Life Sciences Commons^™

Rocatinlimab As A Novel Treatment Strategy For Atopic Dermatitis, Haylee Whyde, Evan Blazek, Macy Davis, Parker George, Alex Lowery, Connor Dains, Brenna Hissong, David Koh

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of children and adults in the United States. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by recurrent pruritus, erythema, and relapsing symptoms that can significantly impair quality of life. The pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis involves epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Atopic dermatitis guidelines follow a stepwise approach that begins with a severity assessment, trigger avoidance, and nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments. First-line therapies include topical corticosteroids (TCSs), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), and emollients. Crisaborole and topical ruxolitinib are used for mild-to-moderate disease when prior therapy has been inadequate. Monoclonal …

Fda Approval Of Tradipitant: A Novel Approach To Motion Sickness Treatment, Haley Brown, Jennifer Cao, Allie Honigford, Leah Heitkamp, Sarah Hiett, Connor Dains, Brenna Hissong, Manoranjan D'Souza

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Motion sickness is a prevalent neurophysiological condition affecting approximately one-third of the worldwide population, resulting from sensory mismatch and the brain’s internal model of motion. It is characterized by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and autonomic symptoms during exposure to actual or virtual motion, which may significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Current guidelines recommend the prevention and treatment of motion sickness through pharmacologic, herbal, and non-pharmacologic strategies. Scopolamine and first-generation antihistamines are effective pharmacologic options, while ginger has demonstrated some benefit in reducing symptoms as an herbal option. Non-pharmacologic interventions such as habituation training, behavioral techniques, and sensory strategies …

Limits Of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement: Asymmetry Persists Despite Performance Gains, Talia Thompson, Monique Mokha

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols are commonly used to improve power, yet their influence on inter-limb force symmetry remains unclear. This study examined the effects of a PAPE protocol on inter- and intra-session symmetry and performance during a countermovement (CMJ. Ten American football players preparing for the National Football League’s draft completed a complex PAPE protocol consisting of two baseline CMJ trials on dual uniaxial force plates, followed by three sets of maximum effort lower-body lifts (e.g., split squats) alternated with two CMJ trials. Jump height (JH), reactive strength index modified (RSImod), and asymmetry indices for concentric impulse (CIA), eccentric …

Lovastatin Potentiates The Function Of Α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors, Dmytro Isaev, Keun-Hang Susan Yang, Murat Oz

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background/Objectives: Statins are currently one of the most commonly used cholesterol-lowering drugs. In recent years, in addition to their well-known effects on the cardiovascular system, statins have been shown to exert beneficial effects in the progression of various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: In this study, the effects of lovastatin on the function of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors expressed in rat hippocampus and Xenopus oocytes were investigated. Results: In whole-cell patch clamp studies in hippocampal neurons, 21-day chronic (20 mg/kg), but not acute (20 min), lovastatin treatment caused significant potentiation of choline (a selective agonist for α7 nACh receptors)-induced currents …

Increased Neural Activity In The Bed Nucleus Of The Stria Terminalis Of Uninfected Canaries After Observation Of Infected Conspecifics, Madeleine Chang, Sophia Santangelo, Devon Comito, Bennett Hardy, Patricia C. Lopes

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Recent evidence suggests that the immune system may be upregulated in anticipation of pathogen exposure, yet the neural mechanisms that respond to and signal impending infection risk remain poorly understood. We investigated neural responses to infection risk in uninfected hosts observing infected conspecifics, using the canary (Serinus canaria domestica)—Mycoplasma gallisepticum host–parasite system. We focused on five brain regions of interest, comprising three nodes of the social decision-making network—preoptic area, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and hippocampus—a stress modulatory region (paraventricular nucleus) and a visual processing region (nucleus rotundus). After 1 h of observing infected canaries, …

