Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Stress, Fatigue, Burnout, And Resilience Among Healthcare Personnel In Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review, Kelsey Trulik, Vijaya Arun Kumar, Wendy Wu, Muralidhar Varma, Mauli M. Patel, Kajol Manglani, Trini A. Mathew

Global Health Research Collaborative

This study aims to compare methods used to measure burnout, fatigue, stress, and resilience, as well as resilience-building interventions among healthcare personnel (HCP) in Southeast Asia. Even before COVID-19, HCP faced high levels of burnout and stress, exacerbated by the pandemic. Identifying effective resilience-building strategies is essential to supporting a healthier workforce. Studies published from January 2016 to December 2021 focusing on burnout, stress, fatigue, and resilience in HCP in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive literature search of seven databases (Jan 2016-Dec 2021), using terms related to resilience, HCP, and Southeastern Asian countries identified relevant English-language studies. COVIDENCE software was used …

The Genomic Landscape Of Hermetia Illucens: Exploring The Potential Of The Black Soldier Fly Through Molecular Insights, Peter Muchina, Johnson Kinyua, Fathiya Khamis, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Grum Gebreyesus, Zexi Cai, Goutam Sahana

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Abstract The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has garnered significant attention recently due to its potential applications in waste management, animal feed production, frass fertilizer production, and biotechnology. Despite its numerous advantages, genomic resources for BSF remain limited, underscoring the necessity for continued genomic exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genomic landscape of BSF, emphasizing the critical role of genomics in understanding its biology and optimizing its applications. We highlighted recent advancements in BSF genome sequencing, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and the characterization of the gut microbiome, revealing its implications for BSF health and production efficiency. …

How Community Members In Uganda Perceive Controlled Human Infection Studies, Winfred Nazziwa, Stella Neema, Alison Elliot, Samson B. Kaboko, Julius Ecuru, Erisa Mwaka

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Controlled Human Infection studies are a new and uncommon way of conducting clinical research in low resource settings. Regardless of the supposed importance of human infection studies in advancing clinical research, there is still limited literature on community perceptions of this field of research, particularly in low-resource settings. An exploratory qualitative study involving 107 community members organized into 16 focussed groups was conducted in Kampala city and Buikwe district in central Uganda between September 2023 and March 2024. The groups comprised market vendors, secondary school teachers, university students, media professionals/journalists, mosques/church attendants and Community Advisory Board members. Data were analysed …

Normative Laboratory Value Ranges In Pediatric Patients Who Underwent Evaluation For Mis-C, Thomas Graf, Nathan M Money, Sindhoosha Malay, Nori Minich, Risa Bochner, Bari Winik, Ron Kaplan, Jennifer Y Colgan, Erin Aldag, Ryan O' Sullivan, Guliz Erdem, Allayne Stephans

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background and objectives: Diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is challenging due to symptom overlap with other common conditions. The primary objective of this multicenter study was to establish normative laboratory values in MIS-C patients and compare to patients evaluated for MIS-C who had other final diagnoses.

Methods: Five hospitals reviewed records of a cohort of patients 6 months to 18 years old who were evaluated for MIS-C between March 31st 2020 and February 1st 2022. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory values were compared in patients with a final diagnosis of MIS-C versus all other conditions. Patients' …

The Effects Of Salinity On The Cutaneous Microbiome And Pathogen Infection On The Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris Regilla) In Monterey Bay, California, Usa, Hannah Eunhae Kim

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Global climate change and infectious diseases are considered a leading cause of amphibian population declines worldwide. Changes in precipitation and salinity have altered watershed systems and microbial communities, reducing habitat availability and physiological performances for amphibian survival. The salt refuge hypothesis, however, is a proposed explanation that higher saline environments may reduce susceptibility to pathogens such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). The Moro Cojo Slough State Marine Reserve (MCSSMR) (California, USA) is known as an abundant breeding ground for endangered/threatened amphibian species. To test and expand the salt refuge hypothesis, I evaluated Bd prevalence and intensity and the cutaneous microbiome of …

Characterization Of The Biofilm-Forming Ability And Certain Virulence Characters Ofaeromonas Spp. Isolates From Rainbow Trout, Türker Çelebi̇, Ertan Emek Onuk, Esra Demi̇rbaş, Gökçen Di̇nç

