Digital Commons Network^™

Ot In Maternal Health, Leslie M. Baker

OTD Capstone Projects

Many organizations that serve the care of pregnant and postpartum women have identified unmet client need specific to the health and well-being of new mothers, which occupational therapy (OT) has the potential to address, through health promotion and well-being initiatives that focus on the prevention of barriers to participation, specific to the co-occupation of motherhood.  While in an emerging practice area, the inclusion of Occupational Therapy (OT) is well positioned to address the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of new mothers. Through the creation of educational programming, this doctoral capstone project supported from an occupational therapy perspective, the development of …

Small Award, Big Ripple, Beryl White-Bing

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

Innovation in libraries does not always begin with large national grants or major institutional investments. Often, meaningful experimentation begins with small regional funding opportunities that allow librarians to test new ideas and technologies. For academic libraries, these modest awards can serve as catalysts for interdisciplinary collaboration, new teaching tools, and innovative research partnerships.

Pfas And Western Diet Effects On Adolescent Rat Feeding And Metabolism, Whesli Kim

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of widespread persistent organic pollutants associated with metabolic and neural dysfunction in humans. These processes are also affected by Western diet high sugar high fat contents. However, interacting effects of PFAS exposure and Western diet on metabolic regulation and feeding behavior have not been tested. Exposure to PFAS is high during sensitive gestational and neonatal periods of development. Adolescence is a key period where nutritional demands shift, eating habits are established, and gonadal hormones change. This study tests the hypothesis that early life exposure to PFOS alters adolescent metabolic function and feeding …

2026 Awardees, Office Of Sponsored Projects, Academic Research And Compliance (Sparc)

Showcase Awards

Every year, St. Mary's honors their students and faculty at the showcase with awards to recognize their hard work and leadership in research on campus. These are the award winners for 2026.

Obesity In The Rio Grande Valley: Applying An Evidence-Based Public Health Approach, Erika Pineda-Horta

Posters - 2026

What structural and social determinants drive elevated adult obesity rates in the Rio Grande Valley, and what evidence-based interventions can reduce adult obesity prevalence in Hidalgo County by 5% by 2030?

Objective: This study applies an EBPH framework to (1) characterize the burden and structural determinants of adult obesity in the RGV, and (2) propose a culturally responsive, evidence-based intervention targeting adults aged 18+ in Hidalgo County.

Adult obesity is clinically defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² in adults aged 18 and older (CDC, 2022). It is a chronic, multifactorial non-communicable disease shaped by structural, social, and …

Pet Foodies: Trait Extension From People To Pets, Richard Flight, Cole Cline

AMTP Proceedings 2026

We propose and empirically examine a Pet Foodie trait—a measurable extension of human foodie identity into pet food consumption. Pet Foodies are theorized to show elevated enjoyment/interest, resource investment, and knowledge regarding pet nutrition and food features. Recognizing the accelerating humanization of pets, we examine whether Pet Foodies can be reliably assessed, how they relate to animal bonding and human foodie identity, and whether they respond differently to pet-food advertising.

Consumer Adoption Of Cultivated Meat: A Multi-Value Perspective Using Empirical And Synthetic Data, Wei Fu

AMTP Proceedings 2026

The global demand for meat is projected to rise by more than 70% by 2050, creating pressure on natural resources and worsening environmental challenges. Cultivated meat, produced by growing animal cells in controlled environments, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional livestock farming; however, consumers acceptance remains uncertain. This study applies the Theory of Consumption Values (Sheth, Newman, & Gross, 1991) to examine how multidimensional consumption values influence consumer’s sustainable evaluation of cultivated meat. Using both empirical survey data from U.S. consumers and a synthetic dataset generated with the same instrument, the results show that functional value (food quality), social value …

Human Advisors Or Ai Algorithms? How Loneliness And Age Impact Trust In Consumer Evaluations Of Services, Kevin Newman, Ainslie Schultz

AMTP Proceedings 2026

This research investigates how loneliness and age shape trust and consumer evaluations of services that provide personalized advice through human versus Artificial Intelligence (AI) recommenders. Across three experimental studies, our findings show that loneliness increased trust and consumer evaluations for services using human- (vs. AI-) based) recommenders among younger adults, but this pattern reversed among older, more lonely adults. Among these individuals, loneliness led to more positive consumer evaluations of a service using an AI-based (vs. human) recommender. Guided by the Evolutionary Theory of Loneliness (Cacioppo & Cacioppo, 2018), these findings suggest that younger lonely consumers exhibit approach motives …

