Digital Commons Network^™

Understanding Covid-19 Vaccination Hesitance Among Registered Nurses, Lucille Fenelon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The development of the COVID-19 vaccine, while hailed as a groundbreaking scientific achievement, also brought to light a discernible hesitance from registered nurses (RNs) regarding the vaccination. While extensive research has delved into the broader phenomenon of vaccination hesitancy, there remains a notable gap in comprehensively examining the specific lived experiences of RNs in relation to this hesitancy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of RNs contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitance within the context of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and Roy’s adaptation model. TRA helped to guide this study in identifying the …

First-Generation African American College Graduates’ Interpretations Of Poverty And Well-Being, Shermanda Bellsora Whitfield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of first-generation African American graduates of postsecondary institutions has grown, as many individuals perceive degree completion as a way to overcome socioeconomic barriers. The problem was that some first-generation African American college graduates face economic challenges postgraduation, living at or below the poverty level. It was unclear how this condition affected their quality of life. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand how African American first-generation college graduates interpreted and made meaning of their experiences related to their financial status and personal well-being. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems was the theoretical framework. Data were collected through semi-structured …

First-Generation African American College Graduates’ Interpretations Of Poverty And Well-Being, Shermanda Bellsora Whitfield

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of first-generation African American graduates of postsecondary institutions has grown, as many individuals perceive degree completion as a way to overcome socioeconomic barriers. The problem was that some first-generation African American college graduates face economic challenges postgraduation, living at or below the poverty level. It was unclear how this condition affected their quality of life. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand how African American first-generation college graduates interpreted and made meaning of their experiences related to their financial status and personal well-being. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems was the theoretical framework. Data were collected through semi-structured …

Investigating The Role Of The Nsp15 Amino-Terminal Domain In Nsp15 Function, Viral Replication, And Pathogenesis, Monika Evdokimova

Dissertations

Identifying conserved mechanisms used by viruses to delay host innate responses can reveal potential targets for antiviral therapeutics. Here, we investigated coronavirus nonstructural protein 15 (nsp15), which encodes a highly conserved endoribonuclease (EndoU). EndoU functions as an immune antagonist by limiting the accumulation of viral replication intermediates that would otherwise be sensed by the host. Despite being a promising antiviral target, it has been difficult to develop small molecule inhibitors that target the EndoU active site. We generated nsp15 mutants of SARS-CoV-2 and mouse coronavirus MHV-A59 and identified conserved residues within the amino-terminal domain that are required for EndoU activity. …

Light-Dark Shift Promotes Colon Carcinogenesis Through Accelerated Colon Aging, Deepak Sharma, Phillip A Engen, Abu Osman, Darbaz Adnan, Maliha Shaikh, Mostafa K Abdel-Reheem, Ankur Naqib, Stefan J Green, Bruce Hamaker, Christopher B Forsyth, Lin Cheng, Ali Keshavarzian, Khashayarsha Khazaie, Faraz Bishehsari

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with rising prevalence among younger adults. Several lifestyle factors, particularly disruptions in circadian rhythms by light-dark (LD) shifts, are known to increase CRC risk. Epidemiological studies previously showed LD-shifts are associated with increased risk of CRC. To explore the mechanisms and interactions between LD-shift and intestinal aging, we investigated how the combination of LD-shifts and aging impacts colon carcinogenesis development. Our data showed that LD-shifts and aging increased colon tumorigenesis. Notably, LD-shift accelerated intestinal aging by altering aging-related pathways, such as intestinal barrier damage, accompanied by dysbiotic changes in the …

Neutralizing Antibody Immune Correlates In Covail Trial Recipients Of An Mrna Second Covid-19 Vaccine Boost, Bo Zhang, Youyi Fong, Lauren Dang, Jonathan Fintzi, Shiyu Chen, Jing Wang, Nadine G Rouphael, Angela R Branche, David J Diemert, Ann R Falsey, Daniel S Graciaa, Lindsey R Baden, Sharon E Frey, Jennifer A Whitaker, Susan J Little, Satoshi Kamidani, Emmanuel B Walter, Richard M Novak, Richard Rupp, Lisa A Jackson, Chenchen Yu, Craig A Magaret, Cindy Molitor, Bhavesh Borate, Sydney Busch, David Benkeser, Antonia Netzl, Derek J Smith, Tara M Babu, Angelica C Kottkamp, Anne F Luetkemeyer, Lilly C Immergluck, Rachel M Presti, Martín Bäcker, Patricia L Winokur, Siham M Mahgoub, Paul A Goepfert, Dahlene N Fusco, Robert L Atmar, Christine M Posavad, Jinjian Mu, Mat Makowski, Mamodikoe K Makhene, Seema U Nayak, Paul C Roberts, Peter B Gilbert, Dean Follmann

