Digital Commons Network^™

Partial Post-Exposure Protection By Topical Inserts Containing Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate/Elvitegravir In A Macaque Model Of Rectal Simian Hiv (Shiv) Infection, Natalia Makarova, Tyana Singletary, M. Melissa Peet, Kristen Kelley, Ryan Johnson, Vivek Agrahari, Maria Mendoza, Yi Pan, Walid Heneine, Meredith R. Clark, J. Gerardo García Lerma, Gustavo F. Doncel, James W. Smith

CONRAD Publications

On-demand topical inserts for HIV prevention may be a good option for people who have a low frequency of sexual activity. We recently demonstrated in a preclinical macaque model that rectal application of inserts containing tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and elvitegravir (EVG) conferred protection against SHIV infection (93% efficacy) when applied as pre-exposure prophylaxis 4 hours before SHIV exposure. Here, we show that the same inserts provide significant postexposure protection (82.9% efficacy) when applied 4 hours after SHIV exposure. Our findings further support the ongoing clinical development of TAF/EVG inserts for on-demand HIV prevention.

The Diversity Of Flavivirus Antibody Dependent Enhancement (Ade) Profiles From A Pediatric Cohort In Mexico, Maiesha Samiha Mahmood

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

The Aedes mosquito-borne flaviviruses Zika (ZIKV) and dengue (DENV-1-4) cause an estimated 400 million annual infections globally and pose an increasing threat to public health. Typically, individuals infected with ZIKV or a DENV serotype generate neutralizing serotype-specific antibodies and non-neutralizing, cross-reactive antibodies that bind multiple flaviviruses. Upon secondary heterotypic infection, pre-existing antibodies can either protect or exacerbate disease through antibody dependent enhancement (ADE). ADE occurs when non- or sub-neutralizing concentrations of cross-reactive antibodies facilitate viral uptake into FcγR-bearing myeloid cells, enabling infection of otherwise non-permissive cells and driving severe disease. To date, ADE has not been characterized at a population …

Non-Congenital Hsv-1 Keratitis In An Immunocompetent 9-Month-Old Infant, Caleb A Casanova, Stephanie Trejo Corona, Stephen F Pflugfelder

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Isolated, non-congenital herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) keratitis in immunocompetent infants is exceedingly rare and may be easily misdiagnosed, leading to delays in appropriate antiviral therapy. This case is unique in that it describes HSV-1 keratitis in a healthy 9-month-old infant presenting without systemic illness, initially treated as bacterial conjunctivitis. The patient presented with unilateral eye pain, redness, and corneal opacification. Subsequent evaluation revealed HSV-1 keratitis, and the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir in combination with topical moxifloxacin and topical ganciclovir, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms within one week. This case adds to the limited literature on …

Functional Analysis Of Genes Enriched In Male Reproductive Organs: Validation Via Fertility Assessment Of 14 Knockout Mouse Lines, Kazumasa Takemoto, Katarzyna Kent, Kaori Nozawa, Shingo Tonai, Ahn H Pham, Terumi Fujimoto, Thomas X Garcia, Martin M Matzuk, Masahito Ikawa, Keizo Tokuhiro

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Tissue-restricted gene expression serves as a key indicator of functional importance within specific organs. Despite advances in high-throughput sequencing and genome editing over the past decade, this principle remains the gold standard for identifying candidate genes for functional studies. In reproductive biology, testis-restricted expression is anticipated to indicate genes crucial for gametogenesis, given the conserved features shared between spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Concurrently, rapid evolution of spermatogenesis-related genes is well documented and thought to arise through duplication and subsequent mutation of ubiquitously expressed genes. In this study, we established 14 knockout (KO) mouse lines for male reproductive organ-enriched genes, all of …

Pd-L1-Centric Whole Blood-Based Immune Signature Profiles Of Tuberculosis Patients During Therapy, Johanna Eggeling, Martina Sester, Christoph Lange, Jan Heyckendorf, Barbara Kalsdorf, Anna M Mandalakas, Andrew R Dinardo, David Lewinsohn, Dagmar Schaub, Tina Schmidt, Eva Tolosa, Maja Reimann, Patricia M Sánchez Carballo

