Digital Commons Network^™

Sensitivity And Specificity Of The Cobas Liat Ct/Ng/Mg Nucleic Acid Test In A Clinical Laboratory Setting And Point-Of-Care Location, B Van Der Pol, R Arcenas, C Boraas, S Chavoustie, L L. Crane, N D'Empaire, A C. Ermel, G Harnett, F Hinestrosa, S House, Rebecca A. Lillis, J Miller, A Mills, R Poblete, S A. Young

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Sexually transmitted infections, e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), present with similar signs/symptoms and are often treated empirically due to delays in receiving diagnostic test results. This study evaluated the clinical performance of the Cobas Liat CT/NG/MG nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) in detecting these pathogens in a point-of-care (POC) setting. This non-interventional, multicenter study recruited symptomatic/asymptomatic participants from 13 geographically diverse POC sites across the USA. Prospective clinician- and self-collected specimens (urine/vaginal swabs) were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Cobas Liat CT/NG/MG test relative to the composite reference standard (CRS), …

Biofilm Formation Of A Strain Of Bovine Escherichia Coli And Analysis Of Its Influencing Factors, Xin Zhang, Yunjiao Chen, Weijuan Jia, Zhilin Liu, Zelin Jia, Jiayu Cui, Huisheng Xiong, Yuhang Zhang, Xueli Wang

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study investigated the biofilm (BF) formation of a bovine-derived Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain (designated DL1907) and analyzed the factors influencing its formation. The BF-forming capacity, optimal formation time and temperature, as well as the effects of different culture media, pH levels, NaCl concentrations, and glucose concentrations, were assessed using the crystal violet method. The results demonstrated that the strain had a strong BF-forming capacity, achieving the most intact BF structure after 36 h of culture at 37°C. Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) medium promoted the strongest BF formation compared to Luria-Bertani (LB) and Müller-Hinton Broth (MH) media. …

Molecular Identification Of Cryptosporidium Spp. Isolated From Dairy Calves In The Northern Region Of Algeria, Dadda Anes, Abdellah Mohamed Cherif, Aoun Leila, Chatanun Eamudomkarn, Khelef Djamel, Keeseon S Eom, Dongmin Lee, Barakaeli Abdieli Ndosi, Mohammed Mebarek Bia

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Cryptosporidium spp. is the most frequent agent in Algeria that causes neonatal diarrhea in calves, with high symptomatic diarrhea in pre-weaned dairy calves. The study aims to measure the prevalence, distribution, and genotype of Cryptosporidium-infected calves in one of Algeria's high milk production areas (North Central and Northeast). From 35 dairy cattle farms were selected 172 (77 with diarrheic and 95 without diarrheic symptoms) calves aged less than 60 days. Twenty-three farms (65.71%) were detected with cryptosporidiosis using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain, whereby 68 calves (39.53%) were obtained positive. The Copro-ELISA test gave an individual prevalence of (37.66%, 22.11%) …

Real-World Data For Tisagenlecleucel In Patients With R/R B-All: Subgroup Analyses From The Cibmtr Registry., Samuel John, Kevin J. Curran, Erin Hall, Amy K. Keating, Susanne H C Baumeister, Sarah Nikiforow, Timothy Driscoll, Amy Moskop, Kevin O. Mcnerney, Christine L. Phillips, Michael A. Pulsipher, Emily M. Hsieh, Rayne H. Rouce, Marcelo C. Pasquini, Ranjan Tiwari, Jennifer Willert, Roberto Ramos, Joerg Krueger, Erin Guest, Stephan A. Grupp