Mitochondria-Er Contact Sites (Mercs) In The Cell Cycle: Molecular Architecture And Functional Remodeling Across Cellular States, Eduardo Silva-Pavez, Bruno Torres-Gonzalez, Michelle Sotomayor, Benjamín Cartes-Saavedra, Dorian V. Ziegler, Yessia Hidalgo-Fadic, Ulises Ahumada-Castro

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites (MERCS) are nanoscopic, dynamic platforms integrating metabolism, signaling, and stress responses to regulate cell fate. These nanoscopic interfaces remodel continuously to meet the demands of proliferating, quiescent, and senescent cells. We synthesize evidence that MERCS actively coordinate local Ca2+ signaling, non-vesicular lipid transfer, and proteostasis to shape mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis. We discuss how MERCS architecture changes across the cell cycle and during arrest, distinguishing adaptive from maladaptive remodeling, and consider therapeutic potential in aging and age-related disease.

Early Life Exposure To Antibiotics Increases The Risk Of Myopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Peng-Tai Tien, Chang-Ching Wei, Sheng-Chun Lin, Ping Ping Meng, Yu-Te Huang, Jamie Jiin-Yi Chen, Ming-Yen Wu, Ying-Hsiu Shih, Tzu-Ju Hsu, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Yao-Chien Wang, Hui-Ju Lin, Lei Wan

BioMedicine

Background

Myopia is a growing health issue, expected to affect nearly half of the global population by 2050. Genetic predisposition and early environmental influences both play crucial roles in the development of myopia. Identifying modifiable risks and early interventions is critical. Antibiotics, commonly given to young children, may disrupt gut microbiota, which has been linked to ocular diseases in humans and animals.

Aim We aimed to investigate the association between antibiotic use in early life and the risk of developing myopia.

Methods Retrospective cohort study using data from a national health insurance database examined children aged three years or younger, …

The Adverse Effects Of Clozapine On Blood Markers And Electrocardiographic Findings In Patients With Schizophrenia, Papageorgiou Anastasios, Vrettou Christina, Koukouli Andriana, Kalogirou Sofia, Gkrampovari Maria, Tampaki Despoina, Βartzi Dimitra, Tsatsou Ioanna, Tasoulis Athanasios

BioMedicine

Introduction: Clozapine remains the gold-standard antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but its use is hindered by rare but serious adverse effects, such as hematologic abnormalities and myocarditis.

Purpose: This study investigated the adverse impacts of clozapine on blood markers and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings among patients with schizophrenia, emphasizing in early detection of life-threatening complications.

Methods: All patients initiated on clozapine at a psychiatric hospital in Athens, Greece, between January 2022 and June 2024 were considered for inclusion. Thirty-one patients with complete clinical and laboratory data were monitored for hematological, biochemical, and ECG changes at baseline, days 5–10, and after 1–2 months. …

Unveiling Immune-Related Gene Signatures In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Through Integrated Transcriptomic Analysis, Priyanga Paranthaman, Ramanathan Karuppasamy, Shanthi Veerappapillai

BioMedicine

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly immune-related gene networks, is critical for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Aim: This study aimed to identify immune-related hub genes involved in TNBC progression by integrating microarray and RNA sequencing data. Methods: We integrated microarray and RNA sequencing datasets from five Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) studies (GSE36295, GSE37751, GSE61724, GSE38959, and GSE58135) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database. Key modules and hub genes were identified through network analysis. …

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines Suppress Endometriosis Development Through Modulating Macrophage-Mediated Immune Responses In The Peritoneal Cavity, Cherry Yin-Yi Chang, Kung-Pin Chang, Pei-Fen Lee, Hsiang-Hao Chuang, Yun-Yi Su, Yu-Chi Chang, Man-Ju Yan, Chih-Mei Chen, Tritium Hwang, Huan-Yuan Chen, Chia-Jung Lig, Zhi-Hong Wen, Kuan-Hao Tsuig, Lun-Chien Lo, Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu

BioMedicine

Background: Due to unique dietary culture, Asian patients with endometriosis usually seek assistance through traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM), making combined treatments of Western and Chinese medicine quite common in Asia. However, limited molecular evidence has been provided to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of TCHM in treating endometriosis.

