Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Partially-Latent Class Models (Plcm) For Case-Control Studies Of Childhood Pneumonia Etiology, Zhenke Wu, Maria Deloria-Knoll, Laura L. Hammitt, Scott L. Zeger

Johns Hopkins University, Dept. of Biostatistics Working Papers

In population studies on the etiology of disease, one goal is the estimation of the fraction of cases attributable to each of several causes. For example, pneumonia is a clinical diagnosis of lung infection that may be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or other pathogens. The study of pneumonia etiology is challenging because directly sampling from the lung to identify the etiologic pathogen is not standard clinical practice in most settings. Instead, measurements from multiple peripheral specimens are made. This paper considers the problem of estimating the population etiology distribution and the individual etiology probabilities. We formulate the scientific …

Hydrodynamic Cfd Modeling Of A Pharmaceutical Reactor Vessel Provided With A Retreat-Blade Impeller Under Different Baffling Conditions, Christopher G. Foehner

Theses

In the pharmaceutical industry, glass-lined reactors and vessels are often utilized to carry out a variety of different unit operations. Within these systems, both the vessel and impellers are typically glass-lined in order to provide superior corrosion resistance, prevent product contamination, and enhance cleanability. This approach, in turn, often requires the use of different, and sometimes sub-optimal, baffling conditions, which affect the hydrodynamics of the vessels and the reactor performance.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a computational tool that employs numerical methods and algorithms to discretize and numerically solve partial differential equations (PDEs) representing mass, energy, and momentum conservation equations …

Assessment Of A Marine Polysaccharide For Use As Excipient In Pharmaceutical Hot-Melt Extrusion, Qing Ye

Theses

Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) is currently investigated by both industry and academia as a method for manufacturing solid oral dosages with improved bioavailability of poorly-water soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and control drug release of water-soluble APIs. Although HME is traditionally utilizing synthetic polymers to produce such dosages, biopolymers constantly gain ground by virtue of renewability, biocompatibility and in some cases biodegradability. In this work, the possibility of using Keltone, a marine polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, as a polymeric excipient for pharmaceutical HME is explored. Keltone is insoluble in acidic pH and soluble in basic pH, therefore making …

Dispersion And Dissolution Kinetics Of Api Particles In Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion, Wang Zhan

Theses

Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) is essentially a special case of polymer compounding. The elementary steps involved in traditional plastics melt processing are handling of particulates, melting, dispersive and distributive mixing, devolatilization and stripping, and finally pressurization and pumping. However, for pharmaceutical HME, the dissolution of the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) is an additional and very important elementary step, along with the melting of the polymeric excipient that precedes it, and mixing which accelerates the dissolution process. A major concern in pharmaceutical HME is the thermal degradation of the API. To avoid overexposure of API to heat while ensuring complete …

Experimental Determination Of The Mixing Requirements For Solid Suspension In Pharmaceutical Stirred Tank Reactors, Anqi Zhou

Theses

Glass and glass-lined, stirred-tank reactors are of significant importance in the pharmaceutical and related industries. Because of fabrication issues, a retreat blade impeller (RBI) with a low impeller clearance off the tank bottom is commonly used in glass-lined reactors, typically combined with a single baffle (providing only partial baffling conditions) mounted from the top of the reactor. In addition, these reactors are often provided with a torispherical bottom. Other configurations are also used, including full baffling or no baffles at all, hemispherical bottoms, and different impeller types. Despite their common use, some of the most important mixing characteristics of this …

Exposure To Fine Particulate Matter During Pregnancy And Risk Of Preterm Birth Among Women In New Jersey, Ohio, And Pennsylvania, 2000–2005, Kristen M. Rappazzo, Julie L. Daniels, Lynne C. Messer, Charles Poole, Danelle T. Lobdell

Community Health Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Particulate matter < 2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) has been variably associated with preterm birth (PTB).

Objective: We classified preterm births into four categories (20–27, 28–31, 32–34, and 35–36 weeks completed gestation) and estimated risk differences (RD) for each category in association with a 1-µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during each week of gestation.

