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Investigate The Role Of Tgfβ3 In Regulating Irf6 And Δnp63 In Periderm Desquamation, Nam Ha

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Failure in palatal fusion during palate development results in cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects in the US. During the final phases of palatogenesis, the palatal periderm (a protective cell layer that prevents premature fusion and adhesion with oral epithelium) must be removed, also known as desquamation. This process is a prerequisite for establishing the midline seam in the fused palate. Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor-β3 (TGFβ3) plays an irreplaceable role in palate development in mice. Our previously published mechanistic models outline the role of TGFβ3 and its downstream signaling cascade involving proteins …

Nyc Falls Behind In Climate Resources For Pregnant And Postpartum Moms, Jada Simon

Capstones

The U.S. still holds the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations around the world. While national rates have since seen a slight decrease, Black mothers still see high maternal death rates in comparison to white mothers, showing that racial disparities in maternal death rates are still apparent. In NYC, the reason for these disparities are not just unequal access to quality healthcare, but also the poor living conditions of neighborhoods in the city that are made up mainly of minoritized groups. So far, it has gone unconsidered that that the maternal mortality and climate crises are happening concurrently. This …

Baseline Exposure-Response Assessment Of Metals From Dried Blood Spots And Personal Household Air Pollution Concentrations Among Pregnant Women In Rwanda: Household Air Pollution Intervention Network Trial, Adolphe Ndikubwimana, Lisa De Las Fuentes, Victor G Dávila-Román, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Exposure to metals from the combustion of biomass via inhalation may result in negative health outcomes affecting a variety of organs and systems. Pregnant women cooking with biomass fuels may be exposed to metals, such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), and have unique risks for adverse health effects with potential impacts on the growing fetus. We assessed the associations between household air pollution and metals detected in dried blood spots from pregnant women at baseline in Rwanda.

METHODS: We analyzed data from 781 pregnant women aged 18-35 years who resided in rural households using biomass fuel and who …

Daily Intake Of A Lycopene-Rich Juice Is Associated With Reductions In Inflammatory Markers But Not Increases In Skin Carotenoids In A Pilot Study Among Participants With Obesity, Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts, Qiang Wu, Melissa N Laska, Elizabeth Gates, Megumi H Seese, Katelyn E Senkus, Santiago Carrero Longlax, Alexandra Portillo-Varela, Andrew R Dinardo, Nancy E Moran

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background

Obesity is associated with systemic inflammation, increasing chronic disease risk. Carotenoids possess anti-inflammatory properties, yet the short-term impact of carotenoid-rich juice intake on inflammation in individuals with obesity remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to examine: (1) participant adherence to a 3-week lycopene-rich juice intervention; (2) variance and effect sizes of responses to the dietary intervention; (3) changes in skin and plasma carotenoids, and inflammatory markers among adults with obesity.

Methods

Twenty-five participants with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 were recruited and completed the study. Participants drank 4 ounces (118.3 mL) of study-provided tomato juice, …

Using Electronic Medical Records To Estimate The Prevalence Of Pediatric Obesity In Mississippi, Brian D. Christman, Abigail Gamble, Sonia Jain, Kalon Kl Ho, Lei Zhang, William B. Hillegass

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Pediatric obesity is a major public health concern in Mississippi. However, existing surveillance systems, including the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System, National Survey of Children's Health, and Child and Youth Prevalence of Obesity Survey, are limited by self-reported data, restricted age ranges, and incomplete subgroup coverage.

Purpose: This study evaluates the plausibility of using electronic medical records to improve population-level surveillance of pediatric obesity in Mississippi while addressing issues of data completeness, bias, and representativeness.

Methods: Electronic medical records from 40,215 patients aged 2–19 years who received care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2013–2022) were analyzed via …

Enhancing Public Health Strategies: Addressing The Rsv Burden In Alabama Through Clinical Treatment, Community Prevention, And Surveillance Approaches, Martha K. Findley Roper, Jennifer S. Dawson

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Introduction: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious pathogen driving morbidity, hospitalizations, and economic burden. This review uses the epidemiological triad and National Wastewater Surveillance System data to assess transmission, viral load spikes in Alabama, and strategies for treatment and prevention.

Methods: A review of literature on supportive care, vaccination, monoclonal antibodies, and emerging nanomedicine was reviewed to evaluate strategies for reducing viral burden and complications.

