Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

From Lepidoptera To Uveal Melanoma: Finding My Career In Ocular Oncology., Jerry A Shields

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

No abstract provided.

Tumors Of The Conjunctiva And Cornea., Carol L. Shields, Jerry A. Shields

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Tumors of the conjunctiva and cornea comprise a large and varied spectrum of conditions. These tumors are grouped into two major categories of congenital and acquired lesions. The acquired lesions are further subdivided based on origin of the mass into surface epithelial, melanocytic, vascular, fibrous, neural, histiocytic, myxoid, myogenic, lipomatous, lymphoid, leukemic, metastatic and secondary tumors. Melanocytic lesions include nevus, racial melanosis, primary acquired melanosis, melanoma, and other ocular surface conditions like ocular melanocytosis and secondary pigmentary deposition. The most frequent nonmelanocytic neoplastic lesions include squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma, both of which have typical features appreciated on clinical examination. …

Prognostication Of Uveal Melanoma Is Simple And Highly Predictive Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (Tcga) Classification: A Review., Carol L. Shields, Lauren A. Dalvin, Pornpattana Vichitvejpaisal, Mehdi Mazloumi, Arupa Ganguly, Jerry A. Shields

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Purpose: The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) is a comprehensive project supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the United States to explore molecular alterations in cancer, including uveal melanoma (UM). This led to TCGA classification for UM. In this report, we review the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification and TCGA classification for UM from the NCI's Center for Cancer Genomics (NCI CCG) (based on enucleation specimens [n = 80 eyes]) and from Wills Eye Hospital (WEH) (based on fine needle aspiration biopsy [FNAB] specimens [n = 658 eyes]). We then compare accuracy and predictability of AJCC versus …

Intraocular Amyloidosis With Multifocal Iris And Anterior Chamber Translucent Spherules., Sima Das, Sweety Tiple, Julie Pegu, Suneeta Dubey, Umang Mathur, Kaustabh Mulay, Carol L Shields

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

Ocular amylodosis, although a rare entity, is known to affect the conjunctiva, extraocular muscles, orbit, lacrimal gland, and skin around the eyes. Intraocular deposition of amyloid mainly confines to the vitreous and cornea. In this report, we describe two cases of intraocular amyloidosis presenting as multiple iris and anterior chamber cysts. Histopathological examination with special stain like Congo Red and Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis. Systemic investigations ruled out systemic association confirming the diagnosis of primary ocular amyloidosis.

Trifocal Choroidal Melanoma In An Eye With Oculodermal Melanocytosis: A Case Report., Samuel J Fallon, Charlotte N Shields, Maura Di Nicola

Wills Eye Hospital Papers

We report a case of trifocal choroidal melanoma (three separate tumors) in a 48-year-old Caucasian female who had been followed for oculodermal melanocytosis since childhood. At presentation, no tumor was present and annual examination was advised. Seventeen years later, three choroidal melanocytic lesions were detected in the right eye. Growth of each was documented, enucleation was performed, and histopathology revealed three independent choroidal melanomas. The patient developed extensive liver and bone metastases and subsequently died. Oculodermal melanocytosis is a risk factor for the development of uveal melanoma and a potential marker for worse prognosis. Careful long-term follow-up is required.

A Heavy Burden: Associations Between Sexual Minority Status, Mental Health, And Bmi In Women, Alison E. A. Goldblatt

Graduate Masters Theses

Sexual minority women (SMW) are at increased risk of elevated body mass index (BMI) compared to heterosexual women, which increases their vulnerability to a variety of chronic diseases. This increased risk of elevated BMI is likely due to unique minority stressors faced by sexual minority individuals, such as internalized heterosexism and discrimination. Minority stressors are associated with poorer mental and physical health among SMW, and SMW may engage in unhealthy coping strategies, like binge eating, to cope with these minority stressors. Research suggests that bisexual women, and other women with non-monosexual orientations, face elevated risks to their physical and psychological …

