Digital Commons Network^™

An Odd Protocol For An Agent-Based Model Of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission With Inter-Group Structural And Behavioural Heterogeneous Syringe-Sharing Networks (M4), Seun Ale, Que Nguyen Dr., John D. Kelleher Prof., Elizabeth Hunter Dr.

Reports

The model described in this ODD is an agent-based model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID). The model incorporates structural heterogeneity through a three-group interaction framework and behavioural heterogeneity through group-specific syringe-sharing rates. The syringe-sharing population in the model is divided into core, inner, and outer circle groups representing individuals with high, moderate, and low levels of syringe-sharing interaction intensity, respectively. In addition to differences in the number of daily interaction opportunities across groups, agents in each group are assigned distinct syringe-sharing probabilities, reflecting variation in risk-taking behaviour across structural groups within the syringe-sharing …

Acute Schistosomiasis In A Traveler Returning From St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands: A Case Report., John Weis, Mackenzie Caruthers, Megan Buller

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

In this case report, we describe a patient who presented to their primary care provider with abdominal pain after returning from travel to the Caribbean island of St. Croix. The patient reported two weeks of epigastric abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, and night sweats. Following an initial evaluation that revealed eosinophilia with unclear etiology, they were referred to an infectious disease clinic. Through a targeted infectious evaluation and workup, the patient was diagnosed with acute schistosomiasis syndrome and was treated with praziquantel. Treatment resulted in the complete resolution of her symptoms, and follow-up laboratory evaluation showed complete resolution of her eosinophilia. …

Association Of Human Papillomavirus On Risk Of Hiv Acquisition In African Women: Analyses From Mtn-020/Aspire, Christine L. Hathaway, Elizabeth R. Brown, Stephen Cherne, Alyssa L. Sepulveda, Zvavahera M. Chirenje, Nitesha Jeenarain, Logashvari Naidoo, Samantha Siva, Nishanta Singh, Kubashni Woeber

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Observational data on the synergy between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and risk for HIV acquisition are needed. HPV clearance, associated with an influx of cells targeted by HIV, may increase HIV risk. This study examined the association between HPV and HIV acquisition using endocervical swabs collected in MTN-020/ASPIRE.

Methods: Healthy, sexually active women without HIV participating in the ASPIRE dapivirine ring study in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe provided endocervical swabs monthly, which were tested for HPV-DNA. HPV status was classified into prevalent, persistent (HPV+ for at least 4 months), HPV clearance (HPV+ followed by HPV-), HPV acquisition …

Vaccination Games Of Boundedly Rational Parents Toward New Childhood Immunization, Wei Yin, Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah, Tamer Oraby

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Infectious diseases harm societies through disease-induced morbidity, mortality, loss of productivity, and inequality. Thus, controlling and preventing them is critical for public health and societal well-being. However, societies can hinder efforts to control the spread of diseases by failing to adhere to public health recommendations, such as through vaccine hesitancy. Various disease-transmission models have been utilized to help policymakers respond to (re)emerging outbreaks. The usefulness of such models in assessing the effectiveness of public health policies is significantly dependent on human behavior. This paper introduces a new model of parental behavior toward a new childhood immunization. The model incorporates societal …

Adapting Lessons From The Indian Subcontinent To Accelerate Elimination Of Visceral Leishmaniasis As A Public Health Problem In East Africa, Eva Iniguez, Daniel Masiga, Caryn Bern, Sridhar Srikantiah

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

This viewpoint draws lessons from the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a public health problem in the Southeast Asia region (SEAR) to inform efforts in East Africa (EA), now the global epicenter of Leishmania donovani transmission. VL is fatal and there is no licensed vaccine. Success in India relied on robust surveillance, rapid diagnosis, single-dose treatment, vector control, and multi-partner coordination. EA faces additional challenges than SEAR with multiple sand fly vectors, sensitive diagnostics and longer treatment regimens, high population mobility, and gaps in ecological and epidemiological knowledge. We highlight how strategies from South Asia could be adapted while …

Adenovirus Disease Following Pediatric Liver Transplantation: 10-Year Experience From A Large Pediatric Transplant Program, Anna M Banc-Husu, Sara Hassan, N Thao N Galvan, Elizabeth A Moulton, Jeremy M Schraw, Kathleen Hosek, Dana Cerminara, Flor M Munoz, Krupa Mysore

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Human adenovirus in immunocompromised patients can be life-threatening. We describe the prevalence, clinical presentation, and treatment of adenovirus after pediatric liver transplantation at a large transplant center.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adenovirus infection in children from 2013 to 2022. We compared incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of post-transplant children by adenovirus treatment status.

