The Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen (SOA) records extensive bimodal magmatism associated with continental rifting during the opening of the southern Iapetus Ocean. This study presents new petrographic and geochemical data for selected Carlton Rhyolite flows, late diabase intrusions, and small gabbros from the Wichita Mountains that were previously unanalyzed or lacked complete trace element data.
Rhyolites are characterized by quartz and feldspar phenocrysts in a felsitic to spherulitic groundmass, with varying degrees of devitrification, sericitization, and alkali metasomatism. Diabases and gabbros display ophitic to subophitic textures defined by plagioclase and clinopyroxene, with olivine completely replaced by bowlingite in the gabbros.
Rhyolite samples show strong LREE enrichment, pronounced negative Eu anomalies, and elevated high-field-strength elements, consistent with A-type felsic magmatism. A rhyolite dike at the base of the thickest Carlton Rhyolite flow displays geochemical similarity to the overlying flow, identifying it as the only known feeder dike within the SOA. Diabase samples show moderate LREE enrichment, no significant Eu anomaly, and E-MORB–type patterns consistent with an enriched mantle source. Two diabase samples with elevated REE concentrations suggest at least two distinct mafic magma sources within the rift system.

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 sediments and volcaniclastics, arc deposits, 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 volcanic deposits and subsequent intrusive bodies form a multistage complex assemblage making up much of the SBF in this area. To better understand this assemblage, detailed mapping of a small area was done in 2025.

Here we report results of detailed mapping of glaciated outcrops that occupy an area of ~ 245,000 m2 within the intrusive assemblage. A total of ten separate geologic units were identified within the field area. Sedimentary rocks, SBF, cap the sequence, and consist of black radiolarian chert and ash fall tuffs. A large unit of lapillistone, the result of seafloor fire fountaining, is at the base of the complex. Six separate intrusive units are identified, ranging from andesitic to dacitic in composition. Peperite, a rock that forms when magma quenches and mixes with unconsolidated wet sediment, is present along the contact with the SBF. Hyaloclastite, consists of glassy shards, which are the result of nonexplosive quench fragmentation, is the most abundant unit in the field area. Hosted within the hyaloclastite are disrupted fluidal feeder bodies, once part of an interconnected tubular network that fed the hyaloclastite and broke apart during continued intrusive activity.

Rapid population growth in Texas has accelerated urbanization and land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes, increasing pressure on groundwater resources and influencing the processes that control groundwater chemistry. To better capture the inherent heterogeneity of groundwater systems, a logistic distribution–based approach was applied instead of simple averaging, enabling a more robust assessment of long-term trends, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), major cations and anions, buffering capacity, and partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂). Analysis of nine major aquifers from 1985 to 2014 reveals a gradual decline in pH associated with increasing pCO₂ and carbonic acid formation, alongside strong variability in TDS driven by lithology, residence time, and recharge conditions. Carbonate buffering moderates these changes, with limestone-dominated aquifers showing greater resistance to pH variation, while hydrochemical facies indicate that groundwater evolution is primarily controlled by rock weathering and evaporation. A focused assessment of the Trinity Aquifer in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex (2015–2024) highlights clear depth-dependent differences, where shallow groundwater reflects recharge-driven, CO₂-influenced conditions and deeper groundwater exhibits more evolved, carbonate-buffered chemistry. Overall, the results demonstrate that natural hydrogeochemical processes, particularly carbonate equilibrium and water–rock interaction, remain the dominant controls on groundwater chemistry, with anthropogenic influences playing a secondary role despite rapid urban growth.

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 diabase dikes found along that northwest trend in southern Colorado. The dikes include a prominent diabase dike swarm in the Gunnison area as well as other individual dikes in the Wet Mountains and Front Range farther east. On the discrimination and REE diagrams, twenty-six 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. In addition, this cluster generally plots within the same regions as data from diabase dikes associated with the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen.
Fifteen samples were taken from generally NW-trending diabase dikes in the Gunnison dike swarm, and these make up the majority of the dike samples that cluster together. The remaining eleven samples originate from general NW-trending diabase dikes in other locations across southern Colorado. Five samples were taken from WNW- to NW-trending diabase dikes in the Wet Mountains. Five samples were taken from NW- to NNW-trending diabase dikes in the Front Range, ~80 km north of the Wet Mountains. One sample was taken from a NW-trending diabase dike in the Unaweep Canyon, ~270 km west-northwest of the Wet Mountains.
The geochemical similarities between diabase dikes sampled for this study and those within the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen suggest a linked petrogenetic history. Furthermore, the distribution of these samples raises the intriguing possibility that dikes related to Ediacaran-Ordovician intraplate magmatism in Colorado may be more extensive than previously thought.

