Digital Commons Network^™

Impaired Mitochondrial Magnesium Transport Induces Genome-Wide Transcriptional Changes In Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammatory Signaling, And Detoxification Pathways During High-Fat Diet Feeding, Abhishek Shastry, Thiruvelselvan Ponnusamy, Asha Parveen Sakkarai Mohamed, Marianne Assogba, Natarajaseenivasan Kalimuthusamy, Shanmughapriya Santhanam

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Calcium overload during fatty diet consumption induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis. Intramitochondrial magnesium inhibits calcium uptake into mitochondria; therefore, modulating the activity of the mitochondrial magnesium transporter Mrs2 may regulate calcium-induced hepatocellular stress. As previous work demonstrates that liver-specific Mrs2 inhibition increases hepatic lipid deposition, RNA-sequencing was performed to identify potential transcriptional mechanisms for hepatocellular stress.

Mrs2 knockout (Mrs2^KO) mice were generated by crossing male Mrs2^fl/fl mice with liver-specific-Cre transgenic mice. Eight-week-old wild-type (Mrs2^WT) and Mrs2^KO mice were placed on chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 months (n=3/group). Whole liver was collected …

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Use In Patients With Cirrhosis And Type 2 Diabetes: Impact On Hepatic Decompensation And Hospitalization, Jashanveer S. Johal, Archana Salek, Mahmoud Al-Bataineh, Bianca Patel, Abdallah Hussein, Om Patel, Jason Hyman, Yecheskel Schneider

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: SGLT2 inhibitors improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but their safety in cirrhosis remains uncertain given risks of volume depletion, infection, and decompensation. We evaluated the association between SGLT2 inhibitor use and hepatic decompensation and healthcare utilization in cirrhotic patients with T2DM.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the TriNetX multicenter electronic health record network. Adults with cirrhosis and T2DM between 2018–2024 were classified as SGLT2 inhibitor-treated versus untreated. Propensity score matching (1:1) yielded 23,234 patients per group. Primary outcomes included new ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ED visits/inpatient admissions, and all-cause mortality. …

Bone Health And Healthcare Utilization Outcomes In Crohn’S Disease Patients Without Baseline Fracture Or Vitamin D Deficiency Treated With Infliximab Versus Adalimumab: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study, Jashanveer S. Johal, Bianca Patel, Archana Salek, Mahmoud Al-Bataineh, Abdallah Hussein, Om Patel, Jason Hyman, Yecheskel Schneider

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Biologic therapies are central to Crohn's disease (CD) management, yet the comparative effects of infliximab and adalimumab on bone health and healthcare utilization remain poorly characterized in patients without baseline vitamin D deficiency or prior fractures.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network. Adult CD patients (≥18 years) initiating infliximab or adalimumab between 2018–2024 were included. Patients with ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, or positive pregnancy tests were excluded. All patients had normal baseline vitamin D (≥20 ng/mL) and no history of pathological fracture. Propensity score matching (1:1) yielded 7,340 patients per cohort. Outcomes …

Comparative Evaluation Of Iris And Traditional Feeding Tube Placement Methods: A Review Of The Literature, Justin Le Oms-Ii, Nishant Patel Oms-Iii, Amy Glasofer Phd, Drnp, Rn, Emilio Mazza Md, Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred in patients with functional gastrointestinal tracts. Traditional feeding tube placement methods are time-consuming, radiation-dependent, and prone to misplacement. IRIS and electromagnetic (EM)-guided systems enable real-time bedside placement, though comparative data remain limited.

Methods

A qualitative literature review was conducted using PubMed (2004–2024) to identify studies evaluating IRIS technology compared with EM-guided and traditional placement methods. Outcomes of interest included procedural success, safety, complication rates, efficiency, and cost considerations across ICU and ward populations.

