Digital Commons Network^™

Gene-Environment Interactions In Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Insights From Mexican American Populations, Eron G. Manusov, Vincent P. Diego, Marcio Almeida, Jacob Galan, Auwal A. Bala, Marco Arriaga, Natasha Garcia-Rodriguez, Renee Hernandez, Satish Kumar, John Blangero, Sarah Williams-Blangero

School of Medicine Publications

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent and complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This chapter explores the genotype-by-environment interactions that contribute to the development and progression of NAFLD in the Mexican American population. Using advanced genetic epidemiology and bioinformatics approaches, we investigated how specific genetic variants interact with environmental factors such as depression, acculturation stress, and social determinants of health, to influence NAFLD risk and severity. Our findings reveal significant genotype-by-environment interactions for key NAFLD-related traits, including HbA1c, AST/ALT ratio, and steatosis-controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We also discuss the application of cutting-edge proteomic and transcriptomic …

Barry Conservation Camp Health Form, Andy Schafermeyer

UNH Cooperative Extension

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Demographics, Health, And Self-Objectification On Body Acceptance And Body Appreciation In Older Adults, Heather Russell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prior research has examined the demographic, health, and activity factors influencing how young people, particularly young women, see themselves concerning body appreciation and acceptance. However, body appreciation and acceptance as perceived by older men and women have not been well-studied. The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which gender, age, quality of life assessment of physical and mental health, physical activity, and self-objectification influence body acceptance by others and body appreciation in adults ages 55-75. Self-objectification theory (SOT) was the framework used to examine the influence of two aspects of self-objectification (lack of autonomy and invisibility) …

The Effects Of Dietary Level Of Mulberry Leaf Powder On Growth Performance, Carcass Yields, And Some Serum Lipid Levels In Pradu-Hang-Dam Chickens During Cool And Rainy Seasons, Sarawanee Khunmanee, Thuwanon Boonkerd, Thananon Junsuri, Winai Kaewlamun, Pachara Pearodwong, Kajohn Nitiwararak

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to determine the optimal concentration of mulberry leaf powder (MLP) supplementation and to evaluate the impact of different seasons on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood lipid levels of Pradu-Hang-Dam chickens. One-week-old chickens were assigned to three groups: a control group (without MLP) and two groups receiving diets supplemented with 0.5% and 1.5% MLP, respectively, over a 10-week period. The results indicated that during the cool season, the control group exhibited the highest feed intake, average daily gain, and superior carcass characteristics (P < 0.05). In the rainy season, chickens supplemented with 1.5% MLP achieved the highest feed intake, while those supplemented with 0.5% MLP showed the highest average daily gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 1.5% MLP group demonstrated superior carcass characteristics compared to the control group during the rainy season (P < 0.05). Analysis of blood lipid metabolism revealed that the group supplemented with 0.5% MLP during the cool season had the lowest levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein. In conclusion, the cool season is the most favorable for raising Pradu-Hang-Dam chickens in Thailand. Additionally, supplementing diets with at least 0.5% MLP during the rainy season can improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters.

Quantum Computing For Health And Financial Decision-Making: Empowering Employees To Improve Life And Finance, Ramkumar Bharathan

Defensive Publications Series

Quantum computing offers a paradigm shift in computational power with the potential to revolutionize employee well-being and financial security. This paper explores the application of quantum algorithms, including VQE, QAOA, and QMC, in personalized healthcare, optimized financial planning, and advanced organizational resource allocation. We discuss the computational advantages of these algorithms over classical methods, address challenges of the NISQ era, and propose future research directions for realizing quantum advantage in enhancing employee lives.

