Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence And Determinants Of Metabolic Syndrome In Qatar: Results From A National Health Survey, Mohamed Al-Thani, Al Anoud M. Al-Thani, Sohaila Cheema, Javaid Sheikh, Ravinder Mamtani, Albert B. Lowenfels, Walaa F. Al-Chetachi, Badria Almalki, Shamseldin A. Hassan Khalifa, Ahmad O. Haj Bakri, Patrick Maisonneuve

NYMC Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: To determine optimum measurements for abdominal obesity and to assess the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in Qatar.

DESIGN: National health survey.

SETTING: Qatar National STEPwise Survey conducted by the Supreme Council of Health during 2012.

PARTICIPANTS: 2496 Qatari citizens aged 18-64 representative of the general population.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Measure of obesity (body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-height ratio) that best identified the presence of at least 2 other factors of metabolic syndrome; cut-off values of waist circumference; frequency of metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS: Waist circumference ≥102 for men and ≥94 cm for women was …

Cyp2c44 Gene Disruption Exacerbated Pulmonary Hypertension And Heart Failure In Female But Not Male Mice, Sachindra R. Joshi, Anand Lakhkar, Vidhi Dhagia, Ariadne Zias, Vasiliki Soldatos, Kaori Oshima, Houli Jiang, Katherine Gotlinger, Jorge H Capdevila, Michal L. Schwartzman, Ivan F. Mcmurtry, Sachin A. Gupte

NYMC Faculty Publications

Epoxyeicosatrienoicacids (EETs), synthesized from arachidonic acid by epoxygenases of the CYP2C and CYP2J gene subfamilies, contribute to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in mice. Despite their roles in HPV, it is controversial whether EETs mediate or ameliorate pulmonary hypertension (PH). A recent study showed that deficiency of Cyp2j did not protect male and female mice from hypoxia-induced PH. Since CYP2C44 is a functionally important epoxygenase, we hypothesized that knockout of the Cyp2c44 gene would protect both sexes of mice from hypoxia-induced PH. We tested this hypothesis in wild-type (WT) and Cyp2c44 knockout (Cyp2c44 (-/-)) mice exposed to normoxia (room air) and …

221 Newborn-Screened Neonates With Medium-Chain Acyl-Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Findings From The Inborn Errors Of Metabolism Collaborative, K Bentler, S Zhai, S Elsbecker, G Arnold, B Burton, J Vockley, C Cameron, S Hiner, M Edick, S Berry, J Thomas, M Dodge, R Singh, S Lakshman, David Kronn, Inborn Errors Of Metabolism Collaborative

NYMC Faculty Publications

Introduction: There is limited understanding of relationships between genotype, phenotype and other conditions contributing to health in neonates with medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) identified through newborn screening. Methods: Retrospective analysis of comprehensive data from a cohort of 221 newborn-screened subjects identified as affected with MCADD in the Inborn Errors of Metabolism-Information System (IBEM-IS), a long term follow-up database of the Inborn Errors of Metabolism Collaborative, was performed. Results: The average age at notification of first newborn screen results to primary care or metabolic providers was 7.45 days. The average octanoylcamitine (C8) value on first newborn screen was 11.2 …

Epidemiological And Virological Characterization Of Influenza B Virus Infections, Sivan Sharabi, Yaron Drori, Michal Micheli, Nehemya Friedman, Aharona Glatman-Freedman, Michal Mandelboim

NYMC Faculty Publications

While influenza A viruses comprise a heterogeneous group of clinically relevant influenza viruses, influenza B viruses form a more homogeneous cluster, divided mainly into two lineages: Victoria and Yamagata. This divergence has complicated seasonal influenza vaccine design, which traditionally contained two seasonal influenza A virus strains and one influenza B virus strain. We examined the distribution of the two influenza B virus lineages in Israel, between 2011-2014, in hospitalized and in non-hospitalized (community) influenza B virus-infected patients. We showed that influenza B virus infections can lead to hospitalization and demonstrated that during some winter seasons, both influenza B virus lineages …

A Review Of Management Of Inflammation In The Hiv Population, Jihad Slim, Christopher Saling

NYMC Faculty Publications

Advancements in antiretroviral therapy have drastically increased the life expectancy for those infected with HIV. Today, a new subgroup of older patients with long-term controlled HIV exists, and its populace is continuously mounting. Therefore, it is essential to understand the enduring effects of chronic suppressed HIV infection in order to further improve HIV management in these patients. This paper will examine the role of HIV in chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, the dynamic interaction that exists between comorbidity and HIV, and the potential consequences of long-term antiretroviral therapy in an effort to provide the best management options for the virally …

