Digital Commons Network^™

Hepatitis C: A Perspective Through The Social Ecological Model, Sandra H. Vulis

Master's Projects and Capstones

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global public health problem. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects 3.2 million Americans and 500 million people from a global standpoint (CDC, 2012). HCV contributes to significant morbidity and mortality with about 1 million deaths due to liver disease (World Hepatitis Alliance, 2010). Chronic liver disease has origins ranging from acquired, infectious, toxic and metabolic causes. Long-term consequences include cancer, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and liver failure. Given the substantial data attributable to HCV-related liver disease, it is necessary to develop an …

Antiviral Peptide Nanocomplexes As Potential Therapeutics For The Treatment Of Infectious Diseases, Jinjin Zhang

Theses & Dissertations

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is recognized as a major burden in global public health, which can be further exacerbated by several cofactors such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Currently, there is no vaccine for HCV. The emergence of potent and highly specific direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has marked a new era in HCV therapy, however, the remaining issues like affordability, genotype dependency, and potential resistance still necessitate the development of additional therapeutic approaches to be used instead or in combination with DAA.

Recently, the antiviral peptide C5A (in our studies designated as p1) and its cationic derivative p41 have been identified …

Reducing Clostridium Difficile, Norabel V. Zafra

Master's Projects and Capstones

This CNL project aims to reduce the number of laboratory identified Clostridium Difficile Infections (CDI) events by 20% by December 2015. This CNL projects focuses on reducing CDI in an 8 unit bed specifically designated for medically ill geriatric patients above 70 years old residing in the West Texas region. A majority of the geriatric patients living with multiple co-morbidities require maximum assistance with activities of daily living and medication management. The geriatric patients will be discharge to a skilled nurse facility, long-term acute care, rehabilitation, independent living, or home with home health. A variety of methods such as reinforcing …

Reducing Clabsi In The Nicu With Iv Tubing Competency, Tessa A. Toscano Ms

Master's Projects and Capstones

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a significant problem in a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on the West Coast of California. A clinical nurse leader (CNL) student joined a team consisting of the unit’s nursing manager, nursing educator, clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and CNS student. Literature review highlighted the association between the development of CLABSI and the practice of changing central line intravenous (IV) tubing. Five interviews of nurses and 15 observations of nurses performing IV tubing change revealed practice variations within six major steps of the procedure. The team revised the IV tubing change policy to …

Mechanisms Of Hepatitis C Viral Resistance To Direct Acting Antivirals, Asma Ahmed, Daniel J. Felmlee

Peninsula Medical School

No abstract provided.

Immunogenic Compositions Comprising Slcified Virus And Methods Of Use, Kenneth M. Stedman, James R. Laidler, Keith Bahjat

Technology Transfer - Patents

It is disclosed herein that viruses coated in silica retain infectivity and the capacity to induce an immune response in an infected host. In addition, silicified virus is remarkably resistant to desiccation. Provided herein are methods of inducing a virus-specific immune response in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of silicified virus or silicified virus particles. Methods of enhancing a virus-specific cell-mediated immune response (such as a T cell-mediated immune response) in a Subject by administering to the subject a silicified virus or silicified virus particles are also described herein. Further provided are immunogenic compositions comprising …

Immunogenic Compositions Comprising Slcified Virus And Methods Of Use, Kenneth M. Stedman, James R. Laidler, Keith Bahjat

Technology Transfer - Patents

No abstract provided.

Deadly Candidiasis Must Be Addressed Swiftly To Help Vulnerable Patients, Staff

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

Mycobacterium Marinum Infection After Exposure To Coal Mine Water, Moises A. Huaman, Julie A. Ribes, Kristine M. Lohr, Martin E. Evans

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Mycobacterium marinum infection has been historically associated with exposure to aquariums, swimming pools, fish, or other marine fauna. We present a case of M marinum left wrist tenosynovitis and elbow bursitis associated with a puncture injury and exposure to coal mine water in Illinois.