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Aeromonas spp., commonly found in the aquatic environment, cause infections in both fish and humans. Their pathogenicitydepends on various virulence factors and ability to form biofilm. The current study aimed to determine the biofilm-forming capabilitiesand certain virulence characteristics of 25 Aeromonas spp. isolates obtained from rainbow trout in Türkiye. The biofilm-forming abilitiesof isolates were investigated comparatively using Congo red agar (CRA), the tube method (TM), and tissue culture plates (TCPs).Potential virulence factors, including hemolytic activity, gelatinase production, serine protease activity, DNase activity, and motility,were evaluated using phenotypic tests. Additionally, the distribution of four known virulence genes, namely aerA, exu, fla, …

Effects Of A Diet Supplemented With A Blend Of Protected Organic Acids And Essential Oilson Growth Performance And Cecal Microbiota Composition In Broilers, Mehmet Akan, Kadi̇r Serdar Di̇ker, Serdar Özlü, Murat Çelebi̇, Seyyi̇de Sariçam İnce, Barişhan Doğan, Okan Eli̇bol

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Organic acids (OAs) and essential oils (EOs) have several positive effects on the gut microbiota of broilers. In this study, weaimed to determine the efficacy of a blend of protected OAs and EOs [P(OA+EO)] on the growth performance and cecal microbiota ofbroiler chickens. A total of 160 Ross 308 broiler chickens, including 80 male and 80 female birds, all 1 day old, were randomly distributedbetween the control group (basal diet) and the treatment group [basal diet + 300 g/t P(OA+EO)] according to an 8-pen arrangementwith 4 replicates of 20 birds. Body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), …

In-Person Versus Peer-Coordinated Virtual Health Coaching For Metabolic And Behavioral Outcomes In Women In Sober Living Facilities, Craig R. Witt

Dissertations

Background: Women in early recovery from substance use disorder often face metabolic health vulnerabilities, yet physical health behaviors are frequently under-emphasized in sober living settings. Feasible and accessible wellness strategies are needed to support both behavioral and metabolic health in this population.

Purpose: To compare the effects of professionally delivered in-person health coaching versus peer-coordinated virtual health coaching on metabolic outcomes and health-promoting behaviors among women in sober living facilities.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 32 women enrolled in a 12-week group-based health coaching program focused on nutrition, physical activity, and stress management; 18 completed post-intervention assessments (in-person: n = …

High-Binding Affinity Nanobody Against Sars-Cov-2 Xbb.1.5: Computational-Based Protein Engineering, Phoomintara Longsompurana, Napat Kongtaworn, Rungtiva P. Poo-Arporn, Thanyada Rungrotmongkol

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant XBB.1.5 has triggered a global health crisis by enhancing viral entry into cells via its spike protein. This study addresses the urgent need to develop neutralizing nanobodies (Nbs) to counteract the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Our aim was to identify a lead Nb and enhance its binding affinity to the receptor-binding motif (RBM) on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) using computational methods. A total of 29 Nbs were screened against the XBB.1.5 RBD using the HDOCK server to select a lead Nb. This investigation revealed that Nb_7KGK exhibited the highest binding …

The Aga Khan University Prospectus 2025, The Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Prospectuses and Brochures

• Message from the President
• Message from the Provost & Vice President, Academic
• About AKU
• Our Mission, Vision & Values
• Why AKU?

• Programmes of Study

  Undergraduate Programmes

• School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa
• School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
• Medical College, East Africa
• Medical College, Pakistan
• Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Pakistan
• Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan

• Graduate Programmes

• School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa
• School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
• Institute for Educational Development, East Africa
• Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan
• Medical College, East Africa
• Medical College, Pakistan
• Graduate School of Media and Communications, East Africa
• Institute for …

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Comparative Analysis Of Hydration Status And Microbial Quality Of Tap Water Between Urban And Rural Settings In The Ashanti Region Of Ghana, Marina A. Tandoh, Priscilla Owusu, Claire-Rush N.A. Nkrumah, Veronica Tawiah Annaful, Chris Y. Asare, Samuel Selormi Attu