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument onboard of the Suomi-NPP satellite has provided unprecedented night time light data that could be used as an indirect indicator of various parameters, including light pollution, population distribution, etc. The proposed project will integrate multi-temporal night light data from VIIRS with other datasets, including population data from the most recent census, ground-based light classification data (Bortle scale) to better understand how population growth affects light pollution over time, and to give insight into the importance of Dark Sky Preserves as population growth continues, across the State of Texas. Various spatial and statistical analysis techniques will be applied to address the objectives of this proposal including hotspot and density analyses, and statistical analysis of changes in population datasets.

The Fort Worth Nature Center (FWNC) is one of the largest city-owned nature centers in the U.S., located in northwest Tarrant County. It covers over 3,600 acres, including nearly 20 miles of hiking trails. The park is home to a wide variety of species within a diverse ecosystem that includes forests, prairies, and wetlands. Currently, there are multiple ongoing projects assessing invasive species, habitat management and restoration, and the impact of park visitors, among others. However, little has been done to understand the local hydrology, its dynamics across the park, and its interactions with watershed-scale processes, as well as the resulting impacts on refuge habitat. This project aims to integrate multiple spatial datasets and analysis tools, including digital elevation models (DEMs) and high-resolution hydrography datasets from the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), to delineate hydrological features within the refuge, understand their dynamics, and assess their interactions with the medium and habitat within the refuge. The ultimate goal is to generate a product that can serve as input in FWNC’s efforts to monitor flood risk and support critical ecosystem and refuge planning.

This collaborative research project between Texas Christian University (TCU) Environmental Chemistry students and Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (TABS) AP Environmental Science students examines how physical characteristics- specifically thermal variation and bathymetric structure- influence water chemistry across the confluence of two river forks. Temperature is a critical abiotic factor in aquatic systems. As water temperature increases, the solubility of dissolved oxygen decreases favoring harmful algal blooms and stress in aquatic organisms. Variations in river depth and channel morphology influence flow dynamics, mixing processes, and habitat heterogeneity. By quantifying these physical drivers, this study provides insights into the spatial variability of water chemistry and contributes to a broader understanding of ecological processes within an urban river system.

Background and Hypothesis
Intraosseous (IO) access is a critical emergency procedure used when rapid vascular access cannot be obtained through traditional intravenous routes. Despite its life-saving potential, many trainees have limited opportunities to practice IO placement in clinical settings. Simulation-based training offers a safe environment to develop procedural competency before performing the technique on patients. Advances in 3-D printing technology allow for the creation of realistic, cost-effective procedural models that may enhance hands-on training. We hypothesized that a 3-D printed IO training model would provide an effective and engaging method for novice learners to practice IO placement and would improve learner confidence in performing the procedure.

Methods
We conducted a simulation-based educational study using a custom 3-D printed IO training model designed to replicate relevant bony anatomy. Participants consisted of novice learners undergoing procedural skills training. Learners were provided instruction on IO access followed by hands-on practice using the 3-D printed model. Participants performed IO placement using a standard IO drill system. Following the training session, participants completed a survey evaluating their confidence in performing IO access and their perceptions of the model as a training tool. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess learner experience and perceived educational value.

Results
Participants reported that practicing IO placement on the 3-D printed model was an engaging and effective method for learning the procedure. Learners demonstrated the ability to successfully establish IO access using the simulation model. Post-training surveys indicated increased confidence in performing IO placement and positive perceptions of the realism and educational utility of the model.

Conclusion
Simulation training using a 3-D printed IO model provides an accessible and effective approach for teaching IO access to novice learners. Participants reported improved confidence and positive learning experiences after practicing with the model. These findings support the use of 3-D printed simulation models as a valuable tool for procedural education and informed the development of a follow-up study designed to further investigate procedural complications and technique optimization during IO placement.

