Digital Commons Network^™

A Preliminary Investigation On The Relationship Between Established Dietary Habits And Willingness To Adopt New Food Groups, Graziella Greco, Rasika Singh, Kristen Berry, Autumn Dye

Research Day

Introduction: Obesity is a nationwide health crisis that predisposes individuals to a host of other diseases including hypertension and diabetes. In Philadelphia alone, approximately 41% of children between the ages of 6-17, and 33% of adults are obese. It has been shown that education on nutrition positively correlates with healthy eating behaviors, which can minimize the chances of obesity developing into its comorbidities. This study aims to see if food demonstrations and healthy recipe samples will lead to patients incorporating new foods into their diets. Adult patients in a combined adult and pediatric primary care office are offered three healthy …

Rehabilitation Of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-Like Protein 6 (Dppx) Encephalitis: A Case Report, Madison James, Emily Andrews, Mithra Maneyapanda

Research Day

Introduction

A 50 year old man presented to the emergency department after a seizure. He had gastrointestinal upset, cognitive impairments, ataxia, and myoclonus. Workup was normal except for an inflammatory CSF profile. The patient was trialed on carbidopa-levodopa, intravenous methylprednisone, and intravenous immunoglobulins with minimal improvement. Myoclonus was resolved with clonazepam. The patient was discharged with a diagnosis of possible autoimmune encephalitis.

One month later, serum and CSF analysis resulted positive for DPPX antibodies. He was readmitted to the hospital for plasma exchange with minimal neurologic improvement. Subsequent treatment with Rituxan resulted in mild improvement. He was then transferred to …

The Effects Of Spermidine On Trimethylamine N-Oxide And Trimethylamine – Induced Cytotoxicity On H9c2 Cells, Cassidy Childress, Tia Patrick, Samuel Geathers, Robert J. Barsotti, Lindon H. Young, Qian Chen

Research Day

Background: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursor trimethylamine (TMA) are metabolites derived from dietary sources such as choline and L-carnitine, commonly found in high-cholesterol foods and seafood. TMAO has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, particularly by promoting atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular inflammation. However, the precise mechanisms by which TMA and TMAO induce cytotoxicity remain unclear, and further studies are needed. Spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine present in living tissues, has been shown to exert anti-aging effects by inducing autophagy, reducing chronic inflammation, and preventing cell senescence. We hypothesized that spermidine would attenuate the cytotoxicity induced by TMA and TMAO. …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Mediterranean And Dash Dietary Patterns In Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The Role Of Intensive Behavioral Counseling, Angel Edwards, Jennifer H. Shaw

Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, and poor dietary patterns represent a major modifiable risk factor. The Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets are evidence-based nutritional strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction; however, long-term effectiveness is often limited by suboptimal adherence when interventions rely solely on passive education rather than structured behavioral support.

Objective: To evaluate the comparative efficacy of the Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns in CVD prevention and to examine the impact of intensive behavioral counseling on adherence and long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods: A structured PubMed search was conducted for English-language, …

Association Between Pm₂.₅ Air Pollution Exposure And County Level Psoriasis Prevalence: A Nationwide Ecological Study, Shihab Chowdhury, Thomas Last

Research Day

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting approximately 3% of U.S. adults. While environmental exposures such as fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) have been implicated in systemic inflammation, their association with psoriasis at the population level remains unclear. This study modeled county level psoriasis prevalence across the United States and evaluated its ecological association with long term PM₂.₅ exposure from 2011 to 2014.

Methods

We used NHANES 2011-2014 data to fit a survey-weighted logistic regression model predicting psoriasis diagnosis based on sex, age group, race/ethnicity, education, and poverty level. These demographic coefficients were applied to U.S. Census-derived county populations …

The Potential Role Of A Western Diet In Inducing Anxiety Disorder Via Inflammation, Erek N. Arsiniega, Kimberly J. Baker

Research Day

Anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental health condition that affects many individuals in American and other Western societies. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying mechanisms contributing to anxiety disorder remain largely not known, and there are research gaps in this area. Notably, there is an increased pattern of anxiety levels among the general population, with college students being particularly susceptible. Concurrently, there is a growing body of evidence looking into the heightened prevalence of chronic inflammation among individuals in the United States. This rise in chronic inflammation can be attributed, in part, to the dietary practices commonly observed in Western …

