Digital Commons Network^™

Predictive Analytics In Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Past, Present, And Future, Bryan G Mcomber, Alvaro G Moreira, Kelsey Kirkman, Sebastian Acosta, Craig Rusin, Binoy Shivanna

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant complication of prematurity, impacting approximately 18,000 infants annually in the United States. Advances in neonatal care have not reduced BPD, and its management is challenged by the rising survival of extremely premature infants and the variability in clinical practices. Leveraging statistical and machine learning techniques, predictive analytics can enhance BPD management by utilizing large clinical datasets to predict individual patient outcomes. This review explores the foundations and applications of predictive analytics in the context of BPD, examining commonly used data sources, modeling techniques, and metrics for model evaluation. We also highlight bioinformatics' potential role …

Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tricyclic Antidepressants Versus Diet Modification And Visceral Manipulation, Alexis Int Veldt

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction that is a chronic and often debilitating disorder characterized by symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain and disordered defecation, affecting up to 10-12% of adults in North America. The purpose of this study analysis is to compare tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) use to diet modification and visceral manipulation in the treatment of IBS. A literature review was performed using various health science databases such as, PubMed, Google Scholar and ClinicalKey, within a time frame of 20 years. Studies chosen for review were peer reviewed and focused on randomized control trials. Several …

Lifestyle Changes And Medication Vs. Medication Alone: Symptom Control Of Parkinson Disease, Rachel Duncan

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Parkinson disease is multifactorial, and predominantly affects the geriatric population. The mainstay of treatment for patients diagnosed with Parkinson disease is currently symptomatic treatment with dopamine replacement. The goal of this literature review is to identify possible lifestyle modifications that can delay progression of the disease or help prolong OFF time of symptoms. Lifestyle modification predominantly considered during this review included diet and physical activity. Included in the study were MIND, Mediterranean, and DASH diets. Considering the role of medication in this disease levodopa, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase B inhibitors and the addition of ropinirole to levodopa and their efficacy …

The Efficacy Of Glp-1 Agonists In Pediatric Patients With Type 2 Diabetes And Obesity, Cayla Mahrer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

In recent years, GLP-1 therapies have emerged as promising inventions for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity in adolescents. This comprehensive literature review synthesizes findings from fundamental studies, highlighting the efficacy, safety considerations, and potential variations in treatment outcomes associated with GLP-1 therapies in this demographic. The literature consistently supports the effectiveness of GLP-1 therapies, such as liraglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide, in improving glycemic control, as evidenced by significant reductions in HbA1c levels. Additionally, these therapies often lead to favorable outcomes in terms of weight reduction, addressing a critical aspect of type 2 diabetes and obesity management in adolescents. However, …

Probiotic Therapy For The Treatment And Prevention Of Bacterial Vaginosis, Chelsea Scheil

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common presenting complaint in healthcare, and patients often experience recurrences at a frustrating rate. The mainstay of current treatment is antibiotic therapy, either via oral or vaginal route. When recurrences occur, stronger antibiotics are often employed. This current method of treatment does not address an underlying component that impacts infection recurrence and rate of recurrence- the patient’s baseline vaginal microbiome and the healthy bacteria that support it. To determine the efficacy and safety of probiotic therapy for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, a literature review was completed using databases PubMed and Embase. The results of …

The Effect Of Exercise On Gestational Weight Gain And Diabetes Risk In Women Of Elevated Bmi, Lauren Staton

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Maternal obesity is a risk factor that may increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes during pregnancy such as excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and cesarean delivery. As obesity has become a more prevalent diagnosis, the healthcare field is begining to see its effects on an abundance of patient profiles, including pregnant women. In the primary care setting, providers are the source of information for patients as to what healthy weight gain during pregnancy looks like. By implementing recommendations for exercise throughout gestation, excessive weight gain and its associated adverse outcomes may decrease in frequency. This literature review examines the …