Self-Management Challenges And Psychosocial Support Needs In Clean Intermittent Catheterization: A Qualitative Study Of Individuals With Neurogenic Bladder And Caregivers, Lianyu Zou, Xiaomei Wu, Shun Chen, Shuluan Feng, Xiaohua Huang, Weiting Liu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background – Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is widely regarded as the preferred approach to bladder management for individuals with neurogenic bladder (NB). Nevertheless, a considerable gap persists between evidence and clinical practice: patients and caregivers frequently encounter self-management barriers that compromise clinical outcomes during CIC. This qualitative study explores these barriers to provide an empirical foundation for developing tailored strategies that improve quality of care. Design – A descriptive qualitative study. Methods – From August to October 2025, a convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 16 participants individuals with NB or their long-term caregivers from the Department of Rehabilitation …

Morocco’S Liquid Gold: The Actual And Potential Role Of International Ip Law In The Protection Of The Traditional Knowledge Of Argan Oil, Christen Smith

Student Scholarship

This paper examines the actual and potential role of international intellectual property law in the protection of the traditional knowledge associated with argan oil, a product linked to the cultural heritage of the indigenous people in Morocco and increasingly commercialized globally. The paper starts with a background on the argan forest and the cultural significance of the argan tree. Then, the traditional production method used to extract argan oil is discussed. The paper also covers the rise of women’s cooperatives and how the argan oil industry has economically transformed in recent decades. The next section identifies problems in protecting traditional …

Oral Multienzyme Supplementation Alters Postprandial Plasma Nutrient Concentrations After A Mixed Meal In Healthy Middle-Aged And Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial, Max T. Deutz, Andrew T. Askow, Sean M. Garvey, David A. Alvarado, Takeshi M. Barnes, Zan Zupancic, Alexander V. Ulanov, Jared W. Willard, Hannah D. Holscher, Brett R. Loman, Nicholas A. Burd

Kinesiology & Sport Management Scholarship

Background: Age-related decline in digestive function increases malnutrition risk. Supplementing meals with digestive enzymes may improve macronutrient digestion and bioavailability in adults reaching older ages.

Objectives: To assess postprandial plasma nutrient concentrations after co-ingestion of a mixed meal and a mixture of 6 enzyme preparations (ENZ), including proteases, lipase, amylase, and glucoamylase.

Methods: Thirty middle-aged and older adults (56 ± 11 y; 18 females, 12 males) ingested chicken, peas, potatoes, and butter (435 kcal; 34 g protein, 51 g carbohydrate, 11 g fat) with either ENZ or placebo (PLA) in a randomized crossover fashion. Blood samples were collected …

Disparities Between Chronological And Biological Age: A Biocultural Analysis Of Aging In Contemporary Populations, Nicollette S. Appel

Anthropology ETDs

This dissertation investigates how structural and cultural factors collectively influence the aging process and how these effects manifest in both hard and soft tissues. Chapter 2 used an AI-based CT body composition tool and a CT-based biological age model to examine the relationship between age discrepancy and demographic variables such as sex, race/ethnicity, and manner of death. Results demonstrate significant differences in age discrepancy, with females, Native Americans, and individuals who died of natural causes exhibiting greater discrepancies. Chapters 3 and 4 further evaluate whether anthropological approaches to skeletal aging can be improved by adopting a biocultural perspective. These chapters …

Regulation Of Caffeine, Rileigh Gaddini

Gateway Reader- Individual Papers

• The Problem: Public overconsumption of normalized addictive substances like caffeine and sugar results in significant health risks, dependency, and potential cardiac fatalities.

• The Method: An analysis of regulatory policies, product labels, consumer consumption habits, physiological mechanisms, and documented health event case studies.