Glp-1 Agonists And Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Rolanda Willacy, Regan Burgess, Simran Rai, Lucy Fisher, Tegshjargal Baasansukh, Damon Ross, Nia Dudley, Jane Boyle, Marvin Dingle

Research Day

Introduction

Optimizing outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a priority in orthopaedics. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) help control blood sugar in diabetics and promote weight loss in obese patients. Studies show they contribute to decreased complications and improved outcomes after orthopedic surgery, but there are inconsistencies regarding its safety and efficacy. Some studies demonstrate reduced infection, readmission, and wound complications in diabetic patients, while others raise concerns about delayed healing, malnutrition, and increased complication rates among non-diabetics. This review evaluates the association between perioperative GLP-1 RA use and postoperative outcomes in TKA.

Methods

A systematic review …

Menopause And Musculoskeletal Injury Risk: Beyond Estrogen—A Hormone–Tissue–Load Mismatch Model, Mustafa Ansari, Faisal Hussain, Mutasem Shopon, Hanfa Ajmal, Mueez Asif, Sharon David

Research Day

Menopause represents a critical physiologic transition characterized by a significant decline in circulating estrogen levels, which has profound effects on the musculoskeletal system. Estrogen plays an essential role in maintaining bone homeostasis, collagen synthesis, and connective tissue elasticity. As estrogen levels fall during menopause, women experience accelerated bone mineral density loss, alterations in tendon and ligament biomechanics, and an increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries. Despite the growing aging female population, the relationship between hormonal changes, tissue biomechanics, and injury risk remains underrecognized in clinical practice.

This study reviews the current literature examining the physiologic and biomechanical consequences of menopause on …

Management Of Acute Fecal Impaction In A Pediatric Patient With Repaired Anorectal Malformation, Timothy C. Demott, Dylan P. Patel, Anthony A. Adetomiwa, Woodwin M. Weeks

Research Day

INTRODUCTION:

Anorectal Malformations (ARMs) represent a complex spectrum of congenital anomalies where surgical reconstruction does not always equate to functional success. Within the Krickenbeck classification, a significant “Constipation Paradox” exists: patients with “low” or “simple” malformations, such as rectoperineal fistulas, are statistically more likely to develop severe, refractory constipation and secondary megacolon than those with complex “high” defects. Despite intact pelvic musculature and sensation, underlying dysmotility creates a high‑pressure environment conducive to stool retention. This case report demonstrates the necessity of aggressive inpatient mechanical clearing and rigorous metabolic monitoring when outpatient therapies fail to overcome colonic inertia. The following clinical …

A Case Study Of Anencephaly: Diagnosis, Management And Maternal-Fetal Outcome, Emily Reagin, Allison Tresner, Daniel York

Research Day

Introduction: Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect resulting from failure of anterior neuropore closure during the fourth week of embryonic development. It is characterized by the absence of the cranial vault and cerebral hemispheres and is associated with uniformly poor fetal prognosis. Folate deficiency is the most established risk factor, and periconceptional folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of neural tube defects.

Case Presentation: We present a case of a 32-year-old gravida 6 para 5 female who was found to have an abnormal cranium on routine second-trimester ultrasonography. She came in on her first obstetrics appointment at 12 …

The Effect Of A Low-Glycemic Index Diet On Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms Among University-Aged Women, Angelika A. Gonzalez, Annalise M. Sankar, Noelle D. Nguyen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and is associated with insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysfunction. Dietary modifications targeting glycemic response have emerged as a nonpharmacologic approach for PCOS management. However, long-term randomized controlled trials targeting young adult populations remain limited.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term effects of adherence to a low-glycemic index diet on the frequency and severity of PCOS symptoms among female college students ages 18-22. This 12-month randomized controlled trial will recruit participants meeting the Rotterdam criteria from university health clinics. Participants will be randomly …

Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Symptoms In Teenagers Ages 13-18 With Inflammatory Skin Conditions, Katelyn S. Walker, Jessica Rosen, Matilde Belfiore

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 are particularly susceptible to inflammatory skin disorders such as acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, which can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of the gut-skin axis, indicating that the makeup of the gut microbiota affects both skin health and systemic inflammation. Adolescent-specific research is still limited even though probiotic supplementation, especially Lactobacillus strains, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory, animal, and small clinical studies.

