Digital Commons Network^™

Pasteurella Multocida Bacteremia Secondary To Multiple Cat Scratches, Charles Boadu, Andrea Hernandez, Bassem Zeidan, John T. Young, Johnathan Frunzi

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2020

Pasteurella multocida(P. multocida)is part of the normal gastrointestinal and upper respiratory flora of domestic and wild animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, opossums, boars, tigers, lions and horses ^{(1, 2)}. Transmission of P. multocidais usually through scratches and bites leading to infections of the soft tissue and skin ^(3,4). P. multocida bacteremia is rare, but occurs in individuals with major risk factors including chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, end state renal disease (ESRD), and an immunocompromised state ^(3,4). Non traumatic infections of P. multocida in immunocompromised individuals,are more likely to require care in the intensive care unit …

Optimising Ventilator Use During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sadaf Sheikh, Muhammad Akbar Baig

Department of Emergency Medicine

Hypoxemia is the most common cause for hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most common complication in COVID-19 patients. Close monitoring of respiratory decompensation is essential. Supplemental oxygen, high flow nasal canula, non-invasive ventilation and endotracheal intubation are the most commonly suggested methods to improve oxygenation. Early intubation with pre-oxygenation, modified rapid sequence intubation and intubation using a video laryngoscope has been advised as a strategy including lung protective ventilation, prone position ventilation, adequate sedation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Strict personal precautions and challenges related to airway management has been …

Understanding Human Astrovirus From Pathogenesis To Treatment, Virginia Hargest

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

While human astroviruses (HAstV) were discovered nearly 45 years ago, these small positive-sense RNA viruses remain critically understudied. These studies provide fundamental new research on astrovirus pathogenesis and disruption of the gut epithelium by induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) following astrovirus infection. Here we characterize HAstV-induced EMT as an upregulation of SNAI1 and VIM with a down regulation of CDH1 and OCLN, loss of cell-cell junctions most notably at 18 hours post-infection (hpi), and loss of cellular polarity by 24 hpi. While active transforming growth factor- (TGF-) increases during HAstV infection, inhibition of TGF- signaling does not hinder EMT induction. …

Seroprevalence, Biochemical Investigation And Risk Factor Assessment For Hbv & Hcv Infection In Hospital Based Patients Of Islamabad, Pakistan, Narmeen Adnan Rana, Bushra Munir, Nazeer Hussain, Nazia Imtiaz, Muhammad Asif Gondal Dr., Fahed Parvaiz Dr.

Journal of Bioresource Management

Viral hepatitis poses a serious threat to mankind. Hepatitis B and C Virus are blood borne pathogens that affect millions of individually globally. This study was conducted on a hospital-based population in Islamabad, Pakistan over a period of 4 months, utilizing ELISA as the diagnostic technique which suggested a higher seroprevalence rate for both HBV and HCV i.e. 2.07% and 8.24% respectively. A correlational analysis of the biochemical parameters of these individuals with HBV and HCV infection was carried out and the results indicated a positive correlation of HBV with Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), HCV with Total Bilirubin (TBil) and both …

Improving Latent Tuberculosis Infection (Ltbi) Screening And Treatment In A School-Based Setting, Andrea Bell

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: San Diego County’s tuberculosis (TB) incidence rate is nearly double than the national rate. In 2019, there have been 5 cases of active TB in the county’s public high schools, which have demonstrated the need for prevention interventions in this setting.

Objectives: This evidence-based project is aimed to increase awareness, screening and treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) in the school setting.

Methods: A TB risk assessment form and consent was sent in the registration packets. A one-time TB educational presentation was given to high school freshman students with a pretest and posttest. For students at-risk, a confidential …

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program For Livestock Producers, Bradley Lubben

Extension Farm and Ranch Management News

United States Congress and the President have approved multiple phases of COVID-19 assistance to date including the $2.3 trillion CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act passed in March that provides financial support for agricultural producers as a small part of the overall relief.