Sexually Dimorphic Adaptation Of Cardiac Function: Roles Of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid And Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors, Jun Qin, Yicong Le, Ghezal Froogh, Sharath Kandhi, Houli Jiang, Dong Sun, An Huang

NYMC Faculty Publications

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cardioprotective mediators metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to form corresponding diols (DHETs). As a sex-susceptible target, sEH is involved in the sexually dimorphic regulation of cardiovascular function. Thus, we hypothesized that the female sex favors EET-mediated potentiation of cardiac function via downregulation of sEH expression, followed by upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Hearts were isolated from male (M) and female (F) wild-type (WT) and sEH-KO mice, and perfused with constant flow at different preloads. Basal coronary flow required to maintain the perfusion pressure at 100 mmHg was significantly greater in females than males, and …

Lack Of An Association Or An Inverse Association Between Low-Density-Lipoprotein Cholesterol And Mortality In The Elderly: A Systematic Review, Uffe Ravnskov, Rokura Hama, Tomohito Hamazaki, Paul J. Rosch, Tore Schersten, Ralf Sundberg

NYMC Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that total cholesterol becomes less of a risk factor or not at all for all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality with increasing age, but as little is known as to whether low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), one component of total cholesterol, is associated with mortality in the elderly, we decided to investigate this issue.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES: We sought PubMed for cohort studies, where LDL-C had been investigated as a risk factor for all-cause and/or CV mortality in individuals ≥60 years from the general population.

RESULTS: We identified 19 cohort studies including 30 cohorts with …

Did Garin And Bujadoux Actually Report A Case Of Lyme Radiculoneuritis?, Gary P. Wormser, Vanessa Wormser

NYMC Faculty Publications

A 1922 report by Garin and Bujadoux is widely regarded as describing the first case of neurologic Lyme borreliosis. Although the patient reported had a tick bite followed by the development of a rash and radiculoneuritis, there were a number of highly atypical features, raising the question of whether the patient, in fact, had neurologic Lyme borreliosis. The paper may not deserve the historic recognition that it has received.

Clinical Factors Associated With Long-Term Complete Remission Versus Poor Response To Chemotherapy In Hiv-Infected Children And Adolescents With Kaposi Sarcoma Receiving Bleomycin And Vincristine: A Retrospective Observational Study, Nader K. El-Mallawany, William Kamiyango, Jeremy Kim Slone, Jimmy Villiera, Carrie L. Kovarik, Carrie M. Cox, Dirk Dittmer, Saeed Ahmed, Gordon E. Schutze, Michael E. Scheurer, Peter N. Kazembe, Parth S. Mehta

NYMC Faculty Publications

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common HIV-associated malignancy in children and adolescents in Africa. Pediatric KS is distinct from adult disease. We evaluated the clinical characteristics associated with long-term outcomes. We performed a retrospective observational analysis of 70 HIV-infected children and adolescents with KS less than 18 years of age diagnosed between 8/2010 and 6/2013 in Lilongwe, Malawi. Local first-line treatment included bleomycin and vincristine plus nevirapine-based highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Median age was 8.6 years (range 1.7-17.9); there were 35 females (50%). Most common sites of presentation were: lymph node (74%), skin (59%), subcutaneous nodules (33%), oral …

Sepsis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Classification, Biomarkers And Management, Noah Pirozzi, Nima Rejali, Matthew Brennan, Anuj Vohra, Trevor Mcginley, Murali G. Krishna

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Middletown) Publications and Research

Every physician has been trained early in their careers on how to recognize and manage sepsis. Although sepsis has been one of the most researched ailments in medicine, it also remains one of the deadliest diseases in the face of recent advances. In this current article, we review the diagnostic and management criteria for Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock, and Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). We then examine the implications of the “surviving sepsis” campaign as well as explore the philosophy of Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT) and its role in the modern day management …

Is The High Frequency Of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac And Lung Surgeries Related To Hypomagnesemia And Releases Of Ceramides And Platelet-Activating Factor?, Burton M. Altura, Nilank C. Shah, Gatha J. Shah, Aimin Zhang, Wenyan Li, Bella T. Altura

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Middletown) Publications and Research

The authors discuss the possible role of hypomagnesemia, ceramides and platelet-activating factor in the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac and lung surgeries.

