Digital Commons Network^™

2024 Beyond Lectures Micro-Immune Battles Evaluation. Project Dataset., Michael Dillon, James Edwards, Alexandra Hughes, Holly Stephenson

Faculty of Health Datasets

Teaching the complex interactions between hosts and pathogens is a fundamental yet pedagogically challenging aspect of medical education. The intricate mechanisms of the immune system can pose significant barriers to students’ understanding of infectious disease diagnosis and treatment. To address this, we used a digital whiteboard platform to design a card-based competitive game called Micro-Immune Battles, aimed at more actively engaging students with microbiology and immunology concepts. Dataset Description: This dataset consists of an Excel spreadsheet that collates anonymised qualitative and quantitative survey responses evaluating the Micro-immune battles game. The spreadsheet contains two tabs corresponding to two separate surveys: (1) …

Inactivation Of Bacterial And Viral Indicators In The Secondary Effluent Of Al-Khober Wastewater Treatment Plant With Ozone, Uv-Radiation And Electrochemical Process: A Comparative Study, Muhammad Saleem Dr.

Journal of Engineering Research

Increased use of available water resources necessitates the reuse of treated wastewater at least for irrigation purposes. Generally, pathogenic microorganisms are present in treated wastewater; these pathogens are responsible for spread of many infectious diseases. Disinfection stands out as the pivotal stage in the treatment of effluents during wastewater reuse, crucial for averting the transmission of infectious diseases However, disinfection of wastewater with chlorine may form toxic by-products, a number of which are mutagenic and/or carcinogenic. The aim of present study was to examine the possibility of using three processes, namely; ozonation, UV-radiation, and electrochemical process for disinfection of secondary …

"Blockchain-Enhanced Electronic Health Records: A Secure And Immutable Approach To Ehr Management", Mostafa Abdelwahed Eltabakh, Mohamed E. Nasr, Emad Abd-Elrahman, Roayat Ismail Abdelfatah

Journal of Engineering Research

Traditional Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems face security risks, data misuse, and audit trail concerns. This paper proposes leveraging blockchain technology to improve EHRs, emphasizing Blockchain's potential to enhance data security, accessibility, and privacy through its encrypted and interconnected data block system, thereby addressing the core challenges of conventional EHR practices. This paper introduces a blockchain-based framework designed to consolidate and secure patient data within a singular record owned by the patient. Developed on the Ethereum network utilizing Ganache, this system employs programming languages and tools such as Solidity and web3.js. It leverages the blockchain platform for storing patient data …

Dementia Prevalence And Onchocerca Volvulus Infection Among Rural Elderly Persons In The Ntui Health District, Cameroon: A Population-Based Study, Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi, Joseph N. Siewe Fodjo, Kongnyu Gamnsi Njamnshi, Leonard Ngarka, Michel K. Mengnjo, Leonard N. Nfor, Martine A. F. Tsasse, Gladys Maestre, Jose E. Cavazos, Bernard Fongang

School of Medicine Publications

Recent research suggests that infection with Onchocerca volvulus induces neurocognitive decline. This study sought to compare the cognitive outcomes of elderly persons based on onchocerciasis infection status and report the overall prevalence of dementia in the rural Ntui Health District in Cameroon. A community-based approach was used to recruit 103 participants aged ≥60 years. Dementia screening was done using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia (CSID) tool with a cut-off value of ≤29.5. O. volvulus infection was determined via microscopic examination of skin snips and serological testing of Ov16 antibodies using rapid diagnostic tests. Overall, the prevalence of dementia was …

Myth Or Fact? An Analysis Of Covid-19 Deaths In Red Or Blue States Of America, Kwabena S. Duku, Nishat Ara Mozid, Olcay Akman

Spora: A Journal of Biomathematics

This study examines the correlation between political leanings and COVID-19 mortality across the states of America affiliated with Republican and Democratic governance. Employing emergent self-organizing map (ESOM), cluster analysis, and the logistic classification, we group states based on COVID-19 properties, identify risk patterns, and assess risk levels. Factors considered include poverty rate, education rate, vaccination rate, and demographics. The Logistic Algorithm succinctly summarizes findings, integrating ESOM, cluster analysis, and logistic classification results. This multi-method approach aims to offer a concise, yet comprehensive understanding of the COVID-19 risk landscape in politically diverse states, shedding light on potential associations between political affiliations …

Inspire : Vol 7 Issue 7, Department Of Medicine

INSPIRE – Department of Medicine Archives

• Message from the Chair
• Medicine at National and International Forums
• Question Development Retreat
• Cardiology team achieves Platinum Performance Award!
• Facebook live session
• Dr Javaid A Khan takes Charge!
• Featured Faculty: Dr. M Uzair Rauf
• What Academics Are Reading This Month?
• Upcoming event

