Digital Commons Network^™

One Sister’S Fight Inspires Statewide Push For Bone Marrow Donors, Marisa C. Atkinson

University of Mississippi News

OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi freshman Ali Hargett has learned about bravery and organization during her first year in college, but not in a class. Instead, she has been watching her 11-year-old sister, Cate, who is in bone marrow failure.

Carroll County Advisory Council March 2026 Meeting Minutes, Extension

Advisory Council

No abstract provided.

Is The Long-Horned Grasshopper Ruspolia Differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) A Novel, Nutritious, Functional, And Safe Alternative Food Product? A Review, Margaret Kababu, Collins Mweresa, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Geoffrey Ssepuuya, Karlmax Rutaro, Nicodemus Matojo, Faith Nyamu, Robert Mbeche, Sevgan Subramanian, Sunday Ekesi, Chrysantus Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is among the most widely consumed edible insect in Eastern and Central Africa, where it contributes to both household nutrition and income generation. As a nutrient-dense food source, it offers a promising alternative to curb food insecurity and malnutrition. Despite this, the consumption and use of the grasshopper is limited to its seasonal availability when it is collected from the wild. Coupled with this, is limited evidence on its domestication despite research advances to optimize conditions for mass production. This review was conducted to highlight research advances and gaps on production, processing, nutritional profile, and …

Institutional And Ideational Features Of Canadian-Us Fishery Management Networks: Connectivity, Coherence, And Collaboration, Owen Temby, Evelyn Roozee, Dongkyu Kim, Jasper R. De Vries, Derek A. Katznelson, Antonia Sohns, Gordon M. Hickey

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This article examines fishery management along and across the Canadian-US border through the comparison of collaborative transboundary networks in four regions: the Salish Sea, the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Maine, and the northern region including the Gulf of Alaska and the Hecate Strait. Transnational fishery management is an inter-organizational and multi-jurisdictional enterprise constituted by shared understandings of a suite of tasks and by communications among the participants. We use survey data to summarize the inter-organizational scale and participation in the networks, the centrality of different organization types, the factors that contribute to network formation, other ideational network traits like …

Asimina Triloba (L.) Dunal: The Complete Story Of America’S Forgotten Fruit, Autumn M. Howard

The Cardinal Edge

Asimina triloba, commonly known as the pawpaw, is a unique and historically significant native fruit tree of the eastern United States. This research paper explores the taxonomy, botanical description, distribution, habitat requirements, ecological interactions, economic importance, and reproductive biology of A. triloba. The species is distinguished by its tropical-flavored fruits, adaptation to temperate climates, and reliance on clonal reproduction and specific insect pollinators. While offering promising opportunities for sustainable agriculture and riparian restoration, A. triloba faces challenges related to limited seed dispersal, susceptibility to certain pests and diseases, and the presence of neurotoxic compounds. Despite its historical importance …

Sound, Speech, And Synapses: Rebuilding The Brain Through Neuroplasticity, Sireen Khader

The Cardinal Edge

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project To Implement An Interdisciplinary Nutritional Rehabilitation Protocol For Pediatric Anorexia Nervosa, Grace Mueller, Jonathan Fanburg, Brock Libby, Lorraine Mcelwain, Kristine Kittredge, Alexandra Fierros, Roslyn Gerwin

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Patients with anorexia nervosa have a mortality rate more than 5 times higher than the general population. Medical stabilization through nutritional rehabilitation is essential, yet institutional practices vary widely. Nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding has been the standard in pediatric inpatient settings, despite evidence suggesting similar outcomes with oral refeeding and potential for psychological trauma. Methods: An interdisciplinary work group representing adolescent medicine, pediatrics, nursing, nutrition, psychiatry, and social work developed a standardized, evidence-based pediatric nutritional rehabilitation protocol. Existing clinical pathways from other institutions were reviewed, and the protocol was adapted for existing resources. Educational modules and a protocol-specific order …

