Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Independent Analysis Of A Retrospective Cohort Of 30,423 Covid-19 Patients Treated At Ihu-Mediterranean In Marseille, France: Part 2, A Real-Life Assessment Of Covid-19 Vaccination Efficacy, Valere Lounnas, Eleftherios Gkioulekas, Marc Rendell, Alexis Lacout, Xavier Azalbert, Christian Perronne

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

A cohort of 30,423 Covid-19 patients treated between March 2020 and December 2021 at the IHU-Méditerranée Infection in Marseille (France) was retrospectively analyzed in terms of treatment attempted and disease worsening factors to quantify vaccination efficacy with respect to the composite endpoint of transfer to intensive care unit or death, within a couple of months (56 days) from admission. Within limitations of the data and of the models, after adequate adjustment for sampling biases, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the subset of patients admitted after the Covid-19 vaccination program was …

Modeling The Effect Of Observational Social Learning On Parental Decision-Making For Childhood Vaccination And Diseases Spread Over Household Networks, Tamer Oraby, Andras Balogh

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper, we introduce a novel model for parental decision-making about vaccinations against a childhood disease that spreads through a contact network. This model considers a bilayer network comprising two overlapping networks, which are either Erdős–Rényi (random) networks or Barabási–Albert networks. The model also employs a Bayesian aggregation rule for observational social learning on a social network. This new model encompasses other decision models, such as voting and DeGroot models, as special cases. Using our model, we demonstrate how certain levels of social learning about vaccination preferences can converge opinions, influencing vaccine uptake and ultimately disease spread. In addition, …

Cognitive Decline Associated With Longitudinal Changes In 24-H Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variability, Jesus D. Melgarejo, Kristina P. Vatcheva, Luis J. Mena, Carlos A. Chavez, Egle Silva, Gustavo E. Calmon, Rosa P. Mavarez, Joseph H. Lee, Joseph D. Terwilliger, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

Background: Cognitive decline has been associated with variability in blood pressure (BP). However, whether the increment of the BP variability during follow-up precedes cognitive decline remains undocumented. We aimed this study to investigate cognitive decline in relation to longitudinal changes in 24-h reading-to-reading BP variability.

Methods: We conducted an observational longitudinal study that included 717 dementia-free participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study who underwent follow-up assessment in both 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and cognitive tests between 1998 and 2015. Cognitive domains consisted of selective reminding tests (total, long-term, short-term, and recognition memory) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). …

Mitigating The Externality Of Diseases Of Poverty Through Health Aid, Kamal Jnawali, Michael G. Tyshenko, Tamer Oraby

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Externality exists in healthcare when an individual benefits from others being healthy as it reduces the probability of getting sick from illness. Healthy workers are considered to be the more productive labourers leading to a country’s positive economic growth over time. Several research studies have modelled disease transmission and its economic impact on a single country in isolation. We developed a two-country diseaseeconomy model that explores disease transmission and crossborder infection of disease for its impacts. The model includes aspects of a worsening and rapid transmission of disease juxtaposed by positive impacts to the economy from tourism. We found that …

Increasing Public Health Mosquito Surveillance In Hidalgo County, Texas To Monitor Vector And Arboviral Presence, Clarissa D. Guerrero, Steven Hinojosa, Diana Vanegas, Niko Tapangan, Matthew Guajardo, Sara Alaniz, Narda Cano, Christopher Vitek, John Thomas, Valerie Hernandez, Juan Garcia Jr.

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

From 2016 to 2018, Hidalgo County observed the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections along with sporadic cases of Dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Due to the emergence of ZIKV and the historical presence of other mosquito-borne illnesses, Hidalgo County obtained funding to enhance mosquito surveillance and educate residents on arboviruses and travel risks. During this time period, Hidalgo County mosquito surveillance efforts increased by 1.275%. This increase resulted in >8000 mosquitoes collected, and 28 mosquito species identified. Aedes aegypti, Ae albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus made up approximately two-thirds of the mosquitoes collected in 2018 (4122/6171). Spatiotemporal …

Prevalence Of Liver Cirrhosis And Its Association With Obesity Among Hispanics And Mexican Americans: An Evidence Synthesis, Alexa Perlick, Abaigeal Thompson, Colton Wayne, Angel Rendon, Jose Campo Maldonado

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

INTRODUCTION

The obesity epidemic is a growing public health concern. In addition to the already known complications and comorbidities associated with obesity, data suggest that obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of liver disease.^1,2 However, there is a paucity of data regarding the clinical correlation of obesity and cirrhosis in a predominantly Hispanic population of South Texas. The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate the prevalence of cirrhosis stratified by obesity in Hispanic populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed was used to perform a thorough literature search. The terms liver cirrhosis and obesity were …

Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety Are Associated With Substances Used In Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (Ends): A Longitudinal Analysis From The Texas Adolescent Tobacco And Marketing Surveillance System (Tatams), Jacob Smith, Stephanie Clendennen, Anna V. Wilkinson, Melissa B. Harrell

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

Introduction

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use with nicotine or THC among adolescents and young adults is increasing. The goal of our research was to examine relationships between symptoms of anxiety or depression and ENDS use, whether with nicotine or THC, among young people in four major metropolitan areas of Texas.

