Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Novel Roles Of Rab35 In Development And Disease, Kelsey Ruth Clearman

All ETDs from UAB

As the largest and most dynamic family of GTPases within the mammalian cell, Rabs play an essential role as molecular switches in regulating intracellular vesicular trafficking and serve as significant signaling transducers. Over the last few decades, Rabs have been identified to regulate endocytic, transcytosis, and exocytotic pathways, and mutations in Rabs, or alterations in downstream effectors lead to embryonic lethality and diseases such as cancer and ciliopathies. Ciliopathies are a class of pathologies that result from defects in structure or function of the primary cilia. Primary cilia, found on virtually all mammalian cells, is a microtubule-derived appendage that relies …

The Modification Of Single Domain Antibody Framework And Variable Regions To Impart Novel Pharmacodynamic And Pharmacokinetic Properties, Lucinda Ann Hall

All ETDs from UAB

In recent years, nanobodies have become important theranostic molecules, and research has focused on improving their pharmacokinetics and binding for novel targets. Nanobodies are characterized by their high kidney uptake, leading to potentially unsafe exposure of the kidneys when delivering cytotoxic payloads. Researchers hypothesize that positively charged amino acids contribute to this kidney uptake. To address this, we assessed the impact of substituting lysine residues within the 2Rs15d HER2 nanobody scaffold to alanine on its in vivo pharmacokinetics using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. We found that nanobodies bearing lysine-to-alanine substitutions maintained their affinity for HER2. Characterization of the K88A …

Trends In Reported Sexual Behaviors Among Alabama High School Students From 2011-2021, Sarah Franklin

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Sexual health education is associated with better outcomes among adolescents proper use of contraception, STI prevention methods, and lower rates of teenage pregnancy and STIs. In Alabama, sexual health education is not mandated in public schools. It is unknown how the lack of mandated sexual education has impacted trends in the sexual health of Alabama high school students. Methods: Using 2011-2021 data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), this study evaluated trends in sexual behaviors, including: 1) sexual history, 2) current sexual activity, 3) risky or protective sexual behaviors, and 4) history of HIV testing, over time among …

The Role Of Altered Cell-Cell Communication Between Glia And Neurons In Alzheimer’S Disease, Tabea Marga Soelter

All ETDs from UAB

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, affecting behavior, speech, and motor abilities. The neuropathology includes the formation of extracellular amyloid-β plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of phosphorylated tau. Additionally, neurons become functionally impaired before degenerating and dying. While neuronal loss is a disease hallmark, glia maintain neuronal health and homeostasis through cell-cell communication with neurons. Cellular crosstalk is mediated through the release of chemical intermediates (i.e., ligands), which are taken up by cell surface membrane receptors. Previous studies have shown dysregulation of global cell-cell communication patterns and communication …

Masculine Ideals And Health In Older Men: Findings From The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, Shane D. Burns, Patricia Drentea

APC Fund

How do older men’s masculine ideals affect their health? Are masculine activities involved in this relationship? Masculine identity upholds beliefs about masculine enactment. These beliefs can be detrimental to men and can lead to behaviors that can put undue stress on them. We examine how masculine ideals are associated with health and depressive symptomatology in older men. We used 2011 data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (n = 2,594) to investigate how masculine ideals inform older men’s health and how participation in masculine activities might shape these outcomes. Findings from this study illustrate that traditional masculine ideals are associated …

Distance From A Cultural Model Of Substance Use Risk, Internalization, And Self-Stigma In Urban Brazil, Nicole L. Henderson, William W. Dressler, Natalia Priolli Jora Pegoraro, Ana Falcao, Sandra Cristin Pillon

APC Fund

Introduction: A cognitive theory of culture as socially distributed cultural models has proven useful in research. Cultural models exist in two forms: the model shared by individuals in a social group, and individual versions of that model modified by personal experience. In previous research we documented a shared cultural model of substance use risk among a general population sample in urban Brazil. Here we examine how this model is distributed among persons under treatment for substance use/misuse and the implications for perceived and self-stigma.

Methods: A convenience sample of 133 persons under treatment rated the influence of risk factors for …

E-Cigarette Use And Respiratory Symptoms In Adults: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mohammed M. Alqahtani, Faraj K. Alenezi, Mohammed A. Almeshari, Abdullah M. Alanazi, Ziyad Ben Taleb, Mohammad E Ebrahimi Kalan, Mary P. Martinasek, Rheese J. Mcnab, Rachel Culbreth, Mansour Alotaibi, Hassan Alijohani, Lynda T. Goodfellow, Taha T. Ismaeil, Saleh S. Algarni, Tareq F. Alotaibi, Mobarek K. Alqahtani, Hamoud Al-Ajel, Khalid S. Alwadeai, Nafea S. Almutairi, Eric Ford

APC Fund

Introduction:
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is gaining popularity among adults. Monitoring e-cigarette-induced respiratory symptoms is crucial for both clinical and regulatory purposes. We systematically reviewed the current literature to understand the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and former smokers.

