Digital Commons Network^™

Mechanometabolism Instructs Hematopoietic Stem Cell Specification, Paulina D Horton, Alina Syed, Michelle Winkler, Abishek B Vaidya, Michael Rariden, Neha Arora, Yong Zhou, Michihiro Kobayashi, Momoko Yoshimoto, Hyun Jung Lee, Hyun-Eui Kim, John P Hagan, Catherine Denicourt, Travis I Moore, Pamela L Wenzel

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Mechanical force generated by blood flow stimulates emergence of the first hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that populate the blood system. Force drives the transition of HSC precursors from an endothelial to hematopoietic identity, yet the molecular regulation of this fate switch remains poorly understood. We report that shear stress triggers adaptation in mitochondrial composition, ultrastructure, and function, which are essential for hematopoietic fate and engraftment potential. Shear stress remodels mitochondria in hemogenic endothelium by promoting mitochondrial gene transcription and protein synthesis. Laminar flow selectively initiates translation of 5' terminal polypyrimidine (5'TOP) motif-containing transcripts, which commonly encode ribosome and translation machinery. …

Surface Morphometrics Reveals Local Membrane Thickness Variation In Organellar Subcompartments, Michaela Medina, Ya-Ting Chang, Hamidreza Rahmani, Mark Frank, Zidan Khan, Daniel Fuentes, Frederick A Heberle, M Neal Waxham, Benjamin A Barad, Danielle A Grotjahn

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Lipid bilayers form the basis of organellar architecture, structure, and compartmentalization in the cell. Decades of biophysical, biochemical, and imaging studies on purified or in vitro-reconstituted liposomes have shown that variations in lipid composition influence the physical properties of membranes, such as thickness and curvature. However, similar studies characterizing these membrane properties within the native cellular context have remained technically challenging. Recent advancements in cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) imaging enable high-resolution, three-dimensional views of native organellar membrane architecture preserved in near-native conditions. We previously developed a "Surface Morphometrics" pipeline that generates surface mesh reconstructions to model and quantify cellular membrane …

Continuous Vs Intermittent Postoperative Vital Sign Monitoring: A Cluster Randomized Crossover Trial, Ashish K Khanna, Nathaniel Sean O'Connell, Amit K Saha, Megan Henley Hicks, Robert S Weller, Lynnette Harris, Bruce D Cusson, Ann Faris, Carolyn S Huffman, Scott Segal, Brian J Wells, Eric S Kirkendall, Daniel I Sessler

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Importance: Continuous postoperative monitoring on general nursing units detects vital sign abnormalities that are missed with conventional intermittent monitoring. Early recognition may prompt interventions to limit potentially harmful blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation perturbations.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that continuous unblinded monitoring of vital signs would decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation abnormalities compared with intermittent monitoring in patients recovering from noncardiac surgery.

Design, setting, and participants: This multiple crossover randomized cluster trial in 2 postoperative hospital wards included patients recovering from noncardiac surgery and was conducted from October 7, 2020, to October 7, 2021. …

Medial Meniscus Root Repair Demonstrates Superior Radiographic And Clinical Outcomes At Long-Term Follow-Up Compared To Partial Medial Meniscetomy, Robert Dean, Ryan Mcnassor, Aaron John Krych, Brian R. Waterman

Conference Presentation Abstracts

INTRODUCTION: Posterior medial meniscus root tears (PMMRTs) are frequently observed injuries that lead to alterations in tibiofemoral biomechanics. Few long-term reviews have considered the long term clinical and radiographic outcomes of management of these injuries. This study sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature on long term clinical and radiographic outcomes of PMMRTs. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was performed with inclusion criteria of English language studies, diagnosis of PMMRT on MRI with confirmation on arthroscopy if managed operatively, studies with minimum 5-year radiographic or patient reported outcome metrics. Data including management strategy, …

