Next Generation Sequencing Reveals The Antibiotic Resistant Variants In The Genome Of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, B. Ramanathan, H.M. Jindal, C.F. Le, R. Gudimella, A. Anwar, R. Razali, J. Poole-Johnson, R. Manikam, S.D. Sekaran

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

Rapid progress in next generation sequencing and allied computational tools have aided in identification of single nucleotide variants in genomes of several organisms. In the present study, we have investigated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in ten multi-antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. All the draft genomes were submitted to Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology (RAST) web server and the predicted protein sequences were used for comparison. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNP) found in the clinical isolates compared to the reference genome (PAO1), and the comparison of nsSNPs between antibiotic resistant and susceptible clinical isolates revealed insights into the genome variation. …

Neglected Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition And Associated Key Factors: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study Among Indigenous Communities In Sarawak, Malaysia, Y. Rajoo, S. Ambu, Y.A.L. Lim, K. Rajoo, S.C. Tey, C.W. Lu, R. Ngui

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been recognized as one of the most significant causes of illness among disadvantaged communities. Many studies have been conducted on the prevalence of IPIs in Malaysia. However, these studies mostly focused on the indigenous groups in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study was conducted to provide the current baseline data on prevalence of IPIs, anaemia, malnutrition and associated risk factors among the indigenous communities in Sarawak, situation at northwest Borneo island of Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among the longhouses communities. Stool samples were obtained and examined for the presence of IPIs using microscopy …

Prevalence Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) Infection And The Molecular Characteristics Of Mrsa Bacteraemia Over A Two-Year Period In A Tertiary Teaching Hospital In Malaysia, P.S. Sit, Cindy Shuan Ju Teh, N. Idris, I.C. Sam, S.F.S. Omar, H. Sulaiman, Kwai Lin Thong, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, S. Ponnampalavanar

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an established pathogen that causes hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide. The prevalence rate of MRSA infections were reported to be the highest in Asia. As there is limited epidemiological study being done in Malaysia, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of MRSA infection and the molecular characteristics of MRSA bacteraemia. Methods: Two hundred and nine MRSA strains from year 2011 to 2012 were collected from a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. The strains were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, multilocus sequence …

Serological And Molecular Identification Of Leptospira Spp. In Swine And Stray Dogs From Malaysia, D. Benacer, Kwai Lin Thong, P.T. Ooi, M. Souris, J.W. Lewis, A.A. Ahmed, S.N. Mohd Zain

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

Leptospirosis is endemic in Malaysia with Leptospira species extensively isolated from domestic and wild animals. Rats were found to be the principal maintenance hosts followed by cattle, pigs, and dogs. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Leptospira serovars circulating among swine from three different farms and also from stray dogs and cats from Klang valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Urine and kidney samples collected from 150 stray dogs, 50 cats and 81 swine were inoculated into semi-solid Ellinghausen McCullough Johnson and Harris (EMJH) media supplemented with additional 5-Fluorouracil. Dark field microscopy revealed only one positive culture of Leptospira …

The Oral Microbiome Community Variations Associated With Normal, Potentially Malignant Disorders And Malignant Lesions Of The Oral Cavity, S.F. Mok, Karuthan Chinna, Y.K. Cheah, Wei Cheong Ngeow, R.B. Zain, S.F. Yap, H.K.A. Ong

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

The human oral microbiome has been known to show strong association with various oral diseases including oral cancer. This study attempts to characterize the community variations between normal, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and cancer associated microbiota using 16S rDNA sequencing. Swab samples were collected from three groups (normal, OPMD and oral cancer) with nine subjects from each group. Bacteria genomic DNA was isolated in which full length 16S rDNA were amplified and used for cloned library sequencing. 16S rDNA sequences were processed and analysed with MOTHUR. A core oral microbiome was identified consisting of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes and …