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Since the first approval of tisagenlecleucel in 2017, pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) may receive this CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. We report real-world data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (>2.5 years of follow-up). As of 4 May 2022, 768 patients with B-ALL had received tisagenlecleucel. Patients aged ≥18 and < 18 years of age (including those < 3 years) were treated during first relapse (26.6% and 26.7% [< 3 years, 44.8%], respectively) or primary refractory disease (12.4% and 12.1% [< 3 years, 15.5%], respectively) with 17.6% and 11.6% (< 3 years, 13.8%), respectively, having high disease burden (≥50% bone marrow [BM] blasts) and 20.2% and 20.2% (< 3 years, 13.8%), respectively, having low disease burden (>0 to < 5% BM blasts). Among patients with ≥12 months postinfusion follow-up (n = 578; median follow-up, 32.1 months), the best overall response of complete remission/complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery was 86.0%. The 12-month relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 61.8% and 79.4%, respectively, whereas the 24-month RFS and OS were 50.3% and 63.8%, respectively. Age (< 18 years) and disease burden (< 50% BM blasts) were associated with better outcomes. Previous inotuzumab therapy and KMT2A rearrangement were associated with worse outcomes. Older patients (≥18 years) experienced a higher rate of any-grade cytokine release syndrome (CRS) associated with higher disease burden before infusion. Any-grade CRS and neurotoxicity were lower in patients aged < 3 years. Extended follow-up continues to demonstrate high rates of RFS and favorable safety in this population.

The Effects Of The Combined Use Of Carbon Quantum Dots And Antibacterial Agents On Pathogenic Bacteria, Derya Doğanay, İbrahi̇m Serkan Avşar, Şevval Maral Özcan Aykol, Gamze Çamlik, Besa Bi̇lakaya, İsmai̇l Tuncer Deği̇m

Turkish Journal of Biology

Background/aim: This study evaluates the challenges associated with overcoming antimicrobial resistance and innovative approaches to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections.

Materials and methods: Novel codoped carbon quantum dots (CCQDs) were synthesized using citric acid as the carbon source and L-cysteine as the nitrogen codoping atom. The formulation in which citric acid was retained was designated as CCQDs-1, whereas the purified version, from which citric acid was removed, was termed CCQDs-2. The antibacterial properties of CCQDs-1 and CCQDs-2 were compared using the agar well diffusion method. This study comprehensively characterizes these nanomaterials and evaluates their antibacterial potential, both alone and in …

Ameliorating Effect Of Haematococcus Pluvialis Powder On Lps-Induced Barrier Damage In Hok Cells, Xie Jinmei, Chen Cailian, Zhang Yong, Zheng Yunjian, Xie Xi

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the protective effect of Haematococcus pluvialis (H.pluvialis) powder on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oral epithelial damage. [Methods] The effects of different doses of H.pluvialis on the viability of human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were assessed. In LPS-induced HOKs, changes in the tight junction-associated proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, mitochondrial morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX), and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) were evaluated. [Results] Compared with the LPS model group, high-dose H.pluvialis significantly upregulated the expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1 to 151.56% and 170.52%, respectively (P < 0.05), and promoted their membrane localization. In addition, H.pluvialis markedly improved LPS-induced excessive ROS and MitoSOX production, the reduction in MMP, and the increase in MPTP in HOKs. [Conclusion] H.pluvialis may alleviate LPS-induced barrier damage in HOKs by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a functional food for oral mucosal barrier repair.

Screening For Trypanosoma Cruzi In Patients Living With The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Pwh) In The Peruvian Amazon, Silvia Otero-Rodriguez, Martin Casapia-Morales, Lilia-Lorena Pinedo-Ramirez, Esperanza Merino, Eva H Clark, José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) - Trypanosoma cruzi infection - in people living with HIV (PWH), particularly those with advanced CD4 T cell depletion, can lead to severe syndromes affecting the central nervous system and the heart.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to screen for CD among PWH in Iquitos, Peru, between October 2023 and May 2024, with the objective of understanding the frequency of infection in this population. Adults with confirmed HIV attending outpatient services at two regional hospitals were enrolled. Two ELISA tests (lysate and recombinant) were used, and discordant results were adjudicated by indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). …

Mathematical Analysis Of Toxicants And Diseases Impact On A Prey-Predator System With Control Interventions, Nuru Yazidi Juma, Thadei Damas Sagamiko, James Philbert Mpele

