Student and Faculty Research

Current research projects as of February 2019 – not funded by CRS (all projects involve students)

• Anthony J. Bauer, PhD** Inflammation and GI tract dysfunction Post-operative ileus and Shigellosis using mouse models
• Andrew J. Behnke, MD** Nutrition and diabetes Dietary habits in Virginia counties with high incidence of diabetes
• Joseph C. Gigliotti, PhD** Kidney physiology and diet in disease Role of diet in mouse models of human disease
• Carl R. Hoegerl, DO** Clinical scholarly writing and neurological disorders Case reports and review articles
• Charles R. Joseph, MD** Neurological tests and central nervous system lymphatics in humans Analysis of long-term memory & MRI analysis of brain lymphatics
• Yingguang Liu, PhD** Proviral genes and cancer biology & creation science Expression and role of proviral genes in breast cancer cells
• Linda S. Mintle, PhD** Religiosity as a protective factor of psychological well-being in medical students and Assessing stress-related eating habits of Medical Students during the Preclinical Years
• Matthew K. Pelletier, PhD** Medical education Academic metrics as predictive tools for medical school outcomes
• Raena Pettitt, DO** Clinical scholarly writing Review articles for family physician publications
• Scott M. Severance, PhD** Medical education Factors influencing academic success in medical school
• R. James Swanson, PhD** Reproductive physiology and embryonic development using mouse models Effect of Vaping Substances on Fetal Development

Planned research projects scheduled to initiate in 2019 – not funded by CRS (all projects involve students)

• Mark E. Hemric, PhD** Undergraduate and medical education Development of organic chemistry and biochemistry educational materials
• Jeffrey Jasperse, PhD** Exercise and vascular physiology using rat models Mechanisms of functional sympatholysis
• Bo Liu, PhD** Cancer biology Mechanisms regulating proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells

2018

• Clifford, P.S., Ferguson B.S., Jasperse J.L.**, Hill M.A. Arteriolar vasodilation involves actin depolymerization. American Journal of Physiology (Heart Circ. Physiol.) 315(2):H423-H428 (2018).
• Gajendran, M.,Bauer, A. J.**, Buchholz, B., et al. Ileocecal anastomosis type significantly influences long-term functional status, quality of life, and healthcare utilization in postoperative Crohn’s disease patients independent of inflammation recurrence. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 113(4):576–583 (2018).
• Liu, Y.** DNA barcodes show gaps between species and support recent common bottleneck. Journal of Creation32(3):7-9. (2018).
• Mintle, L.** Strategies for family conflict. In J.C. Thomas (Ed.). Counseling Techniques. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishers. (2018).
• Mintle, L.** Pain Management: What the latest research tells us. Christian Counseling Connection. 22(2), pp. 14- 16. (2018).
• Mintle, L.** Opioid abuse and dependence: Update in neuroscience and treatment. Christian Counseling Today, 21(4), pp. 18-20. (2018).
• Mueller, O., Moore, D.W., Giovannucci, J., Etter, A.R., Peterson, E.M., Mudge, A., and Liu, Y.** Expression of human endogenous retroviruses in peripheral leukocytes during the menstrual cycle suggests coordinated hormonal regulation. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses 34:909-911. (2018).
• Nagalakshmi, V.K., Li, M., Sha, S., Gigliotti, J.C.**, Klibanov, A.L., Epstein, F.H., Chevalier, R.L., Gomez, A.,Sequeira-Lopez, M.L.S.
• Pettitt, R.M.**, Ilustrisimo, T.L., Song, J.Y., and Kim, A.J. Newborn Disorders and Nutritional Guidance,Osteopathic Family Physician, 10(6), 20-26 (2018).
• Skinner, C.R., Gigliotti, J.C.**, Ku, K.M., and Tou, J.C. Potential health benefits and safety of apple pomace for human consumption. Nutrition Reviews, 12, 893-909 (2018).
• Swartz, D.** Contributing Reviewer: Wick M. J. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (2nd Ed.) USA: Mayo Clinic (2018).
• Wang, T-P., Su, Y-C., Chen, Y., Severance, S.**, Hwang, C-C., Liou, Y-M., Lu, C-H., Lin, K-L., Zhu, R. J., and Wang, E-C. Corroboration of Zn(II)–Mg(II)-tertiary structure interplays essential for the optimal catalysis of a phosphorothiolate thiolesterase ribozyme. RSC Advances, 8, 32775-32793 (2018).

