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Update On Student Vaccinations, Charles J. Russo

Educational Leadership Faculty Publications

State inoculation laws—which are designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of infection from the most common communicable diseases—typically grant students with medical concerns exemptions from having to receive vaccines or vaccine components. Moreover, as reflected in the cases discussed below, most states allow nonmedical exemptions for religious reasons and philosophical beliefs (National Vaccine Information Center 2016).

As reviewed in the next section, disputes over vaccinations generated a fair amount of litigation. In these cases, parents challenged vaccination laws as violating their constitutional rights to be free from government interference or to freedom of religion.

Implementation Research On Community Health Workers’ Provision Of Maternal And Child Health Services In Rural Liberia, Peter W. Luckow, Avi Kenny, Emily White, Madeleine Ballard, Lorenzo Dorr, Kirby Erlandson, Benjamin Grant, Alice Johnson, Breanna Lorenzen, Subarna Mukherjee

Dartmouth Scholarship

OBJECTIVE:

To assess changes in the use of essential maternal and child health services in Konobo, Liberia, after implementation of an enhanced community health worker (CHW) programme.

METHODS:

The Liberian Ministry of Health partnered with Last Mile Health, a nongovernmental organization, to implement a pilot CHW programme with enhanced recruitment, training, supervision and compensation. To assess changes in maternal and child health-care use, we conducted repeated cross-sectional cluster surveys before (2012) and after (2015) programme implementation.

FINDINGS:

Between 2012 and 2015, 54 CHWs, seven peer supervisors and three clinical supervisors were trained to serve a population of 12 127 people …

Regulation Of Sterol Biosynthesis In The Human Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus Fumigatus: Opportunities For Therapeutic Development, Sourabh Dhingra, Robert A. Cramer

Dartmouth Scholarship

Sterols are a major component of eukaryotic cell membranes. For human fungal infections caused by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, antifungal drugs that target sterol biosynthesis and/or function remain the standard of care. Yet, an understanding of A. fumigatus sterol biosynthesis regulatory mechanisms remains an under developed therapeutic target. The critical role of sterol biosynthesis regulation and its interactions with clinically relevant azole drugs is highlighted by the basic helix loop helix (bHLH) class of transcription factors known as Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs). SREBPs regulate transcription of key ergosterol biosynthesis genes in fungi including A. fumigatus. …

Clinical Risk Factors For Infective Endocarditis In Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia, Vincent Bryan D Salvador, Bikash Chapagain, Astha Joshi, Debra J Brennessel

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Crucial to the management of staphylococcal bacteremia is an accurate evaluation of associated endocarditis, which has both therapeutic and prognostic implications. Because the clinical presentation of endocarditis can be nonspecific, the judicious use of echocardiography is important in distinguishing patients at high risk of developing endocarditis. In the presence of high-risk clinical features, an early transesophageal echocardiogram is warranted without prior transthoracic echocardiography.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical risk factors for staphylococcal infective endocarditis that might warrant earlier transesophageal echocardiography and to describe the incidence of endocarditis in cases of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus …

Re-Structuring University Hospital’S Internship Program Using Kern’S Six-Step Model Of Instructional Design, M. Tariq, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Amna Subhan Butt, Sana Saeed, Zia Ur Rehman, Barkat Virani, Asghar Ashraf, Irum Qamar, Farah Qamar, Raheela Mohsin Rizvi, Swaleha Tariq, Qurratulain Naeem

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract Background: Internship is a phase of training wherein a graduate learns in the context of practice, acquiring skills under supervision so that he/she may become capable of functioning independently. We are reporting the process of curriculum restructuring for strengthening the Internship Program at this university hospital. Methodology: We used Kerns’ six-step model to evaluate and restructure the internship curriculum. Step 01: Problem Identification & General need assessment- Thorough literature review revealed Internship as the crucial year of training that needs to be fashioned around the competencies required to make good doctors

