Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons^™

Safety And Feasibility Of Third-Party Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes For High-Risk Patients With Covid-19, Dolores Grosso, John L. Wagner, Allyson O'Connor, Kaitlyn Keck, Yanping Huang, Zi-Xuan Wang, Hilary Mehler, Benjamin Leiby, Phyllis Flomenberg, Usama Gergis, Neda Nikbakht, Michael Morris, Julie Karp, Alexis R. Peedin, Neal Flomenberg

COVID-19 Papers, Posters, and Presentations

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) destroy virally infected cells and are critical for the elimination of viral infections such as those caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Delayed and dysfunctional adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are associated with poor outcomes. Treatment with allogeneic SARS-CoV-2-specific CTLs may enhance cellular immunity in high-risk patients providing a safe, direct mechanism of treatment. Thirty high-risk ambulatory patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in a phase 1 trial assessing the safety of third party, SARS-CoV-2-specific CTLs. Twelve interventional patients, 6 of whom were immunocompromised, matched the HLA-A∗02:01 restriction of the CTLs and received …

Genetic Analysis Of Kmt2d Loss In Tumorigenesis Using Genetically Engineered Mouse Models, Yingda Jiang

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) has discovered multiple tumor suppressors that are commonly mutated across a variety of human cancers, such as chromatin regulators in COMPASS and SWI/SNF complexes. KMT2D, a histone H3K4 methyltransferase in the COMPASS complex, is frequently mutated in human lymphoma, melanoma, and epithelial carcinoma. Biochemically, KMT2D shapes the cellular enhancer landscape as the major writer of the putative enhancer mark H3K4me1. Given the critical role of cellular enhancer landscape in determining cellular lineage in embryonic development, it is unknown whether enhancer dysregulation caused by KMT2D loss leads lineage switch of tumor cells, which has …

Metal Pneumonitis From “Non-Toxic” Decorative Cake Dust Aspiration: A Case Report, Taylor Sanders, Mitchell Hymowitz, Christine Murphy

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: Metallic luster dusts are decorative agents for cakes and other confections. While some powders are labeled “non-edible,” they are also marketed as “non-toxic.” We present a case of a child who developed acute metal pneumonitis after accidental aspiration of metallic luster dust. Case Report: A four-year-old presented to the emergency department (ED) in respiratory distress after attempting to ingest gold decorative metallic luster dust. In the ED she was placed on supplemental oxygen. Her initial chest radiograph (CXR) was unremarkable. Her condition worsened despite high-flow nasal cannula oxygen, and she was intubated. A repeat CXR revealed patchy perihilar and …

Diesel Exhaust Particles Alter Mitochondrial Bioenergetics And Camp Producing Capacity In Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells, Isabella Cattani-Cavalieri, Marina Trombetta-Lima, Hong Yan, Ana L. Manzano-Covarrubias, Hoeke A. Baarsma, Asmaa Oun, Melissa Mol Van Der Veen, Emily Oosterhout, Amalia M. Dolga, Rennolds S. Ostrom, Samuel Santos Valenca, Martina Schmidt

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Air pollution from diesel combustion is linked in part to the generation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP). DEP exposure induces various processes, including inflammation and oxidative stress, which ultimately contribute to a decline in lung function. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling is critical for lung homeostasis. The impact of DEP on cAMP signaling is largely unknown.

Methods: We exposed human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells to DEP for 24–72 h and evaluated mitochondrial bioenergetics, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation and the components of cAMP signaling. Mitochondrial bioenergetics was measured at 72 h to capture the potential and accumulative effects of …

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Context Predicts Pediatric Asthma Exacerbation, Ashley W. Kranjac, Zeev N. Kain, Louis Ehwerhemuepha, Michael Weiss, Brooke N. Jenkins