Methods:
Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus. We included all English-language, empirical quantitative articles that explored the prevalence of e-cigarette-related respiratory symptoms. Random-effects models were utilized in conducting the meta-analyses. The quality of identified studies was evaluated using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO(#CRD42020165973).

Results:
The …

Sex And Race Differences In Obesity-Related Genetic Susceptibility And Risk Of Cardiometabolic Disease In Older Us Adults, Hairui Yu, Nicole Armstrong, Greg Pavela

APC Fund

Importance The fat mass and obesity–associated gene (FTO) is associated with obesity phenotypes, but the association is inconsistent across populations. Within-population differences may explain some of the variability observed.

Objective To investigate sex differences in the association between FTO single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and obesity traits among self-identified non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White US adults, to examine whether the SNVs were associated with cardiometabolic diseases, and to evaluate whether obesity mediated the association between FTO SNVs and cardiometabolic diseases.

Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) …

Championing Awareness Of The Opioid Epidemic Through A Service-Learning Module For Non-Stem Biology Majors, Ryleigh Fleming, Sarah J. Adkins, Marco Esteban, Cinnamin Cross, Amy Hutson Chatham, Samiksha A. Raut

APC Fund

Over 50,000 people die annually from opioid overdoses in the United States leading to what has become known as the “opioid epidemic.” This is of heightened concern in states like Alabama that experience higher rates of overall drug use and overdose deaths. Thus, it is increasingly important for college students in Alabama to learn about how the opioid epidemic is affecting their communities. Previous studies have demonstrated that engaging non-majors in innovative active-learning oriented pedagogies like service-learning can enhance their understanding and awareness about contemporary societal issues. Despite its pedagogical potential, the impact of opioid-related service-learning, particularly for non-majors, continues …

Altered Response To Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation In Fibromyalgia: A Low-Dose, Human Experimental Endotoxemia Pilot Study, Chloe Jones, Luke Parkitny, Larissa Strath, Brant M. Wagener, Andrew Barker, Jarred Younger

APC Fund

In this pilot study, a human intravenous injection of low-dose endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) model was used to test if fibromyalgia is associated with altered immune responses to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. Eight women with moderately-severe fibromyalgia and eight healthy women were administered LPS at 0.1 ng/kg in session one and 0.4 ng/kg in session two. Blood draws were collected hourly to characterize the immune response. The primary analytes of interest, leptin and fractalkine, were assayed via commercial radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, respectively. Exploratory analyses were performed on 20 secreted cytokine assays by multiplex cytokine panels, collected …

Factors Associated With Completeness In Documentation Of Diagnostic Work-Up And Treatment In Patients With Breast Cancer In Sudan, Noon I. Eltoum, Nicole E. Caston, Lily Gutnik, Mahmoud A. Alfardous Alazm, Feras O. Mohamed, Lama M. Abdalkarem, Saad A S Ali, Abrar Z. Badwani, Nicole L. Henderson, Andres Azuero, Gabrielle Rocque

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Purpose: This study evaluates the relationship between geography and ethnicity on the completeness of documentation of diagnostic work-up and treatment modalities in Sudan for patients with breast cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study used data abstracted from patients with breast cancer receiving cancer care at Sudan’s largest cancer centre (Radiation and Isotopes Center Khartoum) in 2017. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from paper medical records. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to evaluate complete diagnostic work-up on ethnic group, origin and residence using binomial logistic regression models.

Results: Of 237 patients, the median age was 52 (interquartile …

Hla-Dqb1*06 And Select Neighboring Hla Variants Predict Chlamydia Reinfection Risk, Kanupriya Gupta, Howard W. Wiener, Hemant K. Tiwari, William M. Geisler

APC Fund

Associations of HLA class II alleles with genital chlamydial infection outcomes have been reported, especially HLA DQB1*06. However, the potential role of DQB1*06 in influencing reinfection risk has still not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the association of DQB1*06 with chlamydia reinfection was impacted by any other nearby HLA class II variants that were also associated with reinfection. We used next-generation sequencing to map HLA class II variants spanning the HLA-DQ and -DR loci. DQB1*06 as well as DQB1*04 were confirmed as significant predictors of chlamydia reinfection, when controlling for age and percent African …

Learning Health Center Leadership Makes The Case For Quality In Reducing Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury, Shea Polanich Phd, Rn, Faan, Shannon Layton Dnp, Rn, Rebecca Miltner Phd, Rn, Faan

School of Nursing Professional Posters

No abstract provided.

