Public Health Commons^™

Obesity Risk And Comorbidities Among Colombians In New York City And In Colombia, Carlos A. Devia

Dissertations and Theses

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in adults and children continues to increase worldwide, accounting for the mortality and morbidity from several diseases. Obesity disproportionally impacts Latinos in the United States (U.S.), and despite their diversity in origins, ancestry, and culture, it is still unclear the burden of obesity by specific Latino groups. For example, little information is available about how obesity impacts Colombians in the U.S. (the largest South American population). New evidence also indicates that Latino immigrants may no longer be arriving with healthy weight status to the U.S. because Latin American countries are undergoing epidemiologic and …

Inequalities In Infant Birthweight By Social Position And Residential Neighborhood Characteristics In New York City, 2012-2018, Christina I. Nieves

Dissertations and Theses

BACKGROUND: Birthweight is an important indicator of health for infants, as low birthweight is associated with adverse health outcomes for infants and children. In the United States (U.S.), there are significant birthweight inequities by several maternal characteristics including maternal race/ethnicity, age, education, and nativity status. For example, the prevalence of low birthweight among Black infants is double the prevalence among white infants (14% vs. 6.9%, respectively). These health inequities are caused, in part, by unjust systems, policies, and practices rooted in interlocking systems of oppression, like racism. These systems of oppression affect individuals directly as well as the contexts in …

Ten‐Year Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score And Cognitive Function Among Older Adults: The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 To 2014, Jingkai Wei, Hanzhang Xu, Angela D. Liese, Anwar T. Nerchant Sc.D, Mph, Dmd, Liang Wang, Chih-Hsiang Yang, Matthew C. Lohman, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Tiansheng Wang, Daniela B. Friedman Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The Framingham 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score, which is based on age, sex, smoking, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes, has been found to be associated with cognitive health, but these findings have not been validated in a representative sample in the United States. We aimed to examine the associations of Framingham risk score with cognitive function among older adults in a nationally representative sample, as well as by race or ethnicity, education, and family income.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2254 older adults ≥60years (57% female, 79% non-Hispanic White) in the National Health and Nutrition …

Patterns Of Hiv Disclosure And Its Impact On The Hiv Care Continuum Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men In South Carolina, Xueying Yang Ph.D., Titilayo A. James, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Tony Brown, Sydney Zarsadias, Ran Zhang, Fanghui Shi, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Addressing the psychosocial concerns of Black men who have sex with men (MSM), such as HIV disclosure, is critical for effective HIV treatment efforts. Black MSM living with HIV experience multiple psychosocial challenges, such as “triple stigma” due to their sexual orientation, racial minority status, and HIV status, which hinder their HIV disclosure and subsequent HIV care-seeking behavior. Our study sought to examine the HIV disclosure patterns and their impact on the HIV care continuum among Black MSM using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out among 28 Black MSM aged ≥18 years old living in South Carolina. A …

Whole Genome Sequencing Of West Nile Viruses From Animals Submitted To The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (Cvmdl), Usa, 2021, Allison Appel

Honors Scholar Theses

West Nile Virus (WNV) causes a zoonotic disease. WNV was first isolated in Uganda in 1937 and has since become an endemic in countries such as North, South, and Central America [1]. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, an average of 8 cases of WNV in humans have been reported since the year 2000 [2]. In this study, we focused on the genetic characterization of the viral genomic RNA of WNVs circulating in birds and mammals in the New England region. Following that aim, the complete genome sequence of two WNVs was obtained via next-generation sequencing. One sample …

Shifting Gears: - The Expected Post-Transplant Survival (Epts) Usefulness In The Era Of Continuous Distribution- Examination Of The United Network Of Organ Sharing (Unos) Database 2000-2020, Vaughn Whittaker, Vaughn Easton Whittaker

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

The allocation of organs is a constantly evolving area of transplantation. The latest iteration of this process is a move toward continuous distribution of organs. This process considers dynamic factors instead of static constraints that box patients into certain categories. The expected post-transplant survival of patients is one of these dynamic factors that will be included in the assessment of patients' place in a continuous distribution allocation process. However, the predictive value of this construct is questionable, given that it uses only four factors (age, diabetes diagnosis, years on dialysis, and previous transplant) to represent complex patients who are on …

