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Editorial: Pediatric Microbiome In Health And Disease: Recent Advances., Amy Y Pan, George M. Weinstock, Jill L Maron

Faculty Research 2022

No abstract provided.

Utah State University Commencement, 2022 - Main Campus, Utah State University

Commencement Programs

2022 Commencement Ceremony for the Main Campus of Utah State University.

Death Exposure Influence On Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward End-Of-Life Care, Sara J. Barlow, Nelia Alfonso, Jason A. Wasserman

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Advance directives help guide individuals and their families in making end-of-life decisions that physicians must respect and carry out on behalf of patients to provide optimal care that aligns with their wishes. The facilitation of end-of-life care and the application of advance directives are impacted by physicians’ attitudes and knowledge regarding this topic. Current studies focus on the perspective that practicing physicians have toward advance directives. Our goal is to examine the end-of-life preferences of medical students at Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) School of Medicine before and after clinical exposure to better appreciate how and when opinions regarding …

Effect Of Mycorrhizae Inoculation On The Growth And Success Of Three Taxodium Distichum Hybrids In Saline - Impacted Coastal Soils, Elif Ilhan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2008, Galveston Island was severely impacted by Hurricane Ike, resulting in high salt deposition in the soil and groundwater. This caused a loss of many native plant species. A study was initiated to determine effective ways to promote the growth conditions of three bald cypress genotypes (Taxodium distichum var distichum and Taxodium distichum var mexicanum crosses) in salt-affected soils. The treatments applied were mycorrhizae inoculation, fertilizer application, and a combination of mycorrhizae inoculation and fertilizer application. A total of sixty (60) trees planted in plots of three rows and divided into five randomized replication blocks of four treatments …

Patterns Of Diet And Physical Activity In Adolescent Cancer Survivors, Madison Fertig

Theses and Dissertations

Diet and physical activity have been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and related diseases in cancer survivors. Adolescents are at a unique developmental stage where they have more control over their own health behaviors, indicating an important time to develop and maintain healthy behaviors.

Using Geospatial Analysis To Evaluate Relationships Between Cancer Incidence And Social Factors In Brooklyn, Ny, Sheena Philogene

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the spatial distribution of cancer incidence in Brooklyn, NY. Using publicly available data, the relationships between cancer incidence and factors linked to cancer were investigated. Furthermore, the study explored the value of using large amounts of data with GIS techniques to quickly analyze geographic trends for cancer.

Growth Hormone Signaling Shapes The Impact Of Environmental Temperature On Transcriptomic Profile Of Different Adipose Tissue Depots In Male Mice., Augusto Schneider, Berta Victoria, Maria Isabel Schiavon Cousen, Yimin Fang, Samuel Mcfadden, Justin Darcy, Adam Gesing, Erin R Hascup, Kevin N Hascup, Andrzej Bartke, Michal M Masternak

Articles

Growth hormone receptor knockout (GHRKO) mice are smaller, long living, and have an increased metabolic rate compared with normal (N) littermates. However, it is known that thermoneutral conditions (30-32°C) elicit metabolic adaptations in mice, increasing the metabolic rate. Therefore, we hypothesized that environmental temperature would affect the expression profile of different adipose tissue depots in GHRKO mice. For this, N (n = 12) and GHRKO (n = 11) male mice were maintained at 23 or 30°C from weaning until 11 months of age. RNA sequencing from adipose tissue depots (epididymal-eWAT, perirenal-pWAT, subcutaneous-sWAT, and brown fat-BAT) was performed. Thermoneutrality increased body …

Growth Hormone Signaling Shapes The Impact Of Environmental Temperature On Transcriptomic Profile Of Different Adipose Tissue Depots In Male Mice., Augusto Schneider, Berta Victoria, Maria Isabel Schiavon Cousen, Yimin Fang, Samuel Mcfadden, Justin Darcy, Adam Gesing, Erin R Hascup, Kevin N Hascup, Andrzej Bartke, Michal M Masternak