An Exploratory Study Of Duty-Related Stress Among Conservation Officers, Logan Ledford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research relating to police stress has typically focused on officers working in urban areas, neglecting their rural counterparts. This is especially true of conservation officers, who are tasked with enforcing laws in state parks and other recreational areas. To date, only a handful of studies have sought to better understand their experiences and perceptions. The current study seeks to further our understanding of conservation officer stress in three unique ways: (1) via applying McCreary and Thompson’s (2006) operational police stress scale (PSQ-Op) to the population, (2) determining whether officer characteristics (e.g., age, education, length of service) affect perceived stress, and …

Estimation Of Genetic Components Related To Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis Susceptibility In Angus And Angus Derived Cattle Produced In The Southern United States, Eric Oxford

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The economic impact of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) has been documented in many parts of the world. Many researchers have observed that prevention of this disease is very difficult given current methodologies. This is primarily due to the multifactorial nature of this disease. The objective of this dissertation was to determine the impact of IBK on calf performance and estimate genetic parameters, heritability and estimated breeding values for IBK susceptibility. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS; while genetic parameters were estimated using a linear animal model for both single- and two-traits through MTDFREML. Additional evaluations calculated heritability using …

Efficacy Of Competitive Exclusion To Reduce Salmonella In Broiler Chickens, Nattaporn Jiratitipat, Prapasri Srikhong, Wisanu Wanasawaeng, Niwat Chansiripornchai

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Competitive exclusion (CE) relies on the activity of normal flora to limit intestinal colonization by enteric pathogens. This study aims to investigate the effects of CEon Salmonellainfectionin broilers. The protective effect of CE on Salmonella cecal colonization was evaluated in 1 day-old chicks.In the laboratory trial, CE products were administered by oral inoculation, drinking water and whole body spray. Three days after treatment,the chickens were challenged with 107cfu/mL of SalmonellaEnteritidisorally, and were evaluated for 10 days. The CE-treated chickens showed comparable protection andthe number of Salmonella in the cecal contents significantly decreased(P<0.05)compared with those of the positive control. In the farm trial,CE was administeredby whole body spray at the hatchery and the second was administered by drinking water and evaluated at 32 and 42 days, respectively. The CE significantly reduced Salmonellacontamination in the farm trial andno Salmonellawas detected in the cecal contents compared with the control group. Average body weight gains, feed conversion ratioand theperformance indexof the chickens were greater than thecontrol group. Thus, the use of CEhad a positive effect on broiler performance. Furthermore, the CE-treated chickens displayed greater intestinal histology including villous height, submuscular layerand cell mitosis.These studies demonstrate that CEwas able to protect chickens from Salmonella cecalcolonization and it is apparent that new methodologies associated with the development of a workable CE program are needed in thepoultry industry.

Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus (Prrsv) Preferentially Infected The Apical Surface Of Primary Endometrial Cell Monolayer, Muttarin Lothong, Suphot Wattanaphansak, Chatsri Deachapunya, Sutthasinee Poonyachoti

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The underlying mechanism of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causing reproductive failure and re-circulation in herds has remained unclear. Endometrial cells primarily infected with PRRSV may serve as a significant target for PRRSV eradication. Primary endometrial (PE) cells from the porcine uterus were isolated and cultivated to pursue this possibility. Immunocytochemistry analysis revealed the protein expression of classical estrogen receptors (ER-and ER-), but not PRRSV receptors, CD163 and sialoadhesin in PE cells. PE cells were apically/basolaterally inoculated with PRRSV type I/type II isolated from PRRSV infected lungs or mock infection. Cytopathic effects (CPE) and PRRSV-GP5 positive cells were …

Successful Treatment Of Feline Pseudomycetoma Caused By Microsporum Canis: A Case Study, Pansawut Sudjaidee, Thanida Sananmuang, Kanchanarut Mankong, Premsak Jeeratanyasakul

