Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluation Of The Informed Consent Process For Male Circumcision Scale-Up In Swaziland, Barbara Friedland, Louis Apicella, Katie D. Schenk, Meredith Sheehy, Paul C. Hewett

HIV and AIDS

This report evaluates the informed consent process for male circumcision conducted through the Male Circumcision Partnership for Swaziland, led by Population Services International, in partnership with Jhpiego, Marie Stopes International, and the Population Council. The study assesses participants' comprehension of the circumcision process, the informed consent process, as well as the affect of male circumcision counseling on their experience.

Genetics Of Sputum Gene Expression In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Weiliang Qiu, Michael H. Cho, John H. Riley, Wayne H. Anderson, Dave Singh, Per Bakke, Amund Gulsvik, Augusto A. Litonjua, David A. Lomas, James D. Crapo, Terri H. Beaty, Bartolome R. Celli, Stephen I. Rennard, Ruth Tal-Singer, Steven M. Fox, Edwin K. Silverman, Craig P. Hersh, Eclipse Investigators

Journal Articles: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med

Previous expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies have performed genetic association studies for gene expression, but most of these studies examined lymphoblastoid cell lines from non-diseased individuals. We examined the genetics of gene expression in a relevant disease tissue from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to identify functional effects of known susceptibility genes and to find novel disease genes. By combining gene expression profiling on induced sputum samples from 131 COPD cases from the ECLIPSE Study with genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, we found 4315 significant cis-eQTL SNP-probe set associations (3309 unique SNPs). The 3309 SNPs were tested …

Gender Perceptions In Rheumatic Disease: A Secondary Analysis, Jean Heise

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Problem: Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States. A chronic disease with a variable course leaves affected individuals in a state of uncertainty. Many individuals experience joint and muscle pain, a major symptom of the disease. Current literature provides varying information of gender perceptions and management of joint and muscle pain in rheumatic diseases. Purpose: The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore (1) gender perception of seriousness of joint and muscle pain in rheumatoid arthritis, (2) gender perception of joint and muscle pain interference with daily life, (3) gender perception of controllability of joint …

Constructing A Critical Path For Product Development, Commercialization, And Access, Martha Brady

HIV and AIDS

This brief discusses the Council's health technologies development and the product development path from conceptualization to market. It defines the steps in the Critical Path Framework, and examines activities at the preclinical and clinical stage.

Hiv Integrated Biological And Behavioural Surveillance Survey (Ibbss) 2010, Federal Ministry Of Health

HIV and AIDS

This report by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health highlights the findings of an integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey (IBBSS) in Nigeria among groups whose behaviors or occupations often place them at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The main objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge and beliefs of high-risk groups about STI and HIV, determine the prevalence of HIV infection among these groups, and obtain data that will permit identification of trends over time. Since the 2007 IBBSS survey report, a considerable number of interventions have commenced among the study groups.

The Impact Of Infectious Disease On Chronic Disease: A Review Of Contemporary Findings, Wendy Bjerke

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Infectious diseases are among the top causes of death in adults and children. Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer are among the top causes of death in adults. Associations between bacterial and viral infectious agents and subsequent development of chronic disease have been made in the past but are currently being reexamined with more rigor and specificity. This review examines infectious disease agent causes and associations with cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and neurodegenerative disease. These associations will impact future research, surveillance, treatment, and prevention of both infectious and chronic diseases.

Inhibition Of Multi-Drug Resistant Hiv-1 Reverse Transcriptase By Nucleoside Beta-Triphosphates, Chandravanu Dash, Yousef Ahmadibeni, Michael J. Hanley, Jui Pandhare, Mathias Gotte, Stuart F. J. Le Grice, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Despite the success of potent reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in combination regimens, the development of drug resistant RTs constitutes a major hurdle for the long-term efficacy of current antiretroviral therapy. Nucleoside β-triphosphate analogs of adenosine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 3′-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (FLT), and 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (d4T)) were synthesized and their inhibitory activities were evaluated against wild-type and multidrug resistant HIV-1 RTs. Adenosine β-triphosphate (1) and AZT β-triphosphate (2) completely inhibited the DNA polymerase activity of wild type, the NRTI multi resistant, and nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTI) resistant HIV-1 RT at 10 …

