Digital Commons Network^™

Outcomes Of A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Testing Brief Interventions To Increase Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Rural People Who Inject Drugs Attending Syringe Services Programs, Hilary L. Surratt, Sarah Brown, Abby L. Burton, Will Cranford, Laura C. Fanucchi, Christie Green, Stephanie M. Mersch, Rebecca Rains, Philip M. Westgate

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Background: Kentucky is one of seven states with high, sustained rural HIV transmission tied to injection drug use. Expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been endorsed as a key HIV prevention strategy; however, uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) has been negligible in rural areas. Syringe services programs (SSPs) have been implemented throughout Kentucky’s Appalachian region, providing an important opportunity to integrate PrEP services. Objectives: The primary objective was to examine preliminary efficacy and effect sizes of the study interventions on PrEP initiation among HIV-negative PWID. Design: Parallel group randomized controlled trial. Methods: Eighty participants were enrolled from …

How Patient, Infection, And Cysticercus Characteristics Impact The Evolution Of Taenia Solium Larva In The Human Brain, Hongbin Zhang, Meghana G. Shamsunder, Pryanka Bawa, Arturo Carpio, W. Allen Hauser, Karina Quinde-Herrera, Alex Jaramillo, Elizabeth A. Kelvin

Biostatistics Faculty Publications

Neurocysticercosis is a poorly understood infection of the central nervous system with Taenia solium larva and treatment often fails to kill all the parasitic larva. Most research on this infection has used patient-level data, looking at summaries of the encysted parasitic cysticercus burden. Cyst-level analysis is needed to identify factors that impact individual cyst trajectories and how that may vary based on characteristics of the patient, infection, and cyst being followed. We disaggregated data on 221 cysts from 117 patients who participated in a trial evaluating the impact of albendazole treatment to identify factors that impact cyst evolution over time …

A Virus Of The Mind: The Neurological Impact Of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection, Abigail Jeanne Dutton

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

The ability of herpes simplex virus (HSV) to establish lifelong latency in sensory neurons makes it one of the most pervasive viruses worldwide. Although most HSV infections are asymptomatic or cause limited cutaneous symptoms, some give rise to serious central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. Both primary HSV infection and subsequent reactivation events can cause viral replication and spread within the brain, ultimately leading to pathologic inflammation and direct CNS damage. In addition to fulminant presentations of HSV encephalitis, subclinical HSV CNS infections have been implicated in neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and neurodegenerative impairment. To model the lifelong effects of subclinical HSV infection, …

Leveraging Epigenomics And Transcriptomics To Develop High-Dimensional Biomarkers Of Neuroinflammation, Steven C. Pike

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Neuroinflammation is a critical physiological phenomenon implicated in most neurological disorders, either as a cause or a consequence of pathology. Our understanding of neuroinflammation is limited by the inability to directly profile the cells of interest. Thus, developing biomarkers of neuroinflammation is clinically urgent as we know neuroinflammation correlates with patient outcomes and treatment success. The recent advances in “omics” technologies, particularly epigenomics and transcriptomics, provides the opportunity for high-dimensional profiling of biospecimens for potential biomarkers. Within this dissertation, I demonstrate that biomarkers obtained from “omics” platforms can detect neuroimmunological phenomena in clinical and preclinical settings. In chapter one, DNA …

‘Preventing Births’ As A Gender-Neutral Harm: Making Sense Of Reproductive Violence In South Africa’S Genocide Case Against Israel, Heidi Matthews

Articles & Book Chapters

Abstract In its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, South Africa alleges that, in the period since October 7, 2023, Israel has imposed measures intended to prevent births within the Palestinian group in Gaza. To the extent that South Africa’s case for ‘preventing births’ relies on the traditional framing of reproductive justice, wherein violations are conceptualized in terms of restrictions on reproductive (read: women’s) health and capacity, it risks advancing the human rights of ‘women and children’ at the expense of a more progressive development of the law of genocide. This article uses the ongoing genocidal …

Characterization Of Municipal Solid Waste Using Machine Learning Based Imaging And Chemical Analysis, Enyonam Ahadzi

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2023-billion-ton report, the United States generates nearly 300 million tons of municipal solid waste every year. More than 50% of that waste is underutilized and ends up in landfills. This poses serious public health and environmental risks. But beyond the environmental and health implications, this is also a wasted opportunity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that, for every 100 lbs of waste we throw away, about 85% can be used as fuel or for electricity generation. However, its complex and heterogeneous nature poses challenges for efficient sorting and valorization in waste to …

