Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Sky’S The Limit: Improving Satellite Imagery Data Literacy To Address Noncommunicable Diseases, M. Courtney Hughes, Elizabeth J. Folkmann

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

Low-and middle-income countries experience 77% of the world’s premature deaths caused by non- communicable diseases, and their underlying health determinant data are often scarce and inaccurate. Im- proving satellite imagery data literacy worldwide is an integral step toward using the vast amount of publicly available data collected via satellites, such as air pollution, green space and light at night—all determinants of non-communicable diseases. Existing machine learning–based algorithms enable automated analysis of satel- lite imagery data, but health officials and scientists must know where to find and how to apply these algorithms to measure risk and target interventions.

Caregiver Policies In The United States: A Systematic Review, Makenna R. Green, M. Courtney Hughes, Sadia Afrin, Erin Vernon

Faculty Articles, Papers, and Other Scholarship

In the United States, there are nearly 53 million informal or unpaid caregivers, many of whom experience mental and physical stress related to their caregiving duties and increased financial responsibility. We identified federal and state informal caregiver support policies authorized by specific legislation along with their key provisions and conducted a systematic review of the academic literature related to quantitative evaluations of these policies. Twenty policies, eight academic studies, and four gray literature reports were included in the study, with half of the policies introduced since 2000. Our study criteria yielded few academic valuations tied to caregiver policies and few …

Aestheticizing And Engendering Disease: The Case Of Tuberculosis, Abigail Dollries

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

This thesis examines how tuberculosis, known in the nineteenth century as “consumption,” was aestheticized in American cultural and medical discourse, particularly in industrial cities of the North between 1830 and 1850. It addresses the paradox at the heart of the disease’s representation: while tuberculosis was medically pathologized, it was simultaneously romanticized, especially when afflicting elite white women. The central problem explored is how this aestheticization of illness functioned to reinforce gender, class, and racial hierarchies by transforming suffering into a symbol of virtue, refinement, and social status. Using a cultural-historical methodology, this project analyzes a range of sources, including medical …

Wear Resistance Of 3d Printed Occlusal Splint Materials, Pierpont Flanders Brown

All ETDs from UAB

Statement of problem: Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an efficient method to produce occlusal devices (splints). However, their wear resistance is poorly understood. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the wear resistance of flexible and rigid 3D printed occlusal splint materials to milled and conventionally processed occlusal splint materials. By establishing such a comparison, this study will help provide clinicians with greater knowledge of which materials and methods will provide their patients with the most wear resistant and durable occlusal splint possible. Material and methods: Identical sized blocks (n=8) of 3 flexible 3D printed materials (KeySplint …

Reelin Regulation Of Striatal Physiology And Cocaine Reward, Kasey Lynn Brida

All ETDs from UAB

Drugs of abuse activate defined neuronal populations in brain reward structures such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which are thought to promote the enduring synaptic, circuit, and behavioral consequences of drug exposure. While the molecular and cellular effects arising from experience with drugs like cocaine are increasingly well understood, the mechanisms that sculpt NAc neuron participation are largely unknown. Here, we leveraged unbiased single-nucleus transcriptional profiling to identify expression of the secreted glycoprotein Reelin (encoded by the Reln gene) as a marker of cocaine-activated neurons within the rat NAc. Multiplexed in situ detection confirmed selective expression of the immediate early …

Platal Expansion Using The Invisalign Palatal Expander "Ipe", Hassan Chihab

All ETDs from UAB

Palatal expansion has been used in orthodontics to treat a narrow maxilla and to primarily correct posterior dental crossbites. In younger patients, palatal expansion can readily be achieved through opening of the mid-palatal suture, as it is not fused at that age. As the mid-palatal suture matures, expansion will gradually be difficult to achieve, and more dental expansion is obtained rather than skeletal. In addition, there is a tendency to get more dental tipping. Palatal expansion has been recommended not only to correct crossbites but also to improve breathing in patients with sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). …

Co-Creating A Social, Emotional, And Mental Health Well-Being Group For College Students With Disabilities And/Or Chronic Health Conditions And Are Registered With Disability Support Services, Consuelo A. Click Copeland

All ETDs from UAB

ABSTRACT Nearly one in four adults in the United States report living with a disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2023), approximately 21 percent of undergraduate students and 11 percent of postbaccalaureate students report having a disability. Students with disabilities in college encounter considerable obstacles that can adversely affect their mental health, academic performance, and general well-being. These obstacles encompass social isolation, stigma, and insufficient personalized support services, resulting in increased levels of anxiety, depression, and dropout rates compared to students without disabilities. Despite the critical need, there is a …

