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Not Every Rash Is An Allergy, Sashi N. Nair

MERF 2020 - Case Reports

A 61-year-old HIV+ male presented for regular follow up and complained of a rash. Past history was notable for myelofibrosis, and a solitary renal nodule. He had been on cART since 1996 and was on FTC/TAF/Dolutegravir with CD-4 greater than 200 and an undetectable viral load. Three months prior to evaluation he began to develop intermittent fevers with drenching night sweats. Subsequently one month prior to evaluation he developed a rash which started on his trunk and was non-painful and non-pruritic, it spared his face and extremities. He had never had anything similar before. He had taken no new medications …

Tender Erythematous And Necrotic Papules In A Young Pregnant Woman, Sasank Konda, Vignesh Ramachandran, Chauncey A. Mchargue

MERF 2020 - Case Reports

Patient History & Physical: A pregnant 21-year-old African American female (G5P2, 34w2d) presented with one day of painful, red bumps of her upper and lower extremities. Associated symptoms included chills, malaise, headache, photophobia, phonophobia, and edematous arthralgias (left shoulder, left ankle). Personal and family history were negative for thromboembolic phenomena, autoimmune disorders, or coagulopathies. She denied intravenous drug use, new sexual partners, blood transfusions, sick contacts, or recent travel. Physical examination demonstrated sparse, irregularly-distributed, exquisitely tender erythematous to necrotic pinpoint papules and pustules of the abdomen and distal extremities. Vital signs were notable only for mild tachycardia.

Biopsies: Punch biopsies …

2020-May-01-Medical Student Summer Research Program Offered Remotely, University Marketing And Communication, East Tennessee State University

ETSU News

Sarah Hamilton’s college experience turned out very different from what she expected it to be – in the best way possible. When the Johnson City resident began her freshman year at East Tennessee State University, she wanted to focus entirely on her grades. At first, she had no desire to get involved in any extracurricular activities or organizations on campus.

Sarah’s attitude changed when she realized that connecting to the ETSU community improved her college experience and made her a better student. Remaining focused on her studies in her double major – biology and Spanish – Sarah began to embrace …

Effects Of Penfluridol On Integrin-Fak Signaling And Tumor Cell Killing In Combination With Oncolytic Hsv In Glioblastoma, Mitra Nair

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Integrins are known to play an important role in activating multiple intracellular pathways, one of which is focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Phosphorylation of FAK can lead to the activation of various downstream signaling pathways that can increase tumor cell growth and proliferation, making it an ideal target for cancer therapeutics. Due to the fact that many FAK inhibitors are limited in their penetration of the blood brain barrier, we investigated the use of Penfluridol, an antipsychotic drug known to attenuate integrin expression at a transcriptional level, in combination with oncolytic herpes simplex I virus (oHSV) in a glioblastoma model. We …

Campylobacter Jejuni Bacteremia In The Setting Of Pancytopenia, Natalie M. Wiseman, Andrew Failla

MERF 2020 - Case Reports

Introduction: Campylobacter species are a common infectious cause of acute diarrhea worldwide. Small gram-negative bacteria, Campylobacter species are commonly transmitted fecal-orally and frequently found nonpathogenically in the guts of animals including chickens, creating a risk for frequent animal-human transmission. Campylobacter jejuni, one of the most important Campylobacter species for human health, typically produces a watery or inflammatory diarrhea. It is common in developing countries and outbreaks are often linked to contaminated water, unpasteurized milk, undercooked poultry, and contact with animals or infected persons. C. jejuni is a fastidious, gram-negative spiral-shaped rod which is best detected by culture but can also …

Recurrent Benign Lymphocytic Meningitis In A 66-Year-Old Male Diagnosed With Mollaret Syndrome. Is Suppressive Therapy Necessary?, Khaled Jamoor, Rita Kassab, Niluka Weerakoon

MERF 2020 - Case Reports

Mollaret syndrome is a rare form of recurrent lymphocytic meningitis. It is defined as recurrent episodes of acute attacks that last usually few days and separated by symptom free periods that can last months to years. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is responsible for the majority of cases. Diagnosis is usually made by isolating the virus DNA from the CSF. Treatment with antivirals as a herpetic infection has been used and showed some success. Here we present a 66-year old male with past medical history of genital herpes who presented with his third episode of meningitis. Patient presented with low …

Effect Of Cigarette Smoking On Cd4 Count And Viral Load Among Hiv Patients Attending Treatment At Nebraska Medicine, Chacha Josiah Mwita

