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Impact Of Medicaid Enrollment Timing On Tumor Stage At Diagnosis And Survival In Breast, Colorectal, And Lung Cancer, Gabriel A. Benavidez, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Anthony Alberg Ph.D., M.P.H., Janice Probst, Jan Marie Eberth Mar 2026

Impact Of Medicaid Enrollment Timing On Tumor Stage At Diagnosis And Survival In Breast, Colorectal, And Lung Cancer, Gabriel A. Benavidez, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Anthony Alberg Ph.D., M.P.H., Janice Probst, Jan Marie Eberth

Faculty Publications

Background: Medicaid-insured patients experience higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnosis and worse survival than non-Medicaid patients. The impact of Medicaid enrollment timing on cancer outcomes is less clear. This study examines the association between Medicaid enrollment and timing with tumor stage and cancer-specific survival for breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Methods: We analyzed SEER-Medicaid linked data for 276,755 breast, 104,784 colorectal, and 101,058 lung cancer patients < 65 years of age. Patients were categorized as non-Medicaid enrollees, pre-diagnosis enrollees (≥12 months before), or post-diagnosis enrollees (≤12 months after). Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios of late-stage diagnosis, and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess cancer-specific survival, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results: Compared to non-Medicaid enrollees, post-diagnosis enrollees had the highest odds of late-stage diagnosis (breast cancer: OR: 3.41; colorectal cancer: OR: 3.78; lung cancer: OR: 1.87). Pre-diagnosis enrollees also had increased odds, but the …


Moderate-Temperature Hydrothermal Treatment Removes Detectable Dna And Antibiotic Resistance Genes From Municipal Sludge While Preserving Resource Value, R Sean Norman M.Sc., Ph.D., Mirza Isanovic, Gabrielle Kartzmark, Nicole Berge Mar 2026

Moderate-Temperature Hydrothermal Treatment Removes Detectable Dna And Antibiotic Resistance Genes From Municipal Sludge While Preserving Resource Value, R Sean Norman M.Sc., Ph.D., Mirza Isanovic, Gabrielle Kartzmark, Nicole Berge

Faculty Publications

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are key reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with municipal sludge containing high bacterial densities and diverse ARGs that may spread through land application. Hydrothermal treatment (HT) is a process that inactivates pathogens and stabilizes biomass, but its performance at moderate temperatures is less understood. We evaluated HT (100°C–250°C; 2–24 h) for degrading bacterial DNA and ARGs in dewatered municipal sludge. DNA was quantified by fluorometry, bacterial presence confirmed by 16S rRNA gene PCR, and ARGs profiled by qPCR targeting 84 clinically and environmentally relevant genes. HT up to 250°C produced modest carbon densification, high solids …


Moderate-Temperature Hydrothermal Treatment Removes Detectable Dna And Antibiotic Resistance Genes From Municipal Sludge While Preserving Resource Value, R. Sean Norman, Mirza Isanovic, Gabrielle Kartzmark, Nicole Berge Mar 2026

Moderate-Temperature Hydrothermal Treatment Removes Detectable Dna And Antibiotic Resistance Genes From Municipal Sludge While Preserving Resource Value, R. Sean Norman, Mirza Isanovic, Gabrielle Kartzmark, Nicole Berge

Faculty Publications

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are key reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with municipal sludge containing high bacterial densities and diverse ARGs that may spread through land application. Hydrothermal treatment (HT) is a process that inactivates pathogens and stabilizes biomass, but its performance at moderate temperatures is less understood. We evaluated HT (100°C–250°C; 2–24 h) for degrading bacterial DNA and ARGs in dewatered municipal sludge. DNA was quantified by fluorometry, bacterial presence confirmed by 16S rRNA gene PCR, and ARGs profiled by qPCR targeting 84 clinically and environmentally relevant genes. HT up to 250°C produced modest carbon densification, high solids …


Rural–Urban Differences In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults: The Roles Of Falls And Depressive Symptoms, Ayse Malatyali, Tom Cidav, Lisa A.K. Wiese, Jian Zou, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Junfeng Ma, Breno S. Diniz, Ladda Thiamwong Mar 2026

Rural–Urban Differences In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults: The Roles Of Falls And Depressive Symptoms, Ayse Malatyali, Tom Cidav, Lisa A.K. Wiese, Jian Zou, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Junfeng Ma, Breno S. Diniz, Ladda Thiamwong