Genetic Diversity Of 1,845 Rhesus Macaques Improves Genetic Variation Interpretation And Identifies Disease Models, Jun Wang, Meng Wang, Ala Moshiri, R Alan Harris, Muthuswamy Raveendran, Tracy Nguyen, Soohyun Kim, Laura Young, Keqing Wang, Roger Wiseman, David H O'Connor, Zach Johnson, Melween Martinez, Michael J Montague, Ken Sayers, Martha Lyke, Eric Vallender, Tim Stout, Yumei Li, Sara M Thomasy, Jeffrey Rogers, Rui Chen

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Understanding and treating human diseases require valid animal models. Leveraging the genetic diversity in rhesus macaque populations across eight primate centers in the United States, we conduct targeted-sequencing on 1845 individuals for 374 genes linked to inherited human retinal and neurodevelopmental diseases. We identify over 47,000 single nucleotide variants, a substantial proportion of which are shared with human populations. By combining rhesus and human allele frequencies with established variant prediction methods, we develop a machine learning-based score that outperforms established methods in predicting missense variant pathogenicity. Remarkably, we find a marked number of loss-of-function variants and putative deleterious variants, which …

Reported Incidence Of Infections Caused By Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food: Impact Of Increased Use Of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 1996-2023, Hazel J. Shah, Rachel H. Jervis, Katie Wymore, Tamara Rissman, Bethany Laclair, Michelle M. Boyle, Kirk Smith, Sarah Lathrop, Suzanne Mcguire, Rosalie Trevejo, Marcy Mcmillian, Stic Harris, Joanna Zablotsky Kufel, Kennedy Houck, Carey E. Lau, Carey J. Devine, Dave Boxrud, Daniel L. Weller

Pathology Research and Scholarship

Reducing foodborne disease incidence is a public health priority. This report summarizes preliminary 2023 Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) data and highlights efforts to increase the representativeness of FoodNet. During 2023, incidences of domestically acquired campylobacteriosis, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection, yersiniosis, vibriosis, and cyclosporiasis increased, whereas those of listeriosis, salmonellosis, and shigellosis remained stable compared with incidences during 2016-2018, the baseline used for tracking progress towards federal disease reduction goals. During 2023, the incidence and percentage of infections diagnosed by culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) reported to FoodNet continued to increase, and the percentage of cases that yielded an …

Intersectional Analysis Of Vaccination Inequity Among Individuals With Disabilities In The United States During Covid-19 Pandemic, Philip Ndoki Ndoki

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was an investigation of how disability status, types, sociodemographic indicators, and reasons for not receiving vaccinations influenced COVID-19 vaccination rates among individuals with disabilities in the United States. Despite efforts, vaccination disparities persisted, necessitating an understanding of barriers to uptake. Using intersectionality theory and the social determinants of health framework, this study examined the impact of marginalized identities and structural inequalities. Key questions included the association between disability status and vaccination uptake, differences among disability types moderated by sociodemographic factors, and the interaction between disability status and reasons for not vaccinating. Household Pulse Survey data from the US …

The Cycle Of Care: An Illustrated History Of Dreyer Medical Clinic, Advocate Health - Midwest

Historical Documents - Combined

An illustrated history of Dreyer Medical Clinic, starting with its original founder, Dr. John W Dreyer in 1905, to the subsequent growth of the Clinic from the partnership he formed in 1922, to the organization's significant accomplishments through 2007.

Exploring Global Disparities In Tuberculosis Treatment And Outcomes: A Scoping Review Of Gender-Based Perspectives And Implications For Women’S Health, Colin Gordy, Dylan Barker, Marie Barnard, Sudeshna Roy

Faculty and Student Publications

This scoping review aims to explore the gender-specific disparities and highlight the unique disadvantages faced by women in the context of Tuberculosis (TB). By mapping the existing literature on women's experiences with TB, this review seeks to uncover the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and identify gaps in the current understanding. The goal is to inform future research and policymaking, ultimately improving TB prevention, treatment, and outcomes for women worldwide. Recognizing and addressing the specific needs and challenges of women is essential for achieving equitable and effective TB control.

