Epidemiology Commons^™

Decision Aid Models For Resource Sharing Strategies During Global Influenza Pandemics, Alfredo Santana Reynoso

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Pandemic influenza outbreaks have historically entailed significant societal and economic disruptions. Today, our quality of life is threatened by our inadequate preparedness for the imminent pandemic. The key challenges we are facing stem from a significant uncertainty in virus epidemiology, limited response resources, inadequate international collaboration, and the lack of appropriate science-based decision support tools. The existing literature falls short of comprehensive models for global pandemic spread and mitigation which incorporate the heterogeneity of the world regions and realistic travel networks. In addition, there exist virtually no studies which quantify the impact of resource sharing strategies among multiple countries. This …

Optimal Control Applied To A Discrete Time Influenza Model, Paula Andrea Gonzalez Parra

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

For the last decades, mathematical epidemiological models have been used to understand the dynamics of infectious diseases and guide public health policy.

In particular, several continuous models have been considered to study influenza outbreaks and their controls policies. However, most epidemiological data is discrete; therefore, a discrete formulation is more convenient to compare collected data with the output of the model. We introduce a discrete time model in order to study optimal control strategies for influenza transmission.

In our model, we divide the population into four classes: susceptible, infectious, treated, and recovered individuals.

In particular, we evaluate the potential effect …

The Natural History Of Human Papillomavirus Related Condyloma In A Multinational Cohort Of Men, Gabriella Anic

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, but few studies have examined the progression from HPV infection to disease in men. Genital condyloma are the most common clinical manifestation of HPV infection. Though not associated with mortality, condyloma are a source of emotional distress, and treatment is often painful with a high recurrence rate. The aims of this study were to examine the distribution of HPV types present on the surface of condyloma, estimate the incidence of condyloma overall and after type-specific HPV infections, assess the sociodemographic and sexual behavior factors independently associated …

Disparities In Survival And Mortality Among Infants With Congenital Aortic, Pulmonary, And Tricuspid Valve Defects By Maternal Race/Ethnicity And Infant Sex, Colleen Conklin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: The etiology of congenital heart valve defects is not well understood; little is known about the risk factors that contribute to the survival and mortality outcomes of children with these defects.

Methods: Using data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry (TBDR) we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2070 singleton infants with congenital aortic, pulmonary, or tricuspid valve atresia or stenosis born in Texas between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2007 to Hispanic, Non-Hispanic (NH) black, and NH white women. TBDR data were death-to-birth matched by the Texas Vital Statistics Unit for deaths between January 1, 1996 and …

An Investigation Of The Subtype Diversity Of Clinical Isolates Of Irish Clostridium Difficile Ribotypes 027 And 078 By Repetitive-Extragenic Palindromic Pcr, Denise Drudy, K. Solomon, S. Murray, L. Scott, S. Mcdermott,, A. Martin, C. O’Donoghue, M. Skally, K. Burns, L. Fenelon, F. Fitzpatrick,, L. Kyne, S. Fanning

Articles

A repetitive-extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) subtyping method (DiversiLab) in conjunction with ribotyping, toxinotyping and antimicrobial-susceptibility testing was used to detect subtypes within Clostridium difficile ribotypes 027 and 078. Clinical isolates of ribotypes 027 (toxinotype III) (n530) and 078 (toxinotype V) (n523) were provided by health-care facilities across the Republic of Ireland over 2 months in 2006 and 1 month in 2009. Ribotype 027 isolates were significantly more related to each other (9 different subtype profiles) when compared to ribotype 078 isolates (14 different profiles) (P50.001; cut-off .90 % similarity). Almost half of ribotype 078 isolates (45.5 %) showed no relationship …

Assessing The Influence Of Socioeconomic Factors, Knowledge Level, Attitudes, And Practices On Malaria Prevention Among The Gusii People Of Kenya, Christopher Nyakundi Arori

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Global morbidity and mortality associated with malaria is rampant, and most of the clinical malaria cases are found in sub Saharan Africa. Previous and current research show that malaria is both preventable and treatable and that socioeconomic variables have a profound influence on how persons in rural Africa respond to malaria infections and the associated preventive strategies. This study assessed two key research questions for malaria cases in the Gusii region of Kenya regarding: First, whether a community education program on malaria has an impact in changing malaria preventive behaviors; and, second, if a relationship exists between socioeconomic factors and …

Medical Encounter Characteristics Of Hiv Seroconverters In The Us Army And Air Force, 2000–2004, Shilpa Hakre, David Brett-Major, Darrell E. Singer, Robert J. O'Connell, Warren B. Sateren, Jose L. Sanchez, Brian K. Agan, Nelson L. Michael, Paul T. Scott

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Active duty US Army and Air Force military personnel undergo mandatory biennial HIV antibody screening. We compared pre- and post-HIV seroconversion health status by conducting a case-control study, which evaluated all medical encounters and sociodemographic factors among incident HIV seroconverters and HIV-negative controls from June 2000 through February 2004.