Chylothorax is the accumulation of chyle within the thoracic or pleural cavity resulting
from thoracic duct leakage. This condition can arise from thoracic duct injury, increased
systemic pressure in the superior vena cava, and following the Fontan procedure for hypoplastic
left heart syndrome. Clinical manifestations include respiratory distress (coughing, shortness of
breath, and chest pain), milky fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, and elevated triglyceride
and lymphocyte cell counts. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) from registered dietitians is
instrumental in chylothorax management and treatment. Diet initiation is dependent on the
patients' individualized chest tube output, and strict fat restriction is vital to reduce chyle output.
General recommendations for limiting fat include <10 grams per day or <30% of total daily
calories. To prevent essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), which can occur within three to four
weeks of restriction, patients need a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) enriched diet and to
maintain two to four percent of calories from essential fatty acids. Signs and symptoms of EFAD
include poor wound healing, dry skin and rash, poor growth, and hair loss. Additional nutrition
concerns include increased protein requirements due to fluid losses, and the monitoring of fat-
soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (Calcium, Zinc) that bind to albumin. The case report
explores the complex nutrition needs, feeding timelines, and goals of care for a postoperative
chylothorax in a pediatric patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a partial or complete blockage of the small intestine preventing normal passage of gastrointestinal (GI) contents. Common causes of SBO include adhesions, hernias, tumors/malignancies, and inflammatory conditions. SBO leads to abdominal pain, distension, nausea, vomiting, malaise, dehydration, and lack of appetite. Persistent vomiting contributes to significant fluid, electrolyte, and nutrient loss, and catabolic stress. In the critical care setting, these effects have a greater significance in patients with underlying severe malnutrition. Reduced intake, nutrient malabsorption, and ongoing GI losses exacerbate energy and protein deficits leading to impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, increased morbidity and risk of excess complications, and increased length of stay. Early identification of nutrition risk and timely intervention are vital to mitigate complications including bowel ischemia, perforation, sepsis, and nutrient depletion. Evidence-based practice suggests parenteral nutrition (PN) as means of nutrition support when GI tract function is compromised or enteral nutrition (EN) is not tolerated or feasible due to excessive vomiting or required bowel rest. Cautious initiation and advancement of nutrition support and careful monitoring of electrolytes are critical to reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome in SBO patients with delayed nutrition support and underlying malnutrition. As the obstruction resolves, gradual reintroduction of oral intake is recommended through low-fiber and high-energy foods to support GI tolerance and nutritional status improvement. This case report explores the complex nutritional needs and goals of care in a patient with a SBO presenting with intractable nausea, vomiting, and pre-existing chronic severe protein-calorie malnutrition.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is among the most metabolically complex conditions encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU). Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plays a critical role in mitigating the consequences of AKI and CRRT, including hypercatabolism, electrolyte shifts, fluid overload, and amino acid losses, ultimately influencing morbidity and length of stay. Evidence-based guidelines support early enteral nutrition (EN) initiation within 24-48 hours of ICU admission in hemodynamically stable patients. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is the gold standard for energy assessment, however in practice, a weight-based predictive equation is commonly utilized due to limited availability of IC equipment. A standard polymeric formula is the first-line option for EN infusion and a renal-specific formula may be indicated when potassium, phosphorus, or magnesium levels are elevated. Protein requirements are substantially elevated in patients receiving CRRT, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 g/kg/day, reflecting both continuous amino acid losses and the heightened catabolic state. Supplemental protein modulars may be utilized to meet these increased demands without contributing excess fluid or electrolytes. Ongoing monitoring is essential for safe and effective MNT and should include daily renal labs (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, electrolytes), 24-hour intake, weight trends, and assessment of fluid accumulation. This case report demonstrates the application of evidence-based, individualized MNT emphasizing timely EN initiation, adequate protein delivery, careful electrolyte management, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize clinical outcomes in critically ill patients receiving CRRT.