Short-Term Sleep Restriction In Humans Alters Diurnal Circulating Metabolite Profiles, Including Those Of Microbial Origin., Vanessa A Leone, Katya Frazier, Manpreet Kaur, Evan A Chrisler, Ashley M Sidebottom, Ethan Tai, Vilinh Tran, Shuzhao Li, Eugene B Chang, Dean P Jones, Eve Van Cauter, Erin C Hanlon

Faculty Research 2026

BACKGROUND. Gut microbes and their metabolites contribute to the host circulating metabolome and exhibit diurnal variation influenced by sleep-wake cycles and meal timing. Sleep deprivation alters the rhythmic circulating metabolome, but its impact on microbial metabolites remains unclear. We tested whether 24-hour circulating metabolite profiles, including those of microbial origin, differ under normal (habitual) versus short-term restricted sleep.

METHODS. In a randomized crossover design, 9 healthy adults completed 2 in-lab 24-hour blood sampling sessions (q120): one following 3 nights of normal sleep (8.5 hours/night), the other following 3 nights of sleep restriction (4.5 hours/night). Meal timing and caloric intake were …

Short-Term Sleep Restriction In Humans Alters Diurnal Circulating Metabolite Profiles, Including Those Of Microbial Origin., Vanessa A Leone, Katya Frazier, Manpreet Kaur, Evan A Chrisler, Ashley M Sidebottom, Ethan Tai, Vilinh Tran, Shuzhao Li, Eugene B Chang, Dean P Jones, Eve Van Cauter, Erin C Hanlon

Faculty Research 2026

BACKGROUNDGut microbes and their metabolites contribute to the host circulating metabolome and exhibit diurnal variation influenced by sleep-wake cycles and meal timing. Sleep deprivation alters the rhythmic circulating metabolome, but its impact on microbial metabolites remains unclear. We tested whether 24-hour circulating metabolite profiles, including those of microbial origin, differ under normal (habitual) versus short-term restricted sleep.METHODSIn a randomized crossover design, 9 healthy adults completed 2 in-lab 24-hour blood sampling sessions (q120): one following 3 nights of normal sleep (8.5 hours/night), the other following 3 nights of sleep restriction (4.5 hours/night). Meal timing and caloric intake were held constant. Serum …

Buffered Strength: A Narrative Review Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation In Weightlifting And Resistance Training, Ian Brunson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid synthesized endogenously through hepatic metabolism of uracil and obtained in small amounts from dietary sources. In skeletal muscle, beta-alanine combines with histidine to form carnosine, a dipeptide that functions as an intracellular buffer. Beta-alanine is commonly used as a dietary supplement and is frequently included in pre-workout formulations as an ergogenic aid for high-intensity exercise. Beta-alanine supplementation increases intramuscular carnosine concentrations, which may enhance intracellular buffering capacity by regulating hydrogen ion accumulation and delaying fatigue during intense activity.^1,2 Although much research has examined beta-alanine supplementation in endurance, sprinting, and repeated high-intensity exercise contexts …

Garnet & Black Spring 2026, University Of South Carolina, Office Of Student Media

Garnet & Black Magazine

No abstract provided.

Lanthorn, Vol. 60, No. 13, March 16, 2026, Grand Valley State University

Volume 60, August 4, 2025 – April 20, 2026

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

Seeds Of Change - Building Community And Resilience With Plant Guilds, Roslynn Mccann, Liliane Dionne, Kevin White

All Current Publications

The goals of this Grade 6 living systems/biodiversity curriculum are to highlight Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) contributions to science, technology, and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on relational worldviews, permaculture practices, and respect for Mother Earth. Students will conduct plant experiments, learn Indigenous stories, make corn husk dolls, create a recipe, and enjoy eating their soup creation.

