Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Understanding The Needs Of Georgia’S Hispanic/Latinx Population Regarding Adolescent Health, Aylin Diaz, Evelina W. Sterling

Symposium of Student Scholars

Georgia’s Department of Public Health’s Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Program is based on the Positive Youth Development Approach as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This approach engages youth within their communities, schools and organizations, peer groups, and families in a productive and constructive manner. Overall, the AHYD program aims at preventing HIV, STIs, and pregnancy among all youth. In Georgia, the Hispanic/Latino population has grown to over 10% of our total population. However, adolescent health programs within Georgia have not specifically focused on the cultural differences among the large Hispanic/Latino community. This study takes …

Pausing For More: Help Your Students Avoid Burnout With 1 Classroom Presentation, Sara E. Wigal

Faculty Scholarship Symposium

Undergraduate students suffer under increasing stressors despite enhanced on-campus wellness offerings at many institutions. In this presentation, participants will learn that a replicable innovative 60-minute in-classroom intervention can help measurably increase student mindfulness and sense of classroom belonging, which in turn are proven burnout-avoidance mechanisms. Learn how students who are taught to practice mindfulness paired with productivity skills can better connect with faculty in the classroom for a healthier college experience conducive to learning.

How Does Schizophrenia Affect The Expression Of Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In The Brain?, Shruti Varshney, Nimish Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a psychiatric disorder with a pathophysiology that has not yet been fully understood. This mental illness is characterized by disruptions in cognition, social activity, affect, and perception, and affects approximately 0.085% of individuals worldwide. The Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (α7nAChR) has been connected to auditory function gating deficits. The purpose of this review is to understand the current literature in how the levels of α7nAChR expression and function are affected by SZ, information that could be used to develop therapies to modulate auditory hallucinations in patients with SZ. A literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed journal …

Effects Of Exercise On The Cardiovascular Health Of Adolescents And Young Adults With Down Syndrome, Samarth Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: It is known that the incidence of Down Syndrome has increased over time and that this condition is associated with congenital heart defects, lower cardiorespiratory capacity, and increased rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. It has been shown that individuals who have congenital heart defects but not Down Syndrome have increased cardiorespiratory function after engaging in exercise. Unfortunately, the role of exercise in improving cardiovascular health outcomes among individuals with DS is not yet fully understood.

Results: Exercise has been found to improve several health outcomes among individuals with Down Syndrome. For example, moderate to vigorous treadmill exercises …

Lower Extremity Weakness In The Setting Of Covid Myositis, Christopher Dellmyer, Frank Wheeler

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Bilateral lower extremity weakness has numerable causes including stroke, peripheral neuropathy, deconditioning, Guillain-Barre, Multiple Sclerosis, anterior cord syndrome, trauma, spinal epidural abscess and many more. It is imperative however, that we investigate and understand more rare causes of lower extremity weakness. Here we present the case of a 74-year-old female presented to the ED with a complaint of lower extremity weakness due to Covid myositis causing significant bilateral lower extremity weakness.

What Stigmas Still Exist For Weight Loss Medications?, Abdullah Panah, Phillip Collins

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background and Hypothesis:

Medications for weight loss are becoming far more common as more tolerable formulas have come to the market with some medications offering results almost on par with bariatric surgery. However, studies show a stigma still persists around the discussion and perception around using weight loss medications. The authors of this study hypothesized that one of the biggest hurdles patients face for weight loss medications are the stigmas associated with taking these medicines and approaching the topic.

Methods:

This was a survey-based project that consisted of an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire which was provided to patients during their regular …

Alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Expression In The Hippocampus Of Patients With Schizophrenia, Shruti Varshney, Ananya Nethikunta, Minjal Patel, Mary Kosciuk, Randel L. Swanson, Venkat Venkataraman, Robert Nagele, Eric Goldwaser, Nimish Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a heterogenous psychiatric condition characterized by disruptions in cognition, social activity, affect, and perception often associated with a varied combination of positive and negative symptoms. The pathophysiology behind SZ remains poorly elucidated. Earlier reports have cited the importance of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) in the hippocampus and the receptor’s association with auditory sensory gating and cognitive function. Specifically, variations in the expression and functionality of α7nAChR can be linked to auditory hallucinations experienced by patients with SZ and several therapies have been researched that target α7nAChRs. However, there are very few primary research …

Effects Of A 12-Week, Guided Exercise Program In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, April Kamba

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Evidence suggests lower than average levels of physical activity among individuals with ID (Barnes et al., 2013). Fitness programs developed for adults with ID need to not only focus on increased physical activity levels, but also on how to create exercise programs that meet the recommended standards set to improve fitness levels as they relate to longevity and health. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week, guided fitness program on adults with ID. Participants included 17 adults with ID (34.6 ± 10.4 years). Dependent variables, physical activity levels (IPAQ), body composition (BMI, BIA, WHR), …