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Education And Procedural Volume Of Fellows In Critical Care Medicine – A Cross-Sectional Survey, Orlando Garner, Kanta Velamuri, Kristen Staggers, Andrea Barbara Braun

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way medical education is delivered. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and procedural volume of critical care and pulmonary critical care fellows.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, internet-based, voluntary, anonymous, national survey of adult critical care fellows and academic attending physicians in critical care and pulmonary critical care fellowship programs in the United States between December 2020 and February 2021. Survey questions covered both didactic and non-didactic aspects of education and procedural volumes. Answers were ranked on a 5-point Likert scale. Survey …

Management Of Dyspepsia And Helicobacter Pylori Infection: The 2022 Indonesian Consensus Report, Ari Fahrial Syam, Muhammad Miftahussurur, Dadang Makmun, Murdani Abdullah, Abdul Aziz Rani, Gontar Alamsyah Siregar, Marcellus Simadibrata, Nasrul Zubir, I Dewa Nyoman Wibawa, Hery Djagat Purnomo, Chudahman Manan, Dharmika Djojoningrat, Achmad Fauzi, Kaka Renaldi, Hasan Maulahela, Amanda Pitarini Utari, Rabbinu Rangga Pribadi, Virly Nanda Muzellina, Saskia Aziza Nursyirwan, Muhammad Firhat Idrus, Ruswhandi Ruswhandi, Titong Sugihartono, Muhammad Begawan Bestari, Putut Bayupurnama, Triyanta Yuli Pramana, Bogi Pratomo Wibowo, Achmad Fuad Bakry, Fardah Akil, Andi Muhammad Luthfi Parewangi, Haris Widita, I Ketut Mariadi, Ignatia Sinta Murti, Ali Imron Yusuf, Arles Arles, Fauzi Yusuf, Bradley Jimmy Waleleng, Abimanyu Abimanyu, Yustar Mulyadi, Maria Inge Lucida, Yudith Annisa Ayu Rezkhita, Ricky Indra Alfaray, Yoshio Yamaoka

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Dyspepsia still becomes a major challenge in upper gastrointestinal disease in Indonesia. This disease often correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the prevalence of this bacterium is generally low in Indonesia. Therefore, several considerations should be taken into consideration during the management of dyspepsia and H. pylori infection. "Management of dyspepsia and H. pylori infection in Indonesia: The Indonesian consensus report" comprises information gathered from 22 gastroenterology centers across Indonesia. The experts gathered to evolve a consensus, that consists of the statements, grades of recommendations, evidence levels, and rationales for the dyspepsia and H. pylori infection management for daily clinical …

Epidemiology Of Island And Mainland Populations: How Does Culture Influence Health Risk Factors Of Non-Communicable, Chronic, And Metabolic Diseases?, Jake Thomas D. Palisoc

Honors Projects

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including chronic and metabolic diseases, are responsible for 74% of global mortality and are strongly influenced by health risk factors. Geographical differences in NCDs have been identified in several countries but have not been completely explained through cultural factors, specifically island and mainland cultures. This study aimed to develop an epidemiological framework for determining diseases with the highest mortality for further investigation regarding different health risk factors rooted in a specific population’s cultural foundations. Preliminary findings indicated diabetes type II (D2) and CKD caused by hypertension and D2 to have the highest risk factor and mortality percentage …

Joint Effect Of Human Papillomavirus Exposure, Smoking And Alcohol On Risk Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Zheng Yang, Peng Sun, Kristina R Dahlstrom, Neil Gross, Guojun Li

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are known risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) including SCC of oropharynx (SCCOP) and SCC of oral cavity (SCCOC). Researchers have examined each of these risk factors independently, but few have observed the potential risk of their interaction. This study investigated the interactions among these risk factors and risk of OSCC.

METHODS: Totally 377 patients with newly diagnosed SCCOP and SCCOC and 433 frequency-matched cancer-free controls by age and sex were included. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate ORs and 95% CIs.