Aims: To investigate the functional impacts of TCHM treatment in their traditional formulae on peritoneal immunity, lesion growth, and adhesion formation, we performed studies by using a disease mouse model that exhibits the features of blood stasis and stagnation.

Methods: Four well-known TCHM formulae, frequently used for treating symptoms similar …

Evaluation Of Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala)-Based Herbal Formulae In Breast Cancer: Implications For Metastasis Via Zeb1 And Slug Modulation, Yen Shen Lu, Pei Yen Yeh, Ling-Chun Yeh, Chia-Lin Lee, Ying-Chyi Song

BioMedicine

Background: Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. [Asteraceae]) is classified in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an herb that targets the gastric and pancreatic meridians to support normal nutrient uptake. As such, Bai-Zhu is commonly included in herbal formulations for treating gastrointestinal dysfunction and alleviating pain and swelling. Formulae containing Bai-Zhu are also frequently used as complementary or alternative therapies to mitigate the side effects of tumor treatments. However, their direct effects on cancer cells remain inadequately understood in modern biomedical science. This study aims to characterize the impact of Bai-Zhu-containing formulae on breast cancer cells using contemporary molecular and cellular …

Impacts Of Dna Ligase I Genotypes On Taiwan Parkinson’S Disease, Chao-Hsuan Chen, Wen-Shin Chang, Chia-Wen Tsai, Da-Tian Bau, Shih-Wei Hsu, Kun-Ting Hong, Chon-Haw Tsai, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Ming-Kuei Lu, Jai-Sing Yang

BioMedicine

Introduction: Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair pathways can modulate

DNA repair capacity and influence susceptibility to aging-related disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study evaluated the association between the DNA ligase I rs20579 polymorphism and PD risk.

Materials and Methods: Genotyping of DNA ligase I rs20579 was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in

123 PD patients and 492 age- and sex-matched controls of Taiwanese Han ethnicity.

Associations between rs20579 genotypes and PD risk were analyzed.

Results: Among controls, the genotype distribution of rs20579 was 78.7% GG, 19.3% AG, and 2.0% AA, compared with 75.6%, 21.1%, and …

Hepatoprotective Evaluation Of Benzoylated Emodin Derivatives: Integrating Bioinformatics And In Vitro Studies, Firdayani Firdayani, Putri Hawa Syaifie, Siska Andrina Kusumastuti, Muthia Rahayu Iresha, Wirawan Adikusuma, Dhecella Winy Cintya Ningrum, Etik Mardliyati, Ayu Masyita, Ariza Yandwiputra Besari, Fathir Azzaki Iradata, Lucy Arianie

BioMedicine

Background: Emodin exhibits various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective effects. However, its clinical application is limited by poor absorption and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to optimize emodin through benzoylation and to assess the hepatoprotective potential of the resulting derivatives integrating bioinformatics and in vitro methods.

Methods: We conducted network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict potential targets and interactions of benzoylated emodin derivatives. The derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. The hepatoprotective effects were assessed in vitro using a paracetamol-induced HepG2 cell injury model.

Results: Network pharmacology analysis and gene …

A Disorder-Aware Computational Framework To Identify Structurally Tractable Targets In Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy, Mak B. Djulbegovic, Nedym Hadzijahic, David J. Taylor Gonzalez, Michael Antonietti, Sidra Zafar, Ajay E. Kuriyan

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

OBJECTIVE: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains a major cause of failure after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair and lacks effective pharmacologic therapies. Although epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is central to PVR pathogenesis, the structural determinants governing the tractability of EMT regulators, particularly those involving intrinsic disorder, remain poorly defined. We developed a disorder-aware, artificial intelligence-enabled computational framework to evaluate EMT-associated proteins in PVR and prioritize structurally tractable regulators for structure-based targeting.

