Eye care management is a concern for someone at any age, but certain disorders require action in childhood. Through use of the Medicaid Claims Vision and Eye Health Surveillance Survey (2016-2021), this study finds an increase in vision disorders that need to be treated in early childhood. Between 2016 and 2021 there has been an increase in Degenerative Myopia, a critical form of progressive myopia, and Strabismus and Amblyopia for children with low socioeconomic status. Early intervention for these disorders, like vision screenings, have also risen during this time. This study evaluates social causes such as vision screenings and population make-up in relation to increases in these disorders. Findings suggest that the change in racial make-up of the United States and an increase in vision screenings do not contribute to higher rates of these disorders in children. This suggests another factor is causing these increases that needs to be examined.
The pancreas operates as two interconnected systems: one for digestion, exocrine, and one for blood sugar regulation, endocrine. While usually studied in isolation, these systems exert significant mechanical and chemical influence on one another. This project proposes a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to simulate how digestive enzyme levels physically stress or support insulin-producing Beta cells.
This mechanistic approach provides a predictive framework for understanding how localized inflammation in pancreatitis, structural pressure from pancreatic cancer, or enzymatic shifts trigger the onset of Type 3c diabetes. By integrating chemical reaction rates with cellular data using Neural Ordinary Differential Equations, the goal is to quantify the thresholds where digestive dysfunction leads to endocrine collapse. This synthesis of computer science and molecular kinetics offers a predictive mechanistic framework for diagnosing and managing the progression of multi-system pancreatic diseases.
From the moment you crack open the can, take a sip, and look at the color of your favorite beer, your senses are playing a key role in decoding the chemical composition of the beverage. Inspired by my newfound career as a craft brewer at Frogg Brewing, this study takes a deep dive into how aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and the appearance of a fermented beverage directly relates to compounds found within. Evidence suggests that cultivating a trained sensory palette can help both the brewer and consumer of a beer determine which chemical compounds, such as various esters and terpenes, are influencing their beverage. Unlocking an understanding of the chemical makeup can ultimately aid in unpacking the processes that occur within the brewing operation. Key results linking sensory analysis to the chemical composition of the fermented beverage of beer will be presented.
The Fischer esterification is an organic reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol to form an ester. Esters contribute to a wide variety of relevant molecules from flavors and fragrances to pharmaceuticals. The current reaction conditions use corrosive catalysts, require long reaction times, and generate excess chemical waste. Recently, a series of ionic compounds derived from nicotinic acid have been synthesized. Nicotinic acid, or vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient in the human body. When chemically modified, these ionic compounds could serve as alternative catalysts for the Fischer esterification and the potential exists to develop a more efficient and environmentally friendly chemical process. The synthesis, optimization, and catalyst recycling studies show promising results, with possible future applications in organic synthesis.