Effects Of Probiotic Supplementation On Pcos Outcomes, Allison Stoeffler

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial metabolic, endocrinologic, and gynecologic condition affecting up to 5 million women in the United States. It is a disease characterized by oligo- or anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and/or polycystic ovaries. Phenotypic presentation can include irregular menstrual cycles, obesity, hirsutism, insulin resistance, or difficulty conceiving. If untreated, PCOS can result in a sequelae of chronic disease burden. Current standard of care consists of metformin for blood sugar control, oral contraceptives for menstrual regularity, and spironolactone for androgen imbalance, but newer research is identifying gut dysbiosis as a possible contributing etiology to disease development and symptomology. This …

Statin Therapy Vs. Plant-Based Diet For Reduction Of Plaque Burden In Coronary Artery Disease, Molly Zak

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

Coronary artery disease is one of the most common chronic health conditions to affect adults in the United States, with heart disease being the leading cause of death. Contributing factors include high prevalence of processed foods containing saturated fats, low fiber diets and poor overall nutrition, and physical inactivity. These practices increase risk of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plaque buildup and calcification within arteries that supply the heart, leading to decreased blood flow and subsequent oxygen supply. Treatment for coronary artery disease has traditionally been dominated by HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors, or statins. These medications are more effective than the alternative …

Neuronal Ablation Of Ghsr Mitigates Diet-Induced Depression And Memory Impairment Via Ampk-Autophagy Signaling-Mediated Inflammation, Hongying Wang, Zheng Shen, Chia-Shan Wu, Pengfei Ji, Ji Yeon Noh, Cédric G Geoffroy, Sunja Kim, David Threadgill, Jianrong Li, Yu Zhou, Xiaoqiu Xiao, Hui Zheng, Yuxiang Sun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), and neuroinflammation has been shown to have detrimental effects on mood and cognition. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the biologically relevant receptor of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin, is primarily expressed in the brain. Our previous study showed that neuronal GHSR deletion prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO). Here, we investigated the effect of neuronal GHSR deletion on emotional and cognitive functions in DIO. The neuron-specific GHSR-deficient mice exhibited reduced depression and improved spatial memory compared to littermate controls under DIO. We further examined the cortex and hippocampus, the …

From The Ground Up: A Complex Systems Approach To Climate Change Adaptation In Agriculture, Karen Buchsbaum

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Climate change presents an unprecedented challenge to global agriculture and food security. Small farms are especially vulnerable to the local impacts of large-scale drivers of change. Effective adaptation in agriculture requires working across scales, and geographic, political, and disciplinary boundaries to address barriers. I use elements of case study, agent-based modeling and serious games, to design a model of farmer decision-making using the sociocognitive framework of climate change adaptation. I examine how adaptation functions as a process, how complex dynamics influence farmer behavior, and how individual decisions influence collective behavior in response to climate change. This novel approach to adaptation …

Alleviating Loneliness In Older Adults Using Polyvagal Theory Exercises, Helen Kornfeld

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Objectives: The 65 and older population is a growing population in the US. In this population there can be marked increases in isolation, loneliness, and depression. Polyvagal Theory holds that a greater sense of safety, security, and sense of engagement improves well-being. A key hypothesis stated that participation will lower self-report ratings of loneliness. Additional hypotheses included improving self-reported purpose in life and feelings of psychological safety.

Methods/Design: The present dissertation is a quasi-experimental design, utilizing pre- and post-test measures comparing degree of loneliness, depression, purpose in life (PIL), and Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) in a 6-week novel …

Exploring The Impact Of Early Adversity On Young Children With Autism, Kelsea M. Batista

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation builds on a small but growing literature exploring the association between early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests that children with ASD are more likely to experience ACEs throughout their lifetime due to increased vulnerability to victimization and social communication deficits. Still, to date, there is scant research explicitly exploring the impact of ACEs on young children diagnosed with ASD. This study utilized a biopsychosocial framework to further examine whether a relationship exists between ACEs and ASD. The objectives of this study include: (a) to determine whether a relationship exists …