The Protective Efficacy Of A Sars-Cov-2 Vaccine Candidate B1351v Against Several Variant Challenges In K18-Hace2 Mice, Jie Yang, Huifen Fan, Anna Yang, Wenhui Wang, Xin Wan, Fengjie Lin, Dongsheng Yang, Jie Wu, Kaiwen Wang, Wei Li, Qian Cai, Lei You, Deqin Pang, Jia Lu, Changfu Guo, Jinrong Shi, Yan Sun, Xinguo Li, Kai Duan, Shuo Shen, Shengli Meng, Jing Guo, Zejun Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with increased transmissibility and partial resistance to neutralization by antibodies has been observed globally. There is an urgent need for an effective vaccine to combat these variants. Our study demonstrated that the B.1.351 variant inactivated vaccine candidate (B.1.351V) generated strong binding and neutralizing antibody responses in BALB/c mice against the B.1.351 virus and other SARS-CoV-2 variants after two doses within 28 days. Immunized K18-hACE2 mice also exhibited elevated levels of live virus-neutralizing antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Following infection with these viruses, K18-hACE2 mice displayed a stable body weight, a high survival …

Novel Antivirals Unveiled Against Acute And Persistent Coxsackievirus B3 Infection Via Rapid Screening, Maria Del Mar Villanueva Guzman

Master's Theses

Enteroviruses cause 10 to 15 million infections annually in the United States, and Coxsackievirus B3 is one of the most commonly reported. Coxsackieviruses may become persistent, characterized as a viral infection that is not cleared from host cells and that generates a continuous infection. Patients who develop persistent CVB3 infection may not respond to the same antivirals as an acute infection, which may be detrimental. Therefore, there is a need for broad-range antiviral drugs to combat acute and persistent CVB3 infection, as there is no well-accepted treatment available. We developed a model system to study persistent CVB3 using a pancreatic …

Novel Antivirals Unveiled Against Acute And Persistent Coxsackievirus B3 Infection Via Rapid Screening, Maria Del Mar Villanueva Guzman

Master's Theses

Enteroviruses cause 10 to 15 million infections annually in the United States, and Coxsackievirus B3 is one of the most commonly reported. Coxsackieviruses may become persistent, characterized as a viral infection that is not cleared from host cells and that generates a continuous infection. Patients who develop persistent CVB3 infection may not respond to the same antivirals as an acute infection, which may be detrimental. Therefore, there is a need for broad-range antiviral drugs to combat acute and persistent CVB3 infection, as there is no well-accepted treatment available. We developed a model system to study persistent CVB3 using a pancreatic …

Mortality Rate Of Covid-19 With Comorbid Pneumonia In A Rural Area, Anmol Multani, Vineesha Kollipara, Tess Krage, James D. Hearn, Greg Stahl, Kerry Johnson, Scott Goade, Nova Beyersdorfer, Robert Arnce

Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: A myriad of risk factors and comorbidities have been determined to influence COVID-19 mortality rates; among these is pneumonia. This study considers pneumonia as a risk factor for increased mortality in patients admitted with COVID-19 in a rural healthcare system. We predicted that the presence of pneumonia of any kind would increase mortality rates in patients admitted with COVID-19.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data collected from hospitals in the Freeman Health System (FHS) located in Joplin and Neosho, Missouri. Data were collected between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Using International Classification of Diseases, …

A Case Of Gastrointestinal Coccidiomycosis With Bowel Perforation Secondary To Relapsing Dlbcl, Mohammed Ahsan, Angelina Browne, Zackary Anderson, Rebecca Witherell

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Coccidioides is a fungus endemic to the Southwestern United States, known for causing Valley Fever. While typically asymptomatic or presenting as a respiratory tract infection, rare cases of disseminated infection to the peritoneum have been reported. The patient in this case study presented with a small bowel obstruction, requiring an exploratory laparoscopy showing evidence of an inflammatory mass with a jejuna-colic fistula with adherence to the spleen. The patient underwent splenectomy with a cholecystectomy and small bowel resection. Intraabdominal cultures revealed Coccidioides, and so he started long-term antifungal treatment. The patient was also initiated on salvage chemotherapy for DLBCL, and …

Harbinger Of Lyme Carditis: From Atrioventricular Block To Atrial Fibrillation, Maryam Barkhordarian, Mark Grijalva, Avani Kolla, Aaron Stein, Dmitry Nemirovsky

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Introduction: Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that is most commonly caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by the Ixodes tick. Common manifestations are fevers, headache, arthralgia, erythema migrans, and, if left untreated, can progress to neuropathy and carditis. Lyme carditis most commonly presents with high degree atrioventricular block, however, may present with other arrhythmias.