Faculty Publications

Background: Older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) experience a higher risk of falls. However, research lacks evidence on the effect of fall exposure on cognitive impairment and dementia. We investigated the association of falls and depressive symptoms with cognitive impairment and dementia in a nationally representative sample. Methods: We analyzed data from 6221 participants (age ≥ 65) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from the 2018–2020 waves, using Multinomial logistic regression models. Measures included the HRS health status questionnaire, HRS cognition scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Results: Prevalence of fall exposure across …


Rural–Urban Differences In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults: The Roles Of Falls And Depressive Symptoms, Ayse Malatyali, Tom Cidav, Lisa A.K. Wiese, Jian Zou, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Junfeng Ma, Breno S. Diniz, Ladda Thiamwong Mar 2026

Rural–Urban Differences In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults: The Roles Of Falls And Depressive Symptoms, Ayse Malatyali, Tom Cidav, Lisa A.K. Wiese, Jian Zou, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Junfeng Ma, Breno S. Diniz, Ladda Thiamwong

Faculty Publications

Background: Older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) experience a higher risk of falls. However, research lacks evidence on the effect of fall exposure on cognitive impairment and dementia. We investigated the association of falls and depressive symptoms with cognitive impairment and dementia in a nationally representative sample. Methods: We analyzed data from 6221 participants (age ≥ 65) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from the 2018–2020 waves, using Multinomial logistic regression models. Measures included the HRS health status questionnaire, HRS cognition scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Results: Prevalence of fall exposure across …


Modeling The Impact Of Shade Pavilions On Wet Bulb Globe Temperature And Activity Modification In Outdoor Sports Across Diverse U.S. Climates, Andrew Grundstein, Susan W. Yeargin Ph.D., Atc, Lat, Earl Cooper, Lilly Cargile Mar 2026

Modeling The Impact Of Shade Pavilions On Wet Bulb Globe Temperature And Activity Modification In Outdoor Sports Across Diverse U.S. Climates, Andrew Grundstein, Susan W. Yeargin Ph.D., Atc, Lat, Earl Cooper, Lilly Cargile

Faculty Publications

Extreme heat is an ongoing hazard for outdoor sports. In response, schools, recreation departments, and fitness clubs are increasingly installing shade pavilions over venues like football fields and tennis courts. While shading is known to improve thermal comfort and reduce heat stress, its effects on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and related activity modification guidelines in sports remain underexplored. This study uses a modeling approach to quantify the impact of shade pavilions on WBGT and activity modification across a range of U.S. climates.

WBGT values were calculated using a model based on historical data from 221 weather stations, each with …


Cognitive And Emotional Conflict Control Among Children Affected By Parental Hiv/Aids In China, Huihui Wang, Juan Liu, Danfeng Wen, Wan Zhao, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Junfeng Zhao Mar 2026

Cognitive And Emotional Conflict Control Among Children Affected By Parental Hiv/Aids In China, Huihui Wang, Juan Liu, Danfeng Wen, Wan Zhao, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Junfeng Zhao

Faculty Publications

Background: Children affected by parental HIV/AIDS constitute a particularly vulnerable population, often facing heightened risks in psychosocial adaptation due to family disruption, social stigma, and resource deprivation. However, the characteristics of their executive functions, particularly the core component of conflict monitoring, remain unclear.

Methods: The present study compared the performance of children affected by parental HIV/AIDS (n=32) to a control group (n=32) on a cognitive conflict and emotional conflict face-word Stroop task.

Results: The results of the cognitive Stroop task demonstrated that both groups showed better performance in congruent stimuli compared to incongruent stimuli (86.20% vs.67.30%; 568.43ms vs.586.04ms). In the …


Impediments To Transforming The Healthcare Delivery System: Shifting The Paradigm From Provider Centric To Patient Centric, Elizabeth A. Regan, Manasa Devi Chinta Mar 2026

Impediments To Transforming The Healthcare Delivery System: Shifting The Paradigm From Provider Centric To Patient Centric, Elizabeth A. Regan, Manasa Devi Chinta

Faculty Publications

Introduction: 

