a laptop computer running Logger Pro software. The data captured
measured the acceleration and deceleration of the accelerometer in m/s2. Results show a 30%
difference in the frontal negative g's experienced between the worst performing headgear, Storelli (-
5.54g's), and the control group (-4.27). When measuring positive frontal impact forces, the worst
performing headgear, Full 90, showed a minimal 1.9% difference in average positive g-forces sustained
when compared to the control group. Alternately, side impact testing negative g's revealed that the
difference between the worst performing headgear, DonJoy (-6.01), and the best performing headgear,
Full 90 Premier (-4.11) headgear was 46%, while there was only a 23% difference between the worst
performing headgear, DonJoy (-6.01), and the control group (-5.07). With respect to positive g's
sustained, the best performing headgear, Storelli (2.35), sustained 27% less average g-forces than the
control group, which performed the worst. Considering the varying results and minimal variation in
impact forces, the results do not fully support the hypothesis that headgear would provide substantial
protection.

Kathryn Montgomery Do Beverages Affect the Dissolution Rate of Ibuprofen? MED CONS
Background: Most ibuprofen packages say to ‘take with a beverage’, but do not specify the beverage
type that would be best to use. It was hypothesized that out of the beverages tested, (water, 2% milk,
Pepsi, apple juice, iced tea, and Gatorade) milk would cause the ibuprofen to dissolve the slowest with
the smallest increase in acidity, and Pepsi would cause it to dissolve the fastest, with the highest
increase in acidity.
Methods: Beakers were filled with 10 mLs imitation stomach acid made with hydrochloric acid. 40 mL of
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

each of the six beverages used for testing was added to each beaker. One ibuprofen tablet was placed in
each solution and then observed in its dissolution process.
Results: Both hypotheses were rejected. The ibuprofen dissolved most quickly and equally in the water
and tea. Although the milk solution had the most mild pH, the ibuprofen did not dissolve the most
slowly in milk; it dissolved slowest in Gatorade. It was hypothesized that Pepsi would yield the most
acidic pH, and cause the ibuprofen to dissolve the most quickly. The ibuprofen dissolved poorly in the
Pepsi, and three other beverages, water, tea, and Gatorade, had more consistently acidic pH levels. The
ending results showed that unless a patient wants to specifically minimize GI symptoms by drinking milk,
water is the best beverage to take. It does not alter the original pH of the stomach fluids, and causes the
ibuprofen to dissolve more effectively than the other beverages tested

Cora Zickel Do Beverages Affect the Dissolution Rate of Ibuprofen? MED CONS
Background:Most ibuprofen packages say to ‘take with a beverage’, but do not specify the beverage
type that would be best to use. It was hypothesized that out of the beverages tested, (water, 2% milk,
Pepsi, apple juice, iced tea, and Gatorade) milk would cause the ibuprofen to dissolve the slowest with
the smallest increase in acidity, and Pepsi would cause it to dissolve the fastest, with the highest
increase in acidity.
Methods: Beakers were filled with 10 mLs imitation stomach acid made with hydrochloric acid. 40 mL of
each of the six beverages used for testing was added to each beaker. One ibuprofen tablet was placed in
each solution and then observed in its dissolution process.
Results: Both hypotheses were rejected. The ibuprofen dissolved most quickly and equally in the water
and tea. Although the milk solution had the most mild pH, the ibuprofen did not dissolve the most
slowly in milk; it dissolved slowest in Gatorade. It was hypothesized that Pepsi would yield the most
acidic pH, and cause the ibuprofen to dissolve the most quickly. The ibuprofen dissolved poorly in the
Pepsi, and three other beverages, water, tea, and Gatorade, had more consistently acidic pH levels. The
ending results showed that unless a patient wants to specifically minimize GI symptoms by drinking milk,
water is the best beverage to take. It does not alter the original pH of the stomach fluids, and causes the
ibuprofen to dissolve more effectively than the other beverages tested.