Results: Trends from December 2024–January 2025 were assessed with National Wastewater Surveillance System data. Primary prevention includes immunization, hygiene, air quality maintenance, and early diagnostics. Tertiary care addresses complications such as secondary …

Collaborative Healthcare: Advancing Interprofessional Practice & Education, Volume 16, Number 1, Fall 2025/Winter 2026

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

In this Issue:

• From the Editors
• Spotlight on an Interprofessional Clinical Team
• Meet an IPE/IPCP Faculty Champion
• Meet an IPE/IPCP Student Champion
• A Journey Through Interprofessional Education (IPE) from Health Mentors to Palliative Care

Early Intervention In Helminth Infections: Investigating Albendazole’S Effects On C. Elegans Egg Hatch Rate And Health, Giselle Domingo Diaz

Student Scholar Symposium

Over 1.5 billion of the poorest people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) such as whipworm, hookworm, and Ascaris which have devastating effects on human growth, nutrition, and cognition, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The World Health Organization only approves four anthelmintic drugs to treat STH for mass drug administration (MDA), with Albendazole being the drug of choice. Due to these drugs only having two mechanisms of action, resistance to these drugs has been reported over the years. We aim to better understand STH susceptibility to drugs at multiple points in their life stage. Previously, the effects of Albendazole and …

In Pregnant Women, What Is The Effect Of Nutritional Guidance And Intervention On Maternal And Fetal Health Outcomes Compared With Standard Or No Nutritional Counseling Within The Prenatal And Postpartum Period?, Kaitlyn Boyer, Ainsley Cash, Mallye Merritt, Meagan Enbody

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Nutritional Guidance And Intervention On Maternal And Fetal Health Outcomes, Kaitlyn Boyer, Meagan Enbody, Mallye Merritt, Ainsley Cash

Student Scholar Symposium

Title: Effect of nutritional guidance and intervention on maternal and fetal health outcomes

Short Title: Impact of nutrition guidance on maternal and fetal health

Keywords: nutritional guidance, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, maternal and fetal health, nutrition teaching

Association Between The Diet Of Adolescents In America And The Prevalence Of Depression Found Within This Population, Mary Hoffman, Belinda Asamoah, Fadeyemi Okewusi

Student Scholar Symposium

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity increase the risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions such as depression and obesity in American adolescents. Depression is the leading mental illness found in adolescents across the United States and less than 1 in 10 children eat their recommended vegetables, only 16 % of adolescents meet U.S. physical activity guidelines, 36.3% consume fast food on a given day, and as many as 20% are obese. These numbers show a rapid rise along with the availability of fast food. Multiple studies examine the relationship between healthy nutrition and the signs and symptoms …

The Effects Of Probiotics And The Low-Fodmap Diet On Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Charlotte A. Renfrow, Carsyn Wharton, Jordan Overstreet, Jordyn Munch

Student Scholar Symposium

The Effects of Probiotics and the Low-FODMAP Diet on Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Keywords: gut microbiome, probiotics, low FODMAP, IBS

Assessing Malnutrition In A Clinical Setting Using Hand Grip Strength, Rachel King, Annie Sternbergh

Student Scholar Symposium

Student Scholars Symposium

Effect Of Sugar Alternatives In Dairy Free Coconut Milk Based Ice Cream On Sensory Characteristics And Acceptability, Maggie Hegg, Remi Petty, Jay Joie Edwards

Student Scholar Symposium

Student scholars symposium

The Correlation Of Fat Mass And Hourly Energy Balance In Male And Female Collegiate Basketball Players, Lily Rogers, Avery Mckinney

Student Scholar Symposium

Student Scholars Symposium

Using Technology To Boost Grocery Shopping Skills In Students With Intellectual Disabilities, Angela Richardson, Kim Pierson, Elise Shewmaker

Student Scholar Symposium

Student Scholars Symposium

The Fast And The Nutritious: Rapid Lc-Ms/Ms Analysis Of Vitamin B Complex Pharmacokinetics, Anna Losher, Abigail Davis, Yusra Ahmed, Sora Ghanem, Laurel Littlefield, Matthew J. Vergne

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Effects Of Albendazole On The Hatch Rate And Motility Of C. Elegans Eggs, Jennifer Domingo Diaz, Emma Duerson