2019

• Ferguson, D., Greer, C. and Mintle, L.** Binge TV viewing on mobile devices. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies. In press.
• Hadfield, M.J, Kota, S.V., Siragusa, S.M.,Pettitt, R.M.** Skin & soft tissue infections: it’s more than just MRSA. Osteopathic Family Physician, 11(1), 28-32. (2019).
• Gigliotti, J.C.**8, Tin, A., Pourafshar, Cechova, S., Sung, J.S.J., Bodonyi-Kovacs, G., Cross, J., Yang, G., Nyugen, N., Chan, F., Rebholz, C., Yu, B., Grove, M.L., Arking, D., Grams, M.E., Kottgen, A., Scharpf, R., Ruiz, P., Boerwinkle, E., Coresh, J., and Le, T.H. GSTM1 deletion exaggerates oxidative stress and kidney injury in experimental mouse models and modifies the protective effect of cruciferous vegetables against kidney disease in mice and humans. In preparation.
• Joseph, C.R.**, Benhatzel, C.M., Hopper, O.M., and Lockwood, M.D.** Novel method utilizing arterial spin labeling single acquisition 3d echo planar imaging for determining CNS waste clearance by the glymphatic/vascular systems. In preparation.
• Mintle, L.S.** and Kribs, J.** Living Beyond Pain**. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. In press.
• Mintle, L.S.**, Greer, C.F., and Russo, L.E. A longitudinal assessment of medical student emotional intelligence (EI) over the first two years of medical training. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. In press.
• Nguyen, T.D., Davis, J., Eugenio, R.A., and Liu, Y.** Female sex hormones activate human endogenous retrovirus type k through the OCT4 transcription factor in T47D breast cancer cells. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses. Jan 22. doi: 10.1089/AID.2018.0173. [Epub ahead of print] (2019).