• Quantitative Finding: The average American daily intake of caffeine is 193 mg, with more than 87% of U.S. adults reporting regular use; the FDA recommended limit for caffeine is 400 mg per day; a 16-ounce Starbucks coffee contains at least 190 mg of caffeine; 70–85% dark chocolate contains 22.7 mg of caffeine per ounce, while …

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Analyzing Pressure Injury Trends Among Hospitalized Older Adults From Tarrant County, Oluwafunto M. Olorundare

2026 Spring Honors Capstones Projects

Pressure injuries occur when skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to unrelieved pressure that reduces blood circulation to the affected area. Hospitalized older adults are vulnerable to pressure injuries due to factors such as limited mobility, physiological changes associated with aging, chronic conditions, and longer hospital stays. Despite multiple studies on the prevalence and incidence of pressure injuries at the national and global levels, there is limited research that analyzes trends among hospitalized older adults at the county level, specifically Tarrant County. This research aims to examine pressure injury trends among hospitalized older adults residing in Tarrant County. Using …

Characterization Of A Core Fungal Community And Captivity-Induced Gut “Mycobiome” Change In Fowler's Toad (Anaxyrus Fowleri), Alexander J. Bradshaw, Sinlan Poo, Tracey E. Malter, Rylie M. Strasbaugh, Brianna Bodner, Madison R. Hincher, Anne Devan-Song, Javier F. Tabima

Biology

Amphibious animals, such as frogs, are found at the intersection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They may serve as keystone and sentinel species and play key roles in nutrient cycling and food webs. In recent decades, amphibians have experienced drastic population declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and disease. These declines have prompted investments in ex situ conservation and captive breeding programs, which aim to reduce extinction risk by creating assurance colonies and reintroducing individuals once threats are mitigated. A critical component of these programs is proper husbandry, which ensures the health and longevity of captive populations and their …

From Our Stories, To Our Streets (Osos), Jennifer Lopez

Student Publications

Youth traffic safety persists as a critical planning challenge and public health concern in New Mexico, where pedestrian fatality rates consistently rank among the highest in the United States (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NTSA, Governors Highway Safety Association, GHSA, 2023; Baca, 2025). Students (children), due to their daily interactions with roadways, whether when they walk, bike, ride transit, or drive/get driven to and from school, are among the most vulnerable groups within the transportation system (Ferenchak, N. Wesley, M., 2017. For many students in Albuquerque, the commute to or from school is one of the most dangerous parts of …

Forget-Them-Nots: Ageism, Autonomy, And Dementia In Speech-Language Pathology, Grace Bailey

Graduate Publications

The following qualitative single-case design study investigates the manner in which autonomy is negotiated and supported in dementia care with particular emphasis on communication. Observational data and semi-structured interviews provided raw data that was coded, themed, and interpreted to better understand how decisions were made among the patient with dementia, the caregiver, and her healthcare team. Results fell into two themes where autonomy was limited or autonomy was active, illustrating the continuous negotiation process. Findings indicate that autonomy is relational, directly affected by the individual, their care team, and their corresponding prejudices. Findings also indicate that the removal of autonomy …

First High-Quality Genome Assembly Of Umbelopsis Nana Isolated From Forest Soil, Ryuka Iizuka, Tomohiro Suzuki, Nozomu Watanabe, Javier F. Tabima, David Hibbett, Yoko Katayama, Makoto Yoshida

Biology

Species of the genus Umbelopsis are ubiquitous soil saprotrophic fungi known for their role in ecological nutrient cycling and biotechnological potential in lipid production. Here, we present the genome assembly of Umbelopsis sp. strain THIF13, which is characterized by its capability to produce carbonyl sulfide. Using PacBio Sequel long-read data, a high-quality genome assembly was generated comprising 18 contigs totaling 27.2 Mb, which is larger than other Umbelopsis genomes, with an N50 of 1.77 Mb. Notably, 16 contigs were flanked by telomeric repeats at both ends. The assembly showed high completeness, with 98.1% complete Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs and 11.15% …

Structural Basis Of Anthocyanin-Mediated Modulation Of Il-2, Il-17, And Tnf-Α: A Docking And Molecular Dynamics Study, Andrey Bogoyavlenskiy, Adolat Manakbayeva, Timur Kerimov, Igor Yershov, Madina Alexyuk, Pavel Alexyuk, Vladimir Berezin, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring flavonoid pigments widely distributed in plants and are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their potential immunomodulatory effects remain poorly characterized, particularly regarding their direct interactions with key signaling cytokines. In this study, a set of selected anthocyanins was investigated using a hierarchical computational workflow targeting three major pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Molecular docking analyses identified primulin and antirrhinin as the most favorable binders, forming stabilizing hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions within predicted cytokine interaction interfaces. To further assess the stability of these …

Columns Spring 2026, Southern Adventist University

Alumni Newsletter

The Spring 2026 issue of Columns features articles about Southern's new mission statement, living memoirs, and a new student led ministries.

