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Rickettsiologist Pavel F. Zdrodovskii: Larger Than Life, And Not Just For His Famous Book, Marina E. Eremeeva, S. N. Shpynov, I. V. Tarasevich

Environmental Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

This article highlights the biography and scientific accomplishments of Pavel F. Zdrodovskii and his contributions to understanding the biology, pathogenesis, treatment, prevention and epidemiology of brucellosis, rickettsioses and many other infectious diseases.

Association Of Tobacco Use And Other Determinants With Pregnancy Outcomes: A Multicentre Hospital-Based Case-Control Study In Karachi, Pakistan., Shafquat Rozi, Zahid Ahmad Butt, Nida Zahid, Saba Wasim, Kashif Shafique

Community Health Sciences

OBJECTIVES:

The study aimed to identify the effects of maternal tobacco consumption during pregnancy and other factors on birth outcomes and obstetric complications in Karachi, Pakistan.

DESIGN:

A multicentre hospital-based case-control study.

SETTING:

Four leading maternity hospitals of Karachi.

PARTICIPANTS:

A random sample of 1275 women coming to the gynaecology and obstetric department of selected hospitals for delivery was interviewed within 48 hours of delivery from wards. Cases were women with adverse birth outcomes and obstetric complications, while controls were women who had normal uncomplicated delivery.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES:

Adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birth weight, stillbirth, …

Cleaning Puparia For Forensic Analysis, Leon G. Higley, Tierney R. Brosius, Karl Reinhard, David Carter

Karl Reinhard Publications

We tested procedures for removing adipocere from insect samples to allow identification. An acceptable procedure was determined: (i) Samples were sorted in petri dishes with 75% alcohol to remove any larvae, adult insects, or other soft-bodied material. (ii) Samples of up to 24 puparia were placed in a vial with 15 mL of 95% acetone, capped, and vortexed for a total of 30–90 sec in 10- to 15-sec bursts. This step removed large masses of adipocere or soil from specimen. (iii) Specimens were removed from acetone and placed in a vial of 15 mL of 2% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and …

Environmental, Behavioral Factors And Filariasis Incidence In Bintan District, Riau Islands Province, Zainul Ikhwan, Lucky Herawati, Suharti Suharti

Kesmas

Tingkat mikrofilaria filariasis di Kabupaten Bintan masih tinggi, khususnya di Kecamatan Teluk Bintan, Teluk Sebong, dan Sri Kuala Lobam. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan faktor risiko lingkungan (faktor fisik, biologi, kimia, sosial budaya, ekonomi) dan faktor perilaku dengan kejadian filariasis. Jenis penelitian observasional analitik yang dilakukan pada Mei – September 2015 dengan desain kasus kontrol, yang terdiri dari jumlah kasus 33 orang penderita filariasis dan kontrol 65 orang bukan penderita filariasis dengan teknik cluster sampling. Populasi penelitian adalah masyarakat di Kabupaten Bintan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan uji kai kuadrat dan regresi logistik. Hasil menunjukkan adanya hubungan pengetahuan (nilai …

Identification Of Pathogenic Leptospira In Rat And Shrew Populations Using Rpob Gene And Its Spatial Distribution In Boyolali District, Dyah Widiastuti, Zumrotus Sholichah, Agustiningsih Agustiningsih, Nastiti Wijayanti

Kesmas

Leptospirosis merupakan masalah kesehatan di Indonesia. Hingga April 2014, dilaporkan kasus leptospirosis yang ditularkan oleh tikus di Kabupaten Boyolali dengan angka kematian 83,3%. Genus Leptospira terdiri dari ratusan serovar dan tipe genetik yang hidup di pelbagai jenis habitat. Pengelompokan spesies Leptospira berdasarkan gen rpoB dapat digunakan karena tingkat polimorfisme gen tersebut tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi serovar bakteri Leptospira pada populasi tikus di Kabupaten Boyolali menggunakan analisis hubungan kekerabatan didasarkan pada polimorfisme gen rpoB dan menggambarkan distribusi spasial tikus positif Leptospira di Kabupaten Boyolali. Penelitian potong lintang dilaksanakan pada bulan April 2014 di Desa Sindon Kecamatan Ngemplak dan Desa …

The Role Of Sumo And Coilin In The Cajal Body, Shanya Whitehorse, Mario Izaguirre-Sierra, Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Our lab is solely based on learning about the molecular biology of the cell nucleus using basic model organism such as plants and flies. We focus on the study of the Cajal Body (CB) and specifically, we are interested to know how nuclear bodies can be formed without a membrane. The CB and the nucleolus are conserved nuclear bodies in all eukaryotic cells. CBs contain multiple proteins and RNA species involved in many pathways such as splicing, ribosome biogenesis and telomere maintenance.