While agricultural producers and agribusinesses are eligible for two programs administered through the Small Business Administration, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), the primary support for agriculture is coming from USDA through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The CARES Act provided $9.5 billion directly to the Secretary of …

Outcomes Of Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia With Liver Disease Or Cirrhosis., Bibodh Jung Karki, Sravan K. Ponnekanti, Vidyulata Salunkhe, Nishita Tripathi, Mahder A. Tella, Stephen P. Furmanek, Forest W. Arnold

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Introduction: Liver disease and cirrhosis are common causes of mortality worldwide. Community-acquired pneumonia is recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in this population of adults. There is a lack of data regarding outcomes or prognosis in patients with liver dysfunction who develop CAP. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, incidence, and outcomes of hospitalized patients with CAP and liver disease.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the University of Louisville Pneumonia Study, which was a prospective population-based cohort study of adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. All patients were divided into three …

Reduction Of Secondary Transmission Of Sars-Cov-2 In Households By Face Mask Use, Disinfection And Social Distancing: A Cohort Study In Beijing, China, Yu Wang, Huaiyu Tian, Li Zhang, Dandan Guo, Wenting Wu, Xingxing Zhang, Ge Lin Kan, Lei Jia, Da Huo, Beiwei Liu, Xiaoli Wang, Ying Sun, Quanyi Wang, Peng Yang, C. Raina Macintyre

Environmental & Global Health Faculty Research

Introduction Transmission of COVID-19 within families and close contacts accounts for the majority of epidemic growth. Community mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing are thought to be effective but there is little evidence to inform or support community members on COVID-19 risk reduction within families. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 335 people in 124 families and with at least one laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case was conducted from 28 February to 27 March 2020, in Beijing, China. The outcome of interest was secondary transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within the family. Characteristics and practices of …

Managing Acute Pain In Hiv+/Aids Patients: Knowledge And Practice Trends Among Emergency Physicians Of Major Tertiary Care Centers Of A Developing Country, Aliya Ahmed, Gauhar Afshan, Robyna Irshad Khan, Badar Afzal Khan, Seemin Jamali, Nighat Farooq, Sarosh Saleem, Rubaba Naeem, Uzma R. Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To assess knowledge and practice trends in managing acute pain in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+) or having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among emergency physicians of four tertiary care hospitals. Acute pain management in such patients is complex because of multiple concomitant painful conditions related to their disease. After obtaining ethical approval and written informed consent, emergency physicians were requested to fill out a questionnaire.
Results: Out of 84 physicians who participated, 49 had managed HIV+/AIDS patients during the preceding year. Out of the 49, 30 (61.2%) physicians stated that they used a combination of analgesics for …

Efficacy Of Convalescent Plasma And Short Course Of Corticosteroids In Patients With Covid-19, Srikanth Ramachandruni, Po-Yang Tsou, D.C. Benetez, Gayathri Evani, Smitha Gudipati, Ramakrishna Chakilam, Polly Mock, Bharat Narasimhan, Dhanunjay Lakkireddy, Shekhar Raj

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

This study reported the efficacy of short-course corticosteroids and convalescent plasma (CP) transfusion in treating five patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Five adults (mean±standard deviation age: 70±9 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia (PaO₂/FiO₂ [P/F]<100) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation received five days methylprednisolone (40 mg intravenously every 12 hours) and subsequent CP transfusion (250–400 ml). Compared with the baseline, P/F ratios increased by 46% and by 28% after short course corticosteroids and CP transfusion, respectively. Four patients survived. Short-course corticosteroids and CP transfusion may improve hypoxemia in patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

Impact Of Childhood Vaccinations Suspended Due To Covid-19, Karina I. Figueroa

2020 Symposium Posters

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020, a public health issue has been created that has the potential to significantly affect our view on society. Among the variety of preventative tactics to slow the spread of infection, there has been a suspension of childhood vaccination across the globe including among developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that governments suspend preventive vaccination programs briefly during the pandemic as of March 26th (Ray, 2020). As a result of this, there has been an impact on children's health and an increase in mortality rates. The purpose of this research paper …

Unusual Echocardiographic Findings Of Myocarditis Mimicking An Aortic Run-Off Lesion, Sarah Studyvin, Barbara A. Pahud, Christine Symes

Research Days

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of The Complex Relationship Among Multilevel Predictors Of Prep Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In The United States, Kristina M. Rodriguez

Dissertations and Theses

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the group most heavily affected by HIV in the United States (US), with MSM of color further disproportionately represented. In July 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine (TDF-FTC, Truvada) for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in HIV-negative adults who are at high-risk of HIV infection. Despite its effectiveness, PrEP prescriptions are reaching only a small proportion of those who could benefit from the drug and prescription rates vary both by race and geographic region. The goal of this dissertation was …

Influences Of Anti-Bd Bacteria On Amphibians And Their Microbiomes, Emme L. Schmidt

Honors Thesis

The fungal pathogen Batrochochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been threatening amphibian populations across the globe. Recent work has discovered that bacteria isolated from certain populations of amphibians protect hosts from this pathogen. This project focuses on the anti-fungal mechanisms of Serratia marcescens, a species of bacteria isolated from a Costa Rican frog that dramatically inhibited Bd in culture. Wild-type and recombinant S. marcescens was introduced to the microbiomes of a live amphibian host, Acris blanchardi (Blanchard’s Cricket Frog) and then challenged with Bd to examine the protective effects of this bacteria. The experiment includes recombinant S. marcescens with …

