Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Status And Factors Associated With Healthcare Choices Among Older Adults And Children In An Urbanized County: A Cross-Sectional Study In Kunshan, China, Yuxi Zhao, Linqi Mao, Jun Lu, Qi Zhang, Gang Chen, Mei Sun, Fengshui Chang, Xiaohong Li

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

As important unit for regional health planning, urbanized counties are facing challenges because of internal migrants and aging. This study took urbanized counties in China as cases and two key populations as objects to understand different populations’ intentions of choosing corresponding health service resources and to provide support for resource allocation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kunshan, a highly urbanized county in China, in 2016, among older adults aged 60 or over and children aged 0–6. Multinomial logistics models were used to identify the factors associated with healthcare choices. In this study, we found that income, distance of the …

The Drug Overdose Epidemic Seen Through Different Lenses, Barbara Blake Gonzalez, Richard Cebula, James V. Koch

Economics Faculty Publications

The age-adjusted death rate from drug overdoses in the United States per 100,000 individuals rose from 6.8 in 2010 to 17.1 in 2018. The most common explanation offered is the deaths of despair hypothesis. We identify additional factors that have contributed to the rise in drug overdose deaths in cities and counties. Methods: We utilize a period fixed effects model with a multi-variate panel data set for 94 independent cities and counties in Virginia for the period 2008 through 2017. Results: The drug overdose mortality rate is: (a) an increasing function (prob.

Exploring The Niche Of Rickettsia Montanensis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Infection Of The American Dog Tick (Acari: Ixodidae), Using Multiple Species Distribution Model Approaches, Catherine A. Lippi, Holly Gaff, Alexis L. White, Heidi K. St. John, Allen L. Richards, Sadie J. Ryan

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Acari: Ixodidae), is a vector for several human diseasecausing pathogens such as tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the understudied spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) infection caused by Rickettsia montanensis. It is important for public health planning and intervention to understand the distribution of this tick and pathogen encounter risk. Risk is often described in terms of vector distribution, but greatest risk may be concentrated where more vectors are positive for a given pathogen. When assessing species distributions, the choice of modeling framework and spatial layers used to make predictions are important. …

Modulation Of Ros In Nanosecond-Pulsed Plasma-Activated Media For Dosage-Dependent Cancer Cell Inactivation In Vitro, Chunqi Jiang, Esin Bengisu Sozer, Shutong Song, Nicola Lai, P. Thomas Vernier, Sigi Guo

Bioelectrics Publications

Dosage control of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is critical to low-temperature plasma applications in cancer therapy. Production of RONS by atmospheric pressure, nonequilibrium plasmas in contact with liquid may be modulated via plasma conditions including plasma treatment time and pulse voltage and repetition frequency. In this study, a terephthalic acid-based probe was used to measure hydroxyl radicals [OH_aq] in water exposed to plasma and to demonstrate that the OH_ag concentration increases linearly with treatment time. Fluorometric measurements of hydrogen peroxide concentration in plasma-activated water show a linear relationship between the H₂O₂ production …

Covid-19 Evacuation And Sheltering Risk Perception Study, Joshua G. Behr, Rafael Diaz, Wie Yusuf, Bridget Giles, Kaleen Lawsure, George Mcleod

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

First two paragraphs from the Executive Overview:

This report, COVID-19 Evacuation and Sheltering Risk Perception Study, is one of several key science-based research efforts produced for the State reflecting the most current knowledge related to evacuation and sheltering behavior. The primary data source for this report are interviews with 2,200 households across ten localities in Hampton Roads, including the Eastern Shore. The findings – and recommendations – within this report are intended to inform and advance state and local evacuation and public shelter planning.

This report contains 31 specific recommendations (Action Items) that broadly advance coastal resilience and protect the …

First Science Pub Focuses On Hurricane Sheltering And Evacuating During The Pandemic, Dan Campbell

News Items

No abstract provided.

