Digital Commons Network^™

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Chimeras Expressing The Oropouche Virus Glycoproteins Elicit Protective Immune Responses In Mice, Sarah Hulsey Stubbs, Marjorie Cornejo Pontelli, Nischay Mishra, Changhong Zhou, Juliano De Paula Souza, Rosa Maria Mendes Viana, W Ian Lipkin, David M Knipe, Eurico Arruda, Sean P J Whelan

Open Access Publications

Oropouche virus (OROV) infection of humans is associated with a debilitating febrile illness that can progress to meningitis or encephalitis. First isolated from a forest worker in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955, the arbovirus OROV has since been detected throughout the Amazon basin with an estimated 500,000 human infections over 60 years. Like other members of the family

A Susceptible Exposed Infected Recovered Susceptible (Seirs) Model For The Transmission Of Tuberculosis, Latifat M Erinle-Ibrahim, Waheed O Lawal, Olukayode Adebimpe, Gbemisola R Sontan

Tanzania Journal of Science

In this paper, a deterministic mathematical model was proposed and analyzed to understand the dynamics of tuberculosis based on the SEIRS model. The disease-free equilibrium, the endemic equilibrium, and their stabilities were examined. The R0 (basic reproduction number) was derived using the Next Generation Matrix method and its sensitivity analysis showed that the birth rate and infectious rate were the most sensitive parameters of R0. The behaviour of exposed individuals at the latent period with varied treatment rates were examined through numerical simulation. From the analysis carried out, the effect of variations of the treatments of latent TB shows that …

Evaluation Of Antibacterial Activities Of Tanzanian Moringa Oleifera Extracts Against Escherichia Coli And Klebsiella Pneumonia Clinical Isolates, Sartaz Begum, Jenipher S. Asenga, Valence M.K. Ndesendo, Baraka L. Ngingo

Tanzania Journal of Science

In vitro antibacterial activities of methanolic leaf and seed extracts of Moringa oleifera grown in Dodoma, Tanzania were evaluated using standard microdilution and disc diffusion methods against extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Microdilution method showed no activity at concentration of 20 mg/mL for all the extracts except leaf extract which exhibited minimum inhibition at concentration of  2.5 µg/mL for E. Coli but when high concentrations of the extracts were used in the disc diffusion method then the results exhibited the highest killing susceptibility at concentration of 0.4 g/mL with zone of inhibition …

Serological Analyses Of Human Brucellosis In Ngara And Kibondo Districts, Tanzania, Jestina V Katandukila, Yeremia J Chuhila, Fred D Chibwana

Tanzania Journal of Science

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease transmitted by Brucella species, is transmitted to humans from infected animals through handling dairy products like milk, blood, and semen. Although some human communities in Tanzania live close to livestock, the status of human brucellosis in Ngara and Kibondo Districts in Kagera and Kigoma regions, respectively, is poorly understood. As such, the present study aimed to investigate the status of human brucellosis in north-western Tanzania, particularly Ngara and Kibondo Districts, where the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, including brucellosis, is high due to the abundance of livestock. Among the screened sera (n = 450), the prevalence …

Spatial Modelling For Cholera Incidence Rates In Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, Caroline Ngereza, Rosalia S. Katapa, Ali R. Mniachi

Tanzania Journal of Science

Spatial modelling was conducted to examine community factors associated with cholera incidence rates in Morogoro Municipality. The study employed both secondary (cholera cases) and primary (geographic coordinates of community risk factors) data. Spatial lag model was applied in examining association between the variables. All wards of Morogoro Municipality were considered in the study to capture their variations because cholera cases have a tendency to be clustered. Results indicated that market density, distance to the market and distance to the dumpster are significant factors associated with cholera incidence rates in the wards (p < 0.05). Geographically weighted Poisson model was used to show the variations of those factors between the wards in Municipality. A statistically significant positive association of cholera incidence rates; and market density was only found in Mazimbu ward (p < 0.05) and distance from the community to the dumpster was found in Kihonda, Kingolwira, Bigwa, Kichangani, Kilakala and Boma wards (p < 0.001) and some wards at the centre of the municipality which are Mji Mkuu and Kingo (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative association of cholera incidence rates and distance from the centre of the community to the market was found in Kihonda, Kingolwira and Kichangani (p < 0.001) and Bigwa wards (p < 0.05). Therefore, measures taken to control and prevent cholera disease should base on the variations of the risk factors found in the Municipal wards.  Keywords:    Cholera incidence rate, Spatial lag regression model, Community risk factor, Geographically weighted Poisson model

