Terra One Health In Action

Water Quality and Population Health

Focuses on creating/installing water filters and testing the water along the Amazon River for heavy metals, parasites, and bacteria. Secondary research emphasis on the clinical manifestations of the filters, health care costs, disease prevalence, etc.

Detection of Tuberculosis with the Use of Nanotechnology

The first component of the study is to research a potential screening tool for TB using biosensors and nanoparticles to detect bacteria.  The second component of the study uses nanoparticles to further concentrate bacteria to make microscopy more sensitive.

HPV Serotyping

With the increasing incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in the Amazon region, correlations will be examined to better understand what barriers exist and how to offset this troubling trend.  Project parameters include survey-based analysis of symptoms, vaginal pH, and urology based investigations. We will also be doing a HPV serotyping project to determine the utility of HPV prevention via vaccination.

Laryngeal Cancer Screen/Impact of OMM on swallow function

Screening project for laryngeal cancer looking at prevalence and unique contributing factors in international communities.  This project looks to evaluate the use of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in the setting of dysphonia and dysphagia.

Carcinogenic Water Study

In the drinking waters of Altiplano in South Peru, it is well-documented that there are toxic levels of arsenic (As) - a natural element famous for its carcinogenic effects.  We found evidence that urine arsenic levels in the pediatric population are above recommended by the WHO.  Local water treatment programs were initiated.   Studies will investigate trends and provide continued patient monitoring.

Dermatology

Project focuses on common skin pathology and clinical presentations.

Environmental Toxins

Project investigation is based on identifying primary cases of community illness.  Previous project examined water quality.  This project will extend those examinations to a plant and soil based project.

Women’s Health Initiative

With the increasing incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in the Amazon region, we are examining correlations to better understand what barriers exist and how to offset this troubling trend.  An area of special interest targets the growing trend of global fetal demise and miscarriage.

Sustainable Medicine: The International Osteopathic Approach

Peruvians have sought to understand the principles of the Osteopathic profession.  Therefore, in Peru, we have been hosting yearly Osteopathic Principles and Practices (OPP) interactive workshops.  This project educates about and assesses the impact of our sustainable preventive philosophy.  The objective of this project is to foster unquestionable health promotion and further the advancement of international osteopathic medicine.

Assessing Water Quality in the Mountains of Peru

Naturally occurring but “toxic” elements were not found in our water samples, suggesting that these elements did not contribute to the health issues found in Shiramaca. We did find synthetic chemicals in the samples, which when ingested could cause serious nephrotoxicity, neurologic damage, and death.

High-altitude Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER)

We are assessing high-altitude aerobic fitness in children ages 9-16, using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test. This measure of cardiorespiratory fitness is the most commonly used endurance fitness test.

Water Microbiology Study

Water quality is an ongoing problem in many of the communities we serve.  First, organism contamination exists in the water supply of the La Libertad region of Peru, affecting the populace with a variety of symptoms.  Testing includes cell cultures, PCR or RT-PCR methods, field evaluation of contaminant flow, genotyping, and speciation assessment.  Second, with the increase in regional mining, elemental and synthetic contamination is on the rise.  Partnering with local organizations and Michigan State University, we are working to ensure optimal water quality.

Assessing Pediatric Anthropometry of Peru

As third world countries struggle with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are also affected by a rapid upsurge in non-communicable disease risk factors. Recent studies suggest an increase in body mass index (BMI) worldwide, indicating growing obesity and non-communicable disease incidence.  A particular concern is that a high BMI is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death. Interestingly, there exists a paradox of growing numbers of overweight and obese populations existing in tandem with wasting and starving populations.  To assess this global epidemic, each year we monitor the growth and development of our pediatric patients in the Andes regions of Peru.  Using standards developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Water, Soil, & Blood Lead Toxicity in Peruvian Children

Using previous research, we investigated and identified environmental causative factors of Peruvian pediatric lead toxicity.  Our findings provided insight into factors that plague our patients and aid in the development of future preventive strategies.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Aquatic Communities in Representative Huron River Tributaries

Using natural and artificial biofilm samples, we genetically mapped the aquatic environments in the watershed to find a correlation between microorganism diversity and environmental impact.   This research has attracted the interest of many environmental groups and scientific organizations, each with a different point of concern.