Articles

Growth hormone receptor knockout (GHRKO) mice are smaller, long living, and have an increased metabolic rate compared with normal (N) littermates. However, it is known that thermoneutral conditions (30-32°C) elicit metabolic adaptations in mice, increasing the metabolic rate. Therefore, we hypothesized that environmental temperature would affect the expression profile of different adipose tissue depots in GHRKO mice. For this, N (n = 12) and GHRKO (n = 11) male mice were maintained at 23 or 30°C from weaning until 11 months of age. RNA sequencing from adipose tissue depots (epididymal-eWAT, perirenal-pWAT, subcutaneous-sWAT, and brown fat-BAT) was performed. Thermoneutrality increased body …

A Case Of Diabulimia In A 23-Year-Old Woman With Extensive Comorbidities, Stephen Poos, Kaitlin Mcgowan, Ashaki Martin

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Diabulimia is defined as intentionally withholding insulin injections for the purpose of weight loss in the setting of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

It is characterized as an eating disorder (ED), although it does not yet have DSM diagnosis status.

Recognition of the condition among medical professionals is limited but growing.

Wernicke’S Encephalopathy Secondary To Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Mohammad Rattu, Alexander Norinsky, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a neurological disorder secondary to thiamine deficiency that is precipitated by administration of glucose-containing fluids prior to thiamine supplementation. Though WE is typically diagnosed among alcoholics (12.5%), the prevalence among nonalcoholics can vary from 0.04-0.13%. Around 30-40% of patients with underlying thiamine deficiency will only experience one of the symptoms from the typical triad, with the complete triad (encephalopathy, oculomotor dysfunction/nystagmus, and ataxia) only evident among 5-16% of the population. Among the non-alcoholic patient population presenting with WE, a history of vomiting is more frequent. While nausea affects around 80% of pregnant women, an extreme form …

Dietary Habits Of Patients With Chronic Medical Conditions During Covid-19, Sahil Patel, Adarsh Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced drastic changes in various aspects of normal life for millions world-wide.

As of April 2022, there have been over reported 80.8 million cases and 989,000 reported deaths.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous societal changes occurred such as social distancing protocols, mask recommendations and restrictions in public spaces.

With such drastic changes to normal life, investigators began examining how dietary habits in the general population could have been affected, but not investigated the impacts on patients with chronic medical conditions (CMC).

Prior to major vaccination efforts, …

Deconstructing Inequality: Cumulative Impacts, Environmental Justice, And Interstate Redevelopment, Lemir Teron

Richmond Public Interest Law Review

The siting and development of Interstate 81 in Syracuse, New York, similar

to highway projects across the nation, lead to the displacement of Black

Syracusans

and has exposed thousands of remaining residents at heightened

environmental harm. As the interstate is slated to be redeveloped due to age

and safety issues, national attention has focused on the highway as a potential

exemplar for similar projects across the United States. Federal law mandates

that environmental impact analysis be conducted, and due to the prevalence

of marginalized populations, environmental justice impacts are a

critical feature in this assessment. This article evaluates both the …

Addressing Food Insecurity And Obesity Within A Rural Primary Care Setting, Alec Joseph Tuchowski

Masters Projects

Background and Objectives: There is a need to screen, assess, and potentially make referrals for social determinants of health (SDOH) to help coordinate healthcare services across the care continuum and identify factors impacting health.

Problem: The majority of primary care offices do not routinely screen patients for social needs, despite the influence they can have on an individual’s health.

Methods: This quality improvement project was implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework at a small, midwestern rural primary care clinic in the United States. Participants included office staff and 31 adult patients who presented to the clinic for …

Examining The Relationship Between Adolescent Obesity Rates And School Health Programs In Grades 9-12 In The United States, Joseph Melillo, Alison Mancuso

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

- In the United States, it was found that the prevalence of obese adolescents ages 12-19 was 21.2%.1

- According to a study by Ward et. al published in the New England Journal of Health (NEJH), the researchers estimated 88.2% of obese 19-year-olds would still be obese by the age of 35.2

- The purpose of this study was to evaluate school provided health programs and their impact on BMI values of students within these schools.

