Digital Commons Network^™

Guardians Of The Community: A History Of Provident Hospital, 1891-1950, Lenie Annoh Adolphson

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Established in 1891 in Chicago, Illinois, Provident Hospital was born out of the urgent need to combat racial discrimination and segregation. Provident Hospital stood as a beacon of hope for nearly a century, serving as one of the few healthcare facilities open to Chicago’s Black population. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams’s vision of an interracial hospital was a powerful symbol of unity, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Black physicians, White philanthropists, Black women’s clubs, and community members. However, this vision was continually challenged by interference from White donors, increasing spatial segregation, intensifying poverty following the Great Migration, and …

Covid-19 Diagnosis Using Deep Learning Approaches: A Systematic Review, Tarza Hasan Abdullah, Berivan Hasan Abdullah

Mesopotamian Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

The utilisation of deep learning techniques has witnessed a surge in popularity within the realm of medical image analysis, particularly in the context of identifying COVID-19. Following the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive investigations have been conducted to identify the existence of Sars-Cov-2 through the utilisation of several deep learning algorithms. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of deep learning techniques utilised for the detection of COVID-19. "Can deep learning methodologies serve as a viable substitute for radiologists in the diagnostic process of COVID-19?" is the research inquiry. In order to compile research articles …

Mental Health Impacts Of Covid-19 On U.S. Young Adults: A Thematic Analysis Of Depression, Anxiety, And Ptsd Experiences, Carol Meza, Viridiana Ortiz, Pedro Hernandez

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

This study explores the yet-to-be-fully-realized effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly focusing on young adults between the ages of 18-39 years of age living in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a thematic content analysis, the study seeks to deepen our understanding of the impact of this novel virus on mental well-being, filling a gap in limited existing research. The theoretical framework in this study is the Disaster Response Cycle or the Disaster Response and Recovery Cycle, and it outlines the different phases that individuals and communities may experience during and after a disaster. The …

Wildfire-Specific Fine Particulate Matter Exposure Impacts On Influenza Across The Western United States, Ava Shulin Orr

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Background: In recent years, air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) originating from wildfire smoke, has surged despite declining anthropogenic emissions. This trend has led to concerning adverse health effects across many different morbidity and mortality outcomes. Still, many gaps remain in understanding of how wildfire-specific smoke impacts our health, including how to isolate the contribution of wildfire-originating PM2.5 within the total ambient or background PM2.5, as well as how and when delayed wildfire smoke exposure will impact certain disease outcomes, and relevant to this dissertation, particularly for communicable respiratory infections, such as influenza.

Purpose: The purpose of this research …

Perspectives On Using Pharmacogenomics To Guide Tobacco Cessation: Survey Results From An American Indian Community, Daniela Mariana Wall

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Pharmacogenomics research has predominantly focused on populations of European ancestry, limiting the application for diverse populations such as American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. Our community-centric study aims to understand perspectives of utilizing pharmacogenomics to guide tobacco cessation in an AIAN community using a survey with qualitative and quantitative components. We assessed participant (n=273) tobacco usage and cessation history, pharmacogenomics knowledge, and perceptions of utilizing pharmacogenomics in the context of tobacco cessation. We found that the majority of participants (92%) were aware of risks associated with tobacco usage and believe it to be a problem within their community (76%). …

Understanding Cellular Dynamics: Investigating A Yeast-Two Hybrid Protein-Protein Interaction, Riok3:Cse1l; Also By Investigating Trogocytosis Of Cd4+ T Cells From Rhog-/- Mice, Brittnee N. Crane

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a negative-sense virus that was first described in 1930 when it was isolated from sheep during an outbreak. In the last 25 years there has been a spread in the geographical range into the Middle East. The most susceptible animals are cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. The most overt symptom of livestock infection is that infected pregnant animals experience spontaneous abortion. Humans are susceptible as well and symptoms range from mild febrile illness to liver necrosis, blindness, hemorrhagic fever, and death. An important player in the cellular innate response to RVFV infections is the …