Stated aims for digital healthcare transformation frequently cite goals for better coordinated patient-centric systems. However, despite advances in medical science, digital technologies, health policies, and billions of dollars invested over the past 25 years, most healthcare providers are far from fully realizing the demonstrated benefits of today's digital technologies for improving patient care. Sharing information across healthcare systems remains challenging. Problems with fragmentation, quality, inequities, and rising costs of care delivery persist. A recent study of 1,026 U.S. hospital systems found that only 15.8 percent achieved a digital maturity level needed to provide digitally enabled healthcare services to better …


A Review Of Interaction Between Sleep Apnea And Apoe E4 On The Risk Of Dementia, Xiuhua Ding, Carol Watwood, Amit Patel, Krupa Hegde, Brooke Mahanna, Lindsey Escudero, Jean Neils-Strunjas Ph.D, Ccc-Slp Mar 2026

A Review Of Interaction Between Sleep Apnea And Apoe E4 On The Risk Of Dementia, Xiuhua Ding, Carol Watwood, Amit Patel, Krupa Hegde, Brooke Mahanna, Lindsey Escudero, Jean Neils-Strunjas Ph.D, Ccc-Slp

Faculty Publications

Dementia has a significant impact on individuals, families, communities, and the economy. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases. The APOE e4 allele is well known as the primary genetic risk factor for AD and dementia. Studies have also shown that sleep apnea increases the risk of dementia. Some research further suggests a possible interaction between sleep apnea and the APOE in dementia development; however, this relationship remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to synthesize evidence from the existing literature and report findings on the relationship between APOE, sleep apnea, and dementia. A systematic search of …


Potential Impacts Of Climate Interventions On Marine Ecosystems, Kelsey E. Roberts, Tyler Rohr, Morgan R. Raven, Michael S. Diamond, Daniele Visioni, Ben Kravitz, Ryan Heneghan, Colleen M. Petrik, Daniele Bianchi, Kelly Ortega-Cisneros, Monica A. Morrison, Vanessa Van Heerden, Nicola A. Wiseman, Gouri Anil, Zachary J. Cannizzo, Marta Coll, Joshua Coupe, Ryan Freedman, Kristen Krumhardt, Lester Kwiatkowski, Nicole S. Lovenduski, Jessica Y. Luo, Holly C. Olivarez, Alan Robock, Jeroen Steenbeek, Cheryl S. Harrison Mar 2026

Potential Impacts Of Climate Interventions On Marine Ecosystems, Kelsey E. Roberts, Tyler Rohr, Morgan R. Raven, Michael S. Diamond, Daniele Visioni, Ben Kravitz, Ryan Heneghan, Colleen M. Petrik, Daniele Bianchi, Kelly Ortega-Cisneros, Monica A. Morrison, Vanessa Van Heerden, Nicola A. Wiseman, Gouri Anil, Zachary J. Cannizzo, Marta Coll, Joshua Coupe, Ryan Freedman, Kristen Krumhardt, Lester Kwiatkowski, Nicole S. Lovenduski, Jessica Y. Luo, Holly C. Olivarez, Alan Robock, Jeroen Steenbeek, Cheryl S. Harrison

Faculty Publications

Rising global temperatures pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and fisheries. Recent comprehensive assessments suggest that large-scale mitigation efforts to limit warming are falling short, and all feasible future climate projections, including those that represent optimistic emissions reductions, exceed the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C or 2° warming targets during this century. While avoiding further CO2 emissions remains the most effective way to prevent environmental destabilization, interest is growing in climate interventions—deliberate, large-scale manipulations of the environment aimed at reducing global warming. These include carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations over time, and solar radiation modification (SRM), which …


Handling Item-Level Missing Data In Linear Regression: A Tutorial, Guyin Zhang, Lihan Chen, Dexin Shen Mar 2026

Handling Item-Level Missing Data In Linear Regression: A Tutorial, Guyin Zhang, Lihan Chen, Dexin Shen

Faculty Publications

With advances in methodology and statistical software, modern methods for handling missing data have become more accessible and straightforward to apply. In psychological studies, researchers often use questionnaires or scales composed of multiple items to measure constructs of interest. As a result, missing values frequently occur at the item level, whereas data analyses are typically conducted at the scale (composite) level. However, properly addressing item-level missing data remains a common challenge for many applied psychologists, including researchers who are otherwise well experienced in handling missing data at the scale level. In this tutorial, we introduce six approaches for handling item-level …