Covid-19 Impacts On Refugee-Serving Ngos In Clarkston And The Atlanta Metropolitan Area, Georgia, United States, Ghazal Khaksari

Theses and Dissertations--Anthropology

This study provides a unique anthropological perspective on how technology, language, NGO staff, and culture intersect during emergency times, which can affect NGOs’ abilities to reach and help communities. Findings of this study emphasize the importance of equality in digital access and of available and culturally competent interpreters in reducing the gap between NGOs and refugee communities. The digital divide has played a fundamental role during the pandemic, often leading to other problems for both NGOs and refugees. This issue has taken a variety of forms in terms of access to education, language classes, community cohesion, and communication with and …

Advancing Virtual Care Practices Across The Cognitive Impairment Continuum, Tara Sklar, Kathryn Huber

Health Matrix: The Journal of Law-Medicine

As the population of older adults grows, providing high-quality, costeffective healthcare for those with cognitive impairments is an increasing priority. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards receiving virtual care at home through temporary Medicare flexibilities. However, the uncertainty surrounding the continuing extension of these flexibilities at the federal level and variations in reimbursement policies across the states present challenges for virtual care practices to meet the rising demand for care amid unprecedented workforce shortages. Sustainable, long-term reimbursement at the federal and state levels, a trained and integrated healthcare workforce, and adherence to recognized accreditation standards and guidelines are essential …

Early Management Of Kodamaea Ohmeri Infection In A Diabetic Patient With Recurrent Otitis Externa: A Case Report, Madison Groom, Linette Diaz, Ryan Fernandez, Jose Vasquez

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Breaking The Iv Habit: Oral Antibiotics For Gram-Negative Bacteremia In The Modern Era, Adam Albadawi, Maria Milko

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

First Reported Case Of Upadacitinib-Induced Cmv Viremia And Pneumonitis In Ulcerative Colitis, Wilfredo Jhoel Javier-Rojas, Alvin Boyd Newman-Caro, Mamoon Guellai, Vamsee Mupparaju, Sreekanth Chandrupatla, Yizhi Lin, Ivan Rascon-Aguilar

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Inked And Infected: A Case That Highlights The Emerging Concern Of Tattoo-Associated Mycobacterium Abscessus, Tory Starzyk, Neena Edupuganti

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

The Final Beat: A Case Report On Recurrent Endocarditis And The Ethical Dilemmas Of Surgical Futility, Jenie Yeh, Marek Solomianko, Robert Sanchez

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Isolation And Identification Of Lactic Acid Bacteria From Bee Body Parts Surviving High Temperature Exposure, Sean Derrick M. Oliquiano, Noel G. Sabino, Renard M. Zamora

Journal Article

Temperature stress can influence the composition and stability of microbial communities associated with bees; however, some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains demonstrate tolerance to such environmental stresses, allowing them to persist and remain functionally active under challenging conditions. This study aimed to isolate and identify LAB associated with honeybees that are capable of surviving exposure to high temperatures. A total of 196 bee samples were processed under unheated and heat-treated conditions (80 °C for 10 min) to selectively recover thermotolerant bacteria. Cultivation on Yeast Glucose Starch Agar supplemented with nalidixic and pipemidic acid favored the growth of LAB under oxygen-limited …

Toxin-Like Proteins In The Venom Of Drosophila Parasitoids, Lady V. Cardenas

Dissertations and Theses

The figitid parasitoid wasps of Drosophila are gaining importance in agriculture due to their ability to kill the resilient soft-fruit pest Drosophila suzukii. Their success and infection strategies vary, and the mechanisms underlying these differences are largely unknown. Some of their venom proteins have been shown to be important in suppressing host defense. Here, we report that Ganaspis brasiliensis, a parasitoid of D. suzukii survives well on Drosophila yakuba, a host species with a strong cellular immunity, and infected flies are unable to mount a strong immune response. To predict possible toxin-like proteins in Ganaspis venoms that might suppress cellular …

Modeling Hydrological Impacts Of Land- Use Change In The Sam Ngao Watershed Using Swat And Ca-Markov, Banchongsak Faksomboon, Nares Khamcharoen, Thipphaphone Keoviyavong

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

This study investigates the hydrological consequences of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) transformations within the Sam Ngao Watershed (SNgW) from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), the research simulates watershed hydrological responses to observed LULC dynamics. To forecast future hydrological conditions, LULC scenarios for 2040 and 2060 were generated using a hybrid Cellular Automata-Markov Chain (CA-Markov) modeling approach. A hybrid classification methodology enhanced the accuracy of LULC mapping from Landsat imagery, integrating multiple classification techniques. Results reveal that LULC alterations between 2000 and 2020 significantly influenced the watershed’s hydrological regime, including declines in dry …

