Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Polygenic Risk Scores Of Grip Strength In Men And Women With Or At Risk For Hiv, Sreevidya Sadananda Sadasiva Rao

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background: Adequate hand function among older adults is necessary for the successful completion of activities of daily living and can affect whether an older adult is able to live independently. Current research highlights grip strength, the strength people have in their hands, as a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality, and explores the decline in grip strength over time. A person’s family history and genes (DNA) affect how much grip strength they have. Previous studies have identified genes that affect grip strength, mainly in European ancestry populations. In this study, we examined whether these genetic elements predict grip strength in …

The Excessive Cost Of Health: An Analysis Of Pharmaceutical Accessibility Issues In The United States, Henry Woodman Curtis

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Compared to the rest of the world, the United States has one of the worst-performing health care systems. While this is influenced by our hospital systems and clinical care in certain contexts, one of the biggest culprits for our poor ratings is the cost and availability of prescription medications. We pay more than any comparable country for the exact same medications and have a harder time actually accessing them. In this dissertation, I aim to analyze how individuals, companies, and governmental agencies have responded to various instances of high-cost or low-availability prescription medications. To begin, I examine pharmaceutical patenting practices …

Association Of Non-Communicable Diseases With Severe Covid-19 Among People Living With And Without Diagnosed Hiv/Aids In New York State, Ravi Kumar Balu

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Background: People living with diagnosed HIV (PLWDH) have a higher chance of co-infections and co-morbidities than the general population. When SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in China in December 2019 and later declared a pandemic, it was speculated that PLWDH might be more prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease outcomes given their increased vulnerability to other respiratory infections like influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia and tuberculosis. However, several facets of COVID-19 disease in PLWDH are incompletely understood, including whether non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are strong risk factors for severe disease outcomes and death as they are in the general population.

Methods: The data …

Food Rescue, Food Waste, And Policy In New York: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Food System Impacts, Mariana Torres Arroyo

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This dissertation investigates how food donation policies in New York State influence the recovery, redistribution, and waste of surplus fresh produce, with a focus on fruits and vegetables. Using an interdisciplinary, systems-based approach that integrates system dynamics modeling with qualitative, community-engaged research, the study analyzes the effectiveness and unintended consequences of three major policies: Nourish New York, the Farm to Food Bank tax credit, and the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law.

Chapter 2 uses simulation modeling to examine how the tax credit and waste ban affect produce recovery and redistribution. Results show that while both policies can boost …

Determining Essential Regulatory Factors In Extravillous-Trophoblast Differentiation And Splice Variants Associated With The Development Of Preeclampsia, Brandt Hugh Beck

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Preeclampsia is a common condition affecting mothers across the world. Rates for preeclampsia have been rising in the past years due to factors such as obesity and diabetes. Since this condition has been more prevalent, a better understanding of the factors surrounding the preeclamptic state are needed. Core cell types and biological functions of placenta development are known but the cause behind the preeclamptic environment is not well understood. This research aims to investigate the potential causes behind preeclampsia by first reviewing Extravillous-Trophoblast differentiation factors in the context of differential gene expression and alternative splicing then evaluate towards preeclamptic tissue. …

The Gut-Brain Axis: Investigating The Effects Of Diet, Physical Activity, And Prior Adversity On Anxiety Via Autonomic Nervous System, Jenna L. Pennella

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Previous literature has highlighted a bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain called the gut-brain axis (de Punder & Pruimboom, 2015; Hill et al., 2008; Leistner & Menke, 2020). The current study aimed to investigate directional relations between different stressors (e.g. poor diet, vigorous activity, and prior adversity) and anxiety and how interactions with gut issues and autonomic dysfunction may impact these relationships. Based on previous literature, we examined (a) physical activity and diet as moderators of stress and anxiety as well as stress and GI symptoms, (b) GI symptoms as a mediator between various predictors (i.e., diet, stress, physical …

How Do Young Adults With Drug Use Disorder (Dud) Utilize Treatment? Exploring And Examining Lived Experiences Towards Treatment Completion In Indonesia, Dewi Kartikawatiningsih