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study developed a generic prey-predator mathematical model incorporating logistic growth for prey and a Holling Type I functional response for predator consumption. Prey-predator interactions form the foundation of ecological balance, but in recent decades these systems have been increasingly threatened by toxicants and infectious diseases. The combined effect of these challenges can lead to severe population declines, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem instability, making their study important for conservation and environmental management. The model includes the effects of diseases and toxicants on prey and toxicants only on predators, and explores optimal control strategies to mitigate these threats. Without considering time …

Prevalence And Molecular Characterization Of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella In Poultry Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Tumwi T. Salah, Paulo S. Joseph, Bishop I. Magidanga, Richard S. Mwakapuja, Victor A. Makene

Tanzania Journal of Science

Poultry is one of the common source of non-typhoidal Salmonella and poultry products are the major sources of human and animal infections with the Salmonella. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella in live commercial and backyard chickens from retail markets and farms in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania. The study was conducted in four districts; Ubungo, Kinondoni, Temeke and Ilala. A total of 400 chickens (120 broilers, 120 layers and 160 backyard chickens) were tested for Salmonella. Salmonella isolation and identification was carried out using bacteriological standard methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) …

Uthealth Mcgovern Medical School 2025 Quality Symposium Abstracts

Teaching in Clinics

UTHealth McGovern Medical School 2025 Quality Symposium Abstracts

Pediatric Vs Adult Invasive Aspergillosis In Cancer And Hematopoietic Transplant Patients: Insights From A Matched Cohort At A Tertiary Cancer Center, Saliba Wehbe, Ramia Zakhour, Ray Hachem, Ying Jiang, Hiba Dagher, Roseen Salman, Anne-Marie Chaftari, Issam I Raad

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients, including those with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. While adult IA has been well characterized, data on pediatric populations remain limited, and potential age-related differences are often overlooked in current management guidelines.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study at a tertiary cancer center, evaluating IA cases diagnosed over a 31-year period. Pediatric patients (≤18 years) with proven or probable IA were matched 1:3 with adult IA cases based on year of diagnosis, underlying disease, and history of hematopoietic cell transplantation. We compared demographics, clinical presentation, …

Exploring Public Health Nurses’ Perceptions Of Syringe Services Programs In Southern Rural Areas, Joel Lowery

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public health nurses are potentially key stakeholders in syringe services program (SSP) implementation in rural areas, where they can act as liaisons between public health, private healthcare, and the community. However, little research reflects an in-depth understanding of how public health nurses perceive SSPs in rural areas. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of syringe services programs held by public health nurses practicing in rural areas with no existing SSPs in southern states and ascertain their potential roles in facilitating harm reduction for people who inject drugs. This study was guided by a conceptual framework …

Apitherapy: Therapeutic Potential Of Bee Products In Human Health, Vezir Januzi, Albina Jaha, Hyzer Rizani, Nexhat Balaj

UBT International Conference

Apitherapy is a form of alternative medicine based on the therapeutic use of bee products, such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, and bee venom. These substances have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. With the development of biomedical sciences and interest in natural treatments, apitherapy is gaining increasing attention in contemporary medicine. This study aims to review the local and international scientific literature on the impact of apitherapy on human health. The analysis focuses on the findings of experimental and clinical research evaluating the preventive and therapeutic effects of …

The Challenges Of The Digital Transformation Of A Hospital According To The Trends Of Innovative Technological Development, Vehebi Sofiu, Faton Kabashi, Lamir Shkurti, Mirlinda Reqica, Mirlinda Selimaj, Greta Ahma

UBT International Conference

This research discusses the process of managing and digitally transforming a hospital by integrating advanced technologies. The focus of this transformation is patient care and the protection of institutional data through the implementation of Block chain technology to enhance security measures. The goal of this topic is to take preventive measures against information security breaches and cyber threats. The transformation model addresses institutional deficiencies in managing healthcare information and patient records through electronic records. Additionally, it advances technological development to align the use of artificial intelligence with medical care infrastructure. This technology enables training for staff involved in hospital communication, …

The Role Of The Media In Health Education And Disease Prevention, Laura Binxhija, Diana Sejdiu, Bislim Krasniqi