2018

• Boyer, M.E., and Creighton, S. Advancing ultrasound techniques in Guatemala. Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED). October 5 – 9, 2018. San Diego, CA.
• Brewer, J.W.**, Jackson, K.P., Lee, E.H., and Smith, K.M. The unfolded protein response, microRNA-214, and expression of the transcription factor XBP1. American Association of Immunologists Annual Meeting. May 4 – 8, 2018. Austin, TX.
• Browning, B.*, Ter Haar, H.*, Lutz, B., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the influence of a novel rodent diet on body weight gain and renal health in male mice from 2 different strains. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA. FASEB J, Volume 32, Issue 1 (sup).
• Browning, B.*, Ter Haar, H.*, Lutz, B., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the influence of a novel rodent diet on body weight gain and renal health in male mice from 2 different strains. Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Annual Via Research Recognition Day. February 23, 2018. Blacksburg, VA.
• Convissar, J., Joshua, J., Johnson, A.W., Pogarcic, D., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the significance of a novel disease inducing rodent diet on adenocarcinoma growth in vivo. FASEB Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA.FASEB J, Volume 32, Issue 1 (sup).
• Convissar, J., Joshua, J., Johnson, A.W., Pogarcic, D., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the significance of a novel disease inducing rodent diet on adenocarcinoma growth in vivo. VCOM Annual Via Research Recognition Day. February 23, 2018. Blacksburg, VA.
• Johnson, A.W., Convissar, J., Joshua, J., Pogarcic, D., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the influence of a novel Americanized rodent diet on renal health in wild-type mice administered angiotensin II. FASEB Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA.FASEB J, Volume 32, Issue 1 (sup).
• Johnson, A.W., Convissar, J., Joshua, J., Pogarcic, D., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the influence of a novel Americanized rodent diet on renal health in wild-type mice administered angiotensin II. VCOM Annual Via Research Recognition Day. February 23, 2018. Blacksburg, VA.
• Joshua, J., Pogarcic, D., Convissar, J., Johnson, A.W., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of a novel disease-inducing rodent diet on outcomes of a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. FASEB Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA. FASEB J, Volume 32, Issue 1 (sup).
• Joshua, J., Pogarcic, D., Convissar, J., Johnson, A.W., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of a novel disease-inducing rodent diet on outcomes of a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. VCOM Annual Via Research Recognition Day. February 23, 2018. Blacksburg, VA.
• Lee, A., Wheeler, A., Asper, M., Rawlings, E., Albert, J., Towne, C., Elrod, S., Cook, J., Bogacz, K.**, and McLario, D. Medical students as point-of-care ultrasound instructors: learners as successful teachers. Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA) National Convention. April 26 – 29, 2018. Ridgecrest, NC.
• Liu, Y.** Synergistic activation of LTR5HS by progesterone and the OCT4 transcription factor. VCOM Annual Via Research Recognition Day. February 23, 2018, Blacksburg, VA.
• Serebrovska, Z., and Swanson, R.J.** Intermittent hypoxia remedies male subfertility in humans. Session VIII: Intermittent Hypoxia & Diverse Physiological Systems. Therapeutic Intermittent Hypoxia Retreat, April 15 – 17, 2018. Gainesville, FL.
• Smith, K., Browning, B.*, Ter Harr, H.*, and Gigliotti, J.C.** Neutrophil depletion influences renal outcomes in male mice with chronic angiotensin II infusion. FASEB Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA. FASEB J, Volume 32, Issue 1 (sup).
• Smith, K., Browning, B.*, Ter Harr, H.*, and Gigliotti, J.C.** Neutrophil depletion influences renal outcomes in male mice with chronic angiotensin II infusion. VCOM Annual Via Research Recognition Day. February 23, 2018. Blacksburg, VA.
• Wood, M. and Troy, A. E.** Evaluation of lecture presentation style in anatomical medical education. FASEB Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA. FASEB J, Volume 32, Issue 1 (sup).
• Whitaker, M.M., Heckle, T.J., and Jasperse, J.L.** Nitric oxide and sympatholysis in rat soleus feed arteries. FASEB Annual Meeting. April 21 – 25, 2018. San Diego, CA. FASEB J. 32: 722.16, 2018.

2019

Abstracts for presentation at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Annual Meeting, April 6 – 9, 2019, Orlando, FL.

• Carter, J.W., Smith, K.W., Christine, K., Okimoto, R.T., and Swanson, R.J.** Vaping condensate intraperitoneal exposure to in vitro mouse embryos.
• Lee, E.H., Lutz, R.M.*, Brewer, J.W.**, and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the physiological interaction between diet and alcohol intake in male mice.
• Lutz, R.M.*, and Gigliotti, J.C.** Re-characterizing the murine chronic angiotensin II model of cardiovascular and renal injury.
• Quan, D., Wiley, K., Lutz, R.M.*, Rose, C., Patel, J., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on renal health and function in 2 strains of mice.
• Patel, J., Rose, C., Lutz, R.M.*, Quan, D., Wiley, K., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on liver and renal health in a mouse model of chronic alcohol intake.
• Pogarcic, D., Smith, K., Lutz, R.M.*, and Gigliotti, J.C.** Anesthetic influences outcomes of the chronic angiotensin II infusion model in mice.
• Rose, C., Patel, J., Wiley, K., Quan, D., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on a novel model of fecal peritonitis in mice.
• Wiley, K., Quan, D., Lutz, R.M.*, Rose, C., Patel, J., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in 2 strains of mice.

Abstracts for presentation at the VCOM Via Annual Research Recognition Day, February 22, 2019, Blacksburg, VA.

