Epidemiology Commons^™

Adapting An Agent-Based Model Of Infectious Disease Spread In An Irish County To Covid-19, Elizabeth Hunter, John D. Kelleher

Articles

The dynamics that lead to the spread of an infectious disease through a population can be characterized as a complex system. One way to model such a system, in order to improve preparedness, and learn more about how an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, might spread through a population, is agent-based epidemiological modelling. When a pandemic is caused by an emerging disease, it takes time to develop a completely new model that captures the complexity of the system. In this paper, we discuss adapting an existing agent-based model for the spread of measles in Ireland to simulate the spread of …

Landscape-Based Mutational Sensitivity Cartography And Network Community Analysis Of The Sars-Cov-2 Spike Protein Structures: Quantifying Functional Effects Of The Circulating D614g Variant, Gennady M. Verkhivker, Steve Agajanian, Deniz Yasar Oztas, Grace Gupta

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We developed and applied a computational approach to simulate functional effects of the global circulating mutation D614G of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations are combined with deep mutational scanning and analysis of the residue interaction networks to investigate conformational landscapes and energetics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in different functional states of the D614G mutant. The results of conformational dynamics and analysis of collective motions demonstrated that the D614 site plays a key regulatory role in governing functional transitions between open and closed states. Using mutational scanning and sensitivity analysis of protein residues, we identified the stability …

Serious Mental Illness In Nursing Homes: Quality Concerns, Dylan J. Jester

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Objective: This dissertation is made of two academic papers followed by a chapter discussing policy implications of the findings. The objective of this dissertation is to better understand if high-serious mental illness (SMI) nursing homes (NHs) provide poorer quality of care (e.g., operationalized as staffing levels, NH Compare quality star ratings, and health deficiencies) and whether quality in high-SMI NHs is confounded by payer mix (e.g., the proportion of residents who are Medicaid-reimbursed). A modified Donabedian Structure, Process, Outcome (SPO) Model was used as the main theoretical framework.

Methods: Data came from the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) …

Can Racial Disparities In Poor Birth Outcomes Be Partially Attributed To Stress: A Mendellian Randomization Study, Madeline Travers

Dissertations and Theses

In the United States, low birth weight (LBW) is a leading cause of infant death overall, and the leading cause of death for Black infants. Understanding and preventing adverse birth outcomes is a major public health priority. Observationally, there is some evidence to support the hypothesis that maternal stress may be associated with LBW. To clarify the effect of maternal stress exposure on LBW, I conducted three separate-sample instrumental variable analyses with genetic instruments (Mendelian randomization) based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), from genome wide association studies, strongly (p-value < 5 × 10⁻⁶) and independently associated with neuroendocrine, vascular, and immune measures …

Reducing Stroke Burden Through A Targeted Self-Management Intervention For Reducing Stroke Risk Factors In High-Risk Ugandans: A Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Shirley Moore, Carol Blixen, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Introduction: Stroke burden is rapidly increasing globally. Modifiable risk factors offer an opportunity to intervene, and targeting hypertension is a key actionable target for stroke risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa. This 3-site planned randomized controlled trial builds on promising preliminary data. Methods: A total of 246 Ugandan adults will be recruited randomized to experimental intervention vs. enhanced treatment control. Intervention participants will receive six weekly group-format stroke risk reduction self-management training sessions, and the controls will receive information on cardiovascular risk. The primary study outcome is systolic B.P. measured at baseline, 13-week, 24 weeks (6 months). Secondary outcomes include other …

Serological Survey Of Leptospira Infection In Arabian Horses In Poland, Bernard Wasiński, Katarzyna Paschalis-Trela, Jan Trela, Michał Czopowicz, Jerzy Kita, Monika Żychska, Anna Cywińska, Iwona Markowska-Daniel, Craig N. Carter, Lucjan Witkowski

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Faculty Publications

Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide, including in most livestock, some companion animals, horses, wildlife, and humans. Epidemiological estimation of its prevalence in all species is difficult due to the variety of clinical presentations and challenges regarding laboratory diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to measure the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in Arabian horses kept in the largest breeding farms in Poland, representing over 15% of the Polish Arabian horse population. Leptospira antibodies were detected by MAT (cut-off 1:100) in 33.2% of serum samples (204 of 615 animals) (CI 95%: 29.6–37.0%), most frequently reacting with …

Systematic Review On Epidemiology, Interventions And Management Of Noncommunicable Diseases In Acute And Emergency Care Settings In Kenya, Christine Ngaruiya, Annrita Kawira, Florence Mali, Faith Kambua, Beatrice Mwangi, Mbatha Wambua, Denise Hersey, Laventa Obare, Rebecca Leff, Benjamin Wachira

Emergency Medicine, East Africa

Introduction: Mortality and morbidity from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Africa are expected to worsen if the status quo is maintained. Emergency care settings act as a primary point of entry into the health system for a spectrum of NCD-related illnesses, however, there is a dearth of literature on this population. We conducted a systematic review assessing available evidence on epidemiology, interventions and management of NCDs in acute and emergency care settings in Kenya, the largest economy in East Africa and a medical hub for the continent.

