Digital Commons Network^™

Level Of Service Criteria For Urban Arterials With Heterogeneous And Undisciplined Traffic Streams, Afzal Ahmed, Farah Khan, Syed Faraz Abbas Rizvi, Fatma Outay, Muhammad Faiq Ahmed, Muhammad Adnan

All Works

Accurate evaluation of the prevailing traffic operations plays an important part in developing sustainable transport systems. This research examines the suitability of the level of service (LOS) criteria developed by the Indian and United States (US) Highway Capacity Manuals (HCM) for heterogeneous and undisciplined traffic streams and proposes new criteria using a data-driven approach. Traffic data were collected from a selected major arterial in Karachi, and fundamental diagrams were developed using these data. These fundamental diagrams and field-collected data were analyzed using the K-mean clustering approach to examine the actual traffic states at various LOS bands used in practice. Associating …

Pelvic Pain Symptoms And Inflammation Among Adolescents And Adults With And Without Endometriosis, Amy Shafrir, Ashley Laliberte, Britani Wallace, Allison F. Vitonis, Christine B. Sieberg, Marzieh Ghiasi, Larry I. Magpantay, Marta Epeldegui, Andrew Schrepf, Sawsan As-Sanie, Kathryn L. Terry, Stacey A. Missmer

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

We evaluated inflammatory markers among 389 surgically confirmed endometriosis cases and 505 controls from the Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood (A2A) cohort. Participants reported dysmenorrhea, acyclic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and pain with bowel movements. Using multiplex assays, we measured their levels of plasma interleukin (IL)-1β, -6, -8, -10, and -16, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and -4, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10. For each symptom, we computed biomarker-level geometric means (GMs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using multivariate linear regression among the endometriosis cases and controls, with interactions with …

Adoption, Friendships, And Social Skills, Alexis M. Chelle

Sociology Undergraduate Senior Theses

Adoption functions as both an identity status and a source of unique social benefits and challenges for teenagers, informing their experience of friendship. While prior research primarily focuses on individual outcomes and difficulties that adoptees face, such as trauma-related disorders and social skill deficits, it often overlooks how adoptees and their parents perceive these impacts on peer relationships. This study draws on twenty-one in-depth interviews with adoptees ages thirteen to twenty-one and their adoptive parents to explore the role that adoption and adverse childhood experiences have on an adopted teen’s experience of friendships. Findings reveal that despite facing significant social …

Powering Up Clinical Scholarship, Evelyn Wang

HSLIC Faculty and Staff Instructional Resources

This presentation explores essential strategies and practical approaches to empower clinical scholarship among healthcare professionals. Topics include defining clinical scholarship, identifying opportunities for scholarly activities in clinical settings, leveraging evidence-based practice, collaboration and mentorship, navigating publication processes, and utilizing institutional resources. The session aims to inspire and equip clinicians to actively engage in scholarship, enhance professional development, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare practice and education.

The Case For Visual Art In Overcoming The Double Empathy Problem, Katelyn Milea Rose Nilson

Theses and Dissertations

A person's cognitive environment--made up of their thoughts, experiences, and tendencies--can affect how they empathize with others. Those with significantly different cognitive environments, such as autistic and neurotypical individuals, may have a difficult time empathizing with one another. This study aimed to facilitate empathy between the two groups by aligning their cognitive environments through discussion about visual art. Five autistic neurotypical dyads completed three discussion sessions where they observed and journaled about a piece of art, discussed their thoughts with each other, and filled out a questionnaire about their experience. All participants also completed a post-study interview. Data from questionnaires, …

Beyond The Surface: Mapping Dde's Metabolic Footprint On Adolescent Obesity, Zhenjiang Li, Shudi Pan, Brittney O Baumert, Jiawen Carmen Chen, Jesse A Goodrich, Hongxu Wang, Sarah Rock, Justin Ryder, Damaskini Valvi, Todd Jenkins, Stephanie Sisley, Xiangping Lin, Scott M Bartell, Thomas H Inge, Stavra Xanthakos, Brooklynn Mcneil, Anna R Robuck, Catherine E Mullins, Sandrah P Eckel, Rob S Mcconnell, Michele A La Merrill, Douglas I Walker, David V Conti, Lida Chatzi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Bariatric surgery is an intervention for severe obesity, leading to significant weight loss and metabolic improvements. However, the release of lipophilic chemicals accumulated in adipose tissue during weight loss presents a unique clinical challenge and research opportunity. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) is a persistent organic pollutant increasingly recognized as obesogen, while the biological mechanisms through which DDE influences body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference remain underexplored.