Sociology Faculty Articles and Research

Causes of asthma exacerbation in children have been studied extensively at the individual level, but contributions of neighborhood-level factors are less explored. We test which distinctive residential characteristics produce variation in uncontrolled asthma among pediatric patients. We extracted electronic medical record data from pediatric patients living in Southern California and used multilevel modeling techniques to isolate which neighborhood characteristics drive inequitable asthma control. Above and beyond the individual-level factors known to predict inadequate disease control, neighborhoods with greater concentration of non-Hispanic black residents (odds ratios [OR] = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99-1.03; P < .05), higher proportions of female-headed households (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.99-1.01; P < .05), and higher levels of ambient air pollution (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10; P < .001) associate with greater odds of asthma exacerbation. The interplay between community characteristics and asthma management during childhood is complex, and place-based initiatives are needed to narrow the gap in asthma exacerbation.

The Role Of Positive Affect In Asthma Control And Symptom Severity In Adolescents, Brooke N. Jenkins, Logan T. Martin, Jill S. Halterman, Judith T. Moskowitz, Laura M. Glynn, Pornchai Tirakitsoontorn, Sunil Kamath, Zeev N. Kain

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

We test the effects of positive affect and its arousal subscale components of calm, wellbeing, and vigor on asthma control and symptom severity in adolescents with moderate to severe asthma. Additionally, we test whether positive affect (and its arousal components) moderate how stress impacts asthma control and symptom severity.

Methods

Adolescents with asthma (N = 66, ages 12–17) completed brief surveys 4 times a day for 7 days reporting on their positive affect, stress, and asthma symptom severity and conducted a morning peak expiratory flow assessment each day. Asthma control and psychological asthma triggers were assessed at the …

Qualitative Interviews Exploring Adverse Event Mitigation Strategies In Adults Receiving Amikacin Liposome Inhalation Suspension, Juzar Ali, Jasmanda Wu, Mariam Hassan, Jui-Hua Tsai, Nancy Touba, Kelly Mccarrier, Mark Ballard, Anjan Chatterjee

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction: This study aimed to gain insight from patients with refractory Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MAC-LD) into strategies used to manage adverse events (AEs) associated with amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS). Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with US patients with refractory MAC-LD prescribed ALIS in a real-world setting. Interview transcripts were analyzed and coded to identify patterns in participants’ descriptions of their ALIS treatment experiences, including AEs and their disruptiveness, and AE mitigation strategies, including participants’ ratings of strategies’ effectiveness. Concept saturation was also assessed. Results: Twenty participants (mean age 48.7 years; 80% women; mean ALIS duration 5.45 months) …

A Presentation Of Acute On Chronic Pancreatitis Complicated By Pancreaticopleural Fistula Leading To Bilateral Exudative Pleural Effusions And Empyema, Ashruta Patel, Do, Ms

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

This case report highlights a rare but serious complication of acute pancreatitis, where pancreatic juice drains into the pleural space, causing bilateral exudative pleural effusions and potentially leading to empyema. The patient's history of alcohol abuse and splenic vein thrombosis likely contributed to the development of this complication. The clinical presentation, including progressive shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain, along with findings on examination and imaging, prompted further investigation. The MRI findings of a pancreaticopleural fistula, along with a pseudocyst, were significant in diagnosing the condition. Treatment involved a multidisciplinary approach, including antibiotic therapy, chest tube placement to drain …

A School-Based Asthma Initiative To Improve Student Self-Management Behaviors, Jenni R. Newland

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Project

Problem: In a Midwest public school system, students received robust academic education. Health education programs, specifically asthma management, were not offered. Over 400 elementary students with asthma lacked the knowledge and skills to effectively recognize and manage their asthma symptoms resulting in increased school clinic visits and absences, highlighting the urgent need for targeted intervention.

Aim of the Project: The aim of this project was to improve students’ asthma self-management skills by providing education based on the Open Airways for Schools (OAS) curriculum. Improving asthma self-management skills reduces student absences and time away from the classroom.

