Digital Commons Network^™

Writing Research Into Fiction, Jessica Smartt Gullion

The Qualitative Report

Qualitative methodology has evolved to include all sorts of epistemologies that positivism excludes. We have seen an increase in the use of arts-based methods as ways of gathering, analyzing, and writing research. This includes the genre of fiction as research. In fiction as research, the researcher gathers and analyzes data, but writes the findings from them to the audience as fiction. This is often done to expand the audience of readers and include people who might not normally read (or have access to) research reports. In this article, I discuss my own use of social fiction and highlight the contributions …

Environmental Hygiene Strategies To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance In Healthcare Settings, Mary Morgan Lee, Caroline A O'Neil, Lucy Vogt, Jennie H Kwon

2020-Current year OA Pubs

In this manuscript, we highlight current literature on environmental hygiene techniques to combat reservoirs of antibiotic resistant organisms in the healthcare environment. We discuss several topics for each strategy, including mechanism of action, assessment of effectiveness based on studies, cost, and real-world translatability. The techniques and topics summarized here are not inclusive of all available environmental hygiene techniques but highlight some of the more popular and investigated strategies. We focus on the following: Ultraviolet radiation, hydrogen peroxide vapor, copper-coated surfaces, phages, interventions involving sinks, and educational initiatives.

Intouch Week Of March 3, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Fawaz Al-Mufti, M.D., Leads Stroke Trial Exploring Cognitive Benefits of Thrombectomy
• Faculty Spotlight: From Pupil to Professor: Adam Karp, M.D. '19
• Student Spotlight: Janice Fung’s Quest to Combat Plague Through Vaccine Innovation
• Alumni Spotlight: The Extraordinary Life of Donald Doyle, M.D. ‘67

“Hippo” Law Law And The Biodiversity Crisis Of Habitat Loss, Invasive Species, Pollution, Population, And Overharvesting, Andrew W. Torrance, Bill Tomlinson

UC Law SF International Law Review

This article explores the critical issue of biodiversity loss through the lens of the “HIPPO” acronym coined by Edward O. Wilson: Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population, and Overharvesting. It examines the ecological and social ramifications of declining biodiversity and assesses existing legal frameworks aimed at mitigating these threats. Furthermore, the article proposes innovative legal mechanisms to address each HIPPO factor, offering a legal approach that spans many different domains. By integrating comparative legal analysis and suggesting forward-looking legal reforms, this work aims to contribute to the conservation efforts essential for sustaining biodiversity in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

March 2025: Region 10 Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (Resptc) At Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’S Hospital, Providence - Special Pathogens Program

Special Pathogens Newsletters

REGION 10 SPECIAL PATHOGENS NEWSLETTER

Coe Annual Technical Review 2024, Jianshun Zhang

SyracuseCoE

No abstract provided.

Exogenous Nicotinamide Protects Mycobacterium Bovis Bcg From Gsh-Induced Reductive Stress By Enhancing Nad+ Synthesis, Tamia Cline

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

No abstract provided.

Mycoplasma Hominis–Associated Septic Arthritis Masquerading As Gouty Arthritis, Angelina Liddy, Carolyn Kramer, Devin M. Weber

Division of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine Faculty Papers

Septic arthritis caused by M. hominis is exceptionally rare. Here, we report on a 62-year-old man with a medical history of gout and renal cell carcinoma who presented with persistent knee pain and swelling following partial nephrectomy complicated by an abdominal abscess. Arthrocentesis revealed monosodium urate crystals, leading to the initial diagnosis and treatment of gouty arthritis using intra-articular steroid injections, allopurinol, and colchicine. Initial cultures yielded no growth. However, faint transparent colonies grew after discharge, which were eventually identified as M. hominis. Initial antibacterial therapy targeting suspect Mycoplasma spp. was begun with doxycycline, and the patient ultimately completed 12 …

Asking The Rights Questions: An Emgerency Action Exception To The Major Questions Doctrine, Mark Hager

Minnesota Law Review Vols. 106:2 onward (2021-present)