UBT International Conference

This study examines the role of media in health education and disease prevention through a combined approach of literature review and empirical analysis. The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire administered to a representative sample of 160 people. The data showed that 91.7% consider media an influential factor in shaping their health behaviors, while 85% reported making significant health-related decisions—such as visiting a doctor or changing dietary habits—based on information obtained from media sources. Social media (45%) and online portals (35%) emerged as the dominant channels for accessing health information. Despite a high perceived level of trustworthiness (48.5% considered …

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Medicine: Benefits And Risks, Aurela Gashi, Faton Kabashi, Vehebi Sofiu, Mirlinda Selimaj, Laura Gjikokaj

UBT International Conference

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the field of medicine by enabling rapid and precise diagnosis, personalized therapies, and advanced data management. From interpreting complex medical images to predicting chronic disease risks and tailoring treatments for individual patients, AI demonstrates unprecedented potential to enhance healthcare outcomes. However, alongside these opportunities emerge critical challenges and risks. Biased training datasets may lead to inaccurate diagnoses, while concerns over data privacy and ethical responsibility raise fundamental questions about the limits of automation in healthcare. This paper emphasizes that the integration of AI should not aim to replace physicians but rather to support them, …

International Conference On Food Science, Nutrition And Agriculture, University For Business And Technology (Ubt) In Kosovo

UBT International Conference

UBT Annual International Conference is the 14th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent …

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion After Covid-19, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba, Grace Tan Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: A healthy, 39-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset, painless vision loss of the right eye’s superior visual field two months after a mild case of COVID-19.

Case Report: The patient was diagnosed with an acute branch retinal artery occlusion and referred to the emergency department for prompt evaluation. When the emergency workup was unremarkable the patient was referred to cardiology and hematology and follow up with a retinal specialist. The exhaustive systemic work-up was unremarkable other than recent COVID-19. Retinal perfusion to the affected area resumed in the weeks after the incident but irreversible vision loss occurred.

Conclusion: …

Additive Effects Of N-Acetylcysteine And [R4W4] Combination Treatment On Mycobacterium Avium, Kayvan Sasaninia, Iffat Hasnin Era, Nezam Newman, Jesse Melendez, Wajiha Akif, Eashan Sharma, Omid Nikjeh, Ira Glassman, Cristián Jiménez, Navya Sharma, Ama Xu, Maria Lambros, Miou Zhou, Rakesh Tiwari, Vishwanath Venketaraman

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Mycobacterium avium is an opportunistic pathogen and a leading contributor to nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in immunocompromised individuals. However, treatment duration, antibiotic toxicity, and resistance present challenges in the management of mycobacterium infections, prompting the need for novel treatment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has demonstrated potent antimycobacterial activity, while antimicrobial peptides such as the cyclic [R₄W₄] have shown additive effects when combined with first-line antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism and efficacy of NAC and [R₄W₄] combination therapy against M. avium. A membrane depolarization assay was used to evaluate the effects of …

Global Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Higher Education In Physiology, Sean Mahajan, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the higher education sector worldwide in several disciplines, especially those in healthcare as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that require active, experiential learning via practical application of concepts centered around physiology. Dynamic instructional and technological interventions took place rapidly in an effort to minimize the adverse repercussions of moving away from traditional means of education in these critical scientific fields. COVID-19 necessitated administrators, faculty, students, and interns at colleges, universities, medical/healthcare science programs and residencies to pursue teaching, learning, and assessment of physiology courses/curricula through innovative strategies without compromising …

Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Anatomy Higher Education Around The World, Sneh Patel, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted the higher education sector worldwide in several disciplines, especially those in healthcare as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that require active, experiential learning via practical application of concepts centering around anatomy. Dynamic instructional and technological interventions took place rapidly in an effort to minimize the adverse repercussions of moving away from traditional means of education in these critical scientific fields. COVID-19 necessitated administrators, faculty, students, and interns at colleges, universities, medical/ healthcare science programs and residencies to pursue teaching, learning, and assessment of anatomy courses/curricula through innovative strategies without compromising …

New Graduate Nurse Transition To Practice During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Directed Content Analysis, Ramona S. Baucham, Kathy Baker, Carol Howe, Michelle Kimzey

Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE)

This study is one of the first to describe how new graduate nurses transitioned to practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although other studies have expounded upon the experiences of transition to practice for new graduate nurses, few have been conducted during times as far-reaching as a global pandemic.