Obama Transforming: Using Functional Theory To Identify Transformational Leadership, Kristina Drumheller, Greg G. Armfield

Speaker & Gavel

The 2008 presidential campaign convention speeches broke records as viewers flocked to the speeches by Obama, Palin, and McCain in numbers that rivaled American Idol ratings. Adapting functional theory (Benoit, 2007) to include transformational leadership characteristics (Bass & Avolio, 1990), President Obama‘s 2008 nomination acceptance speech was used test the adapting of functional theory for analyzing leadership claims. Secondary data were used as evidentiary support of Obama‘s efforts to make changes once in the White House. Results are discussed and framed within functional theory and transfor-mational leadership.

Caribbean Support Group Awards Scholarship To Uab Graduate Student, Jeff Hansen

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

Compositions Including Triciribine And One Or More Platinum Compounds And Methods Of Use Thereof, Jin Q. Cheng, Said M. Sebti

USF Patents

This application encompasses combination therapies including triciribine and related compounds and one or more platinum compounds and compositions with reduced toxicity for the treatment and prevention of tumors, cancer, and other disorders associated with abnormal cell proliferation.

Healthy Living For A Healthy Haiti, Elizabeth Grace Binney

Senior Theses

This project is twofold. The art and the book work synergistically to represent Haiti and health literacy. The pieces selected for this discussion are placed in chronological order of their creation, not the thematic order as they are organized in the book. This allows for discussion of the works as individual pieces of art, artistic development, the creation of a unified theme. They are the representation of a beautiful nation and people, as well as an expression of my inner self.

Ngo Global Expansion: Models To Successfully Introduce The American Cancer Society’S ‘Relay For Life’ In Chile, Kristin Mednick

Senior Theses

The research identifies and evaluates the feasibility of potential models for successful international expansion of a large non-governmental cancer control organization, the American Cancer Society (ACS), into Chile through the introduction of a signature event, Global Relay For Life. The purpose of this study is to incorporate the conventional wisdom of existing research on the topic of the global expansion of NGOs and personal experiences with a particular NGO and foreign market to recommend best methods for introducing the NGO into the foreign market. The research question relates to the global expansion of NGOs, but narrows the scope of the …

National Center For Natural Products Research Marks 20th Anniversary, Erin Garrett

University of Mississippi News

Facility rises from modest beginning to international renown

Europe’S Refugee Crisis: Assessing The Factors Preventing A Coordinated Eu Response, Ali Albassam

Master's Theses

In order to escape increasing political violence in the Middle East and Africa, many refugees are fleeing by sea to seek asylum in Europe. As a result, Europe has witnessed the highest influx of refugees since World War Two. European Union member states have scrambled for a solution, seemingly unable to form a collective response. The reemergence of nationalism amid the arrival of thousands of refugees not only clouds Europe’s moral compass, but also weakens the EU and its founding principles. In an effort to contribute to the protection of refugees and the EU and its values, this thesis aims …

The Hidden Epidemic: Mental Health Epidemiology In Post-Conflict Populations And Implications For Conflict Transformation Practices, Jennifer Sato

Capstone Collection

This capstone explores the ramifications of unmitigated mental health illness in conflict populations, paying special attention to refugees and migrants. The intersection between conflict and mental health is explored and analyzed in order to highlight the implications of the findings and to make recommendations to both metal health and conflict transformation practitioners. This capstone depends predominately on secondary resources and personal interviews and is informed by my own practicum experience at a refugee health center. The need to improve mental health outcomes in order to pursue conflict transformation and peace building is a key focus and is supported by the …

Genetic And Epigenetic Variations In Asthma And Wheeze Illnesses, Todd M. Everson

Theses and Dissertations

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, is common worldwide with no cure and limited effective prevention strategies. It is well recognized that asthma has a multifaceted etiology, though many of the underlying mechanisms involved in asthma development, persistence and remission are still convoluted. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, regulate gene-expression but are not related to changes in the actual DNA sequence. Recently, differential patterns of DNA methylation within many genes have been associated with asthma, particularly within genes involved in the differentiation of pro-inflammatory T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. DNA methylation patterns within less known biologic pathways undoubtedly are involved in …

The Sustainable Development Goals: One-Health In The World’S Development Agenda, Lawrence O. Gostin, Eric A. Friedman

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015, embody a One-Health strategy—healthy people living on a habitable planet. Extending beyond the social development emphasis of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which accelerated progress globally, though unequally, the SDGs also encompass a range of environmental and economic goals, with a health goal that is far more comprehensive than the infectious diseases and maternal/child health focus of the MDGs.