Turbulence Resistant Schools: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Educational Leadership In Central And Eastern Europe, Sofia Reis

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

The expanding complexity and increasing disruptions of our world affects schools. During both stable and unstable times, successful educational leaders support their schools’ ability to accomplish their core mission: student learning and development. Using a qualitative approach, this research explored experiences of educational leaders who established schools in Central and Eastern Europe during the post-Soviet era and continue leading them to this day. The central question was: What is the lived experience of successful assertive educational leaders as they navigate extreme turbulence? In this study, leadership is understood as a collegial activity determined by the context where it is embedded, …

The Determination Of Ethanol And Phosphatidylethanol (Peth) In Donated Packed Red Blood Cells, Jordan E. Keller

Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects

This research investigates the safety and reliability of blood donations by examining the presence of ethanol and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in packed red blood cells (pRBCs). As blood donation is integral to healthcare, ensuring the safety of blood products is paramount. Current protocols focus on screening for infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but do not routinely asses alcohol consumption, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. As a direct indicator of alcohol consumption, ethanol can affect blood quality, interfere with medical treatments, and present legal issues, such as false conclusions or assumptions. Ethanol detection methods include …

Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Childcare Settings: A Literature Review, Maneli Nourzad

Modern Psychological Studies

Timely intervention is key in the development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and early childhood settings present an opportune environment for early diagnosis, particularly in Canada where the identification of ASD in children below the age of four can be further expanded. This review first summarizes the potential benefits and barriers to early identification of ASD in children. There is robust evidence that early detection can result in improved biological and behavioral outcomes in later stages of life despite the subtle and at times elusive signs of ASD in young children. We then focus on the role early …

Religious Exemptions To Vaccinations: The First Amendment Vs. Rfra, Sneh Amin

Student Works

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Microwave Disinfection: Impact Of Sodium Chloride On Microbial Inactivation, Saleh A. Alfawaz, Ibrahim Nasser I. Alquaydheb, Amirreza Ghadimi Avval, Sara Ghayouraneh, Samir M. El-Ghazaly, Jianhong Zhou

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study explores the role of sodium chloride (NaCl) in enhancing the efficiency of microbial inactivation using microwave energy with two distinct methods: temperature-controlled treatment and predefined cycle. The primary objective is to maintain a stable temperature within the biological samples during treatment. Detailed descriptions of the treatment system’s design and the function of each element are provided. Simulations are conducted to illustrate the heating behavior of liquids with and without NaCl, revealing significant differences in temperature profiles between the two media. The experimental design and the objective behind each iteration are discussed. The experimental design includes three different power …

The Role Of Altered Cell-Cell Communication Between Glia And Neurons In Alzheimer’S Disease, Tabea Marga Soelter

All ETDs from UAB

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, affecting behavior, speech, and motor abilities. The neuropathology includes the formation of extracellular amyloid-β plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of phosphorylated tau. Additionally, neurons become functionally impaired before degenerating and dying. While neuronal loss is a disease hallmark, glia maintain neuronal health and homeostasis through cell-cell communication with neurons. Cellular crosstalk is mediated through the release of chemical intermediates (i.e., ligands), which are taken up by cell surface membrane receptors. Previous studies have shown dysregulation of global cell-cell communication patterns and communication …

Opossums And Pathogens: A Survey Of Vector-Borne And Zoonotic Pathogens From Didelphis Virginiana In The Midwest, Usa, Cassandra C. P. Strehl

Masters Theses

Didelphis virginiana are at elevated risk of exposure to many zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens (ZVBP) as a result of their unfastidious diets, large geographic ranges, and diverse habitat types. Didelphis virginiana are synanthropic animals, which is concerning considering the spillover risk of pathogens D. virginiana present as a result. 81 D. virginiana from Ohio and Illinois were screened for Rickettsia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Trypanosoma cruzi, and apicomplexan pathogens. Live D. virginiana were trapped in wire cage traps to perform venipuncture for blood collection. Samples collected as roadkill or from animal control companies were dissected and spleen …