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

This prospective study investigated whole blood-based immune cell biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) immunoprofiling. Blood samples from 34 healthy controls and 51 tuberculosis patients were analyzed at three timepoints: Prior to therapy (T0), after 14 days of therapy (T1), and at the end of treatment (Te). Using multiparameter flow cytometry, 386 immune cell populations were analyzed. Predictive models were developed using two machine learning algorithms. A TB5LF change score, which was based on five cell populations, effectively distinguished tuberculosis patients from controls (AUC = 0.89) and tuberculosis patients before and at the end of treatment (AUC = 0.92). Similarly, the …

Use Of A Medication Management Algorithm In Depressed Youth Living With Hiv: Secondary Analysis Of A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial, Graham J Emslie, Beth D Kennard, Kristin Baltrusaitis, Sophia M Jones, Jessica M Jones, Jaime G Deville, Kathleen Pitts, David E Shapiro, Allison Eliscu, Larry K Brown

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: Depression is a prevalent co-occurring condition in youth living with HIV. This report is a secondary analysis of a multisite cluster randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of a health and wellness cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with a medication management algorithm utilizing measure-based care (COMB-R) compared with enhanced standard of care (ESC). We describe and compare antidepressant prescribing strategies (i.e., antidepressant treatment, type of antidepressant) for youth living with HIV at COMB-R sites to those at ESC sites over the 24-week intervention. We also describe self-reported adherence to antidepressants.

Methods: Participants (12-24 years) were youth living with HIV diagnosed …

Long Covid And Cardiovascular Diseases Among U.S. Adults: Results From The U.S. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, Geoffrey Y Zhang, John C Lin, Dang Nguyen, Sameed Ahmed M Khatana, Thomas P Giordano

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Long COVID is associated with persistent symptoms including cardiovascular complications; however, the epidemiology and directionality of this association remain unclear.

Methods: Utilizing a retrospective cohort study design with cross-sectional analyses, 8,332 respondents aged 18 and older from the 2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) who had a prior COVID-19 infection, were analyzed to determine the temporal association between long COVID and cardiovascular disease (CVD), modeling each as both outcome and exposure in separate analyses.

Results: Long COVID was associated with any CVD diagnosis (OR 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05-1.80), specifically angina (OR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.18-2.77) and myocardial infarction (OR …

Duration Of Antimicrobial Therapy In Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Associated Systemic Infections: A Retrospective Analysis, Emily Y Xiao, Patrick T Lynch, Sarwat Khalil, Derrick A Draeger, Alexandra M Lewis, Faiz M Baqai, Mihail G Chelu, M Rizwan Sohail

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: While the need for complete device removal is well-established for cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections, there is insufficient evidence on the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy.

Objectives: To examine how antimicrobial duration affects clinical outcomes of patients presenting with CIED-associated bacteremia and lead endocarditis.

Design: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at a quaternary care hospital in Houston, TX, USA.

Methods: Patients who underwent device removal for a primary indication of bacteremia or lead endocarditis over a 10-year period were stratified by prescribed duration of antibiotics as ⩽2 weeks or >2 weeks post-extraction. Measured outcomes included all-cause …

Sewers To Solutions: A Guide To Wastewater Pathogen Monitoring, Justin R Clark, Anthony W Maresso

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the analysis of wastewater to detect pathogen levels or activity for public health awareness or action. Pioneered in the 1940s, WBE underwent a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important information about number of cases, outbreaks, and seasonal impact. With advancements in detection technologies and growing interest in environmental surveillance, WBE is poised to become a standard practice in public health monitoring. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the art of pathogen WBE, including methods of molecular detection, analysis of wastewater data, real-world applications and programs, public health interventions, and benefits and …