To be achieved, the SDGs require resources and political commitment that is yet to be demonstrated. With a cost that could reach $5 trillion for the SDGs …

Week Of December 14, 2015, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Summer Fellowship Pays Off in the Form of Published Research
• Department of Surgery Hosts Twelfth Annual Louis R.M. Del Guercio, M.D., Distinguished Visiting Professorship and Research Day
• D.P.T. Students Share Their Community Service Projects
• Department of Pediatrics Hosts Fifth Annual Assistant Professor Pediatric Research Symposium
• NYMC Serves Up International Food and Handicrafts
• P2P Committee Recognizes Role Models at NYMC

Plague And Perception: The English Interpretation Of Plague In Massachusetts, Sarah Peck

Honors Program Theses and Projects

Evidence suggests that the early economic and political success of the English in Plimoth Colony is due to the introduction of European diseases into coastal Massachusetts during the late sixteenth century. Building upon Alfred Crosby’s 1972 publication The Columbian Exchange, modern environmental historians and cultural historians recognize the important interconnection between parasitism, disease, and historic trends. It is now fairly well recognized in both the science and humanities disciplines that any study of the political and economic development of European settlements and colonization of the Americas correlates with studies and research about the introduction of foreign diseases, as well as …

Association Of Car Ownership And Physical Activity Across The Spectrum Of Human Development: Modeling The Epidemiologic Transition Study (Mets), David A. Shoham, Lara R. Dugas, Pascal Bovet, Terrence E. Forrester, Estelle V. Lambert, Jacob Plange-Rhule, Dale A. Schoeller, Soren Brage, Ulf Ekelund, Ramon A. Durazo-Arvizu, Richard S. Cooper, Amy Luke

Faculty Publications

Background: Variations in physical activity (PA) across nations may be driven by socioeconomic position. As national incomes increase, car ownership becomes within reach of more individuals. This report characterizes associations between car ownership and PA in African-origin populations across 5 sites at different levels of economic development and with different transportation infrastructures: US, Seychelles, Jamaica, South Africa, and Ghana. Methods: Twenty-five hundred adults, ages 25-45, were enrolled in the study. A total of 2,101 subjects had valid accelerometer-based PA measures (reported as average daily duration of moderate to vigorous PA, MVPA) and complete socioeconomic information. Our primary exposure of interest …

Chemistry Alum Gets Entrepreneur Award For Work On Hepatitis C Drug, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

The Pediatric Disease Spectrum In Emergency Departments Across Pakistan: Data From A Pilot Surveillance System, Huba Atiq, Emaduddin Siddiqui, Surraya Bano, Asher Feroze, Sayyeda Ghazala Kazi, Jabeen Fayyaz, Shivam Gupta, Junaid A. Razzak, Adnan A Hyder, Asad Mian

Department of Emergency Medicine

Background: There is an increasing number of urgently ill and injured children being seen in emergency departments (ED) of developing countries. The pediatric disease burden in EDs across Pakistan is generally unknown. Our main objective was to determine the spectrum of disease and injury among children seen in EDs in Pakistan through a nationwide ED-based surveillance system.
Methods: Through the Pakistan National Emergency Department Surveillance (Pak-NEDS), data were collected from November 2010 to March 2011 in seven major tertiary care centers representing all provinces of Pakistan. These included five public and two private hospitals, with a collective annual census of …

Evaluation Of Vaccination Policies Among Outpatient Oncology Clinics In Utah: A Pilot Study, Karlen Beth Luthy, Sarah L. Stocksdale, Janelle L B Macintosh, Lacey M. Eden, Renea L. Beckstrand, Katherine Edmonds

Faculty Publications

Background: In Utah, all major hospital facilities have employee vaccination policies. However, the presence of health care worker vaccination policies in the Utah outpatient oncology setting was unknown.