The Sewage Microbiome Dynamics Of Different Serving Neighborhoods In Charleston, Illinois, Sandra Chiamaka Okoye

Masters Theses

The complex microbial ecosystem within sewage systems holds significant implications for environmental and public health. Unlike studies on wastewater treatment plant microbiomes, upstream sewage systems have not been studied widely. This research investigated the dynamic sewage microbiome across diverse serving neighborhoods in Charleston, Illinois, encompassing residential, hospital, industrial, and university areas. Drawing upon recent advancements in microbiome research, the study aimed to unravel the spatial and temporal variations in microbial structures. Three times between June to December 2023 sewage samples were collected from manholes in the areas mentioned above. Community DNA was extracted and sequenced for the V4-V5 region of …

Automated Hiv Case Identification From The Mimic-Iv Database, Kai Jiang, Tru Cao

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Automatic HIV phenotyping is needed for HIV research based on electronic health records (EHRs). MIMIC-IV, an extension of MIMIC-III, contains more than 520,000 hospital admissions and has become a valuable EHR database for secondary medical research. However, there was no prior phenotyping algorithm to extract HIV cases from MIMIC-IV, which requires a comprehensive knowledge of the database. Moreover, previous HIV phenotyping algorithms did not consider the new HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody differentiation immunoassay tests that MIMIC-IV contains. Our work provided insight into the structure and data elements in MIMIC-IV and proposed a new HIV phenotyping algorithm to fill in these gaps. The …

Exploring The Relationship Between Vaccine Hesitancy And Mothers’ Perspectives On Covid-19 Vaccines For Children Ages 5–11 Years During The Omicron Predominant Period 2021–2022: A Qualitative Study, Tiffany A Suragh, David Adzrago, Marlyn A Allicock, Paul G Yeh, Paula Cuccaro

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: The United States Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 years in October 2021 during the Omicron predominant period. Parental vaccine hesitancy was prevalent during this time, resulting in low childhood COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Most studies exploring factors influencing parental vaccine hesitancy have focused on racial and ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic populations; however, there is little knowledge of the drive drivers of vaccine hesitancy among White parents with higher education and socioeconomic statuses.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of 15 White mothers of children ages 5-11 years in Atlanta, GA, between …

State Of The Science Of Scale-Up Of Cancer Prevention And Early Detection Interventions In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Tara M Friebel-Klingner, Gloria Guevara Alvarez, Hope Lappen, Lydia E Pace, Keng-Yen Huang, Maria E Fernández, Donna Shelley, Anne F Rositch

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: Cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will nearly double by 2040. Available evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for cancer prevention and early detection can reduce cancer-related mortality, yet there is a lack of evidence on effectively scaling these EBIs in LMIC settings.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to identify published literature from six databases between 2012 and 2022 that described efforts for scaling cancer prevention and early detection EBIs in LMICs. Included studies met one of two definitions of scale-up: (1) deliberate efforts to increase the impact of effective intervention to benefit more people or (2) an intervention …

Social Determinants Of Health Predict Readmission Following Covid-19 Hospitalization: A Health Information Exchange-Based Retrospective Cohort Study, Micaela N Sandoval, Jennifer L Mikhail, Melyssa K Fink, Guillermo A Tortolero, Tru Cao, Ryan Ramphul, Junaid Husain, Eric Boerwinkle

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Since February 2020, over 104 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, or COVID-19, with over 8.5 million reported in the state of Texas. This study analyzed social determinants of health as predictors for readmission among COVID-19 patients in Southeast Texas, United States.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted investigating demographic and clinical risk factors for 30, 60, and 90-day readmission outcomes among adult patients with a COVID-19-associated inpatient hospitalization encounter within a regional health information exchange between February 1, 2020, to December 1, 2022.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In this cohort of 91,007 …