Covid-19 Newsletter (Vol. 87), Center For Disaster Medicine, New York Medical College

COVID-19 Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Ebola Outbreak Preparedness And Response: Integrating Librarians’ Role Into The Ebola Response Incident Management Model Of Nigeria, Emmanuel Chukwudi Ihekwoaba, Okwor Roseline Ngozi, Tochukwu Victor Nwankwo

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Libraries and librarians are valuable assets for promoting medical services, education, and disaster management practice and training. This paper, therefore, seeks to integrate librarians’ role into the Ebola response incident management model of Nigeria for a better Ebola outbreak preparedness. The model comprises six major components of Epidemiology/ Surveillance; Case Management & Infection Control; Infection and Prevention Control; Social Mobilization; Laboratory Services; Point of Entry; Management and Coordination. The study revealed the significance and relevance of librarians in the management of health disasters by clearly demonstrating their impact on each stage of the Ebola management model in Nigeria. The research …

Variation Of Igg N-Linked Glycosylation Profile In Diabetic Retinopathy, Zhiyuan Wu, Huiying Pan, Di Liu, Di Zhou, Lixin Tao, Jie Zhang, Xiaonan Wang, Xia Li, Youxin Wang, Wei Wang, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: The relationship of immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation with diabetes and diabetic nephropathy has been reported, but its role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate and validate the association of IgG glycosylation with DR.

Methods: We analyzed the IgG N-linked glycosylation profile and primarily selected candidate glycans by lasso (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis in the discovery population. The findings were validated in the replication population using a binary logistics model. The association between the significant glycosylation panel and clinical features was illustrated with Spearman's coefficient. The results were confirmed by sensitivity analyses. …

Spouses With Pulmonary Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infections: A Case Report, Gregg Raymond Md, Emily Wood Md

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common cause of pulmonary infections due to nontuberculous mycobacterium in the United States. While there have been reports of geographic variations in incidence as well as disease clusters among genetically related individuals, there have been no published reports describing clusters of co-occurring pulmonary MAC disease among genetically unrelated individuals.

Clinical Findings: Patient 1 was a 56-year-old male with worsening asthma exacerbations associated with recurrent bronchitis. Patient 2 was a 55-year-old female with worsening asthma exacerbations, progressive dyspnea, and recurrent bronchitis. The 2 patients lived together, were immunocompetent, and genetically unrelated. They were …

Patient Transport In The Time Of Covid-19: Using Health Care Failure Mode And Effect Analysis With Simulation To Test And Modify A Protocol, John Kwock, Jeffrey Holmes, Shelly Chipman, Erin Siebers, Angela Berry, Sonja Orff, Victoria Boutin, Leah Mallory

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an interprofessional, interdisciplinary team at Maine Medical Center used Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) and in situ simulation to rapidly identify and mitigate latent safety threats (LST) in patient transport protocols.

Methods: Following HFMEA steps, stakeholders representing a variety of disciplines assembled to address transport of patients with COVID-19. A process map was created to describe the process. With hazard analysis using table-top simulation followed by in situ simulation, we identified, categorized, and scored LSTs. Mitigation strategies were identified during structured debriefing.

Results: Fourteen LSTs were identified in …

Implementing A Clinical Practice Guideline For Pediatric Appendicitis Safely Reduced Health Care Use And Improved Antimicrobial Stewardship, Jack Vernamonti, Robin Cotter, Jennifer Jubulis, Kartikey Pandya

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Appendicitis is the most common emergency surgical disease in children. Those with perforated appendicitis have a more complicated and varied course. Through a clinical practice guideline (CPG), we sought to reduce computed tomography scans, laboratory draws, and exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics without adversely affecting length of stay, hospital readmission, or repeat antibiotic administration.