Caitlyn Kimbell Which antacid medication works the best? MED CONS
The topic question for this project is ‘Which Antacid Medication Works the Best?’ The hypothesis is, if
antacid medicines are added to an acidic solution of lemon juice and distilled water, then the most
expensive brand of antacid medication will neutralize the solution by raising the pH to seven with the
least amount of milliliters. The stomach makes hydrochloric acid to help digest food. Hydrochloric acid
causes pain. Antacids are medicine used to treat stomach acidity by neutralizing stomach acid. To test
the hypothesis, a solution of 10ml of lemon juice and distilled water were added to a graduated cylinder.
Next, 1ml of Pepto Bismol was added to the solution and measured the pH. This was repeated until the
pH reached 7.0. Then each trial was repeated with the different types of medications, Gaviscon,
Walgreens brand, Rolaids ultra-strength, Walgreens Sugar Free Soothe, and Pepto-Bismol Max Strength.
The results were: the Rolaids Ultra-Strength, the third most expensive medication costing $0.60 per
ounce, worked the best by raising the pH to 7.0 with an average of 4ml. The most expensive medication
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

Gaviscon, costing $1.00 per ounce, raised the pH to 7.0 in an average of 17ml. Adding the milliliters of
medication were used as the dependent variable. The data didn’t support the hypothesis that the most
expensive brand of antacid medication will raise the pH with the least amount of milliliters. This testing
shows that the most expensive brand of antacid medication doesn’t always work the best.

Jenna Nist Which Brand of Adhesive Bandage Sticks the Longest in a Cup of Water MED CONS
The project question is ‘Which brand of adhesive bandage sticks the longest in a cup of water?’. The
hypothesis is, if all three brands of bandages are placed in a cup of water then the Up & Up bandage will
adhere the longest. All bandages are plastic and the same size; 19.050 x 76.2 millimeters. Adhesive is a
substance that sticks to the surface of another object joining the two together. Many modern day
adhesives are called synthetic resins. The independent variable is the different brands of adhesive
bandages. The dependent variable is which bandage stays on a plastic cup, filled with water, the longest.
The first trial showed that the bandages stayed on the cups but were starting to peel away around the
pads of the bandages. The Band-Aid bandage was peeling away the most. The second trial showed none
of the bandages fell off but they were peeling away around the pads. The Band-Aid bandage was peeling
off the most. The third trial showed the bandages had not fallen off and were not peeling away from the
pads. The fourth trial showed the bandages had not peeled away anywhere. The fifth and final trial
showed the bandages were still on and none were peeling off. The test showed that it does not matter
which brand of adhesive bandage is used, Curad, Up & Up, or Band-Aid, will all stick for the same
amount of time.

Elizabeth Klein Is Your Cell Phone Dangerous? MED CONS
For our project we decided to question if electromagnetic frequencies affect the human body. We chose
this topic because as our world is evolving technology is advancing, and we wanted to know if it was
helping or hurting us on a health perspective. We believed that the human body would be affected by
electromagnetic frequencies in a negative way. We also hypothesized that the electromagnetic
frequencies would be block if aluminum foil was wrapped around the device.
We tested twenty-four subjects; twelve of each gender. To test our hypothesis, we had a volunteer hold
a textbook (4.6 lbs) on their forearm. We timed the test subject to see how long they could withstand
the weight until they insisted to stop. We then had the volunteer hold the textbook again but placing an
iPhone to their chest. We repeated this again but wrapped the iPhone in aluminum foil. We also tested
the iPod to see if the same effects occurred, we then wrapped the iPhone aluminum foil.
Our test results proved our hypothesis correct. The aluminum foil did block the electromagnetic
frequencies and the electromagnetic frequencies did impact the human body in a negative way. Test
subjects, compared to their time without a device, could not hold the book as long with the iPod and
iPhone. However, they could hold it longer with aluminum foil wrapped around the device. We hope
that our science fair project can teach others to be more cautious with the use of technology.

Avery Lewis The Effect of Sodium Citrate on Coagulation MED CONS
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

Blood clotting is the conversion of blood from a liquid to solid state. When blood vessels are exposed to
air, a blot clot will form. This process is also called coagulation. Coagulation has positive effects on the
body when the process take place on the surface of the body. But when coagulation takes place inside
the body it can be deadly. An anticoagulant can be prescribed to help thin out blood and prevent future
blood clots. For this project, the effects of anticoagulants on coagulation were investigated. It was
thought that if the amount of sodium citrate increases, then the amount of alginate solution will liquify,
because the chemicals in the anticoagulant (sodium citrate solution) will break down and thin out the
blood clot (sodium alginate solution). In order for the experiment to occur, sodium citrate, sodium
alginate, and calcium chloride were needed. These chemicals were combined with water and food
coloring to make the solutions to be tested. The sodium alginate solution was dropped into solutions of
zero percent, one percent, and one and a half percent sodium citrate. The blood clots ranged from five
millimeters to around 12.5 millimeters on average. As more sodium citrate was added to the solution,
the more the blood clot thinned out and became larger in diameter. This project can be referenced by
doctors and nurses, explaining to their patients the effects of anticoagulants on blood clots and the
possibilities of advancing the anticoagulant medication by allowing it to thin out already formed blood
clots.