Prozone Masks Elevated Sars-Cov-2 Antibody Level Measurements, Micaela N Sandoval, Samuel P Mcclellan, Stephen J Pont, Jessica A Ross, Michael D Swartz, Mark A Silberman, Eric Boerwinkle

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We report a prozone effect in measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels from an antibody surveillance program. Briefly, the prozone effect occurs in immunoassays when excessively high antibody concentration disrupts the immune complex formation, resulting in a spuriously low reported result. Following participant inquiries, we observed anomalously low measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibody levels using the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay from participants in the Texas Coronavirus Antibody Research survey (Texas CARES), an ongoing prospective, longitudinal antibody surveillance program. In July, 2022, samples were collected from ten participants with anomalously low results for serial dilution studies, and a …

It’S A Heartache: A Case Of Chlamydial Myocarditis, Abigail Zane, Aesha Patel, Kelsey Ivey

UAB Huntsville Research Day - All Presentations

2024 clinical vignette poster

A Narrative Review On Pathophysiology And The Trends In Preventing Colon Anastomotic Leakage In Animals, Mohammed Albahrawy, Marwa Abass, Esam Mosbah, Gamal Karrouf, Adel Zaghloul

Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

Intestinal healing normally proceeds through three stages: the inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation stages. Dehiscence, a disastrous outcome of intestinal anastomosis surgery, usually happens during the inflammatory stage of recovery, when the anastomotic technique (suture or staple line) has the greatest influence on the biomechanical strength of the anastomosis. Because of the severe systemic abnormalities and financial load brought on by septic peritonitis and the need for a second surgery, the ensuing septic peritonitis is linked to an astounding morbidity rate of up to 85%.

Despite the relatively high frequency of anastomosis surgeries, anastomotic leaks pose a deadly risk to colon …

Empowering Choices: A Strategy For Sexual Health And Sti Prevention Among Adolescent Girls In Fort Bend County, Texas, Mindy L. Jones

Selected Social Change Portfolios in Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation

Significant Findings: In Fort Bend County, Texas, the rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescent girls, especially chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, have become a significant public health and mental health challenge. These infections not only impact physical health, leading to severe outcomes like infertility and increased HIV risk, but also affect mental health, educational attainment, and economic stability (Johnson-Minter et al., 2020; CDC, 2021). Adolescents, particularly young females aged 15-24, disproportionately bear the burden, with social and structural barriers such as stigma, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate sexual education exacerbating the situation (Garcia et al., 2023; …

Sex- And Gender-Specific Considerations In Mycotoxin Screening: Assessing Differential Exposure, Health Impacts, And Mitigation Strategies, Gayathree Thenuwara, Bilal Javed, Singh Baljit, Hugh J. Byrne, Furong Tian

Articles

Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, present significant health risks through contaminated food and feed. Despite broad documentation of their general impacts, emerging research highlights the requirement of addressing both sex- and gender-specific differences in the risk of exposure, susceptibility, and health outcomes in mycotoxin screening and mitigation strategies. Distinct biological (sex-based) and sociocultural (gender-based) factors can influence the risk of mycotoxin exposure and subsequent health impacts; women may for example exhibit specific exposures to certain mycotoxins due to physiological and hormonal differences, with increased risks during critical life stages such as pregnancy and lactation. Conversely, men may demonstrate …

Correlation Between Biofilm Formation And Antibiotic Resistance In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated From Various Clinical Specimens, Ali Kareem Ali, Lamees A. Abdul-Lateef

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a Gram-negative nosocomial pathogen implicated in various human infections, primarily associated with healthcare services. Biofilms are known for their resistance to antimicrobial agents.

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the correlation between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in isolates.

Materials and Methods: The samples were collected from (110) patients admitted to two main hospitals in Hilla city: Al-Hilla General Teaching Hospital, and Mergan Teaching Hospital. The specimens were collected from various clinical sites such as wounds, ears, and urine.