Therapeutic Use Of Music For Geriatric Dementia Patients, Katelynn Roscioli

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Dementia impacts millions of individuals and their families worldwide, yet many caregivers remain untrained, unpaid, and unable to maintain their own health while caring for their patients. Despite the need for support, limited resources exist to aid these caregivers in combatting this progressive, debilitating disease. One possibility lies in practices rooted in music therapy, which have been shown to restore memory retention, personhood, and quality of life in dementia patients. However, individuals outside of music therapists, especially those with limited musical backgrounds, may not consider implementing music therapy within their care plan. To make this approach more accessible, a website …

Metabolite Profiling Of Functional Fungi Strains Of Hericium Erinaceus & Cordyceps Militaris: Using Phenotypes, Untargeted Metabolomics By Mass Spectrometry And Cell-Based Assays, Julie Daoust

Oxford ICSB

Mushrooms have a long tradition of use as medicinal and functional ingredients however the lack of development in testing methods currently limits our ability to characterize these products. Selecting the right strain or processing method is currently challenging given the lack of commercially available analytical methods to detect or quantify secondary metabolites with therapeutic endpoints. Very little is known about the variability of these metabolites between strains of the same species and between identical strains grown in different conditions therefore an untargeted analytical method was needed to adequately assess impact of strain genetics and growing methods for M2 Ingredients cultures …

Re-Discovery Of Fungi, Christopher Hobbs

Oxford ICSB

This will be a very concise overview of the laboratory and clinical work that has been published on the health and medical benefits of medicinal mushrooms and mycelium. Medicinal mushroom and mycelium-based products currently on the market will be critically reviewed, specifically focusing on identifying the 5 most important constituent groups intensive world-wide research has identified as providing the intended benefits of these products, and what leading companies as well as startups are doing to insure their products contain them in meaningful amounts.

Beyond Appearance: Nmr Metabolomics For Mushroom Quality Assurance And Authenticity, Arun Krishna Murthy, Amber Thelen

Oxford ICSB

Driven by their prominent health benefits, mushrooms are extremely popular in food and nutraceutical sectors, incidentally attracting food fraud such as species mislabeling and substitution, adulteration, and contamination with synthetic and cheaper substitutes, severely affecting the supply chain and raising concerns among consumers about product safety and quality. Untargeted chemical profiling using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (U-NMR) spectroscopy, in conjunction with Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA) proves to be a superior and universally recognized analytical method in simultaneously addressing these concerns and inadequacies of conventional analytical methods. A comprehensive and robust 1H NMR spectral library is built using validated mushroom samples of …

Mangos Vs. Poison Ivy: A Connection Between Allergens And Flavor Profiles, Sana S. Mahar

Research Days

Mangoes and Poison ivy have been recorded to have similar connections in allergens due to their relation. The family Anacardiaceae consists of the cashew family, which contains mangos, and the sumac family, which contains poison ivy. Both groups have been noted to cause allergens, and potential connections have been made between the two. Mangos, which are safe to eat, release a similar substance that can induce contact dermatitis when unripe. My goal with this study is to test to see if individuals who have been exposed to poison ivy have different flavor profiles and reactions to mangos. I hypothesize if …

Unraveling The Gender Disparity: Investigating The Factors Behind Women’S Higher Acl Injury Risk, Kylie Smith

Research Days

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Botanical Extracts For Cytochrome P450 Inhibition Mediated Drug Interactions, Angela I. Calderón, Zarna Raichura, Kabre Heck, Jaewoo Choi, Mikah Brandes, Cody Neff, Claudia Maier, Amala Soumyanath, Robert Arnold

Oxford ICSB

There has been remarkable growth in consumption of botanical dietary supplements (BDS), making it important to understand the safety profile of BDS with respect to the pharmacokinetic properties for any potential of botanical-drug interactions. One such botanical interactions which has gained significant attention involves inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes by co-administered drugs. Our study involved examining two widely used botanicals, ashwagandha and açaí for any potential inhibition of CYP450. Four different ashwagandha extracts were tested, resulting in inhibition of CYP2B6 with IC50 < 100 µg/ml of extract and showed potential of time-dependent inhibition for CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 with an IC50 ~ 200 µg/ml of extract. In the case of açaí, seven different extracts were tested and only CYP2C9 was inhibited. The acidic methanol extract of açaí formulation showed an IC50 of 0.3 µg/ml of extract indicating potent inhibition of CYP2C9, while the methanol (IC50 ~ 91.75 µg/ml) & ethanol extracts of Mountain Rose açaí powder showed weak inhibitory effect with an IC50 < 100 µg/ml of extract for CYP2C9. The results reflect that both botanical extracts showed potential of CYP450 inhibition, suggesting that compounds in BDS can prolong the half-lives of medications leading to extended action or toxicity. Next step involves, testing subfractions of these extracts to identify the compounds responsible for the observed inhibition.

