Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Novel Segmentation Approach For Brain Tumor In Mri, Yong Wei, Hugh Keith Brown

PCOM Scholarly Works

Brain MRI image segmentation is one of the most important applications of image segmentation technique, and is an important part of clinical diagnostic tools. Segmented image can help physicians to identify tumor tissues in brain, and monitor effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments. However, manual segmentation of muscle regions is not only inaccurate, but also time consuming. In this work, Intensity Space Map (ISM) is used along with fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm to segment tumor regions in color MRI images. Experiments show the proposed ISM-based fuzzy c-means clustering brain MRI image segmentation yields promising results.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, Lynn Heise

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

Legalization of marijuana use will increase the number of people who will become long-term users. A prior medical record review study in Australia, in 2004, identified 19 chronic marijuana users who entered the emergency department with recurrent vomiting associated with abdominal pain. Routine treatment of the nausea and vomiting, associated with the chronic marijuana abuse, with antiemetics is ineffective in patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Narcotics do not relieve the abdominal pain but may cause worsening rebound pain. The best treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was found to be abstinence from the recreational use of marijuana. It is important for …

Variations In Public Health Governance, Jeff Jones, Ankit Bangar, Patrick Chang, Yelena Tarasenko

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Studies of public health departments have found mixed results regarding the relevance of governance through local boards of health (LBOHs). Some studies find that LBOHs can be an important component in higher performance by local health departments. Other analyses, however, find no advantage for local health departments having or not having a LBOH. The hypothesis was that a typology of LBOHs nationwide can define different types of LBOHs based on their powers and responsibilities.

Methods: Using national profile sample data from the National Association of Local Boards of Health, LBOHs were categorized using 34 variables based on four domains …

Understanding The Role Of Social Norms In Organ Donation Decision Making Among African American Adults, Briana M. Lucido

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: African Americans (AAs) comprise a disproportionate number of those waiting on the national transplant list and are underrepresented among registered organ donors. While barriers to organ donation are well understood, little research has explored factors that facilitate interest in donation. Because AAs are often characterized by strong extended relationships and shared decision-making, social norms may be an influential factor in donation behavior. Utilizing the Theory of Reasoned Action, this study demonstrated the application of theory to understand the role social norms play in donation decisionmaking, among AAs.

Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 425 AA adults residing in the …

Venomous Spiders Of The Southeastern Us: An Unexpected Threat, Alex Collins, Oreta Samples

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Environmental health specialists recommend that residents of the Southeastern US, including Georgia, have the ability to identify the three venomous spiders indigenous to this area. It is necessary to recognize the black widow, brown widow, and brown recluse spiders and to be familiar with the likely habitats of these insects and with the symptoms of bites. The primary author, who serves as an Environmental Health Specialist and is a hobbyist who works with distressed wood, frequently encounters all three of these spiders.

Methods: A literature review supports the fact that these three venomous spiders are indigenous to Georgia.

Results: …

Georgia Carrera Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program: A Story Of Success!

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Georgia Carrera Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program: A Story of Success!

The file for v.5, iss.1, article 10 is not available. If you are the author of this article, please contact Digital Commons@Georgia Southern to provide a PDF copy of the article for inclusion in the issue.

Impact Of 1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic On Mortality Rates In Savannah, Ga, And Implications For Future Epidemic Prevention, Sara S. Plaspohl, Betty T. Dixon

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Spanish Influenza pandemic struck the United States in waves from September 1918 through March 1919. This study investigates the impact of the Spanish Influenza on Savannah and Chatham County, Georgia.

Methods: Primary death records from the Chatham County Health Department were examined and analyzed for the years of 1917, 1918, and 1919. Historical mortality rates in the Savannah area were compared to those for other parts of the United States and world.

Results: Mortality rates attributed to the Spanish Influenza within Savannah closely paralleled similar flu-related mortality rates for comparison populations in New York, London, and Madrid.