Results: Out of (70) positive cultures cultured on Cerimide agar medium, only 15 (13.6%) specimens showed …

Detection Of Newly Identified Phylogenetic Lineages In Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Isolates In Iraq, Hiba J. Hamza, Huda H. Al-Hasnawy, Mohammed R. Judi, Hider M.H. Al-Shirifi

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains have been classified into eight distinct phylogenetic clusters as per a novel quadruplex PCR method. However, the exact phylogenetic relationship among these bacterial lineages is still uncertain. Objectives: The current study employed the Clermont phylotyping method to enhance the understanding of phylogenetic clusters of E. coli and evaluate antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains in Iraq. Materials and Methods: A total of forty-two UPEC isolates were evaluated for antibiotic susceptibility using a disk diffusion test, while the innovative Clermont phylotyping method was employed for the phylogenetic classification of the isolates. …

Exploring The Role Of Nanoparticles In Combating Microbial Infections: A Mini Review, Khaldoon Jasim Mohammed, Abdulhakeem Dahham Hussein, Sundus Jassim Muhammad

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Drug-resistant organisms are on the rise globally, and therefore studies for new forms of antimicrobial agents. Among them, nanoparticles find much utility in drug delivery and possess effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains. Such an approach is a successful one for public health since it has relative advantages in eradicating microbial infections.

Objective: The aim of this mini-review is to discuss the role of nanoparticles and their functions on microbial infections, especially regarding their antimicrobial activity.

Method: This review involves the conduct of a systematic review of the literature through publications in different databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences, …

Contributing Factors And Interventions For Increased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (Clabsi) Rates During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review, Brittney Perry

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this literature review is to determine the contributing factors of CLABSI rate increases during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify interventions which restored CLABSI rates to pre-pandemic levels to guide healthcare professionals’ actions during the next pandemic. Background: In the first two decades of the 21^st century, CLABSI rates were reduced in United States hospitals by innovating safer patient care practices. However, there was a significant increase in the annual CLABSI rate in 2020 and 2021, increasing the average length of stay, mortality rate, and cost to the U.S. healthcare system. Methods: An extensive search of CINAHL …

Sars-Cov-2 Infection History Is Positively Correlated With Frequency Of Psychotic Symptoms In Schizophrenia, Jackson D. Beecher

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Previous work in human and animal studies has implicated aberrant insular cortex (IC) activity in the pathophysiology of hallucinations. Of note, the IC overlaps with the olfactory cortex (OC), a region of the brain that receives extensive projections from sensory neurons of the olfactory epithelium. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious coronavirus with a demonstrated ability to cause anosmia; the virus does this by colocalizing with and damaging support cells in the olfactory epithelium, ultimately leading to alterations in olfactory receptor cell signaling to the OC. Given the overlap between OC and IC, we asked the question of whether COVID-19 …

Sms : A Smartwatch Application Suite For Mobility Assessment, Suresh Avula

Theses

Regular assessment of mobility can detect changes in physical health over time and discover underlying health issues. Some of these changes in mobility may indicate an increased risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries. Identifying mobility changes can help prevent these incidents. Wearable technology can facilitate mobility tests at home and alert caregivers or medical professionals to any irregularities and promote proactive healthcare. Adoption of smartwatches with various built-in sensors like accelerometer and gyroscope creates new opportunities for wearable health monitoring. We developed the Smartwatch Application Suite to evaluate functional mobility using standard mobility tests: Timed Up and …

The Balm Framework Of Clinical Excellence: An Adoptable Model For Sub-Saharan Africa., Taoreed Adegoke Azeez

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Clinical excellence is the ability to provide rigorous, evidence-based, and rewarding care to the right patients. The BALM (brilliance, attitude, leadership, and materials) framework is a novel model for adjudicating clinical excellence. There are a few models and frameworks for evaluating clinical excellence, but each has its flaws and does not consider the peculiarities of economically-challenged regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. Coincidentally, such low-resource areas have an urgent need for a framework to assess clinical excellence because of their low health-related indices. The five-step mode of professional excellence is a well-recognised tool and was the model upon which the BALM …