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background

Smoking is known to have a negative impact on both morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, there is inconsistent information about the role of smoking on markers of HIV disease progression (CD4 count and HIV viral load). This study examined the effects of cigarette smoking on markers of HIV disease progression among PLHIV at Nebraska Medicine.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing electronic health information of 604 PLHIV who attended treatment at Nebraska Medicine between 2012 and 2020. Multiple linear regression was used to model the effects of smoking on the mean change …

The Coronavirus And The Risks To The Elderly In Long-Term Care, William Gardner, David States, Nicholas Bagley

Articles

The elderly in long-term care (LTC) and their caregiving staff are at elevated risk from COVID-19. Outbreaks in LTC facilities can threaten the health care system. COVID-19 suppression should focus on testing and infection control at LTC facilities. Policies should also be developed to ensure that LTC facilities remain adequately staffed and that infection control protocols are closely followed. Family will not be able to visit LTC facilities, increasing isolation and vulnerability to abuse and neglect. To protect residents and staff, supervision of LTC facilities should remain a priority during the pandemic.

Depression Is Associated With Decreased Severity And Lower Mortality In Non-Elderly Hospitalized Adults With Influenza In The United States, Timothy L. Wiemken, Daniel Hoft, Jeffrey Scherrer

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Depression is associated with risk for chronic disease, though its relationship with infectious diseases is less understood. Depression may modify the clinical outcomes of patients with infectious diseases such as influenza via its association with inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between depression and clinical outcomes in non-elderly adults with influenza infection.

Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, years 2012–2016. Hospitalized adults aged 18–65 admitted during each influenza season were included. Depression status was documented via ICD-10 codes. The association between depression and clinical outcomes (e.g., …

Investigating The Interactions Between Individual Calmodulin And Hiv-1 Protein Domains, Riley K. Kendall, Jerry Larue

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The World Health Organization found that 37.9 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2018. HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system through viral replication and the destruction of CD4⁺ T-cells, which are white blood cells that detect infection and make antibodies. A cure for HIV has not yet been discovered. HIV-1 contains a Gag polyprotein which regulates the stages of viral replication. Previous studies suggest that the myristoyl group of a matrix protein peptide found on the Gag polyprotein, MA, forms a complex with a calcium-binding, multifunctional regulatory protein called Calmodulin (CaM). CaM …

Getting To Zero: An Evaluation Of Santa Clara County’S Hiv Prevention Program In Comparison To Selected Counties, Nupur Rathore

Master's Projects

Research Question: This research project compared SCC with nine other counties in California to determine, how SCC’s outcome of its GTZ program varies in comparison to other selected counties? The project also focused on determining how SCC’s spending for its GTZ differed from the other selected counties?

The Origins And Future Of Global Health Law: Regulation, Security, And Pluralism, Sam F. Halabi

Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a global health crisis unlike any seen in the seventy-five years since the United Nations and the World Health Organization were formed - one that is killing people, spreading human suffering, and upending people's lives. But this is much more than a health crisis. It is a human crisis. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is attacking societies at their core. It is therefore a crucial point around which to focus the capability of national and global institutions to address this essential threat to human health and life.

The purposes of this Article are to revisit and …

Effect Of Maternal Microbiome On Offspring Neurodevelopment: A Review, Zoe Beausoleil

PCOM Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper is to delve into the maternal influence on the offspring microbiome, and how maternal lifestyle factors and choices; mode of birth, feeding method, stress and the interventions used to alleviate said stress, maternal age, substance use, exercise, and nutrition, alter the microbiome and therefore affect the neurodevelopment of the offspring. The human microbiome is composed of billions of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that occupy the gut, skin and other areas of the body. Numerous studies have illustrated the importance of the microbiome in healthy human physiologic processes including energy metabolism, gut health, immune function …

A Review Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Sophie Silver

Senior Honors Theses

Human immunodeficiency virus, also referred to as HIV, is a devastating virus which has infected millions. Characterized as a retrovirus, HIV has an RNA genome, which is reverse transcribed into DNA upon entry into the host cell. HIV primarily affects CD4⁺ T cells and is diagnosed by the significant reduction of CD4⁺ T cells. While no cure has been discovered yet, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been demonstrated as an effective treatment option. In the progression of HIV, additional HIV-associated diseases may arise, including HIV-associated psoriasis and sensory neuropathy. In addition to the use of ART, clinicians often prescribe …

Ecology, Behavior, And Conservation Of The Mona Coqui (Eleutherodactylus Monensis) In Puerto Rico, Jennifer Stabile