Metronidazole Metabolism In Neonates And The Interplay Between Ontogeny And Genetic Variation., Laura A. Wang, Daniel Gonzalez, J Steven Leeder, Rachel F. Tyndale, Robin E. Pearce, Daniel K. Benjamin, Gregory L. Kearns, Michael Cohen-Wolkowiez, Best Pharmaceuticals For Children Act-Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

Metronidazole Metabolism In Neonates And The Interplay Between Ontogeny And Genetic Variation., Laura A. Wang, Daniel Gonzalez, J Steven Leeder, Rachel F. Tyndale, Robin E. Pearce, Daniel K. Benjamin, Gregory L. Kearns, Michael Cohen-Wolkowiez, Best Pharmaceuticals For Children Act-Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of A Single Bout Of Physical Exertion On Expressive Language And Word Finding In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Marissa A. Barrera

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

To date, little research has been conducted on the relationship between fatigue and expressive language among Multiple Sclerosis patients (MS). This study was a response to this knowledge gap. A nonrandom, matched- subject, mixed-factor design model was used with a purposive sample of 17 individuals with MS (five had primary-progressive (PP) MS, and 12 had relapsing-remitting (RR) MS). The research design was subjected to pretesting to ensure validity. Participants were assessed on a range of language tasks after undergoing one bout of cardiovascular exercise (NuStep T5 Recumbent Cross Trainer) and asked to provide a subjective fatigue score. The expressive language …

Coinfection With Lichtheimia Corymbifera And Aspergillus Flavus In An Immune-Competent Patient Mimicking As Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, Farah Idress, Kauser Jabeen, Saima Kamal, Afia Zafar

Department of Medicine

Lichtheimia corymbifera and Aspergillus flavus pulmonary coinfection has been rarely reported in immune-competent patients. We report case of a young male who presented with clinical features of pulmonary-renal syndrome and was later diagnosed to have bilateral polymicrobial fungal lung infection.

Matrix Metalloproteinases As Regulators Of Periodontal Inflammation, Franco Cavalla, Patricia Hernández-Ríos, Timo Sorsa, Cláudia Cristina Biguetti, Marcela Hernández

School of Podiatric Medicine Publications

Periodontitis are infectious diseases characterized by immune-mediated destruction of periodontal supporting tissues and tooth loss. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key proteases involved in destructive periodontal diseases. The study and interest in MMP has been fuelled by emerging evidence demonstrating the broad spectrum of molecules that can be cleaved by them and the myriad of biological processes that they can potentially regulate. The huge complexity of MMP functions within the ‘protease web’ is crucial for many physiologic and pathologic processes, including immunity, inflammation, bone resorption, and wound healing. Evidence points out that MMPs assemble in activation cascades and besides their classical …

'Better Off Dead' - Sasha's Story Of Living With Vaginal Fistula, Glory Joy Gatwiri, Helen Jaqueline Mclaren

Journal of International Women's Studies

This paper draws on the narrative of a Samburu woman, whom we call Sasha, from northern Kenya. She has been living with recto- and vesico-vaginal fistula for more than ten years. Her homeland is characterized by abject poverty, patriarchy and traditional practices involving witchcraft, which is intertwined with the teachings of Christian evangelist missionaries that traverse the last two centuries. Sasha’s research interview offered representations of the broader social and political aspects affecting women with vaginal fistula and how this influences their lived experiences. We suggest that this condition is more than a biomedical issue, which we explain through our …

Aids Awareness Interventions For Women: The Role Of Voluntary Organizations In The Secunderabad And Hyderabad Region Of Southwestern India, G.S. Chayadevi, Bindu A. Bambah

Journal of International Women's Studies

In this paper, we examine the role of Voluntary organizations (VO’s) in combating the incidence of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Female Sex Workers in Hyderabad and Secundrabad. These are twin cities in the newly formed state of Telangana state in the southwestern region of India, called the Deccan Plateau. We trace the evolution of VO’s towards becoming agents of information and prevention of AIDS in the region. Our focus is on how VOs’ interventions impact the prevention of HIV among female sex workers. The activities that contribute towards this aim are sexual health, counseling, medication and continuous health …