Methods: Electronic records were retrospectively reviewed before and after CPG implementation, and data was collected in REDCap.

Results were reported as mean or percent incidence, and statistical analysis was done using a Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Pearson’s χ2 with P < .05 considered significant. Results: One hundred patients with a perforated appendix (50 before and 50 after CPG implementation) were included in our analysis. Length of stay (4.98 vs 4.46 days; P = .25), hospital readmission rate (10% vs 14%; P = .54), and additional antibiotic administration (2% vs 4%; P = .56) did not change. We observed no difference in the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (9 vs 9; P = .48) and a trending increase in evaluation at an outside hospital (56% vs 74%; P = .06). Rates of computed tomography scans did not differ overall (50% vs 40%; P = .31), but showed a decreasing trend at our institution (30% vs 12%; P = .06). We also found fewer post-operative laboratory studies (90% vs 38%; P < .01) and patients who received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics (92% vs 18%; P < .01).

Discussion: Through implementing the …

Factors That Influence Perception Of Hiv Risk And Willingness To Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis In People Who Inject Drugs, Daria Egorova, Anny Fenton, Kinna Thakarar

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Sexual and injection behaviors increase the risk of HIV transmission in people who inject drugs (PWID). We aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual and drug behaviors that increase HIV risk in PWID hospitalized for infections related to injection drug use in Maine. We also examined factors that influenced their perception of HIV risk and willingness to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Methods: We surveyed 101 PWID with infections related to injection drug use who were hospitalized at 4 hospitals in Maine. T-tests assessed differences in means of bacterial infection risk scores and willingness to take PrEP based on different …

It's Alright, Ma, It's Life And Life Only: Have Universities Been Meeting Their Legal Obligations To High-Risk Faculty During The Pandemic?, Gary J. Simson, Mark L. Jones, Cathren K. Page, Suzianne D. Painter-Thorne

Pepperdine Law Review

Even those universities most firmly committed to returning to in-person instruction in fall semester 2020 recognized that for health reasons some exceptions would need to be made. The CDC had identified two groups—people age sixty-five and over and people with certain medical conditions—as persons "at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19," and it had spelled out various special precautions they should take to avoid contracting the virus. Given the CDC's unique stature, universities very reasonably could have been expected to grant exceptions to faculty falling into either group, but that's not what many universities did. We argue that, properly …

Alcohol As A Catalyst For Hiv-Associated Neuroinflammation And Tbi-Induced Iron Toxicity, Agnieszka Agas

Dissertations

Alcohol has long been considered an exacerbator of diseases, disorders, and injuries as well as many of the accompanying symptoms. As an alternative approach, this dissertation explores alcohol as a catalyst for two different human disease conditions, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neuroinflammation and traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced iron toxicity. In HIV-1 infection, this dissertation presents a novel anti-viral drug, called Drug-S, for a possible inhibition and treatment of HIV-1 disease progression.

The first aim explores the influence of alcohol with HIV-associated neuroinflammation on macrophage migration across an in vitro model of the blood brain barrier. There is a gap in …

What's New With Covid-19: Covid-19 In Women, Hannah Echols

Browse All News

No abstract provided.

Host Fecal Mrnas Predicted Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Among Children With Moderate Acute Malnutrition In Sierra Leone, Akriti Singh, Isabel Potani, Stacy P Griswold, Devika Suri, Breanne Langlois, Ye Shen, Shelley M Walton, Kenneth Kwan Ho Chui, Mark J Manary, Patrick Webb, Beatrice L Rogers, Irwin H Rosenberg

Open Access Publications

Examining the role of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in child growth requires noninvasive, field-appropriate biomarkers. Alternatives to the traditionally used lactulose:mannitol (L:M) test have been explored, but few studies have compared the L:M test to host fecal mRNA transcripts. The objectives of this study were to examine whether 1) host fecal mRNA transcripts could predict presence and severity of EED, measured using the L:M test, and 2) EED modifies the effect of specialized nutritious foods (SNFs) on recovery from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). This substudy was nested within a cluster randomized trial comparing four SNFs in the treatment of MAM …

