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The Status Of Children’S Dental Health In Rural Appalachian West Virginia, R. Constance Wiener, Gina Graziani Sep 2025

The Status Of Children’S Dental Health In Rural Appalachian West Virginia, R. Constance Wiener, Gina Graziani

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Non-metro/rural Appalachian West Virginia (WV) residents have been stigmatized for poor oral health (OH), despite many advances.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to examine current OH in children in WV, as compared to children in the greater United States (U.S.), and secondarily in subgroup non-metro/rural comparisons.

Methods: This observational study involved the U.S. National Survey of Children’s Health 2022–2023 data from parents/guardians who were asked about their child’s previous 12-month OH. Rao-Scott Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used.

Results: Nationally, the mean age was 9.7 years; for WV children, it was 9.9 years. Nationally, 12.4% of …


Identifying Barriers And Place-Based Solutions To Physical Activity For Older Adults In East Tennessee, Lydia Hoskins, Jodi Southerland Sep 2025

Identifying Barriers And Place-Based Solutions To Physical Activity For Older Adults In East Tennessee, Lydia Hoskins, Jodi Southerland

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Older adults in East Tennessee (TN), the fastest growing demographic, face significant health challenges, with 44% reporting four or more chronic conditions. The state ranks 45th in physical inactivity among older adults, exacerbating chronic disease risks, fall-related injuries, and mental health issues. Urban-rural disparities in East TN further complicate efforts to promote active living, particularly for rural residents.

Purpose: This qualitative study explored socioecological barriers and solutions to increase physical activity (PA).

Methods: In April 2024, two focus group were conducted in East TN, with a total of 11 participants composed of six community partners and five older adults. …


Intensive Telemedicine Transitions Of Care Clinic: A Prospective Feasibility Study Of A Novel Ambulatory Model Serving Appalachian Patients, Jessica Thayer, Brett Miller, Marcelino Mederos Liriano, Kathryn Hoffman, Gina Baugh, Jenna Sizemore Sep 2025

Intensive Telemedicine Transitions Of Care Clinic: A Prospective Feasibility Study Of A Novel Ambulatory Model Serving Appalachian Patients, Jessica Thayer, Brett Miller, Marcelino Mederos Liriano, Kathryn Hoffman, Gina Baugh, Jenna Sizemore

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Hospital discharge is a complex process plagued with medical errors and poor coordination. Disjointed discharges are detrimental to Appalachian patients with access barriers and multiple chronic diseases. Telehealth is a tool used to improve access within rural Appalachia. To address this high-risk transition period, an interprofessional team deployed telemedicine to improve post-hospital care for Appalachian patients.

Purpose: Patients with uncontrolled chronic medical conditions were enrolled into the Intensive Telemedicine Transition of Care Clinic (I-TTC) with a primary outcome of 30-day Emergency Department (ED) presentations and hospital readmissions. Secondary outcomes included improved control of chronic conditions and patient cost savings. …


Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care (Pctic): A Training Needs Assessment For Home And Community-Based Services In West Virginia, Ranjita Misra, A. Brianna Sheppard, Natalie Wilson, Megan C. Govindan, Matthew Myers, Amanda Acord-Vira, Steven Wheeler, Heather Henderson, Christena Ross, Laura Cooper, Rachel A. Goff Sep 2025

Person-Centered Trauma-Informed Care (Pctic): A Training Needs Assessment For Home And Community-Based Services In West Virginia, Ranjita Misra, A. Brianna Sheppard, Natalie Wilson, Megan C. Govindan, Matthew Myers, Amanda Acord-Vira, Steven Wheeler, Heather Henderson, Christena Ross, Laura Cooper, Rachel A. Goff

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Person-centered, trauma-informed care (PCTIC) is a combined, holistic service model promoting the well-being and empowerment of trauma survivors.

Purpose: This study examined the PCTIC knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by West Virginia (WV) Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) direct service professionals (DSPs) to serve clients that may have experienced trauma.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with diverse stakeholders (n = 32) from 19 organizations that provide HCBS services in all 55 counties. Interviews focused on identifying current training, needs and knowledge gaps, and priority areas for additional PCTIC training. ATLAS.ti software was used to manage and code. Validity …


Radon Environmental Health Literacy Among Health Council Participants In Northeast Tennessee, Kawther Al Ksir, Stacy Stanifer, Hadii M. Mamudu, Megan Quinn, Deborah L. Slawson Sep 2025

Radon Environmental Health Literacy Among Health Council Participants In Northeast Tennessee, Kawther Al Ksir, Stacy Stanifer, Hadii M. Mamudu, Megan Quinn, Deborah L. Slawson

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Radon, a radioactive gas, poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, and is prevalent in indoor environments. Understanding radon testing behavior and Environmental Health Literacy (EHL) is crucial for individuals to take appropriate preventive measures.