Diverticulosis is the formation of several small pouches, called diverticula, within the intestinal lumen. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed. Risk factors for diverticular diseases include a chronically low-fiber diet, genetic predisposition, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is typically managed through bowel rest and pain management. However, complicated diverticulitis, such as cases involving an abscess or fistula, often require surgical intervention, which can significantly impact nutritional status through subsequent complications during a hospital stay. Patients often experience inadequate oral intake due to prolonged diet restrictions, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. As a result, these patients are at increased risk for malnutrition and unintended weight loss, all of which may negatively impact recovery. The diet recommendations typically begin with complete bowel rest during inflammatory periods, with the eventual goal of gradually progressing to a high-fiber diet to prevent future recurrence. However, in patients with complications, diet progression may be delayed, requiring the initiation of enteral or parenteral nutrition to meet calorie and protein needs. Early nutrition intervention is critical to prevent further weight loss. This case report examines the diet progression following a diverticulitis flare-up with placement of colostomy in a patient who presented with severe, chronic malnutrition.

Malnutrition is a prevalent concern in older adults with dementia, due to disease progression causing oral feeding difficulties such as lessened interest in food, forgetting how to eat, food hiding behaviors, and dysphagia. Decreased oral intake is part of the natural progression for dementia, but this can be difficult for families to understand, and they often seek more aggressive forms of nutritional intervention, such as enteral nutrition feedings (EN). Although EN is frequently indicated for malnutrition, it has controversial ethical concerns within dementia patients, with little to no clinical benefit shown, and risk of complications. Current guidelines for dementia nutritional care emphasize comfort feedings, removing barriers to eating difficulties when able, and respecting patients’ desires and autonomy. Recognizing that dementia is a progressive, terminal illness that will not improve even with nutrition interventions is vital when making nutritional considerations in care. Educating the patient and family members on comfort centered care, providing favorite foods, and the natural progression of nutritional decline in dementia is essential to guide decisions surrounding whether or not to use EN. This case report explores a clinical dietitian's care plan for a 90-year-old malnourished female with dementia and food hiding behaviors, and the ethical care considerations discussed with her family to promote quality of life.

Dementia-related dysphagia is a progressive complication of advanced neurocognitive decline characterized by impaired swallowing coordination. As swallowing function deteriorates, individuals are at increased risk for aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, inadequate oral intake, and malnutrition.
Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or gastric contents enter the airway and lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory complications. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) interventions include modification of food and fluid consistencies in accordance with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework, in combination with postural and behavioral strategies to reduce aspiration risk. Individuals with dysphagia, are at risk for malnutrition due to difficulties meeting estimated energy and protein requirements, due to feeding difficulties, reduced appetite, and decreased acceptance of texture-modified diets. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is generally not recommended in advanced dementia, as current guidelines emphasize comfort-focused feeding and quality-of-life-centered care. However, when oral intake becomes insufficient to maintain hydration and nutritional status, PEG feeding may be considered on an individual basis following careful discussion of prognosis, risks, benefits, and patient-centered goals of care. PEG placement does not alter the progression of dementia or demonstrate improved survival in advanced dementia, however it provides a route for nutrition support and medication delivery when appropriate. A comprehensive nutrition assessment, including anthropometric trends, laboratory data, nutritional needs, fluid balance, and functional status, is essential for formula selection and ongoing monitoring. This case report highlights the complexity of nutritional clinical decision-making and ethical considerations of nutrition interventions, and interdisciplinary collaboration for individuals with dysphagia and dementia.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a key gut hormone regulating glucose homeostasis and satiety. This triple-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled randomized study investigated the effect of an L-Arginine-based supplement on active GLP-1 secretion, appetite, and food intake.

Methods: Sixteen participants (N=16) completed three conditions: a placebo and two doses of the supplement (Low-Dose, 5g; High-Dose, 10g). Supplements were consumed at time 0, and an ad libitum meal was consumed at 60 minutes. Serum samples were collected at eight time points over 120 minutes to assess circulating active GLP-1 levels.

Results: Supplementation with L-Arginine significantly augmented circulating GLP-1 levels compared to the control condition. Both doses triggered an immediate, transient rise in GLP-1, followed by a robust and significantly enhanced post-meal response relative to placebo. Analysis of the Area Under the Curve (AUC) confirmed this finding: total GLP-1 exposure was 607% greater in the High-Dose group (~ 340n pg/ml/min, p < 0.0001) and 544% greater in the Low-Dose group (~130 pg/ml/min, p = 0.0076) compared to placebo (~ 50 pg/ml/min). No significant differences in GLP-1 concentrations were observed between the two supplement doses. Secondary analyses found no differences in subsequent food intake or subjective hunger ratings between conditions, a result likely limited by the study’s power for these secondary variables (eta ~ 0.023).