Text Messages To Improve Young Child Diets: Results From A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial In Kanchanpur, Nepal, Kenda Cunningham, Sidney Cech, Aman Sen Gupta, Pooja Pandey Rana, Debbie Humphries, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D. Mar 2026

Text Messages To Improve Young Child Diets: Results From A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial In Kanchanpur, Nepal, Kenda Cunningham, Sidney Cech, Aman Sen Gupta, Pooja Pandey Rana, Debbie Humphries, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to test whether adding a text message campaign about the importance of eating eggs and other nutrition-related behaviours to an on-going package of large-scale, diverse social and behaviour change interventions would improve four types of nutrition-related knowledge and behaviour outcomes: child diets (egg consumption as the primary outcome), maternal diets, maternal nutrition knowledge, and maternal participation in additional interventions. The cluster-randomized controlled trial involved a repeat cross-sectional design, recruiting families with children 12–23 months of age at baseline and endline in one plains district of Nepal. Throughout the 1000-day period, 51 text messages were …


Impact Of Suaahara, An At-Scale Multisectoral Nutrition Programme, On Health Workers’ Maternal And Child Health, And Nutrition Knowledge And Skills In Nepal, Deependra K. Thapa, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Bhim Pun, Karuna L. Shakya, Raj Mandal, Subir K. Kole, Kenda Cunningham Mar 2026

Impact Of Suaahara, An At-Scale Multisectoral Nutrition Programme, On Health Workers’ Maternal And Child Health, And Nutrition Knowledge And Skills In Nepal, Deependra K. Thapa, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Bhim Pun, Karuna L. Shakya, Raj Mandal, Subir K. Kole, Kenda Cunningham

Faculty Publications

Suaahara, an at-scale multisectoral nutrition programme in Nepal, aimed to advance knowledge and skills of frontline health workers to improve the quality of nutrition and health services at health facility and community levels. This study assessed the impact of Suaahara interventions on knowledge and skills of health facility workers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The study used a quasi-experimental design in which four Suaahara intervention districts were compared with pair-matched comparison districts. One health facility worker and three FCHVs from each survey cluster were included. Baseline survey consisted of 93 health facility workers (2015) and 118 FCHVs (2012), and …


Characterization And Response To Exercise Training Of Hdl-Specific Phospholipid Efflux, Eric C. Leszcynski, Charles S. Schwartz, Kiani J.C. Jacobs, Prasun L. Dev, Sujoy Ghosh, Jeremy M. Robbins, Robert E. Gerszten, Anand Rohatgi, Timothy S. Collier, Robert J. Konard, Masaki Sato, Rafael Zubirán, Claude Bouchard, Edward B. Neufeld, Alan T. Remaley, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm Mar 2026

Characterization And Response To Exercise Training Of Hdl-Specific Phospholipid Efflux, Eric C. Leszcynski, Charles S. Schwartz, Kiani J.C. Jacobs, Prasun L. Dev, Sujoy Ghosh, Jeremy M. Robbins, Robert E. Gerszten, Anand Rohatgi, Timothy S. Collier, Robert J. Konard, Masaki Sato, Rafael Zubirán, Claude Bouchard, Edward B. Neufeld, Alan T. Remaley, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm

Faculty Publications

The HDL-specific phospholipid efflux (HDL-SPE) assay is a novel cell-free measure of HDL function that is inversely associated with coronary artery disease. However, the effect of exercise training on HDL-SPE is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exercise training on HDL-SPE in a large, diverse cohort free of overt disease. Clinical and functional measures of HDL were taken before and after 20 weeks of endurance exercise training in 508 participants from the HERITAGE Family Study. Associations of HDL-SPE with HDL-related traits were examined using Pearson's correlations at baseline and following exercise training (significance: P …


Impact Of Suaahara, An Integrated Nutrition Programme, On Maternal And Child Nutrition At Scale In Nepal, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Deependra K. Thapa, Kenda Cunningham, Pooja Pandey Rana, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Subir Kole, Bhim Pun, Indra Kshetri, Debendra P. Adhikari, Rolf Klemm Mar 2026

Impact Of Suaahara, An Integrated Nutrition Programme, On Maternal And Child Nutrition At Scale In Nepal, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Deependra K. Thapa, Kenda Cunningham, Pooja Pandey Rana, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Subir Kole, Bhim Pun, Indra Kshetri, Debendra P. Adhikari, Rolf Klemm