A Taste Of Research: Preliminary Insights From An Undergraduate Research Training Cadetship Project In A Western Australian University Offering Experiences Outside The Classroom, Caitlin Fox-Harding, Kristina Kendall, Tenielle Porter, Brianna Fleay, Shelley Beatty, Ruth Wallace

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper assessed the impact of a Student Research Cadetship Program aimed at providing undergraduate students with extracurricular research opportunities within the School of Medical & Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University. This preliminary evaluation, comprising two studies, explored the outcomes, benefits, and challenges experienced by students and academic staff. Study 1 analysed outputs from cadetship projects between 2016-2023 (n= 80 students; 42 academics). Notably, cadets contributed to over 60 research outputs, with 30% of cadets transitioning to postgraduate studies following competition of the program. Study 2 focused specifically on the 2023 program, highlighting positive impacts on academic staff and …

Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Sector Consultation: Recommendations From An Australian Stakeholder Summit, Celine F. Santiago, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Meng Ping Hsu, Katrina M. Mirabito Colafella, Anna C. Calkin, Stephen J. Nicholls, Kerry C. Doyle, Jamie I. Vandenberg, Emma E. Thomas, Niamh Chapman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In 2023, a joint National Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Summit was convened by the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA), the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, and the National Heart Foundation of Australia, to facilitate a national conversation towards developing a workforce sustainability strategy within the cardiovascular research sector. This initiative stemmed from a previous study conducted by the ACvA which revealed that almost 70% of early and mid-career cardiovascular researchers surveyed had contemplated leaving the sector. Summit attendees reported sector-wide challenges to career progression and retention across three key themes: 1) well-being and career satisfaction, 2) learning and development, and …

Editorial: Dietary Nitrate: Friend Or Foe, Liezhou Zhong, Nicola P. Bondonno, Mario Siervo, Catherine P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Eccentric Exercise Of The Extensors On Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Of The Flexors In Limbs, Trevor C. Chen, Wei Chin Tseng, Hsing Yu Kang, Chuan Wei Chan, Hsin Lian Chen, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction:

We tested the hypothesis that muscle damage protection effect would be induced by its antagonist muscle eccentric exercise.

Methods:

Sedentary young (20-28y) men were randomly assigned into six groups; three groups each for arm or leg exercise group (n=12/group). One group performed two bouts of 30 maximal eccentric contractions (30MaxEC) of the elbow flexors (EF) or 60 maximal eccentric contractions (60MaxEC) of the knee flexors (KF) using a different arm (contra-EF-EF) or leg (contra-KF-KF) between bouts. The other two groups performed 30MaxEC of the elbow extensors (EE) or 60MaxEC of the knee extensors (KE) first followed by the 30MaxEC …

Characterizing The Extent And Nature Of Digital Food And Beverage Marketing In Singapore – A Descriptive Study, Xin Hui Chua, Clare Whitton, Stefanie Vandevijvere, Bridget Kelly, Rob M. Van Dam, Salome A. Rebello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To characterize the nature of digital food and beverage advertising in Singapore Setting: Food and beverage advertisements within 20 clicks on top 12 non-food websites and all posts on Facebook and Instagram pages of 15 major food companies in Singapore were sampled from January 1 to June 30, 2018. Design: Advertised foods were classified as being core (healthier), non-core or mixed-dishes (example burger) using the WHO nutrient profile model and national guidelines. Marketing techniques were assessed using published coding frameworks. Participants: NA Results: Advertisements (n=117) on the 12 non-food websites were largely presented as editorial content. Food companies posted …

