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Analysis of phytosterols in two species of morel mushrooms: Morchella tomentosa and Morchella americana
No full textMorel mushrooms (Morchella) are found worldwide and greatly prized for their deliciousness. Like all mushrooms, morels contain phytosterols including ergosterol, the principal sterol used for fungal cell membranes. These phytosterols have several nutritional benefits including lowering of serum cholesterol levels, providing dietary vitamin D, and acting as antioxidants. Morels, in particular, have attracted attention as potential high-value functional food sources.
Our research determining the detailed phytosterol content of commercially procured dehydrated morel mushrooms led us to examine two North American species, Morchella tomentosa and Morchella americana. as respective examples of forest-fire associated species, aka burns , and non-burns.
We used gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze five samples of each species, which were extracted with petroleum ether, saponified, and treated with trimethylsilylimidazole prior to the GC-MS analysis. The respective relative concentrations of the well-known morel sterols, ergosterol 1 (27.5% vs 18.8%), brassicasterol 2 (46.5% vs 59.5%), campesterol 3 (4.4 vs 7.7%), and dihydroergosterol 4 (6.6% vs 0.9%) all showed statistically significant (p \u3c 0.05) differences. More strikingly, the two species contain widely disparate proportions of the rarer sterols, 24-methylenecholesterol 5 (2.7% vs 10.0%, p = 0.029) and ergosta-5,22,24(28)-trienol 6 (9.2% vs 0.3%, p = 0.00011). Sterol 6 is an extremely rare compound that has only been reported in mushrooms (truffles) once in previous literature and might be useful as a phenotypic marker for M. tomentosa.
We thank the Spring 2024 Organic Chemistry II class at Winona State University for carrying out these analyses as part of their CURE laboratory experience
Accelerated vs. Conservative Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction (ACL-R)
No full textRiley Mauzer, Jenny Russell, Dominic Noble-Henden Brandon Donahue, DAT, LAT, ATC, CES Focused Clinical Question: In individuals aged 18-60 post ACL reconstruction, what is the effect of an accelerated rehabilitation program compared to a conservative rehabilitation program on instability rates? Clinical Scenario: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACL-R) is a common procedure for individuals returning to high activity levels post injury. While accelerated rehabilitation may lead to faster recovery, concerns about increased knee laxity and re-injury persist. This critical appraisal aims to compare the effects of accelerated and conservative rehabilitation protocols on knee instability rates following ACL-R. Search Strategy: We aimed to identify peer-reviewed evidence relating to different forms of rehabilitation following ACL-R and their effects on knee instability. Searches were conducted in PubMed, National Library of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Medicine, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. Search terms included: Accelerated vs Conservative ACL rehabilitation, ACL rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and ACL-R. Studies were included if they comprised patients with ACL reconstruction, utilized participants ages 18-60, used accelerated or conservative rehabilitation programs, and evaluated joint laxity and instability outcomes. Exclusion criteria included patients with multiple knee injuries and those using rehabilitation programs not considered accelerated or conservative. After reviewing several studies, nine met the inclusion criteria and were included in our final review. Evidence Quality Assessment: The quality of the nine articles was assessed using the PEDRO scale, with scores ranging from 5/10 to 10/10. The Oxford Level of Evidence resulted in primarily a Level 2b with one study scoring a Level 3b, meaning the review was comprised of lower quality randomized control trials and one cohort study. Results and Summary of Search: One study found a significant difference (p=0.039) in knee laxity after 12 months, with greater joint laxity resulting in the accelerated rehabilitation group. However, eight of nine studies reported no significant differences (p= .33-.98) between the two approaches over longer follow-up periods of 2 years. These findings suggest that early differences in knee laxity may exist but do not persist in the long term. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up is necessary to determine which rehabilitation protocol is more effective. Most studies show no significant difference in knee laxity between conservative and accelerated rehabilitation protocols over 24 months. While some studies report short-term differences, long-term outcomes do not support one approach as superior in reducing instability or preventing re-injury after ACL-R. A key limitation is that the available evidence is insufficient to definitively answer the clinical question. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up is necessary to determine which rehabilitation protocol is more effective. Clinical Bottom Line: Our research findings were inconclusive with no statistically significant difference in knee laxity over time between accelerated and conservative rehabilitation protocols for patients undergoing ACL-R. Based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT), our findings fall under category B, indicating that recommendations would be based on inconsistent evidence. Implications: Our findings challenge the current understanding of ACL-R rehabilitation, showing no significant difference in laxity between accelerated and conservative approaches after 2 years. Further research is needed to determine the most effective rehabilitation method for preventing long-term instability and re-injury after ACL-R
Playdate. Discover your Community
No full textFor this project, I designed a wireframe mockup for Playdate, a social media app specifically created to foster connections within local communities. Playdate\u27s primary goal is to provide a platform where both businesses and individuals can engage with their local area, discover new hobbies, and form meaningful connections. The app serves as a hub for people looking to meet others, explore activities, and get involved in their neighborhoods, ultimately aiming to create a more connected and interactive community experience.