Should We Clear The Cobwebs In Our Minds Or Dismantle Racial Structures? Reflections On The Lack Of Critical Thinking Of Higher Education Staff In The Uk, Chrissie Da Costa

Journal of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

Higher education in the UK constantly emphasises  critical thinking for students. However, analysis of comments made about *Black students and staff indicate that some academic staff fail to critically analyse their thoughts, words, and deeds. This paper sets out to analyse these utterances of HE staff and to investigate whether they actively reproduce and are intended to reproduce racist practices in HE, which could affect the experience, performance, and confidence of some of these students and staff who identify as Black and Global Majorities.  Applying critical race theory and socio-ideological analysis of language (Bakhtin 1981 and Voloshinov 1973) to analyse …

Comparing Multivalent Cross-Linked Sodium Alginate/ Montmorillonite Beads Containing Curcumin Or Cayenne Pepper As Drug Carriers And Their Antimicrobial Resistance, Shionainn Traynor, Shubham Sharma

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

The aim of the following work was to investigate and compare curcumin and cayenne pepper in microbeads composed of sodium alginate (SA) crosslinked with montmorillonite (MMT) to act as drug carriers and their antimicrobial resistance. The microbeads were prepared through ion-exchange in multivalent solutions of CaCl₂, MgCl₂ and AlCl₃. The microbeads were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and the time required for intercalation of curcumin and cayenne pepper with MMT. Simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.3) and gastric fluid (pH 1.2) at 37°C were used for comparison in swelling studies. …

Association Between Body Mass Index, Abdominal Obesity And Menopause-Related Symptoms In Postmenopausal Women, Brianna A. Rice, Patricia Heavey

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Abstract: Existing research demonstrates a lack of data on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and menopause-related symptoms in postmenopausal women, particularly in Ireland. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between BMI, general abdominal obesity and menopause-related symptoms in postmenopausal women. This should help bridge the data gap regarding postmenopausal women living in Ireland and their symptoms. Introduction: Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle. This is caused by a reduction of the secretion of oestrogen and progesterone, leading to reduced ovarian function. These changes have been attributed …

Reframing The Management Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Investigating The Efficacy Of A Modified Low Fodmap Diet Approach On Symptom Response, Tara Howley, Lorraine Cooney, Suzanne L. Doyle

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Background/ Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction with a multi-faceted pathogenesis. A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs), known as a low FODMAP diet (LFD), is an effective management option for many, however, it is complex, costly, and restrictive. A milder, modified low FODMAP diet (MLFD) is one suggested alternative, however, data on this approach is lacking. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of a MLFD versus a LFD on symptom improvement in IBS.

Subjects/ Methods: Routine clinical data collected on individuals with a Rome IV IBS diagnosis between August …

Review: Cell Mechanisms In The Control Of Inflammatory Foundations Of Obesity And Secondary Metabolic Disorders, Kristin Goldstone, Keelin Irwin, Ava O' Meara-Cushen, Cathy Brougham

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Review: Obesity is a global threat to human health that is precipitating epidemically, with almost 2 billion adults categorised as overweight or obese in 2016. Ireland has one of the highest reports of obesity in Europe with 60% of Irish adults reported as overweight or obese. Inflammation plays an integral role in disease pathogenesis and is a major hallmark of obesity and obesity-related secondary co-morbidities. Obesity-related inflammation can precipitate several diseases, such breast cancer, insulin resistance, type II diabetes and cardiovascular issues. As obesity puts human health at inherent risk, the regulation of obesity-related inflammation is therefore a necessary component …

Investigation Into The Effect Of Aspartame On The Expression Of P53 And Bax In Mouse Stomach Tissue, Angelique Cheryl, Aoife Mac Cooey

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Introduction: The recent reclassification of aspartame as a Group 2B hazard by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, along with studies suggesting links to cancer, has raised concerns and prompted further investigation. Evidence suggests that aspartame exposure may alter p53 and BAX gene expression, affecting apoptosis in cancer cells. This study aims to examine how aspartame exposure affects p53 and BAX gene expression in normal mouse stomach tissue, shedding light on cellular stress and apoptosis mechanisms.

Methods: Mice were sacrificed, and stomach tissue was excised and divided into control and treatment groups. RNA extraction was carried out in the …

Editorial - Sure Journal Vol 6, Anne M. Friel, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

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Back Matter

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Wheat Bran–Derived Phenolics To Optimize The Human Gut Microbiome, Youssef Errihani

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Emotions And Limited Working Memory On Gambling, Haley Crouch

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Finding Racial Identity: Analyzing Eddy L. Harris’S Journeys Through Africa And The Southern United States, Veronica G. Johnson

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Addressing Food Insecurity In Tippecanoe County, Josie Bull, Grace Gilbert

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Angelman And Fragile X Syndrome Early Sleeping Patterns, Maelyn Fulton