Coilin is one of the main proteins in the nucleus and it is known to be required for …

In Search Of Young American Indian/Alaska Native Scientists, Carolee Dodge Francis, Edd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This article introduces the work that was done through the Coordinating Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Antibacterial Activity Of Extracts From Physalis Peruviana (Poha Berry), Rachel Higaki, Leng C. Chang, Phd, Mayuramas Sang-Ngern

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Physalis Peruviana (Pp) L., a member of Solanaceae family, has been used traditionally since Columbian times, particularly to treat various diseases. It is native to Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Pp is known for its high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibers. Several species in Solanaceae have been shown to exhibit antibacterial properties against gram-positive and gram­negative bacteria.

In Hawai'i, Poha berry fruits are eaten fresh and used for jams. For this experiment, Physalis peruviana whole plants and fruits were collected and further extracted. Both crude methanol extract of aerial (PpA) and 70% ethanol extract of fruits (PpF) from Pp …

Igniting Passion For Science Across A Vast Ocean: Nurturing A New Generation Of Pacific Island Scientists, George Hui, Danielle Clements

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This article introduces the work that was done through the Coordinating Center at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii.

Collagen Iv Assembly: Production Of A Recombinant Construct For Mechanistic Studies, Kennedy Harris, Billy Hudson, Phd, Isi Ero-Tolliver, Phd, Kyle Brown, Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Basement membranes, specialized extracellular matrix, provide mechanical support for epithelial cells and shape cell behavior by interacting with cell receptors. Collagen IV, the predominant component of basement membrane, comprises six genetically distinct alpha chains (α1 to α6) that assemble to form protomers, which associate to form hexamers, in the scaffold. Non-assembly due to mutations within alpha chains give rise to kidney diseases. Yet, the mechanism of assembly is poorly understood.

Preliminary data in our lab indicated that amino acid 78 of collagen IV α2 NC1 (non-collagenous) domains may play a role in a chloride-dependent switch that supports hexamer formation. We …

Preparing Underrepresented High School Students To Increase Diversity In The Research And Health Professions, Dolores E. Caffey-Fleming, Ms, Mph, Christopher Reid, Md, Phd

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This article introduces the work that was done through the Coordinating Center at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Leisure Time Physical Activity Preferences, Behaviors, And Hypertension: Evidence From The China Health & Nutrition Survey, 2004-2011, Junmin Zhou

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Physical activity has been continuously declining in China. At the same time, prevalence of hypertension has dramatically increased. The associations between leisure time physical activity preference, behavior, and development of hypertension in Chinese adults remained not fully understood and few studies have examined these associations using longitudinal data.

Objectives: This dissertation examined the interrelationships among leisure time activity preference, behavior, and the incidence of hypertension using longitudinal data from 2004 to 2011 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. It also assessed the urban-rural disparities.

Methods: A total of 2,687 adults were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regressions …

Aldehyde Adducts And Lung Injury, Muna Sapkota

Theses & Dissertations

From the time of discovery, people have used both alcohol and tobacco in various forms all around the world. Alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking causes thousands of preventable deaths in the US each year. Several lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cancer of neck, throat, mouth and lung are associated with smoking and drinking. Even though some studies have examined the role of alcohol and cigarette smoke in lung diseases, only a few studies have focused on the role of reactive aldehydes generated in the lungs of those who abuse alcohol and smoke …

Psychological Aspects Of Head And Neck Cancer, Katherine Rieke

Theses & Dissertations

Patients with head and neck cancer may be at increased risk for depression diagnosis when compared to other cancer sites, both before and after their cancer diagnosis. Behavioral risk factors for head and neck cancers, including tobacco and alcohol use, may be indicative of depression before cancer diagnosis. Further, head and neck cancers and their treatments can cause serious morbidity among patients, including physical disfigurement and loss of function. Additionally, these cancers are often accompanied by social stigma, personal shame, and guilt. While there is a significant body of research examining depression in this cancer population, there are still several …

Using Scientific Inquiry To Increase Knowledge Of Vaccine Theory And Infectious Diseases, Zachary Walls, John B. Bossaer, David Cluck

