Digital Commons Network^™

Does The Afferent Tubular Segment In An Orthotopic Bladder Substitution Compromise Ureteric Antireflux Properties? An Experimental Study In Dogs, Hassan Abol- Enein, Nuzhat Faruqui, Nashwa Barakat, Ahmed A. Shokeir

Section of Urology

Objective: To study the effects of a short ureter on renal function and histology in an orthotopic bladder substitution model using a long afferent limb, in a canine model.
Materials and methods: The study included nine adult mongrel dogs. A 40-cm segment of ileum was isolated, the distal half detubularized, configured into a U-shape and sutured to form a flat plate; this was then used to augment the bladder. The proximal half of the isolated ileum remained in continuity with the enterocystoplasty to form an isoperistaltic ileal ‘chimney’. The left ureter was divided at its lumbar part and …

Characterization Of A Hyperthermophilic Redox Protein, Rubredoxin, As A Potential Targeted Cancer Therapeutic, Siri Lakshmi Chirumamilla

PCOM Biomedical Studies Student Scholarship

Cancer is an elusive neoplastic disease that claims the lives of many people around the world every year. Though treatments have become more specific to the different types of cancer, the need remains for antineoplastic drugs that target cancer cells and leave normal cells unharmed, with little to no systemic toxicity. The search for a targeted cancer therapeutic is necessary and urgent, and Pyrococcus furiosus rubredoxin might be such a tool. Rubredoxin is a small (53 amino acids), water soluble, non-heme iron electron transfer protein that contains an iron atom cofactor bound by the sulfurs of four cysteine residues, which …

Conscientious Objection And Reproductive Health Service Delivery In Sub-Saharan Africa, V. M. Lema

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Lack of access to quality reproductive health services is the main contributor to the high maternal mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is partly due to a shortage of qualified and experienced health care providers. However conscientious objection amongst the available few is a hitherto undocumented potential factor influencing access to health care in SSA. Provision of certain reproductive health services goes counter to some individual’s religious and moral beliefs and practices. Health providers sometimes refuse to participate in or provide such services to clients/patients on moral and/or religious grounds. While the rights to do so are protected …

Is Placement Of An Intra-Abdominal Drain Necessary After Hartmann’S Procedure For Perforated Diverticulitis?, Mychailo Fulmes Md, Phd, Avi S. Galler, David S. Bub, Robert J. Sinnott, John S. Park, Matthew M. Philp Md

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Value Of Routine Immunohistochemical (Ihc) Analysis Of Colorectal Cancer To Genetic Counseling Referrals, Avi Galler, Mychailo Fulmes Md, Phd, John Park, David Bub, Michael J. Weiss, Tara Namey, Ann Marie Augustyn, Robert Sinnott

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of Warfarin Use And 30-Day Hemorrhage In Bariatric Surgery, Amanda M. Curry, Richard Boorse Md, Peter J. Bechtel Md, Cathy Fuhrman Rn, Msn, Cathleen Webber Rn, Mshs, Suzanne L. Smith Mba, Rrt, Tas

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Critical Assessment Of Outcomes In Acute Aortic Dissection (Type A) At A Community Hospital: A 10 Year Review, Timothy S. Misselbeck, James K. Wu Md, Stephen Deturk Ba, Michael F. Szwerc Md, Sanjay M. Mehta Md, Theodore G. Phillips Md, Gary W. Szydlowski Md, Raymond L. Singer Md

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Challenging Cases In Pediatric Trauma: Management Of The Open Abdomen, Firas Madbak Md, William D. Hardin Jr, Md, Facs, Faap

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Increase In Renal Transplantation Of Sensitized Recipients Following The Introduction Of Virtual Crossmatching: One Center’S Experience, Michael J. Moritz Md, Lynsey S. Biondi Md, Patricia Kimble Bs, Robert Cirocco Phd

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Lvhn: The Level Ii Accreditation Journey, Cathyann Feher Rn,Msn, Karen L. Kutner Mba, Michael M. Badellino Md,Facs

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

Attenuation Of Corneal Myofibroblast Development Through Nanoparticle-Mediated Soluble Transforming Growth Factor-Β Type Ii Receptor (Stgfβrii) Gene Transfer, Ajay Sharma, Jason T. Rodier, Ashish Tandon, Alexander M. Klibanov, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose: To explore (i) the potential of polyethylenimine (PEI)-DNA nanoparticles as a vector for delivering genes into human corneal fibroblasts, and (ii) whether the nanoparticle-mediated soluble extracellular domain of the transforming growth factor–β type II receptor (sTGFβRII) gene therapy could be used to reduce myofibroblasts and fibrosis in the cornea using an in vitro model.

