Digital Commons Network^™

Neutralization Escape, Infectivity, And Membrane Fusion Of Jn1-Derived Sars-Cov-2 Slip, Flirt, And Kp2 Variants, Pei Li, Julia N Faraone, Cheng Chih Hsu, Michelle Chamblee, Yi-Min Zheng, Claire Carlin, Joseph S Bednash, Jeffrey C Horowitz, Rama K Mallampalli, Linda J Saif, Eugene M Oltz, Daniel Jones, Jianrong Li, Richard J Gumina, Kai Xu, Shan-Lu Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

We investigate JN.1-derived subvariants SLip, FLiRT, and KP.2 for neutralization by antibodies in vaccinated individuals, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients, or class III monoclonal antibody S309. Compared to JN.1, SLip, KP.2, and especially FLiRT exhibit increased resistance to bivalent-vaccinated and BA.2.86/JN.1-wave convalescent human sera. XBB.1.5 monovalent-vaccinated hamster sera robustly neutralize FLiRT and KP.2 but have reduced efficiency for SLip. All subvariants are resistant to S309 and show decreased infectivity, cell-cell fusion, and spike processing relative to JN.1. Modeling reveals that L455S and F456L in SLip reduce spike binding for ACE2, while R346T in FLiRT and KP.2 strengthens …

Mapping Competency Profiles Of Schools Of Public Health: Implications For Public Health Workforce Education And Training In Israel, Yehuda Neumark, Jordan Hannink Attal, Naham Shapiro, Fiona Macleod, Janas Harrington, Paul Barach, Jascha De Nooijer, Keren Dopelt, Mariusz Duplaga, Lore Leighton, Hagai Levine, Zohar Mor, Robert Otok, Stephanie Paillard-Borg, Ted Tulchinsky, Shira Zelber-Sagi, Maureen Malowany

College of Population Health Faculty Papers

AIM: Competency frameworks are essential for analyzing capabilities of Schools of Public Health to adequately prepare public health (PH) professionals to address contemporary challenges. This study maps the competency profiles of PH training programs in Israel using a novel curriculum mapping tool.

METHODS: This study assessed all five Israeli Health Education Institutions (HEIs) offering MPH or Bachelors in Public Health (BPH) degrees across 57 competencies in six domains to determine the extent to which competencies were addressed in the curriculum. The competencies list was based on the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) List of …

Volume 59-1 Complete Issue, Casey D. Allen

The Geographical Bulletin

Volume 59-1 Complete Issue

Paleo Environment And Archaeology Provide Cautionary Tales For Climate Policymakers, Brett Kaufman, Christopher S. Kelly, Richard S. Vachula

The Geographical Bulletin

Federal climate policy in the United States is still in its infancy and is in large part characterized by efforts to reach a consensus on the very existence and causality of climate change. This has stemmed from a sociopolitical rift within the country, with the objectivity and usefulness of science attacked by detractors. Scientists who are most qualified to defend their methods and provide information to policymakers rarely have an institutional incentive to share this knowledge, but should be encouraged to communicate their findings to the public, especially those who receive public funding. By not doing so, they are effectively …

Address The Mess: The Role Of Fear Of Covid-19, Indecision, And Reactance In Decluttering Projects, Devki Patel

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

At the start of the pandemic in the United States, government-imposed behavioral restrictions were enacted to reduce transmission of COVID-19. Mandated time at home motivated many to engage in organizing or decluttering projects. For some, restrictions may have increased the experience of psychological reactance, a negative motivational state evoked by a perceived threat to freedom. The proposed research studied decluttering behavior in a community-based sample, yielding insights on what influences disposal decisions in individuals who have clutter but do not consider themselves as having a hoarding problem. Three previously unexplored variables, fear of COVID-19, reactance, and family composition are considered …

Food Safety, Swine Health, And Productivity Of A Farrow-To-Finish Swine Farm Following Implementation Of A Certified Haccp System In Japan, Hiroshi Akaike, Makoto Nagai, Tomomitsu Alexandre Okatani, Sumalee Boonmar, Yukio Morita

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study examined the safety and productivity of a farrow-to-finish swine farm from 2015 to 2019, in Japan. The farm implemented a farm Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system in July 2016. The critical control point was “the selection of shipping pigs” and the critical limit for preventing contamination with residual antibiotics in pigs was “the withholding period has passed,” while that for preventing contamination with residual needle fragments was “the needle was not included.” No deviations from critical limits were observed, indicating the pigs were safe. In addition, the numerical goal of pigs born alive per litter …