Conclusions: …

Advocating For Pregnant Women In Prison: Georgia Can Do Better, Nancy Webb, Madison Gates

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Women are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. prison populace and approximately 1 in 25 were pregnant when they were incarcerated. However, women, including pregnant women, are receiving unacceptable health care in correctional systems. Further, many correctional systems lack policies to protect the best interest of incarcerated women, mothers and their children.

Methods: We reviewed the literature on pregnant women in prison and found that corrections has been slow in making changes and adapting facilities for women, especially related to pregnancy, parenting skills and nurseries. It has been suggested the parent-infant attachment and the involvement incarcerated parents have …

Perceptions Of Hiv/Aids Testing Among Urban And Rural African American Church Members, Roblena E. Walker

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to affect African Americans (AA) disproportionately. The purpose of this mixed methods study, guided by the health belief model, was to examine associations linking church and ambient social environment with knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS testing amongst urban and rural AA church members.

Methods: Multiple regressions and t tests were used to compare perceptions of HIV/AIDS testing and knowledge of HIV/AIDS among 236 participants selected from two AA churches located in a large city (n = 122) and in a rural town (n =114) in the Southern U.S.

Results: The …

Immunization Policies For Employees Of Childcare Facilities Within The North Central Health District Of Georgia, Paula Kamara, Brad Lian, Jimmie H. Smith, Judy Mcchargue

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Since the early 1980s, vaccinations have generally been required for children in licensed daycare and school settings. In these settings, vaccinations have reduced disease rates. Adults occupy these settings as well, and ensuring they are vaccinated should also reduce the potential for disease and disease transmission. Yet, there are few vaccination requirements for adults employed at daycare facilities, although such requirements have been recommended (CDC Adult immunization schedule, 2015; ACIP General Recommendations, 2011). The objective of this study was to examine current vaccination policies among childcare facilities within Georgia’s North Central Health District (District 5-2) and the climate for …

Childhood Cancer Incidence In Georgia: Descriptive Epidemiology, Geographic Trends, And Disparities In Insurance Coverage, And Health Care Access, Florence A. Kanu, Sara Wagner Robb, Rosemary Corriero

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Limited research has been conducted concerning childhood cancer (CC) incidence in Georgia, which is a leading cause of death for children in the US. The purpose of this study was to determine if county-level CC incidence rates differed by geography or race and if health care access disparities exist.

Methods: Incidence data were obtained from the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry for 2000-2011. Age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 were analyzed by sex, race, and county. Hotspots and coldspots of CC incidence were analyzed using the Getis-Ord GI* statistic. Health care access data for children under 19 were obtained using US …

Trends In Cancer Incidence Rates In Georgia, 1982-2011, Wonsuk Yoo, Steven S. Coughlin, James W. Lillard

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Although data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End results (SEER)-affiliated cancer registry are accessible to the public, there is a shortage of published research describing cancer incidences for White, Black, and other residents in Georgia. The objective of this research is to provide an overview of the trends in incidence of cancer in Georgia.

Methods: Incidence data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 program, supported by the National Cancer Institute, spanning the years 1982 to 2011. To assess trends over time, age-adjusted cancer incidence rates relative to the 2000 Standard US population and annual …

The Care Continuum For People Living With Hiv In Georgia: How Can We Raise The Bar?, Jane Kelly, Deepali Rane, C. Drenzek

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Viral suppression (VS) improves quality of life and longevity for people living with HIV (PLWH) and reduces viral transmission, but is achieved by only a minority of PLWH in Georgia.

Methods: By use of the Georgia HIV/AIDS surveillance database, the HIV Care Continuum was stratified by age.

Results: Retention in care and VS generally increased with increasing age, with the exception of adolescents (aged 13-18 years), who had the highest retention and VS. Differences by sex, race and transmission category persisted across age groups. Among persons retained in care, the proportion achieving VS also generally increased with age. Linkage …

Reflections On Mental Health Advocacy Across Differing Ecological Levels, Nancy J. Thompson, Robin E. Mcgee, Elizabeth R. Walker, Leslie C. Munoz

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: According to the World Health Organization, mental health advocacy is comprised of a range of actions designed to change aspects of attitudes and structures that impede the achievement of positive mental health in populations.