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

In Indonesia which has the highest rate of drug addiction in Southeast Asia, there is currently little knowledge about how young adults perceive the barriers faced when completing treatment or how treatment providers' perspectives influence their treatment completion. Understanding and identifying barriers to treatment completion is essential to making drug treatment more effective. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives and live experiences of young adults with DUD and their addiction counselors to develop a deeper understanding of treatment needs. This study interviewed 33 clients and 15 counselors from the rehabilitation center of the Badan Nasional Narkotika …

Theoretical Foundations And Applied Performance Of Periodicity-Aware Imputation: Variable Bandpass Block Bootstrap Methods For Incomplete Time Series, Asmaa Ahmad

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Time series data are prevalent across a wide range of disciplines, including health surveillance, public policy, and environmental monitoring. In the presence of underlying cyclical patterns, the integrity of time series analysis depends critically on the ability to detect, model, and impute structured missing data without compromising the temporal structure. This dissertation introduces and validates a novel imputation framework that integrates the Variable Bandpass Periodic Block Bootstrap (VBPBB) into multiple imputation procedures, improving the accuracy, robustness, and interpretability of time series models under high rates of missingness and noise. The overarching goal of this dissertation was to develop and evaluate …

Overview Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status 2024, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status 2024 (Overview) aims to provide a comprehensive outline of the current health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The early sections of the Overview present information about the social and cultural context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social determinants, the structure of the population, and measures of population health including births, deaths and hospitalisations.

The remaining sections of the Overview consist of selected health conditions and risk/protective factors that contribute to the overall health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These sections include a brief …

Accounting For Unmet Needs Resulting From Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment, Darren Haywood, Alexandre Chan, Raymond J. Chan, Evan Dauer, Haryana M. Dhillon, Ashley M. Henneghan, Maryam B. Lustberg, Moira O’Connor, Janette L. Vardy, Susan L. Rossell, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) causes a wide range of unmet needs for cancer survivors. It is unknown which clinical, demographic, cognitive, and psychological factors underpin and account for these various unmet needs. This study aimed to (a) identify factors associated with CRCI-related unmet needs, and (b) establish the most pertinent factors that account for CRCI-related unmet needs. Methods: Four hundred and fifty-six (n = 456) cancer survivors responded to a range of demographic and clinical questions, as well as measures of CRCI-related unmet needs (MASCC COG-IMPACT), perceived cognitive impairment (PROMIS-COG), and psychological distress (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and …

Activity Behaviours And Quality Of Life In Patients With Malignant Pleural Effusion, Bianca M. Iacopetta, David C.L. Lam, Jenny C.L. Ngai, Johnny W.M. Chan, Fifian Chiang, Macy M.S. Lui, W. L. Law, Ken K.P. Chan, Joanne Mcveigh, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Y. C.Gary Lee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and objective Accelerometery is used to measure activity behaviours in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). This study aimed to evaluate physical activity and sedentary behaviour profiles of patients with MPE in Hong Kong, and to explore relationships between activity behaviours and quality of life (QoL). We also compared clinician-recorded performance status measures with objective measures of activity levels. Methods Participants wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer continuously for 7 consecutive days. The EuroQoL 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess five dimensions of QoL and correlate with activity behaviours. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status …

Are You Sure They're A Nurse? Public Perceptions Of Australian School Nursing, Anita Moyes, Brent A. Hayward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Nurses work in schools in every state and territory of Australia but have limited visibility in the public discourse. Knowledge and perceptions of school nursing work can significantly influence policy, funding, and program implementation, yet public perceptions of nursing work in Australian schools have never been investigated. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine public perceptions of the work of nurses in Australian schools using data collected from a thread on the social media platform Reddit. Study objectives included exploring respondents’ source of knowledge, perceptions of the presence and distribution of school nurses, and understanding of the …

Assessment Practices For Dietetic Students: An Updated Systematic Review (2017–2024), Janica Jamieson, Claire Palermo, Margaret Hay, Simone Gibson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: Evaluate assessment practices and outcomes for dietetic students and compare findings with those from a previous systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was conducted whereby four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Education Resources Information Centre) were searched on 11 October 2023 with terms related to dietetics, students, and assessment. The search was repeated on 8 January 2025 to identify new publications. Eligibility criteria were primary research published after 1 June 2017 reporting at least one assessment method for dietetic students with an assessment-related outcome. Assessment practices and outcomes were evaluated using Miller's …