Results

IRIS demonstrated success rates ranging from 75–91.7%, with higher success observed in ICU and sedated patients. EM-guided placement showed consistent …

Addressing Diabetes Risk Through Preventative Education In Multicultural And Economically Underserved South Jersey Communities, Bavly Nagy Halaka, Janet Jimenez-Merino, Izayah Diaz

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and prediabetes affect a substantial and growing portion of the U.S. population, with adolescent prediabetes rates more than doubling from 11% in 1999 to 28% in 2018. In multicultural and economically underserved South Jersey communities, structural barriers including food insecurity, limited access to preventive healthcare, and language gaps make early detection and prevention particularly difficult. We aimed to assess diabetes risk, management behaviors, and preferred education formats among a Camden-area bilingual community, and to identify culturally responsive intervention strategies.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review utilizing data from the CDC, NJ Department of Health, NJSHAD, and the U.S. …

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Due To Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Report, Samantha Alyse Walkow, Pranaya Gade, Marina Bastawross, Ayesha Ain, Antonios Tsompanidis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Title: Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis due to Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Report

Background: Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe complication of acute pancreatitis with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an uncommon but increasingly recognized etiology, often associated with more severe disease compared to biliary or alcoholic pancreatitis. Early recognition and targeted management are critical to prevent multiorgan failure.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 39-year-old Hispanic male with a history of chronic hypertriglyceridemia and epilepsy who presented with acute onset of severe epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Laboratory evaluation revealed markedly elevated serum triglycerides (TG) levels …

Assessing Risk Of Modern Energy Product Consumption Among Adolescents And Young Adults, Darshak Rana, Jeffery C. Powers

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Caffeine consumption among adolescents and young adults has increased significantly with the popularity of energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and high-caffeine beverages. Excessive intake is associated with cardiovascular risk, yet awareness of safe limits remains low. This study evaluated caffeine use patterns, knowledge of guidelines, and self-reported cardiovascular effects among youth.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to individuals aged 15–25 years (n=27) in clinical settings. Respondents reported frequency of caffeine intake, product types consumed, knowledge of recommended daily limits, and cardiovascular symptoms experienced while caffeinated.

Results: Most participants (70%) consumed caffeine regularly, with coffee, soda, and energy drinks as …

Vitamin K And The Vaccine Cascade: Pediatric Patterns In Southern Nj, Kianna Bruzzo, Clare Stephens, Nicole Streeks-Wooden

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Intramuscular (IM) vitamin K is recommended at birth to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in intracranial hemorrhage or death. Prior research suggests a relationship between refusal of vitamin K prophylaxis at birth and subsequent vaccination patterns, with refusal potentially extending to other neonatal preventive services. In New Jersey, vaccination trends from 2017–2025 demonstrate a decline in the proportion of pre-kindergarten children meeting school vaccination requirements. This study aims to explore whether vitamin K administration at birth is associated with subsequent vaccination patterns in South Jersey.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was …

Applying User-Centered Design To Develop A Culturally Sensitive, Low-Calorie Meal Plan For Enhancing Dietary Behavioral Control In Masld, Maya Balakrishnan, Paola Martinez, Brett Deng, Ivonne Arguelles, Crystal Arguelles, Terri L Fletcher, Natalia I Heredia, Myriam Ibarra, Anna Christine Rome

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Dietary changes are essential for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet patients often face barriers related to knowledge, skills, cost, time, and cultural fit.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to report a process for culturally tailoring a dietary intervention and its application to create a calorie-restricted meal plan for Mexican and Central American patients with MASLD. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and user-centered design, we produced a culturally tailored seven-day structured meal plan aligned with dietary guidelines for MASLD and weight loss.