Methods: According to the World Health Organization, mental health advocacy is comprised of a range of actions designed to change aspects of attitudes and structures that impede the achievement of positive mental health in populations.

Results: We have proposed interventions and advocacy effort for each ecological level. Project UPLIFT, a distance-delivered intervention for mental health is presented as an example of an effort that can …

Different Neural Mechanisms For Causal Processing In Language And Perception: An Fmri Study, Brett B. Bankson, Dirk B. Den Ouden

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Articles and Research

Information that is used to establish and evaluate causal relationships between objects and events can be gleaned from many sources, especially those that rely on language and perception. For example, sentences with a verb structure using change of state verbs such as “to break” or “to freeze” imply sequential events that express understood causal relationships. At this time, little research has examined the neural correlates of causal verb processing or has compared them to the more well researched brain activity involved in perceptual causal processing. This study investigated the extent to which the evaluation of causal verbs and causal image …

Staff Perceptions Of The Barriers To Mobilizing Icu Patients, Simone Dafoe, Kathy Stiller, Marianne Chapman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Whilst early progressive mobilization is known to be safe and beneficial for patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), barriers still exist to its implementation. As part of a broader quality improvement project that had the overall aim of increasing the frequency of mobilization in our ICU, we conducted a survey of ICU staff to investigate their perceptions of the barriers to the early progressive mobilization of ICU patients. Method: A prospective survey of ICU staff in an Australian, tertiary care, public hospital ICU was undertaken. A total of 93 medical, nursing, and physiotherapy staff participated. A purpose-designed survey …

Physio@Home: Exploring Visual Guidance And Feedback Techniques For Physiotherapy Exercises, Richard Tang, Xing-Dong Yang, Scott Bateman, Joaquim Jorge, Anthony Tang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Physiotherapy patients exercising at home alone are at risk of re-injury since they do not have corrective guidance from a therapist. To explore solutions to this problem, we designed Physio@Home, a prototype that guides people through pre-recorded physiotherapy exercises using realtime visual guides and multi-camera views. Our design addresses several aspects of corrective guidance, including: plane and range of movement, joint positions and angles, and extent of movement. We evaluated our design, comparing how closely people could follow exercise movements under various feedback conditions. Participants were most accurate when using our visual guide and multi-views. We provide suggestions for exercise …

Experimental Investigation On The Relationship Between Lead Exposure And Thyroids In Diabetes, Salah Sumar Ali Al-Zadjali

Dissertations

Lead exposure can cause multiple systemic toxicities, particularly affecting the hematopoietic, nervous and renal systems. However, its effects on the thyroid functions are not well elucidated and the published studies are controversial. In addition, although there are several experimental thyroid models, each one of them has its own limitations. Accordingly, in this dissertation, we investigated the possible relationship between lead exposure, thyroid functions and short-term systemic toxicity in two animal models, namely normal (non-diabetic) and diabetic animals. We also investigated the possibility of developing a hormonal thyroid model. In the non-diabetic model, Wistar rats were divided into five groups and …

Group Prenatal Care: Striving For Improved Infant Outcomes Around The World, Gabrielle N. Regnaert

Senior Honors Theses

Prenatal care has been an esteemed medical practice for decades, but a new model has surfaced and is reinventing the traditional prenatal care methodology. This revolutionary model is group prenatal care demonstrated by the Centering Pregnancy model. The group model for prenatal care combines the best components of the traditional model with some new components which are supported by other familiar models in society, namely, investment supported by a peer group connection model, collaborative venture supported by a model of collaborative effort which contributes to adherence, social gathering supported by the support group model, relationships with boundaries supported by a …