Purpose: This study assessed radon-related EHL among Health Council participants in seven Northeast Tennessee (NETN) counties and examined associations between sociodemographic factors and EHL levels. Understanding radon knowledge and behaviors within this influential group is critical, as they often serve as trusted public health advocates.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September – November 2023 among Health Council participants across seven counties in …


Prevalence Of Screening Patients For Alcohol Use In West Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Bayan Abuhalimeh, Christopher Waters, R. Constance Wiener Sep 2025

Prevalence Of Screening Patients For Alcohol Use In West Virginia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Bayan Abuhalimeh, Christopher Waters, R. Constance Wiener

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Consequences of alcohol consumption are well-established and compounded by physiological changes of aging (increased sensitivity; medication interactions; etc.). Alcohol screening for all ages is recommended, especially as most Americans believe moderate drinking is acceptable. Screening is important in high alcohol use regions, such as rural areas where isolation is more likely, especially for older adults. The Appalachian Region has a significant rural population of older adults. West Virginia (WV) is representative of Appalachia. It is a rural state, has many older adults, and all counties are Appalachian.

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine the likelihood …


Finding Community: A Thematic Analysis Of Resilience During The Pandemic, Myles Kwitny, Quinn Richards, Grace Digirolamo, Shannon Freedman, Sophie Wenzel Sep 2025

Finding Community: A Thematic Analysis Of Resilience During The Pandemic, Myles Kwitny, Quinn Richards, Grace Digirolamo, Shannon Freedman, Sophie Wenzel

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic impacted those within rural Appalachian communities, particularly people with marginalized identities.

Purpose: Through interviewing 44 participants from New River Valley, an Appalachian community in Virginia, this study sought to understand how resilience impacted individuals' experiences during the pandemic.

Methods: Participants belonged to one of the following groups: African American, Hispanic, older adults, or people who use drugs. Participants were required to reside in the New River Valley and be older than 18. Each participant was interviewed either in person, by phone, or over video call. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, then thematically analyzed for themes of resilience. …


Addressing The Root Causes Of Population Health In Central Appalachian Virginia, David L. Driscoll, Kol Gold Sep 2025

Addressing The Root Causes Of Population Health In Central Appalachian Virginia, David L. Driscoll, Kol Gold

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: The Southwest Virginia Health Authority (SWVHA) recently commissioned a community health needs assessment (CHNA) to reduce the high rate of preventable health problems in Virginia’s (VA) Appalachian Region. The CHNA took place over a two-year period from 2023 – 2025.

Purpose: This iterative, mixed-method CHNA informed the development of a new iteration of the regional Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity identifying and prioritizing health issues and develop strategic planning to address them in VA’s three westernmost regional health districts.

Methods: The CHNA followed a sequential mixed methods design to assess the regional health status, the contextual factors …


Align Appalachia’S Opioid-Settlement Spending With Evidence And Emerging Threats, Bradley Firchow Sep 2025

Align Appalachia’S Opioid-Settlement Spending With Evidence And Emerging Threats, Bradley Firchow

Journal of Appalachian Health

State and local governments across Appalachia are allocating opioid-settlement dollars over the coming years. This funding opportunity can support lasting public health infrastructure or be spent on short-term programs anchored in the opioid crisis of the past. Evidence indicates that emerging synthetic drugs such as nitazenes and xylazine are altering overdose risk patterns in ways that require urgent policy attention.


Integrated Clinical Research Ensembles, Sergey Tarima, John R. Meurer, David Friedland, Ndidiamaka Ojiako, Michael Anello, David Zimmerman, Renee Mccoy, Reza Shaker Sep 2025

Integrated Clinical Research Ensembles, Sergey Tarima, John R. Meurer, David Friedland, Ndidiamaka Ojiako, Michael Anello, David Zimmerman, Renee Mccoy, Reza Shaker

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Introduction: The study objective was to evaluate whether the formation and funding of team science-guided Integrated Clinical Research Ensembles (ICREs) enhance individual faculty productivity, measured by publication and impact factor adjusted citation rates. The setting was a multi-institutional NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award-supported hub. Methods: Monthly faculty publication and impact factor adjusted citation rates were analyzed using data extracted from the hub-managed Faculty Collaboration Database (FCD). The FCD imports indexed publications for all faculty members across four academic institutions, drawing from PubMed and faculty curriculum vitae. Monthly publication counts were modeled using Poisson regression, fitted using generalized estimating equations …