Objectives: We aimed to identify metabolic signatures mediating the association between DDE exposure and weight loss by plasma and adipose tissue metabolomics.

Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study involving 60 adolescents with severe obesity …

Culture Harder: Use More Specimen To Increase Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Culture Yield Relative To Pcr, Arvette E. Mitchell, Arpit P. Patel, Jennifer Dicandilo, Zachary W. Rebollido, Matthew Pettengill

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes considerable morbidity and mortality in both community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections, but detecting colonization with MRSA has been shown to improve patient outcomes in certain clinical settings. MRSA colonization detection has been carried out in a variety of ways, with molecular assays having superior sensitivity in most studies relative to culture, but culture is disadvantaged in some comparisons by utilization of low specimen volumes. We compared a commercial molecular assay to both low-volume (10 µl) and high-volume (650 µl) cultures and found that increasing the volume utilized for culture led to the detection of 25% more …

Current Issues In Oral Health: Introduction To The Special Issue, Nejat Düzgüneş

Pacific Faculty Work

No abstract provided.

Public Health Simulation Infused Program (Pship) Toolkit, Desiree A. Díaz, Mindi Anderson, Francisco Guido-Sanz, Peggy Hill, Samantha Stephenson, Heather Peralta, Syretta Spears, Geraldine Luzincourt

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Project Narrative

PURPOSE AND NEED

Purpose: Priorities set forth by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) are addressed in the proposed simulation program in an effort to meet curricular needs and foster care to the medically underserved in Florida, further exposing students to public healthcare needs. Interprofessional (nursing and social work) and intraprofessional (undergraduate nurse and Nurse Practitioner [NP]) instruction is essential in the simulation-based education (SBE) program, promoting important content on identifying risk factors and health assessment of the medically underserved community (MUC) (Education Priority 2, §831). Coordination of medical care is a vicarious learning opportunity for all …

Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing For Cervical Myelopathy Surgery: A Step Towards Total Episode Costs, Kavantissa M. Keppetipola, Adam Leibold, Jay Trivedi, Ashmal Sami, Advith Sarikonda, D. Mitchell Self, Emily L. Isch, Steven R. Glener, Srinivas Prasad, Jack Jallo, Joshua E. Pelta-Heller, James Harrop, Alex R. Vaccaro, Ahilan Sivaganesan

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is a highly accurate method for determining the true cost of delivering a healthcare service. However, TDABC is most often applied to a singular phase of care such as an outpatient visit or a surgical event. Here we broaden the scope by using TDABC to estimate the costs of surgically treating cervical myelopathy - from the moment of surgical scheduling until post-operative hospital discharge.

METHODS: In a single-center retrospective study at a large tertiary academic institution, TDABC was employed to measure pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative (inpatient) costs for 63 patients undergoing elective surgery for cervical …

Comparison Between Pipeline Embolization Device (Ped) Versus Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device (Fred) For Intracranial Aneurysms: A Comprehensive Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Seyed Maroufi, Mohammad Fallahi, Muhammad Waqas, Othman Bin-Alamer, Manisha Koneru, Joanna Roy, Jane Khalife, Hamza Shaikh, Daniel Tonetti

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: The performance of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) and relatively newer double-layered Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device (FRED) have been studied for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, but direct comparisons between PED and FRED are limited. The current systematic review aims at comparing the efficacy and safety of PED and FRED.

METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guideline. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched, and related records were identified. A meta-analysis of double-arm studies comparing PED and FRED was conducted on angiographic and clinical outcomes, retreatment rates, and …

An Instrumental Case Study Of Low-Income, African-American Parents’ Perceptions And Experiences Of Parent-Teacher Relationships In Midwestern, Pk-8 U.S. Public Schools, Rochelle Rolle

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

Positive parent-teacher relationships are vital for student success in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, particularly among low-income, African-American parents and guardians. Research suggests respect, trust, and open communication as key factors for cultivating positive parent-relationships; however, race and social class have influenced the development of African-American parents and guardians’ relationships with their children’s teachers. This instrumental case study investigated how six low- income, African-American parents and guardians in Midwestern PK-8 public schools perceive their relationships with their children’s teachers. Using a qualitative method approach, the study was guided by the Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler Model of the Parental Involvement Process and Critical …