The purpose of this experimental study is to determine whether oral probiotic supplementation improves inflammatory skin condition symptoms in …

An Emerging Approach To Ibd Treatment: Personalized Nutrition Through Gut Microbiome Optimization., Kafayat Yusuf, Thomas M. Attard, Mazin Al-Kasspooles, Shahid Umar

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by relapsing and remitting disease activity. Despite decades of research, a definitive cure for IBD remains elusive, as cycles of remission and flare-ups mark the disease course and often relies on long-term pharmacologic and supportive strategies. Increasing evidence indicates that diet and nutrition play an important role in modulating the outcomes of IBD. Although a wide range of dietary interventions has been explored, no universally effective approach has been established. Investigations have also proven that different dietary interventions can significantly affect clinical outcomes by altering gut …

The Social Determinants Of Health And Cancer, Joshua Williams

Ex Sapientia Loqui

The social determinants of health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, and people’s access to power, money and resources.” Epidemiologists have long studied the nexus between social forces and disease and have widely agreed that such forces are directly causal of pathologies. This paper is an analytic review of the existing literature on several social determinants— namely socioeconomic status (SES), race and ethnicity, age, working and living conditions, and social integration— and how they pertain to the causation, progression, and treatment of cancer.

Gut Health Interventions On Major Depressive Disorder, Hannah Beckloff, Ellie Erickson, Olga Furmanova, Hailey Van Dyken, Ashtyn Wobig

Celebration of Research

This evidence-based project aims to evaluate the potential benefits of probiotics, stress management, and a healthy diet for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder at Promise Community Health Center. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the project examines how interventions related to gut health can help alleviate depressive symptoms and implements the necessary tools to support this population at Promise. Our research findings suggest that combining probiotics, stress relief, and diet changes, along with adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder, may reduce depressive symptoms and encourage a more holistic lifestyle for these individuals.

Effects Of Preslaughter Fasting On Ph And Bacterial Contamination In Akkaraman And Anatolian Merino Sheep, Sai̇m Boztepe, Özcan Şahi̇n, Talha Demi̇rci̇, Gi̇zem Coşkun, İbrahi̇m Ayteki̇n, İsmai̇l Keski̇n

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The present study investigates the effects of the preslaughter fasting on pH and bacterial contamination in Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep. Included in the study were 10 Akkaraman and 10 Anatolian Merino sheep (n = 20) that were fasted for 24 h prior to slaughter, and a further 10 Akkaraman and 10 Anatolian Merino sheep (n = 20) that continued to be fed until slaughter as a control group. The total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) measured at 0 and 24 h in the fasting Akkaraman and Anatolian Merino sheep were 4.87/4.79 and 4.75/5.57 log CFU/g, respectively, and the corresponding Enterobacteriaceae …

The Effects Of Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate On Digestibility And Nutrient Transporters In Rats, Büşra Özmen, Emre Şahi̇n, Muhammed Tokmak, Veysi̇ Kayri̇, Ramazan Özmen, Kazi̇m Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient involved in hormone activity, energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, bone development, wound healing, and immune function. The present study explores the effects of sodium perborate tetrahydrate (SPT) on nutrient digestibility and the modulation of specific nutrient transporters in the jejunum and ileum of rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into four equal groups: 1) control, 2) SPT 0.5 (0.5 mg B/kg body weight [BW]), 3) SPT 1 (1 mg B/kg BW), and 4) SPT 2 (2 mg B/kg BW), and were fed the respective diets for a period of 4 weeks. The digestibility …

Housing System And Gender Effect On Carcass And Meat Quality Characteristics In Turkish Pekin Ducks, Hasan Önder, Uğur Şen, Mi̇ne Yilmaz, Si̇bel Bozkurt, Eli̇f Ci̇lavdaroğlu, Di̇lek Gökçek, Ahmet Uçar, Kadi̇r Erensoy, Burcu Kurnaz