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A 3.5-year-old, 3.9 kg, intact, male Persian cat was presented at the hospital for chronic multifocal nodular dermatitis. The lesions with ulcerated nodules and yellow granular discharge were found mainly on the body and tail. Fungal culture was positive to Microsporum canisand skin biopsy revealed multifocal extensive fungal granuloma throughout necrotic fibrosis. The cat was treated with itaconazole for 4 months and the lesions were slightly improved. The skin nodules localized on the body, except the tail, were eventually removed. Approximately 1 month after surgery, the cat was vaccinated with inactivated vaccine against mycotic disease caused by Microsporum canistwo-week apart …

Pneumothorax: What’S A Pediatric Pulmonologist To Do?, Terrence W. Carver

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

A pneumothorax is a collection of air in the pleural space commonly associated with respiratory symptoms. Patients may be relatively asymptomatic but may present with life-threatening distress. Confirmation of a clinically suspected pneumothorax is most often by chest x-ray when patients have been stabilized. Pneumothoraces are first categorized as primary, secondary, or iatrogenic and informs the evaluation and treatment plan. However, despite management guidelines in the literature, their applicability for pediatric patients is limited. Understanding of the historical risk factors including the acute clinical course and how radiographs, both chest X-ray and CT chest illuminate which patients are at highest …

Age-Adjusted Incidence Rates And Time Trends Of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma By Subtype, 2000-2015, Daitrang Le

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are a group of diverse and complex cancers of the lymphocytes. More than 60 subtypes have been identified based on certain characteristics of the cancer cell. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine NHL age-adjusted incidence rates from 2000 to 2015 in the U.S. by age, sex, and race/ethnicity; 2) to examine age-adjusted subtype-specific NHL incidence rates by age, sex, and race/ethnicity; 3) to determine if there was significant time trend in age-adjusted NHL incidence rate from 2000-2015 in the U.S by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.; 4) and to examine time trend in age-adjusted …

Association Between Gastroduodenal Ulcer And Age Of Diagnosis Of Head And Neck, Gastroduodenal And Pancreatic Cancer, Rukevwe Madusor

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and remains a major public health problem worldwide. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is linked to ulcers and most cancers. Although studies have investigated the role of IGF1 in ulcer healing and cancer pathogenesis, the link between ulcer and cancer remains unclear. Hence, we assessed the relationship between ulcers and cancers.

Methods: This study consists of a sample of 180 cancer patients obtain by convenience sampling who were seen at Nebraska Medicine and were enrolled in the integrated cancer repository for cancer …

Examining Racial & Ethnic Disparities In The Reach Of The Medicare Shared Savings Program, Lindsey Arneson

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

It is important to understand the quality of health care for racial and ethnic minorities covered under the largest U.S. government-run insurance program, Medicare, because the demographics of the U.S. are becoming older and more diverse. A new value-based program under Medicare is the Shared Savings Program (MSSP), which creates incentives to improve care quality and health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with a specific focus on increasing the provision of preventive care services. This capstone project aims to understand the representation of racial/ethnic minority Medicare beneficiaries, namely African Americans/Blacks and Hispanics/Latinxs, that receive care from providers or facilities (i.e., Accountable …

Assessment Of Particulate Matter Levels In Homes With Children, Ali Al Rabou

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Children’s exposure to particulate matter (PM) is of great interest because it can cause adverse health effects, including asthma, and decreased lung function. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of PM in low socio-economic status homes in Omaha, Nebraska. Between October 2018 and September 2019, we collected ambient air PM samples from 30 homes, of which 70% had at least one asthmatic child. Samples were collected at 2 feet and 4 feet to represent the breathing zones of toddlers and older children, respectively. We also asked the study participants questions related to indoor air quality (IAQ). …

Influence Of Health Habits On The Success Of The Community Response Program, Hannah Harrington

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The goal of this project is to determine how specific health habits can affect success of the Community Response (CR) program. Community Response is a program that brings government, non-profit and faith-based organizations together in one community to share resources, identify challenges and create solutions with the goal of strengthening the protective factors that help families raise happy, healthy children (Lift Up Sarpy County, 2018). Health habits include habits centered around everyday life including protective factors such as maintaining support systems, financial stability, and other ways to strengthen families, eliminate risk, and keep children out of the child welfare system. …