Methods: We conducted a three-phase, mixed-methods process among Mexican/Central American patients …

Improving Blood Pressure Through A Multimodal Intervention, Kalynn Solomey

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and remains a significant public health concern in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023a). Despite the availability of effective pharmacological therapies, many patients struggle to achieve adequate blood pressure control, highlighting the need for accessible, evidence-based lifestyle interventions. An extensive literature search of five databases provided 11 articles for utilization. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention that included hypertension education, individualized lifestyle counseling, self-measured blood pressure training, and a progressive walking program in reducing systolic blood pressure …

Systematic Reviews Across Disciplines: Comparing Quality And Publication Practices, Megan Bresnahan, Eugenia Opuda

Faculty Publications

As the publication of systematic reviews has proliferated across the sciences in the past decade, librarians have a role in helping researchers select the appropriate type of review, providing best practice guidelines, and under-standing variations in disciplinary practices for evidence synthesis. Using a title-abstract search filtered by 10 research areas in the Web of Science, we collected a sample of 100 systematic reviews from a range of disciplines, including “Fisheries,” “Forestry,” “Health Care Sciences & Services,” and “Veterinary Sciences.” Our analysis of this data explores to what extent these articles include the basic components of a systematic review and adhere …

Informed Consent For Porcine Islet Xenotransplantation To Treat Type 1 Diabetes: A Scoping Review, Jennifer Kovalcik, Sheetal Mohanty, Mairead Clare Higgins, Daniel J. Hurst

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The objective of this review is to systematically map and synthesize the existing literature regarding informed consent for porcine islet xenotransplantation for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes.

Methods: The search was conducted in May 2025 through the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Broad search strings were used to combine the text words “islet” AND “xenotransplantation” AND “consent” or similar permutations and combinations. Peer-reviewed articles were included if they were published between January 1990 and May 2025 and written in English. The final search results were manually exported to a reference manager system (Zotero), and the PRISMA-ScR …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Neurocognitive Outcomes In Type 2 Diabetes: A Propensity-Matched Real-World Analysis Of Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration, And Mortality, Om Patel, Shefali Waghray Do, Jashanveer S. Johal, Jason Hyman, Tatiana Gandrabura

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: GLP-1 receptor agonists improve glycemic and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but their impact on neurocognitive and neurological outcomes remains incompletely characterized. We evaluated the association between GLP-1 agonist use and incident cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration, and healthcare utilization in T2DM patients without baseline cognitive deficits.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network. Adults (≥40 years) with T2DM and no prior cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral infarction were identified. Cohort 1 received a GLP-1 agonist (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, or dulaglutide) after T2DM diagnosis; Cohort 2 received …

A Retrospective Comparison Of Dobhoff Nasogastric Feeding Tubes To Iris Feeding Tubes, Nishant Patel Oms-Iii, Justin Le Oms-Ii, Amy Glasofer Phd, Drnp, Rn, Emilio Mazza Md, Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Postpyloric feeding is essential in critically ill patients. Traditional Dobhoff tube (DHT) placement, often performed blindly, is widely used due to low cost but carries risks of misplacement and reliance on radiographic confirmation. In contrast, Kangaroo™ IRIS (camera-guided) technology enables real-time visualization during placement, potentially improving accuracy and workflow, though at higher cost.

Hypothesis

IRIS-guided placement provides comparable safety and success to DHT, with similar procedural efficacy without increasing complications.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the electronic medical records from multiple Virtua Health hospitals (01/01/13, through 01/31/25), including 200 patients undergoing nasogastric tube placement with DHT …

Weight Loss Strategy Disparities Among Anti-Obesity Medication-Eligible Us Adults: A Cross-Sectional Nhanes Analysis, Harshal Parmar, Akhila Archakam, Hitesh Gowda, Leonard Powell

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Nearly half of US adults meet FDA criteria for anti-obesity pharmacotherapy (AOM), yet utilization remains low. Recent GLP-1RAs prescribing has intensified focus on access disparities, but how weight loss strategy selection varies by social determinants among AOM-eligible adults is poorly understood.

Hypothesis: Weight loss strategy selection among AOM-eligible adults varies by race/ethnicity and food security status, with food insecure populations likely to use maladaptive strategies.

