Public Health Commons^™

Modeling Super-Spreading Events For Sars, Thembinkosi P. Mkhatshwa

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

One of the intriguing characteristics of the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemics was the occurrence of super spreading events (SSEs). Super-spreading events for a specific infectious disease occur when infected individuals infect more than the average number of secondary cases. The understanding of these SSEs is critical to under- standing the spread of SARS. In this thesis, we present a modification of the basic SIR (Susceptible - Infected - Removed) disease model, an SIPR (Susceptible - Regular Infected - Super-spreader - Removed) model, which captures the effect of the SSEs.

Effects Of Intimate Partner Violence On Pregnancy Trauma And Placental Abruption, Sandra D. Lane, J. Leone, E. H. Koumans, K. Demott, M. Wojtowycs, J. Jenson

Falk College Research Center

No abstract provided.

Fusion, 2010, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

Benefits Of Breastfeeding, Renee Chill

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

When a child is born, a mother can choose to breastfeed her infant or to use an alternative source of nutrition such as formula. To choose properly, the mother must be informed about the pros and cons of each method of feeding. This paper will elaborate on the process of breastfeeding and present some of the benefits that are conferred to both infant and mother through the act of breastfeeding, benefits that formula does not provide. Breastfeeding positively affects infants in both the short- and long-term by providing protection from infectious diseases, fostering the psychological bond with their mothers, and …

Optimization And Analysis Of A Quantitative Real-Time Pcr-Based Technique To Determine Microrna Expression In Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Samples, Rashmi S. Goswami, Levi Waldron, Jerry Machado, Nilva K. Cervigne, Wei Xu, Patricia Reis, Denis Bailey, Igor Jurisica, Michael R. Crump, Suzanne Kamel-Reid

Publications and Research

Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding RNA molecules involved in post-transcriptional regulation, with diverse functions in tissue development, differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. miRs may be less prone to degradation during formalin fixation, facilitating miR expression studies in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.

Results: Our study demonstrates that the TaqMan Human MicroRNA Array v1.0 (Early Access) platform is suitable for miR expression analysis in FFPE tissue with a high reproducibility (correlation coefficients of 0.95 between duplicates, p < 0.00001) and outlines the optimal performance conditions of this platform using clinical FFPE samples. We also outline a method of data analysis looking at differences in miR abundance between FFPE and fresh-frozen samples. By dividing the profiled miR into abundance strata of high (Ct35), we show that reproducibility between technical replicates, equivalent dilutions, and FFPE vs. frozen samples is best in the high abundance stratum. We also demonstrate that the miR expression profiles of FFPE samples are comparable to those of fresh-frozen samples, with a correlation of up to 0.87 (p < 0.001), when examining all miRs, regardless of RNA extraction method used. Examining correlation coefficients between FFPE and fresh-frozen samples in terms of miR abundance reveals correlation coefficients of up to 0.32 (low abundance), 0.70 (medium abundance) and up to 0.97 (high abundance).

Conclusion: Our study thus demonstrates the utility, reproducibility, and optimization steps needed in miR expression studies using FFPE samples on a high-throughput quantitative PCR-based miR …

Family Structure, Parent-Child Conversation Time And Substance Use Among Chinese Adolescents, Kwok-Kei Mak, Sai-Yin Ho, G Neil Thomas, C Mary Schooling, Sarah M. Mcghee, Tai-Hing Lam

Publications and Research

Background: The family plays a vital role in shaping adolescent behaviours. The present study investigated the associations between family structure and substance use among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents.

Methods: A total of 32,961 Form 1 to 5 (grade 7-12 in the US) Hong Kong students participated in the Youth Smoking Survey in 2003-4. An anonymous questionnaire was used to obtain information about family structure, daily duration of parent-child conversation, smoking, alcohol drinking and drug use. Logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) for each substance use by family structure.

Results: Adjusting for sex, age, type of …

Correlates Of Weight Concern And Control In A Hispanic College Student Sample., J. Blow, T. Taylor, Theodore Cooper, C. Redfearn

Selected Works Temporary Series

No abstract provided.