Faculty Publications

Suaahara was an innovative, complex, multi-sectoral, large-scale, nutrition programme in Nepal to increase exposure to nutrition-related information and services, improve nutrition-related knowledge and practices among pregnant women and mothers of infants and young children, and improve their nutrition. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Suaahara to improve nutrition and nutrition-related practices by comparing changes over 10 years between intervention and comparison districts. The samples of households at baseline in 2012 and endline in 2022 were 2040 and 2480, respectively, from 120 old wards. The impact was estimated using intent-to-treat regression models in which survey year, arm and their interaction were …


Exposure To Suaahara Ii Interventions And Knowledge Of Maternal And Child Nutrition And Health Among Mothers, Grandmothers, And Male Household Heads: An Association Study In Nepal, Shalini Suresh, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Deependra K. Thapa, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Subir K. Kole, Femila Sapkota, Manisha Laxmi Shrestha, Kristine Garn, Pooja Rana Pandey, Indra Kshetri, Dipak Sharma, Kenda Cunningham Mar 2026

Exposure To Suaahara Ii Interventions And Knowledge Of Maternal And Child Nutrition And Health Among Mothers, Grandmothers, And Male Household Heads: An Association Study In Nepal, Shalini Suresh, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Deependra K. Thapa, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Subir K. Kole, Femila Sapkota, Manisha Laxmi Shrestha, Kristine Garn, Pooja Rana Pandey, Indra Kshetri, Dipak Sharma, Kenda Cunningham

Faculty Publications

Suaahara was a USAID-funded multi-sectoral integrated nutrition program that aimed to improve the nutritional status of children under the age of five and their mothers in Nepal. The program included multiple interventions targeted to mothers and children, as well as other caregivers. Caregiver knowledge of optimal nutrition and health practices among household members is an important driver of healthy child and maternal nutrition behaviors. This study investigates the associations between exposure to Suaahara interventions and knowledge of maternal and child nutrition and health practices among mothers (n =, grandmothers (n =, and male household heads (n =. Linear and logistic …


Does Genetic Testing Influence Outcomes: Early Experience In Melanoma Case Series, Ryan Reyes, George Skenteris, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Christine Marie-Gilligan Schammel, Steven D. Trocha Mar 2026

Does Genetic Testing Influence Outcomes: Early Experience In Melanoma Case Series, Ryan Reyes, George Skenteris, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Christine Marie-Gilligan Schammel, Steven D. Trocha

Faculty Publications

Background:

The treatment and prognosis of melanoma have historically been based on histologic stage and Breslow depth; however, due to the increase in surveillance, melanomas are being identified at an earlier stage and lower Breslow depth. Advances in genetic testing, such as Decision Dx®, mean that melanoma diagnostic decisions and prognosis can now be directed by genetics. The purpose of this project was to assess the influence of a Decision Dx® high-grade (Class 2A/B) classification on the treatment of melanoma patients at a regional medical center, particularly those not deemed high risk by conventional classification methods, including Breslow depth and …


Online Age Gating: An Interdisciplinary Evaluation, Noah Apthorpe, Brett Frischmann, Yan Shvartzshnaider Mar 2026

Online Age Gating: An Interdisciplinary Evaluation, Noah Apthorpe, Brett Frischmann, Yan Shvartzshnaider

Faculty Publications

The recent surge in regulation seeking to establish age-based governance online is part of a decades-long attempt to establish online zoning. It is driven by active development of technologies to estimate or verify user age based on various characteristics of users, their credentials, or their activities. However, these developments have heightened prevailing concerns that online age gating technology will inevitably be abused and misused to cause a variety of privacy harms and rights infringements. This paper examines this ongoing debate by bridging technical and legal scholarship to explore the current state of online age-based governance. We discuss the current legal …


Mermaids In Pools: Ex-Situ Conservation As A Cornerstone For Sirenian Management Worldwide, D. N. Castelblanco-Martínez, E. A. Ramos, A. Alvarez-Alemán, F. L. N. Attademo, L. J. Cabrias-Contreras, D. Caicedo-Herrera, S. S. Landeo-Yauri, F. O. Luna, Miriam Marmontel, J. Sanchez, Carlos J. Silva, Vera Da Silva, Diogo Londero Da Silva, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni Mar 2026

