The Devonian Sierra Buttes Formation (SBF) occurs at the base of a thick succession of submarine Paleozoic island arc strata in the northern Sierra Nevada. Bulk eastward rotation of the succession has provided cross-sectional views of a variety of SBF volcaniclastic deposits, radiolarian chert and associated hypabyssal intrusions. The area of concern herein is centered on the prominent glaciated Sierra Buttes peaks, from which the formation takes its name. Coeval andesitic to rhyolitic hypabyssal intrusions form a complex assemblage making up much of the SBF in this area. The assemblage contains a large intrusive hyaloclastite complex within which dacitic-rhyolitic bodies are chaotically dispersed. The intrusions developed when ascending batches of magma were unable to penetrate thick sequences of unlithified sediment and instead intruded into and were quenched against them at shallow levels beneath seafloor.

Here we report results of detailed mapping of glaciated outcrops that occupy an area of ~ 245,000 m2 within the intrusive assemblage and consist mostly of dacite and rhyolite. The assemblage contains large amounts of massive fragmental material with clasts typically < 3 cm in length and ranging down to fine ash. Much of this material consists of angular, originally glassy hyaloclastite shards that formed by nonexplosive quench fragmentation of magma intruding into wet sediment. Ellipsoidal bodies, elongate tubes several meters in length with elliptical cross-sections, and irregular amoeboid bodies occur within the hyaloclastite matrix and are interpreted to represent parts of a branching, interconnected feeder system that supplied magma to the growing fragmental mass beneath the sea floor.

Due to the increasing industrial activities, domestic and agricultural demands in Texas render groundwater resources under severe pressure. Texas growing population of 29.5 million in 2021 is projected to reach 51 million by 2070 placing increasing pressure on groundwater, a vital resource for agriculture, industry and municipal use.
This study assesses the hydrogeochemical evolution of Texas nine (9) major aquifers over three decades (1985-2014) and leveraged data from the Texas Water Development Board, Satellite (Landsat 8) dataset from Center for hydrometeorology and Remote sensing, Land use and land cover (Landsat 8/9) dataset from Multi Resolution Land Characteristics were analyzed.
Results indicate a transition in groundwater types across aquifers such as Ogallala, Seymour, Pecos Valley, Edwards Trinity and Edwards Balcones, but Hueco Mesilla Bolson, Carrizo Wilcox and Gulf Coast remain chemically stable with the Trinity aquifer showing a slight variation in its ionic composition. Rock-water interaction and evaporation are the primary mechanism that controls groundwater chemistry and its influence by the weathering of silicate minerals, carbonate dissolution and evaporite dissolution.
Precipitation rates and Land cover changes also play a significant role in the hydro geochemistry of groundwater. Precipitation acts a climate driver for groundwater chemistry, Low precipitation enhances rock-water interaction while high precipitation dilutes solutes and refreshes the aquifer. An increase in developed areas increases abstraction of groundwater which lowers the groundwater level and increases mineral dissolution. This study highlights how hydrogeochemical assessment and remote sensing together offer vital insights into groundwater evolution, supporting adaptive and sustainable water management in Texas.