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Improving meat quality is one of the most important aims for scientists and breeders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of housing system (indoor vs. free-range) and gender on carcass and meat quality traits in Pekin ducks. The animal material consisted of 20 male and 20 female birds in each housing system. Our results show cold carcass weights of 3174.10 ± 80.65 g and 2672.60 ± 59.63 g for male and female birds in the indoor housing system and 2821.10 ± 50.53 g and 2306.90 ± 43.32 g for male and female birds in the free-range housing system. The …

Experiences Of Maternal Care In The Gypsy, Roma, And Traveller Population In The United Kingdom: A Cultural Care Model, Sarah Englebert Crowson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller women (GRT) in the United Kingdom face persistent maternal health disparities and show poor engagement with healthcare services. Exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of cultural competence from healthcare professionals contribute to poor health outcomes including preterm births; and GRT women have more babies born with congenital anomalies than non-GRT women in the United Kingdom. The purpose of this focused ethnographic qualitative study was to explore how self-identified GRT women living in the United Kingdom experienced maternal care and how cultural identity and social structures influenced their interactions with healthcare providers based on Madeleine Leininger’s cultural care …

Effect Of Different Pellet Binders On Palm Kernel On Growth Performance And Nutrient Digestibility In Broiler Chicken, Nuun Marfuah, Burhanudin Sundu, Rusdi Rusdi, Sugiarto Sugiarto

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Feed plays a paramount role in supporting growth, metabolism, and production performance. Their high price encourages the utilization of inexpensive and alternative feed ingredients. PKM, one such feed ingredient, is produced by palm oil industries. However, there is still a very limited application because of its high crude fiber content, which needs processing technologies like pelletization with binder addition. Based on this background, this experiment has been conducted to study the effect of various types of natural and commercial binders in 15% PKM-based pellets on performance and nutrient digestibility of broilers. The study was done for five weeks using 150 …

Perspectives On An Unconventional Partnership Between Occupational Therapists And Pediatric Dental Professionals, Marissa Holsonback, Reeti Douglas, Leslie Gazdeck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Pediatric clients with disabilities are at increased risk for dental problems, including periodontal disease. Developmental delay and sensory processing dysfunction hinder acceptance of the stimulating dental environment and engagement in oral care routines at home. This health disparity is magnified by many dental professionals’ lack of training and confidence with children who have special needs. The holistic occupational therapy scope of practice is inclusive of oral care, pediatric diagnoses, sensory integration, and behavior management, allowing occupational therapists to collaborate with pediatric dental professionals to address the oral health disparity. This perspective manuscript provides occupational therapists with an evidence-supported understanding of …

Ethically Integrating Ai In Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Learning And Practice For The Future, Amy Sadek, Sabrina Gowette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s and is gaining traction in higher education and among health care professions. In this era of technology, it is imperative we equip both educators and students to have tech centric skills to support learning, improve efficiency, and enhance skills. Faculty and students alike need to be able to understand the ethics behind using digital information, such as that from AI tools and sources. As educators and students become more reliant on technology, and specifically AI, it is imperative not to lose the human connection in education. Educators are an integral part …

Addressing Feeding And Eating Issues With The Pediatric Population Using A Telehealth Service Delivery Model: A Case Report, Lyndsay Fait, Raegan Furman, Devani Emery, Bryan M. Gee

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This case report reviews the implementation of telehealth-based occupational therapy interventions for pediatric feeding issues in a client with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It highlights the use of a synchronous telehealth service delivery model to address sensory-based feeding issues.

Method: A single-patient case report was conducted, outlining the occupational therapy process with an 11-year-old male with ASD and ARFID who receives most nutrition through G-tube feedings and presents food selectivity. Telehealth sessions were conducted via Zoom, with occupational therapy assistant students providing interventions under faculty supervision.

Results: Telehealth interventions were successfully implemented to …

Empowering Parents Through Occupational Therapy And Primary Care Partnerships: A Feasibility Study, Maureen M. Fischer, Jennifer E. Lape

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Partnerships between occupational therapists and primary care providers may increase parents' accessibility to needed information to support their children’s development and promote occupational engagement. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and potential impact of occupational therapy-led parent education sessions in pediatric primary care.