Childhood Type Ii Diabetes: The Risks And Complications, Danielle R. Kapke

Senior Honors Theses

Type II Diabetes Mellitus is an endocrine disorder that affects people of all ages. Type II Diabetes was once considered adult-onset diabetes, as it was nearly exclusively diagnosed in adults. Over the last three decades, the number of children diagnosed with Type II Diabetes has greatly increased. This rapid increase in childhood Type II Diabetes has prompted researchers to investigate why the epidemic exists and what its life-long ramifications may be for those diagnosed. Childhood Type II Diabetes is a heterogeneous disorder, meaning it is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The incidence of childhood Type II Diabetes can …

Volume 07, Rachel C. Lombardi, Ben Osterhout, Lindsay Graybill, Rebecca E. Dey, Skyler T. Carpenter, Emma Beckett, Jason Ware, Mollie Andrews, James Bates, Landon Cooper, Tiffani Jeffries, Maria Wheaton, Dallas Price, Laura Kahler, Sarah Charlton, Anna Bultrowicz, Emily Spittle, Erin Godwin, Eamon Brokenbrough

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction from Interim Dean Dr. Jennifer Apperson

Spatial Analysis of Potential Risk Factors Associated with Addition of Atlantic Coast Pipeline Through Virginia by Rachel C. Lombardi

"Delicate Matters with No Speaking," "Hope and Nothing," "Mono Duality" by Ben Osterhout

"Connect" Graphic Design Senior Project by Lindsay Graybill

Phenolic Acids in Brassicaceae Plants: Ovipositional Stimulants or Deterrents for Cabbage White Butterfly, Pieris Rapae? by Rebecca E. Dey And Skyler T. Carpenter

"Abecedarian Cards" by Emma Beckett, Jason Ware, And Mollie Andrews

Helvetica: A Type Specimen Book by James Bates, Landon Cooper, Tiffani Jeffries, And Maria Wheaton

“Things Left Behind” by Dallas …

Association Between Traumatic Events And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Results From The Esemed-Spain Study, B Olaya, J Alonso, Lukoye Atwoli, R C. Kessler, G Vilagut, J M. Haro

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: The relative importance of traumatic events (TEs) in accounting for the social burden of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could vary according to cross-cultural factors. In that sense, no such studies have yet been conducted in the Spanish general population. The present study aims to determine the epidemiology of trauma and PTSD in a Spanish community sample using the randomly selected TEs method.

Methods: The European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD)-Spain is a cross-sectional household survey of a representative sample of adult population. Lifetime prevalence of self-reported TEs and lifetime and 12-month prevalence of PTSD were evaluated …

Antibody-Mediated Targeting Of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles To The Folate Receptor Alpha Increases Tumor Cell Association In Vitro And In Vivo, Christian Ndong, Seiko Toraya-Brown, Katsiaryna Kekalo, Ian Baker, Tillman U. Gerngross, Steven N. Fiering, Karl E. Griswold

Dartmouth Scholarship

Active molecular targeting has become an important aspect of nanoparticle development for oncology indications. Here, we describe molecular targeting of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to the folate receptor alpha (FOLRα) using an engineered antibody fragment (Ffab). Compared to control nanoparticles targeting the non-relevant botulinum toxin, the Ffab-IONP constructs selectively accumulated on FOLRα-overexpressing cancer cells in vitro, where they exhibited the capacity to internalize into intracellular vesicles. Similarly, Ffab-IONPs homed to FOLRα-positive tumors upon intraperitoneal administration in an orthotopic murine xenograft model of ovarian cancer, whereas negative control particles showed no detectable tumor accumulation. Interestingly, Ffab-IONPs built with custom 120 nm …

The Preparatory Set: A Novel Approach To Understanding Stress, Trauma, And The Bodymind Therapies, Peter Payne, Mardi A. Crane-Godreau