• Carter, J.W., Smith, K.W., Christine, K., Okimoto, R.T., and Swanson, R.J.** Vaping condensate intraperitoneal exposure to in vitro mouse embryos.
• Lee, D. H., and Behnke, A. J.** Hypercalcemia from orange juice- an unusual presentation of the milk alkali syndrome.
• Joseph, C.R.**, Benhatzel, C.M., Hopper, O.M., and Stern L. Novel method utilizing arterial spin labeling single acquisition 3d echo planar imaging for determining CNS waste clearance by the glymphatic/vascular systems.
• Joseph, C. R.**, Stevenson, A., Farhang, F., Jules, P., Ibanez, S., Bachman, A., Tran, V., Brady, S., and Forker, L. Assessing prevalence of validated risk factors in Alzheimer disease: Toward developing a risk scale.
• Patel, J., Rose, C., Lutz, R.M.*, Quan, D., Wiley, K., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on liver and renal health in a mouse model of chronic alcohol intake.
• Quan, D., Wiley, K., Lutz, R.M.*, Rose, C., Patel, J., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on renal health and function in 2 strains of mice.
• Rose, C., Patel, J., Wiley, K., Quan, D., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on a novel model of fecal peritonitis in mice.
• Ryu, H., Tawil, B., Deuth, D., Wagner, M., and Behnke, A. J.** Differences in the diet of central Virginia counties with different rates of diabetes.
• Wiley, K., Quan, D., Lutz, R.M.*, Rose, C., Patel, J., and Gigliotti, J.C.** Determining the effect of diet on weight gain and metabolic dysfunction in 2 strains of mice.

Abstracts for presentation at other meetings in 2019

• Beshai, R., and Hoegerl, C.** A case of a cervical pannus without rheumatoid arthritis or trauma. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, May 4 – 10, 2019. Philadelphia, PA.
• Charles, E.J., Tian, Y., Zhang, A., Wu, D., Mehaffey, J.H., Gigliotti, J.C.**, Klibanov, A.L., Kron, I.L., and Yang, Z. Pulsed Ultrasound Attenuates the Hyperglycemic Exacerbation of Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury through Vagus Nerve and Acetylcholine Signaling. Submitted to American Association for Thoracic Surgery Annual Meeting, May 4 – 7, 2019. Toronto, ON.
• Joseph, C.R.**, Benhatzel, C.M., Hopper, O.M., and Stern L. Novel method utilizing arterial spin labeling single acquisition 3d echo planar imaging for determining CNS waste clearance by the glymphatic/vascular systems. American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, May 4 – 10, 2019. Philadelphia, PA.
• Kribs, J.W.**, Toler, A.**, Mintle, L.S.**, and Dyson, A.** Integrating pain management competencies into the osteopathic medical school curriculum. American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Annual Conference, April 10 – 12, 2019, Washington, D. C.
• Selwyn, J. Rapidly growing left atrial myxoma with patent foramen ovale, and left-to-right shunt presenting with dyspnea. Society of Critical Care Medicine Congress. February 17 – 20, 2019. San Diego, CA.
• Severance, S.**, McGlauflin, J., and Jones, J. Learning to thrive: learning strategies for medical school and beyond. AACOM Annual Conference, April 10 – 12, 2019, Washington, D. C.
• Severance, S.**, McGlauflin, J., and Ojuola, O.** Identifying unspoken differences and goals in medical school to enhance student learning. International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) Annual Meeting, June 8 – 11, 2019. Roanoke, VA.

2018

• Bell, P.,** OPP in the ER. Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA) Spring CME Conference. April 12, 2018. Williamsburg, VA.
• Fedin, A.** Challenges and Tips for Moving from AOA to ACGME. Discussion Table Host. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Program Directors Workshop. March, 2018. Kansas City, MO.
• Klink, D.** Common Pediatric Eye Problems and Examination Techniques For The Primary Care Physician. VOMA Spring CME Conference. April 13, 2018. Williamsburg, VA.
• Liu, Y.** Integrated Regulation of Class II Human Endogenous Retroviruses in a Breast Cancer Cell Line. The Eighth International Conference on Creationism. July 29 – August 1, 2018. Pittsburgh, PA.
• Mintle, L.** Preconference workshop: Chronic Pain with Michael Lyles, MD and Workshop: The Neuroscience of Addiction Relapse American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) National Conference, September 27 – 29, 2018. Dallas, TX.
• Mintle, L.** CME-Motivational Interviewing. Lynchburg Academy of Medicine. November 2018. Lynchburg, VA.Patterson, E., The History of Virginia’s Medical Futility Legislation, Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity. Northeast – Mid Atlantic Region Annual Educational Conference. October 8, 2018.
• Swanson R.J.** Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields (nsPEFs) cause Neuromuscular Disruption in Rats. Hangzhou University and Medical College, Graduate Seminar. October 22, 2018. Hangzhou, China.
• Swanson R.J.** Design in Biology. Shandong University, Undergraduate Seminar, October 23, 2018. Jinan, China.
• Swanson R.J.**, Chen X, Chen Y, Jiang J, Miao X, Shao X, Zheng S, Kolb J. Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (nsPEF) causes Instantaneous Cellular Membrane Modulation by altering Calreticulin Expression. 7th International Conference Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology (ICBEB 2018), October 17-20, 2018. Nanjing University and Medical University, Nanjing, China.