Australian Fathers’ Experiences Of Caring For Their Preterm Infants, Esther Adama, Eric Adua, Evalotte Mörelius, Annie Chang, Ravisha Srinivasjois, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fathers and/or non-birthing partners are now actively involved in child-rearing globally; however some experience emotional difficulties during the perinatal period. With the birth of a preterm infant, parents experience additional stress beyond that normally engendered by having a baby, which can impact on parent-infant relationship and infant development. In Australia, there is limited evidence on fathers’ experiences of preterm birth. Thus, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Australian fathers of preterm infants including their emotional and physical wellbeing when they have a preterm infant. Narrative inquiry guided the study; 13 fathers whose preterm infant was admitted to Australian …

Bone Mineral Density In Childhood Cancer Survivors During And After Oncological Treatment: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Anna Maria Markarian, Dennis R. Taaffe, Francesco Bettariga, Hao Luo, Daniel A. Galvão, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Osteoporosis poses a significant concern for childhood cancer survivors (CCS). While recommendations for surveillance and management of bone mineral density (BMD) exist, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been undertaken to quantify BMD Z-scores in childhood cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment and survivors who have completed treatments. Accordingly, we conducted a systematic review with a 3-level mixed-effects meta-analysis to examine the course of BMD Z-scores in childhood cancer patients and survivors and identified possible moderators using meta-regression models. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases from inception to November 2023. We included …

Psychological Implications Of Preterm Birth, Livio Provenzi, Minesh Khashu, Mia Mclean, Evalotte Morelius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Effects Of A Daily, Home-Based, 5-Minute Eccentric Exercise Program On Physical Fitness, Body Composition, And Health In Sedentary Individuals, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane-Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a 4-week home-based bodyweight eccentric exercise program, requiring just 5 min daily, on physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and mental health in sedentary individuals.

Methods: Twenty-two sedentary but healthy individuals (4 men, 18 women; 32–69 years) completed a two-week control period followed by a 4-week intervention. The intervention involved daily exercises consisting of 10 repetitions each of chair squats, chair reclines, wall push-ups, and heel drops, including progressions if necessary. Assessments included isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), handgrip (HG) strength, push-up and sit-up endurance, sit-and-reach (S&R) flexibility, 3-min step test (3ST), squat …

Fostering A Resilient Healthcare System: Supportive Practice Environment Initiatives To Support Nurse And Midwives A Scoping Review, Gemma Doleman, Dianne Bloxsome, Rong Wang, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This scoping review aimed to explore supportive practice environment initiatives that support novice and expert nurses and midwives. Design: Scoping review. Methods: Studies were identified through the electronic databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched using GreyNet, National Grey Literature Collection, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and Google Scholar. Results: Thirty-one papers met the criteria for inclusion and data extraction. The key concepts identified were the need for adequate staffing and resources, clear and regular communication, managerial presence and engagement in committees and relationship building, celebration …

Gestational Age–Specific Prevalence Of Preeclampsia Among Pregnant Women In Ghana: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Observational Study, Wina Ivy Ofori Boadu, Enoch Odame Anto, Akua Benewaah Asamoah, Ezekiel Ansah, Godfred Yawson Scott, Emmanuel Ekow Korsah, Joseph Frimpong, Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu Tamakloe, Michael Nyantakyi, Agartha Odame Anto, Emmanuel Timmy Donkoh, Kwame Ofori Boadu, Richard Vikpebah Duneeh, Frederick Ayensu, Christian Obirikorang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Preeclampsia is responsible for a significant rate of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gestational age as a risk factor has a significant impact on fetal outcomes in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia. However, to our knowledge, no study has identified the gestational age–specific prevalence of preeclampsia in Ghana. Thus, this study ascertained the gestational age–specific prevalence of preeclampsia as well as its associated factors. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective observational study was conducted by reviewing data collected from the maternal birth register on 619 pregnant women who delivered at the facility from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021. Results: Out …