Association Of Fentanyl Test Strip Results And Change In Drug Use Behaviors, Kitty H. Gelberg, Nabila El-Bassel, Denise C. Babineau, Rachel A. Vickers-Smith, Laura C. Fanucchi, Janet E. Childerhose, Megan E. Hall, Megan E. Dzurec, Jennifer Villani, Mary R. Russo, Patricia Lebaron, Katherine R. Marks, Kathyrn E. Lancaster, Louisa Gilbert, James L. David, Barry S. Eggleston, Carter A. Roeber, Emmanuel A. Oga, Redonna K. Chandler, Sharon L. Walsh Sep 2025

Association Of Fentanyl Test Strip Results And Change In Drug Use Behaviors, Kitty H. Gelberg, Nabila El-Bassel, Denise C. Babineau, Rachel A. Vickers-Smith, Laura C. Fanucchi, Janet E. Childerhose, Megan E. Hall, Megan E. Dzurec, Jennifer Villani, Mary R. Russo, Patricia Lebaron, Katherine R. Marks, Kathyrn E. Lancaster, Louisa Gilbert, James L. David, Barry S. Eggleston, Carter A. Roeber, Emmanuel A. Oga, Redonna K. Chandler, Sharon L. Walsh

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: The Stay Safe Study, conducted between May and December 2023 in the United States, investigated the association between fentanyl test strip (FTS) use and risk reduction behaviors. This paper examines the association between self-reported FTS results and change in drug use behaviors. Methods: We solicited self-reported drug and FTS use among people who use drugs (PWUD), with a baseline and four weekly surveys over a 28-day observation period in three states (Kentucky, New York and Ohio). For each day participants reported drug use, they were asked types of drugs used, use of FTS, FTS results, and 12 drug use …


A Participatory Photovoice Investigation Of Community Assets, Barriers, And Opportunities To Curb The Opioid Epidemic, P. Balvanz, R. G. Olvera, M. Booty, J. Mcswiggan, C. Damato-Macpherson, S. Ellison, A. Farmer, K. Klingler, A. Kuntz, N. Lewis, C. B. Oser, L. Sprague Martinez, S. Stitzer, H. Surratt, O. Yamoah, A. Berkshire, T. Carter, K. Campbell, S. Dynes, B. Gealy, F. Harris, B. Herrington, S. Matthews, D. Myers, C. Rapier, A. Shouse, S. Szelagowsi, M. Mcgladrey Sep 2025

A Participatory Photovoice Investigation Of Community Assets, Barriers, And Opportunities To Curb The Opioid Epidemic, P. Balvanz, R. G. Olvera, M. Booty, J. Mcswiggan, C. Damato-Macpherson, S. Ellison, A. Farmer, K. Klingler, A. Kuntz, N. Lewis, C. B. Oser, L. Sprague Martinez, S. Stitzer, H. Surratt, O. Yamoah, A. Berkshire, T. Carter, K. Campbell, S. Dynes, B. Gealy, F. Harris, B. Herrington, S. Matthews, D. Myers, C. Rapier, A. Shouse, S. Szelagowsi, M. Mcgladrey

Sociology Faculty Publications

The opioid epidemic remains an entrenched issue in communities due to its multiple and interrelated risk factors. As part of the HEALing Communities Study, we recruited people with lived experience of substance use disorder and practitioners in the field to participate in multi-session Photovoice projects to contextualize the opioid use landscape in their respective communities. Photovoice combines photography and group discussion to explore concerns and strengths in a community. Researchers facilitated 21 Photovoice projects (N = 127 participants) across 19 communities in the Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Ohio HCS sites. We performed template analysis on the Photovoice discussion transcripts to develop …


Lung Cancer Prevention Among Appalachian Kentucky Women, Jessica R. Thompson, Nancy E. Schoenberg, Pamela C. Hull Sep 2025

Lung Cancer Prevention Among Appalachian Kentucky Women, Jessica R. Thompson, Nancy E. Schoenberg, Pamela C. Hull

Anthropology Faculty Publications

Purpose: Appalachian Kentucky (KY) residents experience the highest lung cancer rates in the US with declines lagging among women; we sought to uncover barriers and facilitators to lung cancer prevention for Appalachian KY women and to identify community-specific interventions. Approach: We utilized concept mapping, a participatory mixed method, to generate consensus on perceived barriers and facilitators. Setting/Participants: We recruited 71 adult women from Appalachian KY counties. Method: After collecting online concept mapping data, we used multidimensional scaling to generate a point map of perceived similarities and hierarchical cluster analysis to create a thematic cluster map. We compared average cluster ratings …