A Preliminary Study Of Lasia Spinosa Thw. Feed Supplementation Improving Semen Quality Of Subfertile Purebred Boars, Supitcha Kaewma, Junpen Suwimonteerabutr, Nutthee Am-In, Saritvich Panyaboriban, Mongkol Techakumphu, Theerawat Swangchan-Uthai

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Poor semen quality is a significant issue among imported purebred boars in Thailand, affecting both semen quality itself and reducing productivity at AI stations. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Lasia spinosa Thw. (LST) on improving boar semen quality. A group of boars experiencing poor semen quality were monitored, and three were selected due to their persistent low semen profiles for the supplementation experiment. Dried LST powder was prepared in small bags at a dosage of 4 g per 100 kg body weight and added to the regular feed for daily oral administration over an 8-week …

Anatolian Medicinal Plants As Potential Antiviral Agents: Bridging Traditional Knowledge And Modern Science In The Fight Against Covid-19 And Related Viral Infections, Engi̇n Ti̇lkat, Israt Jahan, Ayşe Hoşer, Alevcan Kaplan, Oğuzhan Özdemi̇r, Ahmet Onay

Turkish Journal of Biology

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the worldwide coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19), often known as the coronavirus pandemic. Since December 2020 however, COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively administered in numerous countries. In addition to new antiviral medications, the treatment regimen also encompasses symptom management. In spite of sustained research efforts, the outbreak remains uncontrolled, with affected patients still lacking proper treatment. Consequently, this review serves as a valuable asset for researchers and practitioners aiming to delve into the yet unexplored potential of Anatolian flora in the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Numerous …

A Staff Education Program On Managing Covid-19 In A Correctional Setting, Mary Catherine Knight

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The medical departments of many correctional facilities were unprepared to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The practice problem identified for this doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) project was the lack of knowledge of health staff on managing incarcerated individuals' care during a pandemic. The primary purpose of the project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a staff education program on evidence-based interventions for preventing and managing a pandemic in a correctional facility. This project was guided by David Kolb's experiential learning theory and the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) model. The practice setting was a local detention center in …

The Sharp Edge Of Immunosuppressive Treatments: Infections, Aybegüm Özşahi̇n, Tuba İlgar, Sudem Mahmutoğlu Çolak, Kübra Akyüz, Meli̇h Gaffar Gözükara, Uğur Kostakoğlu, İlknur Esen Yildiz, Ayşe Ertürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background and aim: Different side effects, including infections, are encountered in patients receiving anticytokines used for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the infections and the effects of these infections that develop in this patient group. Materials and Methods: This study included 208 patients who were followed-up with the diagnosis of severe COVID-19 in two different hospitals. Patient data were obtained retrospectively from the hospital information system. Results: Of the 208 patients included, 54 were in the anakinra group, and 154 were in the tocilizumab group. Of these patients, 73 …

Syphilis-Related Glomerulopathy: A Rare Presentation Of A Common Disease, Shalmali Mirajkar, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Nichole Regan, Ryan P. Mullane, Sara Bares

Posters and Presentations: College of Medicine Students

Background: Syphilis is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. Syphilis has often been described as the “great mimicker” as it can affect multiple organ systems and leads to a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Kidney manifestations are rare, and the most commonly reported glomerular lesion is membranous nephropathy. Herein, we present an unusual case of a rash, membranous nephropathy and cholestatic hepatitis due to secondary syphilis. Case: A 68-year-old male with well-controlled HIV, hypertension, anemia, and depression was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of acute kidney injury and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Three …

Do Patients Infected With Human Coronavirus Before The Covid-19 Pandemic Have Less Risk Of Being Infected With Covid-19?, Gamze Şanlidağ İşbi̇len, Ayça Aydin Uysal, Seli̇n Yi̇ği̇t, Özgür Appak, Hi̇lal Si̇pahi̇, Gülendam Bozdayi, Arzu Sayiner, Candan Çi̇çek, Özlem Güzel Tunçcan, Oğuz Reşat Si̇pahi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Although seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have long been recognized as respiratory tract viruses, the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 caused a pandemic associated with severe respiratory failure. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of COVID-19 infection in patients diagnosed in three tertiary teaching hospitals, both with and without prior confirmed HCoV infection, and to compare these cohorts in terms of COVID-19 contraction.Materials and methods: In our study, we examined HCoV PCR-positive cases obtained retrospectively between January 2014 and March 2020 from three University Hospital Microbiology Laboratories (Cohort 1), as well as PCR-negative patients detected in the same PCR cycle as the …