Male Nurses' Experiences Of Gender Stereotyping Over The Past Five Decades: A Narrative Approach, Michael W. Finnegan

Dissertations

Negative stereotyping of men in nursing has been a chronic problem that has a direct effect on males and detracts from efforts to recruit and retain them. At this time in American history (2018), traditionally male-dominated professions are making significant progress toward the goal of a gender-balanced workplace. However, the opposite is not true. Traditionally female-dominated professions are not attracting or appealing to men. In the nursing profession, the number of male nurses is relatively small and has remained relatively fixed over time. Estimates vary between 6-15 percent, with the current average being approximately 11 percent (American Nurses Association, 2014). …

Deep Learning Applications In Neuro-Oncology, Adnan Khan, Hamza Ibad, Kaleem Ahmed, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Medical College Documents

Deep learning (DL) is a relatively newer subdomain of machine learning (ML) with incredible potential for certain applications in the medical field. Given recent advances in its use in neuro-oncology, its role in diagnosing, prognosticating, and managing the care of cancer patients has been the subject of many research studies. The gamut of studies has shown that the landscape of algorithmic methods is constantly improving with each iteration from its inception. With the increase in the availability of high-quality data, more training sets will allow for higher fidelity models. However, logistical and ethical concerns over a prospective trial comparing prognostic …

Hepatitis E: Genotypes, Strategies To Prevent And Manage, And The Existing Knowledge Gaps, Lubna Kamani, Zahra Ali Padhani, Jai K. Das

Section of Gastroenterology

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emergent source of viral hepatitis worldwide, with an increasing burden of jaundice, liver failure, extrahepatic illnesses, and deaths in developed countries. With the scarcity of data from efficient animal models, there are still open-ended questions about designing new models to study pathogenesis, types, virology, and evolution of these viruses. With an emphasis on available data and updates, there is still enough information to understand the HEV life cycle, pathogen interaction with the host, and the valuation of the role of vaccine and new anti-HEV therapies. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the …

Applying The Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle In Medical Education To Refine An Antibiotics Therapy Active Learning Session, Stacey Rose, Richard Hamill, Andrew Caruso, Nital P Appelbaum

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Active learning improves learner engagement and knowledge retention. The application of continuous quality improvement methodologies, such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, may be useful for optimizing medical education, including active learning sessions. We aimed to enhance student satisfaction and achievement of learning outcomes by applying the PDSA framework to an antibiotic utilization curriculum for medical students.

METHODS: Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, between February 2017 and July 2019, we developed, implemented, and revised an active learning session for medical students, focused on appropriate utilization of antibiotics during their Internal Medicine clerkship.

RESULTS: Across twelve sessions, 367 students (83.4%) completed …

2021-08-29_Michiganoverview_Covidsymptoms, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Syndromic Surveillance System Data

The Syndromic Surveillance System Data report was obtained from Michigan's COVID-19 dashboard, from under the link "​Coronavirus Symptoms": https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. Data was compiled by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The information was updated three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Syndromic Surveillance System data is obtained from approximately 183 facilities participating in syndromic surveillance (132 Emergency Departments (ED), 51 Urgent Cares) across the State of Michigan. The reporting is based on individuals who present at EDs and may not be representative of the overall population. The coronavirus-like symptoms query searches visit free-text (chief complaint, …

Knowledge Towards Antibiotics Use Among Lebanese Adults: A Study On The Influence Of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Anna-Maria Henaine, Nathalie Lahoud, Rachel Abdo, Ruba Shdeed, Jihan Safwan, Marwan Akel, Iqbal Fahs, Rony Zeenny, Hala Sacre, Souheil Hallit, Pascale Salameh

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and antibiotic knowledge in the Lebanese population. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in community pharmacies from all Lebanese governorates. Data were collected by well-trained pharmacists through face-to-face interviews from January 1 until March 31, 2017. The survey tool was adapted from a questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. A knowledge index was computed for comparative purposes, and a linear regression model was performed to assess factors associated with knowledge. Results: An antibiotic knowledge index was computed for 623 participants, with a minimum score of 3 and a maximum score of …