Hybrid Sars-Cov-2 Immunity Among Frontline Workers In A High-Tourism Setting: A Community-Based Serosurvey In Ambergris Caye, Belize, June 2022, Oluwadara Okeremi, Ella Hawes, Anh N Ly, Russell Manzanero, Sarah M Gunter, Shannon E Ronca, Allison Lino, Allyson Hidalgo, Meghan Si, Allison Stewart-Ruano, Adriana Maliga, Eric J Nilles, Gerhaldine Morazan, Kristy O Murray

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Tourism is central to Belize's economy, yet the influx of international travelers may contribute to infectious disease introduction and transmission among local workers, including SARS-CoV-2. In June 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiologic study among tourism and government workers in the tropical island tourism center of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The goal of this study was to determine SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence for both vaccination (anti-spike protein) and natural infection (anti-nucleocapsid protein), vaccine uptake, history of COVID-like symptoms, and risks for infection two years into the pandemic. Workers from 30 hotels and government agencies were enrolled. Participants completed questionnaires to capture demographics, …

School-Level Gaps In Mmr Coverage As The Fuel For Measles Outbreaks, Meagan C Fitzpatrick, Chad R Wells, Abhishek Pandey, Lamia Ayaz, Peter J Hotez, Seyed M Moghadas, Alison P Galvani

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

From Local Burden To Global Threat: Neglected Tropical Diseases In An Era Of Climate Change And Human Mobility, Francisco Javier Membrillo, Juan-Carlos Navarro, Diana Marcela Pava-Garzón, Jill Weatherhead, José A Suárez, Alfonso J Rodriguez-Morales

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Optimized Nano-Bilosomes Loaded Ocular Insert As A Promising Approach For Boosting Voriconazole Ocular Bioavailability: In-Vitro, Microbiological, And In-Vivo Assessments, Eman Gomaa

Nanotechnology Research Centre

The eye possesses numerous physiological barriers that significantly limit the absorption of administered drugs, as only < 5 % get through. These barriers restrict drug bioavailability, often necessitating multiple dosing, which can lead to poor patient compliance. The study goal is to efficiently incorporate Voriconazole (VRC), a wide-spectrum antifungal candidate with a short half-life, into stable, biocompatible, non-irritating bile salt nanoparticles (Bilosomes, BLOs) to enhance its ocular delivery. Bilosomes were prepared by the ethanol injection method. Experimental (33) Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was employed; the amount of bile salt, cholesterol, and span-60 were chosen as independent variables, while entrapment efficiency (EE%), cumulative VRC release (Q8h), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI) were the dependent variables. The formula of optimization showed EE% (59.04 ± 1.88 %), cumulative release after 8 h (81.35 ± 0.69 %), PS (222.53 ± 2.04 nm), ZP (−72.53 ± 1.75 mV), and PDI (0.225 ± 0.03). It was chemically characterized using DSC and FTIR. Its spherical arrangement was confirmed using TEM. For ophthalmic application, the optimized formula was included in ocular inserts to extend ocular residence time while minimizing dosing frequency. The optimal VRC-loaded bilosomal ocular insert met the acceptable physicochemical criteria, was sterilized using UV radiation for conducting microbiological assay, in-vivo study, and pharmacokinetic analysis. For safety evaluation, an eye irritation study and histopathological examination were conducted. The results confirmed its effectiveness as evidenced by a significantly larger inhibition zone and 8.39-fold enhancement in VRC bioavailability compared to its suspension. These findings support the potential of bilosomes-loaded ocular insert as an effective ocular delivery of VRC.

Improving Effective Completion Of Catheter Care Using A Reminder System To Minimize Incidence Of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Quality Improvement Project, Morgan K. Leonard

Master's Theses and Capstones

BACKGROUND: CAUTI rates can be decreased by implementing a care cluster for RNs for CAUTI care into morning assessments and medication administration to ensure it is being done regularly with reminders through cards at the computers in patient rooms. LOCAL PROBLEM: The local problem in the microsystem were the catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates at 1.199, while the national benchmark is 1.000 (Medicare, n.d.).