Women's Rights And Voice In The Ready-Made Garments Sector Of Bangladesh: Evidence From Theory And Practice, Dilruba Shoma Chowdhury

Journal of International Women's Studies

Since the 1980s, the ready–made garments (RMG) sector has opened up the door that allowed poor people, particularly women, to potentially lead a better life in Bangladesh. Economic globalisation has led to the growth of more employment opportunities for those women who are from the most disadvantaged sector of the society and the greatest beneficiaries of employment in the RMG sector as they have gained the power to earn. However, these women workers are also the most vulnerable to the weak legal provisions and compliance enforcement of this sector. Given the situation, the intention of the study is to highlight …

Freshwater Fungal Infections, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Fungal infections as a result of freshwater exposure or trauma are fortunately rare. Etiologic agents are varied, but commonly include filamentous fungi and Candida. This narrative review describes various sources of potential freshwater fungal exposure and the diseases that may result, including fungal keratitis, acute otitis externa and tinea pedis, as well as rare deep soft tissue or bone infections and pulmonary or central nervous system infections following traumatic freshwater exposure during natural disasters or near-drowning episodes. Fungal etiology should be suspected in appropriate scenarios when bacterial cultures or molecular tests are normal or when the infection worsens or …

Clinical Outcomes Of Community-Acquired Pneumonia In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus, Siddartha Bandhary, Bolivar Y. Contreras-Mora, Ruby Gupta, Patricia Fernandez, Patricio Jimenez, Paula Peyrani, Timothy L. Wiemken, Steven Burdette, Julio A. Ramirez, Hadi Harati, Jose Bordon

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Studies have found admission hyperglycemia as a predictor of poor outcomes in Community acquired Pneumonia (CAP), whereas others have not. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on mortality as well as Length of stay (LOS) and Time to clinical stability (TCS) of hospitalized patients with CAP.

Materials and Methods: Adult patients hospitalized with CAP enrolled at Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) database with DM were categorized as admission blood glucose ≥ 250 mg/dL (diabetes mellitus blood sugar (BG) > 250) and admission blood glucose ≤ 250 mg/dL (DM BG ≤ 250). CAP outcomes …

Why A New Journal?, Julio A. Ramirez

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

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Using Cluster Analysis Of Cytokines To Identify Patterns Of Inflammation In Hospitalized Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Pilot Study, Timothy L. Wiemken, Robert R. Kelley, Rafael Fernandez-Botran, William A. Mattingly, Forest W. Arnold, Stephen P. Furmanek, Marcos I. Restrepo, James D. Chalmers, Paula Peyrani, Rodrigo Cavallazzi, Jose Bordon, Stefano Aliberti, Julio A. Ramirez

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Purpose: Patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are believed to have an exaggerated inflammatory response to bacterial infection. Therapies aiming to modulate the inflammatory response have been largely unsuccessful, perhaps reflecting that CAP is a heterogeneous disorder that cannot be modulated by a single anti-inflammatory approach. We hypothesize that the host inflammatory response to pneumonia may be characterized by distinct cytokine patterns, which can be harnessed for personalized therapies.

Methods: Here, we use hierarchical cluster analysis of cytokines to examine if patterns of inflammatory response in 13 hospitalized patients with CAP can be defined. This was a secondary data analysis …

Time To Clinical Stability In Patients With Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Due To Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Treated With Linezolid Versus Vancomycin: Results From The Impact-Hap Study, Paula Peyrani, Timothy L. Wiemken, Marcus J. Zervos, Daniel H. Kett, Thomas M. File Jr., Gary E. Stein, Kimbal D. Ford, Julio A. Ramirez