Conclusions: L-Arginine is a potent secretagogue for GLP-1. These findings demonstrate that supplementation significantly increases the body's overall exposure to this crucial gut hormone, suggesting a potential role for L-Arginine in supporting metabolic health.

Gastrointestinal (GI) surgical procedures are common interventions to alleviate complications, including obstructions, hernias, and tumor formation. Recovery from these procedures may include total GI tract rest, which affects a patient’s ability to meet their nutrient needs. Post-operative complications, such as a non-healing surgical site can result in the development of a wound, further complicating the nutritional needs of the patient. Unhealed, open wounds remain susceptible to surgical site infection (SSI) and impede a patient’s quality of life. Risk factors associated with impaired wound healing include comorbidities, infection, aging, malnutrition, and immunosuppressive therapy. The wound healing process requires the production and utilization of body proteins to repair damaged tissues, placing the body into a catabolic state. As a result, protein demands increase alongside the needs for micronutrients like vitamin A and C, selenium, zinc, and iron. High nutrient needs in conjunction with contraindications for utilizing the GI tract emphasize the need for non-oral nutrition support through intravenous nutrition, known as parenteral nutrition (PN). A timely, individualized nutrition plan of care with considerations of comorbidities that emphasizes increased protein, micronutrients, and PN is vital for GI surgical patients with wounds to promote healing and decrease the risk of SSI. This case report describes the medical nutrition therapy guidelines to care for a post-operative, non-healing surgical wound for a patient with cancer and obesity.

Cirrhosis is the advanced stage of chronic liver injury marked by progressive fibrosis and hepatic dysfunction resulting from alcohol-associated liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis, or metabolic dysfunction. It may ultimately progress to decompensation with complications such as portal hypertension, ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in cirrhosis and are associated with increased hospitalization, infection risk, and mortality. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a cornerstone of cirrhosis management that includes alcohol cessation, adequate energy intake, increased protein intake, sodium restriction, and avoidance of prolonged fasting. Despite clear guidelines, adherence is often limited by the practical ability to translate clinical recommendations into sustainable daily eating patterns. This case report explores culinary medicine as a preventative, skill-based intervention to reduce progression from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis by improving nutrition-related behavior change. Based on established cirrhosis guidelines, three culinary medicine targets are proposed: structured meal timing to support alcohol cessation, flavor-forward low-sodium techniques using herbs and spices, and intentional protein distribution to reduce catabolic stress. This framework demonstrates how integrating clinical nutrition with culinary skills may help patients apply nutrition recommendations through everyday meals and represents a feasible approach for incorporating culinary medicine into chronic disease management.