Occupational Exposure To Cooking Emissions And Evaluation Of Ventilation System In Restaurant Kitchens, Matthew Kaleb Hanvey

All ETDs from UAB

Background: In the restaurant environment, there are many harmful contaminants generated during the cooking process that kitchen workers are potentially exposed to. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the potential exposure to aldehydes and respirable particles among restaurant kitchen workers and to examine the ventilation performance of the kitchen exhaust hoods. Methods: There were three restaurants recruited for this study and they cooked seafood/poultry (Restaurant 1), farm style foods (Restaurant 2), and finger foods (Restaurant 3). The three restaurants had wall-mounted canopy hoods. Restaurant 1 had two hoods, Restaurant 2 had two hoods, and Restaurant 3 had one …

Everyday Decision-Making Involvement Among Hispanic & Latinx Dementia Caregivers And Its Associations With Daily Anxiety And Daily Depressive Symptoms, Abigail Poe

All ETDs from UAB

Background: Hispanic and Latinx (H&L) caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) experience elevated caregiving burden and poorer mental health outcomes compared to caregivers from other racial and ethnic groups. Limited research has examined H&L caregivers’ involvement in everyday decision-making for persons living with dementia (PLWD), particularly how this involvement may relate to daily mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Purpose: This study examined baseline decision-making involvement (DMI), its associations with individual-level factors, and its relationship with daily anxiety and depressive symptoms in H&L ADRD caregivers. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data …

Prevalence Of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction In A Young Adult Population, Tyler Thomas

All ETDs from UAB

Background Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) varies in prevalence depending on the demographic and can significantly impact quality of life. There is a lack of research on MGD in young adult, professional student populations. Professional students often experience high levels of stress, reduced sleep, and increased electronic device use, which may elevate their risk for developing MGD. Specific Aims This cross-sectional clinical analysis has two specific aims: (1) to determine the prevalence of MGD in a young adult, professional student population, and (2) to identify potential risk factors and clinical assessments correlated with MGD. Methods A total of 147 professional students …

Nursing Professional Liability: Bridging Rn & Aprn Perspectives On Risk, Coverage & Evolving Practice Authority, Michelle Hileman Msm, Rn, Cnm, Parkview Health

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

The purpose of this literature review is to explore professional liability for RNs and APRNs. Specific objectives include:

• Identify patterns in malpractice claims for RNs and APRNs

• Compare employer-provided and personal malpractice coverage

• Examine the impact of scope-of-practice laws on APRN liability

• Clarify principles of vicarious liability

• Recommend lifelong strategies for education, risk management, and professional practice

Provider Perspectives On Produce Prescription Programs In A Rural Community, Heather Ward Dnp,Fnp-Bc, Sarah Giaquinta Md, Mph, Susan Storey Phd, Rn, Aocns

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium.

Purpose:

• To evaluate healthcare provider perspectives on PPPs in a rural community
• To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing a PPP
• To lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of a PPP in the Count

Pairing Vashe And Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant For An Innovative Approach To Neonatal Diaper Dermatitis Treatment, Jennifer Thieman Msn, Rn, Accns-P, Rnc-Nic, C-Elbw, Cls

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium.

Objective: To implement a new process that allows Vashe and Cavilon Advanced Skin Protectant to be used together in order to improve healing time of diaper dermatitis.

Tiered Skills Acquisition Model Implementation Parkview Health Centers For Wound Healing, Harlee Heller Bsn, Rn,Csmrn, Ariel Custer Bsn, Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

Implement TSAM at Parkview Centers for Wound Healing to:

• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality nursing care
• Establish standardization to equip nurses to float between outpatient wound clinic locations, promoting flexibility and operational efficiency
• Support preceptor flexibility to continue an orientee’s training, regardless of the availability of the primary preceptor, expediting orientation
• Increase confidence of outpatient wound care nurses for independent practice following orientation
• Increase nursing retention rates

Three Wishes Project: Individualizing End Of Life Care, Sarah Seddon Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Nursing Research Symposium. •We used the journal article to create tangible ways to individualize the dying process •A binder ways created with the different “wishes” nurses can provide.