Objectives: The objectives were to identify Utah oncology outpatient employee vaccination policies and to identify what consequences, if any, were present for unvaccinated employees.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study design in which clinic managers from outpatient oncology clinics in Utah were asked, via questionnaire, to describe the clinic’s employee vaccination policy and the consequences for refusing the policy.

Findings: Most vaccination policies applied to employees primarily assigned to work in …

Recommendations For The Development Of New Hospital Guidelines Due To The Effects Of Antibiotics On Clostridium Difficile Colitis, Megan Kohsel

Honors Theses

Clostridium difficile colitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the colon and diarrhea. This can even lead to death in some cases. The incidence of this infection and its overall effects have been on the rise throughout the last twenty years as antibiotics have been prescribed more frequently. Therefore, it is necessary that the rate of C. difficile infection is lowered by improved guidelines for hospitals, so that fewer people are infected and also that fewer antibiotics are prescribed to avoid the infection with C. difficle.

Detection Of Flavobacterium Columnare In Tissues And Pond Water Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, Gordon Derek Gibbs

Theses and Dissertations

Flavobacterium columnare, a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium, is the causative agent of columnaris disease in a variety of fish hosts but is of particular significance to the catfish industry located in the southeastern United States. Columnaris infections are a leading cause of mortalities in catfish ponds, occurring alone or in conjunction with other diseases. Typical diagnostic methods for columnaris infections involve the use of selective media following the observation of gross signs of disease. A real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to estimate the quantity of bacteria present in environmental and tissue samples was developed and validated. The genetic variability seen in …

Characterization Of The Ability Of Yeast Probiotics And Paraprobiotics To Directly Interact With Gram-Positive And Gram-Negative Bacteria, Gabriel Alviola Posadas

Theses and Dissertations

Yeast probiotics and paraprobiotics, live and inactivated yeast cells, respectively, improve health and performance of livestock by stabilizing the intestinal microbial community. They have also been used for infection prevention and treatment. Despite much research already conducted, the mechanism of direct antagonism, or adhesion of bacteria to the probiotic/paraprobiotic, is under characterized. Additionally, it is unknown which probiotic/paraprobiotic is optimal to use for specific infections. The interactions between the yeast and certain pathogens were analyzed qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitatively with membrane filtration assays. Gram-positive bacteria were found to exhibit specificity under SEM. Through membrane filtration, Listeria …

Influence Of Market Setting And Time Of Purchase On Counts Of Aerobic Bacteria, Escherichia Coli, And Coliform And Prevalence Of Salmonella And Listeria In Beef, Pork, And Chicken In Vietnam, April Kathleen Mccain

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of market type and sampling time on Salmonella and Listeria prevalence and microbiological quality of 540 beef, pork, and whole chicken samples collected in 6 supermarkets (SM), 6 indoor markets (IM), and 6 open markets (OM) at opening (T0) and 4 h after the opening (T4) in Vietnam. Salmonella and Listeria prevalence ranged from 30.4 to 71.0% and 56.6 to 99.9 %, respectively, in beef, pork, and chicken in Vietnam. Aerobic bacteria counts ranged from 10.5 to 11.6 log CFU/g, whereas, E. coli and coliform counts ranged from 7.2 to …

Health Perceptions And Practices Of Burmese Refugee Families: A Participatory Mixed Method Study, Suneeta Kercood, Trish Morita-Mullaney

Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement

Healthcare providers in the United States often view the lifestyle choices made by refugees from Burma through the lenses of America’s norms for healthy living. Although healthcare providers often recognize the role that language plays in the refugees’ ability to communicate their healthcare needs, they often ignore the role of culture. This lack of understanding of cultural difference contributes to the marginalization of refugees in the healthcare system. Using a transformative mixed method methodology, this study employed the East Asian Acculturation Scale (EAAM) to identify participants’ perceived level of acculturation within health care contexts. The researchers then engaged participants in …