Digital Commons Network^™

Cross-Species Analysis Of Apical Asparagine-Rich Protein Of Plasmodium Vivax And Plasmodium Knowlesi, F. Muh, M.A. Ahmed, J.H. Han, M.H. Nyunt, S.K. Lee, Y.L. Lau, O. Kaneko, E.T. Han

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

The Plasmodium falciparum apical asparagine (Asn)-rich protein (AARP) is one of malarial proteins, and it has been studied as a candidate of malaria subunit vaccine. Basic characterization of PvAARP has been performed with a focus on its immunogenicity and localization. In this study, we further analyzed the immunogenicity of PvAARP, focusing on the longevity of the antibody response, cross-species immunity and invasion inhibitory activity by using the primate malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi. We found that vivax malaria patient sera retained anti-PvAARP antibodies for at least one year without re-infection. Recombinant PvAARP protein was strongly recognized by knowlesi malaria patients. Antibody …

Cytokine And Chemokine Profiling In Patients With Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease In Singapore And Malaysia, F.M.S. Teo, M. Nyo, A.A. Wong, N.W.H. Tan, M.T. Koh, Y.F. Chan, C.Y. Chong, J.J.H. Chu

Research Publications (2016 to 2020)

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a prevalent contagious childhood disease typically associated with fever, oral lesions and limb exanthema. While HFMD is caused by a plethora of serotypes of viruses under the genus Enterovirus within the Picornaviridae family, Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) are considered the main etiological agents. In recent years however, other viruses have also been isolated in considerable numbers from infected individuals in many regions, joining the legion commonly associated with HFMD. The present study investigated the cytokine and chemokine profiles of HFMD patients from Singapore and Malaysia for the first time. Comparative …

Paying Patients: Legal And Ethical Dimensions, Govind Persad

Sturm College of Law: Faculty Scholarship

This Article explores the implications for medical care of a debate that is more familiar in the law and ethics of human subjects research: whether people should be paid to receive or decline medical interventions, or to reach certain health objectives. It examines the legal and ethical issues such payments raise, and considers various actors who might make such payments, including governments, employers, insurers, care providers, and private parties. It argues for two interrelated conclusions: first, that these payments should not be subject to blanket normative condemnation, and, second, that payments made in different settings and contexts frequently share underlying …

The Neurodevelopmental Perspective Of Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Role Of The Gut-Brain Axis., Chariton Moschopoulos, Panagiotis Kratimenos, Ioannis Koutroulis, Bhairav V Shah, Anja Mowes, Vineet Bhandari

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

This state-of-the-art review article aims to highlight the most recent evidence about the therapeutic options of surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, focusing on the molecular basis of the gut-brain axis in relevance to the neurodevelopmental outcomes of primary peritoneal drainage and primary laparotomy. Current evidence favors primary laparotomy over primary peritoneal drainage as regards neurodevelopment in the surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. The added exposure to inhalational anesthesia in infants undergoing primary laparotomy is an additional confounding variable but requires further study. The concept of the gut-brain axis suggests that bowel injury initiates systemic inflammation potentially affecting the developing central nervous system. …

Biology In Your World Agriculture In Africa America, Jan 27, Ohio University College Of Arts & Sciences

All Forum Articles

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Clinical Pathway Implementation On Antibiotic Prescriptions For Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia., Daniele Donà, Silvia Zingarella, Andrea Gastaldi, Rebecca Lundin, Giorgio Perilongo, Anna Chiara Frigo, Rana F Hamdy, Theoklis Zaoutis, Liviana Da Dalt, Carlo Giaquinto

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Italian pediatric antimicrobial prescription rates are among the highest in Europe. As a first step in an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, we implemented a Clinical Pathway (CP) for Community Acquired Pneumonia with the aim of decreasing overall prescription of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CP was implemented on 10/01/2015. We collected antibiotic prescribing and outcomes data from children aged 3 months-15 years diagnosed with CAP from 10/15/2014 to 04/15/2015 (pre-intervention period) and from 10/15/2015 to 04/15/2016 (post-intervention period). We assessed antibiotic prescription differences pre- and post-CP, including rates, breadth of spectrum, and duration of therapy. We also compared …

Impact Of Chronic Sexual Abuse And Depression On Inflammation And Wound Healing In The Female Reproductive Tract Of Hiv-Uninfected And Hiv-Infected Women., Mimi Ghosh, Jason Daniels, Maria Pyra, Monika Juzumaite, Mariel Jais, Kerry Murphy, Tonya N Taylor, Seble Kassaye, Lorie Benning, Mardge Cohen, Kathleen Weber