Targeting Il-1 Signaling In Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: Improved Survival And Pathogenesis In Rdeb Mouse Model, Rahim Hirani

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a devastating inherited blistering disorder caused by biallelic mutations in COL7A1, resulting in deficiency of type VII collagen (C7) and loss of dermal–epidermal adhesion. Beyond mechanical fragility, RDEB is characterized by chronic inflammation, progressive fibrosis, impaired wound healing, severe pain, and an exceptionally high risk of aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Emerging transcriptomic and cytokine profiling studies have identified interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) as a dominant and temporally upstream inflammatory mediator in RDEB skin. The central hypothesis of this dissertation is that IL-1α signaling functions as a key initiator and amplifier of inflammation-driven pathology …

Lifestyle Intervention Therapy Modulates Global Dna Methylation And Adipogenic Gene Expression In Severely Obese Hypogonadal Men, Siresha Bathina, Virginia Fuenmayor Lopez, Mia Prado, Salina Biene Teo, Dennis T Villareal, Rui Chen, Clifford Qualls, Reina Armamento-Villareal

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have suggested that lifestyle intervention (LSI) therapies involving diet and exercise can modulate DNA methylation; however, whether this occurs in severely obese hypogonadal men undergoing weight loss from diet and exercise remains unclear.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of weight loss from diet and exercise on global DNA methylation as well as on the mRNA expression of specific demethylation enzymes, DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B—in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and DNA methylation markers in DNA of severely obese hypogonadal men. This is a secondary analysis of samples of severely obese (body …

Extraction And Application Of Biopolymer (Chitosan) From The Waste Of Iraqi Agricultural Crop (Mushroom), Ruaa A. Salman, Wisam K. Hamdan, Hussain A. Jaber

Engineering and Technology Journal

The current work extracted the chitosan from the waste of mushroom crops for the first time in Iraq. The chemical process was adopted for demineralization with 2M HCl, deproteinization with 2M NaOH, and decolorization. Also, the refluxing process with 60% NaOH for chitin was applied. The XRD result shows two peaks around 2θ =10° and 20°, indicating the ordered crystalline structure of chitosan. The FT-IR spectrum showed specific bands of chitosan at 3327.97, 2918.71, and 1645.95 cm^-1. Also, the FE-SEM results show a smooth, dense, and non-porous surface. The viability results on white blood cells (WBCs) show the …

Seasonal Dynamics And Trends Of Environmental Conditions In Lake Louise, Georgia, Daniel Kwawuvi, James A. Nienow

Georgia Journal of Science

Lakes are important aquatic ecosystems that are extensively influenced by seasonal variations. In this study we investigate the seasonal dynamics and trends of three environmental variables, water temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO), in Lake Louise, a sinkhole lake located in southern Georgia. These variables were measured in-situ along a depth profile from January 27, 2024 to January 17, 2025. We also accessed archived data from field campaigns in 2003, 2004, and 2017 in order to test whether a recent increase in the number of hurricanes impacting the region, five since August, 2017, may have significantly altered the seasonal dynamics …

Characterisation Of Pouch Secretions From Breeding Tasmanian Devils, Manujaya W. Jayamanna Mohottige, Emma Peel, Angéla Juhász, Mitchell G. Nye-Wood, Katherine Belov, Michelle L. Colgrave, Carolyn J. Hogg

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), like all marsupials, give birth to altricial young. Here we employ proteomic analysis to identify components of devil pouch secretions that may contribute to offspring survival and development. Proteins were extracted from five samples and analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Peptide-level evidence revealed proteins involved in a diverse set of immune pathways, including those mediating iron-ion transport, defence responses to bacteria, innate immune responses, and antigen processing. A core set of 200 proteins was identified across at least three samples, 63 of which were associated with antimicrobial or immunoregulatory functions. These included immunoglobulins, components of …

Mind–Body Medicine Training For Incarcerated Men And Women, Julie K. Staples, Jesse Rice, Kathleen S. Farah, Sabrina N'Diaye, James S. Gordon

