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Masculine Ideals And Health In Older Men: Findings From The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, Shane D. Burns, Patricia Drentea Dec 2023

Masculine Ideals And Health In Older Men: Findings From The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, Shane D. Burns, Patricia Drentea

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How do older men’s masculine ideals affect their health? Are masculine activities involved in this relationship? Masculine identity upholds beliefs about masculine enactment. These beliefs can be detrimental to men and can lead to behaviors that can put undue stress on them. We examine how masculine ideals are associated with health and depressive symptomatology in older men. We used 2011 data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (n = 2,594) to investigate how masculine ideals inform older men’s health and how participation in masculine activities might shape these outcomes. Findings from this study illustrate that traditional masculine ideals are associated …


Distance From A Cultural Model Of Substance Use Risk, Internalization, And Self-Stigma In Urban Brazil, Nicole L. Henderson, William W. Dressler, Natalia Priolli Jora Pegoraro, Ana Falcao, Sandra Cristin Pillon Dec 2023

Distance From A Cultural Model Of Substance Use Risk, Internalization, And Self-Stigma In Urban Brazil, Nicole L. Henderson, William W. Dressler, Natalia Priolli Jora Pegoraro, Ana Falcao, Sandra Cristin Pillon

APC Fund

Introduction: A cognitive theory of culture as socially distributed cultural models has proven useful in research. Cultural models exist in two forms: the model shared by individuals in a social group, and individual versions of that model modified by personal experience. In previous research we documented a shared cultural model of substance use risk among a general population sample in urban Brazil. Here we examine how this model is distributed among persons under treatment for substance use/misuse and the implications for perceived and self-stigma.

Methods: A convenience sample of 133 persons under treatment rated the influence of risk factors for …


E-Cigarette Use And Respiratory Symptoms In Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mohammed M. Alqahtani, Faraj K. Alenezi, Mohammed A. Almeshari, Abdullah M. Alanazi, Ziyad Ben Taleb, Mohammad E Ebrahimi Kalan, Mary P. Martinasek, Rheese J. Mcnab, Rachel Culbreth, Mansour Alotaibi, Hassan Alijohani, Lynda T. Goodfellow, Taha T. Ismaeil, Saleh S. Algarni, Tareq F. Alotaibi, Mobarek K. Alqahtani, Hamoud Al-Ajel, Khalid S. Alwadeai, Nafea S. Almutairi, Eric Ford Dec 2023

E-Cigarette Use And Respiratory Symptoms In Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mohammed M. Alqahtani, Faraj K. Alenezi, Mohammed A. Almeshari, Abdullah M. Alanazi, Ziyad Ben Taleb, Mohammad E Ebrahimi Kalan, Mary P. Martinasek, Rheese J. Mcnab, Rachel Culbreth, Mansour Alotaibi, Hassan Alijohani, Lynda T. Goodfellow, Taha T. Ismaeil, Saleh S. Algarni, Tareq F. Alotaibi, Mobarek K. Alqahtani, Hamoud Al-Ajel, Khalid S. Alwadeai, Nafea S. Almutairi, Eric Ford

APC Fund

Introduction:
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is gaining popularity among adults. Monitoring e-cigarette-induced respiratory symptoms is crucial for both clinical and regulatory purposes. We systematically reviewed the current literature to understand the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and former smokers.

Methods:
Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. We included all English-language, empirical quantitative articles that explored the prevalence of e-cigarette-related respiratory symptoms. Random-effects models were utilized in conducting the meta-analyses. The quality of identified studies was evaluated using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO(#CRD42020165973).

Results:
The …


Sex And Race Differences In Obesity-Related Genetic Susceptibility And Risk Of Cardiometabolic Disease In Older Us Adults, Hairui Yu, Nicole Armstrong, Greg Pavela Dec 2023

Sex And Race Differences In Obesity-Related Genetic Susceptibility And Risk Of Cardiometabolic Disease In Older Us Adults, Hairui Yu, Nicole Armstrong, Greg Pavela

APC Fund

Importance The fat mass and obesity–associated gene (FTO) is associated with obesity phenotypes, but the association is inconsistent across populations. Within-population differences may explain some of the variability observed.

Objective To investigate sex differences in the association between FTO single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and obesity traits among self-identified non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White US adults, to examine whether the SNVs were associated with cardiometabolic diseases, and to evaluate whether obesity mediated the association between FTO SNVs and cardiometabolic diseases.

Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) …


Championing Awareness Of The Opioid Epidemic Through A Service-Learning Module For Non-Stem Biology Majors, Ryleigh Fleming, Sarah J. Adkins, Marco Esteban, Cinnamin Cross, Amy Hutson Chatham, Samiksha A. Raut Dec 2023

Championing Awareness Of The Opioid Epidemic Through A Service-Learning Module For Non-Stem Biology Majors, Ryleigh Fleming, Sarah J. Adkins, Marco Esteban, Cinnamin Cross, Amy Hutson Chatham, Samiksha A. Raut

APC Fund

Over 50,000 people die annually from opioid overdoses in the United States leading to what has become known as the “opioid epidemic.” This is of heightened concern in states like Alabama that experience higher rates of overall drug use and overdose deaths. Thus, it is increasingly important for college students in Alabama to learn about how the opioid epidemic is affecting their communities. Previous studies have demonstrated that engaging non-majors in innovative active-learning oriented pedagogies like service-learning can enhance their understanding and awareness about contemporary societal issues. Despite its pedagogical potential, the impact of opioid-related service-learning, particularly for non-majors, continues …


Altered Response To Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation In Fibromyalgia: A Low-Dose, Human Experimental Endotoxemia Pilot Study, Chloe Jones, Luke Parkitny, Larissa Strath, Brant M. Wagener, Andrew Barker, Jarred Younger Nov 2023

Altered Response To Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation In Fibromyalgia: A Low-Dose, Human Experimental Endotoxemia Pilot Study, Chloe Jones, Luke Parkitny, Larissa Strath, Brant M. Wagener, Andrew Barker, Jarred Younger

APC Fund

In this pilot study, a human intravenous injection of low-dose endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) model was used to test if fibromyalgia is associated with altered immune responses to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. Eight women with moderately-severe fibromyalgia and eight healthy women were administered LPS at 0.1 ng/kg in session one and 0.4 ng/kg in session two. Blood draws were collected hourly to characterize the immune response. The primary analytes of interest, leptin and fractalkine, were assayed via commercial radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, respectively. Exploratory analyses were performed on 20 secreted cytokine assays by multiplex cytokine panels, collected …


Factors Associated With Completeness In Documentation Of Diagnostic Work-Up And Treatment In Patients With Breast Cancer In Sudan, Noon I. Eltoum, Nicole E. Caston, Lily Gutnik, Mahmoud A. Alfardous Alazm, Feras O. Mohamed, Lama M. Abdalkarem, Saad A S Ali, Abrar Z. Badwani, Nicole L. Henderson, Andres Azuero, Gabrielle Rocque Nov 2023

Factors Associated With Completeness In Documentation Of Diagnostic Work-Up And Treatment In Patients With Breast Cancer In Sudan, Noon I. Eltoum, Nicole E. Caston, Lily Gutnik, Mahmoud A. Alfardous Alazm, Feras O. Mohamed, Lama M. Abdalkarem, Saad A S Ali, Abrar Z. Badwani, Nicole L. Henderson, Andres Azuero, Gabrielle Rocque

APC Fund

Purpose: This study evaluates the relationship between geography and ethnicity on the completeness of documentation of diagnostic work-up and treatment modalities in Sudan for patients with breast cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study used data abstracted from patients with breast cancer receiving cancer care at Sudan’s largest cancer centre (Radiation and Isotopes Center Khartoum) in 2017. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from paper medical records. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to evaluate complete diagnostic work-up on ethnic group, origin and residence using binomial logistic regression models.

Results: Of 237 patients, the median age was 52 (interquartile …


Hla-Dqb1*06 And Select Neighboring Hla Variants Predict Chlamydia Reinfection Risk, Kanupriya Gupta, Howard W. Wiener, Hemant K. Tiwari, William M. Geisler Oct 2023

Hla-Dqb1*06 And Select Neighboring Hla Variants Predict Chlamydia Reinfection Risk, Kanupriya Gupta, Howard W. Wiener, Hemant K. Tiwari, William M. Geisler

APC Fund

Associations of HLA class II alleles with genital chlamydial infection outcomes have been reported, especially HLA DQB1*06. However, the potential role of DQB1*06 in influencing reinfection risk has still not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the association of DQB1*06 with chlamydia reinfection was impacted by any other nearby HLA class II variants that were also associated with reinfection. We used next-generation sequencing to map HLA class II variants spanning the HLA-DQ and -DR loci. DQB1*06 as well as DQB1*04 were confirmed as significant predictors of chlamydia reinfection, when controlling for age and percent African …