Mermaids In Pools: Ex-Situ Conservation As A Cornerstone For Sirenian Management Worldwide, D. N. Castelblanco-Martínez, E. A. Ramos, A. Alvarez-Alemán, F. L. N. Attademo, L. J. Cabrias-Contreras, D. Caicedo-Herrera, S. S. Landeo-Yauri, F. O. Luna, Miriam Marmontel, J. Sanchez, Carlos J. Silva, Vera Da Silva, Diogo Londero Da Silva, A. A. Mignucci-Giannoni

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Using The Misinformation Exposure-Trust Framework For Audience Segmentation: Predicting Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among U.S., Jing Zeng, Jinxu Li, Nan Yu, Xi Cui, Anli Xiao Ph.D. Feb 2026

Using The Misinformation Exposure-Trust Framework For Audience Segmentation: Predicting Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among U.S., Jing Zeng, Jinxu Li, Nan Yu, Xi Cui, Anli Xiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

This study examines whether individuals’ exposure to and trust in COVID-19 vaccine misinformation can be used to segment audiences and explain variations in vaccine hesitancy and health beliefs. Using k-means clustering, a survey of 819 U.S. college students (March–May 2021) identifies four subgroups based on combinations of high or low misinformation exposure and trust: misinformation-shielded (low exposure, low trust), misinformation-vulnerable (low exposure, high trust), misinformation-resistant (high exposure, low trust), and misinformation-accepting (high exposure, high trust). These subgroups differ significantly in political ideology, vaccine hesitancy, and health beliefs. The misinformation-shielded subgroup reports more liberal views, lower hesitancy, and higher perceived efficacy, …


Exosome Engineering For Blocking Gut Dysbiosis And Inducing Cell Death Mechanisms In Glioblastoma Multiforme, Ahalya Muraleedharan, Karthik Rangavajhula, Swapan K. Ray Feb 2026

Exosome Engineering For Blocking Gut Dysbiosis And Inducing Cell Death Mechanisms In Glioblastoma Multiforme, Ahalya Muraleedharan, Karthik Rangavajhula, Swapan K. Ray

Faculty Publications

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults. Emerging evidence endorses that gut dysbiosis contributes to GBM progression through the gut–brain axis (GBA), promoting inflammation and therapeutic resistance via abnormal short-chain fatty acid production and cytokine dysregulation. Exosomes, naturally occurring nanovesicles (30–150 nm), offer promising therapeutic potential due to their blood–brain barrier permeability, biocompatibility, and versatile cargo capacity. This review examines exosome engineering strategies for dual targeting: inhibiting alterations in gut microbiome and inducing regulated cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and ferroptosis in GBM. We describe exosome engineering with detailed focus on cargo loading approaches …


Effect Of Hdl Disk And Ldl Dimer Presence On Lipoprotein Particle Number Determination And Subclassification, Zsuzsanna Kuklenyik, Anna A. Ivanova, Lauren E. Drinkard, David M. Schieltz, Jeffrey I. Jones, Kevin Bierbaum, Christopher A. Toth, Michael S. Gardner, Bryan A. Parks, Michael Andrews, Jennifer D. Kusovschi, Jack A. Sultan, Antony Lehtikoski, Jon C. Rees, Wanda I. Santana, Victoria Connor, Eric Leszynski, Robert W. Mcgarrah Iii, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm, William E. Kraus, John R. Barr Feb 2026

Effect Of Hdl Disk And Ldl Dimer Presence On Lipoprotein Particle Number Determination And Subclassification, Zsuzsanna Kuklenyik, Anna A. Ivanova, Lauren E. Drinkard, David M. Schieltz, Jeffrey I. Jones, Kevin Bierbaum, Christopher A. Toth, Michael S. Gardner, Bryan A. Parks, Michael Andrews, Jennifer D. Kusovschi, Jack A. Sultan, Antony Lehtikoski, Jon C. Rees, Wanda I. Santana, Victoria Connor, Eric Leszynski, Robert W. Mcgarrah Iii, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm, William E. Kraus, John R. Barr