Biomanufacturing Organized Collagen-Based Microfibers As A Tissue Engineered Device (Tend) For Tendon Regeneration, Yas Maghdouri-White, Nardos Sori, Stella Petrova, Hilary Wriggers, Nathan Kemper, Amrita Dasgupta, Kelly Coughenour, Seth Polk, Nick Thayer, Mario Rodriguez, Bill Simon, Anna Bulysheva, Kevin Bonner,, Steven Arnoczky, Samuel Adams, Michael Francis

Bioelectrics Publications

Approximately 800,000 surgical repairs are performed annually in the U.S. for debilitating injuries to ligaments and tendons of the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and shoulder, presenting a significant healthcare burden. To overcome current treatment shortcomings and advance the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries, we have developed a novel electrospun Tissue ENgineered Device (TEND), comprised of type I collagen and poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) solubilized in a benign solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). TEND fiber alignment, diameter and porosity were engineered to enhance cell infiltration leading to promote tissue integration and functional remodeling while providing biomechanical stability. TEND rapidly adsorbs …

Drug-Overdose Death Rates: The Economic Misery Explanation And Its Alternatives, Barbara Blake Gonzalez, Richard Cebula, James V. Koch

Economics Faculty Publications

‘Deaths of despair’ is the most commonly cited explanation for the 151% increase in drug-overdose deaths that occurred in the USA between 2010 and 2018. We use panel data describing 84 Virginia cities and counties to assess the validity of the deaths of despair hypothesis and alternate explanations that focus on disability rates, travel time to work, urban vs. rural location, educational attainment, racial and ethnic characteristics, the influence of other health conditions such as obesity, and supply-side factors that include pill availability and pharmacy market shares. We find deaths of despair to be only a partial explanation for the …

Life In Hampton Roads Survey: Hurricanes And Covid-19, News @ Odu

News Items

No abstract provided.

Odu Professors Focus On Hurricane Planning During A Pandemic, Sherry Dibari

News Items

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Biologic Use And Satisfaction Among Patients With Psoriasis: An Analysis And Geographic Visualization Of The 2016 And 2017 National Psoriasis Foundation Annual Surveys, Clinton W. Enos, Hadiza I. Galadima, Arjun Saini, Stacie Bell, Michael Siegel, Abby S. Van Voorhees

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: There are an increasing number of biologic therapies approved for the treatment of psoriasis. Previous reports have identified undertreatment as a concern in the United States. Undertreatment has been associated with decreased patient satisfaction and increased morbidity.

Objectives: Assess biologic use and satisfaction among respondents to the 2016 and 2017 National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Annual Surveys.

Methods: Retrospective data analysis of the 2016 and 2017 NPF Annual Survey responses from individuals with psoriasis. ArcGIS Pro software was utilized to generate maps and perform an optimized hot spot analysis of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and biologic use.

Results: …

Workshop #6: Psychological Adjustment For The 2020 Hurricane Season During Covid-19 Pandemic: After-Action Report (Aar), Converge Nsf Working Group, Joshua G. Behr, Wie Yusuf, Jennifer Marshall, Elizabeth Dunn

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

Participants in the CONVERGE COVID-19 Working Group’s Workshop #6 on Psychological Adjustment breakout sessions discussed the critical threats to psychological health and well-being facing shelter staff, volunteers, and clients in the 2020 hurricane season.

It is widely recognized that people are approaching the 2020 hurricane season under unusual levels of stress. The COVID-19 pandemic has created chronic stressors that individuals are already managing in addition to addressing new acute fears like –will I get sick if I go to a shelter? These new and exacerbated stressors are a risk for higher levels of burnout, compassion fatigue, and ill-being. …

Workshop #5: Workforce: Evacuations, Shelter Staffing, Workforce Structure, Capacity, Ppe, And Telemedicine: After-Action Report (Aar), Converge Nsf Working Group, Joshua G. Behr, Wie Yusuf, Jennifer Marshall, Elizabeth Dunn

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

Participants in the breakout sessions for the CONVERGE COVID-19 Working Group’s Workshop 5 (Workforce) identified several issues, including unique staffing challenges for this compound event, needed training revisions to address shelter protocols specific to COVID-19, additional staffing needs based on the unusual use of congregate and non-congregate shelters to address COVID-19 risks, and the increased need for ancillary services for staff and volunteers during and after an event.

Ensuring shelter operations are maintained despite COVID-19 will require adequate staffing. Layoffs, furloughs and hiring freezes have affected base employee numbers, where many jurisdictions rely on county and city employees, along with …

Workshop #4: Public Messaging: Risk Communication For Disaster Preparedness, Evacuation, And Sheltering: After-Action Report (Aar), Converge Covid-19 Working Group, Joshua G. Behr, Wie Yusuf, Jennifer Marshall, Elizabeth Dunn

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

Participants in the breakout sessions for the CONVERGE COVID-19 Working Group’s Workshop 4 (Public Messaging) identified key issues that included the need to provide timely and effective communication to the public, increasing awareness around using shelters as a refuge of last resort, addressing the risks associated with COVID-19 exposure at shelters, and using various inclusive forms of public messaging to reach a wide audience.