"Knowing Myself First": Feasibility Of Self-Testing Among Health Workers In Kenya, Sam Kalibala, Waimar Tun, William Muraah, Peter Cherutich, Erick Oweya, Patricia Oluoch

HIV and AIDS

Report of a study exploring the feasibility and acceptability of free HIV home self-testing among health workers in Kenya, within the range of other HIV testing options available.

No Significant Change In Sexual Behavior In Association With Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination In Young Girls, Wafa R.R. Al Romaih, Archana Srinivas, Said Shahtahmasebi, Hatim A. Omar

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The first human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine was approved in the United States in 2006 with the potential to reduce cervical cancer and genital warts. Since then, its efficacy in preventing HPV-related cancers in both males and females has been promising. Despite CDC recommendations, opponents of the vaccine assert that vaccinating pre-adolescents and adolescents will increase their sexual activity, as well as overtly condone risky sexual behavior. We analyzed clinic data of 499 adolescents with a mean age of 16 years to explore whether vaccination led to change in sexual behavior after one year. Our results showed no statistically significant …

Β-Lactams Interfering With Pbp1 Induce Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Expression By Triggering Sara And Rot Global Regulators Of Staphylococcus Aureus, Oana Dumitrescu, Priya Choudhury, Sandrine Boisset, Cedric Badiou, Michele Bes, Yvonne Benito, Christiane Wolz, Francois Vandenesch, Jerome Etienne, Ambrose L. Cheung

Dartmouth Scholarship

Previous articles reported that beta-lactam antibiotics increase the expression of Staphylococcus aureus Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) by activating its transcription. We investigated the mechanisms underlying the inductor effect of beta-lactams on PVL expression by determining targets and regulatory pathways possibly implicated in this process. We measured PVL production in the presence of oxacillin (nonselective), imipenem (penicillin-binding protein 1 [PBP1] selective), cefotaxime (PBP2 s

Evaluation Of The Informed Consent Process For Male Circumcision Scale-Up In Zambia, Barbara Friedland, Louis Apicella, Katie D. Schenk, Meredith Sheehy, Paul C. Hewett

HIV and AIDS

This report evaluates the informed consent process for male circumcision conducted through the Male Circumcision Partnership for Zambia, led by Population Services International (Society for Family Health, Zambia), in partnership with Jhpiego, Marie Stopes International, and the Population Council. The objectives of the study were to assess male circumcision clients' comprehension of the informed consent process, examine social norms and practices regarding informed consent for adolescents, compare clients' expectations and experiences, and make additional recommendations for improving the informed consent process.

Efficacy And Safety Of Quinine Loading Dose In Patients With Severe Falciparum Malaria At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan, M. Tariq, Taimur Saleem, Hamid Ullah, Vikram Mehraj, Abdul Jawwad Samdani, Syeda Hena Kazmi, Syed Imran Ayaz, Mehmood Riaz, Muhammad Junaid Patel, Mohammed Asim Beg

Section of Internal Medicine

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of a loading dose regimen of quinine with a uniform dose regimen in patients with severe falciparum malaria.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 315 patients admitted with severe falciparum malaria and treated with quinine at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Karachi, Pakistan during 1999-2006 was conducted. Group A with 103 patients (32.7%) was given an initial loading dose of quinine while group B with 212 patients (67.3%) did not receive the loading dose. The two groups were compared in terms of reduction of parasite load, resolution of fever, recovery of consciousness and …

Addressing The Burden Of Uncorrected Refractive Error In Mozambique, Stephen Thompson, James Loughman, Prasidh Ramson, Luigi Bilotti, Geoff Harris, Kovin Naidoo