RESULTS: A total of 274 HIV seroconverters and 6205 HIV-negative personnel were included. In multivariate analysis restricted to male personnel (cases = 261, controls = 5801), single marital status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 14.37), clinical indicators or symptoms within four years of HIV diagnosis (AOR = 6.22), …

Naming Global Health, David Brett-Major

Journal Articles: Epidemiology

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Risk Factors Associated With Asymptomatic Colonization Of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) Among Community College Students, Marilynn Kish-Molina

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus has been an important human ailment for centuries, and with the overuse of antibiotics, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a deadly, costly pathogen worldwide. Healthy carriers can become sick or can spread MRSA without symptoms. The amount of asymptomatic colonization among healthy college students and risk factors for colonization by MRSA are not well understood. According to the epidemiologic triangle model, the host (students who take antibiotics or have a history of skin infections), the infectious agent (MRSA) and the environment (direct contact with people, animals, or objects that may harbor MRSA) all …

A Sibling Case-Control Study Of Maternal Prenatal Body Mass Index As A Risk Factor For Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ruth Ann Hendrix

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to be one in every 150 births. While both genetic and postpartum environmental exposure have been linked to ASD, prenatal maternal weight has not been investigated. The objective of the study is to assess whether overweight or obesity at pregnancy is an important risk factor for the diagnosis of ASD in offspring. A case-control study was designed to answer this question using the public health ecosocial theory. The study population consisted of 70 mothers, who were recruited via the Internet using the viral expansion loop. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used …

The Relationship Between Daily Snowfall Accumulation And Pattern And Severity Of Traumatic Injuries At A U.S. Ski Resort, S. Jason Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Throughout the relevant literature, research addressing the impact of a specific environmental factor, such as snowfall, on injury patterns or severity among alpine skiers and snowboarders is sparse. The foundation for inquiry into this relationship was developed based on principles of physics and traumatology coupled with findings in the available literature. Secondary analysis of trauma registry data coupled with daily snowfall measurements from one of the largest ski areas in North America illustrated a negative correlation between daily snowfall amount and injury severity (r = -.08). Concordant findings demonstrated an increased odds of sustaining an injury defined as severe or …

Differences In Breast Cancer Tumor Size, Stage, And Survival By Socioeconomic Position In Young Women, Julie Maureen Tomaska

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although the incidence of breast cancer in women under 40 years of age is somewhat rare, young women tend to present with cancer that is more advanced and with poorer prognostic characteristics. This research will be important to providers, women and their families and those seeking to clarify screening guidelines. The purpose of this quantitative, retrospective, cohort study was to evaluate differences in prognostic characteristics by socioeconomic position (SIP). The cohort was comprised of females aged 18 to 39 with a primary diagnosis of breast cancer. Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry for all primary …

The Relationship Of Provider Cultural Competence And Utilization Of Prenatal Care In The Hmong Of Minnesota, Cynthia J. Larson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Experts suggest that the cultural competence of healthcare providers is a critical factor impacting healthcare services to the ethnically diverse patient populations in the U.S. and that it may play a role in improving outcomes and reducing health disparities; however, the association between cultural competence and health outcomes remains unclear. This study used a cross-sectional quantitative design grounded by cultural competency constructs and the ethnic origins theory to explore the relationships between provider cultural competence, adequacy of prenatal care, and neonatal health outcomes in Hmong women, a population whose cultural beliefs affect their use of early and adequate prenatal care. …

Association Between Vegan, Vegetarian, And Omnivorous Diets And Overweight And Obesity, Daniel Sullivan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Overweight and obesity and associated health risks have become epidemic in several regions around the world. Numerous studies have addressed the dietary habits of vegetarians and vegans in terms of disease prevention and nutritional deficiencies but the relationship between overweight and obesity and the demographic, psychosocial, lifestyle, and dietary intake of omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans has received less attention. Guided by the social-ecological model, this study included a cross-sectional, quantitative, anonymous web-based survey to obtain dietary information on omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. Vegans demonstrated a significantly lower mean and median body mass index ( p=0.00) than omnivores, semi-vegetarians, and vegetarians. …