Workshop participants emphasized the importance of timely and effective communications to support informed decision making. There is ongoing concern over balancing the need to communicate the risks of COVID-19 exposure as it relates to evacuation shelters …

Workshop #1: Vulnerable Populations & Planning Considerations For The 2020 Hurricane Season: After Action Report (Aar), Converge Nsf Working Group, Joshua G. Behr, Wie Yusuf, Jennifer Marshall, Elizabeth Dunn

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

This workshop shed light on the challenges and importance of adapting current hurricane season planning. Coexisting with COVID-19 will pose even more challenges for hurricane season responses. Suggested adaptations include identifying further shelter spaces to reduce the numbers of evacuees per building (for required social distancing), create isolation spaces to protect populations vulnerable to COVID-19, and quarantine those who are symptomatic. Some strategies being considered include modifying existing shelters (e.g. schools, by using classrooms) and using hotels, dormitories, and other large vacant spaces (e.g., stores and convention centers).

Along with identifying new shelter options comes modifying procedures for screening, triage, …

Workshop #2: Health And Infection Control Measures During The 2020 Hurricane Season: After-Action Report (Aar), Converge Nsf Working Group, Joshua G, Behr, Wie Yusuf, Jennifer Marshall, Elizabeth Dunn

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

Participants in the CONVERGE NSF Working Group Workshop 2 (Health) breakout sessions identified that along with populations traditionally considered vulnerable during hurricane season (e.g., special-needs evacuees and the elderly), there will be new vulnerable populations based on their heightened risks from exposure to COVID-19. There is also overlap between these groups of vulnerable evacuees, including individuals with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities; those with immunodeficiency, chronic, acute, or infectious illnesses; pregnant women and infants; and immigrants, non-English speakers, and other socially vulnerable groups.

This indicates a potentially greater number of special-needs evacuees at shelters. Simultaneously, fear of contracting COVID-19, particularly …

Workshop #3: Transportation And Sheltering Logistics During The 2020 Hurricane Season: After-Action Report (Aar), Converge Nsf Working Group, Joshua G. Behr, Wie Yusuf, Jennifer Marshall, Elizabeth Dunn

Presentations, Lectures, Posters, Reports

Participants in the CONVERGE COVID-19 Working Group’s Workshop 3 on Logistics breakout sessions identified key issues that included population considerations, training needs, continuity of operations and resources still available, site planning (i.e., feeding, registration, shelter design, resources, family unity), facility requirements, and supplies needed during a hurricane evacuation.

Operational safety measures and population considerations were mentioned throughout the workshop. This included the need for identifying additional resources, facilities, and staffing to be able to ensure safety is a priority while accommodating social distancing recommendations and the needs of vulnerable populations and staff. Workshop participants emphasized the need to identify new …

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Infiltration In Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Tumor And Mage-A4 And Ny-Eso-1 Expression, Zhenbo Hou, Xiao Liang, Xinmei Wang, Ziqiang Zhou, Guilan Shi

Bioelectrics Publications

Cancer/testis antigens melanoma‑associated antigen 4 (MAGE‑A4) and New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma‑1 (NY‑ESO‑1) are of clinical interest as biomarkers and present valuable targets for immunotherapy; however, they are poor prognostic markers in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are recognized as a key element in tumor escape and progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of MAGE‑A4 and NY‑ESO‑1, and their association with MDSCs in NSCLC samples. The expression levels of MAGE‑A4 and NY‑ESO‑1, and the infiltration of MDSCs (CD33+), were analyzed by immunohistochemistry of …

Quercetin And Vitamin C: An Experimental, Synergistic Therapy For The Prevention And Treatment Of Sars-Cov-2 Related Disease (Covid-19), Ruben Manuel Luciano Colunga Biancatelli, Max Berrill, John D. Catravas, Paul Ellis Marik

Bioelectrics Publications

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents an emergent global threat which is straining worldwide healthcare capacity. As of May 27th, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has resulted in more than 340,000 deaths worldwide, with 100,000 deaths in the US alone. It is imperative to study and develop pharmacological treatments suitable for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Ascorbic acid is a crucial vitamin necessary for the correct functioning of the immune system. It plays a role in stress response and has shown promising results when administered to the critically ill. Quercetin is a well-known flavonoid whose antiviral properties …