Methods: All searches were run on July 15, 2015 and updated on December 11, …

Changes In Student Behaviors And Policy Opinion Regarding E-Cigarettes At A Kentucky University From 2014 To 2018, Jason W. Marion, Alina Strand, Elliott Baldridge

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

The behaviors and opinions regarding e-cigarette use and campus policies prohibiting vaping vary greatly among college students nationally. Kentucky is one of the four U.S. states with the highest tobacco use prevalence, and characterizing e-cigarette use, trends and policy opinions among Kentucky undergraduates may inform interventions. To characterize population-level differences in e-cigarette-related behaviors and policy opinions among undergraduates from 2014 to 2018, results from two cross-sectional surveys (2014 and 2018) from a public regional university in south-central Kentucky were analyzed. Students from randomly selected undergraduate general studies courses completed a 5-minute in-class survey. Data were obtained from 514 and 519 …

Migration As A Determinant Of Childhood Obesity In The United States And Latin America, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Arturo V. Bustamante, Nancy López-Olmedo, Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, Jaqueline Torres, Karen E. Peterson, Graciela Teruel, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

International migration has economic and health implications. The acculturation process to the host country may be linked to childhood obesity. We use the Community Energy Balance (CEB) framework to analyze the relationship between migration and childhood obesity in Mexican households with international migrants. Using longitudinal data from the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS), we examine how migrant networks affect childhood obesity in origin communities. We also review binational health programs that could be effective at tackling childhood obesity in migrant households from Mexico. Children embedded in migrant networks are at greater risk of developing overweight or obesity, suggesting a significant …

Implementation Of Childhood Obesity Prevention And Control Policies In The United States And Latin America: Lessons For Cross-Border Research And Practice, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Elizabeth Rhodes, Olga L. Sarmiento, Camila Corvalan, Rachel Sturke, Susan Vorkoper

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Progress has been made in the development and widespread implementation of effective interventions to address childhood obesity, yet important challenges remain. To understand how the United States and Latin American countries achieved success in implementing obesity policies and programs (PAPs) and identify improvement opportunities using implementation science principles. We identified three comparative case studies: (1) front-of-food package labeling (Mexico and Chile); (2) Open Streets/play streets (Colombia and the United States); and (3) the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (Brazil and the United States). Information from multiple sources (e.g., scientific and gray literature and key informant interviews) was synthesized to describe barriers, facilitators, …

Timing Of Surgery Following Sars-Cov-2 Infection: An International Prospective Cohort Study, Covidsurg Collaborative, Globalsurg Collaborative

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 …

Computational Analysis Of Protein Stability And Allosteric Interaction Networks In Distinct Conformational Forms Of The Sars Cov 2 Spike D614g Mutant: Reconciling Functional Mechanisms Through Allosteric Model Of Spike Regulation, Gennady M. Verkhivker, Steve Agajanian, Deniz Oztas, Grace Gupta

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

In this study, we used an integrative computational approach to examine molecular mechanisms underlying functional effects of the D614G mutation by exploring atomistic modeling of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins as allosteric regulatory machines. We combined coarse-grained simulations, protein stability and dynamic fluctuation communication analysis with network-based community analysis to examine structures of the native and mutant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in different functional states. Through distance fluctuations communication analysis, we probed stability and allosteric communication propensities of protein residues in the native and mutant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, providing evidence that the D614G mutation can enhance long-range signaling of the allosteric spike …

The Essence Of Telemedicine For Bridging The Gap In Health Services, Budi Wiweko, Sarah Chairani Zakirah, Atha Luthfi

Kesmas

This study aimed to review the essence of telemedicine in this modern era of technology and innovation, especially in developing countries. It also investigated the regulation aspect as the main component for healthcare services. There were five main categories of telemedicine: revenue stream and technology literacy, health facilities, human resources, data authorization and security, and health protocol. Furthermore, when combined with wearable devices, it enhanced healthcare delivery opportunities. There were two major components of global electronic health, namely telehealth and health informatics, based one-commerce and e-learning systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been able to describe the roles of …

The Determinants Of Stunting For Children Aged 24-59 Months In Kulon Progo District 2019, Chatrine Aprilia Hendraswari, Yuliasti Eka Purnamaningrum, Tri Maryani, Yani Widyastuti, Sakinah Harith