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Where To Build Food Banks: A Machine Learning Approach, Gavin Ruan

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Over 44 million Americans currently suffer from food insecurity, of whom 13 million are children. Food insecurity has been shown to cause a wide range of both physical and developmental issues. Across the United States, thousands of food banks and pantries serve as vital sources of food and other forms of aid for food-insecure families. By optimizing food bank locations, food banks and their resources would become more accessible to families who desperately require it. The aim of this paper is to build a machine learning framework that is able to optimize food bank locations and to consider factors such …

Profitable Improvement In Rangeland Conditions: Cunyu Station’S Achievement Of Synonymous Objectives In The Highly Variable Southern Rangelands Of Western Australia, Bradley Plunkett, Christophe D'Abbadie

Natural resources research reports

This case examines the objectives and management practices of Cunyu Station in Western Australia from 1990–2017. The owners’ objectives were to apply best practice knowledge augmented with localized management skills to rigorously adjust total grazing pressure (TGP) from all species (cattle, kangaroos, camels, horses, and donkeys) to levels commensurate with improved landscape conditions, minimized operating costs, and stable cash flows. A combination of infrastructure investment, feral herbivore control, use of the native apex predator (dingo) for kangaroo control, creation, and maintenance of around 18 months of ‘buffer’ pasture, and finishing 30-month-old steers on the Station were key management practices for …

Phosphorus Buffering Determines How Soil Properties And Rainfall Influence Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Yield Response To Phosphorus Fertiliser, Craig Scanlan, Raj Malik, Gustavo Boitt, Mark Gherardi, James Easton, Zed Rengel

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context

Current decision support systems (DSS) for phosphorus (P) fertiliser were developed using data from historical cropping systems. An understanding of how soil properties and rainfall influence wheat (Triticum aestivum) response to P fertiliser in current systems is required to optimise P management. Aims

The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the soil properties that have the greatest influence on relative yield; (2) examine how rainfall conditions influence relative yield; and (3) examine whether there were interactive effects between rainfall and soil properties on relative yield. Methods

Forty P rate-response field experiments were completed in Western …

Legal Implications Of Digital Health Apps Informing Food Allergy Labeling For Consumers' Health And Privacy Protection, Kathy Keunghee Kim

Maurer Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines food allergy labeling’s use in a digital format. Allergy information is typically found on food packaging and containers to help consumers identify individually concerned allergens. Given the critical role that food allergy labels play in preventing unexpected allergic reactions before selecting or consuming food, it is essential to comprehend the labeling descriptions. However, current regulations and laws regarding allergy labeling often confuse consumers due to the existence of mandatory and voluntary Precautionary Allergy Labeling (PAL) categories and the absence of laws and regulations that require allergy information for restaurant meals. Technology companies have introduced digital health and …

Scrolling Into Disorder: Social Media And Body Image, Anna Funk

Psychology Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Reducing Detroit’S Heart Disease Risk: The Role Of Social Determinants Of Health And Health Behaviors, Caress A. Dean, Rebecca Milan, Maidah Raja, Swathi Radhakrishnan

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Introduction: The age-adjusted death rates related to heart disease have been increasing in Detroit, Michigan. Recognizing public health professionals' role in promoting and protecting community health, this study examined the relationship between cardiovascular health and health beliefs, behavior tracking, and social determinants of health among Detroit residents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was guided by the World Health Organization's conceptual framework of social determinants of health, which classifies social determinants into structural (e.g., socioeconomic factors) and intermediary (e.g., behavioral factors) categories. From May 2019 to August 2021, 394 residents of Detroit were recruited to complete a survey about their …

Predictors Of Low Birthweight Using Data From Electronic Medical Records In Flint, Michigan, 2013 To 2016, Rie Suzuki, Neida Monroy-Sechague

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Introduction: Infant mortality continues to be a major health problem in Michigan, with low birthweight (LBW) being a leading cause. Between 2020 and 2022, Black infants were nearly twice as likely to be LBW compared to White infants. The purpose of this study was to use electronic medical records (EMR) data to assess predictors of LBW and determine whether race influenced this relationship using a unique data source of EMR in Flint, Michigan (MI).