Methods: We assembled a cohort of singleton pregnancies that completed at least 20 weeks of gestation during 2000-2005 using live birth certificate data from three states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey) (n = 1,940,213; 8% PTB). We estimated mean PM2.5 exposures for each week of gestation from monitor-corrected Community Multi-Scale Air Quality modeling data. RDs were …

Marathon Runners And Their Nutrition Views, Practices, And Sources Of Nutrition Information, Lauren Flynn

Theses - ALL

Participation in marathons has been on the increase. However, research on the dietary and hydration practices of marathon runners is scarce and little is known about their views on the credibility of various sources of nutrition information. The purpose of this study was to investigate marathon runners' sources of nutrition information, practices surrounding nutrition, and perceived credibility of various sources of nutrition information. This study used an online, self-administered survey. Participants were recruited using email and social media outlets through the electronic mailing lists from two running stores and using the contact information for participants of two large marathon races. …

Vascular Function In Trained Females, Jacqueline Aileen Augustine

Theses - ALL

ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in women. Early stages of subclinical atherosclerosis cause functional changes to the vasculature manifesting as endothelial dysfunction. These early functional changes give way to structural alterations to the vessel wall that can lead to increased arterial stiffness and irreversible vascular remodeling, (i.e. altered lumen diameter and increased intima media wall thickness (IMT)) which can ultimately lead to a cardiac event. Chronic exercise combined with energy deficiency may lead to a lack of menses or amenorrhea in premenopausal women. This state is associated with endothelial dysfunction and is believed to be …

A Study Protocol: Using Demand-Side Financing To Meet The Birth Spacing Needs Of The Underserved In Punjab Province In Pakistan, Syed Khurram Azmat, Moazzam Ali, Waqas Hameed, Ghulam Mustafa, Ghazanfer Abbas, Muhammad Ishaque, Mohsina Bilgrami, Marleen Temmerman

Community Health Sciences

Background: High fertility rates, unwanted pregnancies, low modern contraceptive prevalence and a huge unmet need for contraception adversely affect women's health in Pakistan and this problem is compounded by limited access to reliable information and quality services regarding birth spacing especially in rural and underserved areas. This paper presents a study protocol that describes an evaluation of a demand-side financing (DSF) voucher approach which aims to increase the uptake of modern contraception among women of the lowest two wealth quintiles in Punjab Province, Pakistan.
Methods/design: This study will use quasi-experimental design with control arm and be implemented in: six government …

Browzine: A Review, Skye Bickett

PCOM Scholarly Works

BrowZine, an app designed for tablets, allows users to browse, save, organize, and read journals and journal articles from open source or subscribed journals. This article will highlight some of the features of the product.

Hiv Vaccine Acceptability Among High-Risk Drug Users In Appalachia: A Cross-Sectional Study, April M. Young, Ralph J. Diclemente, Daniel S. Halgin, Claire E. Sterk, Jennifer R. Havens

Epidemiology and Environmental Health Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: A vaccine could substantially impact the HIV epidemic, but inadequate uptake is a serious concern. Unfortunately, people who use drugs, particularly those residing in rural communities, have been underrepresented in previous research on HIV vaccine acceptability. This study examined HIV vaccine acceptability among high-risk drug users in a rural community in the United States.

METHODS: Interviewer-administered questionnaires included questions about risk behavior and attitudes toward HIV vaccination from 433 HIV-negative drug users (76% with history of injection) enrolled in a cohort study in Central Appalachia. HIV vaccine acceptability was measured on a 4-point Likert scale. Generalized linear mixed models …

Bariatric Surgery Versus Lifestyle Interventions In Managing Obesity In Patients With Type Ii Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Leslie C. Nakaya, Mary Williams

Student Works

Obesity, with coexisting T2DM, is difficult to treat successfully for various reasons and carries enormous health risks and financial burdens. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare outcomes of conventional medical treatment to bariatric surgery for the treatment of T2DM, and determine which patients may be appropriate for referral. Data Sources: An electronic search of the literature was conducted to identify studies from 2008 to 2014 in the following databases: CINAHL, National Library of Medicine PubMed®/MEDLINE®, EBSCO, SciVerse®, Springer Link®, and the Cochrane library. Conclusions: Bariatric surgical options, even before weight loss occurs, positively affect glucose homeostasis and …

College Of Public Health News, Georgia Southern University

College of Public Health: News & Publications

• Athletes' Perceptions

Azd8931, An Equipotent, Reversible Inhibitor Of Signaling By Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr), Her2, And Her3: Preclinical Activity In Her2 Non-Amplified Inflammatory Breast Cancer Models., Zhaomei Mu, Teresa Klinowska, Xiaoshen Dong, Emily Foster, Chris Womack, Sandra V Fernandez, Massimo Cristofanilli

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression has been associated with prognostic and predictive value in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is observed at a higher rate in IBC compared with noninflammatory breast cancer. Current clinically available anti-HER2 therapies are effective only in patients with HER2 amplified breast cancer, including IBC. AZD8931 is a novel small-molecule equipotent inhibitor of EGFR, HER2, and HER3 signaling. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of AZD8931 alone or in combination with paclitaxel using preclinical models of EGFR-overexpressed and HER2 non-amplified IBC cells.