Relationship Between Functional Status And Fatigue After Covid-19 Infection: A Multicenter Study From Türkiye, İpek Candemi̇r, Pinar Ergün, Di̇cle Kaymaz, Mustafa Engi̇n Şahi̇n, İpek Özmen, Eli̇f Yildirim, Asli Görek Di̇lektaşli, Büşra Yi̇ği̇tli̇ler, Ayten Odabaş, Deni̇z Kizilirmak, Seçi̇l Sari, Celaletti̇n Korkmaz, Cantürk Taşçi, Yakup Arslan, Sema Savci, Buse Kahraman, Ayli̇n Tanriverdi̇, Can Sevi̇nç, Melda Sağlam, Deni̇z İnal İnce, Naci̇ye Vardar Yağli, Ebru Kütükçü, Di̇lber Durmaz, Nesli̇han Durutürk, Gaye Ulubay, Lütfi̇ye Kiliç, Benan Çağlayan, Ayli̇n Moray, Sabri̇ Serhan Olcay, Güven Özkaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Symptoms of COVID-19 may persist for months. One of the persistent symptoms of COVID-19 is fatigue, which reduces functional status. The relationship between fatigue, functional status, and various other factors has received little attention, which this study aims to address.. Materials and methods: Patients with COVID-19 infection were included in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), marital status, smoking status, presence and duration of chronic disease, comorbidity index, regular exercise habits, time since COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization status, length of hospital stay, intubation status, home oxygen therapy after discharge, participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, presence …

The Frequency Of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Usage In Community-Dwelling Oldest-Old People, Fuat Ni̇hat Özaydin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: It is critically important to protect the health of the oldest-old people, as their hospitalization and death rates are high. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use among the community-dwelling oldest-old people and its association with their demographic characteristics. Materials and methods: Data were collected from real-world settings using the observational method for this descriptive study. An older adult aged ≥ 85 years old was defined as the oldest-old. The participants were visited in their homes. The generic names of the medications used, and the age, sex, and province of residence …

Comparison Of Bulut Index-Beta Method And Global Health Security Index: Results From World Countries, Tevfi̇k Bulut, Mehmet Top, Murat Atan, Burkay Genç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aimThe Global Health Security Index (GHSI), which is used to assess global health security preparedness level of countries, and Bulut Index-Beta (BI-β) method, developed as a multi-criteria decision-making method, were compared in terms of global health security in the context of world countries. Thus, it is aimed to demonstrate feasibility of BI-β method by testing it on GHSI datasets and then to contribute to methodological development of GHSI.Materials and methodsData set of the study consists of the publicly available GHSI data set, which allows for comparative evaluation of countries. BI-β method and GHSI were used to compare countries in terms …

Using Games To Solve Real-World Civic Problems: Early Insights And Design Principles, Karen Schrier

Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education

Video games are starting to be used to support civic learning and engagement. Moreover, games are being used to crowdsource solutions to real-world problems; however, few of these games address civic problems and engage adolescents and young adults. In this paper, I explore designing and using games for real-world civic problem-solving, as well as for supporting civic engagement among young adults. Using a design analysis approach, I investigate six video games and propose 20 initial design elements for use in creating and implementing civic problem- solving games. These include principles such as: using authentic civic problems, data, and tools; enabling …

The Influence Of Individual Characteristics On Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing In Puerto Rico, Jose Au Lay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2016, there were 17,072 people living with HIV in Puerto Rico. Most HIV cases were among men, with the primary mode of transmission identified as men who have sex with other men followed by heterosexual contact. Among women, heterosexual contact was the primary mode of HIV transmission. The rise in the numbers of individuals infected with HIV through heterosexual contact suggest the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors including multiple sexual partners and unprotected vaginal and anal sex. Guided by the health belief model, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the likelihood of HIV testing …