Master's Projects and Capstones

The Mona Coqui (Eleutherodactylus monensis) is a medium-sized, terrestrial frog endemic to Mona Island, Puerto Rico. E. monensis is the only amphibian known to inhabit Mona Island, a small (57 km2) subtropical dry forested island located in the Caribbean between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. E. monensis is currently listed by the IUCN (2008) as Vulnerable due to its restricted range of less than 100 km2. Other possible threats may include emerging amphibian disease (i.e. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)), invasive species, and climate change. An increase of eco-tourism may also pose an immediate threat to this species if measures are …

How Nutrition Can Help To Fight Against Covid-19 Pandemic, Faseeha Aman, Sadia Masood

Section of Internal Medicine

Currently Covid-19 pandemic is a leading challenge across the globe. It is mandatory to attain and maintain good nutritional status to fight against virus. Nutritional status of individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, life style and medications. Nutritional status of individuals has been used as resilience towards destabilization during this COVID-19 pandemic. Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system, therefore the only sustainable way to survive in current context is to strengthen the immune system. There is no evidence found that supplement can cure the immune system except Vit C, which …

Can Technology Help Improve Diarrhoea Management?, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 And Studying Disasters In Singapore, Wee-Kiat Lim

CCX Research

Dealing practically with the web of complexities that constitutes the COVID-19 pandemic requires going beyond public health and economic repercussions. Social science research on disasters can contribute to this. In this article, I will sketch three approaches drawn from sociology, psychology, geography, and political science.

A Case Of Babesiosis Seen Outside Of Its Endemic Area And Outside Of Its Incubation Period, Kiran Tirumalasetty, Jinal K. Patel, Gauthier L. Stepman, Bassem Zeidan, K V. Sundaresh, Parth R. Desai, Johnathan Frunzi

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2020

Babesiosis Microti is a parasitic alveolate that is usually transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks. In the United States, the endemic areas of Babesiosis include the Northeast and Upper Midwestern regions [1]. Symptoms include fever, malaise, fatigue, vomiting, and jaundice [1]. Current therapy primarily consists of a combination of azithromycin and atovaquone. Clindamycin and quinine may be administered in severe cases. For its emerging health risk worldwide, clinicians must be aware of the several presenting manifestations of babesiosis. Since 2017, the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deemed Babesiosis is a reportable disease. This case focuses on the importance of …

Use Of Diatomaceous Earth And Copper Oxide Wire Particles To Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes In Lambs, Olivia Jones

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) urges alternatives to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are more efficacious when used with other dewormers and little is known on efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) to control gastrointestinal parasites. The objective was to examine the effects of DE and COWP on GIN control. Katahdin lambs (n = 32; ~150 d of age; 25.0 ± 1.8 kg) were randomly assigned to receive: 1) DE fed at an estimated 2% dry matter intake (with the assumption of moderate consumption of bermudagrass forage and provided supplement), 2) 1g COWP, 3) both 2% DE and …

Effect Of Zelnate Administered As A Metaphylactic Upon Initial Processing Of High-Risk, Newly Received Beef Calves On Performance And Morbidity, Brady Martin

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the most prominent and costly ailment in the stocker cattle industry today, and its prevalence has not been diminished in the last thirty years. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Zelnate, a DNA immunostimulant, administered upon arrival to calves (n = 261; BW 253 ± 4.0 kg), on morbidity/mortality, performance and producer costs. Crossbred male beef calves were acquired and transported to the University of Arkansas stocker unit for a 42-d backgrounding period. Calves were allocated into treatment groups: 1) Zelnate, DNA immunostimulant administered or 2) Control, in which …

Implementation Of An Evidence-Based Guideline To Improve Knowledge And Prescribing For Rhinosinusitis, Gerlana Vargas

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Translational and Clinical Research Projects

This study measured the effectiveness of an evidence-based guideline intervention regarding provider’s and antibiotic use in a rural health clinic. Sixty percent of providers in the clinic participated in the study. The Antibiotic Knowledge Survey (AKS) was used to measure provider’s knowledge of antibiotic overuse at baseline and 10 weeks post-intervention. Antibiotics prescribed with the diagnosis of sinusitis was measured 6 months pre-intervention and 6 months post-intervention. There was not a significant change in provider’s knowledge from pre-intervention to post-intervention (77.2, SD 9.4), t(16) = 0.63, p = 0.53. However, antibiotic prescribing did decrease from pre- to post-intervention, though …

Quantification Of Mammalian Circadian Rhythms In Response To Photopollution With A Focus On Splitting Behavior, Mehdi Khan