Optimizing Defibrillation Response: A Quality Improvement Initiative In The Cath Lab, Sara Cullis Bsn, Rn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

This poster was presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

Patients undergoing diagnostic or emergent procedures in the Cardiac Cath Lab are at risk of developing lethal arrhythmias, which require immediate defibrillation to prevent adverse outcomes. Currently, the use of paddles and the absence of pre-applied defibrillator pads delay response time during critical events, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, there is a liability when staff assume which patients are “high risk” versus “diagnostic,” as even seemingly low-risk cases can rapidly deteriorate without warning. This quality improvement initiative aims to address this gap by ensuring defibrillator pads …

Best Practice In Geriatric Fracture Care: Impact Of Early Urinary Catheter Removal On Cauti Incidence, Samantha Tiede Bsn, Rn, Onc, Heather Kegerreis Msn, Rn, Cmsrn

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

Poster presented at the 2025 Parkview Nursing Research Symposium.

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of urinary catheter removal by POD1 on CAUTI incidence in GFPs.

Use Of Machine Learning Models To Predict Microaspiration Measured By Tracheal Pepsin A., Annette Bourgault, Ilana Logvinov, Chang Liu, Rui Xie, Jan Powers Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Mary Lou Sole

Nursing Publications, Posters, & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Enteral feeding intolerance, a common type of gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to underfeeding, is associated with increased mortality. Tracheal pepsin A, an indicator of microaspiration, was found in 39% of patients within 24 hours of enteral feeding. Tracheal pepsin A is a potential biomarker of enteral feeding intolerance.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of microaspiration (tracheal or oral pepsin A). It was hypothesized that variables predicting the presence of tracheal pepsin A might be similar to predictors of enteral feeding intolerance.

METHODS: In this secondary analysis, machine learning models were fit for 283 adults receiving mechanical ventilation who had tracheal and …

High Neuraxial Blockade In A Parturient After Epidural Placement: A Quality Improvement Simulation., Samir Patel, Noah D Le, John Carter, Nick Melott, Andrew Kalnow, Camille D Hawkins, Alexander Luong, Matthias Franzen

Medical Education Articles

Background Epidural anesthesia is a commonly used procedure in obstetrics for managing labor pain, with a potential complication of high neuraxial blockade. Proficiency in performing epidural or spinal anesthesia and promptly recognizing and managing high neuraxial blockade are critical components of anesthesiology residency training. Methods A simulated case was designed involving a 21-year-old female in labor receiving epidural anesthesia. After the administration of local anesthetic, she develops symptoms of nausea, hypotension, and respiratory distress, progressing to high neuraxial blockade. The simulation environment included a labor and delivery suite setup, an epidural cart, airway supplies, a Laerdal SimMan 3G PLUS mannequin …

A Serum Biomarker Panel And Miniarray Detection System For Tracking Disease Activity And Flare Risk In Lupus Nephritis, Chenling Tang, Gongjun Tan, Aygun Teymur, Jiechang Guo, Arturo Haces-Garcia, Weihang Zhu, Richard Williams, Jing Ning, Ramesh Saxena, Tianfu Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Lupus nephritis (LN) leads to end stage renal disease (ESRD), and early diagnosis and disease monitoring of LN could significantly reduce the risk. however, there is not such a system clinically. In this study we aim to develop a biomarker-panel based point-of-care system for LN.

Methods: Immunoassay screening combined with genomic expression databases and machine learning techniques was used to identify a biomarker panel of LN. A quantitative biomarker-panel mini-array (BPMA) system was developed and the sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and stability of the were examined. The performance of BPMA in disease monitoring was validated with machine models using a …

Prevalence Of Cannabis Use Disorders And Associated Factors Among Privately Insured Adults With Epilepsy, Katarzyna Czerniak, Youngran Kim, Refugio Sepulveda, Sahiti Myneni, Robert Addy, Ross Shegog

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: As cannabis is increasingly used as a treatment option for epilepsy, people with epilepsy (PWE) may be at higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CUD among privately insured PWE in the United States using IQVIA's 2022 PharMetrics® Plus for Academics health plan claims database.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2022 IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics health plan claims data containing longitudinal view of inpatient and outpatient services, prescription and office/outpatient administered drugs, costs and detailed enrollment information. Individuals with epilepsy aged 18 years and older were included. …

Sustaining Substance Use Recovery Housing For People Taking Medications For Opioid Use Disorder: Diverse Funding, Strategic Partnerships, And Charging Rent, I Niles Zoschke, Kathryn R Gallardo, Danielle Gillespie, Hannah L N Stewart, Serena A Rodriguez, Sheryl A Mccurdy, J Michael Wilkerson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Opioid use disorder is a U.S. epidemic, and recovery housing plays a critical role by providing stable, supportive environments that promote long-term recovery. However, little is known about the sustainability of recovery homes, particularly those serving people taking medications for opioid use disorder.

