Digital Commons Network^™

Fecal Pharmacokinetics And Gut Microbiome Effects Of Oral Omadacycline Versus Vancomycin In Healthy Volunteers, Jinhee Jo, Chenlin Hu, Khurshida Begum, Weiqun Wang, Thanh M Le, Samantha Agyapong, Blake M Hanson, Hossaena Ayele, Chris Lancaster, M Jahangir Alam, Anne J Gonzales-Luna, Kevin W Garey

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common healthcare-associated infection with limited treatment options. Omadacycline, an aminomethylcycline tetracycline, has potent in vitro activity against C difficile and a low propensity to cause CDI in clinical trials. We aimed to assess fecal pharmacokinetics and gut microbiome effects of oral omadacycline compared to oral vancomycin in healthy adults.

METHODS: This was a phase 1, nonblinded, randomized clinical trial conducted in healthy volunteers aged 18-40 years. Subjects received a 10-day course of omadacycline or vancomycin. Stool samples were collected at baseline, daily during therapy, and at follow-up visits. Omadacycline and vancomycin stool concentrations …

Covid-19 Convalescent Plasma Therapy Decreases Inflammatory Cytokines: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Feben Habtehyimer, Xianming Zhu, Andrew D Redd, Kelly A Gebo, Alison G Abraham, Eshan U Patel, Oliver Laeyendecker, Thomas J Gniadek, Reinaldo E Fernandez, Owen R Baker, Malathi Ram, Edward R Cachay, Judith S Currier, Yuriko Fukuta, Jonathan M Gerber, Sonya L Heath, Barry Meisenberg, Moises A Huaman, Adam C Levine, Aarthi Shenoy, Shweta Anjan, Janis E Blair, Daniel Cruser, Donald N Forthal, Laura L Hammitt, Seble Kassaye, Giselle S Mosnaim, Bela Patel, James H Paxton, Jay S Raval, Catherine G Sutcliffe, Matthew Abinante, Kevin S Oei, Valerie Cluzet, Marie Elena Cordisco, Benjamin Greenblatt, William Rausch, David Shade, Amy L Gawad, Sabra L Klein, Andrew Pekosz, Shmuel Shoham, Arturo Casadevall, Evan M Bloch, Daniel Hanley, Aaron A R Tobian, David J Sullivan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study examined the role that cytokines may have played in the beneficial outcomes found when outpatient individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 were transfused with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) early in their infection. We found that the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 decreased significantly faster in patients treated early with CCP. Participants with COVID-19 treated with CCP later in the infection did not have the same effect. This decrease in IL-6 levels after early CCP treatment suggests a possible role of inflammation in COVID-19 progression. The evidence of IL-6 involvement brings insight into the possible mechanisms involved in CCP treatment mitigating SARS-CoV-2 severity.

Innovative Virtual Wellness Interventions At An Academic Medical Center: A Pilot Feasibility Study, Ritika Baweja, Michael Hayes, Aditya Joshi, Raman Baweja

Journal of Wellness

Introduction: There is generally a concerning likelihood of burnout in healthcare workers. Given the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, our institution identified the need for wellness interventions to foster adaptive functioning and mitigate burnout. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess the feasibility of virtual holistic interventions like meditation, art, laughter therapy and dance and their impact on overall well-being of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs).

Methods: A series of 12 virtual sessions (art therapy, dance therapy, mindfulness-based practices/meditation and laughter therapy) were offered to providers over a 6-month period. Participants completed an online survey reporting …

Proceedings Of The 23rd International Conference Of Public Health Sciences

Journal of Health Research

Chulalongkorn University aims to be a prominent national institution with global recognition. Its primary focus is on producing knowledge and innovation that are crucial for the creative and sustainable development of Thai society. To achieve this vision, the university consistently provides support to all of its faculties, institutes, colleges, and other entities in carrying out a range of academic activities, including in-class teaching, research, and conferences, such as the one we are gathered for today. With a primary focus on graduate-level teaching in the field of public health and public health sciences, the College of Public Health Sciences is a …

Contrasting Tick Species Behaviors: A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (Cure), Sara Benham, Shovan Dutta, Rohan Maddamsetti, Clayton Wright, Alena Anderson, David T. Gauthier, Holly D. Gaff

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

Tick-borne diseases are on the rise throughout the world, and there is a need to better understand tick behavior in order to identify potential new interventions. Ticks have a complex life history and can survive months off-host. There is a lack of large-scale data on off-host tick behavior, which leaves a gap in understanding of tick biology outside of tick-host interactions. Introducing undergraduate students to authentic research early in their studies can help prepare them for independent inquiry in upper-level classes. To address the student needs and fill gaps in tick research, students in introductory biology courses recorded observations of …