The concept behind Playdate is rooted in the idea of building strong local connections, allowing users to easily find and participate in events, clubs, and social gatherings around them. Whether it’s discovering a new fitness class, joining a local book club, or finding out about community events, Playdate serves as an all-in-one platform that helps users get involved and feel a deeper connection to the area they live in. One of the key features of the app is the ability for businesses to showcase their offerings and engage with customers directly, creating a symbiotic relationship between users and local businesses. It provides businesses with a unique opportunity to reach a local audience by promoting events, sales, and special activities through the platform.
By creating an inclusive and engaging space, Playdate ensures that every user, regardless of their interests or background, can find something that appeals to them. The app features easy-to-use tools for discovering activities, joining social groups, and participating in local events, making it simple for users to stay connected and engaged with their community. The wireframe design I created focuses on user-centric functionality and streamlined navigation, allowing individuals to effortlessly explore new opportunities in their area. From browsing local activities to attending gatherings or meeting like-minded people, Playdate helps users build relationships and grow their social network.
The overall mission of Playdate is to promote a sense of community and belonging. By encouraging users to step out of their comfort zones, engage in new experiences, and meet people who share similar interests, the app fosters a stronger sense of unity. It’s not just about discovering local events; it’s about creating an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive together. Playdate is more than just a social media app—it’s a tool for building vibrant, connected communities where everyone has the chance to engage and grow
The Impacts of Virtual Tourism on Tourist Destinations
Get PDFNew technologies, including virtual reality (VR), offer exciting new opportunities for tourism, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these technologies provide tourism experiences for those who are not comfortable with or able to physically travel, they may have adverse effects on tourist destinations by reducing the number of physical visitors. To assess this, the study will include questions to analyze whether VR experiences increase or decrease the incentive to physically travel to a given destination. This question will be answered through a laboratory experiment involving exposure to a virtual tour, either with a VR headset or a tablet PC, followed by a survey about participants\u27 willingness and likelihood of traveling to the destination. There will also be a follow-up survey with open-ended questions asking participants to explain their responses to the previous survey. Data collection has been ongoing since March 2025. Any adult who can watch 360-degree videos without health issues is eligible to participate in this study. The quantitative data will be analyzed statistically, and the qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis. The outcome of this study is expected to expand our knowledge of the effects of virtual tourism on destinations and how these technologies can be used to influence travel intentions
Implementation of Palliative Care in Relation to Quality of Life for Adults with Chronic Conditions
Get PDFPalliative care is care focused on maintaining or improving one\u27s quality of life. Many patients suffer from chronic conditions that impact quality of life due to high symptom burden and other factors that impact physical and emotional health. According to Calsina-Berna et al. (2022) in patients with advanced chronic conditions, 69-82% will need palliative care before death but only 12% will actually receive palliative care (Teixeira et al. 2023). Hence the majority of people with advanced illness need palliative intervention but fail to benefit from the services offered. Palliative care for these patients focuses on quality of life (QOL) which encompasses more than just symptom management; QOL can focus on spiritual and emotional wellbeing as well as increasing goals of care conversations to allow for patient centered care (Ansari et al., 2019; Beck et al,2022; Bernard et al., 2020; Calsina-Berna et al., 2022; Quinn et al., 2019; Rankin, 2018; Rogers et al., 2017; Tobin et al., 2022). The purpose of this presentation is to evaluate the following PICO: In adults with a chronic condition how does the integration of palliative care effect quality of life? Additionally, the purpose of this presentation is to educate students, specifically nursing students, on palliative care services, identify when a patient would benefit from palliative care, and be able to educate patients, families, and other healthcare professionals on palliative care after this presentation. The research in this presentation will evaluate the following concepts related to palliative care—symptom burden, spiritual wellbeing, goals of care conversations, and palliative screening. It was found that palliative care in patients with chronic conditions is essential to maintaining and improving QOL. Palliative care encompasses care that focuses on each patient individually to provide patient centered care and promote QOL. Symptom management, spirituality, and goals of care all ensure that each patient with a chronic condition is receiving care focused on their individual QOL (Ansari et al., 2019; Beck et al,2022; Bernard et al., 2020; Calsina-Berna et al., 2022; Quinn et al., 2019; Rankin, 2018; Rogers et al., 2017; Tobin et al., 2022). It is expected that after this presentation students would feel more confident in identification of factors that palliative care could assist in, feel more confident in providing education about palliative care, and overall, better understand palliative care services
Socioeconomic Status and Political Opinion