Transcriptome Profiling Of Monocytes From Xla Patients Revealed The Innate Immune Function Dysregulation Due To The Btk Gene Expression Deficiency, H. Mirsafian, A.M. Ripen, W.M. Leong, C.T. Chear, S.B. Mohamad, A.F. Merican

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a rare genetic disorder, caused by mutations in BTK (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase) gene. Deep high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) approach was utilized to explore the possible differences in transcriptome profiles of primary monocytes in XLA patients compared with healthy subjects. Our analysis revealed the differences in expression of 1,827 protein-coding genes, 95 annotated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 20 novel lincRNAs between XLA patients and healthy subjects. GO and KEGG pathway analysis of differentially expressed (DE) protein-coding genes showed downregulation of several innate immune-related genes and upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis-related genes in XLA patients compared …

Global Patterns In Coronavirus Diversity

KIP Articles

No abstract provided.

Strongyloides Stercoralis Infection Incidence, Risk Factors And Outcomes Among Solid Organ Transplant Candidates And Recipients; A Florida Center Experience, Robert Castro, Sadaf Aslam, Christopher Albers, Louise Gutierrez, Marijesmar Gonzalez, Sally Alrabaa

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Most infections of Strongyloides stercoralis are asymptomatic but can be fulminant in the immunosuppressed. Fatal infections in transplant patients have been reported in United States but incidence estimates are lacking. Our protocol for Strongyloides until 2009 screened immigrants and those with travel history to endemic areas. In 2010, we began universal screening of SOT candidates due to a case of disseminated Strongyloidiasis in an unscreened lung transplant recipient with unknown risk factors. We calculated the incidence of Strongyloides stercoralis in our SOT candidates and associated risk factors, treatment, and outcomes since protocol change. Methods: A retrospective review was performed …

Adverse Events Releated To Antibiotic Use In Patients With Myasthenia Gravis, Kristen Zeitler, Ripal Jariwala, Jose Montero

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Myasthenia gravis is a medical condition involving the neuromuscular junction, characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. While the understanding of myasthenia gravis has progressed over the years, questions remain regarding which antimicrobial agents can be administered safely to these patients. Traditionally, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones have been avoided in this patient population, while other antimicrobials may be prescribed with caution. With minimal literature to guide practice, our aim was to review antimicrobial prescribing in patients with myasthenia gravis at our institution. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients 18 years of age and older with …

Nurses' Perceptions Of Inmate Health Problems In Correctional Facilities: A Qualitative Study, Katrina M. Zubi

Honors Capstones

An estimated forty percent of jail inmates suffer from chronic health problems. It is important to know what kinds of issues the corrections population faces most commonly. My project looks at the perceptions of nurses who work at a county jail in rural Indiana to see what they view as the most common inmate health problems. It also looks at literature relating to the topic, and compares the results of the two sources of information. I used a seven-question qualitative survey to ask the nurses about what they viewed as the most common problems they saw. I found that both …

Global Health Experience In Swaziland, Anik Patel

Posters

Describes a global health learning experience at the Baylor Center of Excellence in Swaziland, where diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS and TB, along with maternal health, women's health, and adolescent care are provided.

The Fleas (Arthropoda: Insecta: Siphonaptera) Of Arkansas, Chris T. Mcallister, Lance A. Durden, Henry W. Robison, Matthew B. Connior

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) are important ectoparasites of cats, dogs, other mammals (including humans), and birds, and are an important component of the biota of North America. In addition, they can be nuisance biters and serve as vectors or intermediate hosts of several flea-borne disease agents and parasites that negatively affect mammals and birds. In Arkansas, there have been no recent comprehensive summaries of fleas in the last 45+ years. Here, we provide a summary of the 29 species of fleas within 7 families that have been recorded from the state, update their taxonomy, and note their medical and veterinary importance.