- This study aimed to compare health outcomes between different schools across the United States and identify aspects of school programming that can be …

Factors Influencing The Need For And Access To Ivf Treatment, Catherine Alapatt, Yoona Choe, Anthony Knepp, Shika Veera, Shawna M Rotoli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Infertility is defined as the inability for a couple to become pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility can stem from an issue with the female reproductive tract, the male reproductive tract, or both. Individuals struggling with infertility seek medical assistance for a successful reproductive course. However, there are many aspects outside of pathology that may encourage or deter an individual to elect for medical assistance such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). In vitro fertilization is defined as a medical procedure in which an egg is fertilized outside the body. The increased usage of IVF demonstrates the …

Association Between Leg Adiposity & Hypertension Subtypes In Young & Middle-Aged American Adults, David Lo, Aayush Visaria, Pranay Maniar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Our research aim was to determine the association between appendicular adiposity and hypertension to better elucidate the role of body fat distribution on blood pressure (BP).

Many studies have provided evidence for the inverse association between leg adiposity and metabolic syndrome criteria.

Hypertension (HT) subtypes have unique age distributions and associated risk factors. BMI ± triglycerides are major risk factors for isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH).

Improvement Of Memory Loss Through Dietary Intervention In The Assisted Living And Rehabilitative Settings, Alexander Swartz, Martin Forsberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

• The ketogenic diet is a popular, controversial diet that fuels the brain through beta-oxidation of fatty acids and production of ketone bodies, the most populous of which is betahydroxybutyrate (BHB).

• The ketogenic diet consists of 70-80% fats, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.

• Medically, the ketogenic diet is utilized in patients with epilepsy and recommended by some physicians to improve general health through weight loss and insulin sensitivity.

• Key factors of neurodegeneration include glucose hypometabolism, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation.

• Studies have shown that with ingestion of exogenous ketones alone, or endogenous ketonemia through a ketogenic diet, there is: …

Physical Activity As A Means Of Improving Quality Of Life In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Tracy Tauro

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pharmacologic management of chronic pain has variable results, sometimes resorting to ineffective and dangerous opioids that can potentiate substance abuse in a vulnerable population.

Exercise is unique in its ability to positively impact both the molecular and psychological aspects of chronic pain. Its role in decreasing inflammation as well as improving mental health make it an excellent option for improving quality of life.

Physicians should work with their patients to develop a patient-centered exercise plan to manage chronic pain.

Painless Scrotal Ulcers Become Something Unexpected: A Rare Case Of Scrotal Calciphylaxis, Riddhima Issar, Jinisha Patwa, Yvette Wang

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Calciphylaxis is a rare vascular disorder that presents with painful skin necrosis due to calcium accumulation in skin and adipose tissue. Most commonly, cutaneous manifestations of calciphylaxis are seen on the buttocks, thighs and extremities. Very few cases have presented unconventional locations of these calcified eschars and ulcers such as the penis and scrotum. Risk factors for this disease include chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, long-term hemodialysis and diabetes. This case presents an atypical presentation of painless scrotal ulcers.

A high degree of clinical suspicion in patients with ESRD on HD and T2DM is needed to effectively reach a diagnosis of …

The Effectiveness Of Culturally Relevant Obesity Programs On Decreasing Bmi Of Hispanic Children, Cindy Nativi

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Obesity epidemic a public health concern in the United States

• significantly increases health burden in affected individuals
• linked to increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer
• childhood obesity linked to earlier onset or presence in adulthood of the same diseases
• crucial to address this disease at the preventative level

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports obesity affects 19.3% of children and adolescents in the United States

• affects all ethnicities, but increased burden on minority populations of low socioeconomic status
• 1 in 5 Hispanic children considered obese

Latinos one of the fastest growing minority populations

• comprise approximately 17% of …

The Influence Of Parental Knowledge Of Nutrition Labels On Child Bmi, Daniella R. Toto, Alexander Kowalski

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The purpose of this study is to better understand parental knowledge of nutrition labels and how this knowledge affects their child’s BMI. A large proportion of US parents have limited health literacy skills on how to read and use labels. Socioeconomic status and other demographics may affect this knowledge. We predict that children of parents who lack nutrition label knowledge will have higher BMIs than children whose parents have nutrition label knowledge.

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Pediatric Obesity In School-Aged Children, Amaani Faizal, Maryanna Schweininger, Suzanna Hosein

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The prevalence of childhood obesity in those aged 2-19 in the United States was 19.3% in 2017-2018. Childhood obesity is a major health concern with growing rates of incidence. Being overweight or obese put children at risk for developing several chronic conditions such as coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and asthma at a younger age. Studies have shown that higher BMI numbers in childhood added an increased risk of being obese as an adult.