Student Publications

Background/Objective: Mind–body programs teaching mindfulness-based techniques have benefits for incarcerated people, as do programs in which individuals teach yoga to their incarcerated peers. However, there are no studies of comprehensive programs that combine a variety of self-care techniques with group support and enable people in prison to enhance their own well-being and then share what they have learned with their peers. This study evaluated the effects of such a training program in the United States. Methods: Thirty-eight incarcerated men and women began the 8-day mind–body medicine training and 31 completed the training. Mind–body techniques taught included soft belly breathing, meditation, …

Medical Detection Dogs: A Visual Exploration Of Canine Olfactory Anatomy & Volatile Organic Compounds As Applied To Non-Invasive Biomedical Detection, Kirsten Santiago

Theses

Medical detection dogs provide a non-invasive early method of disease and medical alert detection that is underrepresented in the medical visualization sector. The domesticated dog, or Canis familiaris, is known for its loving nature and has become an important member of many households, but they are also incredibly intelligent with a capacity for specialized training. Dogs have a specialized olfactory system, allowing them to detect scents with high acuity (Guest & Otto, 20). Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are molecular substances associated with metabolic processes that are often a result or byproduct of certain diseases and can be influenced by …

Weaving Healthcare Needs Of Maine Law Enforcement Officers With Exercise Is Medicine, Patricia Hubel

Doctorate in Kinesiology

A law enforcement officer’s health is impacted by an occupation of high stress, shift work, sleep disruption, mental stresses, and primarily sedentary work which is interrupted by brief periods of highly intense physical demands (Adams et al., 2010; Boyce et al., 2008, 2009). This descriptive study explored the use of exercise is medicine by primary care practitioners on patients who are law enforcement officers in the state of Maine. It also examined physical activity and health of the law enforcement officers. An online survey collected demographic data, responses from two validated surveys, and information from their last physical examination. The …

Misregulated Alternative Splicing In Endometriosis: A Role For Aberrant Mrna Variants In Endometriotic Cell Growth, Venkata Naga Goutham Davuluri, Michelle Dias, Roxanna Llinas, Kamath Neha, Pooja Popli, Shannon M Hawkins, Chandrakant Tayade, Elise T Courtois, Hari Krishna Yalamanchili, Ramakrishna Kommagani

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder marked by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, often leading to pelvic pain, inflammation, and infertility. Despite its global prevalence, diagnosis remains delayed, and effective non-surgical treatments are lacking. While recent transcriptomic studies have identified mRNA transcript changes in ectopic lesions, the contribution of alternative pre-mRNA splicing, a key posttranscriptional regulatory layer, remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing (AS) events in endometriotic lesions using transcriptomic data. We uncovered distinct alterations in alternative splicing events are associated with endometriosis, highlighting a previously underappreciated layer of …

Advancements In Extracellular Vesicle Research, Lucia R. Languino

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The AAEV (American Association of Extracellular Vesicles) Annual Meeting at the John P. McGovern Commons in Houston, TX convened over 300 leading re- searchers, clinicians, and industry experts from around the world to advance the rapidly evolving field of extracellular vesicle (EV) science. EVs, nanoscale lipid- bound particles released by all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, have emerged as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, trans- porting proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that influence a wide spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. Their involvement in immune modulation, tissue regeneration, cancer progression, metabolic regulation, and other complex biological functions positions EVs as promising …

Childhood Cancer In Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq: Trend Analysis From 2020 To 2023, Sahar Hassan, Hasan Alwan Baiee, Faten Ali Abd-Alzahra Albarki, Rajaa Ali Moheiseen Al-Taee, Mustafa Muqdad

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: The lack of comprehensive cancer registries and underreporting of cases may further complicate efforts to assess disease patterns and implement effective control measures. Objectives: This study aims to analyze cancer trends in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq from 2020 to 2023, addressing gaps in local data and providing insights that could inform future healthcare strategies and resource allocations. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Middle Euphrates Oncology Center and the Statistics Department for Cancer Research at Al-Najaf General Health Directorate. The study included children younger than 18 with histologically and hematologically verified cancer from January 2020 …