Ectopic B Lymphocyte Follicles Exacerbate Ischemic Brain Damage Via Mif-Cd74/Cxcr4 And Interferon Signaling, Sheng Yang, Hang Zhang, Lu-Lu Xu, Luo-Qi Zhou, Yun-Hui Chu, Lian Chen, Xiao-Wei Pang, Lu-Yang Zhang, Li-Fang Zhu, Ming-Hao Dong, Ke Shang, Jun Xiao, Long-Jun Wu, Wei Wang, Dai-Shi Tian, Chuan Qin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Neuroinflammation, encompassing both innate and adaptive immune responses, plays a crucial role in ischemic stroke. Although B lymphocytes are central to adaptive immunity, their contributions to ischemic stroke remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that B lymphocytes accumulate in ischemic lesions, forming germinal center-like structures at the later stage after stroke, which mainly depended on in situ proliferation. This accumulation correlated with worsened neuroinflammation and ischemic injury, whereas B cell depletion reduced chronic brain damage during stroke. Mechanistically, microglia recruited B cells into ischemic lesions through MIF-CD74/CXCR4 signaling during the early phase of stroke, while IFN-related pathways in B cells …

Comparison Of Integrated 3d Electroanatomic Mapping And Conventional Mapping Systems For Pentaspline Pulsed Field Ablation Of Atrial Fibrillation., Auroa Badin, Andrea K Robinson, Allyson Farrah, Saanvi Billakanty, David M Nemer, Ankur N Shah, Jaret D Tyler, Eugene Y Fu, Nagesh Chopra, Anish K Amin

Heart and Vascular Articles

INTRODUCTION: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an established therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), yet optimal mapping strategies during pentaspline PFA remain uncertain. We compared procedural characteristics and material costs of an integrated 3D electroanatomic mapping (EAM) platform with conventional mapping systems.

METHODS AND RESULTS: In a multicenter observational study of 448 consecutive AF ablations done using pentaspline catheter (62 integrated mapping; 386 conventional mapping) performed between February 2024 and August 2025, baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Compared with conventional mapping, the integrated platform was associated with shorter total procedure time (49 ± 16 vs. 66 ± 26 min, p …

Activin A Secretion By Muscle-Repairing Macrophages Induces Heterotopic Ossification In Mice, Wenqiang Yin, Kazuo Okamoto, Asuka Terashima, Warunee Pluemsakunthai, Takehito Ono, Taku Ito-Kureha, Shizuo Akira, Yoshinobu Hashizume, Roland Baron, Satoshi Ueha, Kouji Matsushima, Martin M Matzuk, Yuji Mishina, Hiroshi Takayanagi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The immune system is not only essential for host defense, but it is also involved in tissue maintenance and disease pathogenesis. Macrophages play a key role in tissue repair, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis, but the mechanisms underlying their multifunctionality have not been fully explored. Here, we identified Mrep (Ly6ChiCX3CR1loPDPN+CD9+) as a crucial subset of macrophages for muscle regeneration after muscle injury. Muscle regeneration required Mrep-derived activin A, which was produced via the TLR4/TIR domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β/TANK-binding kinase 1/interferon regulatory factor 3/7 signaling pathway in response to muscle injury. Mrep exerted pathological effects by secreting activin A in a model of genetically …

Regulating Ai In Pediatrics-Is Transparency Enough?, R Brandon Hunter, Kolaleh Eskandanian, Chester J Koh

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Between Apparent Potentiation And The Magnitude Of The Control Response, Joe Henry Steinbach, Gustav Akk

2020-Current year OA Pubs

The effect of a potentiating drug on ion channel function is typically evaluated by comparing current responses to the control agonist in the presence and absence of the potentiator. Differences in ratios of responses are then taken as proof of distinct potentiation properties when comparing modulation by different compounds. In these experiments, the concentration of the agonist is typically kept low to generate a small fractional control response. The precise relative magnitude of the control response is, however, not standardized among labs and can range from a concentration producing a response equal to just 2% of maximal (EC2) to over …