Methods: A retrospective study from 2013 to 2016 was conducted at the Health Resources and Services Administration local health center in Flint, MI. Demographics, birth …

The Health Profile Of Students And Teachers In Madrasah Al Ihsan, Kecamatan Ciparay, Kabupaten Bandung, Ellin Febrina, Irma E. Herawati, Indah S. Wahyuni, Aziiz M. Rusdianto, Rini Hendriani, Irma M. Puspitasari, Mutakin Mutakin, Eli Halimah, Sri A. Sumiwi, Jutti Levita

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Indonesia is increasing both in low- and high-income communities. Therefore, health awareness should be started from a younger age for the prospective future generation. This study, included in a community engagement activity, aims to assess the health profile, in terms of blood pressure (BP) and total cholesterol, of the students (by cross-sectional method) and teachers (by cohort method) of a private madrasah in the rural area of Kecamatan Ciparay, Kabupaten Bandung, West Java. 54 students and 10 teachers participated in this study. Results revealed that the students' average systolic and diastolic BP …

Enhancing Communication And Swallowing Skills In Children With Cri Du Chat Syndrome: A Comprehensive Speech Therapy Guide, Soultana Papadopoulou, Areti Anagnostopoulou, Dimitra V. Katsarou, Kalliopi Megari, Efthymia Efthymiou, Alexandros Argyriadis, Georgios Kougioumtzis, Maria Theodoratou, Maria Sofologi, Agathi Argyriadi, Efterpi Pavlidou, Eugenia I. Toki

All Works

Background: A specific deletion on the short arm of chromosome 5 (5p) is the hallmark of the rare genetic syndrome called Cri du Chat Syndrome (CdCS). It causes severe difficulty with swallowing, speech, motor skills, and cognitive deficiencies. These arise from characteristic laryngeal abnormalities and oral–motor dysfunctions. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of speech and language intervention in addressing the multifaceted challenges of CdCS, including speech and language impairments, feeding difficulties, and social communication deficits. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to synthesize existing studies from the last 35 years on therapeutic interventions for individuals with CdCS. …

Improving Health And Well-Being Through Shared Family Meals, Halle Larson, Savannah Daines, Stacy Bevan, Palak Gupta, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos

All Current Publications

Shared family meals provide numerous benefits for children, adolescents, and parents, including improved diet quality, healthier weight, better academic performance, stronger family bonds, and enhanced mental health. Regular family meals help children develop healthier eating habits, reduce risky behaviors, and foster communication skills. Despite challenges such as busy schedules and differing dietary preferences, families can overcome obstacles by starting small, keeping meals simple, involving everyone in meal prep, and minimizing distractions like screens. Creating a positive, flexible mealtime routine can help integrate these valuable moments into family life.

Pneumonia And Anemia In Rural Midwestern Missouri: A Retrospective Analysis, Jenna Watts, Morgan W. Stewart, Tyler Stone, Shelby Mertz, John Paulson, Nova Beyersdorfer, Kerry Johnson

Student Publications

Introduction: Pneumonia and anemia are prevalent medical conditions with significant implications on patient health, resulting in numerous hospitalizations and deaths. Various studies have been done on the mortality rates of pneumonia and anemia individually. However, fewer describe the mortality of patients diagnosed with pneumonia superimposed on anemia.

Methods: This retrospective study used data from electronic medical records obtained from rural Midwestern Missouri, including 9,879 patients who were admitted with either anemia or pneumonia. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Results: The study found that patients with pneumonia had a higher mortality rate of 25.8% when diagnosed with comorbid anemia compared …

American Globality And The Us Prison Regime: State Violence And White Supremacy From Abu Ghraib To Stockton To Bagong Diwa, Dylan Rodriguez

Kritika Kultura

What do we make of the abiding significance of state-sanctioned human captivity and imprisonment on a massive, unprecedented scale as a primary American modality of civilization? Democracy? Modernity and (postmodern) Nation-building? The American prison intertwines as it animates two structural logics: 1) white supremacy as a historical modality of social (dis)organization, and 2) the circulation, militarization, and mobilization of allegedly local or domestic US social formations across global geographies, including and beyond the Philippines. This paper considers the formation of the United States prison industrial complex as an epochal global regime that is integral to the fabric of an incipient …