Review of Evidence: A …

Prevalensi Dan Karakteristik Pasien Tuberkulosis Paru Resisten Obat (Tb-Ro) Dengan Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Di Klinik Tb-Ro Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr. Hasan Sadikin, Bandung, Diva Harnum Maulida, Intan Mauli Warma Dewi, Prayudi Santoso, Adi Imam Cahyadi, Maya Kusumawati, Iceu Dimas Kulsum

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients have a higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection, including the risk of drug- resistant (DR)-TB infection, compared to those without DM. Data on the characteristics of pulmonary DR-TB with DM in Indonesia are still very limited. The management of pulmonary DR-TB with DM should consider multiple factors, such as drug interactions between DM medication and anti-TB drugs, as well as potential exacerbation of DM complications by anti-TB drugs side effects. Effective management of pulmonary DR-TB patients with DM will improve treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pulmonary DR-TB …

Medmicromaps, A Novel Decision-Tree Guide For Infectious Diseases Differential Diagnoses, And Evaluation Of Pre- And Post-Pandemic User Engagement By Preclinical Medical Students, Jason Ceballos, Tavsimran Luthra, Lucia Garces-Torres, Valerie Lentz, Jack Nelson, Claudia Carceles-Roman, Ian Holyoak, Jane Harrington

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

Background: Medical education has undergone major changes in the past 5 years to adapt to the digital-centered student population with diverse learning preferences. To address the challenges of shifting delivery modalities, multimedia resources were created to provide interactive e-learning material on infectious diseases for year 2 medical students.

Methods: Medical students at a USA-accredited Caribbean medical school were provided with supplemental e-learning materials including animations, illustrations, diagnostic algorithms aka MedMicroMaps, and Case-Based tutorials. Participants were classified by semester and lecture delivery: In-person: Cohort 1 (n=526); Virtual: Cohort 2 (n=651); and Hybrid: Cohort 3 ( …

Systematic Review And Dosage Analysis: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Efficacy In The Treatment Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Susan R. Andrews, Paul G. Harch

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Studies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome in military and civilian subjects have shown simultaneous improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD symptoms, suggesting that HBOT may be an effective treatment for PTSD. This is a systematic review and dosage analysis of HBOT treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Systematic Review Database were searched from September 18 to November 23, 2023, for all adult clinical studies published in English on HBOT and PTSD. Randomized trials and studies with symptomatic outcomes were selected for final …

Hyperoxia-Induced Mir-195 Causes Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia In Neonatal Mice, Patrick Philpot, Fred Graumuller, Nicole Melchiorre, Varsha Prahaladan, Xander Takada, Srinarmadha Chandran, Melissa Guillermo, David Dickler, Zubair H Aghai, Pragnya Das, Vineet Bhandari

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

Background: Exposure to hyperoxia is an important factor in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm newborns. MicroRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of BPD and provide a potential therapeutic target. Methods: This study was conducted utilizing a postnatal animal model of experimental hyperoxia-induced murine BPD to investigate the expression and function of miR-195 as well as its molecular signaling targets within developing mouse lung tissue. Results: miR-195 expression levels increased in response to hyperoxia in male and female lungs, with the most significant elevation occurring in 40% O₂ (mild) and 60% O₂ (moderate) BPD. …

Novel Role And Mechanisms Of Brd4 In Mediating Mesothelial To Mesenchymal Transition And Pleural Fibrosis, Felix Kankam

Biotechnology Theses

Pleural fibrosis is characterized by myofibroblast accumulation and increased expression of collagen and other extracellular matrices due to injury to the pleura and remodeling. Mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MesoMT) is an important pathological event that contributes to the pool of myofibroblasts although its regulation remains incompletely understood. Recent research has reported the role of BRD4, a member of the bromodomain extra terminal domain (BET) family, in developing fibrosis in the heart and the lungs. One recent study showed that MEOX1 is a downstream target of BRD4 and mediated cardiac fibroblast activation. Our joint work also demonstrated that NOX4 is implicated …

Pulmonary Hypertension And Hyperglycemia-Not A Sweet Combination, Or Bruck, L M Pandit

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Hyperglycemia and pulmonary hypertension (PH) share common pathological pathways that lead to vascular dysfunction and resultant cardiovascular complications. These shared pathologic pathways involve endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Individuals with hyperglycemia or pulmonary hypertension also possess shared clinical factors that contribute to increased morbidity from both diseases. This review aims to explore the relationship between PH and hyperglycemia, highlighting the mechanisms underlying their association and discussing the clinical implications. Understanding these common pathologic and clinical factors will enable early detection for those at-risk for complications from both diseases, paving the way for improved research and targeted therapeutics.