A colostomy is a procedure in which a portion of the colon is removed, the new end is externalized as a stoma, and an ostomy bag is worn to collect stool. Patients that have undergone a colostomy procedure face heightened risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to loss of colonic length. Additionally, fear of adverse symptoms can contribute to reduced oral intake and exacerbation of malnutrition. Post-operative ostomy nutrition education with a registered dietitian is beneficial to prevent complications, support recovery, and improve long-term nutritional status. Traditional post operative diet progression involves advancing to clear liquids once stoma output is established, typically on postoperative day (POD) two or later. However, evidence from enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and randomized trials supportsearly diet progression on POD zero or one can safely accelerate return to normal gastrointestinal function and reduce hospital length of stay. Diet tolerance should be monitored by lack of abdominal discomfort, passing of flatulence, and stoma output. Hydration status should also be closely monitored including serum sodium, blood urea nitrogen, and electrolytes. Nutrition education includes counseling on small, frequent meals; a low-fiber diet for approximately six weeks followed by gradual reintroduction to 25-30g of fiber/day; and individualized fluid recommendations with an additional 500-750mL/day to reduce dehydration risk. This case report describes post-operative nutrition management of a colostomy procedure with underlying malnutrition, emphasizing interventions of early diet advancement, nutrition support, and education to mitigate malnutrition exacerbation.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) represents the final stage of chronic kidney disease and is characterized by progressive loss of renal function, metabolic instability, inflammation, and increased risk of protein-energy wasting. Although kidney transplantation improves survival, the early post-transplant period remains clinically complex due to surgical stress, immunosuppressive therapy, and fluctuating renal function. These factors significantly increase energy expenditure, promote protein catabolism, and predispose patients to electrolyte abnormalities, underscoring the critical role of evidence-based medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Current standards of care recommend comprehensive nutrition assessment by a registered dietitian (RD) within the first 90 days post-transplant and routine monitoring of anthropometrics, intake adequacy, and biochemical markers. For metabolically stable post-transplant patients, energy needs are estimated at 25–35 kcal/kg/day, with higher targets of 30–35 kcal/kg/day in the early post-operative period. Protein recommendations increase to 1.2–2.0 g/kg/day initially to counter negative nitrogen balance and support wound healing. Sodium intake is generally limited to <2.3 g/day for blood pressure and volume control, while potassium and phosphorus are adjusted based on laboratory trends. If oral intake is inadequate beyond several days, enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended when gastrointestinal function permits, with parenteral nutrition (PN) reserved for cases where oral and EN routes cannot meet needs. This case report illustrates the application of evidence-based MNT standards in a post–kidney transplant patient during inpatient rehabilitation and highlights the integral role of RD-led care in supporting metabolic stabilization and clinical recovery.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition characterized by premature pancreatic enzyme activation leading to autodigestion, local tissue injury, and systemic inflammation. AP commonly causes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and ileus, which can decrease oral intake and increase the risk of malnutrition. In clinical practice, patients with AP often present with comorbid conditions that further complicate feeding tolerance. Historically, bowel rest and delayed feeding were standard management strategies. However, growing evidence demonstrates that early nutrition intervention improves outcomes, including reduced infectious complications, shorter hospital length of stay, and preservation of gut mucosal integrity. Medical nutrition therapy in AP requires careful assessment of feeding tolerance, disease severity, and metabolic demands. Current evidence-based guidelines recommend early oral feeding in mild pancreatitis and initiation of enteral nutrition within 24–48 hours in moderate to severe cases, with parenteral nutrition reserved for patients unable to tolerate enteral intake or meet requirements. Recommended diet progression involves advancement to low-fat or regular diets as tolerated rather than routine use of restrictive liquid diets. Key interventions include early diet advancement, appropriate diet or formula selection based on tolerance, provision of approximately 25–35 kcal/kg/day and 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day protein, and close monitoring of fluid status and biochemical markers, with adjustments individualized to clinical status. This case report reviews current nutrition guidelines for AP and highlights the importance of implementing evidence-based nutrition strategies in a patient with complex clinical presentations and increased nutrition risk.

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a rare but highly fatal form of acute mesenteric ischemia, which is defined by a sudden interruption of blood supply to the intestines. NOMI occurs most commonly in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients with hemodynamic instability presenting with low cardiac output and vasoconstriction. Mortality remains high due to diagnostic delays, rapid progression to bowel necrosis, and multisystem organ failure. While nutrition therapy is not a primary treatment for NOMI, it becomes essential following diagnosis due to repeated surgical interventions, sepsis, and increased metabolic demand, and the frequent interruption of feeding caused by hemodynamic instability. In critically ill patients, particularly with obesity, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) must balance the risks of underfeeding with the potential risks of enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance and bowel ischemia. Current evidence supports early nutrition intervention, prioritizing EN when hemodynamically stable, while initiating parenteral nutrition (PN) when EN is contraindicated or not feasible. Guidelines recommend hypocaloric, high protein feeding in obese critically ill patients to preserve lean mass and reduce the risks of complications of overfeeding. This case report highlights complexities of implementing evidence-based nutrition support in NOMI, and emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition strategies, close monitoring, and interdisciplinary coordination to preserve nutritional status and support clinical outcomes.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a highly prevalent form of heart disease in which the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the body’s needs, with characteristic symptoms such as fluid overload, respiratory distress, and fatigue on exertion. Nutrition is an integral part of care for CHF with significant implications on health outcomes such as patient survival and quality of life. The primary goals of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) include preventing malnutrition, meeting patients’ nutritional needs, and managing signs and symptoms. CHF increases the risk of malnutrition. Evidence-based guidelines developed by the Heart Failure Society of America and the American College of Cardiology recommend weight loss for patients with overweight or obesity and weight gain for those with unintentional weight loss or cardiac cachexia, a condition involving fat loss and muscle wasting. The registered dietitian (RD), a key member of the interdisciplinary team, assesses patients’ nutritional needs and provides individualized nutrition care, including appropriate calorie recommendations and potential restrictions on sodium, fluid, and fat. Excessive sodium and fluid can contribute to volume overload, while the recommendations for fat intake address both the type and amount of fat to consume to control cholesterol levels. Despite established guidelines, implementing appropriate nutrition interventions can be complex, particularly in patients with numerous clinical needs. This case report discusses the challenges of balancing nutrition interventions with patient goals of care in a patient with CHF and malnutrition.