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for human health, physiological functions, and cognitive performance. This study sought to determine the hydration status and the microbial safety of tap water in an urban setting (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Campus) and a rural community (Adjamesu) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The water safety perception and hydration status of 171 study participants aged 10-61 years were assessed. Six taps were randomly selected at each site in triplicates, resulting in 36 water samples. The microbial quality of the water was assessed by testing for heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. …

Thermal Inactivation Of E. Faecium On Ground Poultry, Joseph Katz

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Chicken products in grocery stores are contaminated with Salmonella that is ranked number one as a foodborne pathogen, and causes about 1.35 million cases of foodborne illness, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually. The objective of this study is to determine thermal kinetic parameters of Salmonella surrogate bacteria E. faecium in ground poultry as affected by different temperatures and salt concentrations. The raw chicken was sliced up into a 500 g batch with a total of 6 batches per replicate, ground up in the meat grinder followed by inoculation with E. faecium resistant to 200 ppm Nalidixic Acid. NaCl …

Characterizing A Free-Roaming Cat Population To Predict Predation Of Threatened Species In An Island Ecosystem, Sarah Gheida

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Grand Challenges For Human Factors And Ergonomics, Waldemar Karwowski, Gavriel Salvendy, Mica Endsley, William Rouse, Paul Salmon, Kay Stanney, Andrew Thatcher, Tony Andre, Jessie Yang, Hasan Ayaz, Ahmet Cakir, Vince Duffy, Colin Drury, Qin Gao, Yinni Guo, Peter Hancock, William S. Marras, Patrick Rau

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Contemporary society faces a growing set of complex global issues representing significant human health, well-being, and sustainability threats. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) has a critical role to play in responding to these issues; however, there remain a set of grand challenges that require resolution. This paper presents and discusses six grand challenges for HFE and related key research thrust areas for each of the challenges. The grand challenges are (1) Evolution in Societal Thinking; (2) Future of Human Work in Industry 5.0; (3) Climate Change and Sustainability; (4) Future of Education and Training; (5) Future of Personalized Health, and …

Predictive And Generative Modeling For Biomedical Data Analytics, Magdalyn E. Elkin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Biomedical data analytics is a broad interdisciplinary field that has seen vast amounts of data collected with recent technological advancements. Computational studies are required for time and cost-efficient methods to characterize, summarize, and interpret these datasets to advance public health. This thesis presents research studies done with predictive and generative models with regards to subdomains in clinical research, healthcare and bioinformatics. Our research with predictive modeling presents (1) extensive feature engineering methods, ensemble models and feature selection ranking in order to provide data-driven models to evaluate relevant evidence for clinical decision making; and (2) network analysis and unsupervised link prediction …

Bakterielle Schutzmechanismen Gegen Hypochlorige Säure, Jan-Ulrik Dahl

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Reactive chlorine species (RCS) are highly bactericidal and produced in large amounts during host defense to kill invading pathogens. More recent studies have investigated how bacteria respond to and defend RCS, which appear to elicit more multifaceted responses compared to reactive oxygen species. A comprehensive understanding of bacterial RCS responses has clear potential to devise strategies that increase the sensitivity of bacterial pathogens to host defenses without harming commensals.

Microplastics In Coastal Sediments, Halaina Hahn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Marine and coastal sediments are considered to be sinks for plastic pollution. The dispersal of microplastics through ocean dynamics (winds, waves, currents, and tides) may be dependent on the type of microplastic and sedimentation of the coastal environment. Coastal tourism significantly contributes to the sources of plastic, especially in the state of Florida. Microplastic pollution impacts all facets of the environment impacting ecosystem services, wildlife, and human health. However, few studies have been conducted to quantify the abundance and type of microplastics found in coastal sediments under different seasonal conditions. This project aimed to evaluate the abundance of microplastics in …

Multiscale Modeling Of Infectious Diseases: Identifiability Framework For Parameter Estimation And Model Validation, Ambegoda Liyanage

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

Understanding and controlling the spread of infectious diseases requires integrative mathematical models that connect biological processes across multiple scales, from individual-level transmission dynamics to population-level epidemic behavior. In this work, we develop and analyze multiscale mathematical models to investigate the transmission of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, with a strong focus on structural and practical identifiability to ensure model reliability.