Detailed abstract attached.

Evaluation Of Interleukins 35 And 39 Levels In Women Infected With Cytomegalovirus, Maryam Adnan Juma, Zahra’A Abdulraheem Ahmed

Baghdad Science Journal

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common latent virus that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Interleukins (ILs) are crucial for cell-to-cell communication and facilitate precise regulation of the immune response. The current study aimed to evaluate serum IL-35 and IL-39 levels in Iraqi women with CMV, particularly in pregnant women, and investigate their potential involvement in CMV infection and pregnancy. Serum samples were obtained from 115 women (age range:15–29 years), including CMV-infected pregnant women, uninfected pregnant women, CMV-infected non-pregnant women, and healthy non-pregnant women. IL-35 and IL-39 levels were measured using ELISA kits. Statistical analyses were performed …

A Critical Alteration In Enolase Is Identified In One Isolate Of Staphylococcus Aureus To Avoid Host Immunity, Ban M. Abdulhadi, Halah H Al-Haideri

Baghdad Science Journal

The ability of Staphylococcus aureus enolase to cleave plasminogen has been thought to be important for bacterial virulence. The genetic variants of Eno gene sequences were investigated in the present study to assess the pattern of biological diversity of one isolate of S. aureus isolated from patients with diabetic food from Iraqi hospitals. The observed variant’s possible impact in altering the enolase’s binding with its receptor was assessed by docking with plasminogen before and after mutation. Within the locus 791^st, two variations were identified with two different consequences since A>T791 (in S2, S3, S14, and S17) and …

Xpert Mtb/Rif Ultra Assay For Tuberculosis Disease And Rifampicin Resistance In Children, Alexander W Kay, Maia Madison, Katie Scandrett, Tara Ness, Pauline Amuge, Leeberk Raja Inbaraj, Mukesh Kumar Sathya Narayanan, Lucia González Fernández, Michael Eisenhut, Nazir Ismail, Alexei Korobitsyn, Sabine E Verkuijl, Annemieke Brands, Kerri Viney, Tiziana Masini, Anna M Mandalakas, Karen R Steingart, Yemisi Takwoingi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: In 2023, an estimated 1.3 million children (aged 0-14 years) became ill with tuberculosis, and 166,000 children (aged 0-15 years) died from the disease. Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) is a molecular World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended rapid diagnostic test that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and rifampicin resistance. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2020 and last updated in 2022. Parts of the current update informed the 2024 WHO updated guidance for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert Ultra for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculous meningitis, lymph node tuberculosis, and …

Tetanus And Diphtheria Vaccination Coverage And Electronic Health Record Alerts For Immigrants And Refugees At Three United States Health Systems, 2017-2023, Abigail Steiner, Ann Settgast, Malini Desilva, Colleen Payton, Kristine Knuti Rodrigues, Margaret Nolan, Ella Chrenka, Mateo Frumholtz, Jeremy J Michel, Amy Stein, Blain Mamo, Janine Young

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Tetanus and diphtheria (tetanus/diphtheria) infections are rare in the United States (U.S.), but adequate vaccination is essential to prevent disease and associated morbidity and mortality. Compared with U.S.-born persons, immigrant and refugee adults have lower completion rates for tetanus/diphtheria vaccination series. However, most electronic health record (EHR)-generated recommendations only advise tetanus/diphtheria vaccines every 10 years for persons ≥18 years. This analysis compared documented completion of tetanus/diphtheria 3-dose vaccination series with EHR-generated recommendations for immigrant and refugee patients at three U.S. health systems seen during 2017-2022. The EHR documented complete 3-dose tetanus/diphtheria vaccine series for 28 % of 50,829 adult immigrant …