The Association Between Melanoma And Exposure To Arsenic Among U.S. Adults Using The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (Nhanes) From 2003 To 2016, Ahmed Bedaiwi

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer at late stages, and its incidence has been increasing significantly over the last ten years in the United States. Chronic exposure to arsenic has been associated in many studies as a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer, notably squamous cell carcinoma. However, current knowledge is limited regarding melanoma and long-term arsenic exposure.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the 2003-2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), to investigate the association between arsenic exposure and self-reported melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. …

Evaluating Occupational Hazards And Personal Protective Equipment Use On Farms In Kyrgyzstan, Christopher Tougeron, Chandran Achutan, Kenesh Dzhusupov, Lorena Baccaglini

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objectives – The purpose of this study was to identify occupational hazards and personal protective equipment use on farms operating in Kyrgyzstan.

Methods – We recruited 20 farmers in Kyrgyzstan. They completed a questionnaire and responded to interview questions to determine their occupational hazards, personal protective equipment use, and work-related injuries. We measured noise levels using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health sound level meter application for Apple iOS.

Results – Most farmers reported knowing how and when to use personal protective equipment, however 95 percent had not received training on how to use them. Observation of farmers …

Trends Of Endometrial Cancer Among Adult Women In The United States, Fnu Kanishka

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Endometrial cancer also referred to as uterine corpus cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed among US women. It is also one of the few cancers in the US that has an increasing incidence and mortality rate. This study examined the overall and race specific age-adjusted incidence rate as well as incidence-based mortality rate of endometrial cancer in the United States from 1975-2016.

Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 1975-2016 data were used. Overall and race specific age-adjusted incidence rate, incidence-based mortality rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated Trend graphs were created, annual average percent change …

Organizational Culture Change In The United States Government And Its Application In State And Local Public Health Agencies: A Literature Review, Katherine Barrow

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

State and local health agencies play a critical role in the assessment and assurance of public health in the United States. Their authority to shape the structure and delivery of health services makes organizational culture change imperative for the improvement of government services and ultimately, the health of the public. A systematic literature review using SCOPUS, PsycINFO, Business Source, and Academic Search Premier was conducted to 1) analyze organizational culture change efforts in United States federal, state, and local government settings and 2) make recommendations on how to implement organizational culture change initiatives in state and local health agencies. Of …

Developing A Training Program For Omaha Metro Area Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Caring For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities, Emily Blanchard

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Individuals with developmental disabilities experience many barriers to healthcare and are at a substantially higher risk for sexual assault and trauma. There is a need for more inclusive and collaborative healthcare policies, practices, and education to guide healthcare providers during their encounters with individuals with developmental disabilities as patients, especially during forensic examinations following sexual assault and trauma. In the Omaha metro area, physical therapists at the Munroe-Meyer institute provide clinical services in a transdisciplinary program that refer victims of sexual violence to local health systems’ Sexual Health Nurse Examiners (SANEs).

There is an existing service gap for individuals with …

Evaluation Of Relationship Between Lead-Dust Loading, Lead-Dust Concentration, And Total Dust Loading Metrics Across Multiple Data Sets, Charles Bevington

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Lead-dust monitoring studies report values as either lead-dust loadings µg/ft² or as lead-dust concentrations µg/g. It is rare for studies to report both metrics. When only lead-dust loading values are present, professionals require an approach to estimate lead-dust concentration values. A literature search identified five studies that contained raw data for both lead-dust loading and lead-dust concentration. An additional thirty-two studies had summary-statistics available for both lead-dust loading and lead-dust concentration. Studies with raw-data were used to develop an empirically-based loading to concentration statistical relationship. Raw data sets were critically evaluated to determine whether elimination or …

Using Syndromic Surveillance To Assess The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Asthma- And Copd- Related Ed Visits In Douglas County, Nebraska, Sandra Gonzalez-Ramirez, Anne Mardis O'Keefe, Tricia D. Levan, Lynette Smith

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic diseases associated with health disparities in Douglas County, Nebraska and in the United States. Currently there is a lack of information describing the impact of environmental factors in Nebraska on the burden of emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations related to these chronic respiratory (CR) diseases. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between the numbers of seasonal viral respiratory (SVR)- related ED visits, outdoor air pollutants, aeroallergens, or meteorological factors on the number of CR- related ED visits in Douglas County, Nebraska.