A Call For Grounding Implicit Bias Training In Clinical And Translational Frameworks, Nao Hagiwara, Frederick W. Kron, Mark W. Scerbo, Ginger S. Watson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Since the publication of Unequal Treatment in 2003,¹ the number of studies investigating the implicit bias of health-care providers and its troubling consequences has increased exponentially. Bias can occur in all three psychological components: affects (ie, prejudice), cognition (ie, stereotypes), and behaviour (ie, discrimination). Implicit bias refers to prejudicial attitudes towards and stereotypical beliefs about a particular social group or members therein. These prejudicial attitudes and stereotypical beliefs are activated spontaneously and effortlessly, which often result in discriminatory behaviours.² This definition is consistent with how implicit bias is defined in psychology³ and in literature on health disparities. …

Preferences In Information Processing, Marginalized Identity, And Non-Monogamy: Understanding Factors In Suicide-Related Behavior Among Members Of The Alternative Sexuality Community, Robert J. Cramer, Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Andrea R. Kaniuka, Corrine N. Wilsey, Annelise Mennicke, Susan Wright, Erika Montanaro, Jessamyn Bowling, Kristin E. Heron

Psychology Faculty Publications

Suicide-related behavior (SRB) is a mental health disparity experienced by the alternative sexuality community. We assessed mental health, relationship orientation, marginalized identities (i.e., sexual orientation minority, gender minority, racial minority, ethnic minority, and lower education), and preferences in information processing (PIP) as factors differentiating lifetime SRB groups. An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 2018. Members of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF; n = 334) took part. Bivariate analyses identified the following SRB risk factors: female and transgender/gender non-binary identity, sexual orientation minority identity, lower education, suicide attempt/death exposure, Need for Affect (NFA) Avoidance, depression, and anxiety. …

Baclofen-Induced Changes In The Resting Brain Modulate Smoking Cue Reactivity: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study In Cigarette Smokers, Ariel Ketcherside, Kanchana Jagannathan, Sudipto Dolui, Nathan Hager, Nathaniel Spilka, Chaela Nutor, Hengyi Rao, Teresa Franklin, Reagan Wetherill

Psychology Faculty Publications

Objective: Smoking cue-(SC) elicited craving can lead to relapse in SC-vulnerable individuals. Thus, identifying treatments that target SC-elicited craving is a top research priority. Reduced drug cue neural activity is associated with recovery and is marked by a profile of greater tonic (resting) activation in executive control regions, and increased connectivity between executive and salience regions. Evidence suggests the GABA-B agonist baclofen can reduce drug cue-elicited neural activity, potentially through its actions on the resting brain. Based on the literature, we hypothesize that baclofen’s effects in the resting brain can predict its effects during SC exposure.

Methods: In this longitudinal, …

Season Of Birth And Sugary Beverages Are Predictors Of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Scores In Adolescents, Reem Al-Sabah, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Abdur Rahman, Lemia Shaban, Anwar Al-Harbi, Olusegun Mojiminiyi

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

To investigate factors associated with cognitive functioning in healthy adolescents, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1370 adolescents aged 11-16 years that were randomly selected from all governorates of Kuwait. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a non-verbal test of intelligence, was used to measure cognitive functioning of the study participants. Data on predictors of cognitive functioning were collected from parents and adolescents. Weight and height of the participants were measured in a standardized manner and blood samples were tested in an accredited laboratory under strict measures of quality control. In multivariable linear regression analysis, factors that showed significant association …

Movement In High School: Proportion Of Chinese Adolescents Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Li Ying, Xihe Zhu, Justin A. Haegele, Yang Wen

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purposes of this study were (a) to examine the proportions of adolescents in China who partially or fully meet three 24-h movement guidelines on physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration and (b) to examine whether there were gender differences in the proportion of boys and girls meeting these guidelines. The sample was made up of high school adolescents from an eastern province of China (N = 1338). The participants completed a self-reported survey on demographic variables and weekly health behaviors including physical activity, screen-time, and sleep duration. A frequency analysis was conducted to summarize the number of 24-h …

Effects Of A Rehabilitation Program For Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury In Shanghai, China, Fengshui Chang, Qi Zhang, Haixia Xie, Yuhui Yang, Mei Sun, Airong Wu, Jinghua Wu, Gang Chen, Feng Shen, Chengyue Li, Jun Lu

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Specialized Institution-Based Rehabilitation (SIBR) is the cornerstone of care and treatment for individuals with spinal cord injury, but most people with chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) living in China have no SIBR experience after acute care hospital discharge. In 2009, an SIBR facility was set up in Shanghai (China) to fill this important gap in care. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated rehabilitation training program among individuals with CSCI living in Shanghai.