Discovery Of Mor Selective, Reversible Opioid Antagonist For Potential Use In Treatment Of Drug Dependence, Abdulmajeed Jali

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

DISCOVERY OF MOR SELECTIVE, REVERSIBLE OPIOID ANTAGONIST FOR POTENTIAL USE IN TREATMENT OF DRUG DEPENDENCE

Abdulmajeed M. Jali, M.S.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Virginia Commonwealth University, 2017

Director: Dana E. Selley, Ph. D., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Opioid dependence/addiction is a major public health problem that is associated with multiple health and social costs. Pharmacotherapeutic treatment has been relatively effective, but the risk of relapse after treatment remains high. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is FDA-approved for long-term maintenance therapy to reduce relapse risk. However, naltrexone …

Knowledge Attitude And Practice Regarding Nipah Virus Infection In Nakhon Pathom Province In Thailand, Takahiro Agari

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: Nipah virus disease is a fatal disease with high mortality rate and can cause a serious impact on public health. Due to lack of a specific agent for vaccination and treatment, prevention is crucial. However, key information for health promotion were poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to figure out knowledge, attitude and practices in the context of Nipah virus disease and identify associated factors among people living close to a roost of flying foxes. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among people living in the villages close to the flying fox roost in Ban Luang …

Intestinal Health And Microbiota In Salmonids: The Impact Of Probiotics Under Potentially Stressful Conditions, Hugo Alexander Jaramillo Torres

School of Biological and Marine Sciences Theses

The intestine and associated bacterial microbiota have a central role the physiology and homoeostasis of the host. The understanding of how farming conditions affect the intestine and associated microbiota of fish is the high importance to counteract the potential threats to health and welfare. Thus, this thesis aims to understand the role of stressful husbandry conditions on the intestine and associated microbiota of rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon. Within this context, the role of Pediococcus acidilactici as health promoter was also investigated Chapter 3 investigated the replacement of fishmeal by different plant protein ingredients in rainbow trout. The results of …

Evaluation Of The Deadwood Bighorn Sheep Herd Translocation, Ty J. Werdel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

From 2015-2017, we evaluated a newly established bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) herd in the Deadwood Region of the Black Hills, South Dakota. Our objectives were to 1a) determine annual survival rates, 1b) determine cause-specific mortality, 1c) estimate population size, 2a) assess genetic diversity, 2b) assess disease prevalence, 3) evaluate movement patterns post-release, 4a) evaluate 3rd-order habitat selection, and 4b) estimate herbaceous biomass at foraging sites post-release of translocated bighorn sheep. In February 2015, we captured and translocated 26 bighorn sheep from the Luscar Mine near Hinton, Alberta, Canada to the Deadwood Region of the Black Hills, South Dakota. Overall annual …

Phylogenetic And Associated Phenotypic Analysis Of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Mbandaka, Linto Antony

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Food borne salmonellosis is a global public health concern caused by Salmonella, that causes enteric disease both in humans and animals. Most of the pathogenic Salmonella serovars fall under Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica, a major subspecies group that includes more than 50% of total identified Salmonella serovars. New serovars are identified each year and overall incidence of salmonellosis may mask the outbreak incidences caused by individual serovars. Infrequently reported serovar outbreaks can be a significant threat to public health. Salmonella enterica serovar Mbandaka is one of the infrequently reported causative agents of non-typhoidal salmonellosis in USA. But it …

Spatial And Spatiotemporal Modeling Of Epidemiological Data, Laxman Karki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on modeling approach for spatial and spatiotemporal data with epidemiological applications. Chapter one gives the general overview of spatial and spatiotemporal data and challenges in the statistical analysis of spatial and spatiotemporal data, and motivation and objectives of the study. Chapter two describes the regression models commonly used in spatial data analysis. Various types of regression methods such as OLS, GWR and MGWR were used to study the association between diabetes prevalence and socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on county level data of Midwestern United States. A new analysis workflow is purposed for regression analysis of spatial data. …