METHODS: Two IBC cell …

Research Brief: "The Impact Of Sport And Physical Activity On The Well-Being Of Combat Veterans: A Systematic Review", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the influence that sports and exercise have on veterans' well-being and therapies that impact the well-being of combat veterans. In policy and practice, healthcare practitioners should prepare comprehensive treatment models that encompass physical activity and sports where appropriate, and support groups should encourage veterans to participate in competitive sports or other recreational activities; the DoD could expand programs to provide sports to more disabled combat veterans and the VA should re-evaluate its programs to ensure there are no barriers to participation. Suggestions for future research include studying the effects of sports and exercise on the well-being …

Community Health News, Georgia Southern University

Health Policy & Community Health: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• Athletes’ Perceptions

Pd2/Paf1 Depletion In Pancreatic Acinar Cells Promotes Acinar-To-Ductal Metaplasia., Parama Dey, Satyanarayana Rachagani, Arokia P. Vaz, Moorthy P. Ponnusamy, Surinder K. Batra

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pancreatic differentiation 2 (PD2), a PAF (RNA Polymerase II Associated Factor) complex subunit, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells and has demonstrated potential oncogenic property. Here, we report that PD2/Paf1 expression was restricted to acinar cells in the normal murine pancreas, but its expression increased in the ductal cells of KrasG12D/Pdx1Cre (KC) mouse model of pancreatic cancer with increasing age, showing highest expression in neoplastic ductal cells of 50 weeks old mice. PD2/Paf1 was specifically expressed in amylase and CK19 double positive metaplastic ducts, representing intermediate structures during pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). Similar PD2/Paf1 expression was observed in murine pancreas …

What Do Parents In Mississippi Really Think About Sex Education In School?: Results Of A State-Level Survey, Colleen Mckee, Kathleen Ragsdale, Linda H. Southward

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Purpose: Despite broad public support for comprehensive sex education, its implementation remains controversial in the United States, especially in states such as Mississippi that have been identified as politically conservative. This study examined parental opinions regarding the implementation of age-appropriate sex-related education (SRE) (i.e., abstinence-plus education) in Mississippi public schools.

Methods: Data were used from the first state-level survey of a randomized sample of parents (N = 3,600) of public school students in Mississippi. The sample was relatively equally distributed between non-Hispanic whites (52.8%) and African Americans (48.2%). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine parental support for …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Hiv-Risk Behaviors Among Homeless Adults In A Southern City, Kristen R. Morrell, Latrice C. Pichon, Theresa Chapple-Mcgruder, Jennifer M. Kmet, Amanda Chandler, Marvell L. Terry Ii

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

This paper aims to describe the prevalence and correlates of HIV-risk behaviors among adults receiving transitional and emergency housing services in Memphis, Tennessee. A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey was conducted with a convenience-based sample (N=116) of homeless adults. Sex without a condom, sex while on drugs or drunk, and sex with an unknown person emerged as the three most prevalent HIV-risk behaviors. Sex while drunk or high on drugs was also assessed as a significant predictor for sex without a condom and sex with an unknown person. Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that mental health status, duration of homelessness, incarceration history, and …

Mi Cuerpo, Nuestra Responsabilidad: Using Photovoice To Describe The Assets And Barriers To Sexual And Reproductive Health Among Latinos In North Carolina, Barbara Baquero, Shira Goldman, Florence Siman, Sadiya Muqueeth, Laura Villa-Torres, Eugenia Eng, Scott D. Rhodes

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Latinos in North Carolina experience disparities in sexual and reproductive health. To identify and explore assets for and barriers to sexual and reproductive health in the Latino community, an academic-community partnership engaged community health workers (CHW) in Photovoice, a participatory qualitative research methodology. Five sessions were completed in which CHW agreed on photo assignments and discussed the photos. Themes included the role of men, cultural taboos, and the effect of undocumented immigrant status on access to resources. Findings were presented at a community forum. Building on the strengths of CHW to reduce barriers to sexual and reproductive health is a …

Sexual Dysfunction Among Latino Men And Women With Poorly Controlled Diabetes, Sonjia Kenya, Cynthia N. Lebron, Hua Li, Yisel Alonzo, Ernesto Reyes, Olveen Carrasquillo