Microbial Co-Occurrences On Catheters From Long-Term Catheterized Patients, Taylor M Nye, Zongsen Zou, Chloe L P Obernuefemann, Jerome S Pinkner, Erin Lowry, Kent Kleinschmidt, Karla Bergeron, Aleksandra Klim, Karen W Dodson, Ana L Flores-Mireles, Jennifer N Walker, Daniel Garrett Wong, Alana Desai, Michael G Caparon, Scott J Hultgren

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), a common cause of healthcare-associated infections, are caused by a diverse array of pathogens that are increasingly becoming antibiotic resistant. We analyze the microbial occurrences in catheter and urine samples from 55 human long-term catheterized patients collected over one year. Although most of these patients were prescribed antibiotics over several collection periods, their catheter samples remain colonized by one or more bacterial species. Examination of a total of 366 catheter and urine samples identify 13 positive and 13 negative genus co-occurrences over 12 collection periods, representing associations that occur more or less frequently than expected …

Neurocystecercosis, Sudha Kiran Das Dr, Vipul Malviya Dr, Sachin P. Shetty Dr, Shrisagar R A

Radiology Teaching Files

• 42 year male patient presented with complains of generalised weakness and 2 episodes of seizures. CT and MRI brain was performed and was diagnosed with neurocystecercosis. Symptomatic treatment with antiseizure medications, along with anthelmintic therapy using albendazole and praziquantel, the two antiparasitics, was planned, accompanied by corticosteroids.

The Association Between Early Exposure To Antibiotics And Childhood Asthma Incidence, Victoria Fischer

Soaring: A Journal of Undergraduate Research

This review examines the association between early exposure to antibiotics and the incidence of asthma in childhood, highlighting significant public health concerns related to antibiotic overuse. The misuse of antibiotics not only contributes to antibiotic resistance but may also impact long-term health outcomes, particularly respiratory diseases like asthma. Emerging evidence suggests that early antibiotic exposure may disrupt gut microbiota, altering immune responses and increasing the risk of asthma development. A systematic review of twenty-seven studies identified a significant correlation between antibiotic use in infancy and subsequent asthma diagnoses. However, there remains a need for further research to delineate the extent …

Public Health For Dummies, Snigdha Sahai, Devaki C. Yellappa

Books

Public Health for Dummies is a guide that aims to demystify the world of public health with a touch of humor, a splash of raw honesty, and a generous dose of practical insights. This book is not just a roadmap for aspiring public health professionals; it’s a celebration of the diverse ways in which public health impacts our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. Public health often gets overshadowed by the glamorous fields of clinical medicine or high-tech health innovations. But behind the scenes, it is the unsung hero that ensures clean drinking water, advocates for vaccination campaigns, …

Fusion, 2024, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Vaccination Adherence: Enhancing Compliance Among First-Generation Asian American Parents, Katelyn Leong

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Vaccine adherence in the pediatric population refers to receiving vaccines as per the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces vaccine-preventable diseases and enhances community immunity. Vaccine hesitancy, driven by concerns such as safety, misinformation, or cultural beliefs can affect adherence. National coverage of state-mandated vaccines among kindergarteners declined from 95% to around 93% between 2019 and 2022, varying across different vaccines. Objective: This research proposal’s focus is to determine if an educational intervention targeting first-generation Asian Americans, who have adopted their immigrant parents' misinformation about vaccines, will effectively increase vaccination rates among their children. The study aims to assess the …

Qualitative Study Of Hiv-Related Stigma In The Dental Care Setting, Sania A. Pullen, Dr. Dina T. Garcia

UROP Posters

Objectives: People living with HIV (PLWH) are susceptible to developing a variety of oral conditions that if left untreated can lead to sore gums, painful chewing, and tooth loss as well as compromise HIV management and viral suppression. Despite the increased risk of developing oral conditions, it is estimated that up to 58% of PLH do not receive regular dental care. This study aimed to examine HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the dental care setting.

Methods: Adults living with HIV who receive care through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program at the VCU Infectious Disease (ID) clinic were recruited to participate. …

Understanding Social Dynamics In Toxic Conversations And Public Health Intervention Acceptance On Social Media, Ana Aleksandric

Computer Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Social media is now central to daily life, offering users a space to share content and opinions. However, these platforms also facilitate the spread of hate speech and misinformation, which can negatively impact public health. This dissertation develops methodologies to analyze social media data for insights that could inform health interventions. The research first examines user responses to toxic content, focusing on behavioral and emotional reactions, as well as group dynamics and bystander effects in toxic interactions. Another key focus is public opinion toward health interventions, particularly COVID-19 vaccination, using geolocated posts and analyzing factors such as race, ethnicity, and …

Microbial Profile And Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns Of Surgical Intra-Abdominal Infections At A Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study, Abduel Julius Kitua

Master of Surgery

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Among infections of surgical importance, intra-abdominal infections prevail among the most common in surgical patients with considerable morbidity and mortality. The ever-rising microbial resistance to commonly available antibiotics and geographical variations in microbial profile and resistance patterns poses a challenge to the management of these surgical infections of abdominal origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbiological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates from intra-abdominal infections at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania and how these influence early treatment outcomes.