Surveillance Of Emerging Livestock Viruses, Faten A. Okda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are essential for the management and control of emerging infectious diseases. Therefore, the overall goals of studies presented in this dissertation were to provide improved diagnostic and surveillance capabilities for several emerging viral diseases impacting the livestock industry and to provide insight into appropriate control strategies. Recent, severe outbreaks of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in Asia and North America highlighted the need for well-validated diagnostic tests for identification of PEDV infected animals and evaluation of their immune status. PEDV was first detected in the U.S. in May 2013 and another swine coronavirus, porcine deltacoronavirus …

Effects Of Studying Abroad On College Students, Kaliana Villa

Honors Program Theses

This thesis focused on the ways short-term study abroad capstones may change students’ political stances, as well as the way it may impact their worldview. To do this, data was collected via an online survey before and after each student’s capstone with permission from the University of Northern Iowa’s Study Abroad Center. The specific variables which were measured are political standpoint (how liberal or conservative a student is), and their worldview (how the students see the world around them on a global scale). Although there has been some research done on the ways studying abroad helps students develop cross-cultural skills, …

Short Message Service (Sms) Appointment Reminder Project, Kathryn Wermers

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to decrease the appointment no-show rate at a mid-western primary care clinic by implementing short message service (SMS) appointment reminders. The project director analyzed the cost of the SMS appointment reminders and patient satisfaction with the intervention via telephone participant opinion surveys. The guiding theoretical framework was Nola Pender’s Health Promotion model (HPM). The subjects involved were the primary care patients who had access to cellular phones with SMS capability. The project assistant received verbal consent to send the SMS appointment reminder for a participant. Then the participant’s cellular phone number was …

Incidence Of Seizure Exacerbation And Seizures Reported As Adverse Events During Adjunctive Treatment With Eslicarbazepine Acetate: A Pooled Analysis Of Three Phase Iii Controlled Trials, Mar Carreño, Selim Benbadis, Francisco Rocha, David Blum, Hailong Cheng

Neurology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary To Aeromonas Infection Presenting With Septic Shock, Nikhil Bhatia, Manuel Castro-Borobio, John N. Greene, Sowmya Nanjappa

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This report describes a case of necrotizing fasciitis presenting with septic shock due to an Aeromonas infection. The patient cut his foot while mowing the lawn and then spent time in a pool with black mold. He began feeling ill and developed swelling and a quarter-sized black area on his right lower extremity. Despite being hemodynamically unstable with systolic blood pressure in the low 70s, the patient was transferred to our facility from outside hospital 100 miles away. Upon arriving to facility, the patient appeared to be septic and the infected area of skin had grown. Irrigation and debridement were …

Non-Communicable Disease And Diabetes Screening In Community Settings In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Case Study In Senegal, West Africa, Rhonda Belue

Saint Louis University Journal of Health Law & Policy

Sub-Saharan Africa is faced with a significant and increasing burden of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes). In Senegal, the prevalence of diabetes has been documented to be as high as 8.1% in urban-dwelling Senegalese and is fast approaching the United States prevalence of approximately nine percent; however, insufficient resources are available for prevention efforts and disease management. As a result, many cases remain undiagnosed, leading to an increased likelihood of diabetes complications and mortality. Many of these cases remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed only after complications have developed, such as the need for amputation, kidney failure, …

The 17th International Congress On Infectious Diseases Workshop On Developing Infection Prevention And Control Resources For Low- And Middle-Income Countries, Sangeeta Sastry, Nadia Masroor, Gonzalo Bearman, Rana Hajjeh, Alison Holmes, Ziad Memish, Britta Lassmann, Didier Pittet, Fiona Macnab, Rachel Kamau, Evelyn Wesangula, Paras Pokharel, Paul Brown, Frances Daily, Fatma Amer, Jaime Torres, Miguel O’Ryan, Gunturu Revathi, Andre Bulabula, Shaheen Mehtar