A Meta-Analysis And Systematic Review Of Cardiac Troponin I Vs T In Community Dwelling Adults: Is Specificity At Risk?, Yashika Parashar, Aya Awwad, Soahum Bagchi, Brian Claggett, Saman Asad Siddiqui, Ajari Winifred Ogheneochuko, Christie M Ballantyne, Christopher Defilippi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Cardiac troponin I and T measured by high-sensitivity assays (hs-cTn) are detectable in most ambulatory adults. Hs-cTnI and T may perform differently for prediction of cardiovascular (CV) events. In adults with myopathies and advanced age, hs-cTnT can lose CV specificity. We undertook a meta-analysis of ambulatory studies measuring hs-cTn to determine whether hs-cTnI is a superior predictor of CV outcomes.

Methods: Articles evaluating hs-cTnI or T for incident heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI), CV, and all-cause death in ambulatory adults were screened. Adjusted HRs were extracted standardized as hs-cTn tertile 3 vs 1. Pooled effects were calculated, and …

Lipoprotein(A) And Heart Failure Among Black And White Participants In Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study, Framingham Offspring Study, And Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis: The Pooling Project, Sarah Nomura, Weihua Guan, Yixin Zhang, Geoffrey H Tison, Hiroaki Ikezaki, Margaret R Diffenderfer, Ching-Ti Liu, Ron C Hoogeveen, Christie M Ballantyne, Ernst J Schaefer, Michael Y Tsai

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: This study investigated Lp(a) (lipoprotein(a)) levels with heart failure (HF) incidence overall and ejection fraction (EF) subtypes among Black and White participants in a pooled analysis of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), FOS (Framingham Offspring Study), and ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study).

Methods: This study was conducted among 16 771 White and Black participants in ARIC (N=10 347), MESA (N=4150), and FOS (N=2274). Baseline was time of Lp(a) measurement (ARIC Visit 4: 1996-1998; MESA Visit 1: 2000-2002; FOS Cycle 6: 1995-1998). HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) was defined as EF < 50% and ≥50% as HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate associations between Lp(a) (log-transformed continuous, dichotomized at ≥30 mg/dL and ≥50 mg/dL, and quartiles) and HF (overall, HFpEF, HFrEF) in the overall population and stratified by race. Analyses were replicated excluding prior history of myocardial infarction.

Results: There were 2759 HF cases (HFpEF N=859; …

Co-Designing A Digital Nutrition Intervention For Individuals With Severe Mental Illness Using The Behaviour Change Wheel, Ciara O'Sullivan, Tara Coppinger, Indika Dhanapala, Alison Merrotsy

Publications

Title: Co-Designing a Digital Nutrition Intervention for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness Using the Behaviour Change Wheel

Purpose: This study aims to develop a digital nutrition intervention for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) residing in high-support mental health hostels, using a theoretically informed co-design approach.

Design/methodology/approach: This study will employ a participatory, mixed-methods approach, incorporating Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) to ensure user-centred intervention design. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) guides the selection of intervention functions, Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) and delivery methods. The study will consist of three phases: (1) Preparation, (2) Co-Design, and (3) Finalisation.

Findings: Data …

Mitral Valve Surgery After Failed Transcatheter Intervention For Mitral Regurgitation: Surgical Techniques, Challenges And Outcomes, Mateo Marin-Cuartas, Syed Zaid, Jörg Kempfert, Michael A Borger, Serdar Akansel, Thilo Noack, David Holzhey, Tsuyoshi Kaneko, Isaac George, Gorav Ailawadi, Robert L Smith, Arnar Geirrson, Ahmed El-Eshmawi, Dimosthenis Pandis, Suzanne De Waha, Nikolaos Bonaros, Fabien Praz, Maurizio Taramasso, Michele De Bonis, Lenard Conradi, Christian Hagl, Nicolas Doll, Mahmoud Wehbe, Alexey Dashkevich, Manuela De La Cuesta, Jagdip Kang, Zara Dietze, Philipp Kiefer, Gilbert H L Tang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objectives: This review article aims to examine the surgical approach to patients with failed mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER), focusing on operative challenges, decision-making and contemporary outcome data. Technical considerations, including device removal and the management of complex mitral valve (MV) anatomy, are discussed.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review and gathered the experience from high-volume centres in the surgical management of failed M-TEER.