Quality Matters: Nurse Staffing And Clinical Outcomes, Shea Polancich Phd, Rn, Faan, Tracey Dick Phd, Rn, Terry Poe Dnp, Rn, Rebecca Miltner Phd, Rn, Faan, Aoyjai Montgomery Phd, Bsn, Patricia Patrician Phd, Rn, Faan Oct 2023

Quality Matters: Nurse Staffing And Clinical Outcomes, Shea Polancich Phd, Rn, Faan, Tracey Dick Phd, Rn, Terry Poe Dnp, Rn, Rebecca Miltner Phd, Rn, Faan, Aoyjai Montgomery Phd, Bsn, Patricia Patrician Phd, Rn, Faan

School of Nursing Professional Posters

No abstract provided.


Learning Health Center Leadership Makes The Case For Quality In Reducing Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury, Shea Polanich Phd, Rn, Faan, Shannon Layton Dnp, Rn, Rebecca Miltner Phd, Rn, Faan Oct 2023

Learning Health Center Leadership Makes The Case For Quality In Reducing Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury, Shea Polanich Phd, Rn, Faan, Shannon Layton Dnp, Rn, Rebecca Miltner Phd, Rn, Faan

School of Nursing Professional Posters

No abstract provided.


Delayed Presentation Of Popliteal Artery Injury After Salter- Harris Iii Proximal Tibia Fracture, Alexandra H. Seidenstein, Timothy W. Torrez, Jacob A. Garcia, Shadi K. Awad, Henry Debell, Shawn R. Gilbert, Kevin A. Williams Oct 2023

Delayed Presentation Of Popliteal Artery Injury After Salter- Harris Iii Proximal Tibia Fracture, Alexandra H. Seidenstein, Timothy W. Torrez, Jacob A. Garcia, Shadi K. Awad, Henry Debell, Shawn R. Gilbert, Kevin A. Williams

APC Fund

Introduction. Proximal tibia physeal fractures in children are not very common but can be dangerous because they can harm popliteal fossa structures, especially the popliteal artery. Popliteal artery injuries (PAI) are most commonly the result of trauma to the lower extremity, including blunt force, hyperextension injuries, complex fractures, and knee dislocations that can compromise popliteal neurovascular structures. Case Presentation. A 14-year-old boy presents to the emergency department after being transferred from an outside hospital 24 hours after a left lower extremity hyperextension injury. Radiographs demonstrated a Salter-Harris III proximal tibia fracture with posterior displacement. ABIs were deferred due to palpable …


Antiviral Treatment Of Maternal And Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Cmv) Infections, Swetha Pinninti, Suresh Boppana Oct 2023

Antiviral Treatment Of Maternal And Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Cmv) Infections, Swetha Pinninti, Suresh Boppana

APC Fund

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous member of the Herpesviridae family, responsible for the most common congenital viral infection—congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection. While a majority of HCMV infections in children and adults are asymptomatic, HCMV is well known to cause severe infections in the immunocompromised individual and maternal infections with variable long-term sequelae after maternal–fetal transmission with primary or nonprimary infections. HCMV seroprevalence and cCMV incidence vary by geographic area and demographic characteristics like race and socioeconomic status. While cCMV birth prevalence ranges from 0.2% to 6% in different parts of the world, it is influenced by regional HCMV seroprevalence …


Pspa-Mediated Aggregation Protects Streptococcus Pneumoniae Against Desiccation On Fomites, Jessica R. Lane, Muralidhar Tata, Rahena Yasmin, Hansol Im, David E. Briles, Carlos J. Orihuela Sep 2023

Pspa-Mediated Aggregation Protects Streptococcus Pneumoniae Against Desiccation On Fomites, Jessica R. Lane, Muralidhar Tata, Rahena Yasmin, Hansol Im, David E. Briles, Carlos J. Orihuela

APC Fund

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) resides in the nasopharynx where it can disseminate to cause disease. One key Spn virulence factor is pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), which promotes survival by blocking the antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin. PspA has also been shown to mediate attachment to dying epithelial cells in the lower airway due to its binding of cell surface-bound mammalian (m)GAPDH. Importantly, the role of PspA during colonization is not well understood. Wildtype Spn was present in nasal lavage elutes collected from asymptomatically colonized mice at levels ∼10-fold higher that its isogenic PspA-deficient mutant (ΔpspA). Wildtype Spn also …


The Healers: Becoming A Medical Professional In The Modern Era, John A. Soldner Aug 2023

The Healers: Becoming A Medical Professional In The Modern Era, John A. Soldner

Book Collection

A practical guide for aspiring physicains, pharmacists, dentists, physician assistants, and registered nurses.