DESIGN: A computational, hypothesis-generating study employing an in silico screening and structural modeling pipeline.

SUBJECTS: No human subjects or biological specimens were included. The dataset comprised 25 EMT-associated proteins implicated in PVR, …

Brain Age Prediction In Generalized Anxiety Disorder Using A Convolutional Neural Network, Corey Richier, André Zugman, Anita Harrewijn, Elise M. Cardinale, Parmis Khosravi, Moji Aghajani, Willem B. Bruin, Kevin Hilbert, Narcis Cardoner, Anderson M. Winkler

Human Genetics Publications

Higher predicted brain age difference has been associated with several psychiatric disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with markers of accelerated aging. In this study, we determined brain predicted age difference (PAD) in individuals with GAD and healthy controls (HC) as well as group differences in PAD variability using voxel-wise structural MRI. The training dataset included 3511 controls, and the testing dataset included 1595 individuals with GAD and 4552 HC from the ENIGMA-Anxiety GAD Working Group. A convolutional neural network model using four input modalities per subject and a model ensemble approach was used to predict brain age. The …

Effects Of Normothermic Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury On The Hepatic Disposition Of Arachidonic Acid And Its Cytochrome P450-Generated Metabolites In Rats, Vindhya Edpuganti, Reza Mehvar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

Cytochrome P450 (P450) metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) are potential therapeutic targets in ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury, yet their disposition and actions in hepatic IR are unknown. Cellular AA and its P450 metabolites are primarily bound to lipid membranes, resulting in negligible free concentrations. This study investigates how hepatic IR injury impacts the disposition of free AA and its major P450 metabolites in rats.

Methods

Rats underwent 60 min of partial (70%) ischemia or sham surgery, followed by 5 min, 3 h, or 24 h of reperfusion. The effects of IR injury on free concentrations of AA and its major …

Examining The Ligands, Location, And Function Of Toll-Like Receptor 10, Kiefer Keanu Tam

Master's Theses

Toll-like receptors are a class of innate immune pattern recognition receptors that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns and regulate downstream inflammatory responses. Toll-like receptor 10 remains the only human TLR whose ligand specificity, cellular localization, and immunological function are not fully defined. Emerging evidence suggests that TLR10 may play an anti-inflammatory role and can heterodimerize with TLR2 to modulate immune signaling. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that stimulation with heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis promotes TLR2-TLR10 heterodimerization and trafficking to the cell surface. In this study, we expanded our ligand panel to include additional gram-positive bacteria, particularly anti-inflammatory probiotic species, to further …

Foveate, Dahlia Aggarwal

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates how textiles can unsettle visual assumptions, encouraging a perceptual shift. Through weaving, upholstery, and spatial installation, the work stages a tension between what a surface appears to be and how it is encountered by the body. Through woven pattern, tactile texture, and trompe l’oeil textile surfaces, perception is something negotiated rather than fixed: the eye anticipates one reality while the hand discovers another.

Drawing on a range of sensations gathered from observing landscape formations and textures, it translates enduring scale and material qualities into an interior landscape of woven surfaces and textile-based furniture. Rather than serving as …

Slouching Towards Inefficiency? The Cardiometabolic And Cognitive Costs Of Poor Posture, Ava Mae Fitzenrider

Honors Projects

Posture affects all of our lives. It is both static and dynamic, adapting continuously to environmental demands. One postural alteration frequently observed in occupational settings is hyperkyphosis, which can be induced by sitting position. During computer use, individuals commonly adopt a slouched posture, which can exacerbate hyperkyphosis, and contribute to dis-ease within the body. Previous research has demonstrated that such postural deviations can negatively affect pulmonary function, as well as other bodily functions. Despite these findings, the effects of acute hyperkyphosis (“slouching”) on cardiometabolic function and cognition remain largely unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the …

Somatic Prosthetics For Planetary Resonance, Disha Dharesh Kumar R

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates how industrial design can transcend extractive technological paradigms in favor of relational interfaces that foster planetary attunement. Framing the climate crisis as a 'crisis of imagination', the research challenges the Western bifurcation of nature and culture by drawing on Indic cosmologies- which recognize stones, plants, and ecosystems as conscious at different levels and participants in a shared cosmic field. By synthesizing research in Biosemiotics, Quantum Information Pansycishm, and Neuroscience, the project redefines intelligence as a distributed, more-than-human phenomenon.