Student Scholar Symposium

Over 1.5 billion individuals a year are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) such as whipworm, hookworm, and Ascaris. These infections have detrimental effects on human growth, nutrition, and cognition leading to a cycle of poverty. Currently, The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes four drugs to treat STH for mass drug administration which consist of two mechanisms of action. These fall into two classes, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists and benzimidazoles. Albendazole, the drug of choice, is a beta-tubulin inhibitor that induces the immobilization and death of STH (Malik and Dua, 2023). The widespread use of these drugs and the limited mechanism …

The Effects Of Added Xanthan Gum On The Acceptability Of Gluten-Free Shortcake, Samuel Garrett, Seth Beach, Maiya Zepeda

Student Scholar Symposium

The Effects of Added Xanthan Gum on the Acceptability of Gluten-Free Shortcake

Introduction: The incidence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity has increased, driving demand for gluten-free (GF) baked goods. However, replicating the texture and structure provided by gluten remains a challenge. Xanthan gum, a common additive in GF baking, may improve texture and overall product acceptability. This study evaluates whether adding xanthan gum to a homemade GF flour blend improves the quality of GF shortcake.

Methods: A control shortcake made with all-purpose flour was compared to three GF versions: 1) commercial GF flour, 2) homemade GF flour blend (white …

Have You Had Your Vitamins Today? Development Of An Lc-Ms/Ms Method With A 100% Aqueous Gradient To Simultaneously Measure B Vitamins In Plasma From Study Participants In A “Greens” Nutritional Supplement Clinical Trial, Kennedy Brothers, Abigail Davis, Anna Losher, Yusra Ahmed, Sora Ghanem, Matthew J. Vergne

Student Scholar Symposium

This study assessed the absorption of key micronutrients from the multi-ingredient supplement using a novel developed LC-MS/MS method capable of analyzing B vitamins in a single run.

The study a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with 16 healthy participants (8 males, 8 females) to measure plasma nutrient appearance over 8 hours after supplement consumption. Serial blood samples were collected pre-consumption and at specified intervals post-ingestion. The novel LC-MS/MS method simultaneously quantified biotin, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin in blood samples.

Results:The LC-MS/MS method had a range of 0.1 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL and it proved to be robust and …

Have You Had Your Vitamins Today? An Lc-Ms/Ms Method To Simultaneously Measure B Vitamins In Plasma From Study Participants In A “Greens” Nutritional Supplement Clinical Trial., Katelyn Covington, Joanna Cravens, Matthew Vergne, Scott Akers

Student Scholar Symposium

Objectives: This study assessed the absorption of key vitamins and other nutrients from amulti- ingredient “greens” nutritional supplement using a newly developed LC-MS/MS method capable of analyzing B vitamins in a single run.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial with a number of healthy participants to measure plasma nutrient appearance over 8 hours after supplement consumption. Participants consumed either the nutritional supplement (13g) or placebo after a 10-hour fast, with treatments separated by a one-week. Serial blood samples were collected pre-consumption and at specified intervals post-ingestion. Our novel LC-MS/MS method simultaneously quantified biotin, nicotinamide, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Mebendazole On C. Elegans: Implications For Anthelmintic Drug Development, Brooke Brewer, Saja Al-Saweily

Student Scholar Symposium

About 1.5 billion people in the world are infected with soil-transmitted helminths, especially those who live in high poverty areas. These infections affect communities with poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in tropical and subtropical areas, keeping them in a state of poverty. Our research focuses on drugs that target the parasitic worms currently approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO currently only has 4 approved drugs for Mass Drug Administration, due to low profit margins, complex parasite life cycles, and rising drug resistance (World Health Organization 2023). While Mebendazole is effective against many common parasitic …

Comparing Student-Athletes’ Macronutrient Intake To Recommendations For Pre-Workout Fuel, Amelia Valdez, Macy Holloway, Hannah Settle

Student Scholar Symposium

Adequate macronutrient intake of carbohydrates, fats, and protein is essential for sustaining energy, enhancing muscle recovery, and preventing injuries in athletes. Many student-athletes do not have access to a registered dietitian, which often leads them to rely on unverified nutrition sources that recommend habits non-conducive to optimal performance and recovery. Research shows that student-athletes who have access to a dietitian are more likely to meet the pre-workout macronutrient needs recommended by the Sports Nutrition Care Manual (SNCM). This pilot study analyzed the difference between student-athletes’ pre-workout macronutrient consumption and the pre-workout macronutrient intakes recommended by the SNCM before their first …

Enhancing Readiness Of Novice Nurse Educators To Use Concept Mapping As An Active Learning Strategy, Kaitlyn Dutch

MSN Student Capstones

No abstract provided.