Methods: We applied thematic analysis to interviews with 29 staff and operators from 10 recovery homes serving people taking medications for opioid use disorder across five Texas cities.

Results: Operators relied on diverse funding sources, leveraged strategic partnerships and professional certifications, and planned to charge rent when public funding ended. Staff and operators balanced financial sustainability …

Dental Care Trajectories Among Formerly Incarcerated Older Adults In The United States, Alexander Testa, Luis Mijares, Mateus Renno Santos, Vahed Maroufy, Dylan B Jackson, Rafael Samper-Ternent, Rahma Mungia, Ana C Neumann

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

A growing body of research has documented an association between prior incarceration and lower dental care use, yet the longitudinal impact of prior incarceration on dental care patterns over time among older adults remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate whether prior incarceration is associated with differing trajectories of dental care use among older adults in the United States. Data were drawn from the 2012-2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative longitudinal survey of older adults in the United States (n =  5,893). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to estimate dental care use patterns over …

Assessing Sun Protection Policies In Texas School Districts Located In Counties With The Lowest And Highest Melanoma Risk: Content Analysis And Cross-Sectional Study, Nabeel Ahmad, Brooke Bartley, Stephanie Zhang, Madison M Taylor, Karl Schrader, Kehe Zhang, Hung Quoc Doan, Cici Bauer, Kelly C Nelson, Jennifer Cofer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction

School policy can encourage sun safe habits, such as wearing hats and applying sunscreen. However, sun safety policies (SSP) have not been formally assessed for Texas independent school districts (ISDs), particularly in counties with the highest melanoma incidence relative risk (RR). This study aims to assess the presence, strength, and intent of SSPs across Texas ISDs located in counties with the highest and lowest melanoma incidence. We also identify factors correlated with stronger SSP.

Methods

Eleven components of SSPs from 102 ISDs were evaluated in this cross-sectional study by examining school district websites, official documents, social media, media appearances, …

Impact Of Pre-Transplant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Use On Post-Transplant Outcomes In Hcc: A Systematic Review And Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis, Mohammad Saeid Rezaee-Zavareh, Yee Hui Yeo, Tielong Wang, Zhiyong Guo, Parissa Tabrizian, Stephen C Ward, Fatma Barakat, Tarek I Hassanein, Shravan Dave, Veeral Ajmera, Sherrie Bhoori, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, David M H Chascsa, Margaret C Liu, Elizabeth S Aby, John R Lake, Miguel Sogbe, Bruno Sangro, Maen Abdelrahim, Abdullah Esmail, Andreas Schmiderer, Yasmina Chouik, Mark Rudolph, Davendra Sohal, Heloise Giudicelli, Manon Allaire, Mehmet Akce, Jessica Guadagno, Clara Y Tow, Hatef Massoumi, Paolo De Simone, Elise Kang, Robyn D Gartrell, Mercedes Martinez, Ricardo Paz-Fumagalli, Beau B Toskich, Nguyen H Tran, Gabriela Azevedo Solino, Dra Mariana Poltronieri Pacheco, Richard S Kalman, Vatche G Agopian, Neil Mehta, Neehar D Parikh, Amit G Singal, Ju Dong Yang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background & aims: Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prior to liver transplantation (LT) has been reported; however, ICIs may elevate the risk of allograft rejection and impact other clinical outcomes. This study aims to summarize the impact of ICI use on post-LT outcomes.

Methods: In this individual patient data meta-analysis, we searched databases to identify HCC cases treated with ICIs before LT, detailing allograft rejection, HCC recurrence, and overall survival. We performed Cox regression analysis to identify risk factors for allograft rejection.

Results: Among 91 eligible patients, with a median (IQR) follow-up of 690.0 (654.5) …

Risk Of Post-Acute Symptoms Among Adults: A Comparison Study Of Severe Covid-19, Pneumonia, And Influenza, Caroline M Schaefer, Trudy Millard Krause, George L Delclos, Raymond S Greenberg

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to assess the relationship between initial disease severity of COVID-19 and the risk of post-acute symptoms. The COVID-19 cohort was compared against influenza and pneumonia cohorts to assess whether risk of post-acute symptoms differed.