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Time to clinical stability is a well-defined early clinical outcome in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia, but it has not been evaluated in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The objective of this study was to compare time to clinical stability in patients with MRSA VAP treated with linezolid versus vancomycin.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the IMPACT-HAP study database. VAP was defined according to CDC criteria. MRSA VAP was considered when MRSA was isolated from a tracheal aspirate or bronchoalveolar lavage. A patient was considered to reach clinical stability the day that the following four criteria were …

Neutrophil Function In Elderly Patients Hospitalized With Community- Acquired Pneumonia, Jorge Perez San Juan, Lisandra Rodriguez Hernandez, Timothy L. Wiemken, Robert R. Kelley, Rafael Fernandez-Botran, Martin Gnoni, Paula Peyrani, Madhavi J. Rane, Forest W. Arnold, Julio A. Ramirez, Silvia Uriarte, Jose Bordon

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Advanced age is associated with immunosenescence as well as increased risk for poor outcomes during episodes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Data on neutrophil function in hospitalized elderly patients with CAP is lacking. In this study we compared neutrophil function in elderly and non-elderly hospitalized patients with CAP.

Methods: Prospective study of healthy controls (HC) and patients hospitalized with CAP nonelderly (NE-CAP) and elderly (E-CAP). Blood samples were obtained on the day of hospitalization. The following neutrophil functional assays were performed: degranulation of secretory vesicles (CD35), degranulation of specific granules (CD66b), phagocytosis, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) …

A Review Of Macrolide Based Regimens For Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Forest W. Arnold, Leslie A. Beavin

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has significant morbidity and mortality. The Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines recommend two antimicrobial regimens for hospitalized patients with CAP, one of which includes a macrolide, and one of which does not. Both regimens have antimicrobial properties, but macrolides also possess immunomodulatory properties. Macrolides, however, may also have potential arrhythmia adverse effects. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of studies evaluating outcomes for patients with CAP treated with or without a macrolide-based regimen. Two recent randomized controlled trials conflict with each other regarding the benefit versus noninferiority of including …

Healthcare Use Self-Efficacy In Adults Who Are Homeless, Jared Ian Israel

Dissertations

The physical and mental health care needs of homeless adults are extensive. However, these needs regularly go unmet. Healthcare use behavior is complex and involves a range of obstacles. As such, self-efficacy, an individual’s belief in his or her ability to perform a given behavior, appears to be a relevant factor in healthcare use. While current theory supports this notion and research has confirmed the role of self-efficacy in health behavior generally, a validated measure of healthcare use self-efficacy has not previously existed. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Healthcare Use Self-Efficacy List (HUSEL) in …

Investigating The Nucleic Acid Interactions Of Histone-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides, Sukin Sim, Penny Wang, Brittany N. Beyer, Kara J. Cutrona, Mala L. Radhakrishnan, Donald E. Elmore

Faculty Research and Scholarship

While many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) disrupt bacterial membranes, some translocate into bacteria and interfere with intracellular processes. Buforin II and DesHDAP1 are thought to kill bacteria by interacting with nucleic acids. Molecular modeling and experimental measurements were used to show that neither nucleic acid binding peptide selectively binds DNA sequences. Simulations and experiments also showed that changing lysines to arginines enhances DNA binding, suggesting that including additional guanidinium groups is a potential strategy to engineer more potent AMPs. Moreover, the lack of binding specificity may make it more difficult for bacteria to evolve resistance to these and other similar AMPs.