Methods: Survey-weighted cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2017–March 2020. AOM eligibility: BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with cardiometabolic comorbidity. Among adults reporting past-year weight loss attempts (n=2,100; weighted N=59.5 million), 19 self-reported strategies were compared …

The Rowan University Wellness Village: An Innovative Community Advancing Health And Well-Being, Thomas Cavalieri Do, Brandi Dockett Ma, Matt Mclaughlin Bs

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Collet–Sicard Syndrome Secondary To Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Following Cervical Self-Manipulation, Ryan K. Alali, James Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 40-year-old male presenting with progressive dysphagia who was ultimately diagnosed with Collet–Sicard syndrome secondary to internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. While most reported cases are associated with trauma, this case highlights an atypical etiology following cervical self-manipulation. The patient presented with dysphagia to solids, liquids, and saliva, along with several days of ipsilateral headache and neck pain. Neurologic examination revealed tongue deviation, prompting advanced imaging. CTA demonstrated left ICA dissection, which was further characterized on MRI. The patient was managed with dual antiplatelet therapy and multidisciplinary care, including neurology, neurosurgery, and speech-language pathology, and …

Refeeding Syndrome In A Person Experiencing Homelessness: A Case Report, James Espinosa, Jose Gerald Aragon, Md Fateha, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a potentially life-threatening metabolic disturbance that occurs following nutritional reintroduction in severely malnourished individuals. It is characterized by rapid intracellular shifts of electrolytes—most notably hypophosphatemia—driven by insulin-mediated metabolic changes. Although commonly associated with eating disorders and chronic illness, RFS may also occur in socially vulnerable populations.

We report the case of a 64-year-old male experiencing homelessness who presented to the emergency department with weakness, muscle cramps, and confusion after resuming regular meals at a local shelter following prolonged minimal intake. Laboratory evaluation revealed severe hypophosphatemia (0.7 mg/dL), hypokalemia (3.0 mmol/L), and hypomagnesemia (1.2 mg/dL). Electrocardiogram demonstrated …

Obesity Paradox In Post-Cholecystectomy Outcomes: A Bmi Class–Based Trinetx Analysis At 6 Months And 1 Year, Jashanveer S. Johal, Mahmoud Al-Bataineh, Bianca Patel, Archana Salek, Om Patel, Jason Hyman, Yecheskel Schneider, Abdallah Hussein

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Obesity is traditionally associated with higher perioperative risk, yet observational data suggest an "obesity paradox" in which obese patients experience comparable or better outcomes than non-obese peers. We evaluated the impact of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and obesity class on post-cholecystectomy outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX global federated network. Adults undergoing cholecystectomy with BMI < 30 kg/m² were propensity score–matched 1:1 to those with BMI ≥30 kg/m², yielding 81,048 patients per group. Primary outcomes included choledocholithiasis, procedural complications, need for ERCP, and ED/inpatient utilization; secondary outcomes included mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, and upgrade of care. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months and 1 year. A prespecified subgroup analysis compared BMI 30–39 versus BMI ≥40 kg/m² (40,238 per cohort).

Results: Obese patients consistently demonstrated lower rates of major outcomes at both timepoints. At 1 year, BMI < 30 had higher risks of choledocholithiasis (9.1% vs. 8.0%; RR 1.13), procedural complications (3.8% vs. 3.1%; RR 1.22), ERCP (5.4% vs. 4.6%; RR 1.19), and ED/inpatient visits (30.3% vs. 28.8%; RR 1.05; all p< 0.001). Mortality was also higher in non-obese patients at 1 year (1.4% vs. 1.2%; RR 1.20). Within the obese subgroup, BMI 30–39 and BMI ≥40 had broadly similar complication and utilization rates, though 1-year mortality was lowest in class I–II obesity (0.8% vs. 1.0%; RR 0.85).

Conclusions: Obesity was associated with better post-cholecystectomy outcomes compared with BMI < 30 kg/m², supporting an obesity paradox in biliary surgery. BMI alone should not deter cholecystectomy, and perioperative risk stratification should incorporate factors beyond weight class.

What Are The Correlations Between The Severity Of A Woman's Major Menopausal Symptoms And Their Eating Habits?, Kiely Hoyt, Philip Collins, Do

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND

Menopause is a naturally occurring process during a woman’s life that is associated with a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.  Although hormone based therapies are available, they are not always effective or appropriate for all women.  As a result, there is growing interest in diet as a potential non-pharmacologic method to manage symptoms, though current evidence is limited.