Immunoglobulin G N-Glycome As A Biomarker Of Mortality Risk In Escherichia Coli Induced Sepsis, Huachen Wang, Houqiang Li, Zheng Guo, Hongda Hou, Haifeng Hou, Bing Chen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by an imbalance in the inflammatory response to an infection that can lead to a high mortality rate. Escherichia coli is a common pathogen that causes sepsis. The role of immunoglobulin G N-glycome in estimating the mortality in patients with sepsis remains unknown. This study aims to reveal the clinical application of immunoglobulin G N-glycome as a potentially novel biomarker to predict mortality risk in Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. Methods: The serum immunoglobulin G N-glycome levels in 100 adult septic patient serum samples on the day of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 100 …

Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy Or Ipilimumab In Gastroesophageal Cancer: Exploratory Biomarker Analyses Of A Randomized Phase 3 Trial, Kohei Shitara, Yelena Y. Janjigian, Jaffer Ajani, Markus Moehler, Jin Yao, Xuya Wang, Aparna Chhibber, Dimple Pandya, Lin Shen, Marcelo Garrido, Carlos Gallardo, Lucjan Wyrwicz, Kensei Yamaguchi, Tomasz Skoczylas, Arinilda Bragagnoli, Tianshu Liu, Michael Schenker, Patricio Yañez, Ruben Kowalyszyn, Michalis Karamouzis, Thomas Zander, Kynan Feeney, Elena Elimova, Parul Doshi, Mingshun Li, Ming Lei

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

First-line nivolumab-plus-chemotherapy demonstrated superior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival versus chemotherapy for advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma with programmed death ligand 1 combined positive score ≥ 5, meeting both primary end points of the randomized phase 3 CheckMate 649 trial. Nivolumab-plus-ipilimumab provided durable responses and higher survival rates versus chemotherapy; however, the prespecified OS significance boundary was not met. To identify biomarkers predictive of differential efficacy outcomes, post hoc exploratory analyses were performed using whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Nivolumab-based therapies demonstrated improved efficacy versus chemotherapy in hypermutated and, to a lesser degree, Epstein–Barr virus-positive tumors compared with chromosomally unstable and …

Pleural Infection: Controversies On The Therapeutic Strategies, Ken K.P. Chan, Estee P.M. Lau, Y. C. Gary Lee

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of review Management of pleural infection remains heterogeneous worldwide. This review highlights current controversies in therapeutic strategies for pleural infection, focusing particularly on recent studies and their implications. Recent findings The introduction of intrapleural therapy combining alteplase [a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)] and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) has revolutionized treatment practices, though the optimal delivery and dosing regimen is an area of active investigation. Variations to simplify administration protocols and/or to lower the required drug doses have been published. Most were exploratory studies, but the variations showed maintained therapeutic efficacy. Whether intrapleural alteplase/DNase or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is superior is …

Practices And Perceptions In Hamstring Training For Injury Risk Mitigation: A Survey-Based Mixed-Methods Analysis, Steven Ross, Nicholas J. Ripley, John J. Mcmahon, Paul Comfort

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, the practices and perceptions of sport and exercise practitioners regarding hamstring training for injury risk mitigation were investigated. Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) remain a prevalent issue across sports, despite extensive research. An anonymous survey was conducted to assess how practitioners integrate evidence-based strategies, such as the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) and high-speed running (HSR), into their training programmes. The survey included both fixed-response and open-ended questions, enabling a mixed-methods analysis of training approaches. A total of 47 practitioners responded, revealing that most incorporate the NHE and HSR into both in-season and off-season training. However, there were notable …

Prevalence And Profile Of New Zealand Osteopaths Treating People Experiencing Headaches And Migraines, Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira, Brett Vaughan, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Lee Muddle, Loïc Treffel, Cindy Mcintyre, Michael Fleischmann, Francesco Cerritelli, Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Amie Steel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To describe the prevalence and profile of NZ osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines. This study is the first to describe this practice. Manual and manipulative therapy interventions are commonly sought by individuals experiencing headaches or migraines. Evidence supports the use of manual therapy as part of the management of headache and migraine disorders. Osteopaths are health professionals who provide care for individuals experiencing headaches and migraines. However, there is a lack of data concerning the profile of osteopaths treating these conditions, in addition to their diagnostic and management strategies. The Osteopathy Research Connect-New Zealand (ORC-NZ), a practice-based research …

Sleep In Residential Aged Care: A Secondary Qualitative Analysis Of Data From The Australian Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality And Safety, Aisling Smyth, Patricia Cain, Sabine Pangerl, Christopher Gordon, Kasia Bail, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background:

Sleep is a crucial healing and restorative component of older person care but is often negatively impacted through the effects of institutionalization in residential aged care (RAC). Currently, information about how sleep occurs is limited.