Results: Adenovirus disease developed in 26% (84/320) children after liver transplant. Median age at liver transplant was 17.5 months, 48% were female; 50% had biliary atresia. Fever (53%), gastrointestinal symptoms (48%), and hepatitis (41%) were the most common clinical presentations at diagnosis. …

Statistical Methods In Aging Research: Improving Current Practices And Embracing Emerging Approaches, Deependra K Thapa, Erik S Parker, Mounika Kandukuri, Xi Rita Wang, Thirupathi R Mokalla, Olivia C Robertson, Wasiuddin Najam, Andrew E Teschendorff, Andrew W Brown, John R Speakman, Yisheng Peng, Bernard S Gorman, Heping Zhang, Luis-Enrique Becerra-Garcia, Colby J Vorland, David B Allison

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Aging research relies on varied statistical methods, and applying these methods appropriately is important for scientific rigor. However, proper use of these statistical techniques is a challenge. We discuss two categories of statistical methods in aging research: (a) emerging methods requiring further validation, including techniques to examine compression of morbidity, maximum lifespan, immortal time bias, molecular aging clocks, and treatment response heterogeneity, and (b) classic and existing methods needing reconsideration and improvement, such as stepwise regression, generalized linear models, methods for accounting for clustering and nesting effects, methods for testing for group differences, methods for mediation …

Incidence Of Cancers Among Children Living With Hiv In Malawi After Widespread Availability Of Antiretroviral Therapy: A Population-Based Study, Casey L Mcatee, Fatsani Manase, William Kamiyango, Jimmy Villiera, Mark Zobeck, Joseph Mhango, Allison Silverstein, Samuel Maloya, Apatsa Matatiyo, Eluness Simwela, Honour Mhango, Desire Hellings, Brigid O'Brien, Claudia Wallrauch, Tom Heller, Matthew Painschab, Kate Westmoreland, Atupele Mpasa, Rizine Mzikamanda, Nmazuo Ozuah, Joseph Lubega, Nader Kim El-Mallawany, Carl E Allen, Michael E Scheurer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Purpose: Few data describe the modern epidemiology of pediatric HIV-associated cancers in sub-Saharan Africa, home to over 80% of the world's children living with HIV. This study evaluated the incidence of cancers among these children over 15 years after widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART) adoption in Malawi.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study leveraging multiple independent data sources comprehensive of all cancer diagnoses among children living with HIV in Northern and Central Malawi between 2010 and 2024. HIV-associated cancers were defined as those cancers with well-established epidemiologic associations with HIV. Cumulative incidence and average annual percent change were estimated …

Predicting Mortality And Costs After Emergency Department Visits By People With Dementia: Timing And Location Matter, Jason K Bowman, Christine S Ritchie, Kei Ouchi, Kyler M Godwin, James A Tulsky, Joan M Teno

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: People with dementia have high rates of emergency department (ED) and hospital utilization, high mortality and costs, and other poor outcomes. To successfully impact the care trajectories of these patients, health care systems must pragmatically identify the correct target population. This study described patterns of ED utilization by people with dementia and explored the accuracy of administrative data models to predict mortality and costs.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of a 20% random sample of Traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries with dementia, age ≥ 66 years, and an index ED visit in 2018. One-year mortality and high costs were described, and …

Comparing Observed With Self-Reported Hand Hygiene Adherence Among Bedside Nurses And Physicians At Two Hospitals In The United States, Prathit A Kulkarni, M Todd Greene, Sanjay Saint, Karen E Fowler, Serene Jacob, Laura Dillon, Michelle Espiritu, Nathan Houchens, Huberta T Cozart, Barbara W Trautner

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Hand hygiene is a core component of infection prevention in healthcare settings. One potential reason for lack of adherence to recommended hand hygiene practices is erroneous self-perception. We aimed to compare perceptions about hand hygiene compliance with objective data.