Patients with cancer who undergo ileostomy creation are at high risk for dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life due to increased gastrointestinal (GI) losses, impaired nutrient absorption, and the complex self-management and physiological demands associated with ostomy care. An ileostomy is an opening in the abdomen where the GI tract is brought to the surface, formed from the ileum. Evidence-based medical nutrition therapy (MNT) guidelines for ileostomy management emphasize a fiber-restricted diet in the early postoperative period (6-8 weeks), small, frequent meals, limitation of hypertonic and excessive hypotonic fluids, use of oral rehydration solutions, close monitoring of ostomy output, and sufficient protein intake to support wound healing. In contrast, evidence-based guidelines for severe chronic disease-related malnutrition prioritize adequate energy and protein provision, oral nutrition supplementation, weight stabilization or gain, correction of micronutrient deficiencies, and consideration of advanced nutrition support when oral intake remains inadequate. However, implementation of these standards becomes complex in the context of advanced malignancy, significant symptom burden, and evolving goals of care. This case report examines the application of evidence-based guidelines in an older adult with metastatic endometrial cancer, severe chronic disease-related malnutrition, and recent ileostomy following small bowel obstruction (SBO), illustrating the importance of individualizing MNT to the patient’s clinical trajectory and goals of care.

As stars begin to die, their surface chemistry changes over time. This is due to the combined effect of two competing processes: (1) gravitational settling that causes heavier elements to sink below the stellar surface and (2) radiative acceleration from photons that push gas upward. Although diffusion is a primary physical process in stellar interiors, its impact on surface chemical abundances is often overlooked in large-scale spectroscopic surveys, leading to systematic biases in stellar age estimates. This project investigates the onset (`turn-on') and suppression (`turn-off') signatures of atomic diffusion as dying stars transition into giants. Using high-resolution optical spectra, we will analyse open-cluster stars across various evolutionary stages to identify the age (or mass) threshold at which diffusion becomes detectable and shuts off. The resulting measurements will constrain the magnitude of diffusion-driven abundance changes, the stellar age (or mass) at which diffusion becomes observable, and the efficiency of abundance restoration during the first dredge-up. It will improve stellar age determinations and enhance the precision of Galactic archaeology and chemical-tagging studies.

ZnO is a wide-bandgap semiconductor with applications spanning optoelectronics, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, and related technologies. At the micro- and nanoscale, its functional properties are strongly governed by by surface structure, defect chemistry, and electronic states associated with the crystalline free surface. Targeted lattice doping therefore represents an effective strategy for tailoring surface energetics and enabling new functionalities. Fe incorporation has been proposed to stabilize ZnO nano- and microparticle surfaces by mitigating the internal surface dipoles and passivating dangling bonds. Such provides a controlled materials platform for probing the fundamental bactericidal mechanisms of ZnO. Although the origin of ZnO-induced cytotoxicity remains under debate, our recent findings indicate that surface-mediated interactions with bacteria and/or growth media components facilitate Zn²⁺ ion release from reactive surface defect sites. Surface stabilization through Fe doping is expected to reduce the density of these active sites, thereby limiting Zn²⁺ ion release. In this study, we systematically investigate the bulk and surface characteristics of hydrothermally synthesized Fe-doped ZnO across varying doping dopant concentrations. The antibacterial activity of both pure and Fe-doped ZnO is evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus assays. Structural and chemical analyses are performed using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, whereas Raman spectroscopy is employed to probe dopant-induced modifications in lattice dynamics and bonding, providing further insight into the relationship between surface states and antibacterial performance.