Book Review: Philosophy Of Science: Key Concepts, David B. Levy

Touro College Libraries Publications and Research

The author reviews the book Philosophy of Science: Key Concepts.

Determinants Of Inconsistent Condom Use Among Hiv Serodiscordant Couples In Cambodia, Sovannary Tuot, Khuondyla Pal, Kouland Thin, Chrysanta Patio, Kelly Allbritton, Christie Blondek, Siyan Yi

Background: Globally, heterosexual transmission within serodiscordant relationships is a significant source of new HIV infections. In 2012, there were an estimated 1,350 incident cases of HIV in Cambodia, of which 37% were between heterosexual couples and 30% among sex workers. In combination with antiretroviral therapy (ART), consistent condom use can significantly reduce HIV transmission risk among serodiscordant couples. This study explored determinants of inconsistent condom use among serodiscordant couples in Cambodia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Battambang, Pursat and Takeo provinces in September 2013. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on condom use and …

Acceptability Study On Hiv Self-Testing Among Transgender Women, Men Who Have Sex With Men, And Female Entertainment Workers In Cambodia: A Qualitative Analysis, Khuondyla Pal, Chanrith Ngin, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Cheaty Ly, Srean Chhim, Siyan Yi

Background: In Cambodia, HIV prevalence is high while HIV testing rates remain low among transgender women (TG women), men who have sex with men (MSM), and female entertainment workers (FEW). Introducing self-testing for HIV to these key populations (KPs) could potentially overcome the under-diagnosis of HIV and significantly increase testing rates and receipt of the results, and thus could decrease transmission. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among these three categories of KPs.

Methods: This study was conducted through focus group discussions (FGDs) with TG women, MSM, and FEW in Phnom Penh …

Pharmacology Of Dextromethorphan: Relevance To Dextromethorphan/Quinidine (Nuedexta®) Clinical Use, Charles P. Taylor, Stephen F. Traynelis, Joao Siffert, Laura E. Pope, Rae Reiko Matsumoto

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Dextromethorphan (DM) has been used for more than 50 years as an over-the-counter antitussive. Studies have revealed a complex pharmacology of DM with mechanisms beyond blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and inhibition of glutamate excitotoxicity, likely contributing to its pharmacological activity and clinical potential.

DM is rapidly metabolized to dextrorphan, which has hampered the exploration of DM therapy separate from its metabolites. Coadministration of DM with a low dose of quinidine inhibits DM metabolism, yields greater bioavailability and enables more specific testing of the therapeutic properties of DM apart from its metabolites. The development of the drug combination DM hydrobromide …

What Price Success? Is It Worth It? The Emotional Journey Of 50 Female Ceos And Directors, Sabra Brock, Sharon Rowlands

Graduate School of Business Publications and Research

What is the typical emotional journey to the C-Suite? Most female CEOs and Directors love their positions despite the sacrifices The emotional associations are generally positive: excitement (82%), gratitude (62%), and pride (58%), although there are also moments of feeling overwhelmed (48%) and frustration (44%). To quote a participant, “Female leadership is living an exhausting life balancing on a razors edge the need to be smart, but not too smart. Being tough but not a bitch. Being confident but not too full of yourself. Being vocal but not too opinionated, ambitious but not too aggressive, agreeable but not weak and …

Improving The Health Of African Americans In The Usa: An Overdue Opportunity For Social Justice, Allan S. Noonan, Hector Eduardo Velasco-Mondragon, Fernando A. Wagner

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Using a modified social ecological model, we conducted a review of the literature and nationwide statistics on African American health. We discuss the main social determinants of health and main health disparities, risk factors, the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and access to health services for blacks in the USA. The mechanisms through which social determinants, including racism, exert their deleterious effects on black health are discussed at the macro and individual levels. Incarceration and mental health care issues are highlighted as priorities to be addressed. African Americans remain the least healthy ethnic group in the USA, a somber …

Cancer Beliefs And Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Low Income Chinese Immigrants – Implications For Culturally Relevant Interventions, Kam Man Kenny Kwong

Graduate School of Social Work Publications and Research

Objective: To effectively plan and provide culturally appropriate cancer education and screening services for low income Chinese immigrants, accurate disaggregated data are very much needed in understanding their cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices toward cancer screening and education. This study explored the views of medically underserved Chinese immigrants in the United States and assessed their beliefs and attitudes toward the cause and prevention of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, and their cancers screening behaviors.