The Southern Oklahoma aulacogen is a northwest-trending structure containing abundant igneous rocks representing the remains of a major Cambrian rift zone. Previous geologists have mapped numerous igneous intrusions in Colorado that follow the same trend, ranging from Ediacaran to Ordovician in age, and have speculated that these intrusions may be a part of the same rift. These intrusions include abundant igneous dikes of various compositions that originated from deeper magmatic bodies, filling fracture systems in older igneous rocks and Precambrian gneisses. This study involves the geochemical analysis of samples we collected from different dike types, including diabase, lamprophyre, phonolite, and nepheline syenite. The dikes include a prominent diabase dike swarm in the Gunnison area as well as abundant dikes of several types in the Wet Mountains and Front Range farther east. On the discrimination and REE diagrams, fifteen representative dike samples from both sample regions plot tightly together, indicating the clustered dikes share a petrogenetic history of E-MORB-type magma that interacted with intercontinental lithosphere.
We have not yet found diabase dikes in the Wet Mountains suitable for geochemical studies. However, five samples from NW- to NNW-trending diabase dikes in the Front Range, ~80 km north of the Wet Mountains, are among the fifteen diabase samples that cluster together on the geochemical diagrams. This raises the intriguing possibility that dikes related to Ediacaran-Ordovician intraplate magmatism in Colorado may be more extensive than previously thought.
Samples of four lamprophyre dikes in the Wet Mountains exhibit uniform patterns in REE diagrams and plot within the same field on the Winchester and Floyd (1977) classification diagram. Three dikes classified as trachytes by other workers cluster plot in the phonolite field on this diagram, suggesting some of these dikes were previously misclassified. These three dikes also show similar REE patterns with prominent negative anomalies, implying prolonged fractional crystallization.

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a critical illness that causes decreased kidney function due to infection. With a prevalence of 40-50% of patients in the intensive care unit developing S-AKI, the illness is strongly associated with a higher risk of mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of kidney failure relapse. S-AKI complicates medical nutrition therapy due to altered protein metabolism, increased metabolic demands, fluid imbalances, increased malnutrition risk, and electrolyte imbalances. Goals of nutrition care include close monitoring and evaluation of fluid, meeting estimated protein needs, maintaining electrolyte and vitamin status, and achieving supplemental nutrition tolerance to optimize kidney recovery and prevent malnutrition. Various nutrition interventions, such as individualized protein needs and enteral nutrition (EN), play a role in managing this illness. Evidence-based guidelines for protein recommendations vary based on the type of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and range from 1.2-2.5 g/kg/day. Patients with declining renal function prior to RRT and at risk for chronic kidney disease have a range of 0.8-1.0 g/kg/day to preserve long-term kidney function. Literature indicates initiation of EN within 24 hours is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) if oral intake is not feasible to prevent malnutrition. While there are no standardized fluid intake guidelines for S-AKI, continuous multidisciplinary assessment and adjustment to fluid intake are necessary to prevent volume overload. This case report reviews the importance of proactive individualized nutrition interventions to aid in patient recovery including improved nutritional status and AKI resolution.

Background: Research in animals and humans indicate that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in modulating insulin resistance1,2, while animal studies have demonstrated the gut microbiome's direct involvement in regulating body weight3,4. Furthermore, antibiotic use may impair insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in individuals with overweight and obesity5-9. However, no studies to date have evaluated the potential factors influencing this metabolic response.

Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial with a within- and between-subjects comparison. Seventy-five individuals aged 18-50 years (BMI 25.0-40.0 kg/m2), with no Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis, and no recent probiotic or antibiotic intake (3 months) were recruited. Participants were allocated to a synbiotic or placebo group for 12 weeks following a 3-day Vancomycin antibiotic intervention (500 mg every 8 hours). Body weight and fasting blood samples (glucose, insulin, HbA1c) were taken at the first (baseline), second (after antibiotic administration), and third visit (after synbiotic/placebo intervention). HOMA-IR was calculated from fasting insulin and glucose levels. Due to lack of normal distribution of independent variables, Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate within- and between-group changes over time.

Results: Compiled results for all participants were analyzed, although only 60 completed the study. It is important to highlight that the placebo group was significantly heavier at baseline (91.8 ± 18.1 kg) than the synbiotic group (82.8 ± 14.3 kg) (p=0.046), while the latter had a modest weight gain over time (~0.80 kg, p=.056). Neither fasting glucose nor HbA1C changed significantly between groups over time. HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR slightly increased from baseline in all participants (p<.001 each), which could indicate a decreased insulin sensitivity over time, with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: Our unadjusted analysis demonstrates that providing a 12-week next-generation synbiotic supplementation posterior to a 3-day antibiotic intervention did not correct the commonly observed detrimental effect of antibiotics on insulin resistance. Furthermore, it seemed to lead to significant weight gain (~0.80 kg, p=.056).