Methods: …

Sim's "Survivor Care: What Religious Professionals Need To Know About Healing Trauma" (Book Review), Jaclyn Lee Parrott

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Standardized Reporting In Pancreatic Protocol Ct: Implementation Across 3 Community Hospitals, Jacob L. Miller, Kevin Carr, James Banks, Nisha Mani

Radiology

No abstract provided.

Extract And Active Principal Of The Neotropical Vine Souroubea Sympetala Gilg. Block Fear Memory Reconsolidation, Anthony Murkar, Hristian Cayer, Jon James, Tony Durst, John T. Arnason, Pablos E. Sanchez-Vindas, M. Otarola Rojas, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Souroubea sympetala Gilg. is a neotropical vine native to Central America, investigated as part of a targeted study of the plant family Marcgraviaceae. Our previous research showed that extract of S. sympetala leaf and small branch extract had anxiolytic effects in animals and acts as an agonist for the GABAA receptor at the benzodiazepine binding site. To date, the potential effects of S. sympetala and its constituents on reconsolidation have not been assessed. Reconsolidation, the process by which formed memories are rendered labile and susceptible to change, may offer a window of opportunity for pharmacological manipulation of learned fear. …

Ample Glycosylation In Membrane And Cell Envelope Proteins May Explain The Phenotypic Diversity And Virulence In The Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex, Alemayehu Godana Birhanu, Solomon Abebe Yimer, Shewit Kalayou, Tahira Riaz, Ephrem Debebe Zegeye, Carol Holm-Hansen, Gunnstein Norheim, Abraham Aseffa, Markos Abebe, Tone Tønjum

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Multiple regulatory mechanisms including post-translational modifications (PTMs) confer complexity to the simpler genomes and proteomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). PTMs such as glycosylation play a significant role in Mtb adaptive processes. The glycoproteomic patterns of clinical isolates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) representing the lineages 3, 4, 5 and 7 were characterized by mass spectrometry. A total of 2944 glycosylation events were discovered in 1325 proteins. This data set represents the highest number of glycosylated proteins identified in Mtb to date. O-glycosylation constituted 83% of the events identified, while 17% of the sites were N-glycosylated. This is the first …

Molecular Quantification Of Plasmodium Parasite Density From The Blood Retained In Used Rdts, Ailie Robinson, Annette O. Busula, Julian K. Muwanguzi, Stephen J. Powers, Daniel K. Masiga, Teun Bousema, Willem Takken, Jetske G. De Boer, James G. Logan, Khalid B. Beshir, Colin J. Sutherland

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Most malaria-endemic countries are heavily reliant upon rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for malaria case identification and treatment. RDT previously used for malaria diagnosis can subsequently be used for molecular assays, including qualitative assessment of parasite species present or the carriage of resistance markers, because parasite DNA can be extracted from the blood inside the RDT which remains preserved on the internal components. However, the quantification of parasite density has not previously been possible from used RDT. In this study, blood samples were collected from school-age children in Western Kenya, in the form of both dried blood spots on Whatman filter …

Mr Perfusion Imaging, Techniques And Role In Differentiating Radiation Necrosis And Tumor Recurrence, Raima Zakaria, Fatima Mubarak, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Department of Radiology

High grade brain tumours are treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy and despite such aggressive treatment, can recur in a short span of time. MRI scan has been the conventional diagnostic modality to diagnose recurrence, although at times it becomes difficult for the neuroradiologists to differentiate between tumour recurrence and radiation necrosis. Herein lies the emergent need to explore the efficacy of functional imaging to assist in this diagnostic challenge. Recent studies have sought to do so with promising implications, which we have attempted to summarize in this review.