Healing Communities Study, Svetla Slavova, Jennifer Villani, Daniel J. Feaster, Austin Booth, Ja Nae L. Holloway, Peter J. Rock, Lindsey R. Hammerslag, Aimee Mack, Charles E. Knott, John V. Mccarthy, Jeffery Talbert, Marc R. Larochelle, Bridget Freisthler, Brent J. Gibbons, Gregory Patts, Matthew J. Bullard, Sharon L. Walsh Sep 2025

Healing Communities Study, Svetla Slavova, Jennifer Villani, Daniel J. Feaster, Austin Booth, Ja Nae L. Holloway, Peter J. Rock, Lindsey R. Hammerslag, Aimee Mack, Charles E. Knott, John V. Mccarthy, Jeffery Talbert, Marc R. Larochelle, Bridget Freisthler, Brent J. Gibbons, Gregory Patts, Matthew J. Bullard, Sharon L. Walsh

Physiology Faculty Publications

Introduction: The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) tested a community-based intervention in 67 communities across Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio to reduce opioid overdose deaths. This paper introduces the HCS measures for monitoring the intervention uptake, reports crude rates for benchmarking, and highlights the importance of interpreting jurisdictional trends in the context of state policies. Methods: We present technical specifications for the HCS measures and the common data model. Crude rates for the evaluation period (July 2021- June 2022) are reported by state and study arm (intervention/Wave 1 or wait-listed/Wave 2 communities), along with longitudinal trends from 2017 to 2023. …


Multidimensional Biocircuitry Of Exercise Adaptation, Jeremy S. Mcadam, Zachary A. Graham, S. Craig Tuggle, Kaleen M. Lavin, Marcas M. Bamman, Jeremy S. Mcadam, Zachary A. Graham, Brandon Peoples, Regina S. Seay, Kaleen M. Lavin, Amber B. Gargus, Sufen Yang, Samia M. O’Bryan, Devin J. Drummer, Christian J. Kelley, Margaret B. Bell, Inmaculada Aban, Gary R. Cutter, Marcas M. Bamman, Michael P. Craig, Jin Zhang, Akshay Hira, Timothy J. Broderick, Madhavi P. Kadakia, Zachary A. Graham, Kalyani Peri, Margaret B. Bell, Inmaculada Aban Sep 2025

Multidimensional Biocircuitry Of Exercise Adaptation, Jeremy S. Mcadam, Zachary A. Graham, S. Craig Tuggle, Kaleen M. Lavin, Marcas M. Bamman, Jeremy S. Mcadam, Zachary A. Graham, Brandon Peoples, Regina S. Seay, Kaleen M. Lavin, Amber B. Gargus, Sufen Yang, Samia M. O’Bryan, Devin J. Drummer, Christian J. Kelley, Margaret B. Bell, Inmaculada Aban, Gary R. Cutter, Marcas M. Bamman, Michael P. Craig, Jin Zhang, Akshay Hira, Timothy J. Broderick, Madhavi P. Kadakia, Zachary A. Graham, Kalyani Peri, Margaret B. Bell, Inmaculada Aban

Physiology Faculty Publications

In a randomized, dose-response trial, we used molecular and phenomic profiling to compare responses with traditional moder ate-intensity endurance and resistance training (TRAD) versus high-intensity tactical training (HITT) that encompassed explosive whole-body interval training and high-intensity resistance training. Ninety-four participants (18–27 yr) completed 12 wk of TRAD or HITT followed by 4 wk of detraining. Although similar performance and body composition improvements were observed in response to HITT and TRAD, some dose-dependent differences were observed for: 1) ex vivo muscle tissue changes in myofiber size, capillarization, satellite cell frequency, and mitochondrial function and 2) differential gene expression (DGE) of muscle …


Satellite Cells Choreograph An Immune Cell-Fibrogenic Cell Circuit During Mechanical Loading In Geriatric Skeletal Muscle, Nicholas T. Thomas, Camille R. Brightwell, Allison M. Owen, Alexander R. Keeble, Sabin Khadgi, Yuan Wen, Christopher S. Fry, Kevin A. Murach Sep 2025

Satellite Cells Choreograph An Immune Cell-Fibrogenic Cell Circuit During Mechanical Loading In Geriatric Skeletal Muscle, Nicholas T. Thomas, Camille R. Brightwell, Allison M. Owen, Alexander R. Keeble, Sabin Khadgi, Yuan Wen, Christopher S. Fry, Kevin A. Murach