Methods: Direct observations of hand hygiene performance by nurses and physicians during typical workflow in inpatient general medicine wards were conducted from 12 September 2022 to 27 October 2022 at two academic Veterans Affairs medical centers. Participants were surveyed regarding perceptions about their hand hygiene performance relative to recommended practices.

Results: Among nurses, hand hygiene was performed in 1,397/3,690 (37.9%) …

Defining The Society Of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (Split) Research Agenda: A Delphi Consensus Project, Sharad I Wadhwani, Pooja Reddy Spector, Amy G Feldman, Katryn N Furuya, Kayla Hartjes, Chaowapong Jarasvaraparn, Beau Kelly, Stacee M Lerret, Krupa Mysore, Arti Pawaria, Philip Rosenthal, Amy Shui, Voytek Slowik, Sarah Taylor, Jennifer Vittorio, Pamela L Valentino

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Despite major advances in surgical and medical management, only one-third of pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients remain morbidity-free at 10 years. The Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) published a research agenda over 10 years ago, and much progress has been made since then. An updated consensus-driven SPLIT research agenda could guide future research and funding priorities. We aimed to identify and prioritize key research needs across the continuum of pediatric LT care using a modified Delphi consensus approach.

Methods: We conducted a three-round modified Delphi process among SPLIT members. In round 1, participants submitted open-ended research priorities. In …

Rounding Styles On Inpatient Infectious Disease Consult Services: Impact On Education And Patient-Care Delivery, Melanie Kiener, Vanessa Ku, Prathit A Kulkarni

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Inpatient infectious disease (ID) consult services have recently been experiencing increased patient volumes due to a variety of factors, including higher patient complexity, increased patient turnover, growing rates of antimicrobial resistant infections, population aging, and ID outbreaks. As a result, increased time and resources have been required to continue to deliver high-quality medical care to patients. At academic teaching hospitals, providing patient care in the context of increased volumes must be balanced with the educational mission for trainees. Rounding is a central component of ID clinical work which brings together patient care and education. In this narrative review, we aim …

Prescribing Tourism: Cultivating Positive Travel Experiences For Individuals With Health Conditions, Fangli Hu, Jun Wen, Sebastian Filep

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Clinical evidence of tourism's health-related benefits for people with health conditions is notably scarce. Prescribing tourism, wherein medical professionals recommend engaging in tourism activities to enhance overall health and well-being, could offer unique insights into the tourism–health nexus. This paper adopted a conceptual approach, underpinned by a state-of-the-art literature review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA framework to identify knowledge gaps in the existing literature. This paper proposed prescribing tourism as a novel research agenda at the intersection of tourism and health, and further introduced it as a promising approach for people with health conditions, aiming to potentially minimise adverse …

Sectoral Shockwaves: Examining Bursa Malaysia's Sector Indices Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic, Alyssa April Dellow, Hafizah Bahaludin

International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is becoming a widespread concern, as it is causing a decline in economies and negatively impacting stock markets worldwide. As the Malaysian government implements the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the deadly virus, the Malaysian stock market is rapidly impacted, becoming volatile and unpredictable throughout the pandemic phase. Thus, this study aims to analyse the structural correlation patterns of the Bursa Malaysia Sectoral Index Series using the threshold network approach. The data utilised in this study are the closing prices of all 13 sectoral indexes, spanning from January 1, 2019, …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Tinea Corporis, Braden Van Alfen, Navya Peddireddy, Marshall Hall, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Garrett Furth, Dustin Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Tinea corporis is a common superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. It typically presents as well-defined, pruritic, annular papules and plaques with central hypopigmentation. The differential diagnosis includes pityriasis rosea, nummular dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, tinea versicolor, granuloma annulare, and discoid lupus. This article compares different presentations of tinea corporis in various skin types as classified by the Fitzpatrick scale. Recognizing varying presentations of tinea in patients of different skin tones will aid in early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Using The Misinformation Exposure-Trust Framework For Audience Segmentation: Predicting Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among U.S., Jing Zeng, Jinxu Li, Nan Yu, Xi Cui, Anli Xiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