HYPOTHESIS

Dietary habits are associated with menopause symptom severity, with certain dietary patterns potentially influencing symptom burden.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, survey study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through social media. A total of 129 menopausal …

Sex Differences In Insulin Resistance And Triglyceride/Hdl-Cholesterol Ratio In Human Subjects, Jiyoon Jung, Lakshman Segar, Christine Whitehair, James Bailey, Ashley Coleman, George Scott

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) plays a major role in dyslipidemia and the associated cardiovascular disease risk. To date, it remains unclear as to how IR alters plasma lipid profile in males versus females. The present study is an initial step to determine sex-specific differences in IR and plasma lipid profile using 40 μL of capillary blood. Methods: 19 adults aged 30-64 were recruited from Rowan Medicine-Sewell clinics, with 13 participants (9 males, 4 females) consenting to the study. After collecting 40 μL of capillary blood via finger prick, the samples were analyzed for glucose, triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) using …

Impact Of Chronic Kidney Disease On Outcomes Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (Ercp): A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study Using The Trinetx Database, Jashanveer S. Johal, Mahmoud Al-Bataineh, Archana Salek, Bianca Patel, Abdallah Hussein, Om Patel, Jason Hyman, Yecheskel Schneider

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to influence clinical outcomes across a range of procedures, but its impact on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) outcomes remains poorly characterized. We evaluated the association between CKD and post-ERCP survival and procedural complications.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database. Adults with CKD stages 1–5 undergoing ERCP between 2010–2024 were identified and compared to patients without CKD undergoing the same procedure. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to balance known demographic and clinical confounders. Primary outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality, procedural complications, all-cause infections, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Adjusted hazard …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Association With Fractures, Bone Health, And Clinical Outcomes In A Propensity-Matched Cohort, Shefali Waghray, Om Patel, Jashanveer Singh Johal, Jason Hyman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Title: “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Association with Fractures, Bone Health, and Clinical Outcomes in a Propensity-Matched Cohort”

Background: GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated benefits beyond glycemic control, but their impact on musculoskeletal and clinical outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains poorly defined. We evaluated the association between GLP-1 agonist use and fractures, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, falls, hospitalizations, and mortality in OSA patients without baseline fractures, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, or alcohol use disorder.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network. Adults (≥50 years) with OSA and BMI ≥18.5 kg/m² …

Determining The Impact Fitness Training Has On Cardiovascular Health Program For New Jersey Women With Socioeconomic Disadvantages, Aishwarya Muppoor, Amy Glasofer, Lisa Rosenberry, Emma Palma, Dawn Mcmath

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

WISEWOMAN is a 3-year federally funded program offered through Virtua Health to address lifestyle changes in women age 35-64 at risk for heart disease. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the additional of a fitness program to the standard nutrition program offered through Virtua Health’s WISEWOMAN program. Nutrition programming occurred during years 1 and 2 of the WISEWOMAN program, and fitness programming was offered to women in program year 3. Women who received nutrition + exercise (intervention) will have improved outcomes compared to those who receive nutrition programming only (control). We conducted a retrospective chart review to compare …

The Impact Of Diet Modification And Physical Exercise On Chronic Htn Outcomes Compared To Typical Prescription Treatment Regimen, Artem Duda, Aishwarya Muppoor, Ahson Haider, Meshva Patel, Katherine Xie, Faiqa Ali

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hypertension remains a leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting over one billion individuals worldwide. While pharmacologic therapy remains the standard of care, growing evidence supports the role of lifestyle modification as an effective strategy for hypertension control. This literature review evaluates the effectiveness of dietary interventions and physical exercise versus standard antihypertensive medication regimens in adults with chronic hypertension. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase (2015–2025) identified 5,178 citations, with 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses meeting inclusion criteria. Across studies, structured exercise and dietary interventions consistently reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 3–12 …