Implications for future research: We are planning on re-running all our statistical analyses controlling for baseline sex and we are also planning on running an independent third group with synbiotic only for comparison purposes.

Funding Source: Pendulum® and TCU Dean’s Opportunity Grant

References
1. Sergeev IN, Aljutaily T, Walton G, Huarte E. Effects of Synbiotic Supplement on Human Gut Microbiota, Body Composition and Weight Loss in Obesity. Nutrients. Jan 15 2020;12(1)doi:10.3390/nu12010222
2. Wu Z, Zhang B, Chen F, et al. Fecal microbiota transplantation reverses insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, controlled, prospective study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022;12:1089991. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.1089991
3. Ridaura VK, Faith JJ, Rey FE, et al. Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice. Science. Sep 6 2013;341(6150):1241214. doi:10.1126/science.1241214
4. Turnbaugh PJ, Ley RE, Mahowald MA, Magrini V, Mardis ER, Gordon JI. An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest. Nature. Dec 21 2006;444(7122):1027-31. doi:10.1038/nature05414
5. Del Fiol FS, Balcão VM, Barberato-Fillho S, Lopes LC, Bergamaschi CC. Obesity: A New Adverse Effect of Antibiotics? Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1408. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01408
6. Klancic T, Laforest-Lapointe I, Wong J, et al. Concurrent Prebiotic Intake Reverses Insulin Resistance Induced by Early-Life Pulsed Antibiotic in Rats. Biomedicines. Jan 12 2021;9(1)doi:10.3390/biomedicines9010066
7. Park SJ, Park YJ, Chang J, et al. Association between antibiotics use and diabetes incidence in a nationally representative retrospective cohort among Koreans. Sci Rep. Nov 4 2021;11(1):21681. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-01125-5
8. Yuan J, Hu YJ, Zheng J, et al. Long-term use of antibiotics and risk of type 2 diabetes in women: a prospective cohort study. Int J Epidemiol. Oct 1 2020;49(5):1572-1581. doi:10.1093/ije/dyaa122
9. Zhou J, Lin Y, Liu Y, Chen K. Antibiotic exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. Dec 2021;28(46):65052-65061. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-16781-3

Medical nutrition therapy is necessary for individuals at risk of impaired wound healing, such as those with malnutrition, poor circulation, or advanced age. During the acute inflammatory response from wounds, the body enters a catabolic state, increasing energy and protein needs. For those with malnutrition or at risk for malnutrition, calories should be provided at 30-35 kcal/kg body weight and protein at 1.25-1.5 g/kg body weight. Along with increased energy needs, the assessment and management of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and zinc enhance the synthesis of fibroblasts needed for tissue formation. Early diagnosis and intervention for malnourished patients with chronic wounds are critical steps in providing effective patient care. Oral intake is monitored to ensure calorie and protein intake is adequate and oral nutrition supplements may be provided if indicated. For those unable to tolerate oral feeds, enteral nutrition is the next preferred method. If enteral nutrition is contraindicated then parenteral nutrition can be initiated to provide adequate calories and protein. This case report analyzes the care of a 74-year-old female with a non-healing surgical wound with a history of bariatric surgery who has been diagnosed with malnutrition.

Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) is a condition that can occur when the body does not have adequate fats from the diet. EFAD can develop in as quick as 10 days and can present with symptoms such as itchy and flaky skin, poor wound healing, elevated liver function tests, and increased susceptibility to infection. EFAD rarely occurs in individuals who eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods and fat sources and is seen most often in patients unable to eat by mouth or tolerate tube feedings. Patients with prolonged poor nutrition are at increased risk of EFAD due to insufficient fat intake. Risk factors of EFAD are inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic insufficiency, extreme diet restriction, and long-term parenteral nutrition support with limited fat emulsion supplementation. Preventing EFAD through awareness and proactive measures is essential in medical nutrition therapy. Since clinical markers are challenging to assess in the acute care setting, physical signs and symptoms are used for identifying and treating EFAD. For patients on parenteral nutrition support with no fat, supplementing with 500 mL intralipids per week is recommended to prevent EFAD. This case report reviews the current nutritional guidelines related to EFAD and parenteral nutrition and highlights a patient at risk for EFAD due to her poor intake, who was receiving long-term parenteral nutrition with supplemental oral intake.