Pathology, East Africa

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major concern to healthcare systems around the world. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, in addition to increased hospitalization costs. Recent outbreaks, including those caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Ebola virus, have highlighted the importance of infection control. Moreover, HAIs, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods, have become a top global priority. Although adequate approaches and guidelines have been in existence for many years and have often proven effective in some countries, the implementation of such approaches in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is often restricted due to …

Effects Of A Post-Activation Potentiation Warm-Up On Submaximal Parallel Back Squat Volume, Rating Of Perceived Exertion, Peak Velocity, And Peak Power, Carlton Wei

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Resistance training (RT) is effective for improving athletic performance, with specific training loads and volumes dictating the adaptations. A warm-up is necessary to safely and effectively engage in RT: typically with a low intensity aerobic activity, stretching, and movement specific potentiating exercises. Post-activation potentiation (PAP) acutely increases muscular power following a conditioning contraction, though limited research has assessed its use for RT. The purpose of this study was to assess how a PAP warm-up protocol affects volume, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and peak velocity and power with 75%1RM in the barbell parallel back squat (PBS) exercise across 4 sets. …

Reorienting Health Services To People With Chronic Health Conditions: Diabetes And Stroke Services In Malaysia, Sri Lanka And Thailand, Vasoontara Yiengprugsawan, Judith Healy, Hal Kendig, Malinee Neelamegam, Palitha Karunapema, Vijj Kasemsup

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Faculty Publications

This paper explores whether middle-income Asian countries are reorienting their health services in response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were selected as case studies of Asian societies experiencing rapid increases both in NCDs and an aging population. While NCD programs, especially those related to diabetes and stroke, are well-established in Thailand, health services struggle to respond to increasing numbers of people with chronic health problems. Health services at all levels must plan ahead for more patients with chronic and often multiple conditions who require better integrated health care.

The Process Of Reclaiming Tribal Sovereignty Through Healthcare Autonomy, Karolina A. Serhan

Honors Theses

This honors thesis explores the complex interplay between health status, healthcare, and tribal sovereignty among native communities in the United States. These relationships are explored through analyzing the paradoxical and condescending nature of the Federal Trust Responsibility in relation to government-organized healthcare programs for natives. In establishing this relationship, the thesis goes on to illustrate how native communities have effectively fought to regain sovereignty through reclaiming autonomy of their healthcare systems through the use of the 1975 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. The impact of tribal-led healthcare systems is further explored through an in-depth case study conducted regarding the …

Modulating The Innate Immune Response To Electrospun Scaffolds And Polymer Degradative Byproducts, Daniel Abebayehu

Theses and Dissertations

Implanted biomaterials often induce inflammation that frequently leads to the foreign body response, fibrosis, and the failure of the implant. Thus, it is important to evaluate how cells interact with materials to promote a more regenerative response. It is critical to determine how to modulate the response of tissue resident innate immune cells, as they are among the first cells to interact with implanted materials. Among tissue resident innate immune cells are mast cells, which are inflammatory sentinels that degranulate and orchestrate the fate of other cell populations, such as monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes. Mast cells have also been reported to …

Orientia Tsutsugamushi Secretes Two Ankyrin Repeat-Containing Effectors Via A Type 1 Secretion System To Inhibit Host Nf-Κb Function, Sean M. Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Scrub typhus is a potentially fatal infection that threatens one billion persons in the Asia-Pacific region and is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium, Orientia tsutsugamushi. How this organism facilitates its intracellular survival and pathogenesis is poorly understood. Intracellular bacterial pathogens utilize the Type 1 (T1SS) or Type 4 secretion system (T4SS) to translocate ankyrin repeat-containing proteins (Anks) into the host cell to modulate host cell processes. The O. tsutsugamushi genome encodes one of the largest known bacterial Ank libraries as well as Type 1 and Type 4 secretion systems (T1SS and T4SS), which are expressed during infection. In …