Variation In Systemic Corticosteroid Prescribing During Asthma-Related Hospitalizations Across Children's Hospitals, Sian Best, Kathryn Kyler, Matt Hall, Jessica L. Bettenhausen, Shelby Chesbro, Nicholas Clark, Adrienne Deporre, Jonathan Ermer, Leah Jones, Jessica Markham, Maria Newmaster, Laura Plencner, Henry T. Puls, Smit Shah, Bridgette Jones, Megan Collins, Elisha Mccoy

Research Days

This abstract describes the variability and trends in inpatient systemic corticosteroid prescribing practices for acute asthma exacerbations in children's hospitals, and aims to determine associations between the prescribed steroid and hospitalization outcomes.

The Calcineurin-Nfatc Pathway Modulates The Lipid Mediators In Bal Fluid Extracellular Vesicles, Thereby Regulating Microvascular Endothelial Cell Barrier Function, Manjula Karpurapu, Yunjuan Nie, Sangwoon Chung, Jiasheng Yan, Patrick Dougherty, Sonal Pannu, Jon Wisler, Ryan Harkless, Narasimham Parinandi, Evgeny Berdyshev, Dehua Pei, John W Christman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Extracellular vesicles mediate intercellular communication by transporting biologically active macromolecules. Our prior studies have demonstrated that the nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic member 3 (NFATc3) is activated in mouse pulmonary macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Inhibition of NFATc3 activation by a novel cell-permeable calcineurin peptide inhibitor CNI103 mitigated the development of acute lung injury (ALI) in LPS-treated mice. Although pro-inflammatory lipid mediators are known contributors to lung inflammation and injury, it remains unclear whether the calcineurin-NFATc pathway regulates extracellular vesicle (EV) lipid content and if this content contributes to ALI pathogenesis. In this study, EVs from mouse …

High All-Cause Mortality And Increasing Proportion Of Older Adults With Tuberculosis In Texas, 2008–2020, Belinda A Medrano, Miryoung Lee, Gretchen Gemeinhardt, Lana Yamba, Blanca I Restrepo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) elimination efforts must consider the global growth of the ageing population. Here we used TB surveillance data from Texas, United States (2008-2020; total n = 10656) to identify unique characteristics and outcomes in older adults (OA, ≥65 years) with PTB, compared to young adults (YA, 18-39 years) or middle-aged adults (40-64 years). We found that the proportion of OA with PTB increased from 15% in 2008 to 24% in 2020 (trend p < 0.05). Diabetes was highly prevalent in OA (32%) but not associated with adverse outcomes. Death was 13-fold higher in OA compared to YA and was 7% at the time of diagnosis which suggests diagnostic delays. However, once TB was suspected, we found no differences in culture, smear, or nucleic acid detection of mycobacteria (although less lung cavitations) in OA. During treatment, OA had less drug-resistant TB, few adverse reactions and adhered with TB treatment. We recommend training healthcare workers to 'think TB' in OA, for prompt treatment initiation to diminish deaths. Furthermore, OA should be added as a priority group to the latent TB treatment guidelines by the World Health Organization, to prevent TB disease in this highly vulnerable group.

