Here is the report of published academic papers written by Marquette faculty and staff and submitted to the Office of Marketing and Communication for April 2025. These papers have appeared in print or been presented recently.
Exercise for parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a mixed method pilot study
Dr. Norah Johnson, Dr. Abir Bekhet and Dr. Sylvia Pena of the College of Nursing; Dr. Alexander Ng of the College of Health Sciences; and Dr. Amy Van Hecke of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences | International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (March 31, 2025)
Abstract: While exercise is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, parents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face significant obstacles in ensuring they get enough exercise. In this study, researchers interviewed 30 parents about exercise preferences and 10 agreed to be in a group exercise program designed around their preferred activities. Researchers found that parents need supports, such as having trustworthy childcare, to prioritize exercise.
Elephant megacarcasses increase local nutrient pools in African savanna soils and plants
Dr. Nathan Lemoine, assistant professor of biological sciences | Biogeosciences (Volume 22, Issue 6)
Abstract: African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are the largest extant terrestrial mammals, with bodies containing enormous quantities of nutrients. Yet, we know little about how these nutrients move through the ecosystem after an elephant dies. Here, we investigated the initial effects (1–26 months postmortem) of elephant megacarcasses on savanna soil and plant nutrient pools in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. We hypothesized that (H1) elephant megacarcass decomposition would release nutrients into soil, resulting in higher concentrations of soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and micronutrients near the center of carcass sites; (H2) carbon (C) inputs into the soil would stimulate microbial activity, resulting in increased soil respiration potential near the center of carcass sites; and (H3) carcass-derived nutrients would be absorbed by plants, resulting in higher foliar nutrient concentrations near the center of carcass sites. To test our hypotheses, we identified 10 elephant carcass sites split evenly between nutrient-poor granitic and nutrient-rich basaltic soils. At each site, we ran transects in the four cardinal directions from the center of the carcass site, collecting soil and grass (Urochloa trichopus, formerly U. mosambicensis) samples at 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 m. We then analyzed samples for C, N, P, and micronutrient concentrations and quantified soil microbial respiration potential. We found that concentrations of soil nitrate, ammonium, δ15N, phosphate, and sodium were elevated closer to the center of carcass sites (H1). Microbial respiration potentials were positively correlated with soil organic C, and both respiration and organic C decreased with distance from the carcass (H2). Finally, we found evidence that plants were readily absorbing carcass-derived nutrients from the soil, with foliar %N, δ15N, iron, potassium, magnesium, and sodium significantly elevated closer to the center of carcass sites (H3). Together, these results indicate that elephant megacarcasses release ecologically consequential pulses of nutrients into the soil which stimulate soil microbial activity and are absorbed by plants into the above-ground nutrient pools. These localized nutrient pulses may drive spatiotemporal heterogeneity in plant diversity, herbivore behavior, and ecosystem processes.
Cumulative effects of H+ and Pi on force and power of skeletal muscle fibres from young and older adults
Dr. Christopher Sundberg, assistant professor or exercise science | The Journal of Physiology (Volume 603, Issue 1)
Abstract: The cellular causes of the age-related loss in power output and increased fatigability are unresolved. We previously observed that the depressive effects of hydrogen (H+) (pH 6.2) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) (30 mm) did not differ in muscle fibres from young and older men. However, the effects may have been saturated in the severe fatigue-mimicking condition, potentially masking age differences in the sensitivity of the cross-bridge to these metabolites. Thus, we compared the contractile mechanics of muscle fibres from the vastus lateralis of 13 young (20–32 years, seven women) and 12 older adults (70–90 years, six women) in conditions mimicking quiescent muscle and a range of elevated H+ (pH 6.8–6.6–6.2) and Pi (12–20–30 mm). The older adult knee extensor muscles showed hallmark signs of ageing, including 19% lower thigh lean mass, 60% lower power and a greater fatigability compared to young adult muscles. Progressively increasing concentrations of H+ and Pi in the chemically-permeabilized fibre experiments caused a linear decrease in fibre force, velocity and power; however, the effects did not differ with age or sex. Fast fibre cross-sectional area was 41% smaller in older compared to young adults, which corresponded with lower absolute power. Size-specific power was greater in fibres from older compared to young adults, indicating the age-related decline in absolute power was explained by differences in fibre size. These data suggest the age-related loss in power is determined primarily by fast fibre atrophy in men and women, but the age-related increase in fatigability cannot be explained by an increased sensitivity of the cross-bridge to H+ and Pi..
Rapid implementation of open-access pandemic education for global frontline healthcare workers
Dr. Jacqueline Christianson, assistant professor of nursing | BMC Research Notes (Jan. 13, 2025)
Abstract: Frontline healthcare workers faced rapidly changing guidelines for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) management as the pandemic emerged. Patient care delivery was complicated by lack of information concerning infective agents, preventative actions, and optimal treatment modalities. The COVID-19 course evolved in response to healthcare workers urgent needs for knowledge and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call to support each country’s capacity to respond. The purpose of this open-access course was to rapidly fill the need for a reliable source of up-to-date information for frontline healthcare workers managing COVID-19 patients in acute care during the first year of the pandemic. Course participant feedback guided specific course updates to ensure optimal efficacy of instructional strategies.
Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Masticatory Muscle Function
Dr. Luis Eduardo Almeida, clinical associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery | The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice (Volume 25, Issue 11)
Abstract: The paper highlights the significant impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) on masticatory muscle function. Literature evidence has demonstrated alterations in masticatory muscle activity, tone, and coordination in patients with OSA, which may contribute to the symptoms and complications of the disorder. These changes in masticatory muscle function can exacerbate sleep-related breathing disturbances, impair chewing and swallowing function, and contribute to TMDs and jaw pain. Clinicians should be aware of the potential effects of OSA on masticatory muscle function and consider comprehensive evaluations of masticatory muscle health in patients with OSA. Interdisciplinary collaboration between sleep medicine specialists, dentists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers is essential for effectively managing OSA-related masticatory muscle dysfunction and optimizing patient outcomes.
UV-LED Inactivation of S. aureus and A. baumannii Dual-Species Biofilm: Insights into the Role of Interspecies Interactions
Dr. Krassimira Hristova, professor of biological sciences; Dr. Brooke Mayer, professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering; and Dr. Chris Marshall, assistant professor of biological sciences | Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Volume 13, Issue 2)
Abstract: Biofilms in drinking water distribution systems pose a significant threat to water quality and public health. Recent developments in UV-based disinfection technologies have shown promise for broader applications in drinking water distribution systems. However, many of these methods primarily target planktonic bacteria, leaving biofilm-bound bacteria largely unaffected. Biofilms, especially those containing multiple bacterial species, are difficult to eradicate. This study investigated the efficacy of UV-LED (ultraviolet light emitting diode) in inactivating single- and dual-species biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii on polyvinyl chloride surfaces. S. aureus was more sensitive to UV-treatment than A. baumannii in both single- and dual-species biofilms. Inactivation of A. baumannii was increased by two-fold in the dual-species biofilm. This enhancement was attributed to the antagonistic interaction between the two bacteria. The cell-free supernatant of S. aureus exhibited antibiofilm properties against A. baumannii by reducing bacterial attachment. More importantly, the combined effect of UV-LED irradiation and the intrinsic antagonistic properties of S. aureus against A. baumannii led to substantial reductions in both bacterial populations across different storage temperatures. Our findings suggest that exploiting competitive interactions among biofilm bacteria can augment the effectiveness of disinfection strategies.
Detection of dental restorations using no-code artificial intelligence
Dr. Manal Hamdan, assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial radiology | Journal of Dentistry (Volume 139)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to utilize a no-code computer vision platform to develop, train, and evaluate a model specifically designed for segmenting dental restorations on panoramic radiographs. The no-code computer vision platform used in this study accurately detected dental restorations on panoramic radiographs. However, further research and validation are required to evaluate the performance of no-code platforms on larger and more diverse datasets, as well as for other detection and segmentation tasks.
The influence of a deep learning tool on the performance of oral and maxillofacial radiologists in the detection of apical radiolucencies
Dr. Manal Hamdan, assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial radiology | Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (Volume 54, Issue 2)
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the impact of a deep learning model on oral radiologists’ ability to detect periapical radiolucencies on periapical radiographs. The secondary objective was to conduct a regression analysis to evaluate the effects of years of experience, time to diagnose, and specialty. AI did not significantly enhance radiologists’ overall diagnostic accuracy. However, it showed potential to enhance efficiency, particularly advantageous for non-expert clinicians. The expertise of radiologists remains vital for accuracy, underscoring the complementary role of AI in dental diagnostics.
Diabetes potentiates the emergence and expansion of antibiotic resistance
Dr. Chris Marshall, assistant professor of biological sciences | Science Advances (Volume 11, No. 7)
Abstract: Individuals with diabetes mellitus frequently develop severe skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) that are recalcitrant to antibiotic treatment. We examined how diabetes affects the emergence of antibiotic resistance in a Staphylococcus aureus SSTI. We determined that S. aureus evolves antibiotic resistance rapidly in diabetic mice, while resistance did not occur in nondiabetic mice over the course of infection. Diabetes-associated immune cell dysfunction plays a minor role in the emergence of resistance, while hyperglycemia plays a dominant role facilitating the expansion and takeover of resistant mutants in diabetic infections. Furthermore, vancomycin intermediate resistant isolates display a pronounced fitness defect in nondiabetic mice but not in diabetic mice. Together, these data suggest that the diabetic infection environment represents an ideal reservoir for the emergence and proliferation of antibiotic resistance. Controlling the blood sugar of diabetic mice with insulin resulted in significantly decreased incidence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus.
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