Screening Of Medicinal Herbs To Predict The Potential Perpetrators Of Herb-Drug Interaction, Ikhlas A. Khan, Amar G. Chittiboyina, Shabana Khan, Bill Gurley, Islam Husain

Oxford ICSB

Over time, the popularity and consumption of herbal medicine and its products like nutraceuticals, botanical drugs, and dietary supplements have increased immensely. Parallelly, several health issues associated with the overconsumption of these products have also been raised, which has attracted enormous attention. Herb-drug interaction (HDI) is a health issue caused by herbs or phytochemicals that modulate the homeostasis of drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYPs) and transporters, thus altering the pharmacokinetic of clinical drugs. To date, only a few medicinal herbs, such as Hypericum perforatum, Hydrastis canadensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Camellia sinensis etc., were recognized as HDI perpetrators. However, many need to be …

New Natural Product Certified Reference Material Resources Supported By The Nih Office Of Dietary Supplements, Adam Kuszak, Zoe Ruan, Linda Smith, Sarah Ajaz, Uma Srennivasan, Sabrina Giddings, Daniel Beach, Pearse Mccarron, Stephen Wise

Oxford ICSB

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) Analytical Methods and Reference Materials (AMRM) Program supports the development of tools that promote and facilitate rigorous and reliable characterization of dietary supplement (DS) identity, composition, and purity, as well as assessments of authenticity and contamination of botanical and other natural product raw materials and finished products. AMRM goals are accomplished through development and validation of quantitative and qualitative methods, production of certified reference materials (CRMs), and support of dietary supplement focused laboratory quality assurance programs. Recent advances in DS analytical resources supported by AMRM include an expanded availability of CRM calibration solutions …

The Botanical Safety Consortium: Collaborative Effort To Improve Botanical Safety Testing Methods, Connie Mitchell, Cynthia Rider, Julie Kzykwa

Oxford ICSB

The use of botanical dietary supplements is increasing, making their safety a crucial issue for public health. This article discusses the role and goals of the Botanical Safety Consortium (BSC), a collaborative effort between the US FDA, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute. Formed through a Memorandum of Understanding, the BSC aims to improve safety evaluation methods for botanicals. It operates as an international platform where experts from various sectors, including government, academia, industry, and non-profits, collaborate to advance and apply new approach methodologies (NAMs) for the safety assessment of botanical products. …

Mocra And The New Cosmetics Gmps, Brandi Reinbold

Oxford ICSB

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) enacted by Congress December 29th, 2022, includes provisions for the FDA to publish proposed Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations by the end of 2024 and a final rule by the end of 2025. In this talk we will explore what the language of MoCRA tells us about what GMPs are likely to be promulgated with a focus on GMPs related to ingredient and finished product identity and purity. MoCRA exempts small cosmetics manufacturers from GMP compliance requirements and directs FDA to “take it easy” on other not-quite-so-small manufacturers. Despite these exemptions, most cosmetics …

The Physiological Demands Of A Division Iii Field Hockey Goalie: A Case Study, Kayla Brady, Sarah Miller-Richards

Student Scholar Showcase

It is essential to evaluate the physiological demands of the sport of field hockey, specifically of a division III field hockey goalie. There has been limited research on this sport, let alone on the position of goalies. Some recent studies have evaluated ice hockey goalies on their anthropometrics, upper and lower body strength, power output, and aerobic capacity. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological demands and performance profile of a division III field hockey goalkeeper. A division III goalie went through several baseline tests including anthropometrics, resting and maximum heart rate, upper and lower one rep …

Session E Overview Of The U.S. Cosmetics Regulatory Framework, Jannavi Srinivasan

Oxford ICSB

Cosmetic products in the U.S. has been regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act which has provided for FDA’s regulation of cosmetics since 1938. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), enacted in December of 2022, significantly expanded and reformed regulations overseeing cosmetics in the U.S. Included in MoCRA among other provisions, are facility registration and product listing, reporting of serious adverse events, and a requirement that FDA propose a rule for good manufacturing practices. This presentation will provide an overview of cosmetics regulations including the major provisions of MoCRA …