Dartmouth Scholarship

Basic to all motile life is a differential approach/avoid response to perceived features of environment. The stages of response are initial reflexive noticing and orienting to the stimulus, preparation, and execution of response. Preparation involves a coordination of many aspects of the organism: muscle tone, posture, breathing, autonomic functions, motivational/emotional state, attentional orientation, and expectations. The organism organizes itself in relation to the challenge. We propose to call this the "preparatory set" (PS). We suggest that the concept of the PS can offer a more nuanced and flexible perspective on the stress response than do current theories. We also hypothesize …

Use Of Quick Response Coding To Create Interactive Patient And Provider Resources., Jennifer L. Bellot, Phd, Rn, Cne, Kathryn Shaffer, Edd, Rn, Cne, Mary Wang, Msn, Crnp

College of Nursing Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Since their creation more than 20 years ago, the proliferation of Quick Response (QR) codes has expanded tremendously. Little was found in the literature to support the innovative use of QR coding in the classroom or in health care provision. Thus, the authors created a doctoral-level practicum experience using QR coding to create interactive, individualized patient or provider resource guides.

METHOD: Short, descriptive surveys were used before and after implementation of the practicum experience to determine students' comfort level using QR technology, their knowledge base, ease of use, and overall satisfaction with the practicum.

RESULTS: Students reported high levels …

Pubh 2130 - Foundations Of Health Education & Promotion, Joanne Chopak-Foss

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

The course will explore various topics that directly impact the profession of health education and health promotion as it applies to public health. The historical origins of health education & public health, selected learning theories, emerging issues and trends in the field and professional responsibilities of public health educators in various practice settings will be examined. For students who are undecided in their major, but are considering one of the health professions, the course content will clarify whether majoring in health education and promotion is the right career choice.

Cohe 7238a - Communication For Change, John S. Luque

College of Public Health: Faculty Syllabi (2014-2021)

This course is designed to familiarize students with the history and current applications of health communication theory and strategies to public health practice and research. This course examines how to structure, develop and evaluate social marketing, media advocacy, risk communication and advocacy skills for change. In addition, systematic qualitative data collection processes such as interviewing skills, participant observation and focus groups will be developed. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students analyze and utilize these skills in research and practice.

Are You Demonstrating The Value Of Caring?, Beth B. Boyd

Nursing Faculty Publications

Are you making a difference? Christian values and caring are at the heart of nursing practice. However, it seems there is little talk about caring values with nursing students, even though nurse educators can share these important messages with their students. Demonstrating compassion and caring in an environment of mutual respect can truly make a difference to future nurses.

Confronting Cultural Challenges For Migrant Healthcare In Switzerland, Rebecca Weiss

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Switzerland is home to many migrants, and migration exacerbates health risks. In addition to physical health problems, migrants are more likely than Swiss nationals to face mental health challenges and cultural barriers, which complicate their experiences seeking healthcare. Similarly, clinicians encounter numerous challenges related to the special circumstances of migrant patients. As a response to the specific health needs of migrants, hospital networks and migrant support organizations promote the migrant health situation. However, these services are not ubiquitous in Switzerland, partly due to the partial freedoms of each canton to create its own health policy. This paper explores the barriers …

Un Análisis Del Trabajo De Equipos Asistenciales De Salud Mental Que Acompañan A Los Hijos De Desaparecidos En El Proceso De Restitución De Su Identidad En Buenos Aires / An Analysis Of Mental Health Teams That Work With The Appropriated Children Of The Desaparecidos Throughout The Judicial Identity Restitution Process In Buenos Aires, Magdalena Jurczuk

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Background: The Argentine national law of mental health (law 26.657) mentions human rights 11 times. This has particular importance in the context of the state of terrorism that the country was under surrounding the last “golpe militar” of 1976. Part of the implemented terror tactics included the kidnapping of 30,000 people—desaparecidos—who did not agree with state politics. The kidnappings were nondiscriminatory and included pregnant women. The babies, that were born in the clandestine centers of detention, torture and extermination, had their birth certificates falsified and became part of a systematic plan of appropriation. They were subsequently either taken in by …