Diseases Commons^™

The Obesity Epidemic, Lenka Kollar, Evienne Epifano, Molly Mckneight, Jeff Miskovich, Heather Moore

Student Papers in Public Policy

The incidence of chronic, noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, is increasing at an alarming rate on the global scale. The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity have led to an upsurge in cases of diabetes and other obesity-related diseases. About 18 million people die every year from heart disease, of which diabetes and obesity are major predisposing factors. Worldwide, more than 1.1 billion adults are overweight, 312 million of which are obese. The number of children that are overweight or obese is also growing (Hossain, Parvez et al.). Obesity, and the associated diseases, has become a worldwide epidemic ...

H1n1 In Retrospect: A Review Of Risk Factors And Policy Recommendations, Mark Mousseau

The International Indigenous Policy Journal

The H1N1 pandemic of 2009 devastated Indigenous communities worldwide. In order to explain infection patterns and prevent repeating history in future pandemics, associations with infection were investigated. This revealed that the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to infection was associated with poor performance on measurements of social determinants of health. Several policy recommendations pertaining to non-pharmaceutical interventions, prioritization of scarce health care resources, and pandemic planning are made to improve this situation. The best approach would be to empower Indigenous communities to take control over and improve local conditions. Success of such strategies in the battle against other Indigenous health issues ...

Trends In The Medical Management Of Patients With Heart Failure, Samuel W. Joffe, Matthew Dewolf, Jeffrey Shih, David D. Mcmanus, Frederick A. Spencer, Darleen M. Lessard, Joel M. Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

University of Massachusetts Medical School Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of effective therapies, heart failure (HF) remains a highly prevalent disease and the leading cause of hospitalizations in the U.S. Few data are available, however, describing changing trends in the use of various cardiac medications to treat patients with HF and factors associated with treatment. The objectives of this population-based study were to examine decade-long trends (1995 - 2004) in the use of several cardiac medications in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and factors associated with evidence-based treatment.

METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 9,748 residents of the Worcester, MA, metropolitan ...

Quantitative Assessment Of Quality Of Life In New Zealand Prostate Cancer Survivors: The Effect Of Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Justin Keogh, C U. Krägeloh, D Shepherd, C Ryan, S Osborne, J Masters, R D. Macleod

Health Sciences & Medicine papers

Men with prostate cancer experience many challenges to their quality of life (QOL). While some of these challenges reflect the direct effects of the cancer, additional side-effects and symptoms are also associated with common treatments especially androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). While several studies have examined the effects of ADT on the QOL of men with prostate cancer, much of this research is between 10-20 years old and was conducted in North America or Europe. This study therefore examined the effects of ADT on QOL in prostate cancer patients (survivors) in the Southern hemisphere. The registries of two New Zealand based ...

Diseases At The Livestock–Wildlife Interface: Status, Challenges, And Opportunities In The United States, Ryan S. Miller, Mathew L. Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Malmberg

Other Publications in Zoonotics and Wildlife Disease

In the last half century, significant attention has been given to animal diseases; however, our understanding of disease processes and how to manage them at the livestock–wildlife interface remains limited. In this study, we conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature to evaluate the status of diseases at the livestock–wildlife interface in the United States. Specifically, the goals of the literature review were three fold: first to evaluate domestic animal diseases currently found in the United States where wildlife may play a role; second to identify critical issues faced in managing these diseases at the livestock–wildlife ...

Mycobacterium Bovis (Bovine Tuberculosis) Infection In North American Wildlife: Current Status And Opportunities For Mitigation Of Risks Of Further Infection In Wildlife Populations, Ryan S. Miller, Steven J. Sweeney

Other Publications in Zoonotics and Wildlife Disease

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, has been identified in nine geographically distinct wildlife populations in North America and Hawaii and is endemic in at least three populations, including members of the Bovidae, Cervidae, and Suidae families. The emergence of M. bovis in North American wildlife poses a serious and growing risk for livestock and human health and for the recreational hunting industry. Experience in many countries, including the USA and Canada, has shown that while M. bovis can be controlled when restricted to livestock species, it is almost impossible to eradicate once it has spread ...