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Neutralizing antibody titer has been a surrogate endpoint for guiding COVID-19 vaccine approval and use, although the pandemic's evolution and the introduction of variant-adapted vaccine boosters raise questions as to this surrogate's contemporary performance. For 985 recipients of an mRNA second bivalent or monovalent booster containing various Spike inserts [Prototype (Ancestral), Beta, Delta, and/or Omicron BA.1 or BA.4/5] in the COVAIL trial (NCT05289037), titers against 5 strains were assessed as correlates of risk of symptomatic COVID-19 ("COVID-19") and as correlates of relative (Pfizer-BioNTech Omicron vs. Prototype) booster protection against COVID-19 over 6 months of follow-up during the BA.2-BA.5 Omicron-dominant period. …

Comparison Of Sampling And Culture Methods For The Recovery Of Yeast From Hospital Surfaces, Allison R Eberly, Alyssa M Valencia, Kate Peacock, David Mcdonald, Tiffany Hink, Carleigh Samuels, Lucy Vogt, Yao-Peng Xue, Maggie Newberry, Caroline A O'Neil, Gautam Dantas, Jennie H Kwon

2020-Current year OA Pubs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the recovery of yeast from hospital surfaces from two different collection methods: Eswab moistened with molecular water, and premoistened stick-mounted sponge.

DESIGN: Comparison of collection methods for the recovery of yeast in the hospital environment.

SETTING: This study took place at intensive care units of a large academic medical center.

Practicing And Assessing Skills Of Interpreting Culture And Sensitivity Reports, Lana Gettman

Faculty Research ​and Publications

No abstract provided.

Halogeton And Greasewood Poisoning In Cattle And Sheep In Utah, E. Jane Kelly, Stephen T. Lee, Ammon Brown, Daniel Cook

Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)

Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) is a fast-growing annual plant while greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) is a perennial shrub of the Western States. Oxalates are the toxic principle in halogeton and greasewood. Most losses occur when hungry animals are allowed to graze in heavy stands of halogeton and greasewood. Halogeton and greasewood are always dangerous and become more toxic as the growing season progresses. Here we report on two clinical cases of halogeton and greasewood poisoning in cattle and sheep. Histologically, oxalate crystals were observed in the kidneys of the cow and sheep consistent with oxalate poisoning. Oxalate was …

Hiv Associated Epigenetic Trends And Chronic Diseases: Insights Into The Hidden Burden Of Chronic Infection, Courtney G. Wallace, Zachary Capriotti, Zachary Klase

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major health challenge despite dramatic advances in treatment and prevention. People living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience high rates of non-AIDS comorbidities, including cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, oncologic, and neurocognitive disorders. These conditions persist under viral suppression, underscoring the lasting biological impact of infection. Epigenetic dysregulation has emerged as a key driver of these outcomes. HIV integration, viral proteins, chronic inflammation, and ART exposure have all been reported to alter DNA methylation, histone modifications, transcription factor networks, and noncoding RNA regulation. These changes extend beyond infected cells, reprogramming uninfected immune and tissue compartments. Long-lived …

Exploring The Pathogen Profiles Of Ancient Feces, Drew Capone, David Holcomb, Amanda Lai, Karl Reinhard, Joe Brown

Karl Reinhard Publications

Analysis of ancient desiccated feces – termed paleofeces or coprolites – can unlock insights into the lives of ancient people. We collected desiccated feces from caves in the Rio Zape Valley in Mexico (725-920 CE). First, we extracted DNA with methods previously optimized for paleofeces. Then, we applied highly sensitive modern molecular tools (i.e., PCR pre-amplification followed by multi-parallel qPCR) to assess the presence of 30 enteric pathogens. We detected ≥1 pathogen associated gene in each of the ten samples and a mean of 3.9 pathogens per sample. The targets detected included Blastocystis spp. (n=7), atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (n=7), …

Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical Experts-Integration, Training, And Testing (Adapt-Itt) Framework To Tailor Evidence-Based Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment For People With Hiv To Enhance Engagement And Adherence: Qualitative Results From A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial, Cristina M. Lopez, Angela D. Moreland, Stephanie Amaya, Erin Bisca, Christin Mujica, Tayler Wilson, Nathaniel Baker, Lauren Richey, Allison Ross Eckard, Patricia A. Resick, Steven A. Safren, Carla Kmett Danielson

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Individuals with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV are at high-risk for negative HIV-related outcomes, including low adherence to antiretroviral therapy, faster disease progression, more hospitalizations, and almost twice the rate of death. Despite high rates of PTSD in persons with HIV (PWH) and poor HIV-related health outcomes associated with PTSD, an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD symptoms in PWH does not exist. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the adaptation and theater testing of an evidence-based intervention designed for people with co-occurring PTSD and HIV. METHODS: The Assessment, Decision, Adaptation, Production, Topical experts-integration, Training, and Testing (ADAPT-ITT) …

Understanding The Impact Of Covid-19 On The Mental Health Of Children And Parents During The Pandemic, Whitney S. Gray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic presented parents with stressors that affected their well-being and their life satisfaction. The pandemic caused parents to struggle with balancing their families’ needs and maintaining their happiness. Prior to the pandemic, children and adolescents had a routine that accommodated their daily functioning and provided them with social contact. The pandemic added stress with parents working odd hours at work, having to adjust to their child’s school schedules, and not being able to contribute to their support system. In addition to these daily stressors, parents had to consider the precautions surrounding COVID-19 and the worries attached to the …

Preformulation Study Of Kigelia Africana Fruit Ethanolic Extract As Topical Preparations, Tareq Maqlam, Abdullah H Maad, Mohammed E Shayoub, Zuheir Osman

Al-Ameed Journal for Medical Research and Health Sciences

Background: Preformulation studies have a significant role in anticipating formulation problems and identifying logical paths in dosage form technology.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the preformulation criteria of the aquatic ethanol extract of Kigelia africana fruit as topical antibacterial therapy.

Methods: The preformulation parameters of the extract were evaluated by testing its organoleptic characteristics, melting point, pH, spectroscopic assay, stability, solubility, and partition coefficient.

Results: The study demonstrated that the extract possessed satisfactory organoleptic properties, a melting point of 195.3–198.0 °C, a pH of 6.26, chemical stability under acidic conditions, photostability, higher solubility in basic conditions and in the …

The Lived Experience Of Therapists During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study Using Photovoice Methodology, Alison De La Montaigne, Catana Brown, Sarah A. Anderson, Tamara Turner

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: A qualitative phenomenological design using photovoice methodology for collecting data was used (Wang & Burris, 1997). The study participants included twelve therapists. Using photovoice methodology, the participants used a picture to represent their experience and wrote an accompanying narrative to address the question, “How has COVID-19 impacted your life?” Thematic analysis was used to code and develop themes for the participant photovoices and the virtual focus group transcripts (Braun & Clark, 2006). Zoom was used as the virtual platform for the virtual …

The Next Public Health Frontier With Indoor Air Quality, Lynette B. Martins

Tulsa Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Adoption Of Biosecurity Measures And Its Influencing Factors In Bangladeshi Layer Farms, Mohammadyar Jahangir Alam, Ismat Ara Begum, Md Al Mamun, Md Asif Iqbal, Andrew M. Mckenzie

Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Faculty Publications and Presentations

Developing nations like Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable to poultry diseases, notably Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Adopting biosecurity approaches that assist farms in disease control and prevention can decrease the industry-wide dissemination of infectious diseases. In light of these factors, this study was carried out to investigate the implementation of biosecurity practices on layer farms in Bangladesh. Using a stratified random sample method, a total of 315 layer farms from fourteen upazilas (sub-districts) in seven districts were surveyed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The study explored layer farmers' experiences with biosecurity procedures adopted on farms that included equipment, employees, and visitors. …

Generalized Anxiety Disorders Among The Adult Population In Basra During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Raya Habeeb Abdulimam, Elaf Mohemmed Saleh, Ikram M. Abbas