Congress delegates broad discretionary power to administrative agencies to respond to emergency situations, taking advantage of their extraordinary expertise and response speed. Yet these delegations are defined by a judicial rule known as the “Major Questions Doctrine.” The Major Questions Doctrine seeks to protect the separation of powers by preventing excessive use of executive power without clear delegation by Congress. Where a “major question” of vast economic or political significance is raised, it requires “clear” authorization in the delegating statute. During COVID-19, the Supreme Court used the doctrine to strike down several response programs, including: the Center for Disease Control’s …

Defining Transcriptional Signatures Of Susceptibility For Ceftriaxone And Tetracycline In Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, Sanjana Logu

Theses

Resistance to antibiotics is the ability of bacteria to survive in spite of the administration of drugs designated to kill them; and overuse of antibiotics over the past decades has led to a vast increase in resistance. Most infections are treated empirically, such that patients are given a recommended course of antibiotics, however these infections are not frequently tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles (i.e., tested only in the case of treatment failure). This can lead to inappropriate prescription which can increase the selective pressure of antibiotics on other bacterial members of our microbiomes. Susceptibility testing would help determine the …

Scaling Covid-19 Rates With Population Size In The United States, Austin R. Cruz, Brian J. Enquist, Joseph R. Burger

Biology Faculty Publications

Using county-level data from the United States, we assessed allometric scaling relationships of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, deaths and age structure within and across the first four major waves of the pandemic (wild-type, alpha, delta, omicron). Results generally indicate that the burden of cases disproportionately impacted larger-sized counties, while the burden of deaths disproportionately impacted smaller counties. This may be partially due to multiple interacting social mechanisms, including a higher proportion of older adults who live in smaller counties. Moreover, these likely social mechanisms interacting with vaccinations and virus waves created a dynamic pattern whereby the rate and magnitude of …

The Feasibility Of Pharmacokinetic-Based Dosing Of Hydroxyurea For Children With Sickle Cell Anaemia In Uganda : Baseline Results Of The Alternative Dosing And Prevention Of Transfusions Trial, Alexandra Power Hays, Ruth Namazzi, Min Dong, Caroline Kazinga, Charles Kato, Sadat Aliwuya, Kathryn Mcelhinney, Andrea L. Conroy, Adam Lane, Robert Opoka

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Pharmacokinetic (PK)-guided dosing of hydroxyurea for children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) could optimize dosing and improve outcomes, but its feasibility has not been demonstrated in low-resource settings where the majority of affected children live. Alternative Dosing And Prevention of Transfusions (ADAPT) is a prospective trial evaluating blood transfusions and the feasibility of determining PK-guided, hydroxyurea maximum tolerated doses (MTD) for children with SCA in Uganda, using portable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a novel PK software programme (HdxSim). ADAPT enrolled 106 participants, and 100% completed PK testing. PK-guided doses were generated for 78%, of which 38% were within the …

Viral Detection In Anterior Nasal Swabs Versus Nasopharyngeal Swabs In Children, Nicole Neeley, Abby Kietzman, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Dithi Banerjee, Jennifer Goldman, Jennifer Schuster

Posters

Background: Respiratory viruses are a significant cause of pediatric illness and healthcare utilization. Diagnostic testing for respiratory viruses is generally performed using nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens obtained by trained medical staff, limiting testing to medical settings. Evaluating additional sampling methods in children, such as anterior nasal swab (NS) specimens may expand access to diagnostic testing and aid public health surveillance. Methods: Eligible children hospitalized at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City who had a standard of care NP specimen collected for nucleic acid amplification testing for respiratory viruses were enrolled. Research NS specimens were obtained through self, caregiver, or staff collection. …

Explainable Ai(Xai) In Genomic Medicine: Interpreting The Impact Of Genetic Variants On Breast Cancer Prognosis, Tooba Maryam Marith

Theses (2016-Present)

This study explores the integration of eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques in genomic medicine to improve breast cancer prognosis and treatment decision-making. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the research establishes a baseline through traditional machine learning (ML) models, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Classifier (SVC), Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and XGBoost. These models are evaluated for their predictive performance in assessing patient outcomes based on genetic variations. TCGA is a comprehensive public database that provides multidimensional genomic and clinical data for various cancer types, including breast cancer. It offers detailed molecular characterizations, such …

Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis And Shock In The Post-Operative Pediatric Patient., Paul Bryan Hankey, Jason R. Brown