The research materializes as a speculative design artifact: a device that functions as a somatic prosthetic for planetary resonance. …

Integrating Consumer-Grade Wearable Data Into Orthopedic Risk Stratification For Amateur Athletes: A Perspective On An Untapped Clinical Tool, Youssef Salama, William Gadbois, Kevin Reck, Scott Yaekle

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background:

Consumer-grade wearables have rapidly expanded beyond fitness tracking, providing continuous physiologic and biomechanical data. Metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV), sleep efficiency, and training load have been validated as markers of both recovery and overtraining. However, orthopedic care has not yet translated these data into clinical use. Given the rising burden of overuse injuries in recreational athletes, wearable-derived information may offer a practical opportunity for early detection and prevention within outpatient settings.

Methods:

A narrative perspective review of literature from 2010–2025 was performed using PubMed. Studies addressing wearable device validity, physiologic correlates of musculoskeletal injury, and training-load modeling …

Environmental Mercury Alters Immune Pathways Linked To Autoimmune Risk In Mice Mirroring Humans, Maurgan Lee, Paul Stemmer, Randall Gill, Allen Rosenspire, Anil Aranha, Heather Gibson

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background and Purpose: Mercury is a pervasive environmental contaminant, and human epidemiologic studies have linked chronic low-level exposure to increased autoimmune disease-risk. Dysregulated lymphocyte activation and impaired signaling tolerance are central mechanisms in human autoimmunity. Protein phosphorylation governs lymphocyte differentiation and function, alterations in phosphoproteomic networks may represent a signature of immune disruption. This study evaluates how low dose mercury exposure modifies B and T cell abundance and intracellular signaling patterns in BALB/c and Diversity Outbred (DO) mice.

Methods: BALB/c and DO mice were exposed to low dose HgCl2 in their water for two weeks or provided standard water controls. …

Effect Of Spry Of Potassium Ratio And Cycocel On Physiological Traits Of Maize (Zea Mays L), Asmaa Mohammed Hussein, Eabdallah Yasin Ali

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

The aim of this work was to investigating the effect of foliar application of potassium (K) and the growth regulator Cycocel (CCC) on the physiological traits of maize (Zea mays L). The experiment was designed using a split-plot arrangement within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments included foliar application of potassium at concentrations of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg.L^–1, as well as three concentrations of the growth regulator Cycocel (0, 150, and 200 mg.L^–1). The results indicated a significant increase in Protein (P), phosphorus, and carbohydrate contents at the concentration of …

In Silico Molecular Docking Study Of Antidiabetic Bioactive Compounds From Brotowali (Tinospora Cordifolia) Targeting Glut4 In Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Gita Euaggelion Tarigan, Surya Dwira

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose uptake. Despite the availability of pharmacological therapies, limitations such as adverse effects and high costs highlight the need for alternative therapeutic candidates. Tinospora cordifolia has been widely reported to contain bioactive compounds with antidiabetic potential; however, comparative evaluation of their interaction with glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) remains limited.