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Anxiety disorders encompass conditions characterized by excessive fear and anxiety, along with related behavioral disturbances. During epidemics, many individuals experience distress due to immediate health impacts and feelings of loneliness; however, others fear infection, death, or the loss of loved ones. The COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq, part of the global coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, may have exacerbated anxiety disorders among patients and their families. Aim: This study aims to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adult population in Basra. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted using an online survey with a questionnaire available via …

Accuracy Of C-Reactive Protein (Crp) And Hematological Indices As A Screening Tool In Neonatal Bacterial Sepsis, Zainab Farhan, Kassim Rahi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Early recognition of neonatal sepsis is challenging due to its subtle and nonspecific symptoms. Failure to recognize or delays in diagnosis can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Laboratory sepsis markers complement clinical signs and risk factors in diagnosing sepsis. The current approach for early recognition of sepsis combines clinical presentation, biomarkers, and blood culture. Aims: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of C-reactive protein and basic hematological indices, such as neutropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, in diagnosing sepsis, measuring the sensitivity of each test, and evaluating the outcomes of the studied sample. Methods: This study consisted of 90 …

Significance Of Platelet Parameters In The Diagnosis Of Neonatal Sepsis, Sawsan Hussein, Farah Yassen Flayyih, Saja Mohammed Adil

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: The gold standard test for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is blood culture, even though no single laboratory test has 100% sensitivity and specificity. The diagnosis of sepsis cannot be made with a single test or any particular combination of testing methods. Therefore, it's necessary to identify diagnostic indicators that are both practical and affordable for every healthcare facility, while also having adequate sensitivity and specificity. This study aims to evaluate the role of platelet indices in diagnosing neonatal sepsis. Methods: A prospective, case-control study was conducted over 12 months at the Al-Kadhymiah Pediatric Hospital in Baghdad. It involves comparing …

The Correlation Of Vitamin D3 With Biochemical Markers In Β-Thalassemia Major Patients, Wasen Alzubaidi, Mustafa Abd Almajeed Hussein, Rehab Abdulwehab Jaafer, Newal Khalil Al-Temimi

Iraqi National Journal of Medicine

Background: Vitamin D3 is essential for pediatric development and normal growth. Aim: This study aims to analyze the hematological characteristics of both β-thalassemia patients and controls; their liver and renal functions; and calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels and their correlation with vitamin D3. Methods: Ninety teenage subjects, comprising 45 patients with β-thalassemia major (selected from the Hereditary Blood Diseases Center in Basrah during their regular checkups) and 45 apparently healthy individuals selected from relatives and friends, aged between 12 to 15 years (42.2% males and 57.8% females) were included in a 2023 case-control study at the Hereditary Blood Diseases …

Usage Statistics: Project Counter R5 Tr_J1 Report Fy2024 - Journal Requests (Excluding Oa_Gold) By Title, Andrée J. Rathemacher

Technical Services Reports and Statistics

Project COUNTER R5 Report TR_J1 for the University of Rhode Island for the period from July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024. The TR_J1 report is defined as "Journal Requests (Excluding OA_Gold)." This report presents an annual total only and only includes those platforms successfully configured for automated harvesting via SUSHI.

File for download is Excel spreadsheet generated by Alma Analytics.

Results:

Total Item Requests - 805,131

Unique Item Requests - 602,267

Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, And Examination Of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae, Ika Ningsih, Muhammad Iqbal Safrullah

Indonesian Journal of Medical Chemistry and Bioinformatics

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a rod-shaped bacterium, Gram-positive (purple), growth requires the presence of oxygen or can live with oxygen or without oxygen, nonmotile, non-capsular, non-sporing, catalase positive. Most species ferment carbohydrates such as fructose, galactose, glucose, maltose, and mannose and produce an exotoxin called diphtheria toxin (DT) which can cause diphtheria, a respiratory infection characterized by sore throat and the production of a thick layer / gray pseudomembrane and generally affects children aged 15 years and under and is very vulnerable in people who are not immunized and in low immune systems. Diphtheria is a dangerous and life-threatening disease if …