A Bland–Altman Comparison Of The Lead Care® System And Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry For Detecting Low-Level Lead In Child Whole Blood Samples, Christina Sobin, Tanner Schaub, Natali Parisi, Eva De La Riva

Selected Works Temporary Series

Chronic childhood lead exposure, yielding blood lead levels consistently below 10 μg/dL, remains a major public health concern. Low neurotoxic effect thresholds have not yet been established. Progress requires accurate, efficient, and cost-effective methods for testing large numbers of children. The LeadCare® System (LCS) may provide one ready option. The comparability of this system to the “gold standard” method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the purpose of detecting blood lead levels below 10 μg/dL has not yet been examined. Paired blood samples from 177 children ages 5.2–12.8 years were tested with LCS and ICP-MS. Triplicate repeat tests …

Consumer-Directed Health Insurance Vs. Managed Care: Analysis Of Health Care Utilization And Expenditure Incurred By Employees In A Rural Area, Cecilia M. Watkins, J. White, D. Duncan, D. Wyant, T. Nicholson, J. Khubchandani, C. Lakshminarayana

Public Health Faculty Publications

Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) are proposed as an option to control healthcare costs. No research has addressed their applicability in rural settings. This study analyzes three years (2003–2005) of healthcare expenditure and utilization incurred by two employers and a national carrier providing data from a rural state, Kentucky. The study included two measures of expenditures (health care and prescription drugs) and three measures of utilization (physician visits, hospital admissions, and hospital inpatient days). In general, the CDHP successfully controlled the growth of medical costs. These findings suggest that CDHPs may be a viable alternative benefit structure for rural employers.

Malaria And Helminth Co-Infections In Outpatients Of Alaba Kulito Health Center, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study, Abraham Degarege, Abebe Animut, Mengistu Legesse, Berhanu Erko

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Distribution of malaria and intestinal helminths is known to overlap in developing tropical countries of the world. Co-infections with helminth and malaria parasites cause a significant and additive problem against the host. The aim of this study was to asses the prevalence of malaria/helminth co-infection and the associated problems among febrile outpatients that attended Alaba Kulito Health Center, southern Ethiopia November and December 2007. A total of 1802 acute febrile patients were diagnosed for malaria. 458 Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films were used for identification of Plasmodium species and Stool samples prepared using Kato-Katz technique were used to …

Southern Lagoon And Village Of Gales Point, Belize, Ca: Water Uses, Water Quality, And Potential Health Impacts, Rasmi Nair, Ritchie Taylor

Impact Belize

An International Health Service Learning Program, Impact Belize 2010, was conducted by Western Kentucky University. Faculty and students worked closely with Gales Point villagers to gain an insight into the use of Southern Lagoon. The objective of the study was to assess fecal coliform levels in Southern lagoon, its primary and secondary contact use by villagers and its potential impact on health. Study methodology involved collection of water samples, both near shore and offshore, in the lagoon and incubating them using ColiQuant EZ method approved by EPA. A questionnaire was administered to villagers attending the WKU clinic to collect data …

It’S Not A Small World After All: Regulating Obesity Globally, Eloisa Rodriguez-Dod

Faculty Publications

The rate of obesity and overweight among the world population has increased dramatically over the past several years in both adults and children. Childhood obesity is a critical health care concern. There have been well-publicized efforts to regulate children‘s obesity both in the U.S. and abroad through such measures as mandated nutritional school lunch programs.

This article focuses, however, on a less examined area of regulation—the recent worldwide efforts to curb obesity among adults. The regulations discussed in this article include measures proposed or adopted by either administrative agencies or legislative bodies, whether on a local or national level. The …

Summary Of Findings From The 2010 Child Death Review Annual Report, Nevada Institute For Children's Research And Policy Reports

Nevada Institute for Children's Research and Policy Reports

The 2010 Annual Report of Child Deaths in Clark County, Nevada provides data regarding all infant, child, and fetal (over 20 weeks gestation) deaths occurring in Clark County in 2010. This represents the second year that the Child Death Review Team in Clark County reviewed 100% of the child deaths referred to the team by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner; this includes all natural deaths, as well as all accidents, homicides, suicides, and undetermined cases. The team also reviewed all fetal deaths over 20 weeks gestation.

Indigenous Health – Australia, Canada, New Zealand And The United States - Laying Claim To A Future That Embraces Health For Us All., Lisa Jackson Pulver, Melissa R. Haswell, Ian Ring, John Waldon, Wayne Clark, Valorie Whetung, Dianne Kinnon, Catherine Graham, Michelle Chino, Jonathon Lavalley, Christina Compher, Ritu Sadana

School of Public Health Faculty Research

Improving the health of all peoples has been a call across the globe for many decades and unfortunately remains relevant today, particularly given the large disparities in health status of peoples found around the world. Rather than differences in health, or health inequalities, we use a different term, health inequities. This is so as mere differences in health (or "inequalities") can be common in societies and do not necessarily reflect unfair social policies or practices. For example, natural ageing implies older people are more prone to illness. Yet, when differences are systematic, socially produced and unfair, these are considered health …

Assessment Of Support Service Needs Of Primary Caregivers Of Hiv And Aids Infected Children: A Review Of Literature And Suggestions For Practice, Barry Eneh

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Summary: With the advent of highly active antiretroviral treatment, routine screening and treatment options for pregnant women for perinatally acquired HIV and AIDS, infection is on dramatic decline in the U.S. In spite of the declines and the medical advances, primary and informal caregivers of infected children continue to face innumerable challenges with regard to the availability, access and utilization of non-medical supportive service care needs. HIV/AIDS continues to create unique challenges for infected children and the non-infected family caregivers at multiple levels; impacting their relationships, resources and resilience.