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe acute inflammation of the pancreas that disrupts the release of pancreatic enzymes necessary for digestion and the production of insulin needed to stabilize blood glucose levels. Common complications associated with necrotizing pancreatitis include diet intolerance, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased oral intake, and hyperglycemia. If the patient cannot meet their estimated nutritional requirements via an oral diet, supplemental nutrition support, such as enteral nutrition (EN) through a feeding tube or parenteral nutrition intravenously through a peripheral or central line, must be considered to prevent malnutrition. When necessary, early initiation of supplemental nutrition support within 24-48 hours of admission is associated with shorter hospital stays. To improve diet tolerance and reduce symptoms while utilizing EN, patients with necrotizing pancreatitis may be fed elemental or semi-elemental formulas through a feeding tube placed in a post-pyloric position. Additionally, insulin therapy may be utilized in cases where patients experience hyperglycemia due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The target blood glucose range for hospitalized patients is less than 180 mg/dL, or less than 140 mg/dL if there is no significant risk of hypoglycemia. Insulin therapy should be initiated when a patient experiences a blood glucose level greater than or equal to 180 mg/dL at least twice within a 24-hour period. This case report evaluates the management of EN intolerance and hyperglycemia when treating individuals with necrotizing pancreatitis.

Decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis is failure of the liver due to alcohol use, accompanied by complications such as portal hypertension, bleeding varices, ascites, and encephalopathy. Nutrition is vital in managing cirrhosis as the loss of hepatocytes from liver damage impairs gluconeogenesis, causing the body to use amino acids and fatty acids for energy, thereby increasing resting energy expenditure. Malnutrition is often diagnosed in patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to increased nutrition needs and comorbidities like altered mental status and ascites, which cause early satiety and negatively affect oral intake. Therefore, nutrition interventions to treat or prevent malnutrition are essential. Evidence indicates cirrhotic patients are at risk for malnutrition should eat three to five meals plus snacks to shorten fasting periods. If calorie and protein needs cannot be met through oral intake, initiating enteral nutrition may be appropriate. Enteral nutrition is preferred unless it is contraindicated, in which case parenteral nutrition would be utilized. Nocturnal enteral feeds may be permissible to shorten fasting periods if oral intake is tolerated but intake does not meet nutritional needs. Nutrient recommendation ranges for cirrhotic patients are 35 calories per kilogram and 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram, based on actual or estimated body weight. Vitamin and mineral supplementation may be needed for patients with a history of alcohol abuse, specifically thiamin, niacin, folate, magnesium, and zinc. This case report explores the complex nutrition needs and goals of care in a patient with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and severe chronic protein-calorie malnutrition.

Ga2O3, an ultrawide-bandgap semiconducting material, sees widespread use in optoelectronic, pharmaceutical, and other industrial applications. Additionally, as antibiotic resistance grows, interest rises in the antibacterial properties of Ga2O3 and other gallium-containing compounds. In many cases, GaOOH is a precursor to synthesis of Ga2O3 with similar physiochemical properties. For microparticles, surface effects become heavily amplified. In particular, the surface effects may significantly influence antibacterial action. We synthesize GaOOH and Ga2O3 microparticles via hydrothermal growth. We employ scanning electron microscopy to image samples and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to characterize the stoichiometry. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy is used by us to monitor bulk structural differences between the GaOOH precursor and Ga2O3. To monitor crystal defects we utilize photoluminescence spectroscopy. For antibacterial assays, we test our materials against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria using optical density measurement at 600 nm.