Implementation Of Rapid Postcode Debrief Tool To Reduce Postcode Stress In Micu Rns: A Quality Improvement Study, Julie Capuson, Elyse Falchek, Elizabeth Harper, Nicole Kotval Jul 2023

Implementation Of Rapid Postcode Debrief Tool To Reduce Postcode Stress In Micu Rns: A Quality Improvement Study, Julie Capuson, Elyse Falchek, Elizabeth Harper, Nicole Kotval

School of Nursing Student Presentation Posters

Faculty Chair: Dr. Patricia Speck and Dr. Tami Long
Clinical Mentor: Geri Anne Warman
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023


The Impact Of A Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Educational Video On Bowel Prep Outcomes, Tula Jefferson, Lauren Williams-Bryant Jul 2023

The Impact Of A Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Educational Video On Bowel Prep Outcomes, Tula Jefferson, Lauren Williams-Bryant

School of Nursing Student Presentation Posters

Faculty Chair: Dr. Tedra Smith
Clinical Mentor: Briana Golden
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023


Diabetic Training For Nurses Through An Evidence-Based Bundle, Shanteia Beavers Bsn, Rn, Alex Bristow Bsn, Rn, Amanda Houser Bsn, Rn Jul 2023

Diabetic Training For Nurses Through An Evidence-Based Bundle, Shanteia Beavers Bsn, Rn, Alex Bristow Bsn, Rn, Amanda Houser Bsn, Rn

School of Nursing Student Presentation Posters

Faculty Chair: Curry Bordelon
Clinical Mentor: Emily Guess
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023


Decreasing Fall Rates On Unit 75 Medical-Surgical Using Revised Fall Prevention Program, Sierra M. Foster, Brooke L. Johnson, Shelby F. King, Courtney R. Morris, Cassandra A. Wheeler Jul 2023

Decreasing Fall Rates On Unit 75 Medical-Surgical Using Revised Fall Prevention Program, Sierra M. Foster, Brooke L. Johnson, Shelby F. King, Courtney R. Morris, Cassandra A. Wheeler

School of Nursing Student Presentation Posters

Faculty Chair: Dr. Lisa Pair
Clinical Mentor: Sapheria Pollard
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023


The Impact Of Self-Care Education And A Meal Voucher Incentive Program On No-Show Rates At The University Alabama At Birmingham Heart Failure Transitional Services For Adults Clinic, Lauren Lipton, Sara Monson, Jihe Park, Mary Faith Trammell Jul 2023

The Impact Of Self-Care Education And A Meal Voucher Incentive Program On No-Show Rates At The University Alabama At Birmingham Heart Failure Transitional Services For Adults Clinic, Lauren Lipton, Sara Monson, Jihe Park, Mary Faith Trammell

School of Nursing Student Presentation Posters

Faculty Chair: Dr. Somali Nguyen
Clinical Mentor: Dr. Connie White-Williams
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023


A Focused Review Of Statistical Practices For Relating Radiation Dose-Volume Exposure And Toxicity, Andrew M. Mcdonald, Craig S. Schneider, John M. Stahl, Robert A. Oster, Richard A. Popple, Charles S. Mayo Mar 2023

A Focused Review Of Statistical Practices For Relating Radiation Dose-Volume Exposure And Toxicity, Andrew M. Mcdonald, Craig S. Schneider, John M. Stahl, Robert A. Oster, Richard A. Popple, Charles S. Mayo

APC Fund

Purpose Relating dose-volume histogram (DVH) information to patient outcomes is critical for outcomes research in radiation oncology, but this is statistically challenging. We performed this focused review of DVH toxicity studies to characterize current statistical approaches and determine the need for updated reporting recommendations. Methods and materials We performed a focused MEDLINE search to identify studies published in 5 radiation oncology specialty journals that associated dosimetry with toxicity outcomes in humans receiving radiotherapy between 2015 and 2021. Elements abstracted from each manuscript included the study outcome, organs-at-risk (OARs) considered, DVH parameters analyzed, summary of the analytic approach, use of multivariable …