Dna Methylation And Its Association With Prenatal Exposures And Pregnancy Outcomes, Jennifer Straughen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Altered DNA methylation may lead to suboptimal fetal programming, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as small for gestational age (SGA); however, few studies have examined the associations between DNA methylation, prenatal exposures, and fetal outcomes. Cross-sectional data from a larger, ongoing study were used to assess the impact of prenatal smoking on gene specific methylation of umbilical cord blood derived DNA and to investigate the association between gene-specific methylation and risk of SGA. The association between gene-specific DNA methylation and birthweight was also assessed. Maternal and infant covariates were abstracted from medical records, cigarette smoke exposure was …

Evaluation Of Common Inherited Variants In Mitochondrial-Related And Microrna-Related Genes As Novel Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer, Jennifer Permuth Wey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in the United States, and the etiology is incompletely understood. Common, low penetrant genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) likely contribute to a significant proportion of EOC. We examined whether SNPs in two understudied yet biologically important types of genes, mitochondrial-related and miRNA-related genes, may contribute to EOC susceptibility using data from a large, homogeneous study population of 1,815 EOC cases and 1,900 controls (frequency-matched on age-group and race/ethnicity) genotyped through stage 1 of an ongoing genome-wide association study. Inter-individual variation in genes involved …

Gangguan Akibat Kekurangan Yodium Pada Wanita Usia Subur Di Kecamatan Baturaden Kabupaten Banyumas, Jawa Tengah, Endo Dardjito, Setiyowati Rahardjo

Kesmas

Gangguan Akibat Kekurangan Yodium (GAKY) merupakan salah satu masalah gizi di Kabupaten Banyumas. GAKY disebabkan oleh defisiensi kronik asupan yodium, konsumsi goitrogenik, penggunaan kontrasepsi KB hormonal, faktor genetik, dan pengetahuan penderita. Prevalensi penyakit gondok di Kecamatan Baturaden, Kabupaten Banyumas, terus meningkat mencapai 35,38% pada tahun 2007 sehingga daerah ini tergolong endemis berat GAKY. Untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor risiko GAKY di Kecamatan Baturaden, suatu penelitian penjelasan dengan desain kasus kontrol telah dilakukan dengan melibatkan 30 orang wanita usia subur (15-45 tahun) yang menderita GAKY sebagai kasus dan 30 orang WUS lain yang tidak menderita GAKY sebagai sebagai kontrol. Kedua kelompok adalah penduduk …

Mathematical Modeling, Simulation, And Time Series Analysis Of Seasonal Epidemics., Eric Shu Numfor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal and non-seasonal Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered-Susceptible (SEIRS) models are formulated and analyzed. It is proved that the disease-free steady state of the non-seasonal model is locally asymptotically stable if R_v < 1, and disease invades if R_v > 1. For the seasonal SEIRS model, it is shown that the disease-free periodic solution is locally asymptotically stable when R̅_v < 1, and I(t) is persistent with sustained oscillations when R̅_v > 1. Numerical simulations indicate that the orbit representing I(t) decays when R̅_v < 1 < R_v. The seasonal SEIRS model with routine and pulse vaccination is simulated, and results depict an unsustained decrease …

Coronary Heart Disease Mortality And Long-Term Exposure To Ambient Particulate Air Pollutants In Elderly Nonsmoking California Residents, Lie Hong Chen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of long-term concentrations of ambient PM on risks of all causes, cardiopulmonary, coronary heart disease (CHD), total cancer, and any mention of nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD) mortality.

The health effects of long-term ambient air pollution have been studied with up to 30 years of follow-up in the AHSMOG cohort, a cohort of 6,338 nonsmoking white California adults. Monthly concentrations of ambient air pollutants [particulate matter(PMio), Ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or particulate matter

In the AHSMOG cohort, each increment of 10 |ig/m3 in PMio in two-pollutant models …

The Role Of Ambient Air Pollution In The Occurrence Of Emphysema, Shiva Metghalchi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Emphysema is the most common cause of death from respiratory disease in the United States. Emphysema is most common among people aged 50 and older. Those with a genetic predisposition to emphysema may experience the onset as early as their thirties or forties. Men are more likely than women to develop emphysema, but female cases are increasing as the number of female smokers rises.

In the past few years, etiological and pathogenic research has been carried out in an attempt to determine the reason for an increase in deaths and other health problems associated with air pollution, and there have …