The pathophysiology of developing obesity includes several complex factors ranging from nutrition, physical activity, genetic background and lifestyle preferences. Among children, nutrition and …

Trends In Pediatric Obesity Of School-Aged Children During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Maryanna Schweininger, Amaani Faizal, Suzanna Hosein

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been more sedentary due to nationwide school closures resulting in classes being held virtually. Due to restrictions, children could no longer participate in physical education classes and after school activities at the same frequency. The pandemic also placed a disproportionate burden on low-income families thus, potentially amplifying food insecurity. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on childhood obesity.

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Case Of Fluoride Toxicity, Swet Patel, John Polunin, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Trent Malcolm

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Overall, the beneficial role of fluoride for the maintenance of proper dental hygiene has been known for many decades which has been corroborated by a plethora of research. Media and culture have further highlighted how using fluoride supplementation can help with dental cavities. It is clear that just as there are benefits to fluoride usage, there also risks. Further awareness needs to be made that showcases the downfalls of excess fluoride use. Labels need to be placed on fluoride products that emphasizes the dosing. It is imperative that people are educated on the toxicity of fluoride as too much of …

Complications Of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome In A Teenage Female: A Case Presentation, Marina Cugliari, Trupti Pandit

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome is a manifestation of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infections and less frequently with Neisseria gonorrhea.

PID affects sexually active women (15-30 years old) and accounts for 750,000 cases each year.

The case presented illustrates a female who presented with a small bowel obstruction and appendicitis, who was incidentally found to have Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome on laparoscopic exam.

An Herbal Liver Effect: Ashwagandha-Induced Hepatotoxicity, Mohammad Rattu, Eric Maddock, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Neeharika Bhatnagar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ashwagandha is a popular Ayurvedic herb that is derived from the extracts of the roots of Withania somnifera, an evergreen shrub endemic to India and Southeast Asia. It is generally utilized as a tonic to increase one’s energy and reduce stress levels. Often referred to as “Indian ginseng”, it provides neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that address stress, pain, and fatigue. Additionally, it may assist in dealing with rashes, diabetes, and arthritis. It has also been shown to counteract the effects of aging. Though these properties have not been shown in prospective studies, it has become a popular product among western …

Case Report: Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, Kelly Schuitema, Wayne Tamaska, Robin Lahr

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Thyrotoxic crisis, or thyroid storm, is an acute, life threatening event caused by hyperthyroidism with mortality up to 8-25% that can present with multi-system organ involvement. It is a rare, but well studied complication in the emergency department but can lead to further, less common complications. In this study we will discuss a case of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (TPP) most commonly affects Asian men. The key features of the syndrome include acute onset of hypokalemia and paralysis. The hypokalemic aspect of the disorder is secondary to the shift intracellularly by thyroid hormones’ sensitization of Na+/K+-ATPase …

Case Study Of Metformin-Induced Lactic Acidosis, Kajel Patel, Kishan B. Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Metformin induced lactic acidosis is when high levels of metformin cause dangerously high levels of lactic acid. Here is a case report of a 72-year-old female who came in for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea found to have a high suspicion for metformin induced lactic acidosis. She stabilized in the emergency department, nephrology and ICU was contacted, and she went for emergent dialysis. For many patients the prognosis of metformin induced lactic acidosis is poor. This patient was made comfort care by her family.

Kritika Gupta Named Graduate School Class Marshal, Staff Report

University of Mississippi News

Doctoral candidate praised for her work in child nutrition and school wellness

An Analysis Of The Effects Of Temperature And Other Environmental Factors On Microorganismal Productivity Within Aquatic Ecosystems Using Long-Term Data From Various Lter And Ilter Sites, Andrew Dorbu

Theses and Dissertations

Global climate change is a phenomenon resulting in more extreme weather patterns and species diversity loss. In this study, I explore the impacts of climate change on regional patterns of microbial productivity. Variation in microbial productivity was explained using temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen as predictors in regression models with data from the LTER and iLTER network of sites that ranged from the poles to the equator. I found a positive relationship between temperature and productivity. Antarctica and Arctic sites exhibited the strongest positive relationships supporting prior research demonstrating temperature as one of the driving forces of productivity change in …