Objective: This literature review identifies and assesses the unique and critical …

The Public Health Impacts Of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations On Local Communities, Michael Greger, Gowri Koneswaran

Environment Collection

Large-scale farm animal production facilities, also known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), release a significant amount of contaminants into the air and water. Adverse health effects related to exposure to these contaminants among CAFO workers have been welldocumented; however, less is known about their impact on the health of residents in nearby communities. Epidemiological research in this area suggests that neighboring residents are at increased risk of developing neurobehavioral symptoms and respiratory illnesses, including asthma. Additional research is needed to better understand community-scale exposures and health outcomes related to the management practices and emissions of CAFOs.

Ua12/4 Stall Street Journal, Vol. 2, Wku Health Services

WKU Administration Documents

Broadsides developed by WKU Health Services to convey public health information in students in bathroom stalls. Incomplete run.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Understanding The Hiv Risk And Sexual Health Needs Of Men Who Have Sex With Men, Horizons Studies 2001 To 2008, Scott Geibel, Waimar Tun, Placide Tapsoba, Scott E. Kellerman

HIV and AIDS

In 1997, the Population Council initiated the Horizons Program—a decade-long USAID-funded collaboration with the International Center for Research on Women, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, PATH, Tulane University, Family Health International, and Johns Hopkins University—designing, implementing, evaluating, and expanding innovative strategies for HIV prevention and care. Horizons developed and tested ways to optimize HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs; worked to reduce stigma and improve gender-biased behaviors; and greatly expanded knowledge about the best ways to support, protect, and treat children affected by HIV and AIDS. In all its projects, Horizons strengthened the capacity of local institutions by providing support and …

Maternal Characteristics And Infant Birth Weight In Dayton, Ohio, Matthew Pellerite

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Objective: To better understand and identify modifiable maternal risk factors that are driving the increased incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in Montgomery County.

Background Information: LBW has lifelong effects on growth and development. These medical and social implications are coupled with an enormous economic burden. In the US, over 5.8 billion dollars are spent annually to care for LBW babies. Despite the recognition of these medical and economic challenges and the implementation of public campaigns to decrease rates, LBW trends have continued to increase. Between 1995 and 2005 the LBW rates in the US incrementally increased from 7.3% to …

Environmental Influences On Pediatric Obesity: An Examination Of The 2007 National Survey Of Children's Health (Nsch), Donny Dunfee

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Obese children are more likely to become obese as adults; hence, they are at increased risk for a number of adult diseases. As with adult obesity, several variables contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The intent of this report is to illustrate the connection between childhood obesity and the social environmental interactions of populations. With the increasing prevalence of obesity in adults and children, healthcare and public health professionals view childhood overweight and obesity as one of the most serious public health concerns of our time. This research conducts a secondary analysis of the National Survey of Children’s …

Demographic Factors That Predict Cervical Cancer Screenings In Ohio Women With Disabilities, Shari Mae Martin

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

Background: Cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates are lower for women with disabilities than for the general population. The purpose of this project was to describe cervical cancer screening rates in women with disabilities, living in Ohio, and explore the relationship of select demographic factors to cervical cancer screening participation.

Methods: A chart audit of 350 randomly selected women with disabilities, ages 20-80, enrolled in a statewide home care waiver program was completed.

Results: Less than half of the women (45.4%) had obtained a CCS within the last 3 years, compared to a rate of 82% for the general population of …

Recent Diarrhea Is Associated With Elevated Salivary Igg Responses To Cryptosporidium In Residents Of An Eastern Massachusetts Community, A. I. Egorov, L. M. Montuori Trimble, L. Ascolillo, H. D. Ward, Deborah A. Levy, R. D. Morris, E. N. Naumova, J. K. Griffiths

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND: Serological data suggest that Cryptosporidium infections are common but underreported. The invasiveness of blood sampling limits the application of serology in epidemiological surveillance. We pilot-tested a non-invasive salivary anti-Cryptosporidium antibody assay in a community survey involving children and adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Families with children were recruited in a Massachusetts community in July; symptoms data were collected at 3 monthly follow-up mail surveys. One saliva sample per person (n = 349) was collected via mail, with the last survey in October. Samples were analyzed for IgG and IgA responses to a recombinant C. hominis gp15 sporozoite protein using a …

Health Disparities: A Look At Colorectal Cancer Screening In The Minority Community, Patrina Louise Archie

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to examine a physician's recommendation for ColoRectal Cancer screenings among Caucasians and minorities (African American, Asian American, and Latino). Past research on CRC has suggested that a history of CRC in a first degree relative elevates a person's lifetime risk. Furthermore, without a physician recommendation for early screening, the patient's chances of early detection are substantially lowered. This is why it is imperative to examine the complex factors that contribute to minorities who have lower CRC screening rates compared to Caucasians.