Methods

The sample was 57.6% female and 37.6% Hispanic. Data were derived from Wave 9 (Spring, 2019) and Wave 10 (Fall, 2019) of the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance system. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between symptoms of depression, anxiety, or comorbid depression and anxiety in the Spring, …

Association Between Race/Ethnicity And Covid-19 Disease Outcomes In The United States: A Qualitative Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jacob Smith

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

Background/Objective: As studies have shown disparities in coronavirus disease-19 prevalence and severity, we sought to evaluate differences in outcomes of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection by race/ethnicity.

Design: Systematic review

Data Source: Studies from PubMed were included.

Review methods: Articles published in English language from January 1, 2019 through March 22, 2020. Studies included were observational studies that examined racial or ethnic disparities in SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes in the United States. One reviewer performed data extraction.

Results: Out of a possible 1,944 articles, 99 observational studies (82 individual-level and 17 population-level) were included. Differential rates of hospitalization or otherwise severe illness …

Sex And Age Differences In Prevalence And Risk Factors For Prediabetes In Mexican-Americans, Kristina Vatcheva, Belinda M. Reininger, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch, Joseph B. Mccormick

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

AIMS:

Over 1/3 of Americans have prediabetes, while 9.4% have type 2 diabetes. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes in Mexican Americans, with known 28.2% prevalence of type 2 diabetes, by age and sex and to identify critical socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with prediabetes.

METHODS:

Data were collected between 2004 and 2017 from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort in Texas. Weighted crude and sex- and age- stratified prevalences were calculated. Survey weighted logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for prediabetes.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of prediabetes (32%) was slightly higher than …

Exploring The Hispanic Health Paradox In Mental Health Outcomes: Evidence From The Us-Mexico Border, Laryssa Mykyta, Suad Ghaddar, Leonel Vela

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Research has established that Hispanic immigrants experience better health outcomes than their US-born counterparts. However, it is unclear whether the immigrant advantage holds for mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine mental health disparities by nativity status in an underserved Hispanic population along the southern border.

Methods: We collected data (N=713, weighted 733,644 adults) in four counties (90% Hispanic) along the Texas-Mexico border from March through August 2018 utilizing a dual-frame sampling design (random-digit dial telephone survey and field survey in randomly-selected colonias). We assessed several mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, poor mental health …

Modification Of Traffic-Related Respiratory Response By Asthma Control In A Population Of Car Commuters, Maria C. Mirabelli, Rachel Golan, Roby Greenwald, Amit U. Raysoni, Fernando Holguin, Priya Kewada, Andrea Winquist, W Dana Flanders, Jeremy A. Sarnat

School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Effects of traffic-related exposures on respiratory health are well documented, but little information is available about whether asthma control influences individual susceptibility. We analyzed data from the Atlanta Commuter Exposure study to evaluate modification of associations between rush-hour commuting, in- vehicle air pollution, and selected respiratory health outcomes by asthma control status.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, 39 adults participated in Atlanta Commuter Exposure, and each conducted two scripted rush-hour highway commutes. In-vehicle particulate components were measured during all commutes. Among adults with asthma, we evaluated asthma control by questionnaire and spirometry. Exhaled nitric oxide, forced expiratory volume in …

High Prevalence Of Subclinical Atherosclerosis By Carotid Ultrasound Among Mexican Americans: Discordance With 10-Year Risk Assessment Using The Framingham Risk Score, Susan T. Laing, Beverly Smulevitz, Kristina Vatcheva, Anne R. Rentfro, David D. Mcpherson, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch, Joseph B. Mccormick

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Framingham risk scores (FRS) were validated in a mostly Caucasian population. Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid ultrasound may improve ascertainment of risk in nonwhite populations. This study aimed to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaquing among Mexican Americans, and to correlate these markers with coronary risk factors and the FRS.

Methods/results: Participants (n = 141) were drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort. Carotid artery ultrasound was performed and cIMT measured. Carotid plaque was defined as areas of thickening >50% of the thickness of the surrounding walls. Mean age was 53.1 ± 11.7 years (73.8% female). …

Missed Opportunities For Diagnosis And Treatment Of Diabetes, Hypertension, And Hypercholesterolemia In A Mexican American Population, Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, 2003-2008, Susan P. Fisher-Hoch, Kristina Vatcheva, Susan T. Laing, Monir Hossain, M Hossein Rahbar, Craig Hanis, H Shelton Brown, Anne R. Rentfro, Belinda M. Reininger, Joseph B. Mccormick

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction

Diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia are common chronic diseases among Hispanics, a group projected to comprise 30% of the US population by 2050. Mexican Americans are the largest ethnically distinct subgroup among Hispanics. We assessed the prevalence of and risk factors for undiagnosed and untreated diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia among Mexican Americans in Cameron County, Texas.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional baseline data collected from 2003 to 2008 in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort, a randomly selected, community-recruited cohort of 2,000 Mexican American adults aged 18 or older, to assess prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia; to assess the extent to …

A Multilevel Analysis Of Socioeconomic Status And Prostate Cancer Risk, Maureen Sanderson, Ann L. Coker, Adriana Perez, Xianglin L. Du, Gerson Peltz, Mary K. Fadden

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

PURPOSE

We investigated whether prostate cancer was associated with socioeconomic status (SES) at the individual level, area level, or a combination of both levels.

METHODS

This population-based case–control study of prostate cancer in men aged 65 to 79 years was conducted between 2000 and 2002 in South Carolina. Complete interviews were available for 407 incident prostate cancer cases and 393 controls (with respective response rates of 61% and 64%). We used educational level to measure individual-level SES and a composite variable capturing income and education from 2000 Census data to measure area-level SES.

RESULTS

After adjustment for race, age, geographic …