Results: MV surgery after failed M-TEER is a complex but increasingly necessary procedure as the use of M-TEER grows. It occurs in up to 6% of patients, with a median age of 70-76 years at …

In Situ Structure And Assembly Of The Abc-Type Tripartite Pump Macab-Tolc, Tong Huo, Wenfang Zhang, Zhili Yu, Wei Zheng, Yaoming Wu, Qiuyu Ren, Zekai Wan, Junli Cao, Zhao Wang, Xiaodong Shi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The MacAB-TolC tripartite efflux pump is widely distributed in Gram-negative bacteria, extruding antibiotics and virulence factors that lead to multidrug resistance and pathogenicity. However, the in situ structure and assembly mechanism of MacAB-TolC remain unclear. Here, we resolve the in situ structures of the MacAB-TolC efflux pump in Escherichia coli by electron cryo-tomography and subtomogram averaging. In the cells without antibiotic treatment, we observe a fully assembled MacAB-TolC pump. When Escherichia coli cells are treated with erythromycin, in addition to the tripartite pumps, we also discover the emergence of MacA-TolC subcomplexes without MacB, indicating flexible binding of MacB in the …

Exploring South Asian Parent Perceptions Of Involvement In Their Child’S Schooling, Qazi Mohammed Faaizuddin Biabani

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

No abstract provided.

Addressing The Crisis Of Masculinity: The Impact Of A High School Counter-Hegemonic Course On Adolescent Male Identity And Traditional Masculinity Ideology, Thomas Conlon

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

No abstract provided.

Ph.D. Student Researching Rare Bone Disorder She Was Diagnosed With As A Child, Keith Testa

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Convergence Research For Microplastic Pollution At The Watershed Scale, Heejun Chang, Elise F. Granek, Amanda Gannon, Jordyn M. Wolfand, Janice Brahney

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

Microplastics are found in Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and ecosphere. While there is a growing interest and need to solve this grand challenge in both the academic and policy realms, few have engaged with academics, policymakers, and community partners to co-identify the problem, co-design research, and co-produce knowledge in tackling this issue. Using a convergence research framework, we investigated the perception of microplastic pollution among different end users, delivered educational materials to K-12 teachers and practitioners, and identified key sampling points for assessing environmental microplastic concentrations in the Columbia River Basin, United States. Three community partner workshops identified regional …

Stroke Survivors: Predicting Cognitive Outcomes By Stroke Severity, Caregiver Factors, & Social Determinants Of Health, Jason Alexander Blake

All ETDs from UAB

Physical and cognitive disabilities are common following a stroke, often leading to significant changes in survivors' daily lives and increasing dependency on caregivers. These changes can include involuntary retirement, loss of independence, and decreased social engagement, which may necessitate adjustments in living arrangements and long-term care. This dissertation investigates the predictors of cognitive outcomes in stroke survivors, with a particular focus on the roles of stroke severity and caregiver factors. Utilizing data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) project, this research captures the different predictors of post-stroke cognition through biennial assessments. Through longitudinal studies, this …

The Role Of B Cells In A Mouse Model Of Multiple System Atrophy, Gabrielle Childers

All ETDs from UAB

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, fast progressing, debilitating and ultimately fatal movement disorder. The pathological hallmark of MSA disease is the aggregation and misfolding of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes, termed glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Accumulation of these GCIs result in progressive demyelination and neurodegeneration of the striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar regions of the brain. Currently, no therapeutics have been approved that slow or halt the progression of this devastating disease. Neuroinflammation, has been increasingly appreciated as a key neuropathological feature of disease, especially activation of tissue resident innate immune cells. Recently, evidence of adaptive immune …

Effect Of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills On Clotting Factor Vii Activity Percentage, Buthaina H. Hammadi, Najlaa B. Al-Awady, Sura Salman Ejam

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

Background: Combined hormonal pills that are used for contraception are widely used around the world as a straightforward, secure, and reversible approach to contraception. Over time, many side effects of these contraceptive pills have been discovered, including prothrombotic effects, one of which is the effect on clotting factor VII.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of combined hormonal contraceptives on FVII active state percentage and, consequently, the prothrombotic risk associated with these medications.