Paying The Price For Black Masculinity: Investigating Sexual Behaviors Contributing To Hiv/Aids Infection And Death Of Black Women, Porsche Monic Terry

Theses Digitization Project

According to the Center for Disease Control (2005), African American women account for 64% of the nearly 127,000 women living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. The author conducted qualitative interviews with 30 adult Black males with a history of practicing Down Low (DL) sexual behavior-- engaging in homoerotic activities with their female partners. The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the DL subculture and to obtain useful information that is crucial to understanding how the DL male's personal struggles with sexuality and masculinity contribute to the disporportionate amount of Black women contracting HIV/AIDS.

Diabetes Obesity-Wellness Opportunity Program (Dowop) Evaluation, Francis Banahene

Master of Public Health Program Student Publications

The aim of the study was to evaluate Diabetes Obesity - Wellness Opportunities Program (DOWOP) for overweight and obese adolescents aged eight to 14 years.

The study was conducted over 14 weeks at Victor J. Cassano, Sr. Health Center in Dayton, Ohio. Thirteen weekly nutrition, exercise and cognitive presentations were held. Cooking class was held on week thirteen. Participants completed food and activity diaries. The program sessions focused on healthy eating, increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behavior and supporting participants maintain healthy lifestyle.

Nurses recorded BMI and waist circumference at baseline, week 7 and week 14. Program administrators were interviewed …

Children With Fasd- Related Disabilities Receiving Services From Child Welfare Agencies In Manitoba, Don Fuchs, Linda Burnside, Sheila Marchenski, Andria Mudry

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a serious social and health problem for the child welfare, health and education systems in North America and other parts of the world. This article describes the population of children in care of the child welfare system in Manitoba. Also this article will highlight the relevance of these research findings to aboriginal populations in Canada and its implications for international aboriginal/ indigenous groups. Finally, the implications for policy, practice are discussed and the article puts forward some directions for further research.

Hiv Testing Experiences Of Aboriginal Youth In Canada: Service Implications, Catherine Worthington, Randy Jackson, Judy Mill, Tracey Prentice, Ted Myers, Susan Sommerfeldt

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

The objective of this study was to explore HIV testing experiences and service views of Canadian Aboriginal youth in order to provide information for HIV testing services. An exploratory, mixed-method, community-based research design was used for this study. Findings reported here are from 210 survey participants who had experienced an HIV test. Youth were recruited through 11 Aboriginal organizations across Canada, including AIDS service organizations, health centers, community organizations, and friendship centers. Youth who had tested for HIV ranged in age from 15 to 30 years of age (20% were B20), and came from First Nations (75%), Me ́ tis …

Weight Gain And Psychotropic's, Amresh Srivastava, Megan Johnston

Data and Test Instruments

Weight gain in psychiatric populations is a common clinical challenge. Many patients suffering from mental disorders, when exposed to psychotropic medications, gain significant weight with or without other side effects. In addition to reducing the patients’ willingness to comply with treatment, this weight gain may create added psychological or physiological problems that need to be addressed. Thus, it is critical that clinicians take precautions to monitor and control weight gain and to take into account and treat all problems facing an individual. In this review, we examine some of the key issues surrounding weight gain in individuals suffering from mental …

Adaptive Radiation Therapy Of Prostate Cancer, Ning Wen

Wayne State University Dissertations

ART is a close-loop feedback algorithm which evaluates the organ deformation and motion right before the treatment and takes into account dose delivery variation daily to compensate for the difference between planned and delivered dose. It also has potential to allow further dose escalation and margin reduction to improve the clinical outcome. This retrospective study evaluated ART for prostate cancer treatment and radiobiological consequences. An IRB approved protocol has been used to evaluate actual dose delivery of patients with prostate cancer undergoing treatment with daily CBCT.

The dose from CBCT was measured in phantom using TLD and ion chamber techniques …

2010 Community Benefit Annual Report: Redefining Pediatric Medicine One Child At A Time, Children's Mercy Hospital

Community Benefits

Fiscal year report on the community benefits provided by Children's Mercy Kansas City to the communities in the Kansas City region.