This study aimed to identify the most promising bioactive compounds from Tinospora cordifolia targeting GLUT4 using an in silico molecular docking approach, followed by pharmacokinetic and toxicity (ADMET) prediction. Molecular docking was performed using …

Beyond Stabilization: Biological Healing, Structural Exclusion, And The Recovery Gap After Border-Fall Trauma At The U.S.-Mexico Border, Julia Robinson

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This honors thesis examines the biochemical, ethical, and public health consequences of insufficient post-operative follow-up care for undocumented immigrants injured in border falls. Discussing pathways of inflammation resolution, wound healing, and bone remodeling, this thesis argues that recovery depends on tightly regulated molecular and cellular processes that are highly vulnerable to disruption without continued monitoring and rehabilitation (Loi et al., 2016; Maruyama et al., 2020). When follow-up care is absent, these processes can be predicted to derail, leading to infection, impaired healing, and permanent disability (Chung & Sohn, 2025; Howard et al., 2020; Kruidenier et al., 2018). Framed through principles …

The Association Between Diet Quality, Nutritional Knowledge, Low Energy Availability, And Eating Disorder Risk In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Laurel Koontz Awald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, nutritional knowledge, low energy availability, and eating disorder risk in a sample of collegiate student-athletes across several sporting disciplines. The quantitative cross-sectional survey was developed using validated questionnaires to investigate diet quality (The Athlete Diet Index), nutritional knowledge (The Platform for Evaluating Athlete Knowledge in Sports – Nutrition Questionnaire), low energy availability (The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire and Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire), and eating disorder risk (DESA – 6). College athletes were recruited from Division I and III universities: (N = 31) from the track and …

Chronotropic Response To Intratracheal Versus Intravenous Atropine In Anesthetized Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ammar H. Mahdi, Majid Alhamaidah, Myasar J. Mohammed, Hussein Ali Hussein, Hussein Alkhfaji

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

Atropine is a commonly used anticholinergic agent in anesthetic practice, administered primarily to counteract bradycardia. Rapid treatment of intraoperative bradycardia is clinically critical, as delays may lead to hemodynamic compromise. This study aimed to compare the onset, magnitude, and duration of the chronotropic response to atropine administered via the intravenous (IV) versus intratracheal (IT) route in anesthetized adult patients. A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 adult patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, scheduled for elective peripheral surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups (n = 20 …

Managing Maternal Anemia In Pregnancy: The Role Of Iron-Rich Foods And Supplementation, Carli Dibler

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Anemia during pregnancy is a large public health concern, which often leads to independent risk factors for fetal and maternal outcomes including postpartum hemorrhaging, cesarean sections, blood transfusions during and after the labor process, hysterectomies, preterm birth, and infectious diseases. Six level I-III studies were analyzed using the John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model. Findings showed that by using a combined approach of dietary intake and supplementation overall leads to better fetal and maternal outcomes compared to supplementation alone.

Difference Between Postural Sway, Functional Fitness, And Behavioral Measures In Older Adult Fallers & Non-Fallers, Olivia Maus, Rebecca Brandhorst, Andrea Geisenhof, Kyle Reason

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

BACKGROUND: Falls are among the leading causes of injury, hospitalization, and loss of independence among older adults. There is not enough research to determine how body composition, fitness, and postural sway affect balance.

METHODS: Participants completed surveys measuring behaviors around fall risk, assessment of body composition, postural sway, and functional fitness.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference between OF and ONF on the FES-I (p=0.05; d=-0.41) and the ABC-6 (p=0.008; d=0.57). There was significance on condition three of the mCTSIB (p=0.007; d=-.58), and composite score (p=0.04; d=-0.43).Significance between groups was approached on condition one of the mCTSIB (p=0.06; d=-0.39).

CONCLUSIONS: …

Living With Confidence: The Importance Of Hip Health, Ellisa Louisy, Shannon M. Meyer, Kyle W. Reason

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

The hip joint is essential for weight-bearing movement, providing both mobility and stability as a ball-and-socket joint. Surrounding muscles generate movement and maintain stability during daily activities like walking, standing, and rising from a chair. As the link between the trunk and lower limbs, reduced hip strength or mobility can impair balance and movement efficiency. In women, hormonal changes, especially after menopause, contribute to decreased bone density and muscle mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures and underscoring the importance of hip health.