Epidemiology Faculty Publications

Sexual violence is associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition/transmission in women. Forced sex can result in physical trauma to the reproductive tract as well as severe psychological distress. However, immuno-biological mechanisms linking sexual violence and HIV susceptibility are incompletely understood. Using the Women's Interagency HIV Study repository, a total of 77 women were selected to form 4 groups, stratified by HIV serostatus, in the following categories: 1) no sexual abuse history and low depressive symptom score (below clinically significant cut-off, scores

Framing And Visual Type: Effect On Future Zika Vaccine Uptake Intent, Jeanine P.D. Guidry, Kellie E. Carlyle, Jessica G. Larose, Paul Perrin, Mark Ryan, Marcus Messner, Jay Adams

Richard T. Robertson School of Communication Publications

Introduction: The Zika virus is associated with the birth defect microcephaly, and while a vaccine was not available in early- 2017, several were under development. This study’s purpose was to identify effective communication strategies to promote uptake of a new vaccine, particularly among women of reproductive age.

Design and methods: In order to study the effects of Zika message framing (gain vs. loss) and visual type (photo vs. infographic) on future Zika vaccine uptake intent, a 2×2 between-subjects experiment was performed via an online survey in 2017 among 339 U.S. women of reproductive age (18-49 years). Participants were …

An Epidemiological Study Of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease In A South Texas-Mexico Border Metropolitan Community, Steven Daniel Hinojosa

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This research study examines the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in Hidalgo County, Texas. Invasive pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection, causing severe types of clinical manifestations, including bacteremia and meningitis. Hidalgo County is the largest metropolitan statistical area along the Texas-Mexico border. Supporting a 2016 census population estimate of nearly 850,000, this community facilitates frequent bi-national travel, providing unique attributes towards disease transmission. This study aims to identify if population characteristics for infection aligned with current Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice recommendations for vaccination against pneumococcal disease. This includes identifying if the general healthy adult healthy population has an …

Larval Nutrient Effects On Dissemination And Horizontal Transmission Potential Of Zika Virus In Mosquito Aedes Aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) (Linnaeus 1762), Andrew S. Paige

Theses & ETDs

The container mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is the major vector of several emerging arboviruses affecting human health. Adult mosquito life history traits are largely determined by factors of the larval environment, including the composition of nutrients provided by detritus within the system. Within container systems, animal (dead insects) and plant detritus form the basal nutrients for food webs that support mosquito growth and development. Animal detritus is high in nitrogen, a limiting growth factor for organisms. Plant detritus is low in nitrogen, making it less nutritious. Here we investigate how heterogeneity in carbon and nitrogen affect Zika virus vector competency of …

The Relationship Between The Feeding Habits And Behavior Of Cyphoma Gibbosum (Linnaeus, 1758) And The Spread Of Aspergillus Sydowii (Thom & Church, 1926) Affecting Gorgonia Ventalina (Linnaeus, 1758) At Cayos Cochinos, Honduras, Kristin Spoto

Theses & ETDs

Coral reefs are some of the Earth’s most highly diverse ecosystems, housing millions of organisms. The organisms most important to coral reefs second to the reef building coral are the soft corals, which provide a source of food, habitat, nutrient cycling as well as other benefits to the organisms living on the reefs. These soft corals, including gorgonians, are sensitive and experiencing an increasing rate of disease and mortality worldwide. One such disease is a pathogenic fungus called Aspergillus sydowii and has seen to be prominent amongst Gorgonia ventalina, the sea fan. Mechanisms of fungal infection are not certain at …

A Clove A Day Keeps The Dentist Away? A Proposal To Investigate The Efficacy Of Natural Quorum Quenching Compounds On Streptococcus Mutans Biofilms, Alexis P. Pujol

Theses & ETDs

The formation of microbial biofilms on human teeth, also known as dental plaque, can lead to periodontal diseases and dental caries. The current treatments for these ailments are costly and inaccessible for many people, but if left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious illnesses. Bacteria within a biofilm communicate using quorum sensing (QS) and utilize this method to count themselves for controlled gene expression. In recent years, there has been significant research on how to inhibit this inter-bacterial communication in a process called, quorum quenching (QQ). Molecules that closely resemble the QS molecules produced and accepted by bacteria can …

Novel Antibiotic Design: Synthesis And Optimization Of N-Heterocyclic Oxazolidinones, David J. Bruch

Theses & ETDs

Over the past few decades there have been very few breakthrough discoveries in the field of antibiotics. Designing an effective drug is not a simple task, and requires a long and grueling selection and optimization process. The analogue approach is a very effective method in drug design and was applied to the N-aryl-oxazolidinone moiety in an effort to explore the structure activity relationship among this series. Dr. Tucker proposed a heterocyclic aromatic species as a substituent for placement at the N-aryl site of the oxazolidinone moiety. Specifically, we hoped to replace the N-phenyl “B-ring” in the active linezolid oxazolidinone core …