Conference Papers

A situational analysis indicates a lack of eye health personnel who can and do refract. The logical course of action would be to train more eye health personnel. A conservative estimated annual burden of URE in lost productivity in Mozambique is $14,486,692. To achieve the V2020 target ratio, an extra 184 workers are needed in six provinces analysed.The analysis assumes the existing personnel are well trained and dedicate time to offering a refraction service. It also assumes that the patient receives the care they require. Other aspects of the situational analysis suggest this is currently not always the case. A …

Horse Alert Wa, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

All other publications

Increasing awareness of emergency horse diseases, their management in Western Australia and practical strategies to minimise the risk of spreading disease. Horse Alert WA has been developed to help participants in the racing, sporting and recreational sectors of the horse industry in Western Australia to prepare for, recognise and respond effectively to an emergency disease that affects horses, such as the equine influenza outbreak in Australia in 2007. This manual provides biosecurity information to minimise the risks of a horse disease establishing and spreading in Western Australia, and guidance on the actions to take if an emergency disease occurs. Some …

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Screening And Detection In Normal, Healthy Patient Saliva Samples: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Study, Deirdre O. Turner, Shelley J. Williams-Cocks, Ryan Bullen, Jeremy Catmull, Jesse Falk, Daniel Martin, Jerom Mauer, Annabel E. Barber, Robert C. Wang, Shawn Gerstenberger, Karl Kingsley

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Background: The human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a large family of non-enveloped DNA viruses, mainly associated with cervical cancers. Recent epidemiologic evidence has suggested that HPV may be an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers. Evidence now suggests HPV may modulate the malignancy process in some tobacco- and alcohol-induced oropharynx tumors, but might also be the primary oncogenic factor for inducing carcinogenesis among some non-smokers. More evidence, however, is needed regarding oral HPV prevalence among healthy adults to estimate risk. The goal of this study was to perform an HPV screening of normal healthy adults to assess oral HPV prevalence.

Methods: …

Infection Of Neuronal Cells By Chlamydia Pneumoniae And Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Alters Expression Of Genes Associated With Alzheimer’S Disease, Morgan M. Devins, Fiora D. Zoga, Brian J. Balin, Denah M. Appelt, Susan T. Hingley

Scholarly Posters

Several studies have suggested an infectious etiology for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have been investigating a potential role for both Chlamydia pneumoniae and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) in the initiation of sporadic late-onset AD. Our current study focuses on investigation of gene expression using Alzheimer-specific Real-Time PCR microarrays on RNA derived from SKNMC human neuronal cells infected with C. pneumoniae and/or HSV1. There are distinct differences in the patterns of gene regulation by the two pathogens. For example, C. pneumoniae induces expression of genes involved in amyloid production and processing, such as β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-site APP-cleaving …

Analysis Of Chlamydia Pneumoniae And Ad-Like Pathology In The Brains Of Balb/C Mice Following Direct Intra-Cranial Infection, Jessica Rachel Barton, Christine J. Hammond, Amy L. Brady, Denah M. Appelt, Brian J. Balin, Christopher Scott Little

Scholarly Posters

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. The pathology in the central nervous system (CNS) impairs memory and cognition, hindering the capabilities and the quality of life of the individual. This project continues studying the role of infection and Alzheimer’s disease, as previous studies in this laboratory have done, and contributes to the overall understanding of the possible causes of this disease. In this study, BALB/c mice were infected, via direct intracranial injection, with a respiratory isolate (AR-39) of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Their brains were analyzed at 7 and 14 days post-infection, …

Analysis Of Chlamydia Pneumoniae-Infected Monocytes Following Incubation With A Novel Peptide, Acaly18, Implicates The Inflammasome In Clearance Of Infection, Brian J. Balin, James D. Thacker, Charles Lim, Corey M. Caruthers, Susan T. Hingley, Juliana Zoga, Denah M. Appelt