Physiology Faculty Publications

Muscle stem cells, or satellite cells (SCs), decline in number throughout the lifespan and may become senescent in very old age. Whether and how remaining SCs contribute to muscle adaptation in the oldest-old is unclear. Using acute mechanical overload in geriatric SC replete and depleted mice (28-month-old) combined with single-cell RNA-sequencing, we show: (i) subsets of geriatric SCs display signs of senescence as well as normal fate progression during overload, (ii) SCs express markers that may contribute to the regulation of innervation, (iii) the presence of SCs during overload enhances global intercellular communication and increases mRNA levels of the cell …


Noncontact Diffuse Optical Imaging Of Blood Flow And Oxygenation Distributions In Reconstructive Rat Skin Flaps, Samaneh Rabienia Haratbar, Fatemeh Hamedi, Mehrana Mohtasebi, Faraneh Fathi, Faezeh Akbari, Dara Singh, L. I.U. Xuhui, Li Chen, Lesley Wong, Lei Chen, Guoqiang Yu Sep 2025

Noncontact Diffuse Optical Imaging Of Blood Flow And Oxygenation Distributions In Reconstructive Rat Skin Flaps, Samaneh Rabienia Haratbar, Fatemeh Hamedi, Mehrana Mohtasebi, Faraneh Fathi, Faezeh Akbari, Dara Singh, L. I.U. Xuhui, Li Chen, Lesley Wong, Lei Chen, Guoqiang Yu

Surgery Faculty Publications

Perioperative identification of ischemic-hypoxic tissue is essential for reducing the risk of mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN), a major complication following mastectomy. Implant-based breast reconstruction is jeopardized in the presence of MSFN. However, existing technologies are limited by depth insensitivity, dye-related risks, the need for contact sensors, and an inability to simultaneously assess both blood flow and oxygenation. A multi-wavelength speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (MW-scDCT) system was developed for noncontact, dye-free, and depth-sensitive imaging of tissue hemodynamics in a rat model incorporating four distinct flap scenarios: sham (SH), implant (IM), half necrosis (HN), and full necrosis (FN), representing varying …


Identification Of Metabolic Pathways And Hub Genes Associated With Ultrasound Subcutaneous Fat And Muscle Depth Of The Longissimus Muscle In Cull Beef Cows Using Gene Co-Expression Analysis, Harshraj Shinde, Kyle R. Mcleod, Jeffrey W. Lehmkuhler Sep 2025

Identification Of Metabolic Pathways And Hub Genes Associated With Ultrasound Subcutaneous Fat And Muscle Depth Of The Longissimus Muscle In Cull Beef Cows Using Gene Co-Expression Analysis, Harshraj Shinde, Kyle R. Mcleod, Jeffrey W. Lehmkuhler

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Beef production is an important component of the world’s food supply, with production being near 59 million tons in 2023 (USDA, 2023). Enhancing our understanding of the factors influencing metabolism will lead to improvements in production efficiency. Using RNA-seq and WGCNA of longissimus muscle samples, gene expression and metabolic pathway analyses were performed to examine relationships with ultrasound and body mass variables. In this study, body weight (BW), ultrasound back fat (BF), ultrasound muscle depth (MD), and body condition score (BCS) were traits recorded for 18 cull beef cows. As expected, all production-related traits monitored (WT, BF, MD, and BCS) …


Prospective Cohort Study Of Fentanyl Test Strip Use And Distribution In Three States, Janet E Childerhose, Kitty Gelberg, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Megan E Dzurec, Emmanuel Oga, Mallory Harris, Rachel Caspar, Denise C Babineau, Megan E Hall, Beth S Linas, Katherine E Marks, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Laura C Fanucchi, Louisa Gilbert, James L David, Mary Russo, Kathryn E Lancaster, Soledad Fernandez, Michael Konstan, Redonna K Chandler, Carter Roeber, Jennifer Villani, Rebecca D Jackson, Bridget Freisthler, Sharon L Walsh, Nabila El-Bassel Aug 2025

Prospective Cohort Study Of Fentanyl Test Strip Use And Distribution In Three States, Janet E Childerhose, Kitty Gelberg, Rachel Vickers-Smith, Megan E Dzurec, Emmanuel Oga, Mallory Harris, Rachel Caspar, Denise C Babineau, Megan E Hall, Beth S Linas, Katherine E Marks, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Laura C Fanucchi, Louisa Gilbert, James L David, Mary Russo, Kathryn E Lancaster, Soledad Fernandez, Michael Konstan, Redonna K Chandler, Carter Roeber, Jennifer Villani, Rebecca D Jackson, Bridget Freisthler, Sharon L Walsh, Nabila El-Bassel

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The Stay Safe Study is the first observational prospective cohort study investigating fentanyl test strip (FTS) use by people who use drugs (PWUD) and distribution by community organizations that provide harm reduction services (e.g., naloxone distribution) in three states (Kentucky, New York, and Ohio). The purpose of this paper is to describe the study design, along with implementation successes and challenges. A related goal is to provide recommendations and encourage researchers to undertake multi-state and multilevel studies of FTS use and distribution.