A Quasi-Experimental Study To Examine The Food Bucks Rx Program For Food Insecure Patients With Chronic Conditions In A Hospital Outpatient Setting, Nicole A. Vaughn, Robert E. Post, Charlampos Papachristou, Maikel Mansour, April Schetler, Gwen Ockenlaender, Julia Koprak, Elise Mitchell, Benjamin Topiel, Melanie Ernest, Nadine Nugent, Carmen Byker Shanks

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective: Primary purpose of this study was to determine the potential impact of FBRx versus standard of care (SoC) on dietary intake and health outcomes. Design: Quasi-experimental 2-group design, with pre- and post- data using the EHR to capture biometrics, food insecurity, and dietary behavior from participants over the intervention. Setting: Hospital-based food pantry program connected community resources Participants: 587 enrolled participants, 304 in intervention group and 283 in SoC group. Inclusion criteria: screened positive for food insecurity and at least 1 documented chronic condition.  Intervention: FBRx participants received $30 per month in produce vouchers for …

A Retrospective Chart Review: Screening Patients With Type 2 Diabetes For Depression, Jennifer Sheldon, Glynnis Haley, Monica Ketchie

The Corinthian

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is defined as an impaired production of insulin resulting in elevated blood glucose levels (Brutsaert E., 2020). Globally, approximately 8% to 9% of adults have diabetes mellitus, the majority of which (95%) have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, equating to between 624 million to 702 million people (WHO, 2020). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus represents the seventh leading cause of death, with approximately 1.5 million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States (CDC, 2020).

Depression is clinically defined as a mental health disorder that presents with a continually depressed mood or a loss of interest in daily …

Acquisition Behavior Response: Investigating The Ability Of Leptoglossus Phyllopus To Choose Between A “Good” Versus “Sub-Optimal” Strain Of Caballeronia, Irene L. Pham

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Leptoglossus phyllopus is a polyphagous pest that primarily feasts on citrus, tomatoes, and legumes. They must form a mutualistic symbiosis with Caballeronia every generation by ingesting the bacterium from their environment. However, not all species of Caballeronia confer the same fitness on the L. phyllopus host, raising the question of whether L. phyllopus possesses a partner choice mechanism that would allow it to distinguish between a good (GAOX1) and a suboptimal (Lep1P3) symbiosis partner. This was examined by conducting a choice experiment in which the two symbionts (GAOX1 vs. Lep1P3) were placed in a plastic box, and the bug’s roaming …

Effect Of Accelerated Adaptation Programs On Feedlot Performance And Health Of Steers Drenched With Megasphaera Elsdenii And Quantifying And Partitioning Multi-Year Carbon Dioxide And Methane Fluxes In A Grazed Temperate Pasture, Rebecca Mcdermott

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

With strong consumer demand for beef and increasing concern about the environmental impacts of beef production, improving production efficiency and advancing the understanding of the environmental footprint are critical for the long-term sustainability of beef production systems. The first experiment evaluated the effect of accelerated adaptation strategies, using energy intake and cattle behavior, on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and health of yearling steers drenched with exogenous Megasphaera elsdenii. Accelerated adaptation programs (0, 7, or 14 d transition to 100% finisher) were compared to a traditional 21-d adaptation. Dry matter intake responded quadratically across treatments, with the greatest intake observed in …

Transforming Experience Into Practice: A Portfolio Of Growth, Identity, And Leadership, Ana I. Loli

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This professional portfolio documents the integration of my academic learning, practicum experience, and personal transformation throughout the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana. Drawing from trauma‑informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive frameworks, I demonstrate competency across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, with particular emphasis on ethical decision-making, ADEI engagement, community assessment, policy analysis, research-informed practice, and collaborative leadership. Through narrative reflections and applied artifacts—including case analyses, simulated clinical sessions, community-based research, organizational evaluation, and leadership implementation—I illustrate how meaning, context, power, history, and possibility shape my approach to social work. This portfolio highlights my development …