Muscle Atrophy After Acl Reconstruction Involves Molecular Mechanisms Beyond Unloading, Alexander R. Keeble, Gonzalez Velez Sara, Nicholas T. Thomas, Allison M. Owen, Austin V. Stone, Darren L. Johnson, Julián Candia, Luigi Ferrucci, Marco Narici, Esther E. Dupont-Versteegden, Brian Noehren, Martino V. Franchi, Christopher S. Fry

Physiology Faculty Publications

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) leads to profound muscle atrophy and weakness that remain resistant to rehabilitation. Although early recovery typically involves a brief period of limb unloading, the degree to which disuse alone accounts for muscle pathology after ACLR remains unclear. Here, we leveraged publicly available RNA-seq datasets of muscle biopsies from vastus lateralis obtained 7 days after ACLR or 10 days after unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), each with matched control limbs, to directly compare disuse-driven and ACLR-specific early transcriptional responses. Despite similar periods of reduced loading, substantial transcriptomic divergence was identified using both intersection and interaction bioinformatic …

Wegmans School Of Health And Nutrition’S Culinary Kitchen Cart Manual Development, Neena Bhala

Theses

To facilitate the initiation of culinary medicine at RIT, a manual to guide the use of a mobile kitchen cart was developed and evaluated. This manual was developed to support faculty, staff, and students’ use of a Mobile Kitchen Cart to be able to support culinary medicine and nutrition education activities. The Manual was directed to RIT faculty, staff, and students who have experience with the cart or intend to have future use with the cart. A qualitative evaluation study was conducted with ten participants including RIT faculty (n=2), students (n=4), and staff (n=4). Feedback on the manual was obtained …

Nh Ece Data Collection Efforts Running Inventory, Jess Carson, Evan England, Tyrus Parker

New Hampshire Early Care and Education Research Consortium

Updated April 2026!

The NH ECE Research Consortium maintains an inventory of current and complete NH ECE-relevant data collection efforts. Included are surveys, interviews, focus groups, needs assessments, and other ways people in the field collect information. The inventory strengthens public access for data users, improves awareness and coordination among researchers, and minimizes duplication.

Mixed Methods Evaluation Of A Shipped Medically Tailored Meal Pilot Intervention, Shelly Palmer, Laura E. Balis, Amy L. Yaroch

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Medically tailored meal (MTM) programs generally demonstrate meaningful health outcomes for patients. There is a need to evaluate novel MTM delivery methods to understand participant and organizational-level impacts. The objectives of this study were to assess a shipped MTM pilot intervention, including 1) initial and ongoing client reach, 2) effects on clients’ health and behaviors, and 3) staff members’ perceptions of factors that influence intervention maintenance.

Methods: Based on the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, the mixed methods design included quantitative data collected from participants and qualitative data collected from MTM provider staff. The pilot took place …

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Narrative Review Of Disparities Between Black And White Women In The United States And Strategies For Improvement, Lynne Li, Jessica Schlewitt

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an inflammatory syndrome of the upper female reproductive organs caused by infection, most commonly via Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, spreading to one or more reproductive organs. With PID responsible for many of the major morbidities of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain, the urgency is high to mitigate the impacts of untreated PID, especially in higher-risk populations. This paper discusses the current disparities in PID diagnosis, treatment, and management between Black and white women and proposes interventions to reduce health inequalities involving PID. To conduct this narrative review, …

Comparing Mercury Accumulation And The Macroalgal Microbiome Between Coastal And Estuarine Populations Of Sea Lettuce (Ulva Spp.), Shelby Cora Penn