Case presentation: We present a case of a 70 year old male with past medical history of hypertension and polycythemia vera who presented to the hospital with lightheadedness and bradycardia following 2 weeks of fever. His electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with regularized conduction at 40 …

Iga Nephropathy Secondary To Covid-19 Infection - A Case Report, Sanjivani Shrestha, Sumanth Kumar Bandaru, Man Kit Michael Siu, Silvia Malvica, Joselito Cabacar

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

We present a case of a 73-year-old African American lady with COVID-19 infection who developed Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and significant proteinuria. Renal biopsy showed IgA nephropathy. Patient was eventually diagnosed with IgA nephropathy secondary to COVID Infection. This unique case highlights the complexity of renal involvement in COVID-19. Notably, the onset of IgA nephropathy in the patient occurred several weeks after her COVID-19 diagnosis, deviating from the typical synpharyngitic presentation with respiratory symptoms. This article contributes to the growing body of evidence regarding renal complications associated with COVID-19 and highlights the need for vigilance in assessing and managing renal …

Small Bowel Perforated Viscus Mimicking Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report, Jesus Romero, Yezin Shamoon, Melvin Santana, Rachel Abboud, Ana L. Romero, Danna Reyes, Raja Pullatt

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a serious medical condition caused by cardiac muscle ischemia, which can lead to myocardial injury or necrosis. EKG is a critical diagnostic tool for patients with suspected ACS, as it can determine the vascular territory and guide therapy. However, there are various non-cardiac causes of EKG changes that mimic ACS and can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. We present the case of a 57-year-old lady with an extensive past medical history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who presented to our institution unresponsive and pulseless secondary to a perforated viscus and was found to have …

Frailty Indices And Their Importance In Elderly Patients: A Perspective Review, Rachna Valvani, Nismat Javed, Timothy Vittorio, Moiud Mohyeldin

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

The aging demographic landscape of the United States highlights a concomitant rise in chronic conditions and infectious diseases. Older adults face a heightened susceptibility to infections, particularly pneumonia and urinary tract infections, and comorbidities such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Frailty, defined by a set of phenotypic criteria, emerges as a crucial predictor of adverse outcomes in infections, affecting hospitalization and post-care interventions. In the context of cancer, various frailty indices demonstrate their utility in predicting complications, mortality, and long-term outcomes. Cardiovascular diseases, including acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarctions, exhibit varied associations with frailty, influencing both short-term and …

Climate Change In Arctic And Indigenous Peoples: Challenges And Solutions, Vera Solovyeva

Ocean and Coastal Law Journal

Climate change poses a serious threat to human well-being, negatively affecting health, traditional environmental management, water supply and food security. Changes in the environment are exacerbating indigenous peoples' problems. This is especially relevant to those who lead traditional lifestyles and whose well-being depends on agricultural and livestock production. This Article addresses the challenges and potential solutions to climate change in the Arctic ecosystem, including the Sub-Arctic regions. Physical changes to the landscape are examined alongside impacts on Indigenous culture and identity. In addition, the article explains the importance of Indigenous knowledge, values, and ethics in developing successful adaptation strategies. In …

Ruptured Infectious Pseudoaneurysm Of The Common Carotid Artery In A 14-Year-Old Girl. Management In The Dr Congo, Alphonse Nzomvuama, Jean Jacques Kalongo, Blondel Bayenekene, Stéphane Yanda, M. Jacques Nsuami

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The infectious pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery is a rare observation in children. We present a case of ruptured infectious common carotid aneurysm in a 14-year-old girl managed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We performed an arterial reconstruction with a saphenous vein patch. Post-operative course was simple. The patient was discharged from the hospital at post-operative day 15. She was doing well and had returned to school. Rupture of an infectious pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery constitutes a serious, life-threatening accident. As we have shown in this case report, its management with successful results is indeed possible, …

Disambiguation Of Aerococcus Urinae Species Diversity, Brian Ian Choi

Dissertations

Aerococcus urinae is an uncommon inhabitant of the human urogenital tract. The Gram-positive bacterium has been implicated in a wide range of urinary tract diseases that, if left untreated or undiagnosed, can progress to severe disease such as infective endocarditis. Comparative analysis of 115 A. urinae isolates from infection episodes of urinary tract infection, bacteremia, infective endocarditis, urgency urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome, and asymptomatic individuals reveal substantial diversity with respect to predicted virulence factors, metabolism, and observed biofilm behavior. Through whole genome sequencing analysis, these strains can be reorganized into six new taxonomic …

Unveiling The Path To Lgbtq+ Inclusive And Culturally Competent Healthcare: A Multi-Dimensional Examination Of Trainings, Policies, And Perspectives, Hyunmin Yu