Scholarly Posters

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection may be a trigger for the pathology observed in sporadic lateonset Alzheimer’s disease as a function of initiating neuroinflammation following entry of the organism into the brain. We have hypothesized that one entry mechanism may be by bloodborne infected monocytes trafficking the infection into the brain. This study focuses on infection of monocytes in vitro followed by analysis using immunofluorescence labeling and RT-PCR-microarray techniques. The microarrays utilized consisted of an Alzheimer’s disease pathway array and an innate and adaptive immunity array from SAbiosciences. Analysis by real time PCR for both gene arrays was performed on uninfected and …

Gestational Diabetes Clinic For Indigent Latinos, Sara Wilson Reece

Scholarly Posters

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), “carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with onset or fist recognition during pregnancy,” results from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency usually in second trimester.¹ • Gestational diabetes (GDM) impacts between 4% and 9% of all pregnancies. • Gestational diabetes (GDM) results in increased fetal complications of macrosomia, shoulder dystocia and neonatal hyperglycemia as well as maternal risks of preeclampsia and polyhydramnois. • Women who are Hispanic or Asian decent are at highest risk of developing GDM. • Diagnosis ² • Perform 75-gramoral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24 – 28 weeks of gestation in women not …

Tca Cycle Inactivation In Staphylococcus Aureus Alters Nitric Oxide Production In Raw 264.7 Cells, Chandirasegaran Massilamany, Arunakumar Gangaplara, Donald J. Gardner, James M. Musser, David J. Steffen, Greg A. Somerville, Jay Reddy

Jay Reddy Publications

Inactivation of the Staphylococcus aureus tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle delays the resolution of cutaneous ulcers in a mouse soft tissue infection model. In this study, it was observed that cutaneous lesions in mice infected with wild-type or isogenic aconitase mutant S. aureus strains contained comparable inflammatory infiltrates, suggesting the delayed resolution was independent of the recruitment of immune cells. These observations led us to hypothesize that staphylococcal metabolism can modulate the host immune response. Using an in vitro model system involving RAW 264.7 cells, the authors observed that cells cultured with S. aureus aconitase mutant strains produced significantly lower amounts …

Does Tranexamic Acid Effectively And Safely Reduce Menstrual Blood Loss (Mbl) In Women With Menorrhagia Or Iud Induced Mbl?, Veronica W. Chang

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To determine if Tranexamic Acid effectively and safely reduce menstrual blood loss (MBL) in women with Menorrhagia or IUD induced MBL?

Is The Gallbladder Really Unnecessary? An Evaluation Of Gallstone Treatment, Danielle Weinberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is the introduction of this article: The red numbers on your alarm read two o’clock AM, but you’re wide awake. A dull ache below your ribs has tossed you from the blissful ignorance of sleep into the painful reality of another nocturnal attack. As the pale streaks of daylight appear, you grit your teeth in agony while the ambulance goes over yet another bump in its rush to get you to the emergency room. A blur of white coats, lab tests, and CT scans, and then you’re staring into the bright lights above the operating table as the …

The Role Of Ghrelin And Leptin In Obesity: Is Exogenous Administration Of These Hormones A Possible Drug Therapy?, Peri Eckstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Ghrelin and leptin are two hormones that have been recognized to have a major influence on energy balance. Leptin is a mediator of long term regulation of energy balance, suppressing food intake and thereby inducing weight loss. Ghrelin, on the other hand, is a fast acting hormone, playing a role in meal initiation. As a growing number of people suffer from obesity, understanding the mechanisms by which various hormones and neurotransmitters influence energy balance has been a subject of intense research. This paper provides background on leptin and ghrelin hormones, their role in food intake and body weight in humans, …

Effects Of Calcium Supplementation On Cardiovascular Disease In Postmenopausal Women, Raizel Robinson

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is an excerpt from the introduction of the article: In the United States, 53% of the population use dietary supplements. Of the people using supplements, 43% use calcium and 37% use vitamin D. However, 63% of women older than 60 years of age reported using dietary supplements (Park et al., 2009). Calcium supplementation, without co-administered vitamin D, increases the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascularrelated diseases among postmenopausal women. On the contrary, calcium supplementation with accompanied vitamin D may not produce similar effects.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Overview, Mayer Eckstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is an excerpt of the introduction of this article: There are many well-known disorders associated with the digestion process, the most common of which is gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD. There are six major factors that are the primary cause for GERD: impaired esophageal motility, defective mucosal defense, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction, reflux of gastric contents, delayed gastric emptying, and hiatal hernia (DeVault and Castell 1999). Impaired esophageal motility occurs when the esophagus has trouble moving the food down and normal peristalsis does not occur. Defective mucosal defense can cause irritation to the esophagus, …