This study examines whether individuals’ exposure to and trust in COVID-19 vaccine misinformation can be used to segment audiences and explain variations in vaccine hesitancy and health beliefs. Using k-means clustering, a survey of 819 U.S. college students (March–May 2021) identifies four subgroups based on combinations of high or low misinformation exposure and trust: misinformation-shielded (low exposure, low trust), misinformation-vulnerable (low exposure, high trust), misinformation-resistant (high exposure, low trust), and misinformation-accepting (high exposure, high trust). These subgroups differ significantly in political ideology, vaccine hesitancy, and health beliefs. The misinformation-shielded subgroup reports more liberal views, lower hesitancy, and higher perceived efficacy, …

Selectivity Modulation Of Small Cationic Membrane-Active Cyclic Peptides With Broad-Spectrum Activity Against Bacteria And Fungi, Sandeep Lohan, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Innokentiy Maslennikov, Kaustav Das Gupta, Shakti Singh, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

To investigate how ring size and backbone flexibility influence antimicrobial potency and cytotoxicity, we synthesized a series of macrocyclic peptides of lead peptide p1 (c[Arg-Arg-arg-arg-dip-Trp-dip]) by incorporating Gly, 2-aminoethoxyacetic acid (EAA), or 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab). Two optimized peptides, 6b and 10b, retained broad-spectrum activity against drug-resistant Gram-positive (MIC, 1.5–6.2 μg/mL) and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC, 4–25 μg/mL), as well as pathogenic fungi, while exhibiting enhanced selectivity for microbial cells. Their therapeutic indices (TI ∼407 and ∼394, respectively) were ∼2-fold higher than p1, indicating improved safety. Both peptides remained effective against Gram-negative pathogens beyond the reach of daptomycin, were rapidly bactericidal, and …

Atypical High-Burden Breakthrough Varicella: A Diagnostic Pitfall In The Two-Dose Vaccine Era, Smaran Marupudi, Jared Hensley, Robert Vezzetti

School of Medicine Publications

We present the case of a seven-year-old fully immunized male who developed an intensely pruritic, generalized maculopapular rash that progressed to vesicles. The patient’s rash was initially diagnosed by his primary care provider as possible scabies and treated with topical permethrin. Our examination revealed a diffuse maculopapular and vesicular exanthem with lesions at various stages of evolution, eventually progressing to secondary cellulitis. The patient’s presentation, consistent with varicella (chickenpox), highlights the diagnostic challenges of breakthrough varicella infection and potential complications in fully vaccinated children. Thus, we highlight the importance of having a high clinical index of suspicion for varicella, even …

Factors Associated With Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence In Patients With Hiv At A Public Hospital In Central Jakarta, Indonesia, Kareena Sari Fatimah, Laily Hanifah, Chandrayani Simanjorang, Nayla Kamilia Fithri

Kesmas

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are required to take antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus. However, suboptimal adherence remains a critical barrier that can lead to treatment failure and persistent transmission risks. This study aimed to identify factors associated with ART adherence in patients with HIV. This quantitative study with a cross-sectional design consisted of patients with HIV aged >18 years who received care at the voluntary counseling and testing clinic of a public hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used. This study used HIV care and ART overview forms as instruments. Data were analyzed using multiple …

Interchange, 1996, V16-17 N1-2, January-February, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

The lnterChange newsletter was published monthly for the nursing division of St. Luke's Medical Center. It's purpose was to provide health care and shared governance information and inform nurses of new program benefits and upcoming special events.

Interchange, 1986, V6 N10, Summer, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

The lnterChange newsletter was published monthly for the nursing division of St. Luke's Medical Center. It's purpose was to provide health care and shared governance information and inform nurses of new program benefits and upcoming special events.

Transforming Academic Nursing: Educating Nurses On The Health Challenges Of Climate Change, Clara Granda-Cameron, Lisa Whitfield-Harris

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

Background: Climate change is a major public health threat for humanity. Over the coming decades, morbidity and mortality are expected to increase, particularly in vulnerable communities, due to increased heat, poor air quality, undernutrition, and vector-borne diseases. To care for populations who reside in these communities, undergraduate and graduate nursing students must be educated, which requires integrating climate change topics into the nursing curriculum.

Purpose: We piloted a course module about climate change and health and tested its effectiveness as a tool for educating nursing students.