Evaluating The Utility Of Clinical Criteria For The Identification Of Lynch Syndrome Among Endometrial Cancer Patients, Amanda S. Bruegl

UT GSBS Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Background: Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a familial cancer syndrome with a high prevalence of colorectal and endometrial carcinomas among affected family members. Clinical criteria, developed from information obtained from familial colorectal cancer registries, have been generated to identify individuals at elevated risk for having LS. In 2007, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) codified criteria to assist in identifying women presenting with gynecologic cancers at elevated risk for having LS. These criteria have not been validated in a population-based setting.

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 412, unselected endometrial cancer cases. Clinical and pathologic information were obtained from the electronic ...

Assessment Of Introduction Pathway For Novel Avian Influenza Virus Into North America By Wild Birds From Eurasia, Ryan S. Miller, Steven J. Sweeney, Judy E. Akkina, Emi K. Saito

Other Publications in Zoonotics and Wildlife Disease

A critical question surrounding emergence of novel strains of avian influenza viruses (AIV) is the ability for wild migratory birds to translocate a complete (unreassorted whole genome) AIV intercontinentally. Virus translocation via migratory birds is suspected in outbreaks of highly pathogenic strain A(H5N1) in Asia, Africa, and Europe. As a result, the potential intercontinental translocation of newly emerging AIV (e.g. A(H7N9) from Eurasia to North America via migratory movements of birds) remains a concern. An estimated 1.48 to 2.91 million aquatic birds, principally Anseriformes (ducks, geese, and swans) and Charadriiformes (gulls, terns, and shorebirds) move ...

Do User Fees Increase Tuberculosis Notifications?, Chioma Y. Chukwumah

Honors Projects

Public health sectors around the world strive to provide accessible and affordable care. Tight government budgets and growing populations lead countries to consider adding or raising charges to health care consumers. These user fees may affect the quality, equity and revenue of health care. This paper investigates the impact of user fees on notifications of tuberculosis. In the panel data composed of 176 countries from 1960 to 2012, I find no evidence that suggests user fees increase tuberculosis. In contrast, I find strong and robust evidence suggesting user fees are associated with fewer new cases of tuberculosis.

Awareness, Treatment And Control Of Hypertension In Kenya, Jacob Kariuki, Eileen M. Stuart-Shor, Samuel Kimani, James Muchira, Jessica Demita, Heather Milton, Mercy Kamau, Vincent Mutuma, Darren Golden, Peris Kariuki

Office of Community Partnerships Posters

The emerging epidemic of hypertension (HTN) in sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to worsen. Uncontrolled HTN is associated with CVD, high morbidity and premature mortality; hence early detection, treatment and control of HTN is critical to reduction of the associated sequelae. The study was guided by the Social Ecological Model and principles of Community Based Participatory Research.

Global Risk Assessment Of Cardiovascular Disease In Resource Constrained Settings, Jacob Kariuki, Eileen M. Stuart-Shor, Libin Zhang, Annya Volkova, Jaime Halliday, Shannon Sayer, Jessica Demita, Darren Golden, James Muchira, Samuel Kimani, Faith Maina

Office of Community Partnerships Posters

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an emerging problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many current guidelines recommend using global risk assessment (GRA) to quantify the risk for developing CVD and to guide treatment and policy. Most GRA tools require lipid measures which are not readily available in resource-constrained settings. Of the 3 most published non-laboratory based tools: Gaziano and Framingham substitute BMI for cholesterol; WHO does not include BMI or cholesterol.

Mccormack, Joseph Nathaniel, 1847-1922 (Sc 1005), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

MSS Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 1005. Letter addressed to “Dear Doctor”, sent by secretary Joseph Nathaniel McCormack of the Kentucky State Board of Health, Bowling Green, Kentucky, extolling the merit of the Rosenow-Mayo vaccine for the prevention of influenza and pneumonia. Dr. Lillian South is noted as the one in charge of the vaccine distribution.

Micronutrient Supplementation In Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Examining Predictors And Outcomes Of Supplement Adherence, Kaila A. Stephens '13

Senior Theses

Objective: To summarize rates of supplement adherence in youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to identify predictors and outcomes of supplement adherence.

Methods: 49 adolescents (ages 11-18) participated. Youth completed six monthly assessments of adherence and supplement knowledge. Youth and parents completed questionnaires. Medical record reviews provided medical and laboratory data.