Pulmonary Aspergillus And Mucor Co-Infection: A Report Of Two Cases, Ravindra Chari M, Manju Rajaram, Madhusmita M, Pampa Chtoi, Sneha L

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Co-infections or consecutive infections of mucormycosis and aspergillosis are very rare. Additionally, distinguishing between these two infections is also difficult as both these conditions have similar clinical features. We report two similar cases from Tamilnadu, who presented to a tertiary care centre in Puducherry, India in 2017 (first case) and 2019 (second case). The first case was a 70-year-old, non-diabetic male patient who presented with haemoptysis with a prior history of pulmonary tuberculosis. Computed tomography bronchial angiography revealed an air-crescent sign and the histopathological examination showed a fungal ball (aspergillus and mucor) in the right upper lobe and foci of …

A Rare Case Of Apophysomyces Variabilis Skin And Soft Tissue Infection, Archana Bora, Laxmi Rathore, Prabhat K. Khatri, Vinod K. Maurya, Ganpat S. Choudhary

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Carbamazepine Induced Steven Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Overlap Treated Successfully With Oral Cyclosporin: Case Report And Literature Review, Raqiya Al Rajaibi, Thuraiya Al Rumhi, Al Mur Al Abri

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are acute life threatening mucocutaneous drug reactions. Several therapies have been used in the treatment of SJS/TEN but none of them have been established as the gold standard treatment, until now. Studies showed that cyclosporine (CsA) can be used off-label in TEN/SJS and has shown promising therapeutic effectiveness in such diseases. Here we report a 38 year-old woman who presented to Ar Rustaq Hospital, Rustaq, Oman in 2019 with SJS/TEN overlap and was treated successfully with CsA along with supportive management. This case report also includes a literature review on use …

University Sustainability Initiatives Impact On The Surrounding Areas Economy, Sara Kathleen Saucedo

Student Theses and Dissertations

The preservation of the environment depends on sustainability initiatives. Universities influence policy through their impact on their surrounding communities. Universities should, therefore, place a higher priority on campus sustainability efforts. This study examines how universities’ sustainability initiatives impact local area economy. Using data reported by various governmental agencies, I construct a sustainability index based on university initiatives in energy, green buildings, food waste, permaculture, water use, recycling, sustainability council, and AASHE. I model the impact of universities on the local economy using this index and other institutional characteristics. I define the local area economy as effects on poverty rates, unemployment, …

Online Media Usage In Guidance And Counseling Services During Covid-19 Pandemic, Maria Margaretha Sri Hastuti, Prias Hayu Purbaning Tyas

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought restraints into people’s activities. Consequently, during the pandemic, the school guidance and counseling services should be conducted online. Therefore, this study seeks to identify the types of online media frequently used by school counselors in classical guidance and individual or group counseling, as well as the rationale. This descriptive quantitative study involved 106 school counselors and used an Online Media Usage questionnaire to obtain the data. The results suggest that Google Form and Google Classroom have become the most used applications in classical guidance, while WhatsApp is the most popular application for individual or group …

A Continuous Adjustment: The Impact Of Covid-19 On International Graduate Students, Carla Albornoz Moraga

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

International graduate students have endured unique obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the experiences of eight international graduate students from various countries and academic backgrounds. The following questions guided this study: (1) What were the experiences during the 2020 school year for international students throughout COVID- 19?; (2) What were the day-to-day experiences of international graduate students during COVID- 19?, and (3) How did the international graduate students cope and adjust as they lived through a pandemic? Analysis of the data demonstrated the impact on the international graduate students’ preconceived expectations of the academic and socio-cultural experiences, as …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - August 27, 2021, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the August 27, 2021 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents include:

• Parker named chair of the Department of Psychiatry
• USA College of Medicine announces summer research award winners
• Mark your calendar for upcoming grand rounds
• Meet a Med Student: Trentyn Shaw
• Med School Café to address weight management for children and adults
• Faculty Spotlight: Grace Lagasse, M.D.
• Pediatric gastroenterologist joins USA faculty

Protection On The Rights And Interests Of Chinese Seafarers Under Mlc 2006, Haixia Pan

Maritime Safety & Environment Management Dissertations (Dalian)

No abstract provided.