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is a rare infection that can quickly lead to devastating patient outcomes. Considering the vital importance of surrounding neck structures, rapid control of the infection is essential. Infection is most frequently polymicrobial and occurs in the adult patient in the context of certain medical comorbidities. Complications are typically limited to tissue destruction in the form of necrosis. There are no current reports describing CNF complicated by acute shock in the post-operative pediatric patient. Here, we present a pediatric case of CNF complicated by acute shock following Sistrunk procedure for removal of a supposed thyroglossal duct cyst. …

A Comparative Study On Program Types, Enrollment Targets, And Durations Of Physician Education Programs Among Taiwan, The United States, And Other Countries, Kai-Hua Chen, Sheng Yao Cheng

Journal of Medical Education

Purpose: Globalization has increased transnational physician training and practice, highlighting the need for understanding various medical education (ME) systems. This study aimed to compare the physician training systems in Taiwan and the United States (US), with particular emphasis on the program types, enrollment targets, and program durations. To contextualize these comparisons, data from 15 additional countries were also analyzed. Methods of study: Data obtained from databases, medical school websites, ME accreditation organizations, and media sources were analyzed using Bereday's comparative educational method and document analysis. Results: Most medical schools in Taiwan offer single-major programs wherein high school graduates enroll in …

Quantifying Temporal Dynamics Of E. Coli Concentration And Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Of Pathogen In A Karst Basin, Shishir K. Sarker, Ryan T. Dapkus, Diana M. Byrne, Alan E. Fryar, Justin M. Hutchison

Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications

Karst aquifers can be highly productive water sources but are vulnerable to contamination by pathogens because of integrated surface and subsurface drainage. Our study focuses on the karstic Royal Spring basin in Kentucky, encompassing urban and agricultural land uses. The city of Georgetown distributes treated water from Royal Spring to over 33,000 customers. We examined E. coli dynamics at Royal Spring from June 2021 through June 2022, assessing variability under wet versus dry weather conditions. We also used quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to estimate potential health risks from the pathogenic bacterium E. coli O157:H7. E. coli concentrations in weekly …

Management Implications Of Human Livelihood Strategies On Madagascar's Coastal Landscapes, Katharine E.T. Thompson, Cortni Borgerson, Patricia C. Wright, Jeanne Mathilde Randriamanetsy, Niaina Nirina Mahefa Andriamavosoloarisoa, Mamy Yves Andrianantenaina, Théofrico Alexander Razafindrahasy, Ryan S. Rothman, Carter W. Daniels, Katherine J. Kling, Claire Surkis, Katheryn C. Twiss

Department of Anthropology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The unsustainable harvest and consumption of wild animals destabilizes both wildlife populations and the human livelihoods that depend upon them. In coastal landscapes, the overexploitation of terrestrial resources can increase pressures on marine ecosystems, and vice versa. We explore populations' ability to mitigate hunting pressure by bolstering marine livelihood strategies, assessing whether Malagasy people (or aggregated households) (1) transfer harvest pressure and consumption from oceans to forests in times of lower fisheries yields and (2) habitually exploit both marine and terrestrial resources. We also evaluate the diversity of fishers' and hunters' methods used and species targeted, as reliance on a …

Contagion: An Introduction To Infectious Disease & New Mexico Health History, Abbie Weiser Olivas, Deirdre Caparoso, Claire Hannon, Amy Weig-Pickering

Projects

Traveling exhibit about New Mexico health history and infectious disease. This exhibit was created as part of a HSLIC seed funding grant that was awarded to Deirdre Caparoso, Amy Weig-Pickering, and Abbie Weiser Olivas. Access the HSLIC Traveling Exhibits LibGuide here: https://libguides.health.unm.edu/travelingexhibits. Exhibit concept, text, and image selection by Abbie Weiser Olivas. Design and graphics by Claire Hannon.