Methods: PEI-DNA nanoparticles were prepared at a nitrogen-to-phosphate ratio of 30 by mixing linear PEI and a plasmid encoding sTGFβRII conjugated to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) portion of human immunoglobulin. The PEI-DNA polyplex formation was confirmed through gel retardation assay. Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) were …

Mild Cognitive Impairment: Statistical Models Of Transition Using Longitudinal Clinical Data, Erin L. Abner, Richard J. Kryscio, Gregory E. Cooper, David W. Fardo, Gregory A. Jicha, Marta S. Mendiondo, Peter T. Nelson, Charles D. Smith, Linda J. Van Eldik, Lijie Wan, Frederick A. Schmitt

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to the clinical state between normal cognition and probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), but persons diagnosed with MCI may progress to non-AD forms of dementia, remain MCI until death, or recover to normal cognition. Risk factors for these various clinical changes, which we term "transitions," may provide targets for therapeutic interventions. Therefore, it is useful to develop new approaches to assess risk factors for these transitions. Markov models have been used to investigate the transient nature of MCI represented by amnestic single-domain and mixed MCI states, where mixed MCI comprised all other MCI subtypes based on …

Bereavement Outcomes Among Spousal Hospice Caregivers: The Role Of Rumination, Feelings Of Relief, And Perceived Suffering, Jessica Y. Allen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: The death of a spouse is among the most distressing life events faced by older adults and frequently follows long periods of providing extensive care and support. Although many spouses are resilient following loss, a number of bereaved spousal caregivers have poor psychological well-being and may benefit from clinical services. However, it can be difficult to determine who may most benefit from bereavement services and why some individuals are at greater risk for poor bereavement; thus, there is a need for greater understanding of the process of bereavement. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to investigate a number …

Biochemical Links Between Hormonal Mediators Of Psychological Stress And The Expression Of Muc1 In Prostate Cancer Cells, Kristina Andrijauskaite

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

A growing body of scientific evidence has demonstrated that chronic psychological stress can not only increase the growth and metastasis of tumors through a number of mechanisms, such as by an increase of VEGF and Bcl-2, but also can decrease the survival of cancer patients. However, no studies have reported the effect of psychological stress with respect to the tumor marker MUC1. Therefore, building upon previous research, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine on the tumor marker MUC1, which is highly associated with tumor cell metastasis and is …

Predicting Native Papilla Biliary Cannulation Success Using A Multinational Ercp Quality Network, Chunyan Peng

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Background and Objective: Success in achieving deep biliary cannulation success in native papillae is an accepted measure of competence in ERCP training and practice. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with native papilla deep biliary cannulation success, with and without precut sphincterotomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in a prospectively collected database. The main outcome was deep biliary cannulation success, with and without precut facilitating access, in non-operated papillae. Multilevel random fixed effect multivariate model was used to control for doctor factor. Results: 13018 ERCPs were performed by 85 endoscopists between March 2007, and May 2011. Conventional …

Key Opinion Leaders' Views Regarding Emergency Contraception In India, M.E. Khan, Isha Bhatnagar, Deepthi S. Varma, Anvita Dixit

Reproductive Health

This policy brief explores the views of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the field of reproductive health and family welfare on provision of emergency contraception (ECPs). The study’s objective was to gain a better understanding of how the attitudes and beliefs of KOLs might influence policy and program implementation, either encouraging or opposing ECP promotion and service delivery. Results suggest strong support by the majority of KOLs to continue the sale of ECP as an over-the-counter drug. KOLs also emphasized the importance of comprehending and addressing the main barriers to ECP provision and use: poor knowledge, lack of training, moral …

Providers' Attitudes And Practices Regarding Emergency Contraception In India: Key Findings, M.E. Khan, Isha Bhatnagar, Deepthi S. Varma, Anvita Dixit

Reproductive Health

This policy brief reports key findings of a study in India that explored providers’ knowledge of how emergency contraception (ECP) works and its safety and effectiveness, their perceptions of the frequency of repeat use, their provision of ECP, and their attitudes toward women who seek it. Many of the findings of this study are encouraging. Most providers believed that ECP is an effective and safe method to prevent pregnancy and that it cannot induce abortion, and half supported the over-the-counter provision of ECP. Nevertheless, the study revealed many biases and gaps in knowledge. Recommendations include a number of ways to …