Characterization Of A Plasmid-Based Dna Vaccine For Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, Priya Sanipara

Honors Theses

Described as one of the world’s worst pandemics, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects millions of people each year and is the cause for AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Despite the development of vaccines for numerous infectious diseases such as polio, small pox, and influenza, a vaccine for HIV remains elusive due to the virus’s high mutation rate and ability to evade the immune system. HIV causes depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes, resulting in a weakened immune system. However, the development of a plasmid-based DNA vaccine approach may help revolutionize vaccine development for HIV due to its ability to confer cellular and humoral …

The Impact Of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms On Outcomes In Patients With Diabetic Foot Infections, Oryan Henig, Jason M. Pogue, Emily Martin, Umar Hayat, Mahmoud Ja'ara, Paul E. Kilgore, Raymond Cha, Sorab Dhar, Keith S. Kaye

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Background. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are important diabetic foot infection (DFI) pathogens. This study evaluated the impact of DFIs associated with MDRO pathogens (DFI-MDRO) on clinical outcomes.

Methods. Adults admitted to Detroit Medical Center from January 2012 to December 2015 with culture-positive DFI were included. Associations between outcomes and DFI-MDRO (evaluated as a single group that included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporin [3GCR-EC], Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were analyzed. Outcomes included above- and below-knee lower extremity amputation (LEA), readmissions, and mortality within a year after DFI. A propensity score predicting the likelihood …

The Influence Of Climate Change On Disease And Public Health, Natalie Petruzelli

The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research

This paper attempts to analyze the growing influence of climate change on the spread and development of diseases, as well as how this continues to affect public health and medical administrations around the world. The prevalence of airborne, waterborne, and vector-borne diseases have been found to be exacerbated as a result of climate change. In addition to this, the paper addresses the reemergence of eliminated diseases and ancient pathogens due to changing temperatures and weather patterns. Finally, the effect of these different conditions on national and international public health organizations and policies is analyzed, including projections on what can be …

Applying Modern Immunology To The Plague Of Ancient Athens, Juhi C. Patel

Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee

During the 5^th century BCE, ancient Athens and Sparta were involved in a major war during which an epidemic disease broke out in Athens, claiming the lives of a substantial part of the population. Although the ancient Greek historian Thucydides provides a first-hand account of the symptoms of the plague, modern historians have not been able to definitively identify the pathogen that caused the deadly epidemic. In 1994, a burial tomb of Athens was unearthed that unveiled the likely remains of plague victims. In 2005, scientists conducted molecular testing on the dental remains and used suicide PCR to compare …

How Misinformation And Mistrust Compound The Threat Of Epidemics, William Boyd

Honors Theses

This thesis was conducted to study the effects of misinformation and medical mistrust on the public health field. I use the events of the Chapare Virus outbreak in Bolivia in the summer of 2019 and the public dialogue during that time period to discuss these themes. I used data from market survey's in La Paz, newspaper articles from Página Siete, and Tweets from the time period of the outbreak. My findings suggest that misinformation and medical mistrust affected public health measures, which has major implications for the way the public health field should address future public health events.

U.S. Response To Covid-19 Compared To Other Diseases, Brian E. Barton

2020 Symposium Posters

Emergence of a new infectious disease out of China has caused a global reaction to combat the spread. On December 31, 2019, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in people associated with the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, Hubei Province. On January 7, 2020, Chinese health authorities confirmed that this cluster was associated with a novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV. Governments around the world responded to the threat by instituting lockdowns, closing businesses, using experimental medications, and even closing boarders. Citizens responded in kind by increasing social distancing and the usage of personal protective devices such as face masks …

Pneumonia: An Unexpected Graveyard Visitor?, Daniel A. Casas, Jigar Chauhan, Melanie Williams, Jan Sambataro, David Sukhai, Pablo G. Dubon, Jorge Perez

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2020

Community acquired pneumonia caused by Influenza can present with superinfection. On rare occasions, an unexpected organism is discovered.