“Weakness Is A Crime, Don’T Be A Criminal”: Moral Panic And The Construction Of Fitness In The American Middle Class, 1850 - Present, Cole G. Zelznak

Theses & ETDs

This thesis uses evidence from magazines, television, and academic journals to suggest a historical evolution in the social and cultural function of physical fitness in the white American middle class. The central argument of this study is that the antimodernist rhetoric of Progressive Era bicycling culture preempted the historical emergence of the “entrepreneur-of-the-self,” “neoliberal self,” or the “personality-based self” in the twentieth century. In tandem with this argument, I examine how the consumption-based cultivation of health and bodily appearance work as markers of economic, racial, and moral fitness. I begin by detailing how the media and federal government responded to …

Partial Synthesis Of A Novel Oxazolidinone Analogue, Jessica Calzadilla

Theses & ETDs

Bacterial infections are a leading cause of death in many countries worldwide. Antibiotic resistance is becoming more and more prevalent, leading to outbreaks of resistant bacteria. Additionally, there have been few successful attempts at making new antibiotics in the past three decades. This thesis is an attempt to create a 1,2,3-triazole analogue of linezolid: an oxazolidinone antibiotic. The goal of creating this antibiotic is to increase gramnegative activity of this antibiotic as compared to linezolid, and to create an antibiotic that bacteria are not yet resistant to, as resistances to oxazolidinones have already been discovered. Three model click reactions were …

Multi-Criteria Suitability Analysis Of Green Infrastructure Targeted At Groundwater Recharge And Flood Mitigation In Sarasota, Fl, Julia Windsor

Theses & ETDs

Traditional means for urban storm water management have fallen short in keeping up with the demands of urbanization. Flooding from impermeable surfaces, aquifer depletion from lack of recharge via percolation and over extraction are problematic facets of urban life. Water quality for potable use is threatened by utilization trends as well as from contamination due to mismanagement of storm water and runoff. Green infrastructure has risen in popularity as a potential route for development to take to mitigate these urban ills as an alternative to traditional “grey” infrastructure. Utilizing geographic information systems (GIS), I standardized and reclassified ten layers of …

More Than Just A River Of Grass: A Scientific And Artistic Exploration Into The Florida Everglades, Olivia Forero

Theses & ETDs

The Anthropocene is an epoch marked by undeniable human influence. Alterations to climatic and environmental processes threaten worldwide biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. Highlighting the unique ecology and beauty of an ecosystem in peril as a result of anthropogenic destruction, invasive species and climate change, this work foregrounds the fragility and importance of the Florida Everglades through ecological inquiry and artistic practice. Using NatureServe’s Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI), I evaluated climate change sensitivities for three endangered species within the Everglades system; the Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumpos floridanus), the Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), and the Manchineel Tree (Hippomane manchinella). Based …

Mammalian Pathogenesis And Transmission Of Avian Influenza A(H7n9) Viruses, Tennessee, Usa, 2017, Jessica A. Belser, Nicole Brock, Xiangjie Sun, Joyce Jones, Natosha Zanders, Erin Hodges, Joanna A. Pulit-Penaloza, David Wentworth, Terrence M. Tumpey, Todd Davis, Taronna R. Maines

United States Public Health Resources

Infections with low pathogenicity and highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses affected poultry in 4 states in the southeastern United States in 2017. We evaluated pathogenicity and transmission of representative viruses in mouse and ferret models and examined replication kinetics in human respiratory tract cells. These viruses can cause respiratory infections in mammalian models.

Genomic Differences Between Nasal Staphylococcus Aureus From Hog Slaughterhouse Workers And Their Communities., Yaqi You, Li Song, Bareng A S Nonyane, Lance B Price, Ellen K Silbergeld

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

New human pathogens can emerge from the livestock-human interface and spread into human populations through many pathways including livestock products. Occupational contact with livestock is a risk factor for exposure to those pathogens and may cause further spreading of those pathogens in the community. The current study used whole genome sequencing to explore nasal Staphylococcus aureus obtained from hog slaughterhouse workers and their community members, all of whom resided in a livestock-dense region in rural North Carolina. Sequence data were analyzed for lineage distribution, pathogenicity-related genomic features, and mobile genetic elements. We observed evidence of nasal S. aureus differences between …

Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Hiv-Infected Individuals In The District Of Columbia And Estimated Hiv Transmission Risk: Data From The Dc Cohort, Jose Lucar, Rachel Hart, Nabil Rayeed, Arpi Terzian, Amy Weintrob, Amanda D. Castel, Debra A. Benator, Dc Cohort Executive Committee

Epidemiology Faculty Publications

Background

Washington, DC, has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the United States. Sexual intercourse is the leading mode of HIV transmission, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a risk factor for HIV acquisition and transmission.