Quality Matters: Nurse Staffing And Clinical Outcomes, Shea Polancich Phd, Rn, Faan, Tracey Dick Phd, Rn, Terry Poe Dnp, Rn, Rebecca Miltner Phd, Rn, Faan, Aoyjai Montgomery Phd, Bsn, Patricia Patrician Phd, Rn, Faan

School of Nursing Professional Posters

No abstract provided.

Delayed Presentation Of Popliteal Artery Injury After Salter- Harris Iii Proximal Tibia Fracture, Alexandra H. Seidenstein, Timothy W. Torrez, Jacob A. Garcia, Shadi K. Awad, Henry Debell, Shawn R. Gilbert, Kevin A. Williams

APC Fund

Introduction. Proximal tibia physeal fractures in children are not very common but can be dangerous because they can harm popliteal fossa structures, especially the popliteal artery. Popliteal artery injuries (PAI) are most commonly the result of trauma to the lower extremity, including blunt force, hyperextension injuries, complex fractures, and knee dislocations that can compromise popliteal neurovascular structures. Case Presentation. A 14-year-old boy presents to the emergency department after being transferred from an outside hospital 24 hours after a left lower extremity hyperextension injury. Radiographs demonstrated a Salter-Harris III proximal tibia fracture with posterior displacement. ABIs were deferred due to palpable …

Antiviral Treatment Of Maternal And Congenital Cytomegalovirus (Cmv) Infections, Swetha Pinninti, Suresh Boppana

APC Fund

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous member of the Herpesviridae family, responsible for the most common congenital viral infection—congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection. While a majority of HCMV infections in children and adults are asymptomatic, HCMV is well known to cause severe infections in the immunocompromised individual and maternal infections with variable long-term sequelae after maternal–fetal transmission with primary or nonprimary infections. HCMV seroprevalence and cCMV incidence vary by geographic area and demographic characteristics like race and socioeconomic status. While cCMV birth prevalence ranges from 0.2% to 6% in different parts of the world, it is influenced by regional HCMV seroprevalence …

Uab Nursing - Fall 2023, University Of Alabama At Birmingham

UAB Nursing magazine

No abstract provided.

Pspa-Mediated Aggregation Protects Streptococcus Pneumoniae Against Desiccation On Fomites, Jessica R. Lane, Muralidhar Tata, Rahena Yasmin, Hansol Im, David E. Briles, Carlos J. Orihuela

APC Fund

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) resides in the nasopharynx where it can disseminate to cause disease. One key Spn virulence factor is pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), which promotes survival by blocking the antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin. PspA has also been shown to mediate attachment to dying epithelial cells in the lower airway due to its binding of cell surface-bound mammalian (m)GAPDH. Importantly, the role of PspA during colonization is not well understood. Wildtype Spn was present in nasal lavage elutes collected from asymptomatically colonized mice at levels ∼10-fold higher that its isogenic PspA-deficient mutant (ΔpspA). Wildtype Spn also …

The Healers: Becoming A Medical Professional In The Modern Era, J A. Soldner Md, Pharmd, Rph

Books

A practical guide for aspiring physicains, pharmacists, dentists, physician assistants, and registered nurses.

The Impact Of A Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Educational Video On Bowel Prep Outcomes, Tula Jefferson, Lauren Williams-Bryant

School of Nursing Student Presentations

Faculty Chair: Dr. Tedra Smith
Clinical Mentor: Briana Golden
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023

The Impact Of Self-Care Education And A Meal Voucher Incentive Program On No-Show Rates At The University Alabama At Birmingham Heart Failure Transitional Services For Adults Clinic, Lauren Lipton, Sara Monson, Jihe Park, Mary Faith Trammell

School of Nursing Student Presentations

Faculty Chair: Dr. Somali Nguyen
Clinical Mentor: Dr. Connie White-Williams
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023

Implementation Of Rapid Postcode Debrief Tool To Reduce Postcode Stress In Micu Rns: A Quality Improvement Study, Julie Capuson, Elyse Falchek, Elizabeth Harper, Nicole Kotval

School of Nursing Student Presentations

Faculty Chair: Dr. Patricia Speck and Dr. Tami Long
Clinical Mentor: Geri Anne Warman
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023

Decreasing Fall Rates On Unit 75 Medical-Surgical Using Revised Fall Prevention Program, Sierra M. Foster, Brooke L. Johnson, Shelby F. King, Courtney R. Morris, Cassandra A. Wheeler

School of Nursing Student Presentations

Faculty Chair: Dr. Lisa Pair
Clinical Mentor: Sapheria Pollard
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023

Diabetic Training For Nurses Through An Evidence-Based Bundle, Shanteia Beavers Bsn, Rn, Alex Bristow Bsn, Rn, Amanda Houser Bsn, Rn

School of Nursing Student Presentations

Faculty Chair: Curry Bordelon
Clinical Mentor: Emily Guess
Presented: DNP Orientation UAB School of Nursing, July 2023