Alteplase: The Clot Buster, Mayer Goldberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is an excerpt from the introduction of this article: The human body is defined by many complex and inconsistent characteristics. For example, the body forms blood clots in traumatic events, but blood clots are likewise associated with hazardous or fatal conditions. Platelets are small cells, derived from the precursor megakaryocytes, which are responsible for blood clotting to prevent bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel. Platelets fasten to each other and release a coagulation factor that solidifies around the ruptured area to prevent blood loss. A subordinate quantity of platelets can result in excessive bleeding. However, high platelet numbers …

One Student One Family And The Mozambique Eyecare Project, Stephen Thompson, Aoife Phelan, Tatiana Santana, Elizebete Catarino, Vivien Ocampo, Cesar Faria, James Loughman

Articles

Background - The Mozambique Eyecare Programme is funded by Irish Aid and designed to address the need for optometric education in Lusophone Africa. It is a multi-partner collaboration between Universidade Lúrio, Mozambique, Technological University Dublin, Ireland, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, and The International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE) an international Non Government Organisation. A key output from the programme is the development of an optometry school based at Universidade Lúrio, the first of its kind in Mozambique. The aim is to address unmet eye care needs through human resource development.

All students enrolled at Universidade Lúrio, including the optometry …

Current Review Of In Nivo Gbm Rodent Models: Emphasis On The Cns-1 Tumour Model, Valerie L. Jacobs, Pablo A. Valdes, William F. Hickey, Joyce A. De Leo

Dartmouth Scholarship

GBM (glioblastoma multiforme) is a highly aggressive brain tumour with very poor prognosis despite multi-modalities of treatment. Furthermore, recent failure of targeted therapy for these tumours highlights the need of appropriate rodent models for preclinical studies. In this review, we highlight the most commonly used rodent models (U251, U86, GL261, C6, 9L and CNS-1) with a focus on the pathological and genetic similarities to the human disease. We end with a comprehensive review of the CNS-1 rodent model.

United Airways Disease Among Florists, Muge Akpinar-Elci, Omur C. Elci, Aygul Odabasi

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Previously we observed an excess risk for occupational asthma among florists with rhinitis. To further evaluate the link between upper and lower airways, we investigated united airways disease in the same occupational group. Occupational history, symptoms and atopy were investigated among 128 florists. Age-, smoking-, and gender-adjusted risks were calculated using logistic regression models comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The prevalence of work-related rhinitis symptoms was 13.3%, conjunctivitis symptoms and asthma-like symptoms were 14.1%. We observed an excess risk of work-related asthma symptoms among florists with work-related conjunctivitis (OR: 8.5, 95% CI: 2.4-29.9) and rhinitis (OR: 13.1, 95% CI: 3.0- …

Mathematical Model To Assess The Relative Effectiveness Of Rift Valley Fever Countermeasures, Holly Gaff, Colleen Burgess, Jacqueline Jackson, Tianchan Niu, Yiannis Papelis, David Hartley

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Mathematical modeling of infectious diseases is increasingly used to explicate the mechanics of disease propagation, impact of controls, and sensitivity of countermeasures. The authors demonstrate use of a Rift Valley Fever (RVF) model to study efficacy of countermeasures to disease transmission parameters. RVF is a viral infectious disease that propagates through infected mosquitoes and primarily affects animals but also humans. Vaccines exist to protect against the disease but there is lack of data comparing efficacy of vaccination with alternative countermeasures such as managing mosquito population or destroying infected livestock. This paper presents a compartmentalized multispecies deterministic ordinary differential equation model …