Methods:

Through the lens of person-centered care, this study examined submissions to the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Commission was established in 2018 with the aim of protecting and improving the safety, quality of life, and well-being of people receiving aged care. The commission received 10 000+ submissions from a range of stakeholders, including consumers, family members, expert witnesses, …

Sports Metaresearch: An Emerging Discipline Of Sport Science And Medicine, John Warmenhoven, Paolo Menaspà, David N. Borg, Simine Vazire, Nicole White, Kristin Sainani, Sophia Nimphius, Aaron J. Coutts, Franco M. Impellizzeri

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Inadequacies in the conduct and quality of research are well established across many research domains, including sport science and medicine. Metaresearch—the practice of performing research on research—is presented as a practical vehicle for improving research quality through evaluating the research processes. This article introduces the concept of metaresearch to sport as a new sub-field of sport science. The broad types of metaresearch are introduced, with a mapping of current sports metaresearch activity across these areas. Interdisciplinary centres aimed at improving scientific quality across other fields are also introduced to sport, and specific considerations for beginning metaresearch are provided for sport. …

Survival After Cessation Of Immunotherapies In Melanoma: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Kristine E. Mayer, Lydia Warburton, Anne Zaremba, Sarah Preis, Yannick Foerster, Tilo Biedermann, Oana Diana Persa

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy elicits durable responses in a subset of patients with advanced melanoma. However, the appropriate timing for treatment cessation remains an unresolved issue. Moreover, some patients are required to discontinue therapy due to the occurrence of severe adverse events. Upon treatment cessation, a subset of patients maintains a durable response, while some patients relapse and require rechallenge with ICI. Criteria for a safe stop of ICI have not been established. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the durability of response in melanoma patients who discontinued ICI therapy. Furthermore, the outcome …

Travel Therapy: Simple Exercise Interventions For Osteoporosis Patients, Jun Wen, Fangli Hu, Yuan Chai

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Individuals With Functional Neurological Disorders (Fnd) In Australia, Omid Rezaei, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in Australia, focusing on the challenges they face in daily life, healthcare interactions, and service access. Materials and methods: A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 11 participants diagnosed with FND. Data were analysed thematically to identify key issues impacting their experiences. Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) disruptions in daily life due to symptoms, (2) a prolonged and frustrating diagnostic journey, (3) difficulties accessing healthcare services in regional areas, (4) societal misconceptions and stigma surrounding FND, and (5) financial strain linked …

Why We Must Stop Assuming And Estimating Menstrual Cycle Phases In Laboratory And Field-Based Sport Related Research, Kirsty Jayne Elliott-Sale, Marco Altini, Patricia Doyle-Baker, Eva Ferrer, Tessa Rose Flood, Rachel Harris, Franco Milko Impellizzeri, Xanne Janse De Jonge, Katrine Okholm Kryger, Gary Lewin, Constance M. Lebrun, Alan Mccall, Sophia Nimphius, Stuart M. Phillips, Paul A. Swinton, Madison Taylor, Evert Verhagen, Richard James Burden

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The increased growth, popularity, and media interest in women’s sport has led to calls for greater prioritisation of female-specific research and innovation. In response, science and medicine researchers have increased the volume of sport-related studies investigating female-specific matters, such as the menstrual cycle. Whilst the accelerated rate of published studies with female participants is welcome, the emerging trend of using assumed or estimated menstrual cycle phases to characterise ovarian hormone profiles is a significant concern. Replacing direct measurements of key characteristics of the menstrual cycle (e.g. the surge in luteinising hormone prior to ovulation via urine detection and sufficient luteal …