Novel Infection Status Post Electrocution Requiring A 4th Ray Amputation, William R. Judson, John D. Murphy, Phillip H. Sussman, John N. Harker

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2020

• Prevotella bivia is an anaerobic, non-pigmented, Gram-negative bacillus species that is known to inhabit the human female vaginal tract and oral flora. It is most commonly associated with endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease.^{1, 2}
• Rarely, P. bivia has been found in the nail bed, chest wall, intervertebral discs, and hip and knee joints.¹ The bacteria has been linked to necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis, or septic arthritis.^{3, 4}
• Only 3 other reports have described P. bivia infections in the upper extremity with one patient requiring amputation2, and one with deep soft tissue infection requiring multiple debridements and extensive tenosynovectomy. …

New Onset Psychosis Secondary To Neurosyphilis, Samantha Linda Jane Vu, Lauren Angela Demarco, Francis Butler, Nihal Shah

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2020

Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the spirochetal bacterium Treponema pallidum. Transmission occurs through direct contact of painless ulcerative lesions, chancres, located on the genitalia (penis, labia) and oral mucosa. Neurosyphilis is any involvement of the central nervous systems (brain, meninges, or spinal cord) by the bacterium.

The Emerging Oral Pathogen, Filifactor Alocis, Disrupts Neutrophil Functions To Enhance Survival And Dysregulate Inflammation., Irina Miralda Molina

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Periodontitis is an irreversible, chronic inflammatory disease where pathogenic microbial communities accumulate in the gingival crevice. Advances in culture-independent techniques have facilitated the identification of new bacterial species in periodontal lesions, such as the Gram-positive anaerobe, Filifactor alocis. Neutrophils are a major component of the innate host response, and the outcome of their interaction with F. alocis may be a determinant of oral health status. While neutrophil functions typically protect the host against periodontal disease, oral pathogens have adapted to evade or disarm neutrophil microbicidal functions while promoting mechanisms that drive inflammation, which also provides a source of nutrients …

Dual Role Of Antimicrobial Peptide Cathelicidin In Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease., Fengyuan Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) have high morbidity and mortality in its severe forms. One of the major features in different forms of ALD is the altered gut microbiota. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a crucial role in maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis. LL-37 (known as CRAMP in mouse) is the sole member of the human cathelicidin family and has piqued great research interest for its dual role in modulating microbiota and the immune response in metabolic diseases. Inflammasome activation is an important component of the liver pathophysiology in ALD and requires two signals for its full activation to induce the …

Development Of Rationally Designed Live Attenuated Vaccines For Lassa Fever And Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis., Dylan Macgregor Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lassa Virus (LASV) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) are two single stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Arenavirus and Alphavirus families, respectively. Both are emerging pathogens without approved vaccines or treatments. VEEV is an important biothreat pathogen because it has been weaponized and is extremely infectious as an aerosol. VEEV causes biphasic febrile illness that can progress to a viral encephalitis with low mortality, but high morbidity. LASV causes a viral hemorrhagic fever, Lassa Fever (LF), which is endemic in West Africa, and responsible for between 100-500k annual infections with a 1-2% overall mortality rate. ML29 and VEEV TC-83 …

Elucidating The Developmental Defects In Zebrafish Associated With The Cardiac Drug Verapamil, Blake Stephan Justis

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Birth defects are abnormalities in a developing organism that lead to a malformation in structure or function. Over half of birth defects have no determined cause; however, known causes occur by genetic anomalies, exposure to environmental agents (a.k.a. teratogens), or multifactorial reasons. To explain the unknown causes of birth defects, an area of focus in this study is to identify potential teratogens. Identifying these teratogens, is key to preventing future birth defects. An obvious source of teratogens in pregnant women would be that of pharmaceuticals. Thus, a main goal of this study is to identify drugs that cause birth defects. …

Effect Of Cigarette Smoking On Cd4 Count And Viral Load Among Hiv Patients Attending Treatment At Nebraska Medicine, Chacha Josiah Mwita

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background

Smoking is known to have a negative impact on both morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, there is inconsistent information about the role of smoking on markers of HIV disease progression (CD4 count and HIV viral load). This study examined the effects of cigarette smoking on markers of HIV disease progression among PLHIV at Nebraska Medicine.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing electronic health information of 604 PLHIV who attended treatment at Nebraska Medicine between 2012 and 2020. Multiple linear regression was used to model the effects of smoking on the mean change …

How Nutrition Can Help To Fight Against Covid-19 Pandemic, Faseeha Aman, Sadia Masood

Section of Internal Medicine

Currently Covid-19 pandemic is a leading challenge across the globe. It is mandatory to attain and maintain good nutritional status to fight against virus. Nutritional status of individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, life style and medications. Nutritional status of individuals has been used as resilience towards destabilization during this COVID-19 pandemic. Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system, therefore the only sustainable way to survive in current context is to strengthen the immune system. There is no evidence found that supplement can cure the immune system except Vit C, which …

Can Technology Help Improve Diarrhoea Management?, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

No abstract provided.