A Case Study In Program Evaluation, Alyssa Osborne

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

As a result of a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) outbreak at a local high school, the Lexington Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) has been tasked with developing a program to ensure timely reporting of actions taken in the event of a MRSA outbreak or disease outbreak of similar nature (1). This program evaluation is guided by the CDC’s 6-step program evaluation framework (2), which was used to inform this assessment.

Resilience Of Mental Health Services Amidst Ebola Disease Outbreaks In Africa, Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy, Nancy B. Tahmo, Lambed Tatah, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

INTRODUCTION: Health systems including mental health (MH) systems are resilient if they protect human life and produce better health outcomes for all during disease outbreaks or epidemics like Ebola disease and their aftermaths. We explored the resilience of MH services amidst Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa; specifically, to (i) describe the pre-, during-, and post-Ebola disease outbreak MH systems in African countries that have experienced Ebola disease outbreaks, (ii) determine the prevalence of three high burden MH disorders and how those prevalences interact with Ebola disease outbreaks, and, (iii) describe the resilience of MH systems in the context of these …

Opportunities For Prep In High Risk Hiv Negative Patients, Steven Veselsky, Erin Smith, Amethyst Wilder, Misty Burkes, Nnamdi Ilouga, Jean B. Wiggins, Erik Shaw, William Hannah

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2024

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Assessment Of A Novel Isolation Care Tent In Uganda During The 2022, M. Jana Broadhurst, Rodgers R. Ayebare, David Brett-Major, Sean M. Carroll, Jacob Lacore, Alexander D. Laskey, James V. Lawler, Patricia Lord, Ruben M. Vazquez, Peter Waitt, Mohammed Lamorde

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

This case study describes a feasibility assessment of a novel isolation care tent used in health facilities in Uganda during the 2022 Sudan ebolavirus outbreak. The Isolation System for Treatment and Agile Response to High-Risk Infections Model 1B (ISTARI 1B) is a single-occupancy, portable, negative-pressure isolation tent designed for the safe delivery of standard care to patients with a communicable disease, including Ebola disease (Sudan). At the request of the Uganda Ministry of Health, the Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute and University of Nebraska Medical Center partnered to evaluate 7 health facilities across 4 districts in Uganda for infrastructure, case …

Redesigning Surveillance Through The Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Program, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

No abstract provided.

The Crucial Role Of Community Medicine In Improving Public Health, Malik Maaz Ahmad, Imran Ahmed Khan, Neha Priyanka

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Community medicine, also known as Social and Preventive Medicine, is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities and populations. Unlike other medical specialties that primarily focus on individual patients, community medicine takes a broader approach, addressing the health needs of entire populations. The specialty of community medicine plays a vital role in clinical practice and public health. Its focus on prevention, population health, and evidence-based medicine makes it an essential discipline in improving the health and well-being of communities. Community-based medical education is of vital relevance in the modern change …

Population Burden Of Rare Infectious And Inflammatory Diseases Of The Heart, Meera Marji

Theses and Dissertations--Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Rare diseases of the heart, such as infective endocarditis (IE), myocarditis, and pericarditis, have earned limited attention in cardiovascular research despite their potential for severe morbidity and mortality. Amidst the opioid crisis in the United States, there has been a notable increase in endocarditis hospitalizations among people who inject drugs. Kentucky, at the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, lacks available data on IE hospitalizations. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems, influencing hospitalizations and healthcare utilization patterns. While trends before, during, and after the pandemic have been extensively studied for common cardiovascular diseases, such as heart …

Projecting Temperature-Related Dengue Burden In The Philippines Under Various Socioeconomic Pathway Scenarios, Xerxes Seposo, Sary Valenzuela, Geminn Louis C. Apostol, Keith Alexius Wangkay, Percival Ethan Lao, Anna Beatrice Enriquez

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Introduction

As climate change advances, the looming threat of dengue fever, intricately tied to rising temperatures, intensifies, posing a substantial and enduring public health challenge in the Philippines. This study aims to investigate the historical and projected excess dengue disease burden attributable to temperature to help inform climate change policies, and guide resource allocation for strategic climate change and dengue disease interventions.