METHODS: Reminder cards were placed in patient rooms on the computers which are highly utilized by staY while providing patient care to serve as a reminder to complete catheter care in a high task burden …

School-Level Gaps In Mmr Coverage As The Fuel For Measles Outbreaks, Meagan C Fitzpatrick, Chad R Wells, Abhishek Pandey, Lamia Ayaz, Peter J Hotez, Seyed M Moghadas, Alison P Galvani

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Priced Out Of Treatment: The Exorbitant Cost Of Antiparasitic Drugs In The United States, Cora Alperin, Nhi Nguyen, Megan Duffey, Eva H Clark

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Parasitic infections are often perceived as diseases of low-resource countries, yet they impose a significant and overlooked burden in the United States—especially among immigrants, low-income individuals, and other marginalized populations. This perspectives article examines the case of Mr. X, a landscaper in Houston diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, who faced unaffordable drug costs despite the availability of effective, off-patent treatments. Through his story, we explore the broader issue of pricing for commonly and not-so-commonly prescribed antiparasitic medications, highlighting the role of systemic market failures, regulatory hurdles, and restrictive assistance programs in limiting access to care. The consequences of incomplete treatment include long-term …

Clinical Factors And Diagnoses Associated With Inappropriate Urine Culture Ordering In Primary Care, Marissa Valentine-King, Barbara W Trautner, Michael A Hansen, Roger Zoorob, Lisa C K Danek, Kenneth Muldrew, Forrest Hudson, Robert L Atmar, Larissa Grigoryan

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: Evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for inappropriately ordered urine cultures in primary care.

Design: Cross-sectional study using chart reviews.

Setting: Two primary care, safety-net clinics in Houston, Texas.

Patients: Non-pregnant adults without a urinary catheter who had a urine culture and a primary care visit between 11/2018 and 3/2020.

Methods: We classified patients lacking physician documentation of the following symptoms as having an inappropriately ordered urine culture: dysuria, frequency, urgency, hematuria, fever, chills, costovertebral angle tenderness, nephrolithiasis, and pain (suprapubic, pelvic, or flank). We extracted patient demographics, visit-related diagnostic codes, past medical history, and urine culture results. Diagnostic …

Accuracy Of The Phenotypic 1g Test To Detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis And Drug Resistance From Sputa In The Us-Mexico Border, Mia Aguirre, Doris Ayala, Juan Ignacio Garcia, Yoscelina Estrella Martinez-Lopez, Amberlee Hicks, Nadine M. Chacon, Ashley Gay-Cobb, Alyssa Schami, Selena Zavala-Perez, Blanca I. Restrepo

School of Medicine Publications

Background: With >10 million new tuberculosis (TB) cases/year, a limitation to TB control is the lack of simple and accurate tests for TB diagnosis and drug-susceptibility testing (DST) in endemic regions. We evaluated the accuracy of the first-generation, low-complexity phenotypic TB test (1G test), designed for simultaneous Mtb detection and resistance to isoniazid, rifampicin and moxifloxacin, suitable for resource-limited settings.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using sputa from 426 possible pulmonary TB subjects from two small Mexican cities bordering Texas. The 1G test was compared against phenotypic TB detection tests in the region [acid fast bacilli smear microscopy and …

Tuberculosis Presenting As Multiple Pulmonary Nodules Mimicking Malignancy, Abdel Martinez Borrego, Fatimah Bello, Brandon Cantazaro, Luisa Montoya, Frank Mediola

School of Medicine Publications

Multiple pulmonary nodules often raise concern for metastatic malignancy; however, the differential diagnosis is broad and includes infectious, inflammatory, granulomatous, vascular, and benign etiologies. Tuberculosis (TB), although uncommon, can present with multiple nodules that closely mimic metastatic disease on advanced imaging, requiring careful clinicoradiologic and microbiologic correlation. We describe a woman in her 50s who presented with dyspnea and new-onset heart failure, in whom imaging revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and bilateral pulmonary nodules concerning for malignancy. Evaluation was limited by concurrent COVID-19 infection, and CT-guided biopsy demonstrated necrotizing granulomas without evidence of malignancy or infection. She later re-presented with fever and …

Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases: A Concise Guide On The Fundamentals Of Infectious Disease In Podiatric Medical Education, Paramita Basu

Open Touro Created

2026

This Open Educational Resource (OER), Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, is a student-centered textbook designed to support pre-clinical podiatric medical students enrolled in PCLP 610 Infectious Diseases at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The book is structured as a collection of concise “chapter briefs” or high‑yield notes that align closely with the course syllabus, lecture objectives, and student learning outcomes, while also reflecting the Microbiology learning objectives outlined in the AACPM Council of Faculties Curricular Guide.