Cell Type-Specific Gene Regulatory Atlas Prioritizes Drug Targets And Repurposable Medicines In Alzheimer's Disease, Yunxiao Ren, Ming Hu, Yang E Li, Andrew A Pieper, Jeffrey Cummings, Feixiong Cheng

2020-Current year OA Pubs

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and poorly understood neurodegenerative disorder that lacks sufficiently effective treatments. Computational and integrative analyses that leverage multiomic data provide a promising strategy to uncover disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic opportunities. Here, we develop a cell type-specific regulatory atlas of the human middle temporal gyrus via leveraging single-nucleus RNA-seq (1,197,032 nuclei) and ATAC-seq (740,875 nuclei) data sets from 84 donors across four stages of AD neuropathological change (ADNC). We observe differential gene expression for six major cell types intensified at severe ADNC. Integrating peak-to-gene linkages and motif enrichment analyses, we reconstruct transcription factor (TF)-target gene …

Media Reporting Of The 2024 Us Preventive Services Task Force Mammography Guideline Update, Tamar Parmet, Yue Li, Joseph Cappella, Laura D Scherer, Erika A Waters, Ashley J Housten

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Building Capacity On Hypertension Management In Nigeria, Shivani Mishra, Daphne Lew, Et Al.

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli Outbreak In Canadian Daycare Centers, Mohamed Eltorki, Oluwatimilehin O Ajayi, Jina Seok, Jianling Xie, Francesco A Rizzuti, Byron M Berenger, Phillip I Tarr, Andrew T Pavia, Kate Snedeker, Silviu Grisaru, Otto G Vanderkooi, Linda Chui, Gillian A M Tarr, Gemma Vomiero, Stephen B Freedman

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections have significant morbidity, with 15% to 20% of children developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), more than half of whom require kidney replacement therapy (KRT).

OBJECTIVE: To describe health care resource utilization, clinical outcomes, and outcomes associated with daily laboratory monitoring for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in a large point-source STEC outbreak.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted among a population-based cohort of individuals exposed to a contaminated food item served in 11 childcare centers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on August 29, 2023. Children and adults with confirmed STEC infection linked …

Trends In Mammography Use Among Women Aged 40 To 74 Years In The Us, 2002-2022, Syed Mahfuz Al Hasan, Debbie L Bennett, Adetunji T Toriola

2020-Current year OA Pubs

IMPORTANCE: Understanding how prior policies, systemic factors, and public health events have shaped mammography use among US women is essential for interpreting the 2024 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation update and identifying gaps to inform equitable public health strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze mammography use trends in US women aged 40 to 49 and 50 to 74 years from 2002 to 2022 and assess variation by sociodemographic, health care access, behavioral, and geographic factors, including associations with the 2009 USPSTF recommendation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor …

Editorial: Clinical Imaging, Neurophysiological, Neuropathology And Neuroethics Studies On Disorders Of Consciousness, Coma Mechanisms, And Theories Of Consciousness: A Unifying Attempt, Diego Iacono, Manuel Trachsel, Thanh Phan, Charlène Aubinet

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Staying Strong In Practice: Reducing Musculoskeletal Risks In Dentistry, Leslie Hovda Dpt

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Dentistry’s physical demands and static postures put providers at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially in the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. This article Dr. Leslie Hovda, outlines practical ways to reduce strain through proper equipment use, posture optimization and preventive self-care. Applying the “MEDS” approach: mindfulness, exercise, diet, and sleep, can extend career longevity for dental professionals.

The Next Step In Oral Systemic Health: Educating The Public, Gary Pickard

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Oral inflammation contributes to eight of the ten leading causes of death in the U.S., highlighting the need to integrate oral health into overall healthcare. Despite strong evidence linking gum disease to diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s, public awareness remains low. This article urges dental professionals to promote preventive care through patient education, saliva and blood pressure screenings and partnerships with medical providers. Initiatives by MDDS and RMDC show how integrated care can improve early detection and overall health outcomes.

