Digital Commons Network^™

Outbreak Preparedness And Response In A Globalized World: Are We Ready?, Francesca F. Norman, David Brett-Major, Chiara Sepulcri, Emmanuel Bottieau, Theresa Sepulveda, Federica Toscanini, Laura A. Nicolini, Jesse J. Waggoner, Sami Alcedo, Davidson H. Hamer, Ralph Huits, Michael Libman, Geosentinel Network, Tropnet Network, Kevin O'Laughlin

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Recent global epidemics and pandemics have highlighted the need for adequate diagnostic capacities to respond to emerging threats. Strengthening operational capacities can lead to improved preparation; investing in emergency response infrastructure may diminish progression of outbreaks and prevent escalation.

METHODS: An email-linked survey was sent January-March-2025 to two global infectious disease surveillance networks' (GeoSentinel and TropNet) participating clinics assessing capacity for Oropouche virus (OROV) diagnostic testing. Data on testing capacity for other arboviruses was also requested.

RESULTS: Responses were obtained for 58 GeoSentinel/TropNet sites (58/104, 55.8%): 50% responding sites (29/58) had OROV diagnostic testing available at a public reference …

Real-Time Electronic Drug Monitoring: Experiences From A Multinational Phase 3 Clinical Trial To Prevent Multidrug-Resistant Tb, T. Jimah, J.E. Haberer, K.R. Amico, J. Tinkamanyire, M.A. Kendall, S. Moonsamy, R.T. Khan, K.B.F. Fetalvero, N. Suryavanshi, A. Gupta, A.C. Hesseling, Susan Swindells, G. Churchyard

Journal Articles: Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: We describe the experience of implementing real-time electronic drug monitoring (EDM) within a clinical trial to prevent multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) among high-risk household contacts.

METHODS: The Protecting Households On Exposure to Newly Diagnosed Index Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients (PHOENIx) trial is a phase 3, open-label, cluster-randomised clinical trial conducted in 31 sites in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Household contacts of adults with MDR-TB were enrolled from June 2019 to January 2025, each receiving an EDM device to monitor adherence to TB preventive therapy. Here, we review selection of the adherence monitoring approach and key procedures implemented to support EDM …

Development And Characterization Of Non-Viral Delivery Systems For Pulmonary Delivery Of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Kasturi Siddhanta

Theses & Dissertations

The development of non-viral delivery systems for pulmonary delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics is driven by the need for safer and more accessible approaches to treat lung diseases, while avoiding the systemic side effects and immune responses associated with viral vectors. Such systems encompass both non-invasive inhalation-based platforms, and systemically administered platforms designed to achieve localized lung delivery. These strategies aim to enable high drug concentrations at the site of action, rapid onset of therapeutic effect, and greater therapeutic efficacy than existing treatments. Designing effective pulmonary delivery systems requires precise optimization of particle properties—including size, morphology, surface characteristics, cell-specific targeting, …

Infectious Disease Crisis Communication After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Macy Lloyd

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has experienced a proliferation of mis- and disinformation, an increasing politicization of health and science, and growing distrust in government, science, and institutions. While these trends present challenges for normal public health communications, during a public health emergency, such as an infectious disease outbreak, these challenges are even more acute. To address challenges at the local level, health departments need plans, products, and tools that adapt health crisis communications to the current media environment and meet community members where they are across the trust continuum. To develop an infectious disease incident communication plan, …

Acceptability Of Corticosteroid Use In The Treatment Of Infant Bronchiolitis: Utilizing The Theoretical Framework Of Acceptability To Design Research Instruments, Caroline R. Smetanka

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants under six months, yet treatment remains largely supportive due to clinical guidelines that discourage pharmacologic intervention. Recent research suggests that bronchiolitis is not a uniform condition, and a subgroup of infants (those classified within “Profile A”) may benefit from targeted corticosteroid therapy. However, these treatments remain outside current clinical guidelines, and their successful adoption depends on stakeholder acceptability. This Capstone project developed and refined four data collection instruments- two questionnaires and two interview guides- designed to assess how healthcare providers and caregivers perceive the acceptability of corticosteroid treatment for Profile A …

Sickle Cell Disease: A Story Of Injustice And Neglect, Nosakhare Edogun, Rosalyn Marar, Jasmine R. Marcelin

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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A Case Of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease In Texas, United States, Divya Chandramohan, Moyosore Awabajo-Otesanya, Deepak Chandramohan, James C. Saca

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) commonly presents with lymphadenopathy, with a third of cases presenting with fevers. It is seen in young female patients of Asian descent, with Taiwan accounting for most of the reported cases. It is imperative to consider KFD in an individual presenting with fever and lymphadenopathy. While it might not be common in the United States, there is an increasing number of cases being reported. Histologic features in KFD are unique, and a lymph node biopsy determines the diagnosis. We outline a case of KFD in the United States and describe histologic details that resulted in the diagnosis.