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in marine environments. Most research on mercury cycling in the ocean focuses on pelagic food webs, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding macroalgal-based food webs. Seaweed from the genus Ulva is globally distributed in marine and brackish habitats, accumulating metals and toxins with minimal impact on the host. While the mechanisms behind Ulva's tolerance to marine pollution are unclear, studies suggest that the macroalgal microbiome may play a crucial role. This study investigates how collection location influences mercury uptake and bacterial community composition in Ulva. Estuarine and coastal Ulva were exposed …

Advancing Dental Research: From Biomaterials And Precision Dentistry To Population-Based Oral Health And Service Delivery, Acing H. Mude, H. Hasanuddin, Nisrina E. Nasrun, Muhammad Ikbal

Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science

Objective: This editorial review aims to synthesize the thematic contributions of 14 manuscripts published in Journal of Dentomaxillofacial Science Volume 11 Issue 1, and to identify emerging scientific trends across contemporary dental research.

Methods: A descriptive thematic review was conducted by systematically analyzing the titles, abstracts, study objectives, methodologies, and key findings of all included manuscripts. Articles were grouped through qualitative synthesis into major thematic categories to capture the shared scientific directions and methodological patterns.

Results: The analysis identified six major thematic clusters: (1) biomaterials and oral tissue regeneration, (2) oral hygiene, saliva, microbiology, and vulnerable populations, (3) oral pathology …

Small Jellyfish, Large Consequences: The Overlooked Predatory Role Of Hydromedusae In Subtropical Estuarine Ecosystems, Guilherme M. Von Montfort, Kelly R. Sutherland, Sean Colin, John H. Costello, Renato M. Nagata

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Hydromedusae are often overlooked in pelagic trophic ecology compared to large scyphozoans. We investigated the diet, prey selectivity, ingestion rates, digestion times, and predation impacts of the native Liriope tetraphylla and non-indigenous species Cnidostoma fallax and Moerisia inkermanica in a subtropical estuary of the southwestern Atlantic. While all three species predominantly consumed copepods, L. tetraphylla exhibited the broadest diet and highest number of preys in gut content (up to 13). Digestion time for L. tetraphylla decreased significantly with increasing temperature, from 94 min at 18°C to 64 min at 28°C, with Q10 values showing that digestion rates roughly double with …

Mapping The Polar Neuro-Interactome Of Garcinia Mangostana Against The Ad-Pd-Als Nexus, Rahni Hossain, Sirirat Surinkaew, Pradoldej Sompol, Nasmah K. Bastaki, Rifat Jafrin, Nazim Sekeroglu, Jitbanjong Tangpong

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) share common molecular pathways, including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which complicate the effectiveness of single-target treatments. Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) has shown neuroprotective properties, but previous studies focused on lipophilic xanthones, which have poor bioavailability and uncertain blood–brain barrier permeability. Methods: In the current study, polar metabolites from G. mangostana peel aqueous extract (GMPE) were assessed for potential multi-target interactions via UHPLC-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics, systems pharmacology, and molecular docking analysis. Further, in silico ADMET screening and network-based analyses assessed for overlap between GMPE compounds and genes associated with neurodegeneration (AD, …

Role Of Succinate Dehydrogenase In Age-Related Th17 Inflammation, Evelyn Ocegueda, Gabrielle Chase, Michaella Niceforo, Aida Javidan, Lydia Gugliuzza, Jingting Yu, Rachel Y. Kang, Ava Lankowski, Olivia Stefanik, Kailey Leclerc, Yolander Valentine, Micah J. Drummond, Jude T. Deeney, Josephine S. Modica-Napolitano, Elizabeth A. Proctor, Hatice Hasturk, Barbara S. Nikolajczyk, Leena P. Bharath

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Age-related cellular changes negatively impact CD4⁺ T cell function. Our prior work showed that mitochondrial complex II (succinate dehydrogenase [SDH]) expression was upregulated in T cells from older (O) adults (60–80 years old). T cells from older adults also produced higher amounts of cytokines generally considered proinflammatory, such as Th17 cytokines IL-17A/F and IL-21, and the Th-17-supportive cytokine IL-6, compared to T cells from younger (Y) adults (25–40 years old). The objective of our study is to evaluate whether hyperactivation of SDH is required for the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and the mechanistic link between SDH and Th17 cytokine …