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Latinos are the largest minority population in the United States and are diagnosed with diabetes at nearly twice the rate of non-Hispanic whites. Latinos not only suffer disproportionately from diabetes but also from diabetes related complications, including sexual dysfunction. Much of the existing literature on sexual dysfunction among Latinos with diabetes has focused on erectile dysfunction (ED). There is a dearth of information on sexual functioning among Latina women with diabetes or information on both genders in other sexual domains. Our study examined the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among a cohort of 106 poorly controlled Latino diabetics in South Florida …

Hiv And Sti Risk For Young Blacks In High Prevalence Areas: Implications For Health Equity In Communities Hosting Historically Black Colleges And Universities (Hbcus), Tanya Telfair Leblanc, Madeline Y. Sutton, Peter Thomas, Wayne A. Duffus

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background

Every year, thousands of young, black, high school graduates who are seeking higher education, attend one of the 105 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located primarily in the south and east. The objective of the research was to examine the geographic proximity of HBCUs to areas of high HIV and STI disease burden among college age people to assess infectivity of potential sex partners in the areas surrounding HBCUs.

Methods

We examined the 14 states reporting the greatest HIV diagnoses burden among persons age 20-24 years old and STI burden among persons age 15 to 24 years old …

Social Determinants Of Late Presentation To Hiv Care, Connie Leeper, Michael Mugavero, James Willig, Eric Chamot, Shatomi Kerbawy, Anne Zinski

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: In recent years, increased attention has shifted toward evaluating social determinants of health, and understanding how community, environment, and system factors affect health outcomes. HIV policies and guidelines emphasize the importance of earlier HIV diagnosis and presentation for care. This study evaluated the role of individual and community-level factors in late presentation to HIV care.

Methods: HIV-infected patients newly initiating outpatient HIV medical care at an academic medical center between 2005-2010 were included. Patients' self-reported addresses at their first clinic visit were geocoded using geographic information systems software to the appropriate United States census block group. Using …

Sexual And Reproductive Health Disparities In A National Sample Of Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White U.S. College Students, Eric R. Buhi, Stephanie L. Marhefka, Christopher W. Wheldon, David L. Tilley, Natalie Klinkenberger, Celia Lescano, Mary T. Hoban

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Hispanic students are the fastest growing minority population on U.S. college campuses. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the sexual and reproductive health behaviors and outcomes between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White college students. Analyses utilized data from 15,518 non-married undergraduates (aged 18-24 years) responding to the Fall 2009 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II, a national sample of U.S. college students. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine disparities in sexual and reproductive health behaviors and outcomes, including sexual behavior, contraceptive and condom use, HIV testing, and STD and unintended pregnancy history, between …

To Test Or Not To Test: Barriers And Solutions To Testing African American College Students For Hiv At A Historically Black College/University, Naomi M. Hall-Byers, Jennifer Peterson, Malynnda Johnson

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Young African Americans are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The purpose was to identify reasons that African American college students at a historically Black college/university (HBCU) identified as barriers to HIV testing, and how these barriers can be removed. Fifty-seven heterosexual-identified undergraduate students (ages 18-25) attending an HBCU in the southeastern US participated in the study. Latent content analytic techniques were used to code the transcripts for themes and categories, and representative quotations were used in the findings. Qualitative data indicates three main themes used to avoid testing and three themes to encourage testing. Students were forthcoming …

Editor's Notes, Melva V. Thompson-Robinson, Marya Shegog

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

No abstract provided.

Dr. Kingsmore, Dr. Goggin Honored With Endowed Chairs, Children's Mercy Hospital

Our Story Continues

No abstract provided.

Suicide Prevention.Movie, Amresh Srivastava

Data and Test Instruments

No abstract provided.

Family Science Program Faculty Member Awarded New Writers Fellowship, College Of Education And Human Development

Family and Consumer Sciences News

Dr. Sherria Taylor, a Family Science Program faculty member, has been awarded a New Writers Fellowship.

Improving The Spiritual Dimension Of Whole Person Care: Reaching National And International Consensus, Christina M. Puchalski, Robert Vitillo, Sharon K. Hull, Nancy Reller

Medicine Faculty Publications

Two conferences, Creating More Compassionate Systems of Care (November 2012) and On Improving the Spiritual Dimension of Whole Person Care: The Transformational Role of Compassion, Love and Forgiveness in Health Care (January 2013), were convened with the goals of reaching consensus on approaches to the integration of spirituality into health care structures at all levels and development of strategies to create more compassionate systems of care. The conferences built on the work of a 2009 consensus conference, Improving the Quality of Spiritual Care as a Dimension of Palliative Care. Conference organizers in 2012 and 2013 aimed to identify consensus-derived care …