Kesmas

This study pertains to stunting in children in Indonesian with z-scores of less than -2 Standard Deviation (SD) and less than -3 SD. The preliminary study results showed the highest prevalence of stunting to be 22.6%, at the Temon II Primary Health Care in Kulon Progo District. The study aimed to assess the determinants of stunting children aged 24–59 months. This study was conducted from September 2018–May 2019. The design of this study was analytical observational with study design case-control. The sample was 60 children aged 24–59 months. The method utilized proportional sampling, whereas the data analysis applied chi-square and …

A Path Analysis Model For Explaining The Factors Influencing Wearing A Mask Among Commuting Workers Using Commuter Line Bogor-Jakarta, David Kusmawan, Shofi Andari, Ira Gustina, Indri Hapsari Susilowati, Mufti Wirawan

Kesmas

Jakarta is one of the most air-polluted cities in the world, which can increase the health risk of commuting workers exposed to pollutants. This study aimed to determine the factors that directly and indirectly affect healthy behavior (wearing a mask) for commuters using the Bogor-Jakarta Commuter Line. Furthermore, a total of 155 respondents participated and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive and path analysis. The commuters aware of the hazard potential related to air pollution during commuting were 137 people (88.4%). While 104 people (67.1%) were aware of the good perception of pollution and 125 uses masks during commuting …

Empowering Health Cadres To Support Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (Dr-Tb) Patient To Enroll In Treatment, Esty Febriani, Adik Wibowo, Neeraj Kak, Hala Jassim Al Mossawi

Kesmas

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a big challenge globally, while the involvement of health cadres’ constitutes one of the key strategies for the TB program in Indonesia. These roles were further expanded to providing support to DR-TB patients. This study was a qualitative study, conducted in 2015 to explore the various factors which influence the performance of health cadres’ in supporting DR-TB patients to enroll in treatment. A total of 39 informants consisting of 24 health cadres, three nurses, four DR-TB patients, and three family members, two peer support, a head of primary health care, and two TB staffs from the District …

National Health Insurance Scheme: Internal And External Barriers In The Use Of Reproductive Health Services Among Women, Evi Martha, Herna Lestari, Resvi Siti Zulfa, Yoslien Sopamena

Kesmas

Lack of familiarity among the community, medical workers, and administrative staff regarding reproductive health services covered by Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) or the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Indonesia remained a problem. Therefore, this resulted in sub-optimal use of the medical services, as shown by surveys from the Women's Health Foundation for three consecutive years (2015-2017). This qualitative study was conducted with a Rapid Assessment Procedure design in three cities within Indonesia: Padang Pariaman, Manado, and Kupang. Data were collected through IDIs (n = 47informants) and 6 FGDs (7 persons/group). Participants also consisted of NHI RHS users (mothers and …

Prevalence And Determinants Of Pre-Lacteal Feeding: Insights From The 2017 Indonesia Demographic And Health Survey, Siti Nurokhmah, Siti Masitoh, Kusuma Estu Werdani

Kesmas

Pre-lacteal feeding is widely known as a distraction to exclusive breastfeeding, and the malpractice continues to be prevalent in Indonesia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential determinants of pre-lacteal feeding among mothers of infants below 24 months. A sample of 6,455 mother-infant pairs from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) was used. Also, multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practice. In Indonesia, 44% of infants were introduced to solid/liquid feeds in their first three days of life. Infant formula was the most common pre-lacteal feed given, followed by any other …

The Effect Of Smoking On Carbon Monoxide Respiration Among Active Smokers In Palembang City, Indonesia, Rico Januar Sitorus, Imelda Gernauli Purba, Merry Natalia, Kraichat Tantrakarnapa

Kesmas

Smoking leads to disease and disability as well as harm nearly every organ of the body. Furthermore, smoking of tobacco is known to cause pulmonary dysfunction and lead to complications, pain, or even death. This study aimed to measure the risk factors for the respiration of carbon monoxide among smokers. A cross-sectional design was implemented by involving 156 smokers in Karyajaya Subdistrict, Palembang City. The dependent variable was carbon monoxide levels (ppm), while the independent variables were smoking frequency, duration, and the last period of smoking. The carbon monoxide levels (ppm) measured with a PiCO + Smokerlyzer® device from Bedfont …

The Significance Of Super Depo Sutorejo: Waste Management Project In Surabaya Municipality, Indonesia, Yohanes Kambaru Windi, Dyah Wijayanti, Eko Rustamaji Wiyatno, Loetfia Dwi Rahariyani

Kesmas

The Super Depo Sutorejo Surabaya (SDSS) Project was created to separate household waste into fractions, but its separation effect is unknown. This study assessed the significance of the project in sorting general waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and assorted. The t-test compared the means of general and biodegradable waste (normally distributed). The non-biodegradable and assorted waste were not significantly distributed; therefore, the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to compare their medians against general waste. The multivariate analysis compared the significance level of each waste fraction. Each statistical analysis showed that the SDSS significantly sorts the general waste. The p-values were …