ETSU Faculty Works

Background: The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a laboratory activity based on scientific inquiry to educate first-year pharmacy students in the U.S. about vaccination theory and the attributes of common pathogens. Methods: The laboratory activity had two principal sections. The first consisted of an interactive game during which students rolled a die to determine outcomes based on a set of pre-determined criteria. In the second section, students generated and tested hypotheses about vaccine theory using a computer simulation that modeled disease transmission within a large population. In each section students were asked to evaluate epidemiological data …

Partnerships For Change: A Collaboration For Global Wellbeing, Ravneet Gill

Master's Projects and Capstones

Partnerships For change (PFC) consists of a team of social impact strategists and practitioners. The organization is dedicated to promote sustainable development through direct humanitarian action and transforming social and economic conditions of underserved communities around the globe. With the commitment to elevate and empower individuals to reach their ultimate potential, PFC partnered with Jaipur foot, world's largest organization for prosthetic devices, to network Jaipur Foot to innovators and funders. They have also started the building of a health clinic in Johnsonville, Liberia due to inadequate medical support for individuals living in the community. There are several steps in building …

Strategic Community Healthcare Management, Stephanie Penrod

Master's Projects and Capstones

Federally Qualified Health Centers(FQHC) and Community Health Centers are growing with the Affordable Care Act. This paper introduces literature that supports the need for Community Health Centers and management of low income patients with chronic illnesses. This paper also reviews the fieldwork experience at a FQHC. It reviews the goals, project, methods and findings of the fieldwork. This paper also elaborates on the scope of the project and a quality improvement report for the FQHC in observation. It discusses the future potential implementation of the recommendations and the benefits for both employees and patients. This paper concludes with follow up …

Healthy Stores For Healthy Communities, Camila Suarez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Overall smoking rates in California, and nationwide, have steadily declined since the first surgeon’s general report, in the 1960s, stated that tobacco may lead to cancer. In the past five years, the emergence of Electronic smoking devices or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), little cigarillos, vapes, and hookah have increased smoking rates among teenagers and young adults throughout California. The rise of smokeless tobacco products can be attributed to a variety of reasons from marketing, product availability, flavor availability, and public misconceptions. In 2016, the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health launched the Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community …

Improving Workplace Wellness At Kaiser Permanente, Megan Conolly

Master's Projects and Capstones

A sedentary lifestyle is linked to many serious health problems including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and early death. Since the majority of jobs are done at a desk, those in the workforce have become particularly vulnerable to becoming sedentary. Workplace wellness programs are beginning to become a more common practice, and Kaiser Permanente is leading the way. However, they are discovering that simply providing resources is not enough. To enhance their workplace wellness, the Wellness Leaders program was implemented in order to get all departments involved in wellness activities and practices. While the program continues to grow, a shift in the …

Association Of Body Weight With Athletic Success And The Occurrence Of Female Athlete Triad In Cross Country Athletes, Lindsey Hinken

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Young adult females who participate in endurance sports are at risk of developing Female Athlete Triad (FAT). The high prevalence of FAT among collegiate athletes and its potentially lifelong consequences substantiate the importance of relevant research. The objective of the present study is to identify the risk of FAT among the Western Kentucky University women’s cross country team, based on the presence or absence of the three FAT components, and to investigate the perceptions of those determined to be ‘at-risk.’ It was hypothesized that a preponderance of the WKU women’s cross country team would be considered ‘at risk’ for developing …

Understanding Health Care Costs In A Wisconsin Acute Leukemia Population, Patricia Steinert, Ron A. Cisler

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose

We investigated factors driving health care costs of patients with a diagnosis of acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Methods

Standard costs identified in insurance claims data obtained from the Wisconsin Health Information Organization were used in a sample of 837 acute leukemia patients from April 2009 to June 2011. The Andersen behavioral model of health care utilization guided selection of patient and community factors expected to influence health care costs. A generalized linear model fitting gamma-distributed data with log-link technique was used to analyze cost.

Results

Type of treatment received and disease severity represented significant cost drivers, and …

Abstracts From The 22nd Annual Health Care Systems Research Network Conference, April 13–16, 2016, Atlanta, Georgia

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

This proceedings supplement includes selected abstracts presented at the 22nd annual conference of the Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN), held April 13–16, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia. The HCSRN connects the resources and capabilities of research departments from its member health care systems. Collectively, the organization represents more than 1,900 scientists and research staff from an array of disciplines such as epidemiology, economics, disparities, outcomes and quality assessment, trials and genomics.