Increasing Access To Family Planning And Reproductive Health Services Through Community Work: A Case Study Of A Dual Cadre Model In India, Jaleel Ahmad, Isha Bhatnagar, M.E. Khan

Reproductive Health

Before the introduction of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in India, mid-level auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) were responsible for community health education and services such as antenatal care, delivery, IUCD insertion, and sterilization referrals. The Population Council studied how community extension work and some primary care responsibilities have been shifted to ASHAs, who are tasked with identifying pregnant women; facilitating ANC check-ups; motivating women for institutional deliveries during ANC checkups; and organizing child immunization. Establishing dual worker cadres in India by shifting community extension tasks from ANMs to local ASHAs has been well conceived. Task shifting has allowed ANMs, as …

Providers' And Key Opinion Leaders' Attitudes And Practices Regarding Emergency Contraception In Senegal: Key Findings, Babacar Mane, Martha Brady, Saumya Ramarao, Fatou Bintou Mbow

Reproductive Health

This study examines providers’ and key opinion leaders’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) in Senegal, and synthesizes the findings to suggest program and policy recommendations. Analysis of providers’ opinions and beliefs reveals that although many providers believe ECP is a safe product, persistent negative views remain. KOLs and providers recognize the importance of ECP for preventing unintended pregnancy and are supportive of the integration of ECP into national guidelines. They note, however, the need to improve accessibility and quality of provision. Given the magnitude of sexual violence and abuse, considerable interest exists in devising strategies …

Attitudes, Croyances Et Pratiques Des Leaders D'Opinion Clés (Loc) Et Des Prestataires Sur La Contraception D'Urgence (Cu) Au Sénégal, Babacar Mane, Saumya Ramarao, Martha Brady, Fatou Bintou Mbow, Ababacar Thiam

Reproductive Health

In Senegal, initiatives for mainstreaming the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) in the family planning program are fairly recent. Service statistics indicate, however, that ECP distribution through the public sector is very low. While most users access ECPs through the private sector, the volume of sales is not clear, due to the absence of an operational information system of EC distribution through pharmacies. In an effort to strengthen EC provision in Senegal and reposition EC within the FP program, the Population Council conducted a study in collaboration with the Reproductive Health Division of the Ministry of Health, Senegal to document the …

Critical Issues For Integrating Srh And Hiv/Aids Services To Provide Dual Protection Against Unintended Pregnancy And Hiv/Sti Acquisition, Population Council

Reproductive Health

This document reports on a one-day symposium that was held by the STEP UP (Strengthening Evidence for Programming on Unintended Pregnancy) Research Program Consortium, coordinated by the Population Council. STEP UP generates policy-relevant research to promote an evidence-based approach for improving access to family planning and safe abortion in Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, and Senegal. The symposium’s objectives were to review and discuss critical and emerging issues around integrating SRH and HIV and AIDS services to enable dual protection, including new directions in dual protection technology and behaviour change interventions. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the programmatic …

Replication Of The Community Mobilization For Postabortion Care (Commpac) Model In Naivasha District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya: An Evaluation Report, Chi-Chi Undie, Francis Obare, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

The Population Council’s RESPOND project worked with districts and communities in Kenya to: strengthen service delivery points to provide postabortion care (PAC) services; conduct community mobilization to improve involvement in and knowledge of the prevention and treatment of postabortion complications; build community capacity to address needs related to PAC; and encourage involvement in community action of those most marginalized and most affected by postabortion complications. The program succeeded at increasing knowledge of critical danger signs; enabling providers to effectively offer PAC services; and raising awareness of PAC, among other goals. The intervention was less successful in increasing FP knowledge, current …

Birth Spacing And Family Planning Uptake In Pakistan: Evidence From Falah, Arshad Mahmood

Reproductive Health

The Population Council was the lead implementing agency for the Family Advancement for Life and Health (FALAH) project in Pakistan. The project’s main objectives were to achieve a 10 percent increase in the use of moden contraceptives, to equip 80 service delivery points to provide family planning services, and to ensure birth-spacing understanding and ways to achieve it by three-quarters of the target population. The main conclusion of this research is that a sharp uptake of family planning is possible in a relatively short time, if certain investments are made to ensure better communication and greater access to quality family …