METHODS: The Stay Safe Study has one primary, five secondary, and three exploratory objectives. From May-December 2023, …


Dynamic Remodeling Of Centrioles And The Microtubule Cytoskeleton In The Lifecycle Of Chytrid Fungi, Alexandra F Long, Krishnakumar Vasudevan, Andrew Swafford, Claire M Venard, Jason E Stajich, Lillian K Fritz-Laylin, Jessica L Feldman, Tim Stearns Aug 2025

Dynamic Remodeling Of Centrioles And The Microtubule Cytoskeleton In The Lifecycle Of Chytrid Fungi, Alexandra F Long, Krishnakumar Vasudevan, Andrew Swafford, Claire M Venard, Jason E Stajich, Lillian K Fritz-Laylin, Jessica L Feldman, Tim Stearns

Biology Faculty Publications

Cell movement and division are complex behaviors driven by a dynamic internal cytoskeleton. The molecular components and principles of cytoskeletal assembly are well studied, but less is known about cytoskeletal remodeling events, including how centrioles transition from ciliary base to centrosome. Here we address this using the chytrid Rhizoclosmatium globosum, a zoosporic fungus which has centrioles and cilia, lost in most fungal lineages. Chytrids undergo reorganization of their microtubule cytoskeleton as they grow from zoospore to multinucleated coenocyte. We use evolutionary comparison, RNA sequencing, and expansion microscopy to understand this reorganization and further develop this organism as a model for …


Fournier Gangrene Is Associated With Increased Length Of Stay And Higher Healthcare Costs Compared To Non-Perineal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, Hayato Mitaka, Kristen Mcquerry, Kelsey Karnik, Alexandre R. Marra, Toshio Naito, Patrick Ten Eyck, Paul G. Auwaerter, Yuji Yamada, Takaaki Kobayashi Aug 2025

Fournier Gangrene Is Associated With Increased Length Of Stay And Higher Healthcare Costs Compared To Non-Perineal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, Hayato Mitaka, Kristen Mcquerry, Kelsey Karnik, Alexandre R. Marra, Toshio Naito, Patrick Ten Eyck, Paul G. Auwaerter, Yuji Yamada, Takaaki Kobayashi

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Fournier gangrene (FG) is a necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) of the perineum. Recent retrospective studies from quaternary centers suggest improved outcomes and a potentially less aggressive clinical course for FG than non-perineal NSTIs. However, comprehensive nationwide data remain limited. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2020) to compare outcomes between FG and non-perineal NSTIs. Adult patients undergoing surgical debridement with a diagnosis of FG or NSTI were identified using ICD-10 codes. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and home discharge rates. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and …


“Literally Made Me Cry”: The Impact Of Course Material Costs On University Of Kentucky Students, Stephen Krueger Aug 2025

“Literally Made Me Cry”: The Impact Of Course Material Costs On University Of Kentucky Students, Stephen Krueger

Library Reports and White Papers

The Student Course Materials Cost Survey was administered September 16 – October 6, 2024. It was open to current students at the University of Kentucky (UK). The goals were to help UK Libraries better understand how the cost of course materials affects students at UK and to provide a snapshot of student spending across the university. The questions were based on similar research done at other institutions in Virginia (Virginia Course Materials Survey, 2021) and Florida (2022 Student Textbook and Instructional Materials Survey, 2022). Other work based on those surveys includes the 2023 Illinois Course Materials Survey (CARLI, 2023) and …


Evaluation Of Real-World Evidence To Assess Health Outcomes Related To Deprescribing Medications In Older Adults, Kaleen N. Hayes, Joshua David Niznik, Danijela Gnjidic, Frank Moriarty, Nha Tran, Antoinette B. Coe, Andrew R. Zullo, Sirui Zhang, Matthew Alcusky, Dimitri Bennett, Sirpa Hartikainen, Marie Laure Laroche, Xiaojuan Li, Joshua K. Lin, Jennifer L. Lund, Maurizio Sessa, Shahar Shmuel, Caroline Sirois, Denis Talbot, Miia Tiihonen, Xuerong Wen, Mouna J. Sawan, Daniela C. Moga Aug 2025