Articulator Volume 32, Issue 1

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

The 1st Quarter 2026 issue features articles highlighting insights from the 2026 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) and perspectives on the evolving dental profession. Articles include:

• A reflection from Dr. Byran Savage on this year’s RMDC, celebrating education, innovation and professional connection.
  
  
• Practical strategies from physical therapist, Dr. Leslie Hovda, for reducing musculoskeletal strain and improving ergonomic health for dental professionals.
  
  
• An article from Mr. Gary Pickard of PDS Health exploring the critical link between oral and systemic health and how integrated care can improve chronic disease prevention.
  
  
• Guidance from Ms. Katherine Eitel Belt on having courageous, constructive conversations to …

Update On Colorado Non-Compete Agreements For Dentists, Josh Austin

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Colorado’s Senate Bill 25-083 (SB 83) makes non-compete and non-solicitation agreements unenforceable for associate dentists, regardless of compensation. While non-competes tied to the sale of a dental practice or minority ownership remain valid if reasonable, most employment-based restrictions are now void. The law also preserves dentists’ rights to inform patients of their new practice and maintains penalties for non-compliance.

The Impact Of Human Myoblasts On Macrophage Polarization In A Coculture Model, Elisabeth Ann Stodola

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the lower extremities that occludes blood flow, and affects over 200 million people worldwide. Without effective treatment, PAD can lead to claudication, ischemia, ulcers, and gangrene. PAD causes more amputations in the United States than any other condition, and for severe cases that require revascularization, procedures benefit fewer than 50% of patients. This demonstrates a clear need for alternative therapies. Potential therapies for PAD target expansion of collateral blood vessels around the area of occlusion – a process called arteriogenesis to compensate for loss of blood flow …

When A Man Is Stressed, It Replicates In The House”: Kenyan Women’S Perspectives On The Influence Of Male Partners On Perinatal Mental Health Among Women Affected By Hiv, Hellen Moraa, Joan Mutahi, Winnie Atieno, Grace John-Stewart, John Kinuthia, Manasi Kumar, Mary Marwa, Ben Odhiambo, Felix Abuna, Jillian Pintye

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Mental health conditions are a major public health concern in the African region, where women experience a high prevalence of maternal mental health conditions and limited access to adequate care. This issue is particularly severe among women living with HIV (WLHIV), who face a heightened risk of depression and anxiety. Despite the well-documented association between male partner-related factors and maternal/child health outcomes, their impact on perinatal mental health from the perspective of women is not well understood. We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with women affected by HIV. Thematic analysis revealed common sources of mental distress they experienced. …

Clinical Validation Of Targeted Somatic Structural Variant Detection In Pediatric Cancer Via Long-Read Sequencing, Aravindh Nagarajan, Byunggil Yoo, Emily Farrow, John Herriges, Lei Zhang, Elena Repnikova, Tomi Pastinen, Carol J. Saunders, Midhat Farooqi, Lisa Lansdon

Posters

Introduction: Structural variants (SVs) leading to gene fusions are one of the most common classes of driver mutations in pediatric cancer. Clinical SV detection relies on a combination of techniques including karyotyping, FISH, microarray and RNA fusion testing, and, more recently, optical genome mapping. SV detection via long-read genome sequencing (lr-GS) offers the advantage of breakpoint and complex event resolution; however, its implementation has been limited by the lack of an optimized somatic SV caller, among other factors. Here we describe the clinical validation of lr-GS for targeted somatic SV detection in pediatric cancer using Severus, a newly available somatic …

Lessons Learned: Targeted Rna Sequencing As A Tool For Resolving Variants Of Uncertain Significance, Allison Kalinousky, Vitoria Paolillo, Florencia Del Viso, Elena Repnikova, Ana S A Cohen, Joseph Alaimo, Emily Farrow, Carol J. Saunders, Isabelle Thiffault