Methods: A within-subject pre-posttest design was used to evaluate the SIBR. The sample included 455 individuals ≥1 year post-SCI, who …

Occupational Stressors Among Firefighters: Application Of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (Mcdm)Techniques, Fazel Rajabi, Hossein Molaeifar, Mehdi Jahangiri, Shekofeh Taheri, Sean Banaee, Payam Farhadi

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background: Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of occupational stressors due to the nature of their job. Multicriteria decision-making technique (MCDM) is a method for identifying, evaluating, and preventing occupational stressors among firefighters. The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize the occupational stressors among firefighters using the fuzzy delphi method (FDM) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP).

Methods: This qualitative-descriptive study was carried out in two stages. First, the most important occupational stressors of firefighters were identified and screened using a systematic review of scientific references and expert opinions based on the FDM. Then, all of …

Biomimetic Metal-Organic Nanoparticles Prepared With A 3d-Printed Microfluidic Device As A Novel Formulation For Disulfiram-Based Therapy Against Breast Cancer, Ya Chang, Jizong Jiang, Wu Chen, Wen Yang, Lili Chen, Pengyu Chen, Jianzhong Shen, Shizhi Qian, Teng Zhou, Linfeng Wu, Liang Hong, Yongzhuo Huang, Feng Li

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Disulfiram (DSF) is currently tested in several clinical trials for cancer treatment in combination with cop-per (Cu) ions. Usually, DSF and Cu are administered in two separate formulations. In the body, DSF andCu ions form diethyldithiocarbamate copper complex [Cu(DDC)₂] which has potent antitumor activities.However, the “two formulation” approach often achieved low Cu(DDC)₂ concentration at tumor regions and resulted in compromised anticancer efficacy. Therefore, preformed Cu(DDC)₂ complex administered in a single formulation will have better anticancer efficacy. However, the poor aqueous solubility of Cu(DDC)₂ is a significant challenge for its clinical use. In this work, a …

Essential Role Of The Crk Family-Dosage In Digeorge-Like Anomaly And Metabolic Homeostasis, Akira Imamoto, Sewon Ki, Leiming Li, Kazunari Iwamoto, Venkat Maruthamuthu, John Devany, Ocean Lu, Suxiang Zhang, Takuji Yamada, Akiyoshi Hirayama, Shinji Fukuda, Yutaka Suzuki, Mariko Okada

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

CRK and CRKL (CRK-like) encode adapter proteins with similar biochemical properties. Here, we show that a 50% reduction of the family-combined dosage generates developmental defects, including aspects of DiGeorge/del22q11 syndrome in mice. Like the mouse homologs of two 22q11.21 genes CRKL and TBX1, Crk and Tbx1 also genetically interact, thus suggesting that pathways shared by the three genes participate in organogenesis affected in the syndrome. We also show that Crk and Crkl are required during mesoderm development, and Crk/Crkl deficiency results in small cell size and abnormal mesenchyme behavior in primary embryonic fibroblasts. Our systems-wide analyses reveal impaired …

Life In Hampton Roads Survey Press Release #8: Health And Covid-19, Social Science Research Center, Old Dominion University

Life in Hampton Roads Survey Report

Life in Hampton Roads: COVID-19 and Health

The 2020 survey included several questions about health-related concerns and behaviors of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses provide insight into the experiences and concerns of Hampton Roads citizens around a variety of health-related topics.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, about three-quarters of Hampton Roads residents felt that their health in general was good (19.6%) or excellent (55.8%). Only 2.7% rated their health as poor while one in five rated their health as fair (20.8%).

Life In Hampton Roads Survey Press Release #2: Policy And Local Response Covid-19, Social Science Research Center, Old Dominion University

Life in Hampton Roads Survey Report

Life in Hampton Roads: Politics, Policy and COVID-19 Response

The survey included several questions that provide a window into the views of Hampton Roads citizens concerning policy choices and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Overall and on most issues the public was quite divided, with divisions often falling along party lines, but President Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seemed to elicit the strongest negative and positive responses, respectively. A substantial majority approved of Governor Northam’s timing on the initial stay-at-home order, and respondents leaned toward the view that additional restrictions on public activity should …