Results: Mean supplement adherence rates ranged from 32% to 44%. Predictors of supplement adherence included higher knowledge (for multivitamin, iron, and calcium adherence) higher family involvement (for iron and calcium adherence), and greater inflammation (via a hematological index) for multivitamin adherence. Few relationships between supplement adherence and inflammation ...

What Are The Risks Of Oral Contraceptives In Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors?, Kaitlin M. Love, Michelle D. Miller, Kenisha Pemberton, José E. Rodríguez Md

Family Medicine and Rural Health Faculty Publications

Women who smoke, have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or factor V Leiden deficiency and take oral contraception (OC) are at increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Third-generation OCs and low-dose OCs are not associated with increased MI risk in women with or without other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (SOR B, systematic review of cohort studies). OCs are contraindicated in women with preexisting congestive heart failure or CV disease, but may be used in otherwise healthy women with diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia (SOR C, evidence-based guidelines derived from consensus and expert opinion).

Should Coenzyme Q10 Be Used To Lower Blood Pressure In Asymptomatic Patients?, Daniella Barker, José E. Rodríguez Md

Family Medicine and Rural Health Faculty Publications

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with primary hypertension, but is not recommended as an antihypertensive treatment (SOR: C, systematic review of low-quality RCTs using disease-oriented outcomes).

Is Uterine Artery Embolization (Uae) Safe And Effective For Treatment Of Uterine Fibroids?, Laura Davis, Bridgette Provost, José E. Rodríguez Md

Family Medicine and Rural Health Faculty Publications

Compared with hysterectomy or myomectomy, UAE for treating fibroids results in similar patient satisfaction. UAE is associated with fewer blood transfusions, shorter hospital stays, and quicker resumption of normal activities than surgical treatment. However, patients undergoing UAE are more likely to require further intervention at 2 and 5 years and are more likely to have minor complications than patients treated surgically (SOR: A, systematic review of RCTs).

Multi-Modal Approach For Investigating Brain And Behavior Changes In An Animal Model Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Meghan E. Heffernan, Wei Huang, Kenneth M. Sicard, Bernt T. Bratane, Nanyin Zhang, Marc Fisher, Jean A. King, Elif M. Sikoglu

Psychiatry Publications and Presentations

Utilization of novel approaches in imaging modalities are needed for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of persons suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study explored the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in conjunction with behavioral measures to target dynamic changes in specific neural circuitries in an animal model of traumatic brain injury. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of two groups (traumatic brain injury / sham operation). TBI rats were subjected to the closed head injury (CHI) model. Any observable motor deficits and cognitive deficits associated with the injury were measured using Beam Walk and Morris ...

Expression Of Itgb8 In Epicardial Adipose Tissue Is Highly And Directly Correlated With The Severity Of Coronary Atherosclerosis, Nancy Lee, Sarah M. Nicoloro, Juerg R. Straubhaar, Melinda Darrigo, Stanley Tam, Michael P. Czech, Timothy P. Fitzgibbons

Senior Scholars Program

Background: In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been shown to express increased levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, TNFα) and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective adipokines. However, it is not known whether or not inflammation in EAT is a primary cause or a secondary response to atherosclerosis. In order to better understand this pathophysiology, we tested the hypothesis that expression of certain genes in EAT would correlate with the degree of coronary atherosclerosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in gene expression in epicardial ...

Improved Survival After Heart Failure: A Community-Based Perspective, Kristy T. Webster, Samuel W. Joffe, David D. Mcmanus, Michael S. Kiernan, Darleen M. Lessard, Jorge L. Yarzebski, Chad E. Darling, Joel M. Gore, Robert J. Goldberg

Senior Scholars Program

Background: Heart failure is a highly prevalent, morbid, and costly disease with a poor long-term prognosis. Evidence-based therapies utilized over the past 2 decades hold the promise of improved outcomes, yet few contemporary studies have examined survival trends in patients with acute heart failure.

Objectives: The primary objective of this population-based study was to describe trends in short and long-term survival in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). A secondary objective was to examine patient characteristics associated with decreased long-term survival.

Methods and Results: We reviewed the medical records of 9,748 patients hospitalized with ADHF at all ...

Sp728: Hpv - What Teens Should Know, Barbara Bobbi Clarke, Laura L. Jones

Family

No abstract provided.