Country Mapping: Kenya, Francis Obare, Wilson Liambila, Harriet Birungi, Eseoise Itombra, Heather Clark, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

The Population Council embarked on a three-year project to explore the acceptability of the progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) among women in sub-Saharan Africa and to develop a strategic plan for its introduction. This technical report presents the findings of the assessments in Kenya with specific focus on: (1) the country’s demographic profile; (2) the health systems, health policy, and family planning program context; and (3) stakeholder perspectives regarding the PVR. The findings suggest that the introduction of the PVR would fill a gap in the family planning needs of breastfeeding women in Kenya, and there is strong support from stakeholders …

Country Mapping: Nigeria, Salisu Mohammed Ishaku, Saumya Ramarao

Reproductive Health

The Population Council conducted a three-year acceptability study of the progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) in three sub-Saharan African countries. This technical report presents results from Nigeria, laying out the country’s demographics and high fertility rates; describing the family planning program and policy context; and, finally, revealing the stakeholder support thus far with a discussion on how best to proceed with introduction activities. This country mapping confirms the likelihood that the PVR would be well received in Nigeria and fill a large need in family planning. The PVR is a safe, long-acting, user-controlled product that can be easily inserted and removed …

Country Mapping: Senegal, Babacar Mane, Nafissatou Diop, Nancy Termini Lachance, Saumya Ramarao, Heather Clark

Reproductive Health

The Population Council embarked on a three-year project to explore the acceptability of the progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) among women in sub-Saharan Africa and its potential introduction. This technical report presents results from assessments undertaken to map the existing landscape of family planning programs and new contraceptive technologies in Senegal in an effort to identify national priorities and assess the level of interest in the PVR among stakeholders and to design appropriate preintroductory activities. This country mapping exercise confirms that Senegal is a promising context for the introduction of the PVR: the government is committed to repositioning family planning and …

Contraceptive Use Dynamics In Pakistan 2008-09, Arshad Mahmood, Syeda Saman Naz

Reproductive Health

This report looks at contraceptive use dynamics in Pakistan, focusing on contraceptive discontinuation, method failure, and contraceptive switching, as well as the reasons for discontinuation. The study found that almost one-third of discontinuations were due to side effects followed by one-fifth of them by the method failure. Side effects were the most common reason for discontinuing modern methods (IUDs and hormonal methods), while failure was the most common reasons for discontinuing barrier and traditional methods (condom, rhythm, withdrawal). Based on the findings of this study, this report suggests that better training of health providers and better information and counseling of …

Attitudes, Beliefs, And Practices Of Key Opinion Leaders (Kol) And Providers About Emergency Contraception (Ec) In Senegal, Babacar Mane, Saumya Ramarao, Martha Brady, Fatou Bintou Mbow, Ababacar Thiam

Reproductive Health

In 2010, the Reproductive Health Division in Senegal, with support from Population Council, performed an assessment of the emergency contraception (EC) integration process into the national health system through a national forum on EC. This forum revealed that there was a real promotional problem regarding EC in the national health system despite the efforts made. There was widespread lack of public awareness of the product, rumors concerning EC due to the sensitive nature of the product, low inclusion of EC in routine service delivery, especially during initial counseling in family planning awareness campaigns , and a better method of keeping …

Bellagio Consensus: Recommendations For Action To Increase Access To Highly Effective, Long-Acting, Reversible Contraception, Population Council

Reproductive Health

This brief and statement offers recommendations for action to increase access to highly effective, long-acting, reversible contraception (LARCs) and accelerate progress toward meeting the Millennium Development Goal of universal access to reproductive health services.

Situation Analysis Of Health Facilities With Special Reference To Family Planning Services In Pakistan, Arshad Mahmood, Muhammad Jamil Arshad, Maqsood Sadiq

Reproductive Health

The FALAH project, launched in 2007, funded by USAID and implemented by a consortium of partners led by The Population Council, sought to shift family planning (FP) perception. This report details the findings of an assessment of FALAH’s FP and birth spacing impact. The study assessed public health facility readiness for offering FP and birth spacing services by interviewing in-charges and providers, as well as assessing the types of services provided and service providers’ characteristics. The study also examined the facilities’ quality of care through observing client and provider interactions, while client satisfaction was assessed in exit interviews. FALAH’s objective …