Intracellular Survival Of Staphylococcus Aureus In Macrophages During Osteomyelitis, William A. Lathram, Christopher D. Radka

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Staphylococcus aureus, traditionally viewed as an extracellular pathogen, is increasingly recognized for its ability to persist intracellularly, particularly within macrophages. This intracellular lifestyle is central to osteomyelitis, a chronic bone infection characterized by persistent inflammation, bone destruction, and impaired repair. Within bone, S. aureus exploits macrophage plasticity by driving a shift from pro-inflammatory, bactericidal M1-like states to anti-inflammatory, tissue-reparative M2-like phenotypes. This polarization suppresses immune clearance and promotes an environment conducive to bacterial survival and dissemination. Additional strategies – including biofilm formation, small colony variants, and inhibition of phagolysosomal killing – further enhance persistence and immune evasion. While these …

A Mathematical Modeling Approach To Investigate The Impacts Of Post-Infection Mortality And Partial Immunity On Disease Endemicity, Brendan M. Shrader

Honors Undergraduate Theses

A number of infectious diseases cause post-infection conditions or complications, such as COVID- 19, Q fever, and Polio. These conditions result in recovered individuals having a higher mortality rate than susceptibles, and this can impact disease dynamics. An existing mass-action model in the literature that incorporated post-infection mortality was shown to have limit cycles, or persistent oscillations, in the infected population. To better understand what causes these limit cycles, we develop and analyze a new epidemiological model with standard incidence. We show standard results, including the existence, uniqueness, and stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria, and we rule out …

Unmasking The Mimic: Leprosy Neuropathy Misdiagnosed As Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report From Saudi Arabia, Muteb K. Alotaibi, Bashaier G. Alqahtani, Raniah M. Alqawahmed

Neurosciences

ABSTRACT Leprosy neuropathy can mimic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), especially in non-endemic areas. We report a 72-year-old Saudi woman initially misdiagnosed with CIDP based on nerve conduction studies. The patient presented with widespread pruritus, erythematous cutaneous lesions, and progressive sensorimotor symptoms. Despite treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, her condition worsened. Subsequent sural nerve and skin biopsies revealed acid-fast bacilli, confirming leprosy. This case highlights the importance of considering leprosy in the differential diagnosis of neuropathies, even in regions where it is rare. Nerve ultrasound, a valuable diagnostic tool in differentiating leprosy from CIDP, should be incorporated into the diagnostic workup …

Integrating Human And Animal Health In The Stop Spillover Outbreak Scenarios, Kathleen E. Angell, He Julia Bai, Katherine C. Prager, Janetrix H. Amuguni, Felicia B. Nutter, Jonathan D. Gass Jr, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

OBJECTIVES: To generate and employ scenarios of sentinel human and animal outbreak cases in local contexts that integrate human and animal health interests and practices and facilitate outbreak risk management readiness.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of past outbreaks and the strengths and weaknesses of response efforts in USAID STOP Spillover program countries. This information and iterative query-and-response with country teams and local stakeholders led to curated outbreak scenarios emphasizing One Health human:animal interfaces at sub-national levels.

RESULTS: Two core scenarios were generated adapted to each of 4 countries’ pathogen priorities and workflows in Africa and Asia, anchoring on …

Dialing In Or Dialing Out? The Relationships Between State Telemedicine Law And Access To Buprenorphine, Stacey A. Tovino

Faculty Articles

This Article begins by reporting the results of a comprehensive 50-state survey assessing state laws and other state sources governing the telemedicine induction (“tele-induction”) and subsequent telemedicine prescription (“tele-prescription”) of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (“OUD”) following the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (“PHE”). Original, concrete findings include: (1) the glaring patchwork of state law governing the tele-induction and subsequent tele-prescription of buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD in the United States; (2) the variety of primary authorities and secondary sources that house relevant permissions, prohibitions, and affiliated requirements; (3) the number of primary authorities …

Comparative Dna Extraction Methods To Use For Lamp Assay As Molecular Diagnosis Of Human Schistosomes From Urine Samples, Brittany R. Pulkkila, Chummy Sikasunge, James Mwansa, Nilanjan Lodh

Clinical Lab Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Schistosomiasis in Africa is an ongoing public health problem that is caused by two major human species, Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, which often cause concurrent infections. Due to the global goal of controlling or eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem, the issue of diagnostic sensitivity has become more critical in the assessment of program success. In that regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has drawn attention to the need for field-applicable tests with high specificity and sensitivity.