The content covers core principles of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, host–pathogen interactions, antimicrobial therapy, resistance …

Nurses' Perspectives On Caring For Critically Ill Children During A Measles Outbreak: A Case Report, Cara Everard Gallegos, Melissa Gale Robinson, Brittny Ayola, Lacey Kovar, Nicole Roehrig

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Ocular Surface Disease Following Lasik And Cataract Surgery: A Review Of Their Interrelated Complications, Matthew D. Spangler, Nila Kirupaharan, John D. Sheppard

Department of Ophthalmology Faculty Publications

Background: Ocular surface disease is a multifactorial condition that is very commonly caused by dry eye disease (DED). Ophthalmic procedures intended to improve visual outcomes, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and cataract surgery, can paradoxically cause or exacerbate underlying ocular surface disease. This results in worsening vision and quality of life.

Areas covered: This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to ocular surface disease development following LASIK and cataract surgery. Both procedures are associated with the transection of corneal nerves, leading to decreased tear production, surface instability, altered neurotrophin production, and impairment of the blink reflex. Furthermore, these incisional procedures …

Roles Of Cytokines In Modulating Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense Infection Outcomes In Vervet Monkeys, Clarah Jebet, John Kibuthu Thuita, Daniel Masiga, Benedict Owino Orindi, John Oidho, Mark C. Field, Enock Matovu, Vincent Owino Adung’A

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction:

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, is categorized as acute due to rapid disease progression but presents varying clinical outcomes. Although the mechanisms underpinning differential clinical progression are poorly understood, both host and parasite factors are implicated. Therefore, we sought to elucidate roles of primate host factors in mediating varying T. b. rhodesiense infection outcomes.

Methods:

Here, we assessed the roles of selected host cytokines in disease progression using a tsetse-mediated infection in a non-human primate (NHP) vervet monkey model that closely mimics HAT and natural infection. We quantified eight cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, …

Pathways, Outputs And Impact Of Nih-Supported Bioinformatics And Genomics Graduate Trainees In Africa, Daudi Jjingo, Andrew Walakira, Suhaila Hashim, Cisse Cheickna, Ronald Galiwango, Caleb Kibet, Florence N. Kivunike, Gerald Mboowa, Fredrick Elishama Kakembo, Babajide Ayodele, Jean Baka Domelevo Entfellner, Santie De Villiers, Karen Wambui, Segun Fatumo, Tinashe Chikowore, John Mukisa, Alfred Ssekagiri, Nicholas Bbosa, Julius Mulindwa, Samuel Kyobe, Mike Nsubuga, Grace Kebirungi, Eric Katagirya, Savannah Mwesigwa, Ibra Lujumba, Rogers Kamulegeya, Samuel Kirimunda, Stephen Kanyerezi, Shahiid Kiyaga, Ivan Sserwadda, Davis Kiberu, Daniel Masiga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Global biomedical and health research is increasingly relying on genomic and computational approaches, largely driven by the increasing volumes of nucleic acid sequencing. Concurrently, epidemiological studies and clinical records are generating enormous amounts of data amenable to disease modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques. Bioinformatics and data science expertise is therefore essential for improved population health. Accordingly, in 2012, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in partnership with the Wellcome Trust, and with support from the African Society for Human Genetics, initiated the H3Africa (Human Heredity and Health in Africa) consortium. One of its key goals was to …

Review Of Outcomes: Quality Improvement Of Upper-Extremity Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, Cailey A. England Bs, Ryan A. Reinhart Bs, Tien Do Do, Maame A. Effirim Bs, Dylan Bezzini Md