We begin by investigating the transmission dynamics of the Usutu virus (USUV), an emerging mosquito-borne virus of growing concern in Europe and Africa. Understanding the epidemiology of such pathogens requires a systems-level approach that captures biological processes across multiple scales, …

Invasive Fungal Disease In Solid Organ And Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients, United States, Jeremy A W Gold, Kaitlin Benedict, Elizabeth Sajewski, Tom Chiller, Meghan Lyman, Mitsuru Toda, Jessica S Little, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Updated benchmark data on invasive fungal disease (IFD) in solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients are necessary to increase clinical recognition and inform treatment and prevention strategies. We estimated IFD incidence and potential risk factors in transplant recipients in a large US commercial health insurance database.

Methods: We observed patients who received SOT or HCT during 2018-2022 until IFD development, disenrollment, or database end date (July 31, 2023). We calculated incidence (per 1000 person-years) and time to IFD development, comparing demographic features and underlying conditions for IFD versus non-IFD patients.

Results: Overall, 9143 patients received …

National Healthcare Safety Network… We Need To Talk…., Misti Ellsworth, Luis Zeichner Ostrosky, Bela Patel, Robert Yetman, Phillip Chang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

No abstract provided.

Multisociety Guidance For Infection Prevention And Control In Nursing Homes, Lona Mody, Sonali D. Advani, Muhammad Salman Ashraf, Allison H. Bartlett, Suzanne F. Bradley, Deborah P. Burdsall, Jennifer A. Hanrahan, Susan S. Huang, Robert L.P. Jump, Lindsay Nicolle, Mary-Claire Roghmann, Patricia Stone, Rekha K. Murthy

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

This multisociety guidance was endorsed by SHEA, APIC, IDSA, PALTmed, and AGS. It provides recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPC) in the context of the complexity of nursing home care in the United States: increased medical acuity of residents, the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms, and the threat of emerging pathogens. Recommendations and implementation suggestions address IPC leadership, staffing, and resources, healthcare personnel and residents‘ adherence to precautions and effective hand hygiene, outbreak preparedness, training, occupational health, cleaning and disinfection in the care environment, and the involvement of IPC in the facility. The guidance also addresses the challenges of maintaining …

Development, Delivery, And Evaluation Of The Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute Pilot Infection Control Lecture Series, Kayla E Ruch, Anabel Rodriguez, Janelle Rios, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, Eric L Brown

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: The Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI) aims to keep Texans healthy and the economy strong by preparing for the next infectious disease outbreak. TEPHI's Small Rural Healthcare Preparedness core developed, delivered, and evaluated a pilot infection prevention and control webinar series called Infection Control for rural-serving health professionals and organizations based on infection prevention and control field best practices.

Methods: Data from the first year of the Infection Control series was collected through attendee registration forms, attendance records, knowledge, and post-lecture evaluation surveys using Qualtrics. The data were analyzed using Qualtrics software. Lectures were free and open to …

Rates Of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections In Hospitalized Non-Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients: A 9-Year Retrospective Study At A Lebanese Tertiary Medical Center, Ramia Zakhour, Sarah Khafaja, Rawan Korman, Celina F Boutros, Zeinab El Zein, Ahmad Chmaisse, Magda Haj, Amani Haddara, Zeina El-Houry, Malak Jbahi, Sarah Chamseddine, Samer Bou Karroum, Dana Al Oweini, Yolla Salama Youssef, Nour Youssef, Mayse Nasser, Danielle Fayad, Farida Abi Farraj, Clara El Nakib, Imad Isaac, Mireille Lteif, George F Araj, Ghassan S Dbaibo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections are considered a major public health threat. The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology, potential contributing factors, and antimicrobial resistance patterns associated with infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in non-immunocompromised children and adolescents.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) from 2009 to 2017. The study included non-immunocompromised patients 18 years of age or younger with infections caused by GNB isolated from a sterile site or nonsterile site in the setting of clinical infection.

Results: A total of …

Decline In Attrition Rates In United States Pediatric Residency And Fellowship Programs, 2007–2020: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study, Emma Omoruyi, Greg Russell, Kimberly Montez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Declining fill rates in US pediatric residency and subspecialty programs requires trainee retention. Attrition, defined as transfers, withdrawals, dismissals, unsuccessful completions, or deaths, disrupts program function and impacts the pediatric workforce pipeline. It aims to evaluate attrition trends among pediatric residents and fellows in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited programs from 2007 to 2020.