RESULTS: We found that overall OSCC …

Analytical Approach For Monitoring The Behavior Of Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma At Different Stages As A Function Of Time, Aditya Chakaborty Dr, Chris P. Tsokos Dr

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Generalized Differential Equation Models For Disease Interventions: A Novel Approach For Predicting Sexually Transmitted Disease Outbreaks, Scott Greenhalgh

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Relative Efficacy Of Resource Constrained Forward And Backward Contact Tracing In An Open Population, Nicholas Roberts

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Modeling The Dynamics Of Alcohol-Marijuana Co-Abuse In Virginia, Ana L. Vivas-Barber, James Tipton, Sujan Pant, Anne Fernando

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Review Of Gynaecological Cancer Among Aboriginal And/Or Torres Strait Islander People In Australia, Aime Powell, Ami Morseu-Diop, Maya Morton Ninomiya, Uday Narayan Yadav, Emily Phillips, Devendra Raj Singh, Tamara Butler, Emma Allanson, Lisa J. Whop

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Gynaecological cancers bear a significant burden on the health of Australians. Whilst Australia has made great strides in reducing the overall gynaecological cancer burden nationally, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women continue to experience disproportionately high rates of gynaecological cancers.

This review focuses on the social, cultural, and historical contexts that contribute to inequitable gynaecological cancer rates among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women. An in-depth discussion on cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer are described; including the incidence, mortality, survival, and management of these diseases for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women.

It highlights both the persistent barriers …

Drug Ideologies Of The United States, Macy Montgomery

Helm's School of Government Conference - 2021-2024

The United States has been increasingly creating lenient drug policies. Seventeen states and Washington, the District of Columbia, legalized marijuana, and Oregon decriminalized certain drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The medical community has proven that drugs, including marijuana, have myriad adverse health side effects. This leads to two questions: Why does the United States government continue to create lenient drug policies, and what reasons do citizens give for legalizing drugs when the medical community has proven them harmful? The paper hypothesizes that the disadvantages of drug legalization outweigh its benefits because of the numerous harms it causes, such as …

Factors Affecting Initiation And Retention Of Medication-Assisted Recovery (Mar) Within A Pilot Pharmacist-Involved Practice Model At A Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (Fqhc) During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Tiffany Nguyen, Thomas Craig Cheetham, Souhiela Fawaz, Richard Beuttler, Sharon Xavioer

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid-related overdose deaths increased. Although Medication-Assisted Treatment or Recovery (MAT or MAR) is available, initiation and retention rates vary. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical, demographic, and Social Determinant of Health factors affecting MAR initiation, on-time initiation of medications, and successful retention in the program. The secondary goal was to evaluate the impact of a novel interprofessional practice model incorporating pharmacists. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using electronic health record data from a pilot MAR Program initiated within a California Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. Results: From September 2019 to August 2020, …

Balancing Functional Tradeoffs Between Protein Stability And Ace2 Binding In The Sars-Cov-2 Omicron Ba.2, Ba.2.75 And Xbb Lineages: Dynamics-Based Network Models Reveal Epistatic Effects Modulating Compensatory Dynamic And Energetic Changes, Gennady M. Verkhivker, Mohammed Alshahrani, Grace Gupta

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Evolutionary and functional studies suggested that the emergence of the Omicron variants can be determined by multiple fitness trade-offs including the immune escape, binding affinity for ACE2, conformational plasticity, protein stability and allosteric modulation. In this study, we systematically characterize conformational dynamics, structural stability and binding affinities of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron complexes with the host receptor ACE2 for BA.2, BA.2.75, XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 variants. We combined multiscale molecular simulations and dynamic analysis of allosteric interactions together with the ensemble-based mutational scanning of the protein residues and network modeling of epistatic interactions. This multifaceted computational study characterized molecular mechanisms and …

Advantages Of Whole Genome Sequencing In Mitigating The Helicobacter Pylori Antimicrobial Resistance Problem, Kartika Afrida Fauzia, Ricky Indra Alfaray, Yoshio Yamaoka

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance is a critical public health issue. Typically, antimicrobial resistance epidemiology reports include only the antimicrobial susceptibility test results for H. pylori. However, this phenotypic approach is less capable of answering queries related to resistance mechanisms and specific mutations found in particular global regions. Whole genome sequencing can help address these two questions while still offering quality control and is routinely validated against AST standards. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of resistance should improve H. pylori eradication efforts and prevent gastric cancer.