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

From Reactionary To Anticipatory Integrated Action: Novel Environmental Health Surveillance For Mass Gatherings, Benjamin J. Ryan, Michael Donahoo, Danielle Esler, Paul Barach, Benjamin Coghlan, Shelby Garner, Laura M. Langan, John Piispanen, Bryan W. Brooks

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

Advances in AI-driven analytics, human-in-the loop techniques, and wastewater monitoring provide the foundation needed to shift from reactive to anticipatory actions for mass gatherings. Traditional surveillance systems focus on clinical and laboratory-based notification pathways, which often result in tardy actions being implemented. Thus, traditional surveillance is becoming outdated. Mass gatherings pose heightened public health risks and hazards, including trauma; injury and substance misuse; deliberate poisoning; and infectious diseases such as food and waterborne illnesses, sexually transmitted infections, and respiratory diseases. There is also a heightened concern due to reduced vaccination coverage. As a result, future international events such as the …

Understanding Motivations And Health Outcomes Of College-Aged Triathletes During Covid-19: A Mixed-Methods Study, Patrick Wilson, Eddie Hill, Justin Haegele, Xihe Zhu

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

A triathlon is a multi-sport event that consists of three simultaneous events: swimming, biking, and running. This sport has experienced significant growth in the past few decades, with colleges and universities now participating. This exploratory mixed-methods study examined the motivations and perceived health benefits of college triathletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Means-Ends of Recreation Scale and the Perceived Health Outcomes of Recreation Scale (N = 29), as well as semi-structured interviews (N = 4). Results indicate no difference in motives or health outcomes between male and female survey respondents. The thematic analysis of open-ended interview questions highlighted lived …

Putting The L In Elsi: Legal Methods For Bioethics Research, Anya E R Prince, Benjamin Berkman, Donald Ford, Dov Fox, Christi Guerrini, Amy Koopmann, Natalie Ram, Jessica L Roberts, Kayte Spector-Bagdady, Sonia Suter

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Lawyers and law professors are increasingly involved in interdisciplinary scientific teams and grant research to answer ethical, legal and policy questions related to biomedical topics. Yet, the methods that lawyers use to conduct legal research and analysis are not always familiar to scientists and social scientists conducting peer review of a proposed project with legal aims or a publication reporting a legal study. To better facilitate interdisciplinary ethical, legal, and social implications collaboration, there is a need to better explain how legal research methodologies can provide robust tools to address a range of nuanced biomedical questions. This paper explores …

Molecular Heterogeneity Of Hpv-Associated Cancers And Strategies To Overcome Treatment Resistance, Sara Rasouli, Weiyi Gong, Raegan Wood, Danyal Daneshdoust, Anam Khan, Rani Mahyoob, Chongwen Cao, Zihao Yu, Nagireddy Putluri, Gennady Shvets, Haichang Li, Bo Zhao, Xuefeng Liu, Jenny Li

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major driver of global cancer incidence, responsible for nearly all cervical cancers and a significant proportion of oropharyngeal, anal, and other anogenital cancers. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, HPV-associated cancers persist due to persistent infection, immune evasion, and the virus's ability to integrate into the host genome, contributing to molecular heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Here, we summarize molecular heterogeneity and the emerging combined therapeutic strategies. High-risk HPV types, notably HPV16 and HPV18, initiate carcinogenesis through persistent infection of epithelial basal cells and through the actions of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which disrupt the …

The Performance Of Machine Learning Algorithms In Predicting Under-Five Anaemia In Tanzania, Henry Ofori Duah, Derrick Nyantakyi Owusu, Godwin G. Duah, Paul Shidende

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Aim

Anaemia in children under five remains a major public health concern, contributing significantly to global child morbidity and mortality. With the rise of machine learning (ML), novel opportunities exist to model and predict anaemia more effectively. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of five ML algorithms in predicting anaemia among under-five children in Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis using the 2017 Tanzania Malaria Indicator Survey (TMICS). The dataset (n = 5906) was randomly split into training (70%) and test (30%) sets. Five ML algorithms, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Logistic Regression, Random Forest (RF), …