Stigmatization Fo Hiv/Aids: A Cross-Cultural Analysis, Jamie Doctrow

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of a public health epidemic that has impacted millions of individuals worldwide. Though medical advances have decreased the number of AIDS related deaths by 42% since the peak year of 2004 (UNAIDS, 2015), many individuals with HIV/AIDS are unaware of their status and are not currently receiving antiretroviral treatment. Many experts have suggested that a significant barrier to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment is the social stigma that has become attached to the disease. No single cause of this stigmatization has been identified, but a variety of influences may play a role. To …

Ptsd Symptom Severities, Interpersonal Traumas, And Benzodiazepines Are Associated With Substance-Related Problems In Trauma Patients, Jeffrey Guina, Ramzi W. Nahhas, Adam J. Goldberg, Seth Farnsworth

Population and Public Health Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Trauma is commonly associated with substance-related problems, yet associations between specific substances and specific posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSSs) are understudied. We hypothesized that substance-related problems are associated with PTSS severities, interpersonal traumas, and benzodiazepine prescriptions. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey methodology in a consecutive sample of adult outpatients with trauma histories (n = 472), we used logistic regression to examine substance-related problems in general (primary, confirmatory analysis), as well as alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug problems specifically (secondary, exploratory analyses) in relation to demographics, trauma type, PTSSs, and benzodiazepine prescriptions. Results: After adjusting for multiple testing, several factors …

Differences In The Carcinogenic Evaluation Of Glyphosate Between The International Agency For Research On Cancer (Iarc) And The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa)., C. J. Portier, B. Armstrong, B. Baguley, X. Baur, I. Belyaev, Melissa J. Perry, +Several Additional Authors

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Let’S Build Together: Expanding Comprehensive Sex Education In The United States, Olivia Cecchi

Sustainability and Social Justice

This paper seeks to critique the current state of sex education in the United States by examining the history of funding and the perceived effectiveness of some programs. In the past the American government has overwhelmingly supported abstinence-only methods of sex education through several federal funding streams. Yet there is little evidence to show that abstinence-only programs even work, thus there has been efforts to shift support to comprehensive sex education programs. This paper analyzes the results of several studies, which compare and evaluate the effectiveness of different types of sexuality education programs. Although these studies provide measurable evidence in …

Memory And Fine Motor Skill Test Performance Among Children Living Near Coal Ash Storage Sites., Lindsay Koloff Tompkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Coal ash, a byproduct of coal combustion,is reduced in 47 U.S. states andfrequently contains heavy metals, some of which are known neurotoxins. An estimated 1.5 million children live near sites where coal ash is produced andstored, yet there have been no studies assessing coal ash exposure and children’s neuro behavioral health. This study is part of a larger cross-sectional study, Coal Ash and Neuro behavioral Symptoms in Children Aged 6- 14 Years Old, and aimed to determine the relationship between children’s memory and fine motor skill test performance and the proximity of the home to coal ash storage sites, the …

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2dm) Onset And "Remission"., Srikanth Tangelloju

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease condition. As the disease progresses the function of beta (β) cells (cells which regulate insulin) decline, thereby increasing the circulating blood glucose levels. If left unmanaged the disease progresses from onset to development of T2DM related complications and eventually death. When managed, in certain individuals, T2DM onset can be prevented and/or slowed down and in certain T2DM individuals, remission is observed. There are some known modifiable risk factors such as diet and physical activities that are associated with the speed and direction of progression, but much is still unknown. In …

Air Pollution, Pulmonary Oxidative Stress, And The Endothelin System In The Development Of Cardiovascular Injury., Jordan B. Finch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this project was to examine the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) as a mediator in the pathway between air pollution exposure and the development of vascular injury. A human cohort and male mice (C57BL/6 and ecSOD-Tg) were used to evaluate changes in the ET-1 system in response to exposures of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Human ET-1 levels were significantly associated with environmental factors and markers of vascular change, but were decreased with increased PM2.5. No association was seen between ET-1 and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) except for EPC-4, possibly indicating a regulatory relationship with this specific population. In …

Evaluating The Prevalence And Effectiveness Of Breed-Specific Legislation, Felicia E. Trembath

Open Access Dissertations

Dog bites pose a persistent public health problem, which some jurisdictions pass breed-specific legislation (BSL) to address. However, very little non-anecdotal evidence regarding the efficacy of BSL has been presented. Currently, BSL research is hampered by the absence of standard terminology, an established prevalence, or a scientific consensus on its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to propose standardized terminology for BSL, establish the prevalence of each type of BSL in the USA, and conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of BSL.

After review of terminology currently in use, as well as review of the regulatory actions of …