Methods

The study utilized established temperature-dengue risk functions to estimate the historical dengue burden attributable to increased temperatures. Future projections were derived using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios to estimate the …

Impacts Of Climate Change On Vector-Borne Disease Burden In The United States: Exploring The Epidemiological Evidence, Leah V. Loetman

Honors Theses

Climate change models predict shifts in vector-borne diseases (VBDs) around the world, including in the United States. However, to my knowledge there has yet to be a comprehensive descriptive epidemiological study examining prevalence, geographic distribution, and trends for all tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. I compiled data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which publishes yearly case numbers for 17 vector-borne diseases. However, these publications depend on a scattered framework of state regulations regarding disease reporting. I compiled data from the CDC to determine the current geographic distribution, prevalence, and trends of tick- and mosquito-borne …

Germicidal Ultraviolet (Guv): A Powerful Tool For Improving Indoor Air Quality And Reducing Disease Transmission, P. Jacob Bueno De Mesquita

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

High Prevalence Of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infection In Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) And Associated Risk To Humans In Central Illinois, Esther Onuselogu

Masters Theses

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a neglected tropical disease and a growing health threat in the United States. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often coexist with humans in urban and suburban areas and serve as reservoir hosts for T. cruzi. While T. cruzi is rare in humans and domestic animals in the U.S., it is common in wildlife species, particularly raccoons and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in the raccoon population of Central Illinois and evaluate the risk of transmission to humans. …

Evaluating The Performance Of Flukecatcher At Detecting Urogenital Schistosomiasis, Louis Fok, Berhanu Erko, David Brett-Major, Abebe Animut, M. Jana Broadhurst, Daisy Dai, John Linville, Bruno Levecke, Yohannes Negash, Abraham Degarege

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

Urine filtration microscopy (UFM) lacks sensitivity in detecting low-intensity Schistosoma haematobium infections. In pursuit of a superior alternative, this study evaluated the performance of FlukeCatcher microscopy (FCM) at detecting S. haematobium eggs in human urine samples. Urine samples were collected from 572 school-age children in Afar, Ethiopia in July 2023 and examined using UFM and FCM approaches. Using the combined UFM and FCM results as a reference, the sensitivity, negative predictive value, and agreement levels for the two testing methods in detecting S. haematobium eggs in urine samples were calculated. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of detecting S. haematobium …

Understanding Covid-19 Booster Hesitancy Amongst Those Experiencing Homelessness And Housing Instability, Kelsey Bas

Global Public Health | Student Research Posters

The COVID-19 vaccine had an efficacy of 80-90% against symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 infections in those who have completed the primary series of the vaccine. The booster vaccine restored infection protection with an efficacy of 75-85%.

California marks the highest rate of homelessness in the nation which was influenced by the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic also caused 17 million Californians (44%) who live in rented homes to be at risk for eviction moratoriums and rental assistance. Those experiencing homelessness and housing instability are at higher risk of contracting severe COVID-19 due to prior medical conditions, poor health status, and lack …

Root Causes Of Homelessness In Marin County And Prevention Strategies, Michaela George, Kelsey Bas, Joe Blakely, Naila Saghir, Garrett Siebels, Liliana Valle-Contreras, Sehrish Khan

Global Public Health | Student Research Posters

Even with increased prevalence of homelessness in the US, there is limited research that investigates circumstances that can lead to homelessness. This lack of understanding perpetuates the inequities in health and wellbeing, access to basic necessities, effective prevention strategies and meaningful policy changes.

More individuals are experiencing homelessness in California than ever before In Marin, the Ritter Center (RC) strives to prevent and resolve homelessness and improve the health and well-being of individuals living in poverty

A Case Study In Program Evaluation: A Prospective Program Evaluation Of Timely Reporting And Action Of An Infectious Disease Outbreak, Destiny Cozart

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus also known as MRSA is an infection of a staph bacteria. High school athletes are at risk of contracting MRSA through skin to skin contact and/or MRSA contaminated equipment. This case study uses the CDC's six-step framework for program evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the online training modules designed to increase the knowledge of staff and stakeholders about MRSA and infectious disease outbreaks. The findings from this evaluation will advise the potential change(s) implemented in training modules, ultimately to enhance competency for decision makers and prevent MRSA and infectious disease outbreak amongst high school athletic programs.

Prevalence Of Hpv16 E6 Antibodies And Oral Hpv Among Men Living In Kentucky, Christopher O. Otieno

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

ABSTRACT

Objective: The incidence of human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC) is surging in the United States, particularly in the southeast and Appalachia. The reason for this increase is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence of two markers of increased risk, HPV16 E6 antibodies and oral HPV infection, among men in Appalachian and non-Appalachian Kentucky.

Methods: This study was nested within an ongoing HPV-OPC screening study of healthy men aged 45+ residing in urban (non-Appalachian) and rural (Appalachian) Kentucky and included the first 1,581 participants with either HPV serologic and/or oral HPV testing. Blood and oral rinse samples were collected at enrollment. …