Method: We designed a mixed methods feasibility study with two individualized parent education sessions within 2 weeks. The study took place at a pediatric primary care practice. Convenience sampling was used to recruit nine parents who met these criteria: parent/caregiver of a child 3 years of age or under, 18 years of …

Targeting Oxidative Stress In Cadasil: Case Insights And Therapeutic Approaches, Maria Meshreky, Richard Weinberger, Giana Johnson, Andrew Abraham, Jacob Rosendale

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare hereditary small-vessel disease caused by NOTCH3 mutations, leading to recurrent ischemic strokes, cognitive decline, and early-onset dementia. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of small-vessel cerebrovascular disease, but therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative injury remain limited. We present a 40-year-old female with recurrent ischemic strokes involving the right and left middle cerebral arteries, persistent hypercoagulability of unknown etiology, and no identifiable inherited or acquired thrombophilia. Despite well-controlled blood pressure and standard medical management, the patient remains at high risk for cerebrovascular injury. An extensive review of …

Growing Healthy Habits: Impacts Of A Youth Community Garden For Children In Rural Mississippi, Olivia G. Degravelle

Honors Theses

This study examines the implementation and outcomes of a Youth Garden Program conducted in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Funded by the Allstate Community Service Project Grant, the Youth Garden was constructed within the previously established Pontotoc Community Garden. The initiative comprised four weekly workshops designed for participants ranging from preschool to adolescence. Each session incorporated hands-on fruit and vegetable (FV) planting or harvesting, an educational lesson, and a complementary craft activity. Children’s FV consumption patterns, nutritional knowledge, and attitudes toward FV were assessed through pre- and post-program surveys. In addition, the photo-elicitation interview method invited participants to take digital photographs of garden …

Ellagic Acid Reduces Inulin's Adverse Effects: A Combined Approach To Enhance Therapeutic Potential In Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, Tharani Senavirathna, Shafaei, Ricky Lareu, Lois Balmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This mouse study investigates the efficacy of ellagic acid (EA), a potent antioxidant in fruits and nuts, and inulin, a prebiotic known for gut microbiota benefits, in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A Western-style diet (WD) was used to induce NASH in C57BL/6J male mice for 16 weeks. Mice then received EA (100 mg/kg/day, oral gavage, 5 days/week) and/or 5% inulin (w/w in diet) for 12 weeks while continuing WD. Inulin increased energy intake and trended toward higher body weight and fasting glucose. EA reduced liver weights and restored the liver-to-body weight ratio. EA and inulin combined significantly reduced steatosis and hepatocyte …

A Digital Diabetes Prevention Program For Hispanic Adolescents (Fit24+): Protocol For A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Erica G Soltero, Marbelly Partida, Sandra Mihail, Lizette Villanueva, Callie Lopez, Salma M Musaad, Teresia M O'Connor, Maria J Redondo, Matthew Buman, Debbe Thompson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Hispanic youth are disproportionately impacted by obesity and subsequent type 2 diabetes (T2D) yet remain underrepresented in diabetes prevention research. Digital health interventions hold promise for increasing the accessibility to and engagement in disease prevention programming, particularly among high-risk populations. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding digital T2D prevention programs for adolescents or Hispanic youth.

Objective: The objective of this article is to describe the protocol for examining the feasibility of a 12-week digital diabetes prevention program among Hispanic adolescents with obesity.

Methods: Participants (N=40; aged 12-16 years) will be randomized (1:1) to a 12-week …

Perioperative Outcomes And Challenges In Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Single-Institution Case Series, Parli Raghavan Ravi, Maha Abdullah Naseer Alshaibi, Raj Sahajanandan, Mohammed Abdullah Saif Alhosni, Srinivas Shyam Mantha

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a high-risk, but potentially curative, treatment for peritoneal surface malignancies. This retrospective analysis was conducted between March 2023 and September 2025 at Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, Muscat, Oman, with the objective of analysing perioperative outcomes and challenges in patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC. Data on demographics, intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were collected and statistically analysed. A total of 25 consecutive patients were included. The cohort had significant comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists II/III = 84%). Significant metabolic stress was evidenced by increased lactate (P <0.001) and base deficit (P …