Molecular Docking, Pharmacological Profiling, And Molecular Dynamics Simulation Of Potential Antihyperuricemic Agent From Secondary Metabolites Of Dillenia Philippinensis Rolfe (Dilleniaceae), Louie Rince C. Suyo, John P. Paulin, Nicole Clarence Louise L. Gapaz, Markus Brent S. Arevalo, Vince Tyrell P. Yongco, Librado A. Santiago

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Crystal accumulation in the joints due to increased serum uric acid (sUA) may lead to an inflammatory condition called gout. Increased sUA is caused by the excessive reabsorption of the urate anion transporter-1 (URAT-1). Therefore, URAT-1 inhibition will promote uric acid excretion and reduce the risk of having gout. Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe, often known as katmon, is an endemic plant in the Philippines with bioactive compounds associated with several therapeutic benefits. The present study represents the first scientific inquiry into the antihyperuricemic potential of compounds isolated from D. philippinensis. This study aimed to assess the interaction of URAT-1 with …

Comparative Treatment Of Homeless Persons With An Infectious Disease In The Us Emergency Department Setting: A Retrospective Approach, Jessica Barnes, Larry Segars, Jason A. Wasserman, Patrick Karabon, Tracey A.H. Taylor

Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: Research has long documented the increased emergency department usage by persons who are homeless compared with their housed counterparts, as well as an increased prevalence of infectious diseases. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the comparative treatment that persons who are homeless receive. This study seeks to describe this potential difference in treatment, including diagnostic services tested, procedures performed and medications prescribed.

Methods: This study used a retrospective, cohort study design to analyse data from the 2007-2010 United States National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database, specifically looking at the emergency department subset. Complex sample logistic regression …

Socioeconomic Status, Physical Inactivity, And Bmi In Transitional Urban China: Contextualizing The Theory Of Fundamental Causes, Jun Xu, Fang Gong, Wei Zhao

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Drawing insights from the theory of fundamental causes of disease, this study examined the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and selected risk factors in transitional urban China. Specifically, under China’s distinct institutional and sociocultural environment, we examined how contextualized SES (i.e., party membership, hukou status, housing ownership, and subjective social status) and conventional SES indicators (i.e., education, income, and occupation) were associated with physical inactivity and body mass index (BMI). Utilizing the urban subsample of the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), we found that individuals with higher education, income, Communist Party membership, and urban hukou status had lower risks …

Development Of A Urothelial Cell Line Expressing A Caspase-1 Biosensor To Measure Cellular Inflammatory Responses To Potential Uropathogens, Nikita Riya Kesav

Master's Theses

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections, historically implicating Escherichia coli as the causative pathogen. However, it is now known that there are a variety of bacteria that exist within the urinary tract, acting as either beneficial uroprotectives or opportunistic uropathogens. Furthermore, there are significant gaps in our understanding as to how these bacteria interact with the urothelium and what role each plays in maintaining or disrupting homeostasis. Research has shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and Nod-like Receptor Protein 3 play a role in inflammasome activation during infection, triggering caspase-1 activation and inducing release …

Launching The Clostridioides Difficile Collection, Lovleen Tina Joshi, Stephen Michell, Ed J. Kuijper

Peninsula Dental School

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Of Mortality Associated With Comorbid Pneumonia And Thrombocytopenia In A Rural Southwest Missouri Hospital System, Tabitha Ranson, Hannah Rourick, Rajbir Sooch, Nicole R. Ford, Nova Beyersdorfer, Kerry Johnson, John Paulson

Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: Pneumonia places a significant burden on individuals and society, contributing to a substantial number of hospital admissions, emergency department visits, deaths, and healthcare costs each year. Comorbidities can greatly increase the risk of poor outcomes when associated with pneumonia. One comorbidity that has yet to be thoroughly researched is thrombocytopenia, which is known to play an important role in activating the immune response to infections. A decrease in platelet count may limit the immune response and consequently increase mortality in patients with pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether comorbid thrombocytopenia and pneumonia are associated with …

The Effectiveness And Safety Of Stellate Ganglion Block In The Treatment Of Symptoms From Long Covid-19: A Pilot Study, Alexa O Levey, Grant H Chen, Alexandra Ngyuen, Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner, Jamal Hasoon, Sepideh Saroukhani, Matthew Lin

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: Pilot study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of stellate ganglion blocks in the treatment of symptoms related to long COVID infection.