Ricky Villarreal The Affect of Acidity on the Breakdown of Ibuprofen MED CONS
The stomach is an organ that breaks down the food that you eat so the food can continue through the
digestive system. The stomach uses an acidic solution called gastric juice in order to perform this task.
Sometimes the gastric juice becomes too acid. This can cause multiple different health issues. There are
medications that can lower the pH of the stomach. However, that raises the questions, does digestion
get affected by altering the pH of the gastric juices. In my experiment, I tested the chronologic
difference for 3 different types of ibuprofen pills to dissolve in two different environments. The first
environment had a pH of 1, mimicking stomach acid. The less acidic environment had a pH of 4,
mimicking stomach acid after the use of medications that alter the pH of the stomach. I hypothesized
that all 3 pills would dissolve faster in the more acidic environment. My hypothesis was incorrect
however. Only one of the three pills dissolved faster in the more acidic environment.

Josephina Fornara Doggy Dinner Dilemma: Which brand of dog food transfers the most energy
when combusted in a bomb calorimeter? MED CONS
The experiment was designed to determine which brand of dog food would transfer the most energy in
a bomb calorimeter. The hypothesis stated that Call of the Wild - Roasted Fowl would transfer the most
energy because it contains the most crude fat. Samples of seventeen different dog food brands were
burned in a bomb calorimeter where the change in temperature of the water in the calorimeter was
monitored from the start of combustion to the end of combustion. The results did not support the
hypothesis. Gravy Train - Beef Flavor had the greatest average temperature change of 10.7 degrees
Celsius and an average 892.5 calories per gram per sample of dog food. Iams Adult (Large Breed), Nutro
Natural Choice - Lamb and Whole Brown Rice, and Taste of the Wild - Roasted Fowl also had high
average temperature changes and calories.
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

Grant Hawthorne Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis: Which is Most Accurate in Predicting Body
Composition MED CONS
The purpose of this experiment was to determine which bioelectrical impedance device is most accurate
in determining body fat composition in three different ethnic groups and 2 gender groups. It was
hypothesized there would be no significant difference in body composition between the segmental body
analysis devices and the whole body device when comparing ethnic and gender groups. Previous studies
performed with bioelectrical impedance devices found no significant differences in body fat
composition.
Bioelectrical Impedance is a potentially useful tool for measuring/quantifying adiposity in multi-
ethnic populations. Body composition methods can be classified into direct, indirect and doubly indirect
methods. Indirect methods rely on rules and constants derived from direct methods. Indirect or
predictive methods rely on statistical relationships between body parameters and components of body
composition. The study data was obtained according to the specified directions for each device. The Bod
Pod was used as a reference point since it is comparable to hydrostatic weighing which is considered the
gold standard for body fat composition measurement.
The results of the study did not support the hypothesis. There was a conclusive difference in the results
obtained from the segmental body analysis devices when compared to the whole body device. The
upper body and the lower body bioelectrical impedance devices produced varying results when
compared to the whole body device when ethnic and gender groups were compared. It was found total
body impedance has higher predictive value than segmental impedance. Weight measurement between
devices showed the portable models were comparable to the lab models. The results may be due to the
variance in electrical conduction in the upper body vs. lower body, differences in adipose body
composition and body build, or differences in manufacturing design. Accuracy of results could also be
influenced by hydration, dietary intake, activity level, medications, environment and testing technique.

Brooke Finch Testing Ibuprofen Variation MED CONS
In the experiment conducted by the researchers, three different ibuprofen types from two different
brands, name brand and off brand, were tested in hydrochloric acid to see which took effect the fastest
by timing the rate of dissolving. The researchers hypothesis was that Brand A Gels would dissolve the
fastest due to the idea that the coating of the pill would break releasing the medicine the fastest. The
setup of the experiment included 300mL of HCl (.1M) for each of the 60 trials. A beaker of the solution
was placed on a magnetic stirrer at a speed of 1, the lowest, and a pill of ibuprofen was placed in the
beaker then timed. The researchers recorded the time of each trial to distinguish which type of
ibuprofen would take the least amount of time to dissolve meaning it would enter the bloodstream the
fastest. After conducting the experiment the researchers discovered that Brand B Tablets dissolved the
fastest with an average time of 1 minute and 19 seconds. The research showed that our hypothesis was
wrong. The average time for the Brand A Gels to dissolve was 16 minutes and 48 seconds. This is
because it took a long time for the casing to break to allow the medicine to release. The benefit of this
experiment is to provide customers with knowledge of which pain killer will relieve pain the fastest.