Materials and Methods: It is a case-control study involving 50 users of COC of different types and compared with other 50 non-user controls after obtaining their verbal consent. …

A Review Of The Persistent Burden Of Post-Covid Headaches In Children, Hajir Karim Abdul-Husseein

Hilla University College Journal For Medical Science

This review focuses on the problem of the headache occurrence in children after COVID. Studies indicated that headaches and fatigue are common long-term symptoms in school-age children following COVID-19 infection. The prevalence of persistent post-COVID headaches in children varies between 5% and 25.4%, often lasting for at least 3 months. Exploration of potential pathophysiological mechanisms of post-COVID headaches in children includes the trigemino-vascular system, viral-induced inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and compromised cerebral blood flow. Age-related immune responses and the expression of receptors like ACE2 may also play a role in pediatric headache development. The features of post-COVID headaches in children …

Exploring Educator Psychological Capital Through Participation In A Coordinated School Violence Prevention Approach, Stephanie Lorraine Neff

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study is a description of how educators’ participation in a coordinated approach to violence prevention contributed to employee wellness and school climate. Using principles of psychological capital (PsyCap) theory, archival focus group and interview data were used to describe educator experiences during implementation of a 3-year coordinated approach to school violence in a mid-sized public school district. Findings of the analysis revealed consistent references to feelings of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism throughout the study, but with slight shifts in frequency each year based on both internal (i.e. skill development, relationship-building), and external (i.e. administrative support, policy directives, broader …

Effect Of Access Cavity Preparation And Cement On The Fracture Load Of Translucent Zirconia Crowns, Andrea Fenton, Amir H. Nejat, Edwin Kee, Xiaoming Xu, Albert F. Mcmullen Iii

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of endodontic access hole preparation and choice of luting cement on the fracture resistance of translucent zirconia (5Y) crowns. Materials and Methods: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dies, representing a prepared maxillary molar tooth, were milled. Translucent zirconia crowns were milled from 5Y (Cercon XTML) zirconia discs and sintered. Forty crowns were divided into four groups (n = 10 per group) based on access hole preparation (accessed, non-accessed) and type of luting cement (resin cement, resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cement). Crowns were cemented on the PMMA dies with either resin cement (Panavia SA Cement Universal, Kuraray Noritake …

Experiences Of Discrimination And Neighborhood Cohesion In Risk Of Poor Mental Health Outcomes Among Older, Community-Dwelling Participants In The Regards Study, Marquita S. Brooks

All ETDs from UAB

Mental health disorders impact approximately 14% of persons aged 65 and older and often are undertreated or underrecognized. Assessment of factors that link environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, and biological factors to overall health and disease is integral to guiding research on health disparities in older populations. Although research suggests associations between environmental factors (i.e., discrimination and neighborhood cohesion) and mental health outcomes, there is limited research on these factors within the U.S. Therefore, our study assessed the relationship between discrimination, neighborhood cohesion, and mental health outcomes in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a national, prospective …

Examining Risk And Protective Factors Of African Americans Who Use Substances, Dominique Ashonta Black

All ETDs from UAB

African Americans (AAs) are less likely to report internalized symptoms and substance use compared to other racial groups but tend to report more severe symptoms related to either condition. Research suggests internalized symptoms and substance use share a causal relationship or an underlying factor that contributes to both conditions. Risk factors such as stress, discrimination, and trauma strengthen the relationship between anxiety and substance use in AAs. A higher prevalence of stress, discrimination, and trauma exposure was found in AAs when compared to other racial groups, increasing AAs risk for internalized symptoms and substance use. While it is important to …

Cardiac-Derived Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Contributes To Physiologic And Pathologic Cardiac Remodeling, Isaac Daniel Campos

All ETDs from UAB

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health risk that increases patients’ risk for premature mortality and is accompanied by pathologic cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Declining kidney function results in elevations of serum phosphate and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 23, a bone-derived phosphaturic hormone. Hyperphosphatemia and elevated FGF23 are associated with cardiovascular mortality in CKD. FGF23 can directly target cardiac myocytes via FGF Receptor (FGFR) 4 and induce cardiac hypertrophy and blocking FGFR4 signaling in CKD models reduces cardiac hypertrophy, but not fibrosis. FGF23 elevations are also observed following exercise and during pregnancy, two scenarios of physiologic hypertrophy not associated …