Biology Grad Student Authors Article On Shigella Dysenteriae Pathogenesis, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Novel Method To Express And Purify Vaccinia Virus Early Transcription Factors A7 And D6 Using Bacteria, Omkar M. Gandbhir

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The eradication of Smallpox is one of the greatest human achievements. However other poxviruses still exist infecting humans (Molluscum Contagiosum, monkeypox, and Vaccinia) or livestock (cowpox, sheeppox). Though vaccines and anti-virals exist, the side effects are serious, and viral resistance has been detected. The genome amongst poxviruses is highly conserved, early gene promoters maintain a specific critical consensus region that can be targeted for development of novel broad spectrum therapeutics. Using Vaccinia early transcription factors (VETFs) a novel method of expressing and purifying VETF A7 and D6 was developed. A7 and D6 are required for transcription of early genes recruiting …

Habitat And Community Associations And The Population Dynamics Of A Temporary Coral-Reef Fish Ectoparasite, John Michael Artim

Student Theses and Dissertations

Coral reef is habitat constructed by the scleractinian coral after which the habitat is named. While scleractinian coral colonies are often meters in extent, they are composed of small individual organisms—typically on the scale of millimeters across. Coral reefs that include an abundance of many coral species support a diverse abundance of fish and conspicuous invertebrate life. These macro constituents of coral reefs—coral colonies, reef fish and conspicuous invertebrates—have been the primary focus for much of the existing body of coral reef ecology research. One of the inconspicuous and understudied coral reef invertebrate constituents are gnathiid isopod fish parasites. These …

Habitat Selection By The Northern Long-Eared Myotis (Myotis Septentrionalis) In The Midwestern United States: Life In A Shredded Farmscape, Jeremy A. White, Patricia Freeman, Cliff A. Lemen

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

Populations of the Northern Long-Eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) have declined dramatically in recent years in eastern North America due to white-nose syndrome. Although M. septentrionalis was once common in parts of eastern North America, few studies have examined habitat selection of this species in an agricultural landscape. We used acoustical methods to quantify bat activity and construct a habitat model of M. septentrionalis in an intensively farmed area in the Midwestern United States, where mortality from white-nose syndrome has not yet been observed. Our study confirms that M. septentrionalis prefers forest and avoids open habitats in this agricultural …

Herpes Simplex Virus Type Ii In A Patient Having Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges, Justin Chuang, Sona K. Shah

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis has been found to be one of the most common causes of fatal viral encephalitis (1). The mortality rate in untreated patients has been found to be as high as 70%, thus, correct management and early diagnosis are important for good prognoses and crucial for predicting outcomes. (1,2) In patients with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), specific findings such as the Periodic lateralized epileptic form discharges (PLEDs) are considered a specific finding on electroencephalogram (EEG). PLEDs are usually seen in the context of destructive structural lesions involving the cortex. Other causes may include acute ischemic stroke and, less …

Psychology Alum Works With Chief Justice Of Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

Staph Bacteria From First Breath The Interweaving Of The Nasal Microbiome With The Intricate And Complex Nose, Alan L. Gillen

Faculty Publications and Presentations

Many microbes live in a mutualistic relationship with the human body, make up the human microbiome, and play a role in our health by stimulating and modulating the immune system. Man’s body is “covered” both inside and outside with millions of microbes that play a role in maintaining normal bodily functions and sustaining life in our changing world. The inner nose in the human body is colonized by millions of microbes during the first week of life. This internal colonization of the upper respiratory system is termed our nasal microbiome. Though we cannot see it, this microbiome is important for …

Qualitative Study Of Primary Care Clinicians' Views On Point-Of-Care Testing For C-Reactive Protein For Acute Respiratory Tract Infections In Family Medicine., Victoria Hardy, Matthew Thompson, Gina A Keppel, William Alto, M Ashworth Dirac, Jon Neher, Christopher Sanford, Jaime Hornecker, Allison Cole

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinicians views of the barriers and facilitators to use of C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care tests (POCT) in US family medicine clinics for the management of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in adults.

SETTING: Five family medicine clinics across two US states.

PARTICIPANTS: 30 clinicians including 18 physicians, 9 physician residents, 2 physician assistants and 1 nurse practitioner, took part in the study.

DESIGN: A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach to thematically analyse focus group interviews.

RESULTS: These clinicians had limited access to diagnostic tests for patients with ARTI, and very little knowledge of CRP POCT. …