Alison Chilcott Ibuprofen Variations MED cons
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

In the experiment conducted by the researchers, three different ibuprofen types from two different
brands, name brand and off brand, were tested in hydrochloric acid to see which took effect the fastest
by timing the rate of dissolving. The researchers hypothesis was that Brand A Gels would dissolve the
fastest due to the idea that the coating of the pill would break releasing the medicine the fastest. The
setup of the experiment included 300mL of HCl (.1M) for each of the 60 trials. A beaker of the solution
was placed on a magnetic stirrer at a speed of 1, the lowest, and a pill of ibuprofen was placed in the
beaker then timed. The researchers recorded the time of each trial to distinguish which type of
ibuprofen would take the least amount of time to dissolve meaning it would enter the bloodstream the
fastest. After conducting the experiment the researchers discovered that Brand B Tablets dissolved the
fastest with an average time of 1 minute and 19 seconds. The research showed that our hypothesis was
wrong. The average time for the Brand A Gels to dissolve was 16 minutes and 48 seconds. This is
because it took a long time for the casing to break to allow the medicine to release. The benefit of this
experiment is to provide customers with knowledge of which pain killer will relieve pain the fastest.

Brittany Nanda Warning - Keep Moist! MED CONS
The question of this project was, ""Do humectants, emollients, or occlusive agents work best in a
moisturizer?"" My hypothesis was that, out of the five different skin moisturizers tested, the Burt's Bees
Honey and Grapeseed Oil would be the best skin moisturizer because it contained the most emollients,
humectants, and occlusive agents. For this project, I made a skin model in petri dishes using Jell-O. The
different moisturizers tested were applied to the skin models leaving three skin models with just Jell-O
as controls. Before the moisturizers were applied, the skin models were measured for height and
weight. Then the skin moisturizers were applied and the skin models were measured for weight and
height at certain times during the next two weeks. I then calculated the percent change in height and
weight for each skin model as compared to the initial height and weight.
I found that Aquaphor performed the best and Burt's Bees Honey and Grapeseed Oil performed the
worst. I think this was because Burt's Bees Honey and Grapeseed Oil has too many emollients,
humectants, and occlusive agents and that was harmful to my skin models. I think Aquaphor performed
the best because it contains mostly petroleum jelly which is an occlusive agent and an emollient, and
also contains glycerin and mineral oil. From this project, I concluded that a moisturizer with mostly
petroleum jelly and a few other ingredients may be better at keeping skin moist than other
moisturizers."

Emily Kruse Candy Confusion MED CONS
The purpose of this experiment was to see if young children could see the difference between candy and
medicine. In order to test the young children, a bag of five candies and five medicines, was used. The
researcher pointed to a medicine or candy and asked the test subject ‘Is this candy or medicine?’ Then
the researcher records the results in their lab notebook.

Cal Shrimplin Feel the Pain?: It's Time for Relief MED CONS
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

The purpose of this experiment was to gain a better understanding of how different pain relief pills work
in the body. This lead to the research question of what type of pill will dissolve the fastest in
hydrochloric acid, the active ingredient in our own stomach acid, and the hypothesis that if different
medications are tested in hydrochloric acid then Bayer Back and Body Pills will dissolve the fastest
because the pills are the smallest and have the thinnest coat. This experiment was completed last year,
but vinegar was used as the acid and it was not strong enough to have reliable results, so this year the
experiment was completed by dissolving a variety of caplets, liqui-gels and liqui-caplets three times each
(for reliable results) in two hundred milliliters of hydrochloric acid at a controlled lab setting at Zane
State College in Zanesville, OH. The results show that Bayer Back and Body pills dissolved the fastest and
the Aleve All Day Relief Liqui-Gels dissolved the slowest. Although both caplets and gel-filled capsules
both can give quick relief of pain when needed, gel caps are often expensive, need more digestive
strength to dissolve, and do not really dissolve that much faster than capsules. A medication like Bayer
Back and Body combines quick dissolving time, an easy to swallow capsule, and caffeine that speeds up
the dissolving time even more, so it would seem like a good choice for quick pain relief for the whole
body; from headaches, to muscle pain, and even arthritis.