Faculty Publications

High-density and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) are established analytical targets for diagnosis and risk stratification of numerous chronic diseases. This study investigates potential sources of bias in lipoprotein particle counting (HDL-P and LDL-P), focusing on the most atheroprotective small-HDL and most pro-atherogenic small-LDL. Plasma samples were fractionated using asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4), coupled with hydrodynamic size measurement and comprehensive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of each fraction. Concentration-size profiles were deconvoluted into 10 HDL and 8 LDL Gaussian subspecies. Molecular volume ratios were used to evaluate proposed particle models, providing evidence for the presence of s-HDL disk and …


Translating Community Voices To Build Meaningful Engagement: A Community Health Worker Led Study, Lauren Workman, Julie Smithwick Msw, Chw, Kimberly C. Rawlinson, Mark M. Macauda, Lashandra Morgan, Whitney Davis Feb 2026

Translating Community Voices To Build Meaningful Engagement: A Community Health Worker Led Study, Lauren Workman, Julie Smithwick Msw, Chw, Kimberly C. Rawlinson, Mark M. Macauda, Lashandra Morgan, Whitney Davis

Faculty Publications

Background: Understanding community perspectives on barriers and facilitators of meaningful engagement, equitable decision making, and sustainable community improvement is critical for advancing health equity. Community Health Workers can make significant contributions to research teams, as they are bridges into communities and bring unique perspectives. This study describes community voices on barriers to authentic engagement and insights on strategies to build trust, as well as the way in which these data were translated into a tangible assessment tool and a community-facilitated learning academy.

Methods: A team of Community Health Workers led a series of 24 ‘open mic’ discussions in four South …


Association Between Dietary Folate And Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness Among African Americans And European Americans, Lihchyun Joseph Su, Sarah O'Connor, Daniela Ramirez Aguilar, Minjae Lee, Harrison Wong, Hui-Yi Lin, Jeannette T. Bensen, James L. Mohler, Lenore Arab, Longgang Zhao, Ebonee N. Butler, Laura Farnan, Susan E. Steck Phd, Mph, Rd Feb 2026

Association Between Dietary Folate And Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness Among African Americans And European Americans, Lihchyun Joseph Su, Sarah O'Connor, Daniela Ramirez Aguilar, Minjae Lee, Harrison Wong, Hui-Yi Lin, Jeannette T. Bensen, James L. Mohler, Lenore Arab, Longgang Zhao, Ebonee N. Butler, Laura Farnan, Susan E. Steck Phd, Mph, Rd

Faculty Publications

Background: Despite the confirmed beneficial effects on preventing neural tube defects, concerns about high intakes of synthetic folate, or folic acid, in promoting cancer progression have been raised. This study evaluated the association between folate intake and prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness among African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) males. Methods: This study included 722 AA and 775 EA men with prostate cancer. Folate intake (dietary folate equivalent (DFE), synthetic folate, natural folate) was estimated using the National Cancer Institute Dietary History Questionnaire and detailed dietary supplement use questionnaire. Analyses included univariable comparisons of demographic and clinical characteristics of the two racial …


Examining The Impact Of Young Children’S Motor Development On Inhibitory Control And Social Skills, Ali S. Brian, Shea E. Ferguson, Angie Starrett, Emily Kallis, J. Ross Ramsey Feb 2026

Examining The Impact Of Young Children’S Motor Development On Inhibitory Control And Social Skills, Ali S. Brian, Shea E. Ferguson, Angie Starrett, Emily Kallis, J. Ross Ramsey

Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Understanding how motor and cognitive development may contribute to prosocial behavior is essential for supporting whole-child development in early learning settings. Early childhood education settings are well-positioned to address these concerns through integrated approaches that support the whole child. Research exploring the mechanisms that link developmental domains remains limited, especially regarding how motor development may influence social outcomes through cognitive processes such as inhibitory control. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether gains in motor skills were associated with prosocial behaviors indirectly through improvements in inhibitory control. Methods: Preschoolers (N = 238; Mage = 66.61, SD …


Women’S Reproductive Health Conditions And Fertility Goals, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Kathleen Broussard Feb 2026

Women’S Reproductive Health Conditions And Fertility Goals, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Kathleen Broussard