2019

• Bauer, A.J.** Crohn’s Disease: Research Advances in Etiology, Treatment and Surgical Outcomes. VOMA Spring   CME Conference. April 4 – 7, 2019. Williamsburg, VA.
• Behnke, A.J.** Closed Loop Systems in Type 1 – Sensors versus Pumps? 4th Diabetes Days in Macedonia Conference. Scientific Association of Endocrinologists and Diabetologists of Macedonia. March 29-31, 2019. Krushevo, Macedonia.
• Behnke, A.J.** Insulin Pumps and Sensors. VOMA Spring CME Conference. April 4 – 7, 2019. Williamsburg, VA
• Fedin, A.** Adult Health Maintenance: Decoding the US Preventive Services Task Force. VOMA Spring CME Conference. April 4 – 7, 2019. Williamsburg, VA.
• Hoegerl, C.** Movement Disorders. VOMA Spring CME Conference. April 4 – 7, 2019. Williamsburg, VA.
• Mintle, L.** Motivational Interviewing. CE Addiction Conference. March 2019. Lynchburg, VA.
• Schuller, C.**, Stuhlreyer, M. Growing the Next Generation of Processionals: Utilizing Obstetric Simulation in the Women’s Health Course as a Foundation for Inter-Professional Education and Collaboration. Association for Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) Martin L. Stone, MD, Faculty Development Seminar. January 6 – 9, 2019. Maui, HI.

LUCOM was well-represented at the recent Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Virginia Research Day, held Friday, Feb. 28. “It is exciting to see LUCOM students and faculty sharing their research and scholarly pursuits with the broader academic community.  VCOM’s Research Day is a great opportunity for Liberty osteopathic medical students to gain experience presenting their work to others, and we are proud of their accomplishments.” said Joseph W. Brewer, PhD, associate dean for research.

LUCOM students and faculty were recognized with the following awards at the VCOM Research Day:

• Clinical Case Reports by Medical Students
  Third Place – Kimberly Nguyen (OMS-II) and Carl R. Hoegerl, DO, FACP
  A Case of Meige Syndrome
• Biomedical Research by Medical Students
  First Place – John E. Brus (OMS-II), Anna Spencer (OMS-IV), Riley M. Lutz, and Joseph C. Gigliotti, PhD
  Diet Significantly Affects Outcomes of 2 Animal Models of Acute Kidney InjuryThird Place – Kenneth A. Rodrigues (OMS-II), Brent Hager (OMS-II), Matthew Min (OMS-II), Kayla Boley (OMS-II), Anna Spencer (OMS-IV), Riley M. Lutz, and Joseph C. Gigliotti, PhD
  Diet Significantly Influences Indices of Renal and Hepatic Health in Mice Consuming Alcohol Chronically
• Educational Research by Faculty
  First Place – Andrew J. Behnke, MD, FACE; Mitch Morrison, PhD; Michael Weigner, MD; Timothy Hodge, and Margaret Chi (OMS-II)
  Medical Error Recognition by Medical Students during Simulated Asystole: Teamwork and Assertiveness from AviationSecond Place – Macie Bingham (OMS-II) and Scott M. Severance, PhD
  Toward a Better Understanding of Non-Academic Factors in Academic Success