Materials and methods: A total of 17 patients who underwent stellate ganglion block for the treatment of their long COVID symptoms were included. COMPASS-31, GAD-7, PCL-5, and Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) pre and post intervention surveys and data on baseline heartrate and post- block heart rate recorded in the EMR.

Results: A total of 94% of patients reported moderate-to-severe autonomic dysfunction pre-procedure as measured by COMPASS-31. All patients reported some degree of symptomatic improvement from the block. …

Current And Emerging Trends In The Management Of International Disasters, Laura M. Phipps, David A. Mcentire

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

This edited book examines major problems facing the international disaster community as well as innovative solutions to global emergency management, focusing on the current and emerging trends in disaster management that cross geographic, social, and political borders.

Addressing Dermatologic Concerns And Teledermatology In Undomiciled And Sheltered Populations, Kennedy Gallagher, Sahithi Talasila, Anna Bistline, Rebecca Krain, Leena Ramani, Elizabeth Jones

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Homelessness in the United States is a significant public health issue, with dermatologic disease being the most prevalent health concern among the undomiciled and sheltered populations. Despite a growing need for dermatologic care, the supply of dermatologists remains insufficient, contributing to disparities in healthcare access for this vulnerable group. This review aims to detail the spectrum of dermatologic conditions experienced by homeless individuals, identify barriers to adequate care, and explore teledermatology as a potential solution to bridge these gaps. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies and reports on dermatologic issues prevalent among the homeless population and the efficacy …

Testing Strategies To Develop A Mucosal T Cell Inducing Vaccine For Hiv-1, Reynolds Boone

Master's Theses

Despite numerous efforts, HIV vaccine is still not available. Because HIV Envelop protein varies among subtypes and isolates, it is impossible for one vaccine against HIV Env to induce neutralizing antibodies against all subtypes and isolates. Previous vaccine attempts inducing HIV-specific CD4+ T cells have even been shown to enhance the HIV infection because HIV preferentially infects activated CD4+ T cells. It is known that CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play an important role in controlling HIV infections. We hypothesize that a vaccine inducing only CD8+ CTLs but not CD4+ T cells will be effective in preventing HIV infections. Thus, …

The Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Exopolysaccharide From Bacillus Subtilis, Nikolay Todorov

Master's Theses

Commensal microorganisms can be used therapeutically to ameliorate a variety of diseases. The laboratory of Dr. Katherine L. Knight studies these therapeutic properties in the commensal microorganism known as Bacillus subtilis. Previously, the Knight lab has demonstrated that B. subtilis can protect against colitis caused by Citrobacter rodentium suggesting that B. subtilis possesses anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are specific to the polysaccharide capsule of the microorganism known as exopolysaccharide or EPS. EPS can be produced and purified for study. EPS has been demonstrated to be protective in a variety of diseases such as allergic eosinophilia, sepsis, Graft versus Host disease, …

Characterization Of Cd11c-Expressing Gut-Associated T Cells, Ana Cvetkovic

Master's Theses

Our immune system is a remarkable defense network that protects our bodies from a range of threats. Its’ intricate machinery comprises of messenger and effector cells that work together to coordinate an effective immune response. Traditionally, T lymphocytes have been considered effectors: they receive instructions from messengers, known as Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), that alter T-cell activation state and behavior. In the gut, Dendritic Cells (DCs) are the APCs that most often instruct T cells. To accomplish their messenger role, DCs express CD11c at high levels, a surface marker involved in cell-to-cell signaling and phagocytosis. As such, CD11c expression has …

Investigating The Roles Of Sirtuins During Cvb3 Infection And Innate Immunity, Bridget M. Hulsebosch

Master's Theses

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is an enterovirus that chronically infects heart tissue, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. However, no vaccines or antivirals exist for CVB3 infection or to treat CVB3-induced dilated cardiomyopathy, except for a heart transplant. Sirtuins (SIRTs), class III lysine deacetylases, have diverse and complex roles in cellular functions, contributing to energy production, NF-κB signaling, cell cycle regulation, and inflammation. Previous studies showed that SIRTs are essential for hepatitis B and A viral replication and regulate the IFN response during viral infection. However, the role of SIRT1 and 2 during CVB3 infection is entirely unknown. CVB3-infected SIRT1 and SIRT2 knockout …