5-Prong Approach Taken By Tsu College Of Pharmacy And Health Sciences To Mitigate Covid-19, Zuri Dale, Rashid Mosavin, Cynthia Johnson

COVID Research

The TSU COVID-19 Implementation and Response White Paper outlines Texas Southern University's (TSU) multifaceted approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic, led by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS). The initiative, focused on the safety of the TSU community, included creating a COVID Prevention Center (CPC) to enhance collaboration, public health adherence, and campus-wide surveillance.

Key Strategies:

1. Education and Communication: Weekly informational broadcasts, social media engagement, and an internal COVID guide aimed to inform the TSU community and counter vaccine hesitancy.
2. Integration and Coordination: Campus services were streamlined to improve communication and enhance response efficiency, with a comprehensive guide …

Detection Of Sars-Cov-2 Mutations In Vermillion, Sd, Wastewater Utilizing Probe-Based Rt-Qpcr, Matthew J. Schmitz

Honors Thesis

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from the subgenus Sarbecovirus, has presented numerous public health challenges for communities across the globe. As demonstrated by the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and the recent Omicron variants, the virus can mutate and pose new risks for communities, such as reinfection, increased transmissibility, and variable mortality. As such, accurately monitoring the spread of specific variants has become a priority for public health agencies. However, clinical testing faces various limitations, and the increased use of at-home test kits inhibits surveillance. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can monitor infection rates of entire …

Higher Dose Corticosteroids In Patients Admitted To Hospital With Covid-19 Who Are Hypoxic But Not Requiring Ventilatory Support (Recovery): A Randomised, Controlled, Open-Label, Platform Trial, Recovery Collaborative Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Low-dose corticosteroids have been shown to reduce mortality for patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive mechanical ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). We evaluated the use of a higher dose of corticosteroids in this patient group.

METHODS: This randomised, controlled, open-label platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing multiple possible treatments in patients hospitalised for COVID-19. Eligible and consenting adult patients with clinical evidence of hypoxia (ie, receiving oxygen or with oxygen saturation

FINDINGS: Between May 25, 2021, and May 13, 2022, 1272 patients with COVID-19 and hypoxia receiving no oxygen …

Higher Dose Corticosteroids In Patients Admitted To Hospital With Covid-19 Who Are Hypoxic But Not Requiring Ventilatory Support (Recovery): A Randomised, Controlled, Open-Label, Platform Trial, Recovery Collaborative Group

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Low-dose corticosteroids have been shown to reduce mortality for patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive mechanical ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). We evaluated the use of a higher dose of corticosteroids in this patient group.

METHODS: This randomised, controlled, open-label platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing multiple possible treatments in patients hospitalised for COVID-19. Eligible and consenting adult patients with clinical evidence of hypoxia (ie, receiving oxygen or with oxygen saturation

FINDINGS: Between May 25, 2021, and May 13, 2022, 1272 patients with COVID-19 and hypoxia receiving no oxygen …

Trends In Resources For Neonatal Intensive Care At Delivery Hospitals For Infants Born Younger Than 30 Weeks' Gestation, 2009-2020, Nansi S. Boghossian, Marco Geraci, Ciaran S. Phibbs, Scott A. Lorch, Erika M. Edwards, Jeffrey D. Horbar

Faculty Publications

Importance: In an ideal regionalized system, all infants born very preterm would be delivered at a large tertiary hospital capable of providing all necessary care. Objective: To examine whether the distribution of extremely preterm births changed between 2009 and 2020 based on neonatal intensive care resources at the delivery hospital. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at 822 Vermont Oxford Network (VON) centers in the US between 2009 and 2020. Participants included infants born at 22 to 29 weeks' gestation, delivered at or transferred to centers participating in the VON. Data were analyzed from February to …

The Effectiveness Of Examination Table Cleaning Protocols In Osteopathic Family Medicine Offices, Riley Phyu, Harrison A. Patrizio, Thomas Boyle, Todd Schachter