Caregiver Burden And Associated Socioeconomic And Clinical Factors Among Parents Of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Patients In Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, Dyari Saleem Ismael Ali, Bahar Nasradeen Majeed

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children imposes a significant caregiving burden on parents, affecting their psychological and social well-being. Understanding this burden and its associated factors is crucial for improving family-cantered diabetes care. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of caregiver burden among parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and explore its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and management-related factors. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Jamal Ahmad Rashid Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, between November 2024 and February 2025. A total of 160 parents of children with T1DM were …

The Effect Of (Tongue-Tie: Ankyloglossia) On Dentition And Occlusion: A Review, Suhad Mohammed Ali Sadeq, Sedeeq Al-Owayef, Zena Kamel Kadhem

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

This review discusses definitions, complications, etiologies, diagnoses, and management of ankyloglossia. Ankyloglossia is defined as a developmental anomaly of the tongue, which occurs when the lingual frenulum attachment is too tight to the tongue. Several protocols exist for the diagnosis of this condition, including that proposed by Hazelbaker, who assessed tongue movements (seven different movements) and five appearance characteristics (Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function), as well as Kotlow's classification method, which categorizes the severity of ankyloglossia through the attachment of the lingual frenulum to the tongue. In addition, scenarios suggested for case management are related to the severity …

Immunological Predictive Value Of Interleukin-17 In Ulcerative Colitis Patients In Thi-Qar Province, Iraq, Ghassan Haikel Abedallah Almosa

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: The chronic inflammatory bowel illness known as ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by dysregulated mucosal immunity. There is much more to learn about the relationship between interleukin-17 (IL-17), a key mediator in the Th17 pathway, and systemic inflammatory and metabolic indicators. Objectives: To examine the relationship between inflammatory (CRP), metabolic (FBS, HbA1c), and micronutrient (zinc) indicators and blood levels of IL-17 in individuals with UC, while excluding those with diabetes, autoimmune, hepatic, or renal disorders. Methods: In a case-control research, 90 participants were matched for age, sex, and BMI: 45 UC patients and 45 healthy controls. Measurements were made …

Validity And Reliability Of A Survey Questionnaire Assessing Pharmacists' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices About Potential Drug Interactions Among Cancer Patients, Amat Aljabar Faisal Abbas, Ali Mohammed Abd Alridha

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Cancer patients often undergo complicated treatment plans that involve numerous medications throughout therapy. Pharmacists' knowledge about the potential drug interactions in cancer patients and their practices is essential to reduce avoidable drug-related problems and increase the efficacy and compliance of chemotherapy. A validated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaire regarding pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to potential drug interactions among cancer patients isn't available. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess pharmacists' knowledge of possible medication interactions with cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among …

Age Of Menopause Among Women In Mosul City, Iraq, Omaima A. Zubair

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Low women's awareness of their health during the menopausal period is creating a global hidden problem that affects women's quality of life and their related families and communities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to find changes in the menopausal age after wartime conflict and assess women's knowledge of their health during this critical period. A mixed-method design was adopted. A mixed approach of a multistage cross-sectional study with a sample of 382 women aged ≥ 60 years attending primary health care centers in Mosul, Iraq, was included, supported by private in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 women. Proper …

Hba1c, C-Peptide, And Other Biochemical Indicators In The Management Of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review, Israa M.Ali Alameen, Sumayah Mahmood Rafid, Baqer K. Hothefa, Farah Ali Hameed

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

The number of children and adolescents who are suffering from Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in Iraq is continuously increasing. Nutritional management and biochemical markers play a major role in controlling the disease. Several criteria are essential for assessing glycemic control and the course of the disease. Methods: This review examined published Iraqi research addressing two topics that have a direct effect on type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): nutritional aspects (carbohydrate counting and dietary education) and biochemical markers (HbA1c and C-peptide). The findings were compared with those of other international studies. Results: Iraqi studies consistently recorded higher HbA1c levels and …