Methods: This repeated cross-sectional study analyzed publicly available ACGME Data Resource Book records. Attrition rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated overall and by subspecialty. Logistic regression assessed temporal changes; odds ratios (ORs) compared 2020 to 2007.

Results: From 2007-2020, pediatric residents …

Revisiting Cytomegalovirus In Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: Current Strategies For Prevention And Management In The Letermovir Era, Lisa Hiskey, Diego R Hijano, Ramia Zakhour

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

CMV infection remains the most common clinically significant infection in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HCT) recipients, with seropositive recipients of transplants from seronegative donors at the highest risk for complications. In recent years, letermovir, a novel antiviral with a favorable toxicity profile, was approved first for adults and more recently for pediatric patients for the primary prophylaxis of CMV infection and disease in high-risk HCT recipients. Growing evidence from real-life data regarding the safety and efficacy of letermovir has transformed the landscape of CMV disease in HCT transplant recipients and led to a paradigm shift from a preemptive approach …

Establishment Of Reference Intervals For Serum Immunoglobulin G N-Glycosylation Features In Healthy Chinese Adults: A Nationwide Survey In The Framework Of Predictive, Preventive, And Personalized Medicine, Changyu Liu, Yinghao Wang, Xingang Li, Xiaojia Xu, Ruirui Xu, Cuihong Tian, Zhixian Chen, Xinxia Lu, Yuejin Li, Meng Wang, Zhaoyang Tang, Xueyu Chen, Guoyong Ding, Xuerui Tan, Dong Li, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and viral infections. While various models of serum IgG N-glycosylation have been developed to identify individuals at high risk for relevant diseases, reference intervals (RIs) for the levels of IgG N-glycans have not been established yet. Identifying RIs for serum IgG N-glycans closely associated with biological aging and disease risk contributes to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM), which results in improvement of patients’ outcomes, enhancement of healthcare efficiency, and in reducing burden of chronic diseases. This study is aimed at defining the …

A Scoping Review Of Randomised Controlled Trials Of Vaccines That Recruited Care Home Residents: Lessons For Future Trials, Selvarani Selvarani Subbarayan, Imogen Smith-Dodd, Gabriel Nicolson, Jennifer Kirsty Burton, Janet T. Scott, Seshadri S. Vasan, Susan D. Shenkin, Roy L. Soiza

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Older care home (CH) residents are particularly vulnerable to infections and often experience adverse outcomes. Despite this group being frequently prioritised for vaccinations, trials of vaccines rarely recruit CH residents. Given that the social and biological characteristics of CH residents may influence vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to test vaccines in this population.

Methods: The Widening Access to Trials in Care Homes project was established to develop best practice guidance on designing and conducting vaccine trials in the CH population. As part of this project, a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted to identify vaccine trials …

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …

Immunoglobulin G N-Glycome As A Biomarker Of Mortality Risk In Escherichia Coli Induced Sepsis, Huachen Wang, Houqiang Li, Zheng Guo, Hongda Hou, Haifeng Hou, Bing Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by an imbalance in the inflammatory response to an infection that can lead to a high mortality rate. Escherichia coli is a common pathogen that causes sepsis. The role of immunoglobulin G N-glycome in estimating the mortality in patients with sepsis remains unknown. This study aims to reveal the clinical application of immunoglobulin G N-glycome as a potentially novel biomarker to predict mortality risk in Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. Methods: The serum immunoglobulin G N-glycome levels in 100 adult septic patient serum samples on the day of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 100 …

Pleural Infection: Controversies On The Therapeutic Strategies, Ken K.P. Chan, Estee P.M. Lau, Y. C. Gary Lee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of review Management of pleural infection remains heterogeneous worldwide. This review highlights current controversies in therapeutic strategies for pleural infection, focusing particularly on recent studies and their implications. Recent findings The introduction of intrapleural therapy combining alteplase [a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has revolutionized treatment practices, though the optimal delivery and dosing regimen is an area of active investigation. Variations to simplify administration protocols and/or to lower the required drug doses have been published. Most were exploratory studies, but the variations showed maintained therapeutic efficacy. Whether intrapleural alteplase/DNase or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is superior is …