Methods: Using a pre-post intervention design, 192 undergraduate and graduate nursing students enrolled in …

High Frequency Emergency Department Use And Heterogeneity Of Reasons For Attendance By Children And Young People: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Akshay Kumar, Rebecca M Simpson, Kerryn Husk, Graham D Johnson, Chris Burton

Peninsula Medical School

Objective To quantify patterns of emergency department (ED) use over two consecutive 12-month periods among children aged 15 and under, and to assess heterogeneity of reasons for attendance in high-frequency users.Design Population-based retrospective cohort study of routinely collected ED data.Setting EDs in the Yorkshire and Humber region, UK, from 31 March 2014 to 1 April 2017.Patients Children aged 15 and under with ≥1 ED attendance.Main outcome measures Proportion with ≥7 attendances over 2 years and heterogeneity of diagnostic reasons quantified by the Herfindahl index.Results The cohort included 71 143 individuals. Although only 13.6% were high-frequency attenders in the first year, …

The Association Between The Gnb3 Rs5443 C/C Genotype And Obesity Phenotypes In Taiwanese Individuals, Ling-Yi Xiao, Zi-Lun Lai, Yang-Di Su, Szu-Yun Wang, Nia-Jia Zheng, Po- Ren Hsueh

BioMedicine

Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly over the

years, and its health concerns cannot be underestimated. Obesity not only

causes potential mobility limitations in daily life but also increases the risk of

developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and other health

conditions. While an imbalanced diet and lack of exercise are well-known

causes of obesity, genetic patterns also influence its development. Although the GNB3 gene is known to be involved in lipid metabolism and fat cell

differentiation, studies have shown inconsistent associations between a

common single nucleotide polymorphism of GNB3 (c.825C>T, rs5443) and

obesity across different populations. Therefore, …

In Vitro Meat: Unnatural Or Life Saving, Joseph Coplon

Fresh Voices: Composition at Cal Poly

No abstract provided.

Rural Banditry In North Central Nigeria: The Experience Of Women In Affected Communities, Joseph Egidi Igbe, Tersoo Asongo, Evaristus Akpanke Ushie, William Okon Williams, Patrick Owan Bisong

Journal of International Women's Studies

This study examined rural banditry in North Central Nigeria, focusing on women’s experiences in affected communities. The study specifically looked at women’s experiences with poor health, sexual violence, and physical harm caused by rural banditry and militancy in the study area. The study employs Kate Millet’s feminist theory of patriarchal power and structure to frame its theoretical standpoint. Four hundred women informants were selected through stratified random and purposive sampling techniques, and data were obtained using a questionnaire and eight in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency tables, while simple linear regression was used …

From Soil To Sole: A Rare Case Of Blastomycosis In The Calcaneus, Kelly Fahey, Sharif Denden

Advocate GME

No abstract provided.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Co-Detection With Other Respiratory Viruses Is Not Significantly Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes Among Children Aged <2 Years: New Vaccine Surveillance Network, 2016-2020, Justin Z Amarin, Ariana P Toepfer, Andrew J Spieker, Haya Hayek, Tess Stopczynski, Yasmeen Z Qwaider, Laura S Stewart, James D Chappell, Mary Allen Staat, Elizabeth P Schlaudecker, Geoffrey A Weinberg, Peter G Szilagyi, Janet A Englund, Eileen J Klein, Marian G Michaels, John V Williams, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Christopher J Harrison, Leila C Sahni, Vasanthi Avadhanula, Meredith L Mcmorrow, Heidi L Moline, Natasha B Halasa

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness include early infancy, premature birth, and underlying medical conditions. However, the clinical significance of respiratory viral co-detection is unclear. We compared the clinical outcomes of young children with RSV-only detection and those with RSV viral co-detection.

Methods: We conducted active, population-based surveillance of children with medically attended fever or respiratory symptoms at 7 US medical centers (1 December 2016-31 March 2020). Demographic and clinical data were collected through parental interviews and chart abstractions. Nasal swabs, with or without throat swabs, were systematically tested for RSV and 6 other common respiratory …

Aurora St. Luke's Today, 2008 Jan 4-10, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI: Employee newsletter published weekly, with information about what's happening at St. Luke's, as well as Metro Region goals and system-wide initiatives.

St. Luke's Today, 2004 Oct 29-Nov 4, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI: Employee newsletter published weekly, with information about what's happening at St. Luke's, as well as Metro Region goals and system-wide initiatives.