Unraveling The Role Of Gjb3 In Lung Adenocarcinoma, Swathi M. Priyanka

Theses & Dissertations

Lung cancer stands as a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprising its primary categories. NSCLC, representing nearly 85% of cases, exhibits a 5-year survival rate of less than 21%. Among NSCLC subtypes, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prevails as the most common, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Gap junctions are crucial for intercellular communication and cellular homeostasis maintenance, demonstrate altered expression patterns in various diseases, including cancer. Gap junction beta 3 (GJB3 or Connexin31) exhibits significant expression in both preclinical and clinical LUAD samples, prompting investigation into …

Case Report: Post-Obstructive Pneumonia Secondary To Foreign Body Aspiration, Aashna Chaudhry, Andrew Vasta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Post-obstructive pneumonia is described as a pulmonary infiltrate that occurs proximal to the site of an obstructed bronchus. Studies show that post-obstructive pneumonia most commonly secondary to obstruction caused by neoplasms. According to a study done on post obstructive pneumonia in lung cancer, most cases of post obstructive pneumonias are associated with advanced neoplasms with up to 50% of those with advanced cancer getting endobronchial compromise. While neoplasms are the most common cause of post obstructive pneumonia, research is scarce on other potential causes of post obstructive pneumonia. This case reports presents a unique clinical case in which an adult …

Evaluating The Association Of Influenza Vaccination On Long-Term Covid-19 Symptoms In U.S. Adults, Ratnakar Pingili

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Objective. To evaluate the association of influenza vaccination in the past 12 months with Long COVID effects and clinical and sociodemographic factors.

Methods. Cross-sectional study with data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), covering 415,132 non-institutionalized U.S. adults with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and influenza vaccination reported within the last 12 months. Logistic regression was conducted between influenza vaccination (exposure) and Long COVID (outcome), controlling for demographic variables, pre-existing health conditions, and socioeconomic status.

Results. Of 120,603 participants, 21.89% reported Long COVID symptoms and 42.04% had received an influenza vaccine. Findings indicate a statistically significant 13% reduction …

Pulmonary Endobronchial Hamartoma Presenting With Post-Obstructive Pneumonia, Diane S Habib, Pushan Jani, Bihong Zhao, Elakiya Anjali Jayaraman, Ramesh Kesavan

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Pulmonary hamartomas (PH) are rare but are the most common benign tumors found in the lungs. They are slow-growing and are usually found incidentally on chest imaging during the sixth decade of life. Approximately 10% of pulmonary hamartomas are endobronchial. Rarely, pulmonary hamartomas can cause a spectrum of pulmonary symptoms depending on their size and location. We present a case of endobronchial hamartoma causing airway obstruction and recurrent post-obstructive pneumonia.

Identifying Barriers To Healthcare Access And Utilization Experienced By Lgbtq+ Adults With Chronic Diseases Through The Lens Of The Social Ecological Model, Devin Mottier

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The purpose of this literature review is to comprehensively examine and synthesize existing research on present barriers to health access and utilization that contribute to the disparities in chronic disease prevalence within the adult LGBTQ+ population. In the context of this review, the social-ecological model (SEM) was used to describe the nuanced and multifaceted nature of healthcare access and utilization. This literature review was based upon the following question: ‘Using the social-ecological model, what are the barriers to health access and utilization that contribute to high rates of chronic disease in LGBTQ+ adults?’ Outcome measures of interest included the following …

Educating Nurses On Frequent Oral Care For Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal, Grace Alford, Susan Butz, Ruth Chavez, Joy Shoemaker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The final scholarly project proposal is to implement oral care education for nurses in an intensive care unit (ICU). The proposal aims to create a guideline for an investigator to implement oral care recommendations for mechanically ventilated patients in order to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The proposal consists of obtaining VAP data and oral care charting data for the unit studied, steps for providing oral care education, and analysis recommendations. Oral care involves swabbing the patient’s mouth every two hours with a swab and mouthwash. Oral care education would include handouts and direct teaching. The proposal aims to increase oral …

Educating Nurses On Frequent Oral Care For Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal, Grace Alford, Susan Butz, Ruth Chavez, Joy Shoemaker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The final scholarly project proposal is to implement oral care education for nurses in an intensive care unit (ICU). The proposal aims to create a guideline for an investigator to implement oral care recommendations for mechanically ventilated patients in order to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The proposal consists of obtaining VAP data and oral care charting data for the unit studied, steps for providing oral care education, and analysis recommendations. Oral care involves swabbing the patient’s mouth every two hours with a swab and mouthwash. Oral care education would include handouts and direct teaching. The proposal aims to increase oral …