Evaluation Of Real-World Evidence To Assess Health Outcomes Related To Deprescribing Medications In Older Adults, Kaleen N. Hayes, Joshua David Niznik, Danijela Gnjidic, Frank Moriarty, Nha Tran, Antoinette B. Coe, Andrew R. Zullo, Sirui Zhang, Matthew Alcusky, Dimitri Bennett, Sirpa Hartikainen, Marie Laure Laroche, Xiaojuan Li, Joshua K. Lin, Jennifer L. Lund, Maurizio Sessa, Shahar Shmuel, Caroline Sirois, Denis Talbot, Miia Tiihonen, Xuerong Wen, Mouna J. Sawan, Daniela C. Moga

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Observational studies using real-world data (RWD) can address gaps in knowledge on deprescribing medications but are subject to methodological issues. Limited data exist on the methods employed to use RWD to measure the effects of deprescribing. To describe methodological approaches used in observational studies of deprescribing medications in older adults, we conducted a systematic review in Medline for observational studies published in English (January 1, 2000, to September 14, 2023) that examined the health effects of medication deprescribing in older adults. We described study characteristics and methods, focusing on the operationalization of deprescribing as an exposure and potential time-related biases. …


Impact Of Manganese And Metal Mixtures In Blood, Hair, And Soil On Child Adaptive Behaviors In Southeast Side Chicago, Christine Kim, Timothy J. Hilbert, Kelly J. Brunst, Anthony A. Mangino, W. Jay Christian, Patrick J. Parsons, Christopher D. Palmer, Julio Landero, Susan Westneat, Ian Papautsky, Kim N. Dietrich, Erin N. Haynes Aug 2025

Impact Of Manganese And Metal Mixtures In Blood, Hair, And Soil On Child Adaptive Behaviors In Southeast Side Chicago, Christine Kim, Timothy J. Hilbert, Kelly J. Brunst, Anthony A. Mangino, W. Jay Christian, Patrick J. Parsons, Christopher D. Palmer, Julio Landero, Susan Westneat, Ian Papautsky, Kim N. Dietrich, Erin N. Haynes

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Manganese (Mn) is essential in growth and development, yet higher levels of Mn are associated with deficits in neurodevelopment. Elevated air Mn was identified near Mn alloy processing facilities in Southeast Side Chicago resulting in community concern about child exposure and health. Methods: Blood, hair, and soil samples were collected and analyzed for multiple metals for children ages 7–17 years and a parent/primary caregiver completed surveys. We used generalized estimating equations to assess associations between metals and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System 3rd Edition (ABAS-3) scores. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine effect modification by child sex on associations …


Guidance On Minimum Information Requirements (Mir) From Designing To Reporting Human Biomonitoring (Hbm), Maryam Zare Jeddi, Karen S. Galea, Jillian Ashley-Martin, Julianne Nassif, Tyler Pollock, Devika Poddalgoda, Konstantinos M. Kasiotis, Kyriaki Machera, Holger M. Koch, Marta Esteban López, Ming Kei Chung, Jihyon Kil, Kate Jones, Adrian Covaci, Yu Ait Bamai, Mariana F. Fernandez, Robert Pasanen Kase, Henriqueta Louro, Maria J. Silva, Tiina Santonen, Andromachi Katsonouri, Argelia Castaño, Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, Elizabeth Ziying Lin, Krystal Pollitt, Ana Virgolino, Paul T.J. Scheepers, Lisa Jo Melnyk Aug 2025

Guidance On Minimum Information Requirements (Mir) From Designing To Reporting Human Biomonitoring (Hbm), Maryam Zare Jeddi, Karen S. Galea, Jillian Ashley-Martin, Julianne Nassif, Tyler Pollock, Devika Poddalgoda, Konstantinos M. Kasiotis, Kyriaki Machera, Holger M. Koch, Marta Esteban López, Ming Kei Chung, Jihyon Kil, Kate Jones, Adrian Covaci, Yu Ait Bamai, Mariana F. Fernandez, Robert Pasanen Kase, Henriqueta Louro, Maria J. Silva, Tiina Santonen, Andromachi Katsonouri, Argelia Castaño, Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, Elizabeth Ziying Lin, Krystal Pollitt, Ana Virgolino, Paul T.J. Scheepers, Lisa Jo Melnyk