Standing In The Gap: The Academic And Professional Divide Between Health Administration And Health Policy, Steven W. Howard, Michael A. Counte, Leah J. Vriesman, Harrison D. Brink Mar 2023

Standing In The Gap: The Academic And Professional Divide Between Health Administration And Health Policy, Steven W. Howard, Michael A. Counte, Leah J. Vriesman, Harrison D. Brink

APC Fund

There are diverse types of health care systems, policies and health care organizations existing in health care delivery arrangements across the world (1). Two distinct influential groups of professionals have emerged as a result. They are: 1. Macro-level, population-oriented heath policy planners and analysts (health policy professionals–HPP) and 2. More micro-level, institutionally-oriented managers and organizational leaders and executives (health management professionals–HMP). As the old idiom goes, “one can't see the forest for the trees.” Are HPP professionals at such “altitude” that they have a clear vision of the forest, but fail to understand how things are on the …


Circadian Regulation Of Dentate Gyrus Excitability Mediated By G-Protein Signaling, Jose Carlos Gonzalez, Haeun Lee, Angela M. Vincent, Angela L. Hill, Lacy K. Goode, Gwenalyn D. King, Karen L. Gamble, Jacques I. Wadiche, Linda Overstreet-Wadiche Feb 2023

Circadian Regulation Of Dentate Gyrus Excitability Mediated By G-Protein Signaling, Jose Carlos Gonzalez, Haeun Lee, Angela M. Vincent, Angela L. Hill, Lacy K. Goode, Gwenalyn D. King, Karen L. Gamble, Jacques I. Wadiche, Linda Overstreet-Wadiche

APC Fund

The central circadian regulator within the suprachiasmatic nucleus transmits time of day information by a diurnal spiking rhythm driven by molecular clock genes controlling membrane excitability. Most brain regions, including the hippocampus, harbor similar intrinsic circadian transcriptional machinery, but whether these molecular programs generate oscillations of membrane properties is unclear. Here, we show that intrinsic excitability of mouse dentate granule neurons exhibits a 24-h oscillation that controls spiking probability. Diurnal changes in excitability are mediated by antiphase G-protein regulation of potassium and sodium currents that reduce excitability during the Light phase. Disruption of the circadian transcriptional machinery by conditional …


Dact1, The “Super-Crosslinker”: Regulation Of Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling During Vertebrate Convergent Extension By Modulating Dishevelled Oligomerization, Allyson Angermeier Jan 2023

Dact1, The “Super-Crosslinker”: Regulation Of Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling During Vertebrate Convergent Extension By Modulating Dishevelled Oligomerization, Allyson Angermeier

All ETDs from UAB

A broad spectrum of human birth defects arise from the disruption of morphogenesis, the critical process through which tissues and organs acquire their proper shape. Convergent extension (CE) is a universal morphogenetic engine that promotes polarized extension of diverse tissues and organs by regulating directional cell behavior, such as oriented cell intercalation. In vertebrates, CE is regulated by non-canonical Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway, an ancient signaling pathway that was originally discovered to coordinate the cellular polarity in the plane of the epithelium. Non-canonical Wnt/PCP signaling shares the Frizzled (Fz) receptor and cytoplasmic signal transducer Dishevelled (Dvl) with the canonical …


Challenges And Opportunities In Glioblastoma And Immunovirotherapy With Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, Dagoberto Estevez-Ordonez Jan 2023

Challenges And Opportunities In Glioblastoma And Immunovirotherapy With Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, Dagoberto Estevez-Ordonez

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation covers data from published and pre-published studies exploring challenges and opportunities in the treatment of malignant glioma with emphasis in glioblastoma and oncolytic immunovirotherapy with an oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) designed to induce expression of IL-12, M002 (murine IL-12) and M032 (human IL-12).It starts with the report of a study that uncovered important racial and socioeconomic disparities experienced by patients with glioblastoma treated in Alabama. Notable results also include the unexpected finding of increased survival in African American patients with glioblastoma even after controlling for factors associated with survival and socioeconomic disparities. The implications of …


Comparison Of Radiological Signs To Clinical Symptoms In Children With Jia. A Pilot Study, Shubham Sharma Jan 2023

Comparison Of Radiological Signs To Clinical Symptoms In Children With Jia. A Pilot Study, Shubham Sharma