Methods: Guided by both the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue and the Health Belief Model, an exploratory research methodology was used. Narrative data from in-depth interviews and …

Understanding Work-Related Stress And Practice Of Professional Self-Care – An Innovative Pedagogical Approach, Kam Man Kenny Kwong

Graduate School of Social Work Publications and Research

Social workers experience tremendous work-related stress - particularly among those providing direct services in healthcare settings. A review of related literature summarized several critical challenges faced by social workers who work with highly difficult clients in these settings, including (a) clients who engage in manipulative high-risk behaviors; (b) clients with serious illness who have multiple relapses; (c) clients who attempt or commit suicide; and (d) those who perpetrate violent or aggressive acts against themselves or others. This paper described and evaluated three sets of experiential learning activities with graduate level social work students, designed to increase their self-awareness and understanding …

Obesity Is Associated With More Disability At Presentation And After Treatment In Low Back Pain But Not In Neck Pain: Findings From The Oioc Registry, Maria M. Wertli, Ulrike Held, Marco Campello, Shira Schecter Weiner

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

Background: The influence on the treatment response in patients with low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP) is unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of body weight in patients with low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP) on baseline and end of treatment disability.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of baseline factors. Longitudinal analysis of prospectively collected patient information at an outpatient physical therapy registry (data from June 2010 to December 2012). WHO-BMI classification was used: underweight, lean, overweight, obesity class I, obesity class II and III. The influence of body weight and …

The Interactive Role Of Emotional Intelligence, Attachment Style, And Resilience In The Prediction Of Time Perception In Doctoral Students, Pat J. Precin

The School of Health Sciences Publications and Research

The perception of time (the use of temporal categories to conceptualize experiences) affects human behavior. Students’ time perspective predicts academic outcomes: those with future orientations tend to have better academic outcomes than those with past or present, according to Zimbardo and Boyd’s psychology of time model, and may contribute to the 80% attrition rate of emergent online distance learning programs. However, their model is limited because of the exclusion of certain variables that may influence the development and maintenance of time perspective. Zimbardo and Boyd’s model claims that time perspective continually develops and changes but does not explain which variables …

The Anti-Inflammatory Caspase-12 Gene Does Not Influence Sle Phenotype In African-Americans, Trista Fuchs, Jennifer A. Kelly, Emily Simon, Kathy L. Sivils, Evan Hermel

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

No abstract provided.

Relief Of Cervicogenic Headaches After Single-Level And Multilevel Anterior Cervical Diskectomy: A 5-Year Post Hoc Analysis, Jonathan J. Liu, Gilbert Cadena, Ripul R. Panchal, Rudolph J. Schrot, Kee D. Kim

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Osteopathic Medicine

Study Design Prospective study.

Objective Because single-level disk arthroplasty or arthrodesis in the lower subaxial spine improves headaches after surgery, we studied whether this effect may be better appreciated after two-level arthroplasty.

Methods We performed an independent post hoc analysis of two concurrent prospective randomized investigational device exemption trials for cervical spondylosis, one for single-level treatment and the other for two adjacent-level treatments.

Results For the one-level study, baseline mean headache scores significantly improved at 60 months for both the cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA) and anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) groups (p < 0.0001). However, mean improvement in headache scores was not statistically different between the investigational and control groups from 6 months through 60 months. For the two-level study, baseline mean headache scores significantly improved at 60 months for both the CDA and ACDF groups (p < 0.0001). The CDA group demonstrated greater improvement from baseline at all points; this difference was statistically significant at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months but not at 18 and 60 months.

Conclusion Both CDA and ACDF at either …

Which Matters Most? Perceptions Of Family Income Or Parental Education On Academic Achievement, Jennifer Chiu, Jennifer Economos, Craig Markson, Vincent Raicovi, Cheryl Howell, Elsa-Sofia Morote, Albert Inserra

Graduate School of Education Publications and Research

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of college students’ perception of family income, parental education levels, and race on academic achievement. Ninety-four second-year college students from a small, liberal arts, college in New York City responded to the survey during the Fall of 2009. Of the respondents, 52 were female and 42 were male. The survey collected demographic data on student perception of family income, parental education levels, and race. Academic achievement was measured by gathering students’ grade point averages. Findings in the research demonstrated that the education-level of the students’ fathers had the greatest impact …

Motivations And Predictors Of Cheating In Pharmacy School, Eric J. Ip, Kathy Nguyen, Bijal M. Shah, Shadi Doroudgar, Monica K. Bidwal

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

Objective. To assess the prevalence, methods, and motivations for didactic cheating among pharmacy students and to determine predictive factors for cheating in pharmacy colleges and schools.