Bailey Bowman Sunblock Showdown: Product Efficiency MED CONS
Sunblock is an imperative tool for any person in the presence of intense sun rays, called ultraviolet rays.
The purpose of this project was to see which sunblock provided the longest protection against both
ultraviolet rays, A and B. It was hypothesized that if three sunblock brands were tested; Coppertone,
Banana Boat, and Walgreens, Coppertone will block UV rays the longest because it has 14.5% zinc
oxide; a broad spectrum ingredient that blocks both A and B ultraviolet rays. Twelve UV sun meter cards
were placed into four groups. 1/16 tsp. of Banana Boat was applied to each of the three cards. 1/16 tsp.
of both Walgreens and Coppertone was then applied in the same manner. The fourth group did not
contain sunblock and served as the control group. The 12 cards were placed under an Intertek black light
that was suspended from the ceiling by twine. The researcher then recorded changes over a thirty
minute period. The test was finished and the cards remaining after twelve hours were documented. It
was also noted when the cards turned to moderate, for the control group also changed to moderate.
The experimental groups showed slower card changing time than the control group. The data was
analyzed and the conclusion drawn that Walgreens sunblock is more efficient than the other sunblocks
and the control group. The test reflects that Walgreens sunblock could lead to better protection of the
skin in the presence of UV rays, and possibly prevent skin cancers.

Serena Kataria Medicine Bottle Predicament MED CONS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are the two most common types of arthritis that can
affect a patient’s hands and cause them to have difficulty doing things. One of those things is opening
their medicine bottles which may cause patients to skip taking their medications which would be
harmful to their health. So, which medicine bottles are better for the arthritic hand? To answer this
question, 50 RA and 50 OA volunteers were asked to open sample medicine bottles and then rate their
ability to open the bottles on a scale of 1 to 10. The medicine bottles were: (A) narrow with a safety cap,
(B) narrow with a flip-top cap, (C) wide with a safety cap and (D) wide with a flip-top cap. My hypothesis
Medicine and Health Sciences Abstracts

was that the wide medicine bottle with the flip-top cap would be the easiest to open. The results of the
experiment did not support my hypothesis. The narrow medicine bottle with flip-top cap was the
easiest to open. The wide medicine bottle with flip-top cap was the second easiest to open followed by
the narrow bottle with safety cap. The wide medicine bottle with safety cap was the hardest to open.
Results of the study will be sent to doctors in the community so they may prescribe more appropriate
bottles for their arthritis patients. Results will also be sent to local pharmacists so they may inform their
arthritic patients that they themselves can request easier-to-open flip-top bottles without extra cost.

Iulia Barbur A Study on Leading Factors of Type I NRL Hypersensitivity and Contact Dermatitis:
Testing for NRL Antigens and Residual Chemical Accelerators MED CONS
This study employed ASTM standards to test for the presence of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) allergenic
protein content and residual chemical accelerators in gloves, which can cause various forms of rubber-
related allergic reactions.
Until twenty years ago, Type I Latex Hypersensitivity was the most common glove-related allergy. Due to
public education about the acuity and seriousness of this condition, compounds were developed (such
as nitrile) that do not contain NRL and do not cause such a deadly immune response. However, this led
to an increase in the use of vulcanizing accelerators in the manufacturing process, and the allergic
reactions to both these accelerators and other factors of modern gloves have now reached a serious
level.
The procedures used were ASTM D7558-09 ‘Standard Test Method for Colorimetric/Spectrophotometric
Procedure to Quantify Extractable Chemical Dialkyldithiocarbamate, Thiuram, and
Mercaptobenzothiazole Accelerators in Natural Rubber Latex and Nitrile Gloves,’ and ASTM D6499-12
‘Standard Test Method for Immunological Measurement of Antigenic Protein in Natural Rubber
Products.’ After data collection and analysis, significant levels of both NRL antigenic content and residual
chemical accelerators were detected and quantified.
The significance of this project is clear, to not only those with a family history of latex allergy, but also to
those who are frequently exposed to gloves. Although many experience only slight dermal irritation, in
many cases gradual sensitization impedes professions such as nursing and lab work. The purpose of this
project was not only to detect and quantify residual chemical accelerators and antigenic content, but
also to raise awareness about this important topic.

Yoly Rodriguez Is Our Food Poisoning Us? MED CONS
This project is meant to test the levels of arsenic in common brands of apple juice and drinking water.
Arsenic is an element that is found in both organic and inorganic ways. I will be testing the arsenic levels
using two pre-made testing kits. They will all test for arsenic overall in parts per billion. The first kit is
called Quick Rapid Arsenic Test Kit which will use three different reagents to measure the level of
Arsenic. This test will use a test strip that will not be in contact with the liquid solution but with the
gases produced by it. The second one will also have to do with the gases produced by a liquid solution,
but using a more sensitive test. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water can cause cancer in the
skin, lungs, bladder and kidney. It can also cause thickening and pigmentation changes to the skin,