The Accuracy Of Artificial Intelligence In The Diagnosis Of Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Feras Al-Obeidat, Asrar Rashid, Wael Hafez, Hayssam Gibbaoui, Gilbert Ayoub, Sokiyna Al Ameer, Arun Kumar Venkatachalapathi, Munier Gador, Surra Hassan, Mahmad Anwar Ibrahim, Nouran Hamza, Ivan Cherrez-Ojeda

All Works

Introduction Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) constitute a rare group of malignancies. Diagnostic biopsies require experts and are invasive with long diagnostic intervals. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based STS models may serve as accurate detection and categorization tools; however, their diagnostic performance remains questionable. Method The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for related studies published until January 10, 2024. Studies that developed or used AI-based models to diagnose STS were included. Results Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis. The common effects model yielded an accuracy of 0.8923 [0.8831; 0.9016], and the random effects model yielded an accuracy of 0.8524 …

Exploring Oxylipins In Host–Microbe Interactions And Their Impact On Infection And Immunity, Robert J. Neff, Christopher D. Radka

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Plasma lipids are essential components of biological systems, transported through interactions with proteins to maintain cellular functions. These lipids exist in various forms, such as fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and prenol lipids, derived from dietary intake, adipose tissue, and biosynthesis. While the association between certain fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases has been widely recognized, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit cardioprotective effects, reducing risks of arrhythmias and heart-related mortality. This is due to their role in the production of eicosanoids, which modulate inflammation. Chronic inflammation, particularly in obesity, is significantly influenced by fatty acids, with saturated fatty acids promoting …

Predicting Customer Satisfaction Based On Neutrosophic Sets: Applied On Mobile Food Ordering Application, Walaa Elsanabary, Nouran M. Radwan

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Customers’ satisfaction prediction is a vital process for all business organizations to draw new customers and maintain existing customers. One of the most efficient methods to predict customers' satisfaction is classifying customers' feedback. In the real world, customer’s feedback is ambiguous, confusing and inconsistent. This option can be stated in neutrosophic logic as indeterminacy membership, associated with truth and falsity membership. In this study, a classification model based on neutrosophic sets to handle the inconsistency of customer responses is presented. Also, significant factors that impact customers' satisfaction are defined. In order to show the procedures and the application of the …

Current Management Of Skin Conditions In Kenya: Exploring Teledermatology Preferences And Perspectives Among Providers, Jennifer Fernandez, Hashim Kaderbhai, Jennifer Adams, Mary B. Adam, Rodney Adam

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Teledermatology programs may help expand access to care for skin conditions in areas that are underserved by dermatologists such as sub-Saharan Africa, but their success requires input from participating providers.

Objective: This study assesses teledermatology preferences among healthcare providers in Kenya.

Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey of nondermatology providers was conducted in Kenya from January to March 2024 at Aga Khan University Hospital-Nairobi and Kijabe Hospital.

Results: Among the 38 providers, 81.6% were physicians. Patient population was primarily Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI. Almost all (97.4%) regularly encountered patients with skin disorders, yet only …

Phage-Antibiotic Synergy: Enhancing Efficacy Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Anwer Faisal, Bassam Mahmood, Baraa Saeed

Journal of Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology

The increasing number of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics poses a major challenge to public health. Therefore, research into new treatment methods is essential to overcome these challenges. Phage treatment is a promising technique to increase the efficacy of antimicrobials against resistant microbes. This review documents the ability of bacteriophages to interact with conventional antibiotics due to their specificity and adaptability to target and control bacterial populations, especially when used in combination with antibiotics. Combination therapy can deliver the lowest effective concentration of antibiotics while reducing toxicity. Research has confirmed that the synergy of phages and antibiotics can disrupt …

Prevention And Management Of Infectious Complications In Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Survey Assessment Of Current Practices Across Children's Oncology Group Institutions., Leonora R. Slatnick, David Hoogstra, Brian T. Fisher, Joshua Wolf, Etan Orgel, C Nathan Nessle, Pratik A. Patel, Tamara P. Miller, Jennifer Wilkes, L Lee Dupuis, Erin Goode, Kasey Jackson, Daniel N. Willis, Caitlin Elgarten, Catherine Aftandilian, Joel Thompson, Sarah Alexander, Melissa P. Beauchemin, Jennifer A. Belsky, Jennifer Hess, Zachary D. Prudowsky, Terri Guinipero, Jenna Rossoff, Jenna Demedis, Alexandra M. Walsh, Rebecca Richards, Daniel K. Choi, Christopher C. Dvorak, Adam J. Esbenshade

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

INTRODUCTION: While clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for pediatric oncology infection prophylaxis and management exist, few data describe actual management occurring at pediatric oncology centers.

METHODS: An electronic survey querying infection management practices in nontransplant pediatric oncology patients was iteratively created by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Cancer Control and Supportive Care Infectious Diseases Subcommittee and sent to leaders at all COG institutions, limiting each site to one response to represent their institution.