Faculty Publications

There is a large body of research examining women’s fertility decision-making. Yet this work rarely considers how women’s experiences with reproductive health conditions may be linked to their fertility goals, a problematic oversight given the growing emphases on reproductive careers and childbearing biographies that highlight the need to take a life course approach to fertility. Using the 2015–2019 National Survey of Family Growth (N = 8867), this paper examines how reproductive health conditions are associated with women’s fertility goals among women who are not surgically sterile or meet the medical definition of infertility. Slightly more than one in five …


Women’S Reproductive Health Conditions And Fertility Goals, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Kathleen Broussard Feb 2026

Women’S Reproductive Health Conditions And Fertility Goals, Karen Benjamin Guzzo, Kathleen Broussard

Faculty Publications

There is a large body of research examining women’s fertility decision-making. Yet this work rarely considers how women’s experiences with reproductive health conditions may be linked to their fertility goals, a problematic oversight given the growing emphases on reproductive careers and childbearing biographies that highlight the need to take a life course approach to fertility. Using the 2015–2019 National Survey of Family Growth (N = 8867), this paper examines how reproductive health conditions are associated with women’s fertility goals among women who are not surgically sterile or meet the medical definition of infertility. Slightly more than one in five …


Examining The Impact Of Young Children’S Motor Development On Inhibitory Control And Social Skills, Ali S. Brian Ph.D., Shea E. Ferguson, Angie Starrett Ph.D., Emily Kallis, J. Ross Ramsey Feb 2026

Examining The Impact Of Young Children’S Motor Development On Inhibitory Control And Social Skills, Ali S. Brian Ph.D., Shea E. Ferguson, Angie Starrett Ph.D., Emily Kallis, J. Ross Ramsey

Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Understanding how motor and cognitive development may contribute to prosocial behavior is essential for supporting whole-child development in early learning settings. Early childhood education settings are well-positioned to address these concerns through integrated approaches that support the whole child. Research exploring the mechanisms that link developmental domains remains limited, especially regarding how motor development may influence social outcomes through cognitive processes such as inhibitory control. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether gains in motor skills were associated with prosocial behaviors indirectly through improvements in inhibitory control. Methods: Preschoolers (N = 238; Mage = 66.61, SD …


Challenges, Stressors, And Resilience Resources Experienced By Older Black Women In Rural South Carolina Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Arielle N'Diaye, Camryn Garrett, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D. Feb 2026

Challenges, Stressors, And Resilience Resources Experienced By Older Black Women In Rural South Carolina Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Arielle N'Diaye, Camryn Garrett, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Resilience has been established as a protective factor against mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression). From an intersectional perspective, the stressors experienced by Black women living in rural communities are likely to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the challenges and stressors experienced and the resilience resources available to and relied upon by rural, Black women, during the pandemic.

Methods

Individual, in-depth, structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted among Black women living in rural South Carolina, recruited by local community health workers, from January to April of 2024. All interviews were recorded, …


Trends In Self-Reported Responses To Nutrition Facts Labels Before And After Nutrition Labeling Policy Implementation: A Comparison Of Adults In The United States And Mexico, Jim Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Victor Vilalobos, Dai Fang, Alejandra Jáuregui, Alejandra Contreras-Manzano, Rachel Davis Ph.D., Lana Vanderlee, Christine M. White, Rachel B. Acton, James W. Hardin, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Simón Barquera, David Hammond Feb 2026

Trends In Self-Reported Responses To Nutrition Facts Labels Before And After Nutrition Labeling Policy Implementation: A Comparison Of Adults In The United States And Mexico, Jim Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Victor Vilalobos, Dai Fang, Alejandra Jáuregui, Alejandra Contreras-Manzano, Rachel Davis Ph.D., Lana Vanderlee, Christine M. White, Rachel B. Acton, James W. Hardin, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Simón Barquera, David Hammond

Faculty Publications

Background

In 2020–2021, both Mexico and the United States implemented similar, newly formatted nutrition facts labels (NFLs). Mexico simultaneously implemented front-of-package warning labels (FoPWLs), which emphasize high amounts of less healthy nutrients described in NFLs (e.g., calories, sugar, salt, trans fat, and saturated fat) to enhance consumer understanding of nutrition information.

Objectives

To evaluate these policies by comparing pre- and postpolicy trends in self-reported responses to NFLs.

Methods

Annual surveys from the adult International Food Policy Study (2018–2023) were analyzed for Mexico (n = 24,832) and the United States (n = 25,464). Outcomes included reported ease of finding …