Posters

Our study demonstrated the utility of RNA studies in providing sufficient evidence to reinterpret VUS in a small cohort of clinically diverse pediatric patients who received ES/GS-based testing. Fifteen patients (68%) received an updated clinical report. Notably, in 59% the RNAseq data resulted in a molecular diagnosis. Moreover, ~47% of our positive variants were not located at splicing junctions, and therefore, would most likely not be flagged as a likely candidate in ES/GS analysis pipelines. While most variants with low TPM in blood failed, two positive variants had TPM less than 0.1, indicating that while TPM values can help narrow …

Stress Management And Resilience Among Students Enrolled In The Entry Level Master Of Science In Nursing (Elmsn) Program, Pius Omolewa, Adekemi Adedipe, Nassrine Noureddine, Destiny Roberts

All Faculty Scholarship

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of mindfulness exercises on stress management and resilience among ELMSN students. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental design that used a paired samples t-test to compare pre-test and post-test of students’ scores on both GAD-7 anxiety screening tool and short version of Grit-scale. Statistical tests were conducted with significance set at p < 0.05 (two-sided). All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 31.0 to compare pre-/post-test scores, determine differences, and statistical significance of interventions among the cohort. And a priori power analysis was conducted to determine the required sample size for a paired samples t-test. With an alpha level of 0.05 and a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.50), a total sample size of N = 34 was determined to be sufficient to achieve a power of 0.80. Results: A convenience sample of 40 students (35 females and 5 males) participated in the study. Students had more anxiety before mindfulness exercises (M = 7.00, SD = 5.5) compared to after the mindfulness exercises (M = 6.2, SD = 3.4), t(39) = 1.41, p = 0.17. The effect size was small, d = 0.22. However, the difference in the students’ anxiety levels after the mindfulness exercises was not statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.17. On the resilience, students were less resilient before mindfulness exercises (M = 3.58, SD …

The Use Of High-Fidelity Simulation In Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs: A Systematic Review, Pius Omolewa, John Bressan, Feng Ping Sarah Lee

All Faculty Scholarship

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation in prelicensure nursing programs as it relates to the confidence, knowledge, and skills of student nurses. Background: Initiatives to improve the quality of prelicensure education in nursing programs include high-fidelity simulations, but research on their impact on student nurses’ confidence, knowledge, and skills remains limited. Nurses’ confidence in practical settings is essential for quality patient care and therapeutic use of self. Methods: Articles published between 2014-2025 that used experimental and quasi-experimental studies on high-fidelity simulations were searched in EBSCO host, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Medline, and Cumulative Index to Nursing …

Varicella Zoster Encephalitis In An Immunocompetent Middle-Aged Female With Benign Neurological Presentation, Kopalle Bhanu Sriram, Swathi B.S, Bernice Roberts

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is a neurotropic human herpesvirus that typically presents as herpes zoster following reactivation of latent infection. Central nervous system involvement such as encephalitis is uncommon and is more frequently described in immunocompromised individuals. Increasing use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostics has enabled improved recognition of VZV-related neurological disease in immunocompetent hosts.

We describe a middle-aged immunocompetent female who presented with a 15-day history of persistent headache associated with vomiting and low-grade fever. Examination revealed vesicular eruptions in the T8–T9 dermatomes, while neurological examination and neuroimaging were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated …

The 'Golden Hour': A Geospatial Analysis Of Travel Time To Public Emergency Departments In Kenya, Tushara Surapaneni, Nancy Kinyua, Benjamin Wachira

Emergency Medicine, East Africa

Introduction In Kenya and many other low- and middle-income countries, prehospital care systems are underdeveloped or entirely non-existent, leaving emergency departments (EDs) as the primary point of care for medical emergencies. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to use a geographic information system (GIS) to comprehensively analyse access to public EDs in Kenya within 1-hour and 2-hour travel times.