Enteric/Typhoid Fever In A Returning Traveler: An Approach To A Thorough Medical Workup, Matthew Meyer, John Rogers, Rick Starlin

Medical Student Research Showcase

Up to 70% of travelers to low-income regions experience health complications, most of which are self-limiting. However, 8% to 15% require medical evaluation either during travel or upon return, with fever frequently reported as a primary symptom.1 As such, the importance of a thorough medical workup in a returning traveler with fever cannot be overstated, as it may be the first sign of a potentially serious or infectious disease acquired abroad. High risk pathogens to be concerned for include Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Leptospiral, typhoid, and others, and thus it is incredibly important to narrow your differential, which will guide your …

Role Of Stabilin-1 Expressing Macrophages In Colorectal Liver Metastasis, Jampa L. Gurung

Theses & Dissertations

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 2nd most common cause of cancer-related mortality, primarily due to its spread to distant organs. Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the foremost form of CRC spread due to the anatomical link between the liver and intestine. Despite advancements in diagnostic tools and adjuvant therapies, the survival rate of CRLM remains low, indicating the significant need to identify targetable mechanisms. Stabilin-1 (STAB1), a scavenger receptor expressed on tumor-associated macrophages, has been linked to tumorigenesis and poor outcomes in various cancers. However, the role of STAB1 in CRLM is not known. Here, we investigated the role of …

Study Of Peptide Amphiphiles As Antimicrobial Agents, Aramis J. Pereira

Theses & Dissertations

The global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis presents a severe public health threat, with drug-resistant infections now the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. This escalating problem, driven by the rapid proliferation of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) like the "ESKAPE" pathogens, severely limits treatment options and imposes substantial economic burdens. The crisis is further exacerbated by a limited pipeline of new antimicrobial agents, as most recently approved drugs are modifications of existing classes rather than novel compounds. Peptide amphiphiles (PAs) offer a promising alternative due to their membrane-targeting mechanism, which reduces the likelihood of resistance development. These molecules are amphiphilic and positively …

Improving Occupational Health For Tribal Buffalo Workers, Elinor Bowen-Keyes, Mystera M. Samuelson

Posters: 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Occupational health and safety of Tribal buffalo workers is essential to many Tribal food sovereignty initiatives taking place within Tribal nations across the country, supporting the broader effort to bring the buffalo home. In response to requests from Intertribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) members, we developed occupational health cards identifying top zoonotic disease risks to improve patient–clinician communication. Each card links via QR code to a comprehensive clinician guidance booklet that includes etiologic agents, transmission routes, symptoms, occupation-specific screening questions, and reporting resources. Using a One Health approach, we mapped county-level data for ITBC buffalo herds, including elevation, ecosystem type, and …

Evaluation Of The Zanesville-Muskingum County Ohio’S Mosquito And Tick Disease Vector Control Program, Samantha Wantz

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

This project aimed to evaluate the Zanesville – Muskingum County Health Department’s (ZMCHD) Vector Control Program based on performance measures, program indicators, and customer satisfaction. A secondary goal of the project is to evaluate and revise the existing policies and procedures of the program in regards specifically to the safety of the intern. Based on information from the Ohio Department of Health infectious disease dashboard, in the last 10 years (2014-2024) Muskingum County has reported 12 total cases of La Crosse virus, one case of West Nile Virus, and one case of Malaria (Ohio Department of Health, 2024a). ZMCHD has …

Technical Quality Of Cta Chest Pulmonary Embolism Protocol: Can We Do Better?, Sai Mandava

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Presentation And Management Of Pinch-Off Syndrome: A Rare Complication Of Subclavian Venous Catheters, Neal Kucera

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Giant Cell Myocarditis In The Setting Of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, Chukwuebuka Ubochi

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Midtown Clinic Buprenorphine Quality Improvement Project, Andrew Regoli

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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4 Weeks Of Dyspnea In Immunocompromised Woman: Presenting Symptom Of Disseminated Histoplasma Capsulatum, Cristina Torres

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopy: New Horizons For Challenging Biliary Interventions, Jeremy Stone

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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From Paralysis To Heart Block: A Diagnostic Challenge In Andersen-Tawil Syndrome, Andrew Nguyen

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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When Milk Is Not Taken Out To Pasteur: A Case Study On Brucella In An Otherwise Healthy Child, Hunter Meyers

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Advanced Practice Provider’S Role In Fellow Medical Education And Training: A Mixed Methods Survey Study To Evaluate Current Educational Interactions, Perspectives, And Models, Jennifer Berger

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Correlation Of Serial Lung Ultrasound Scores And Sonographic Measurements Of Diaphragmatic Excursion With Extubation Success In Intubated Nicu Patients Receiving A Dexamethasone Taper, Caleb Cave

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Unwanted Travel Souvenirs; Parasite Causing Fever In A Returning Traveler, Cristina Torres

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Unmasking Constrictive Pericarditis Through Multimodality Imaging: A Rare Case, Mansi Oberoi

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Subclassification Of Peripheral Artery Disease Based On Muscle Force: Leg Failure With Reduced Muscle Force And With Preserved Muscle Force, Yuqian Tian

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Muscle Oxygen Levels In Patients With Claudication: Measurements During Rest, Walking, And Temporary Occlusion Of Blood Flow, Yuqian Tian

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Clinicopathologic And Molecular Characterization Of Primary Gastrointestinal Melanoma, Pauline Xu

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Prolonged Dengue With Warning Signs, Bacteriemia, And Acute Renal Failure In A Renal Transplant Patient, Jennifer Gamache

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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Immunohistochemical Analysis Of The Role Of Wnt/Β-Catenin Signaling In Pathogenesis Of Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation, Pauline Xu

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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The Effect Of Travel Load On Minor League Baseball (Milb) Injuries Part 2: Injury Frequency By Position, Spencer Cooper

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

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