Vaccination Against Onchocerca Volvulus Induces Igg-Mediated Protective Immunity Dependent On Neutrophils And Complement, Nathan M. Ryan, Jessica A. Hess, Mohini Nakhale, Annabel A. Ferguson, William Stump, Sara Belko, Rachel Monane, Robert S. Pugliese, Nikolai Petrovsky, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Sean A. Gray, Darrick Carter, Sara Lustigman, David Abraham

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Faculty Papers

Onchocerciasis remains a significant cause of morbidity and economic loss in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the existence of effective therapeutics, a prophylactic vaccine targeting the etiologic agent, Onchocerca volvulus, is needed to control ongoing disease and transmission. Mice were vaccinated against O. volvulus with a fusion of the recombinant antigens Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2 (Ov-FUS-1) with Advax-CpG adjuvant. Immunized mice developed protective immunity with the killing of third-stage larvae (L3) within 36 h of challenge infection. IgG from immunized mice passively transferred protective immunity to naïve mice, indicating that antigen-specific IgG mediated parasite elimination. Neutrophils were the most abundant subset of immune …

University Students’ Condom Use During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Cross-Cultural Differences And What Predict Them, Liam Dacosta, James S. Morandini, Rebecca T. Pinkus, Elien De Caluwé, Lik Sam Chan, Olivine Lo, Saowanee Thongnopakun, Sawitree Visanuyothin, Cheryl Harasymchuk, Samantha Joel, Helen C. Harton, Alyssa Mccoy, Victoria Dale, David L. Rodrigues, Judit Takács, Alexandra Sipos, Veronica M. Lamarche, Racidon Bernarte, Viktorija Čepukienė, Ivana M. Jakšić, Bojana Bodroža, Huỳnh Hồng Mai, Tran Thi Hong, Grace Akello, Ivana Hromatko, Asha Ganesan, Jiawei Zhang, Damian Murray, James Moran, Juan Ramón Barrada, Ángel Castro, Claudia Navarro-Roldan, Kuan-Pin Su, Jane Chang, Matthew B. Ruby, Donya Ziadlou, Shin Nakamine, Yutaka Watanabe, Albert Lee, Richelle-Joy Chia, Ilan Dar-Nimrod

Faculty Publications

Humans instinctively adopt methods to reduce their risk of encountering harmful pathogens, yet their adherence to preventive health practices can often be erratic. Condoms exemplify one vital preventive tool against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that, despite their effectiveness, are not consistently utilized. This pattern of behavior appears to persist even during periods of widespread disease transmission, with varied data from the COVID-19 pandemic indicating that condom usage remained inconsistent. The present study aimed to clarify these inconsistencies by examining changes in condom use cross-culturally. Heterosexual participants who were sexually active (N = 3,972 [1,327 men, 2,645 women], Mage= 22.82) across …

Exploring The Behaviors Of Women Who Are Mentally Thriving With Autoimmune Disease: A Mixed Methods Approach, Emilie Ann Ellenberg

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Autoimmune diseases encompass a variety of conditions that impact millions of Americans, with a higher prevalence among women than men. These diseases involve immune system dysregulation, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. Despite progress in understanding their underlying mechanisms, important aspects remain inadequately understood, such as the relationships among immune dysregulation, medical outcomes, and psychiatric comorbidities. Preliminary qualitative research indicates that perceived diagnostic invalidation leads to the mental health needs among women with autoimmune diseases often being unmet, and behavioral health help-seeking behaviors being reduced. Although perceived diagnostic invalidation can lead to increased mental health symptomology and decreased help-seeking behaviors, …

Utilizing An Evidence-Based Educational Intervention To Assess Health Care Provider Knowledge And Confidence Of Weight Management Strategies In A Primary Care Setting, Fanny Ngwa Shu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to address a clinical gap in primary care by enhancing provider and staff knowledge and confidence in delivering weight management counseling. Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, many healthcare providers feel inadequately prepared to initiate weight-related discussions due to factors such as limited training, cultural barriers, and a lack of understanding of social determinants of health (SDOH) that influence patient behaviors. This gap in care can hinder the effective management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: Can an educational session …