Dissertations

LGBTQ+ individuals encounter enduring discrimination and adverse healthcare encounters within the healthcare system, with profound implications for their health and wellbeing. Policymakers have advocated for the adoption of LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent healthcare, including training for health professionals, to promote health equity among LGBTQ+ populations. However, implementation of these policies within healthcare systems varies, posing structural and individual-level barriers. In this dissertation, I employ an ecological model of LGBTQ+ health disparities and a conceptual model of determinants of health disparities in vulnerable populations within the healthcare system to examine the impact of structural inequities on the implementation of LGBTQ+ …

Integrative Approaches To Evaluate Challenges Faced By Songbirds During Migration And Associated Physiological Trade-Offs, Gabriella L. Orfanides

Theses

Migration is a demanding time for birds, and birds face numerous physiological, behavioral, and environmental challenges. As migratory birds balance the costs of numerous stressors during migration, this could result in detrimental physiological trade-offs. Understanding the trials and trade-offs that birds encounter during migration has important conservation implications. I utilized two component studies to better understand challenges encountered by migratory songbirds as well as to identify physiological metrics that may provide insight into these challenges. For the first study, I used nested PCR and DNA sequencing to determine parasite prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidians in Canada Warblers (Cardellina canadensis) …

Consequences Of Global Climate Change On Biodiversity And Food Security: A Mini Review, Hasan M. Agha, Abdulmutalib Alabeed Alkamil, Rana Tariq Yahya, Amjad Abdulhadi Mohammed, Zaid Tahseen Ali, Muneer Mohammed Saleh Alsayadi

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

A thriving eco-system and abundant species diversity are crucial for all forms of life on Earth. Whether or not the climate remains stable has a direct impact on biodiversity and the ecosystem services that are provided by that diversity. There is a strong correlation between biodiversity and food security, and this is influencing how the impact of biodiversity on climate change is felt. Changes in the duration of the growth season for plants, the distribution of arable lands, and the availability of high-quality water are all ways in which climate change impacts agriculture. There will be numerous positive effects on …

Higher-Dose And Adjuvanted Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Can Improve Immunogenicity In People With Hiv, Ethan Gladhill, Heather Rollins, Heather Justice, J. Brumitt

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

Background- People with HIV have proportionally higher mortality and morbidity from seasonal influenza and have a reduced immune response to seasonal influenza vaccines. Improvement of their immune response to influenza vaccines may lead to improved health outcomes.

Methods- CINAHL and Medline were searched using the terms “high dose influenza AND HIV”, “high antigen AND influenza vaccine”, “influenza vaccine AND HIV AND immunogenicity”, “influenza vaccine AND HIV AND adjuvant”, and “adjuvanted influenza vaccine AND HIV”. Articles were selected based on criteria of investigating higher-dose (30μg or higher) or adjuvanted influenza vaccines …

The Impact And Potential Of Digital Health Technologies, Craig Kimble, Thomas Pile, Alberto Coustasse

Pharmacy Practice & Administration

Digital technologies and smart devices are now used in every aspect of our lives. Further innovation in the digital health realm is growing and has the potential to reduce inefficiencies in the health care system by sharing health data with providers, decreasing costs related to unnecessary health care visits and improving patients’ quality of life and clinical outcomes by better tailoring treatment to the individual’s health needs.

Improving Transitions In Care Through Early Discharge Planning: A Quality Improvement Initiative., Sarah Markgraf

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Background: A substantial body of evidence has shown transitions in care are one of the weakest links in healthcare networks, especially for older adults with complex comorbidities. Residents receiving short-term rehabilitation (i.e., rehab) transitioning to home from a skilled nursing facility (SNF) are the most vulnerable in the first 30 days post-discharge for adverse resident events, including avoidable rehospitalization. Avoidable rehospitalizations cost Medicare billions of dollars annually and lead to poor resident outcomes. Early discharge planning in SNFs for short-term stay rehabilitation has decreased rates of avoidable rehospitalizations, improved quality of life in geriatric residents, and improved care partners' perceived …

Reducing Stress And Improving Mindfulness Practices Among Mental Health Professionals Through Guided Meditation., Liara G. Patton

Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers

Abstract

Background: Chronic exposure to psychological stress places mental health providers in a vulnerable position when coping skills are not learned or available. Mental health providers are at risk for both mental and physical illness due to the empathetic demands of their client’s stressors. The deficit in adequate coping skills can cause provider-client relationships to suffer and create an undesirable work environment.

Setting: This project took place in Somerset, KY, at a mental health company called A New Beginnings Achievement Center (ANBAC). Twenty-six employees work at ANBAC, all of whom are involved in providing mental health services to developmentally delayed …