Endocrine Disruptors, Obesity, And Metabolic Syndrome, Tuğba Barlas, Alev Eroğlu Altinova, Meriç Coşkun, Ethem Turgay Ceri̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The global prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is rising worldwide, and increasing evidence suggests that chemical exposures—particularly endocrine disruptors (EDs)—represent a significant contributing factor. EDs can act as obesogens, increasing the risk of weight gain and related metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. They may also alter the basal metabolic rate, gut microbiota composition, and hormonal regulation of appetite and satiety. EDs are reported to exert their effects mainly through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma pathway, which is primarily expressed in adipose tissue and is a key regulator of adipogenesis. Common consumer products …

Dnp Final Report: Hypertension Education In The Primary Care Setting, Michelle L. Sanders

DNP Final Reports

Background: Hypertension is a significant concern at the global, national, and local levels. If left untreated or improperly managed, it can result in severe health issues. Many patients in primary care settings have difficulty controlling their hypertension, which can lead to significant complications.

Practice question: What strategies can be implemented to help patients in primary care manage their hypertension more effectively?

PICOT: For patients age 18+ in a rural primary care clinic (P), how does the use of an education pamphlet (I) compared to no pamphlet use (C) affect patient management of hypertension(O) in three months? (T)

Body of …

Differences In Lactation Curve Parameters And Milk Yield Responses Between Artificially Induced And Naturally Calved Cows Milked In An Automatic Milking System, Marcos Busanello

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Despite advances in artificial induction of lactation (AIL) protocols, they do not perfectly mimic the hormonal patterns of natural pregnancy. Recent studies show improved milk yield (MY) responses; however, comparisons of lactation curve parameters between AIL and naturally calved (NC) cows often do not extend beyond 305 days in milk (DIM). Thus, this study aimed to compare MY responses and lactation curve parameters between AIL and NC cows milked in an automated milking system (AMS). Data from 38 Holstein cows (19 AIL and 19 NC) were analyzed, focusing on the 305 DIM period. Wood’s lactation curve model was used to …

Determination Of The Cecal Microbiota Profile Of Anadolu-T Broiler Breeder Chickens Using 16s Metagenomic Sequencing, Kürşat Teti̇k, İsmai̇l Özkan, Serpi̇l Kahya Demi̇rbi̇lek

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The gut microbiota has significant effects on the performance, health status, and immune systems of chickens. The complex microbial community structure begins to form after chicks hatch with the intake of feed, water, and air into the digestive system. Disrupting the balance of this system can lead to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Until recently, studies on microbiota relied on traditional microbiological techniques that cultured only a small fraction of the microbial diversity. However, significant advancements in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled the identification of diverse bacterial populations in environmental samples. In this study, a total of 2000 broiler …

The Influence Of Endocrine Disrupters On Gut Microbiota, Kader Ugur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are closely associated with the second brain, the microbiota-derived enteric nervous system, commonly referred to as the gut microbiota. The microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and the development of diseases. In today’s industrialized world, the presence of EDs in air, water, and soil leads to primary human exposure through dermal contact and ingestion. The impact of these EDs on the microbiota remains unclear. EDs that disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota may contribute to a range of disorders, including metabolic (obesity, diabetes mellitus), cardiovascular (vascular stenosis, cerebrovascular disease), reproductive (infertility, ovarian and testicular …

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals And Thyroid Cancer, Özge Baş Aksu, Mustafa Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have emerged as a critical global health concern because of their role in various diseases, including thyroid cancer. Defined as exogenous substances that disrupt endocrine system functions, EDCs can affect multiple generations through mechanisms such as hormone receptor modulation, altered hormone synthesis, and epigenetic modifications.The increasing global incidence of thyroid cancer has heightened interest in environmental factors, with EDC exposure recognized as a significant contributor. Compounds such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and bisphenol A play crucial roles in disrupting thyroid homeostasis. Emerging evidence underscores the synergistic effects of multiple EDC …