University Honors Program Senior Projects

Circadian rhythms are generated by internal biological clocks of organisms and are responsible for the synchronization of an organism’s external and internal environment. The cells responsible for conducting and maintaining the circadian system are known to be coupled in order to maintain a harmonic rhythm. Desynchronization of the master circadian rhythm can cause the presence of two or more rhythms to emerge in a single organism, also known as splitting behavior. Photopollution and artificial light is known to disrupt this synchronization and result in a desynchronized or split rhythm. Many studies have highlighted that photopollution can disrupt the biological clock …

Response To Phototaxic Stimulation In Relation To Sex And Reproductive State In The Urban Adapted Mosquito, Culex Pipiens F. Molestus, Karen M. Catalina

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

The mosquito, Culex pipiens f. molestus, is a scientifically relevant species due to its impact upon both human and veterinary medicine. This city dwelling disease vector lives and reproduces in underground tunnels and sewer systems throughout the world. After reproducing, adults begin searching for food above ground, but little is known about the sensory signals that guide this seeking behavior. Because cues may have a major impact on feeding and reproduction, I compared the phototaxic response of adult male and female Cx. pipiens f. molestus at different reproductive states. Virgin females, mated females, virgin males, and mated males were monitored …

Control Of Secondary Extinctions In Stochastic Food Webs, Dunia M. Fernandez

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Studies on both model-based and empirical food webs have shown that per- turbations to an ecological community can cause a species to go extinct, often resulting in the loss of additional species in a cascade of secondary extinctions. These eects can seriously debilitate a food web and threaten the existence of an ecosystem. Here, we consider niche model-based food webs with internal noise and investigate the eects of a control on a secondary extinction cas- cade triggered by a noise-induced extinction. We show that the forced removal of a nonbasal species immediately after a primary extinction can extend the mean …

Contrasting Seasonal Presence Of West Nile Virus In Mosquitos Between Coastal And Inland Communities Of New Jersey, Domenica Mousa

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

In 1999, West Nile Virus (WNV) was introduced to New York City, most likely by an infected bird or mosquito. Since then, West Nile has been detected in every one of the forty-eight continental states of the US, and outbreaks have occurred yearly. Mosquitos play an important role as the main vector for WNV transmission to mammals, birds and some reptiles. As New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States, WNV is an ever-present public health concern. High human population density may increase the probability of coming in contact with a WNV positive mosquito. The prevalence …

The Antiviral Effects Of Embelin On Hsv-1 In Cultured Vero Cells, Tony Elias

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a linear double stranded DNA virus that is responsible for one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases within the United States. However, treatment drugs for HSV-1 could be costly and may have side effects. In recent years the number of cases of drug resistant HSV-1 has increased, resulting in interest for novel treatments. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral effects of the reagent Embelin on HSV-1 infection in cultured Vero Cells. Embelin is a benzoquinone isolated from the plant Embelia ribes. Cell viability and cell proliferation assays were conducted to determine …

Community Health Nursing In Ghana: Respiratory Illnesses, Paige Deffenbaugh

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

As part of a service learning experience, I researched unique risk factors for developing respiratory illnesses in Ghana, Africa. Then, during a study abroad trip to Ghana, I taught groups of women about their high likelihood of exposure to indoor air pollution from solid fuels, how it contributes to the development of respiratory illnesses, and ways to minimize their smoke exposure. All of this education was done with the aim of preventing the development of respiratory illnesses in people of Ghana, as well as minimizing the number of premature deaths attributable to indoor air pollution from solid fuels.

Small Universe: Exploring Microorganisms In Water From An Artistic Perspective, Jingying Zhen

Master's Theses

The scope of this thesis was based on an artistic desire to explore and display microorganisms in water and present the viewers with an opportunity to discover an invisible world. This included research on three artists who have taken interest in unusual life forms. It also included my observation of real microorganisms under a microscope in biology lab. I found the beauty within the details of this miniature world; it was a different perspective. The purpose of this study was to combine biology and art, traveling in the real and imaginary world, researching, exploring, and then showing microorganisms using multiple …

Fatty Acid Mediated Alterations In Biofilm Formation With Vibrio Cholerae, Isabel Gray

Honors Theses

Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium known as a waterborne pathogen. It is often found in marine conditions and can infect humans through ingestion. V. cholerae is responsible for cholera, a disease characterized by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, and other dehydration symptoms. Ultimately, severe cases can cause extreme electrolyte imbalances, shock, and acute renal failure which lead to death in a short period of time. Annually, V. cholerae causes approximately 3 million cases of cholera and 100,000 deaths worldwide. V. cholerae can persist in motile and biofilm lifestyles under aquatic and host conditions, a unique biphasic lifestyle that contributes to Vibrio’s …