Methods: Administrative health claims data were obtained for commercially insured and Medicare Advantage covered adults (≥ 18 years) with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosed in 2020 (n=121,205), and similar cohorts of influenza (n=20,844) and pneumonia (n=29,052) patients diagnosed prior to the pandemic. Post-acute symptoms were assessed at four weeks, three and six months following initial diagnosis.

Results: Among the patients …

Protocol For The Houston Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program, Alexander Testa, Eresha Bluth, Latanya Monroe, Karlton Harris, Sarah Beth Abbott, Mary E Aitken, Erin E Fox, Brian Heckler, Lillian S Kao, Ruosha Li, Susannah Meg Michael, Heidi M Mcpherson, Marisol Nieves, Christian P Owen, Kevin Rix, Hema Sarvani Jalaparthi, Vanessa Schick, Shreela V Sharma, Carlie Stratemann, Anne Marie V Thompson, Jack Tsai, Zixi Yang, Sandra Mckay

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Firearm violence is a leading cause of injury and mortality in the United States. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are a promising public health strategy designed to reduce recurrent violence by engaging patients during hospitalization and connecting them to support services after discharge. This protocol describes the design and implementation of the Houston Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (Houston-HVIP), which will be evaluated by a randomized controlled trial conducted at a Level 1 trauma center in Houston, Texas. The study plans to enroll individuals aged 16-35 who present with gunshot wounds (GSW) at the Level 1 trauma center. Participants are randomized …

Hazardous Work Exposures And Working Conditions And The Risk Of Serious Injury Among Latino Day Laborers In Houston, Texas (2014–2021), Maria Eugenia Fernandez-Esquer, Cesar Leonardo Pinzon-Gomez, Celeste Monforton, Yuan Li, Vahed Maroufy, Martha Ojeda, Anabel Rodriguez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Latino day laborers (LDLs) are frequently exposed to workplace hazards that increase their risk of an injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the relative influence of worker and workplace characteristics on serious injuries reported by LDLs at four different time points. We examined the influence of demographic characteristics, hazardous chemical exposures and working conditions using data from four cross-sectional surveys conducted between 2014 and 2021.

Methods: A total of 740 LDL were randomly recruited from public job hiring locations (known as "corners") in Houston Texas to participate in surveys conducted as part of injury risk reduction …

Improved Depression Symptoms Among Low-Income Mexican Americans Participating In A Community-Clinical Diabetes Intervention, Minjae Lee, Joseph H Conroy, Zihan Yang, Sein Lee, Paul G Yeh, Juliana Z Lopez, Natalia I Heredia, Lisa A Mitchell-Bennett, Maribel Sifuentes, Belinda M Reininger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and comorbid depression face complex disease management. Salud y Vida, a diabetes management intervention for Mexican Americans in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, may mitigate depression through social support and community-clinic referrals.

Methods: In a cohort study, 292 Salud y Vida participants completed the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) at baseline, month 6, and month 12. A PHQ-9 score of ≥5 indicated mild depression and activated a mental health referral. Using SAS 9.4 with significance set at < .05, we conducted multivariable longitudinal negative binomial regression to assess changes in depression level.

Results: The proportion of participants with a PHQ-9 ≥5 decreased from 36% at baseline to 18% …

Effects Of Cognitive Dual-Tasking On Biomechanics And Muscle Activity During Gait Initiation And Sit-To-Walk In Young Adults, Angeloh Stout, Kaye Mabbun, Ke'vaughn Waldon, Marvin Alvarez, Stacy Nguyen, Miguel Barcellano, Sandra Cuenca, Chuan-Fa Tang, Aanand D Naik, Gu Eon Kang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive dual-tasking on gait initiation and sit-to-walk. Twenty-eight healthy young adults performed gait initiation and sit-to-walk under two conditions: while engaging in serial subtraction (dual-task) and without any additional task (single-task). Motion data were collected using a 10-camera optoelectronic motion capture system, synchronized with force plates and surface electromyography. We analyzed spatiotemporal parameters, center of mass displacement, center of pressure trajectory, and lower limb muscle activation patterns. We found that dual-task conditions significantly affected both gait initiation and sit-to-walk patterns, increasing the duration of transitions and mediolateral center of …