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides an integrated chemical exposures assessment considering all routes and sources of exposure. The accurate interpretation and comparability of biomarkers of exposure and effect depend on harmonized, quality-assured sampling, processing, and analysis. Currently, the lack of broadly accepted guidance on minimum information required for collecting and reporting HBM data, hinders comparability between studies. Furthermore, it prevents HBM from reaching its full potential as a reliable approach for assessing and managing the risks of human exposure to chemicals. The European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science HBM Working Group (ISES Europe HBM working group) has established …


The Effects Of Overexpressing K2p Channels In Various Tissues On Physiology And Behaviors, Alaina C. Taul, Elizabeth R. Elliott, Douglas A. Harrison, Robin L. Cooper Aug 2025

The Effects Of Overexpressing K2p Channels In Various Tissues On Physiology And Behaviors, Alaina C. Taul, Elizabeth R. Elliott, Douglas A. Harrison, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

Two-pore-domain K+ channels (K2p), known previously as leak channels, are responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells. Fifteen subtypes are known to exist in humans and eleven are known in Drosophila melanogaster, as well as six subfamilies; however, little is known about the expression of these subtypes in various animal tissues or the impact of altered expression on cellular physiology. The Drosophila melanogaster model allows for selective misexpression of certain neuron subsets, providing insight into individual cell types and the animal’s physiology more generally. Prior research on the overexpression of K2p channels and the resulting behavioral and …


Bike/Ped Data Collection And Model Calibration, Eirini Stavropoulou, Dionysios Tzamakos, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Reginald Souleyrette, Teng Wang Aug 2025

Bike/Ped Data Collection And Model Calibration, Eirini Stavropoulou, Dionysios Tzamakos, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Reginald Souleyrette, Teng Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Motivated by an uptick in pedestrian and bicycle traffic, as well as the inclusion of pedestrian and bicyclist weights in the Strategic Highway Investment Formula For Tomorrow, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has made significant investments in transportation facilities for nonmotorized users. Despite an intensified focus on the needs of nonmotorized users, KYTC has not yet established a formal program to track the number of people walking, biking, skateboarding, and using micromobility devices statewide. Based on a review of methods and technologies for counting nonmotorized users; analysis of counting programs established by local, state, and regional transportation agencies; and a …


Predictors Of Permanent And Temporary Motor Deficits In Patients Undergoing Glioma Resection, Brian J. Conway, Stephanie A. Armstrong, Nada Botros, Sergey Tarima, Max O. Krucoff Aug 2025

Predictors Of Permanent And Temporary Motor Deficits In Patients Undergoing Glioma Resection, Brian J. Conway, Stephanie A. Armstrong, Nada Botros, Sergey Tarima, Max O. Krucoff

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Objective: To identify predictors of permanent and temporary motor deficits in patients undergoing glioma resection. Methods: A literature search accessed the databases Ovid Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature/EBSCO, PsychInfo, Cochrane, and Wiley for studies reporting motor outcomes following surgical resection of glioma. Outcomes were stratified by patient/tumor characteristics, preoperative condition, and intraoperative factors for both permanent and temporary motor deficits. Generalized estimating equations were used to generate odds ratios. Results: A total of 1332 titles and abstracts were reviewed resulting in the evaluation of 261 full-text articles. Data were extracted from 67 …


Understanding The Potential Impact Of Ostracism On Lgbtq Health Disparities, Ellen D.B. Riggle Aug 2025

Understanding The Potential Impact Of Ostracism On Lgbtq Health Disparities, Ellen D.B. Riggle

Political Science Faculty Publications

Research finds harmful impacts of ostracism on the health and well-being of the ostracized individual (as well as the ostracizer and members of the community). While often conceptualized as social (interpersonal), ostracism may originate at multiple levels of the socio-ecological system, including forms of political and institutional ostracism. The ostracism of LGBTQ people originates in cultural stigma and is reproduced and reinforced at all levels, from discriminatory laws and institutional policies (e.g., workplace, educational), to the actions of community or family members, to interactions with strangers. Ostracism, acute and chronic, creates increased risk for psychological and physical harm to LGBTQ …


Making Sense Of Myc In Skeletal Muscle, Ronald G. Jones, Sebastian Edman, Nathan Serrano, Yuan Wen, John J. Mccarthy, Christopher S. Fry, Ferdinand Von Walden, Kevin A. Murach Aug 2025

Making Sense Of Myc In Skeletal Muscle, Ronald G. Jones, Sebastian Edman, Nathan Serrano, Yuan Wen, John J. Mccarthy, Christopher S. Fry, Ferdinand Von Walden, Kevin A. Murach

Physiology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.