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Contaminated environmental surfaces are responsible for acquisition of healthcare associated infections. In 2002 there were approximately 1.7 million healthcare associated infections, resulting in about 99,000 annual deaths. Appropriate disinfection of environmentally contaminated surfaces are required to reduce transmission of pathogens. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence is being used in hospital settings to audit the cleanliness in the hospital settings. However, there is a paucity of literature in different healthcare settings outside of hospital settings. This may unintentionally result in a more relaxed cleaning protocol in outpatient settings.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of disinfecting protocol in osteopathic family medicine offices using …

Human Airway Mucociliary Tissue Cultures Chronically Exposed To E-Cigarette Vapors Exhibit Altered Cell Populations And Increased Secretion Of Immunomodulatory Cytokines, Vanessa Pizutelli, Vincent Manna, Shannon Dwyer, Salvatore Caradonna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Vape-pens or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are handheld battery powered devices that use a vape-liquid to produce a vapor that is inhaled by the user. The active ingredients in commercial vape-liquids are commonly nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabidiol. A consequence of the rise in e-cigarette usage was the 2019 emergence of a vaping-induced respiratory disease denoted ‘e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury’ (EVALI). One of the suspected causes of EVALI is Vitamin E Acetate (VEA), which was found to be a diluent in certain illicit tetrahydrocannabinol vape-pens, whereas nicotine is commonly diluted in equal parts propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (PG:VG). The …

An Overview Of Viruses And The Infamous Sars-Cov-2, Jake Sun

The Confluence

Background information on viruses is first presented which include topics like evolution, ecology, history, identification, structure, and application. The novel SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, pandemic originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Millions of people were infected with the virus in a short time period causing urgent concern worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief and general understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 to increase awareness and actions toward preventive measures. COVID-19 is a (+) ssRNA spherical enveloped virion that causes primarily respiratory illnesses. The S protein interacts with ACE-2 receptors on the host cell to gain entry …

Vaccines In The 20th Century, Samantha Valakos

Senior Honors Projects

In 1796 Edward Jenner marked a turning point in epidemiology after testing a theory and developing the first vaccination known to mankind: smallpox. Since his work, many scientists have discovered that virulent strains of a virus can be attenuated in humans, consequently aiding in the creation of many different vaccines. Nowadays, one of the most common vaccines for humans to receive is the influenza vaccine. The influenza vaccine is very effective in prevention of getting the virus, as well as reducing the risk of flu-like symptoms. However, each year many individuals continue to choose not to get the flu vaccine …

Please Romaine Calm! A Multi-Disciplinary Investigation Of A Cyclospora Outbreak Among Hospital Employees, Jocelyn Love Mph, Amber Erickson Drph, Mph, Hope Dishman Mph, Carla Coley Bs, Rehs

Georgia Public Health Association Annual Meeting & Conference

Background

On July 8, 2022, North Central Health District (NCHD) was notified by a local hospital of a possible Cyclospora outbreak among hospital employees. The hospital noted the employees had eaten at the hospital’s cafeteria, particularly the salad bar. An investigation was conducted to test this hypothesis and determine which salad bar ingredients were the cause of illness.

Methods

An electronic survey was shared with all hospital employees through their email distribution system. Employees were asked to complete the survey regardless of illness or exposure history. Lab- confirmed cases were interviewed using the Cyclosporiasis National Hypothesis Generating Questionnaire. Environmental health …

Outcomes Following Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation For Severe Covid-19 In Pregnancy Or Post Partum, John J Byrne, Amir A Shamshirsaz, Alison G Cahill, Mark A Turrentine, Angela R Seasely, Joe Eid, Caroline E Rouse, Michael Richley, Nandini Raghuraman, Mariam Naqvi, Yasser Y El-Sayed, Martina L Badell, Cece Cheng, James Liu, Emily H Adhikari, Soha S Patel, Erika R O'Neil, Patrick S Ramsey

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

IMPORTANCE: Existing reports of pregnant patients with COVID-19 disease who require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are limited, with variable outcomes noted for the maternal-fetal dyad.

OBJECTIVE: To examine maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with ECMO used for COVID-19 with respiratory failure during pregnancy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study examined pregnant and postpartum patients who required ECMO for COVID-19 respiratory failure at 25 hospitals across the US. Eligible patients included individuals who received care at one of the study sites, were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or up to 6 weeks post partum by positive nucleic …