Educating Nurses On Frequent Oral Care For Mechanically Ventilated Patients: An Evidence-Based Practice Project Proposal, Grace Alford, Susan Butz, Ruth Chavez, Joy Shoemaker

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

The final scholarly project proposal is to implement oral care education for nurses in an intensive care unit (ICU). The proposal aims to create a guideline for an investigator to implement oral care recommendations for mechanically ventilated patients in order to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The proposal consists of obtaining VAP data and oral care charting data for the unit studied, steps for providing oral care education, and analysis recommendations. Oral care involves swabbing the patient’s mouth every two hours with a swab and mouthwash. Oral care education would include handouts and direct teaching. The proposal aims to increase oral …

Sickle-Cell Trait As A Risk Factor For Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism: A Case Report, James Cross, Brendan Mackey, Umme Yasmin

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Certolizumab Pegol Monotherapy In Psoriatic Arthritis, Tan T. Tran, Raesham Bukhari, Mahmood Danishwar, Mohammad Abu Tineh, Syed Jaleel

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Vaccine Effectiveness Against Influenza A-Associated Hospitalization, Organ Failure, And Death: United States, 2022-2023, Nathaniel M Lewis, Yuwei Zhu, Ithan D Peltan, Manjusha Gaglani, Tresa Mcneal, Shekhar Ghamande, Jay S Steingrub, Nathan I Shapiro, Abhijit Duggal, William S Bender, Leyla Taghizadeh, Samuel M Brown, David N Hager, Michelle N Gong, Amira Mohamed, Matthew C Exline, Akram Khan, Jennifer G Wilson, Nida Qadir, Steven Y Chang, Adit A Ginde, Nicholas M Mohr, Christopher Mallow, Adam S Lauring, Nicholas J Johnson, Kevin W Gibbs, Jennie H Kwon, Cristie Columbus, Robert L Gottlieb, Catherine Raver, Ivana A Vaughn, Mayur Ramesh, Cassandra Johnson, Lois Lamerato, Basmah Safdar, Jonathan D Casey, Todd W Rice, Natasha Halasa, James D Chappell, Carlos G Grijalva, H Keipp Talbot, Adrienne Baughman, Kelsey N Womack, Sydney A Swan, Elizabeth Harker, Ashley Price, Jennifer Decuir, Diya Surie, Sascha Ellington, Wesley H Self, Investigating Respiratory Viruses In The Acutely Ill (Ivy) Network

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Influenza circulation during the 2022-2023 season in the United States largely returned to pre-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-pandemic patterns and levels. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were detected most frequently this season, predominately clade 3C.2a1b.2a, a close antigenic match to the vaccine strain.

METHODS: To understand effectiveness of the 2022-2023 influenza vaccine against influenza-associated hospitalization, organ failure, and death, a multicenter sentinel surveillance network in the United States prospectively enrolled adults hospitalized with acute respiratory illness between 1 October 2022, and 28 February 2023. Using the test-negative design, vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates against influenza-associated hospitalization, organ failures, and death were measured by …

Sub-Saharan Africa’S Handling Of Covid-19 Pandemic: Rwanda Versus Tanzania, Luke D. Baumel

Honors Undergraduate Conference

How has the Covid-19 outbreak in early 2020 and the pandemic that followed been handled in Sub-Saharan Africa? What was done well and what was done poorly and why? What are the implications of the way it was handled? These questions and more are answered throughout this paper, using Rwanda as an example of a Sub-Saharan African country who handled it relatively well and neighboring Tanzania as an example of a Sub-Saharan African country that mishandled the outbreak and pandemic. In early 2021, most Sub-Saharan African countries had been afflicted by Covid-19 at a relatively lower rate than many Western …