Methods Using open-source GIS software, population, land cover, elevation and road network data were analysed to create maps of 1-hour and 2-hour travel time catchment areas around public EDs in Kenya. Travel time analysis was calculated using AccessMod with …

Differential Effects Of Neighborhood Ambient Pm2.5 Exposure And Social Vulnerability On Cancer-Related Systemic Inflammation By Race In A Large Health Care System Population From 2000 To 2020, Benjamin A. Rybicki, Zihan Lin, Amber L. Pearson

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

BackgroundThe environment can impact cancer risk both directly, such as through the air we breathe, and indirectly, through the neighborhoods we live in. These risk factors often work in concert but can have disparate effects.MethodsTo understand how air pollution, as measured by ambient particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels and neighborhood disadvantage based on a geographically assigned social vulnerability index (SVI), may act together to impact cancer risk, we used 2000-2020 statewide cohort data from a large health system based in metropolitan Detroit, MI, USA (n = 245,438). Systemic inflammation was used as a surrogate indicator of cancer risk among study …

Pharmacokinetic Profiles Of Sertraline In Pregnancy As A Predictor Of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, Sílvia M. Illamola, Zachary N. Stowe, Marc L. Kalin, Michael D. Evans, Catherine M.T. Sherwin, Maged M. Costantine, D. Jeffrey Newport, James C. Ritchie, Angela K. Birnbaum

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Aim: To characterize pharmacokinetic changes of sertraline and its metabolite during pregnancy and postpartum, and their relationship to maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. Methods: This was a prospective observational, longitudinal study of pregnant women with a major depressive disorder treated with sertraline (N = 185 women, 205 pregnancies). Women were enrolled at <16 weeks' gestation and followed at 4-8 week intervals throughout pregnancy and the first postpartum year. Baseline measures included structured clinical interviews and demographic information. Drug and metabolite concentrations and psychometric measures (study outcomes) (ie, Hamilton Rating Scale for depression - 17 item, Beck Depression Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS], Clinical Global Impression [CGI]) were measured at follow-up visits. Serum sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline exposure were reported asstandardized 24-h concentration-to-dose (C/D) and parent to metabolite (P/M) ratios. Linear mixed-effects and latent trajectory models were used to characterize longitudinal patterns in concentration measures across pregnancy and postpartum, and their association with study outcomes. Results: Mean 24-h C/D ratios showed high variability throughout pregnancy and postpartuM.T.hat were characterized by three trajectories for sertraline and five for N-desmethylsertraline and P/M ratio corresponding to different sertraline pharmacokinetic profiles. At postpartum, sertraline drug exposure was inversely associated with higher EPDS score (P < .05), while N-desmethylsertraline exposure was associated with higher scores for all measured depression scales (P < .001). Higher P/M ratios had higher CGI scores (P < .05) postpartum. Conclusion: Sertraline pharmacokinetic profiles varied across pregnant women and were associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. The use of therapeutic monitoring may provide clinical insight that can be useful for identifying patients with a potential toward depressive symptoms.

An Odd Protocol For An Agent-Based Model Of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission With Inter- And Intra-Group Structural And Behavioural Heterogeneous Syringe-Sharing Networks (5), Seun Ale, Que Nguyen Dr., John D. Kelleher Prof., Elizabeth Hunter Dr.

Reports

The model described in this ODD is an agent-based model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID). The model incorporates structural heterogeneity through a three-group interaction framework and behavioural heterogeneity through group-specific syringe-sharing rates with additional intra-group variability. The syringe-sharing population in the model is divided into core, inner, and outer circle groups representing individuals with high, moderate, and low levels of syringe-sharing interaction intensity, respectively. In addition to differences in the number of daily interaction opportunities across groups, agents in each group are assigned syringe-sharing probabilities that vary at the individual level around their …