No full textThis study examines the effects of socioeconomic status on one\u27s political opinion. A survey will be voluntarily taken by Winona State Students. The survey will collect quantitative and qualitative data. I hypothesize that there will be a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and political opinion. This research will add to existing data proving a correlation
From Seurat to Skynet - Pros and Cons of AI in the Studio Arts
Get PDFAI generated imagery is now everywhere and accessible to almost everyone… for better or for worse. There are many artists worldwide who have been using artificial intelligence / machine learning for years to create fascinating, research or experimentally driven art. There are also many artists who are using AI simply as a tool, and there is a long history of artists using tools to help them work more efficiently (camera lucida, photography, Photoshop, etc). Conversely, many artists are concerned about the use of their original artwork being scraped without their permission to train these bots, and artists whose jobs have been taken or threatened by AI. There are broader arguments for and against the prevalent use of AI (do we want a doctor whose thesis was written by a computer? Do we want movies written by algorithms? Yet isn’t it also good to have a computer proof-read your work and offer suggestions? To save you a lot of time editing photos?). Even within the visual arts world, it’s a complicated subject. In Fall 2024’s ART 317: Contemporary Studio Practices (an upper level painting and drawing class), art students were asked to separate into groups as Pro-AI and Anti-AI based on their own initial feelings towards machine learning. Pro-AI groups explored generative AI and Chat GPT to find ways that these technologies could be used to aid a studio artist. Anti-AI groups used the same technologies to subvert what AI produced, and to showcase the disadvantages and biases the medium presents to artists
Scrappie Jackie
Get PDFScrappie Jackie is my senior capstone project where I take thrifted fabrics and transform them into unique, one-of-a-kind garments. I started this journey with no prior sewing experience, but through trial, error, and plenty of learning, I\u27ve developed a process that allows me to give new life to old clothing.
The core idea behind Scrappie Jackie is simple: I use donated clothing to create something new. This process promotes sustainability by upcycling fabrics that would otherwise go to waste, instead of contributing to the fast fashion cycle. The beauty of this project is in the transformation—each piece of clothing holds potential to become something completely different, and I love finding those possibilities. Whether it\u27s a worn-out t-shirt or a vintage jacket, I see it as an opportunity to create something truly unique.
One of the main reasons I took on this project is because I\u27ve always been drawn to sewing. It\u27s a skill that\u27s been passed down through generations, and it\u27s meaningful to me because it\u27s often considered a feminine craft. Historically, sewing has been overlooked as an art form, even though it holds deep cultural significance and creativity. With Scrappie Jackie, I want to highlight that sewing is more than just a practical skill—it\u27s a way to express oneself and create something personal and beautiful.
The name Scrappie Jackie comes from my own family connection. My grandmother, Jackie, taught me how to sew, and I wanted to honor her in the name of the project because she\u27s been an important part of my creative journey. The focus of the project is on what I can create now, using the skills I\u27ve developed and the materials I work with.
At this point, Scrappie Jackie is run through Instagram, where I showcase my latest designs and offer commissions through a Google form. I\u27m still learning and figuring out the best ways to grow the project, but it\u27s exciting to see it take shape and connect with people who want to be a part of this sustainable fashion movement.
Scrappie Jackie isn\u27t just about making clothes—it\u27s about creativity, sustainability, and upcycling. It\u27s about taking something that would otherwise be discarded and turning it into something new, beautiful, and meaningful. I\u27m excited to continue learning and experimenting, and I can\u27t wait to see where this project takes me
From Dissertation to Innovation: How Research Fueled the Development of Gamified Educational Software
No full textThis presentation describes the journey from research to patent, demonstrating how dissertation findings on the impact of gamified learning in an MTSS Tier 2 reading intervention directly influenced gamified educational software design and development. The research explored how gamified software affected student achievement and engagement compared to traditional intervention methods. These findings shaped the creation and patent of an adaptive educational game process, aligning with Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to foster motivation, autonomy, and engagement.
This session discusses the challenges of moving from research to securing intellectual property, offering insights into the patenting process and the obstacles faced along the way. Gain insight into how academic research can drive EdTech innovations and translate them into real-world educational solutions
Sign Tracking Behavior in Long Evans and Sprague-Dawley Rats
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to evaluate differences in sign tracking behavior between Sprague Dawley and Long Evans lab rats. Sign tracking ultimately reflects the degree of impulsivity often modeled in addiction related research. Data collection for sign tracking included three types of data, total number of signtracking behaviors observed, latency scores for sign tracking behaviors, and sign tracking probability scores. Sign tracking latency times and probability scores displayed statistically significant results when comparing the two strains. However, the data regarding the total number of sign tracking interactions with the conditioned stimulus did not come back as statistically significant. The contrast between strains may have different applications in sign tracking research situations