Impact Of Mocra When Assessing Botanical Safety, Rick Kingston

Oxford ICSB

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) became effective December 29th, 2023. MoCRA is the most significant expansion of FDA’s authority to regulate cosmetics since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act was enacted in 1938. MoCRA expands the FDA's rulemaking and enforcement authority over cosmetics and creates new compliance obligations for manufacturers. There are six key areas of the legislation including Facility Registration, Product & Ingredient Listing, Safety Substantiation, Cosmetics Labeling, and Adverse Event Reporting and Record Keeping. Each of these areas has significant implications for manufacturers and the ingredients commonly found in cosmetics. Given the …

Short & Long-Term Consequences Of Cannabis Intake & Differences Between Occasional & Chronic Frequent Cannabis Use, Marilyn Huestis

Oxford ICSB

As the medicalization and legalization of the United States continues to increase it is important to understand the short- and long-term consequences of cannabis use. The endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter system is critical for the appropriate functioning of survival functions including hunger, body temperature control, memory and reproduction. When individuals use cannabis, they hijack the normal functioning of the system that attempts to maintain homeostasis. The most important short-term consequence of cannabis use is the morbidity and mortality of driving under the influence of cannabis. Also, legalization reduced the perception of risk of using cannabis that leads to higher adolescent and …

A New Way Forward For Cannabidiol (Cbd) And Other Hemp Products, Patrick Cournoyer

Oxford ICSB

The FDA announced that existing regulatory frameworks for foods and supplements are not appropriate for cannabidiol (CBD). Given the available evidence, it is not apparent how CBD products could meet safety standards for dietary supplements or food additives. A new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed that balances individuals’ desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks.

Opening Remarks For “Cannabis: Current Status And Future Outlook”, Cassandra Taylor

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

Biological Activity Of Essential Oils – Focus On Antibiotic Resistance, Gyorgyi Horvath

Oxford ICSB

No abstract provided.

Natural Products Ireland: From Bioactives To The Bioeconomy - A Systems-Based Approach, Gaia Scalabrino

Oxford ICSB

Natural Products (NP) are on the rise across the world, driven by economic, environmental, health and societal needs. An increasing focus has been placed on the role of boglands within climate change as peatlands store 1/3 of the world’s soil carbon and provide water storage. With our project ‘Unlocking Nature’s Pharmacy’ we aim to increase public awareness and drive Ireland towards a bioeconomy where Natural Product Science (NPS) plays a key role. At the NatPro Centre, the Trinity Centre for Natural Products Research, we use systems-based approaches (SBA), for example looking at the bogs of Ireland, to identify innovative bio-based …

Cold-Water Extract Of Nerium Oleander Leaves Inhibits Cancer: From Bench To Bedside, Thomas Efferth, Luay J. Rashan, Nadire Özenver, Joelle C. Boulos, Mona Dawood, Wynand P. Roos, Katrin Katrin, Ioannis Ioannis, Ludger A. Wessjohann, Heinz-Herbert Fiebig

Oxford ICSB

Nerium oleander is a well-known medicinal plant used in the Mediterranean region and traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) against a variety of diseases, including cancer. We investigated a cold-water extract of N. oleander leaves for their anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. The cytotoxicity testing in the Oncotest panel of tumor cell lines and concomitant COMPARE analysis showed a high degree of similarity to mitosis-inhibiting compounds. We verified this hypothesis by treating tumor cells transfected with a tubulin-GFP fusion cDNA construct and confocal microscopy as well as a biochemical tubulin polymerization assay. N. oleander showed a similar inhibition of tubulin …

African Plants In Jamaican Farms And Gardens, Thera Edwards

Oxford ICSB

Plants of all growth forms and regeneration strategies were introduced to Jamaica by European slavers and by Enslaved Africans. Some species such as Tamarind used to purify drinking water on ships arrived through purposes of practicality while others that such as yam and plantain were transported as food supplies on the ships or by the Enslaved Africans as tubers for planting in their countries of destination. Tuber crops proved to be invaluable in hurricane prone islands such as Jamaica as the underground tuber was left undamaged by the high winds of the storms. Other crops such as Plantain while not …

Fda Investigational New Drug (Ind) Applications, Cassandra Taylor

Oxford ICSB

Current Federal law requires that a drug be the subject of an approved marketing application before it is transported or distributed across state lines. Because a sponsor will probably want to ship the investigational drug to clinical investigators in many states, it must seek an exemption from that legal requirement. The IND is the means through which the sponsor technically obtains this exemption from the FDA. During a new drug's early preclinical development, the sponsor's primary goal is to determine if the product is reasonably safe for initial use in humans, and if the compound exhibits pharmacological activity that justifies …