Methods. A 45-item cross-sectional survey was conducted at all four doctor of pharmacy programs in Northern California. For data analysis, t test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression were used.

Results. Overall, 11.8% of students admitted to cheating in pharmacy school. Primary motivations for cheating included fear of failure, procrastination, and stress. In multivariate analysis, the only predictor for cheating in pharmacy school was a history of cheating in undergraduate studies.

Conclusion. Cheating occurs …

Health And Socio-Economic Impacts Of Livelihoods Programs Among People Living With Hiv In Cambodia: A Case-Control Study, Sovannary Tuot, Kouland Thin, Mayumi Shimizu, Samedy Suong, Samithrea Sron, Pheak Chhoun, Siyan Yi

Background: In Cambodia, the circumstances surrounding people living with HIV (PLHIV) remain serious conditions. To ameliorate these situations, KHANA has implemented livelihoods programs since 2010, including village saving and loans (VSL), skill trainings, and cash grants with on-going technical support. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of the programs in improving socio-economic conditions, health, and psychological well-being of PLHIV in Cambodia. Methods: In August 2014, a case-control study was conducted in six selected provinces. The cases were defined as PLHIV who lived in the selected operational districts where KHANA has implemented the livelihoods programs, and have participated in …

Improving Prevention And Care For Hiv And Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cambodia: The Sustainable Action Against Hiv And Aids In Communities (Sahacom), Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Chanrith Ngin, Sok Chamreun Choub, Carinne M. Brody

Background: The prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations in Cambodia continues to rise. To address this issue, KHANA, the largest national HIV organization in the country developed and implemented the Sustainable Action against HIV and AIDS in Communities (SAHACOM) project. This study aims to determine the impacts of the SAHACOM on sexual behaviors and the uptake of HIV/STI services among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cambodia.

Methods: We compared outcome indicators at midterm (n = 352) and endline (n = 394). Surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2014 in Battambang …

Men Who Have Sex With Men In Cambodia: Population Size, Hiv Risky Behaviors, And Hiv Prevalence, Siyan Yi, Srean Chhim, Pheak Chhoun, Sovannary Tuot, Cheaty Ly, Phalkun Mun, Chanrith Ngin

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a significant proportion of HIV key populations in Cambodia. We conducted this study to estimate the national population size, assess HIV-related risk behaviors, and determine HIV prevalence among MSM in Cambodia. Methods: This research was conducted in 2014 in 12 study sites in Cambodia. MSM size estimation was performed using capture-recapture method with data collected in two time points within an 18-day interval. To assess HIV risk behaviors, a total of 838 MSM were randomly selected for face-to-face interviews during the capture round. A separate survey using a time …

Research Ethics Training Of Trainers: Developing Capacity Of Bolivian Health Science And Civil Society Leaders, Annette Aalborg, Sarah Sullivan, Jacqueline Cortes, Armando Basagoitia, Daniel Illanes, Matthew Green

Research and research ethics (RE) capacity is a key element for addressing health priorities of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With support from a NIH/FIC Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development grant, a RE Training of Trainers (TOT) was implemented in Bolivia. The Steering Committee, including representatives from four Bolivian universities and PAHO, developed the RE TOT that included face-to-face, online and practicum components. Twenty trainees including faculty, researchers and community leaders participated. Pre/Posttest results demonstrated significant increases in overall RE knowledge (13.1% improvement, p-value < 0.0001). An evaluation demonstrated participants valued participatory learning strategies and the flexibility of the online component. TOT participants during the practicum component delivered RE workshops to their university and civil society communities in four regions (n= 3,700 people). The goals of the grant were accomplished through the development of a Steering Committee and implementation of the TOT course. Next steps include the design and implementation of a master’s level research ethics education program in Bolivia.

Social Determinants Of Maternal And Child Undernutrition In Cambodia: A Systematic Review, Pheak Chhoun, Khuondyla Pal, Sreymom Oy, Candice Collins, Sovannary Tuot, Siyan Yi

Background: Maternal and child undernutrition is one of the major contributors to the increasing of overall disease burden and mortality in the globe and Cambodia. Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify social determinants of maternal and child undernutrition in Cambodia.

Methods: Systematic literature search was performed through journal databases including ProQuest Central, Scopus, PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Google scholar, and World Health Organization Statistical Information System (WHOSIS). Keywords were used to search for literature in English published from 2003 to 2015. Content analysis was conducted among final selected papers.

Results: In total, 25 articles met …