A Longer Duration Of Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment For Patients With Early Periprosthetic Joint Infections Is Not Associated With A Lower Failure Rate, Janneke Meijer, Alex Soriano, Wierd Zijlstra, Bas Ten Have, Saad Tarabichi, Paul Jutte, Javad Parvizi, Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of an early switch to oral antibiotics after surgical treatment in orthopedic-related infections. However, large analyses on periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are lacking.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational multicenter study in patients diagnosed with an early post-operative PJI, defined as one occurringdebridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). Patients from Europe and the USA were included. We took advantage of the fact that an early oral antibiotic switch is routine practice in Europe as opposed to a long duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment in the USA. Failure …

Intouch Week Of January 13, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Administers First Novel Inhaled mRNA Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis in the U.S.
• NYMC Students Set Their Resolutions for 2025
• Research Highlights Deadly Combination of COVID-19 and Chronic Liver Disease
• Dr.P.H. Program Now Includes Fully Remote Option
• Dr. Xiu-Min Li's Advances in Medicinal Herbal Research
• Holocaust Remembrance Day and Black History Month: The Segregated U.S. Military and the Liberation of a Concentration Camp
• Faculty Spotlight: From Pupil to Professor: Alumni Lighting the Way at NYMC

Intravaginal Cooling Provides Symptom Relief In Women With Vulvovaginal Candidiasis And Reduces Immunopathology In An Accompanying Mouse Model, Junko Yano, Kimberly Langdon, Michael Swor, Mairi C. Noverr, Paul L. Fidel

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused primarily by Candida albicans, is currently treated with either prescription or over-the-counter antifungal drugs, often with variable efficacy and relapses. New and improved therapeutic strategies, including drug-free treatment alternatives, are needed. Upon overgrowth or environmental triggers, C. albicans yeast transitions into hyphae that results in an aberrant immunopathologic response by neutrophils, contributing to the characteristic vulvovaginal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a patented intravaginal cooling device (Vlisse®) to provide symptom relief in women with VVC via putative reversal of C. albicans hyphae to the commensal yeast form, with …

Effectiveness And User Experience Of Nose And Throat Swabbing Techniques For Sars-Cov-2 Detection: Results From The Uk Covid-19 National Testing Programme, Matthias E Futschik, Raghavendran Kulasegaran-Shylini, Edward Blandford, Sean Harper, David Chapman, Elena Turek, Somya Agrawal, Valerie Phillips, Hannah Fordham, Lee Chan, Mike Kidd, Andrew Dodgson, Paul E Klapper, Malur Sudhanva, Richard Vipond, Susan Hopkins, Tim Peto, Sarah Tunkel, Tom Fowler

School of Biomedical Sciences

BACKGROUND: The UK's National Health Service Test and Trace (NHSTT) program aimed to provide the most effective and accessible SARS-CoV-2 testing approach possible. Early user feedback indicated that there were accessibility issues associated with throat swabbing. We report the results of service evaluations performed by NHSTT to assess the effectiveness and user acceptance of swabbing approaches, as well as qualitative findings of user experiences from research reports, surveys, and incident reports. Our intent is to present and summarize our findings about the application of alternative swabbing approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

METHODS: From May 2020 to December …

Greece And Harm Reduction Efficacy, Callie Wagers

Posters-at-the-Capitol

An overview of the significance of harm reduction strategies in public health, highlighting Greece's innovative approaches recognized by the Healthy Cities Award. Harm reduction encompasses a range of policies and programs designed to minimize the negative health and social impacts associated with substance use, emphasizing pragmatic and compassionate solutions rather than punitive measures. Greece's successful initiatives—such as syringe exchange programs, supervised consumption sites, and comprehensive addiction treatment services—serve as a model for addressing public health crises. Kentucky, facing significant challenges related to substance use disorders, can adopt and adapt Greece's harm reduction methods to enhance the well-being of its communities. …

Volume 40-1 Complete Issue, C. Nicholas Raphael

The Geographical Bulletin

Volume 40-1 Complete Issue

Projections And Perceptions Editorial Comment: The Limits Of Convergence; Nature, Nurture, And Growth, Jeffrey D. Sachs

The Geographical Bulletin

For the first time in history, almost all of the world's people are bound together in a global capitalist system. This momentous development forces us to think anew about the world economy. In the past, differences in policies across regions of the world resulted in vast differences in economic performance; in the future, policies are likely to be more similar. As a result, large parts of the developing world will narrow the income gap between themselves and richer nations. But this process of convergence, by itself, will go only so far. With or without markets, many developing countries will be …