Methods

We evaluated the incidence and demographic factors associated with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis among HIV-infected persons enrolled at 13 DC Cohort sites from 2011 to 2015. Using Poisson regression, we assessed covariates of risk for incident STIs. We also examined HIV viral loads (VLs) at the time of STI diagnosis as a proxy for HIV transmission risk.

Results

Six point …

Antiretroviral Therapy Interruptions: Impact On Hiv Treatment And Transmission., Gueorgui Dubrocq, Natella Rakhmanina

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Successful management of pediatric and adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease includes lifelong administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The need for the continuous use of antiretroviral drugs throughout the life course poses a challenge to children, adolescents, and adults living with HIV and their caregivers. Historically, treatment interruptions have been viewed as a negative therapeutic strategy. Recently, however, treatment interruptions or treatment reduction strategies have become a focus of investigations as innovative approaches to the long-term management of HIV disease. Current challenges with treatment interruptions include identifying an appropriate timeframe for length of interruptions and identifying HIV patient populations …

Nobody Likes Flies, Zachary Mattson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease that is common in tropical areas of the globe. Around the world this disease is transmitted from different hosts by various sand-fly species. The most prevalent countries for any type of leishmaniasis are Brazil, India, and Ethiopia. There are three presentations of the disease seen around the world: visceral, mucosal, and cutaneous. Overall cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease that can be disfiguring and disrupting to individuals across the world. Though it may be difficult to access information for those in rural communities in Central America it is important for providers to provide information in an …

Climate Change: Human Health, The Developing World And The Global Response, Cole James Kriett

Theses and Graduate Projects

Changes to the Earth’s biophysical system will extend and exacerbate the rates of vector-borne infectious disease, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and lung disease, and mental health disorders. Developing nations face the greatest burden of climate sensitive human health impacts while also having the lowest capacity to adapt to these changes. Addressing these global ethical challenges cannot be accomplished without supporting organizations like UNEP or the IPCC. However, these organizations cannot achieve global sustainability alone. Human beings collectively taking responsibility for climate change will be vital to this process.

Smallpox Bioterrorism Preparedness: The Importance Of Technology And Education For Early Detection And Response, D Taylor Jorgenson-Rathke

Theses and Graduate Projects

The use of biological agents as weapons has been prevalent throughout history. Only when the US experienced a bioterrorist attack in 2001 did additional funding begin to invest in preparing for other potential attacks. These initial investments, along with others, have funded preventative measures such as mass surveillance through biosensor technology and the development of preparedness programs such as the Laboratory Response Network and Hospital Preparedness Program. Based on learnings from previous outbreak events, in the event of a bioterrorist attack involving smallpox early detection will be the key to initiating a rapid and effective response. Additionally, further measures need …

Global Health And Societal Impacts Of Schistosomiasis, William Ryan

Theses and Graduate Projects

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). While there are many NTDs that impact poor people across the world, schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent. Currently 200 million people worldwide are infected with schistosomiasis and 800 million more are at risk for infection. Like other NTDs, this infection is preventable and treatable. Mass drug administration of the anti-parasitic drug praziquantel (the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis) is currently the main method of control. Although, China has recently demonstrated success by employing strategies that involve controlling the infection in the livestock population. Epidemiological surveys …

Increased Antibiotic Resistance Of Escherichia Coli In Nicaragua: Potential Causes And Future Implications, Ryan S. Paukert

Theses and Graduate Projects

Since 1987, no new structural class of antibiotic has been introduced into human medicine. Aside from the absence of a new structural class of antibiotics, there has been a startlingly low number of new antibiotics approved since 1987. With the lack of new antibiotics, finding current antibiotics that are effective is becoming an alarming challenge due to the worldwide emergence of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a major threat to public health because they reduce the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. Without treatment for common infections, like uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), resistant infections …

Washington University Magazine, Fall/Winter 2018-2019

Washington University Magazine

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of The In Vivo Activity Of Ribosome-Targeting Peptides And Aminoglycosides In Escherichia Coli, Nisansala Sarangi Thilakarathne Muthunayake

Wayne State University Dissertations

The development of short peptides that specifically bind to higher-order structures of ribosomal RNA is one promising way to address the problem of antibiotic resistance. However, the poor correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities of these peptides is one of the major questions in antibiotic peptide research. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this dissertation work was to utilize a plasmid-based system to in vivo express ribosome-targeting peptides and study their direct inhibitory effects on bacteria. A specific plasmid system was optimized to in vivo express oncocin, a prolin-rich antimicrobial peptide and its variants in bacteria. Our …

Milestone@Um, Volume 6, Number 1, 2018, Institute Of Research Management & Monitoring University Of Malaya

Archival Material (2010s)

No abstract provided.

Pulse@Um, Issue 2, 2018, Faculty Of Medicine University Of Malaya

Archival Material (2010s)

No abstract provided.