Methods

To address this, we have evaluated the amplification of S. mansoni and S. haematobium cell-free repeat DNA by …

Development Of Chinese Medicinal Ointment With Antibacterial Properties From Tripterygium Wilfordii, Ching Tung, Dawn Au

Department of Food and Health Sciences

Background: Chinese medicinal ointment was first recorded in the Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas). Different formulations of Chinese medicinal ointments have been made based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Many TCMs possessed antibacterial properties that were used as microecological regulators to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria, “Escherichia coli.” Purpose: To develop and make an antibacterial ointment by Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) and evaluate its antibacterial function. Materials and Methods: The methodologies included physical (cream selection), chemical [ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD)], and biological (agar assay) experiments for making TW ointment. …

Occupational Participation Through Harm Reduction, Allie Reiffenberger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Individuals who have experienced homelessness face higher risks of physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders (SUD), which often co-occur, compared to the general population (Mosel, 2024; Parker & Scaffa, 2020; SAMHSA, 2023a). Due to past experiences and unmanaged chronic conditions, substance use, and negative health behaviors are common. The high prevalence of SUD, mental illness, and chronic health conditions in this group severely affects their ability to engage in daily activities, influencing overall health and well-being (Marshall et al., 2020a). While complete abstinence is often deemed ideal, it can be unrealistic for this population. Harm reduction seeks …

Asymmetric Synthesis Of The Hiv Protease Inhibitor Tmc-126 And An Anti-Malarial Agent Via A Titanium Tetrachloride Mediated Asymmetric Glycolate Aldol Addition Reaction. Redefining The Curtius Rearrangement Reaction Via Dehomologation Of Carboxylic Acids Bearing Alpha-Leaving Groups, Kweku Amaning Affram

Theses and Dissertations

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and malaria are two devastating infectious diseases caused by HIV and Plasmodium parasites. AIDS is caused by HIV-1 and HIV-2, transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, needle sharing, and perinatal routes. Malaria, caused by plasmodium parasites through mosquito bites. Today, millions of people around the world have been infected with HIV and malaria and much research has been done to treat it. However, despite advancements in therapeutic options, these diseases remain a significant global health threat, particularly in developing countries due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains for both HIV and malaria complicating eradication efforts. …

The Role Of Sptbn1 Protein In Microglia Cells Actin Structure And Hiv-1 Infection, Rachel Pecka

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) directly attacks the host immune system by infecting and replicating in CD4-presenting immune cells. Like most viral pathogens, HIV utilizes cellular machinery to assist in viral entry, transport, and export. One of the components HIV is known to utilize for replication is the actin cytoskeleton. By directly binding to actin or actin-binding proteins, HIV can manipulate structural dynamics within the cell. The way HIV hijacks actin for replication post-viral fusion isn’t fully understood, especially during viral transport to the nucleus. A 2013 study conducted by Dai et al. found that lowering the expression of the cellular …

2025-2026 Course Catalog, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of The Registrar

University of Montana Course Catalogs, 1895-2024

An annual catalog of courses and course descriptions offered at the University of Montana.

3d Printed Microfluidic Platforms For Elisa-Based Diagnostics: Advancing Toward Point Of Care, Brandi Marie Binkley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Protein biomarker detection is a critical analytical method for quantifying proteins in biological samples. It is relevant not only in medical diagnostics and research but also numerous other fields such as environmental monitoring, pharmacology, food safety, and biotechnology. Sensitive detection at picogram-per-milliliter (pg/mL) levels is essential for diagnosing diseases, monitoring progression, and tailoring treatments, especially for low-abundance biomarkers like troponin, interleukin 6, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), activin A, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Immunoassays, particularly enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), are the gold standard for protein biomarker detection due to their high specificity and sensitivity. The development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic …

Modernizing Immunization Data: The Key To Equitable Public Health In The U.S., Ahmad (Adra) S. Muntaha, Gulzar H. Shah

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Men Take Care Of Each Other”: Evaluation Of A Community-Based Model For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Services Among Male Bar Patrons In Rural South Africa, Phoebe Chen

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Low engagement with HIV services persists among young men with harmful alcohol use in South Africa. We previously piloted a rural community-based HIV service delivery model to engage this key population. In the initial study, male nurses visited alcohol-serving venues to provide HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. From November 1 to December 30, 2021, we conducted interviews with 17 of 34 male pilot participants to evaluate program barriers, facilitators, and suggestions. All Interviewees were satisfied with HIV testing and PrEP services. Participants overcame testing avoidance through peer influence and enhanced privacy. Barriers for PrEP initiation were stigma (PrEP …