A Focused Review Of Statistical Practices For Relating Radiation Dose-Volume Exposure And Toxicity, Andrew M. Mcdonald, Craig S. Schneider, John M. Stahl, Robert A. Oster, Richard A. Popple, Charles S. Mayo

APC Fund

Purpose Relating dose-volume histogram (DVH) information to patient outcomes is critical for outcomes research in radiation oncology, but this is statistically challenging. We performed this focused review of DVH toxicity studies to characterize current statistical approaches and determine the need for updated reporting recommendations. Methods and materials We performed a focused MEDLINE search to identify studies published in 5 radiation oncology specialty journals that associated dosimetry with toxicity outcomes in humans receiving radiotherapy between 2015 and 2021. Elements abstracted from each manuscript included the study outcome, organs-at-risk (OARs) considered, DVH parameters analyzed, summary of the analytic approach, use of multivariable …

Standing In The Gap: The Academic And Professional Divide Between Health Administration And Health Policy, Steven W. Howard, Michael A. Counte, Leah J. Vriesman, Harrison D. Brink

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There are diverse types of health care systems, policies and health care organizations existing in health care delivery arrangements across the world (1). Two distinct influential groups of professionals have emerged as a result. They are: 1. Macro-level, population-oriented heath policy planners and analysts (health policy professionals–HPP) and 2. More micro-level, institutionally-oriented managers and organizational leaders and executives (health management professionals–HMP). As the old idiom goes, “one can't see the forest for the trees.” Are HPP professionals at such “altitude” that they have a clear vision of the forest, but fail to understand how things are on the …

Circadian Regulation Of Dentate Gyrus Excitability Mediated By G-Protein Signaling, Jose Carlos Gonzalez, Haeun Lee, Angela M. Vincent, Angela L. Hill, Lacy K. Goode, Gwenalyn D. King, Karen L. Gamble, Jacques I. Wadiche, Linda Overstreet-Wadiche

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The central circadian regulator within the suprachiasmatic nucleus transmits time of day information by a diurnal spiking rhythm driven by molecular clock genes controlling membrane excitability. Most brain regions, including the hippocampus, harbor similar intrinsic circadian transcriptional machinery, but whether these molecular programs generate oscillations of membrane properties is unclear. Here, we show that intrinsic excitability of mouse dentate granule neurons exhibits a 24-h oscillation that controls spiking probability. Diurnal changes in excitability are mediated by antiphase G-protein regulation of potassium and sodium currents that reduce excitability during the Light phase. Disruption of the circadian transcriptional machinery by conditional …

Hiv And Addiction Services For People Who Inject Drugs: Healthcare Provider Perceptions On Integrated Care In The U.S. South, Davis Bradford, Mariel Parman, Sara Levy, Wesli H. Turner, Li Li, Leah Leisch, Ellen Eaton, Kaylee B. Crockett

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This qualitative study evaluates physician training and experience with treatment and prevention services for people who inject drugs (PWID) including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The Behavioral Model of Healthcare Utilization for Vulnerable Populations was applied as a framework for data analysis and interpretation. Two focus groups were conducted, one with early career physicians (n = 6) and one with mid- to late career physicians (n = 3). Focus group transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify factors affecting implementation of treatment and prevention services for PWID. Respondents identified that increasing …

Provider Perspectives On Fertility And Fertility Preservation Discussions Among Women With Cystic Fibrosis, Jessica Corcoran, Caitlyn Campbell, Sigrid Ladores

APC Fund

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that primarily impacts the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. With advances in treatment and medications, the life expectancy of people with CF is continuing to increase with current life expectancy at 47 years of age. Given the increased life expectancy, people with CF are interested in childbearing but may have CF specific fertility issues that should be addressed by their CF healthcare provider. Currently, these conversations are not occurring or are suboptimal. This study aimed to investigate the practices of cystic fibrosis (CF) healthcare providers regarding fertility and fertility preservation (FP) discussions among women …

Resources Availability And Covid-19 Mortality Among Us Counties, Josue Patien Epane, Ferhat Zengul, Zo Ramamonjiarivelo, Luceta Mcroy, Robert Weech-Maldonado

APC Fund

The COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by WHO on 03/2020 has claimed millions of lives worldwide. The US leads all countries in COVID-19-related deaths. Individual level (preexisting conditions and demographics) and county-level (availability of resources) factors have been attributed to increased risk of COVID-19-related deaths. This study builds on previous studies to assess the relationship between county-level resources and COVID-19 mortality among 2,438 US counties. We merged 2019 data from AHA, AHRF, and USA FACTS. The dependent variable was the total number of COVID-19-related deaths. Independent variables included county-level resources: (1) hospital staffing levels (FTE RNs, hospitalists, and intensivists) per …