Midwest Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Midwest Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Midwest Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Midwest initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Kimberley Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Kimberley Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Kimberley Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Kimberley initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Pilbara Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Pilbara Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Pilbara Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Pilbara initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Goldfields Food Community: Snapshot Report, Isabelle Chiera, Jess Doe, Amanda Devine, Melissa Stoneham, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Food security refers to the adequate physical, social, and economic access to healthy food at all times. The Goldfields Food Community project aimed to identify, map, evaluate and strengthen food security initiatives across the region, to support food security action. This report outlines the findings from the Goldfields Food Community project, detailing the different types of food security initiatives operating within the region. It provides a summary of how Goldfields initiatives are contributing to food security systems change, and how they are working in partnership to deliver their food security initiatives. Based on these findings, region-based recommendations are provided to …

Rationale, Design, And Baseline Characteristics Of Participants In The Health@Nus Mhealth Augmented Cohort Study Examining Student-To-Work Life Transition: Protocol For A Prospective Cohort Study, Xin Hui Chua, Sarah Martine Edney, Andre Matthias Müller, Nicholas A. Petrunoff, Clare Whitton, Zoey Tay, Claire Marie Jie Lin Goh, Bozhi Chen, Su Hyun Park, Salome A. Rebello, Alicia Low, Janelle Chia, Daphne Koek, Karen Cheong, Rob M. Van Dam, Falk Müller-Riemenschneider

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Integration of mobile health data collection methods into cohort studies enables the collection of intensive longitudinal information, which gives deeper insights into individuals’ health and lifestyle behavioral patterns over time, as compared to traditional cohort methods with less frequent data collection. These findings can then fill the gaps that remain in understanding how various lifestyle behaviors interact as students graduate from university and seek employment (student-to-work life transition), where the inability to adapt quickly to a changing environment greatly affects the mental well-being of young adults. Objective: This paper aims to provide an overview of the study methodology and …

Role Of Short Chain Fatty Acids On Astrocytes And Microglia In Alzheimer's Disease Brain, Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage Uththara Sachinthanie Senarath, Matthew Burton, Welisarage Mary Kendrea Thiasangee Fernando, Vijay Jayasena, Charles Brennan, Wanakulasuriya Mary Ann Dipika Binosha Fernando

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) hold exert many nutritional benefits on both physiological and pathological processes, including host metabolism, immune modulation, and appetite control. Originating from the microbial fermentation of resistant starches and dietary fibre in the colon, SCFAs have the capability to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB). It is evident that SCFAs play a critical role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the deposition of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) and tau hyperphosphorylation. SCFAs have demonstrated the potential to interfere with the protein–protein interactions …

Seven-Day Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Clinically Significantly Improves Basal Macrovascular Function In Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial, Jocelyn M. Delgado Spicuzza, Jigar Gosalia, Liezhou Zhong, Catherine Bondonno, Kristina S. Petersen, Mary Jane De Souza, Elmira Alipour, Daniel B. Kim-Shapiro, Yasina B. Somani, David N. Proctor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, with increased risk following menopause. Dietary intake of beetroot juice and other plant-based nitrate-rich foods is a promising non-pharmacological strategy for increasing systemic nitric oxide and improving endothelial function in elderly populations. The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was to determine the effects of short-term dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation, in the form of beetroot juice, on resting macrovascular endothelial function and endothelial resistance to whole-arm ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in postmenopausal women at two distinct stages of menopause. Methods: Early-postmenopausal [1–6 years following their final …

The Allergen Profile Of Two Edible Insect Species—Acheta Domesticus And Hermetia Illucens, Shaymaviswanathan Karnaneedi, Elecia B. Johnston, Utpal Bose, Angéla Juhász, James A. Broadbent, Thimo Ruethers, Emily M. Jerry, Sandip D. Kamath, Vachiranee Limviphuvadh, Sally Stockwell, Keren Byrne, Dean Clarke, Michelle L. Colgrave, Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, Andreas L. Lopata