All ETDs from UAB

JIA, which stands for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is a group of chronic inflammatory joint diseases that usually occur in children under the age of 16 and last for at least six weeks1–5. It is one of the most common chronic joint diseases in childhood1 and affects up to 150 out of every 100,000 children worldwide6. This condition has no identifiable cause and is different from adult rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, JIA can have a significant negative impact on the lives of these young children, causing disability and impairing their daily activities. TMJ involvement is more common than previously believed in JIA …


The Effect Of Weather Events On Dengue Fever In Brazil 2014-2022, Maryclare Gabel Jan 2023

The Effect Of Weather Events On Dengue Fever In Brazil 2014-2022, Maryclare Gabel

All ETDs from UAB

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. Half the world's population lives in a dengue fever risk zone. There are an estimated 100 million symptomatic dengue fever cases each year, with 40,000 deaths reported. Brazil reports the highest annual dengue fever cases in Latin America. In 2022, Brazil recorded 2.36 million dengue fever cases, the highest number of cases ever recorded in the country. We designed a retrospective ecological study to evaluate the temporal trends and the association between weather events and dengue fever incidence …


Unintended Pregnancy, Postpartum Contraception, And Healthcare Utilization Among Young Married Women Affected By Hiv In Kenya, Liza M. Kimbo Jan 2023

Unintended Pregnancy, Postpartum Contraception, And Healthcare Utilization Among Young Married Women Affected By Hiv In Kenya, Liza M. Kimbo

All ETDs from UAB

Women with an unintended pregnancy are at risk of a repeat unintended pregnancy. Although use of postpartum contraception is an effective way to prevent repeat unintended pregnancies, the majority of unintended pregnancies globally occur in women who are not using contraception. Unintended pregnancies can have negative health and social consequences for both women and their children. This study aimed to better understand the use of postpartum contraceptives and healthcare services by married women with unintended versus intended pregnancy in south-western Kenya, with a special focus on young women. The study followed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. In the first …


Perceptions Of Comfort And Vison In Center Distance Multifocal Contact Lenses In Non-Presbyopic Adults, D'Ajanee Smallwood Jan 2023

Perceptions Of Comfort And Vison In Center Distance Multifocal Contact Lenses In Non-Presbyopic Adults, D'Ajanee Smallwood

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the subjective performance of four different multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) amongst a population of adults excluding presbyopes. Methods: Forty-three subjects were fit with up to four different lenses (Biofinity “D” MFCL, NaturalVue MFCL, MiSight 1 Day contact lens, & Intelliwave MFCL). Information about vision and comfort were gathered using subjective assessments. Pupil size data were gathered as secondary outcome measurements. Results: There were no significant differences in ghosting, haloes, and visual clarity between larger and smaller pupils. All MFCLs had reduced overall visual clarity compared to habitual correction except for Biofinity. …


The Influence Of Proximity On Patient Outcomes For Differently Structured Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Wendy Michelle Smith Jan 2023

The Influence Of Proximity On Patient Outcomes For Differently Structured Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Wendy Michelle Smith

All ETDs from UAB

THE INFLUENCE OF PROXIMITY ON PATIENT OUTCOMES FOR DIFFERENTLY STRUCTURED AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERSWENDY SMITH HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ABSTRACT This study examines the complication rates and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for total hip and knee replacement surgeries conducted in one of two differently structured ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) with varying interprofessional surgical teams. There is an ongoing shift from in-hospital total joint replacement surgeries to ASCs. Additionally, there is specialization occurring within ASCs. In this study, we compare single specialty ASCs designed to perform solely TJR surgeries with one orthopedic group and interprofessional team, with multi-specialty ASCs that perform an array …


Neuropeptide Y Overexpression In The Presence Of P23h Rhodopsin Mutation, Jean Sun Jan 2023

Neuropeptide Y Overexpression In The Presence Of P23h Rhodopsin Mutation, Jean Sun

All ETDs from UAB

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36-amino acid peptide, has been found to be the most abundant neuropeptide in the central nervous system, and it is widespread across mammalian species. NPY plays a dual role as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the nervous system. NPY functions as a multifaceted neuromodulator through binding NPY receptors (NPYRs). NYP interacts with NPYRs and regulates various activities, such as cell growth, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, mitochondrial behaviors, food intake, anxiety, and addiction formation. In terms of NPY’s neuroprotective potential, NPY inhibits neuronal death signaling, thus preventing apoptosis, and displays anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Additionally, it influences metabolism by …