RESULTS: The response rate was 57% (129/227 institutions). Many sites reported utilizing COG-endorsed CPGs for antibacterial (76%) and antifungal prophylaxis (74%), and fever and neutropenia (FN, 64%). Most …

The Importance Of Public Health In College Populations: Why Vaccines Are Important, Kashish Poore

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This paper examines the importance of vaccines in college populations, where high-density living environments create unique vulnerabilities to infectious disease outbreaks. Despite vaccine mandates at most institutions, research indicates that many college students possess incomplete understanding of vaccine mechanisms and importance. The paper addresses three interconnected aspects: the biological foundations of vaccine-induced immunity, the significance of vaccination in collegiate settings, and the current state of vaccine literacy among students. Historical outbreaks on campuses, including meningitis at Princeton and mumps across several institutions, highlight the consequences of undervaccination. Social media misinformation has contributed significantly to vaccine hesitancy, particularly since COVID-19. The …

The Cure-Comm Framework: A Guide For Infusing Cures With Science Communication, Rebekka Darner, Ebenezer Korkor

Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences

Researchers have employed diverse instructional strategies to impart science communication (SciComm) skills, a cherished 21st-century skill into undergraduate students. We reviewed the pedagogical strategies used in developing SciComm skills in undergraduates. This review revealed that analyzing data and scientific literature, increasing exposure to multiple writing contexts, providing multiple opportunities to present findings orally, and providing feedback are used to teach SciComm skills. Many instructors who implement course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) report improved SciComm skills as one of the benefits of CUREs. To decipher points of intersection among CUREs and SciComm pedagogical strategies, we also reviewed the literature on pedagogical …

Intra- And Postoperative Complications In 4565 Vnotes Hysterectomies: International Registry Cohort Study., Andrea Stuart, Johanna Wagenius, Levon Badiglian-Filho, Jens Schnabel, Alvaro Montealegre, Sophia Ehrström, Michael Hartmann, Jona Vercammen, Daniela Huber, Anna Lingström, Jan Baekelandt

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: To present the rates of intra- and postoperative complications and conversions in a large cohort of unselected vNOTES hysterectomies, performed by surgeons with different levels of expertise.

Design: International register-based cohort study.

Setting: Hysterectomies in the iNOTESs registry, 2015 to January 2024, performed by 201 surgeons from multiple countries.

Population: 4565 patients undergoing vNOTES hysterectomy.

Methods: Descriptive data are presented in frequencies (n) and percent (%).

Main outcome measure: Intra- and postoperative complications. Conversions.

Results: Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 3.2% (n = 144) and 2.5% (n = 115), respectively. Conversions occurred in 1.6% (n = 72), of …

Unraveling Algerian Bat Coronaviruses: From Initial Detection To Genome Recovery And Co-Infection Discovery, Safia Zeghbib, Zsófia Tauber, Tamás Görföl, Karimane Malek Zeghbib, Mourad Ahmim, Gábor Kemenesi

School of Biomedical Sciences

IntroductionBats, known as main reservoirs for coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, carry these viruses asymptomatically thanks to their unique immune systems. These viruses can spill over to humans through direct contact or intermediate hosts, as observed in the cases of SARS and COVID-19. Despite the significant public health implications, research on bat-related viral zoonoses remains inadequate in Algeria due to insufficient surveillance and funding. Additionally, the ecological diversity of Algerian bats is still largely unexplored, resulting in knowledge gaps. Therefore, investigating bat coronaviruses within the One Health framework in Algeria provides a holistic approach to understanding and mitigating the …

A Qualitative Study: The 4 I’S Of Transformational Leadership And The Impact It Has On Building Employee Resiliency, Jewel Hale, Jr.

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a turbulent environment for governments and citizens worldwide. In this context, one concept stands out as particularly valuable: resilience. Resilience, the capacity to bounce back from adversity, is a key component in post-pandemic recovery and evolution. This phenomenological study explores the crisis through the experiences of small business owners and leaders in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas during the pandemic's peak. The participants were selected for successfully navigating the pandemic and remaining in business. The study aims to examine the leadership styles used to build employee resilience, focusing on their commonalities through phenomenological research. …