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Scope: Edible insect proteins are increasingly introduced as an alternative sustainable food source to address the world's need to feed the growing population. Tropomyosin is the main insect allergen; however, additional potential allergens are not well characterized and the impact of extraction procedures on immunological reactivity is unknown. Methods and results: Proteins from different commercial food products derived from cricket (Acheta domesticus) and black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) are extracted using five different extraction buffers. The proteins are analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting using allergen-specific antibodies and crustacean allergic patient sera. IgE binding bands are analyzed by mass spectrometry …

A Lack Of Tourism-Based Health Services Amid Global Aging: How Tourism And Health Practices Can Combine To Benefit The Aging Population, Jun Wen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Health Benefits Of Raw White Garlic Consumption In Humans: A Mini Review, Rebeka Fejes, Catherine P. Bondonno, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Tilman Kühn, Karl Heinz Wagner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Raw white garlic, a fundamental food in both culinary and medicinal practices globally, has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Despite widespread use, clinical research has predominantly focused on aged black garlic or garlic extracts, leaving raw white garlic consumption in humans underexplored. This mini review aims to summarize the evidence from clinical and observational studies on the health effects of raw white garlic consumption. Methods: A search in PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify clinical and observational studies on raw white garlic consumption. Twelve clinical trials and 10 observational studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria …

Global Meta-Analysis Of Demersal Fishing Impacts On Organic Carbon And Associated Biogeochemistry, Justin Tiano, Emil De Borger, Sarah Paradis, Clare Bradshaw, Claudia Morys, Antonio Pusceddu, Claudia Ennas, Karline Soetaert, Pere Puig, Pere Masqué, Marija Sciberras

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The potential threat of fisheries on seabed carbon is a topic of growing concern, yet existing literature presents inconsistencies leaving experts divided on the topic. We conducted a global meta-analysis to synthesize the current knowledge and quantify how demersal fishing impacts various biogeochemical properties. Direct impact studies revealed overall reductions in chlorophyll-a (Chl-a, 17%), phaeopigments (24%), and proteins (32%). Effects on these reactive compounds were more pronounced on surface sediment (0–2 cm), where the impact on total organic carbon (TOC) also became significant, demonstrating the effect of gear penetration, and highlighting that sampling strategies combining sediment layers can mask observed …

Predictive Modelling Of Metabolic Syndrome In Ghanaian Diabetic Patients: An Ensemble Machine Learning Approach, Emmanuel Acheampong, Eric Adua, Christian Obirikorang, Enoch Odame Anto, Emmanuel Peprah-Yamoah, Yaa Obirikorang, Evans Adu Asamoah, Victor Opoku-Yamoah, Michael Nyantakyi, John Taylor, Tonnies Abeku Buckman, Maryam Yakubu, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: The burgeoning prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) within Africa is concerning. Machine learning (ML) techniques offer a unique opportunity to leverage data-driven insights and construct predictive models for MetS risk, thereby enhancing the implementation of personalised prevention strategies. In this work, we employed ML techniques to develop predictive models for pre-MetS and MetS among diabetic patients. Methods: This multi-centre cross-sectional study comprised of 919 T2DM patients. Age, gender, novel anthropometric indices along with biochemical measures were analysed using BORUTA feature selection and an ensemble majority voting classification model, which included …

Prevalence Of Disordered Eating And Its Relationship With Rapid Weight Loss Amongst Male And Female Combat Sport Competitors: A Prospective Study, Colin S. Doherty, Lauren V. Fortington, Oliver R. Barley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives:

To compare prevalence and change scores of disordered eating (DE) in combat sport athletes by sex and explore the potential relationship between rapid weight loss (RWL) and DE scores.

Design:

Prospective study based on 24 events (September 2022–2023).

Methods:

A body mass (BM) questionnaire was completed at ~ 1 day post-competition providing pre-competition BM data for − 7 days, − 24 h, and weigh-in. The Athletic Disordered Eating (ADE) online questionnaire was completed at ~ 7 and ~ 28 days post-competition, providing overall DE and four subscale scores (food and energy control, bingeing, body control, and body discontent).

Results: …