cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Examining Parental Generalization of the SafeCare® Child Health Module Using Smartphone Enhancements
Creators: name: Atkinson, Rachel
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Child maltreatment is a serious public health problem that leads to psychological, physical, behavioral, and economic burdens for children and broader community. Current data suggest that child maltreatment has declined over the past 20 years with the smallest declines in child neglect. In 2013, medical neglect represented approximately 31% of all substantiated cases of child maltreatment. SafeCare® is an evidence-based home visiting program that targets risk factors for child maltreatment by providing three modules: home safety, health, and parent-child interaction, or parent-infant interaction for children who are not walking. The SafeCare health module aims to teach parents how to identify and treat their children when they become ill, reducing the potential for medical neglect. Previous SafeCare research demonstrated that incorporating cell phones into training improves home safety and parent-child interaction outcomes. The current research evaluated the SafeCare health module and the effect cell phone enhancements had on parents’ child health knowledge. Data reaffirm the value of the SafeCare health module to increase parental child health skills and that incorporating cell phone technology may promote generalization and may engage participants and increase effectiveness.
Association Between Preoperative Pulmonary Rehabilitation And Postoperative Hospital Outcomes
Creators: name: Laurence, Shenee
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION: Preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation (PPR) is an emerging therapy for transplant candidates who are awaiting surgery. Research indicates that PPR training has benefits for improving exercise tolerance, but little researcher exists on the association between PPR on post-transplant hospital outcomes.
METHODS: The study was a non-probability cross-sectional analysis performed on data for post-transplant recipients who received either a single or bilateral lung transplant from February 8, 2007 to July 8, 2014. The study sample consisted of 207 transplant recipients. Analyses of the associations between independent variables: preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and covariates were performed by logistic regression analysis to examine the following outcomes: length of stay, hospital readmissions in the first 90 days post- transplant, and the number of hospital readmissions in the first 90 days.
RESULTS: Transplant recipients who participated in preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation had 1.77 times greater odds of being readmitted in the first 90 days post-transplant compared to recipients who did not participated in preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation. Transplant recipients whose 6MWD was greater than 207 meters and who participated in preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation had 4.99 times greater odds of length of staying 12 days or less post- transplant surgery compared to transplant recipients whose walk distance was less than 207 meters and who did not participate in preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation.
CONCLUSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of the lung transplant. The results of this study indicate the importance of preoperative lung transplant on post-transplant outcomes for transplant recipients.
Built Environment and Birth Outcomes: Examining the Exposure to the Atlanta Beltline and Its Effects on Community Health
Creators: name: Tyler, Amanda
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: The Atlanta Beltline is an urban redevelopment project that was designed to increase access to trails, parks, and greenspace in Atlanta, Georgia. Thirty-three miles of new trail will be developed, providing a place for the community to engage in purposeful physical activity and active transport around the city of Atlanta. Because physical activity is associated with improvements in birth outcomes and under the assumption that close proximity to the Atlanta Beltline encourages physical activity, I hypothesize that women residing within 0.5 mile of the Atlanta Beltline will show improvements in birth outcomes, as compared to women residing 1-1.5 miles away from the Beltline. Birth outcomes were measured as rates for low birth weight, premature live birth, and fetal mortality rates. Census tract data for birth outcomes for the time period “pre-Beltline,” 2002 - 2007, and “post-Beltline,” 2008 - 2012, was obtained from Georgia Department of Public Health. 18 census tracks in three areas along the Beltline (Northside, Eastside, West End) were identified as exposed and 17 in the same areas were unexposed. We found the following mean rates (SDs) of the outcomes in the exposed census tracks during the pre-Beltline period: 119.22 (48.39) low birth weight, 154.94 (55.80) premature birth, and 16.17(15.81) fetal death, all per 1,000 live birth. During the post-Beltline period in the exposed area, these measurements were: 107.55 (39.66) low births weight, 131.06 (48.92) premature birth, and 12.28 (13.51) fetal death, all per 1000 live birth. In the unexposed census tracks during the pre-Beltline period, mean rates (SDs) of the outcomes were 110.82 (42.81) low births weight, 144.88 (46.49) premature birth, and 19.94 (35.45) fetal death, all per 1000 live birth. During the post-Beltline period, these measurements in the unexposed area were: 100.88 (40.76) low births, 134.17 (47.85) premature birth, and 8.06 (6.89) fetal death, all per 1000 live birth.
           Overall in both the exposed and unexposed areas, the time trends for the examined measurements of birth outcomes were towards improvement; however, only a decrease in premature live birth in the exposed area (p=0.2) and fetal mortality in the unexposed area (p=0.1) were of statistically marginal significance. We conclude that currently no significant improvements in birth outcomes, associated with close proximity to the Atlanta Beltline have been detected.
Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Maternal Use of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) and Dispensary Treatment for Diarrhea among Children Under Five Years Old: Pakistan DHS (2012-13)
Creators: name: Aziz, Summera
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Objectives: Diarrheal disease is a global health challenge that assumes gigantic importance with regard to child health in developing countries like Pakistan. Prompt medical attention and proper use of Oral Re-hydration Therapy (ORT) by mothers helps prevent dehydration and secondary complications among affected children. However, ORT use among mothers in Pakistan is low. This study seeks to examine how various socio-demographic factors impact the use of ORT and dispensary treatment among mothers of children affected with diarrhea.
Methods:Data from Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (2012-2013) was used for the study. The study sample consisted of women aged 15-49 years old resident in Punjab region (N= 505) with children under five years old who had diarrhea within two weeks of the survey. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to determine relationships between maternal socio-demographic characteristics and use of ORT and dispensary care. P-values
Results: After controlling for place of residence, educational level and frequency of watching television, caregivers whose children had fever with diarrheal episodes had nearly two-fold increased odds of using ORT treatment [OR= 1.9, (95% CI: 1.28-2.82)], compared to those whose children did not have fever. Similarly poor and middle class socioeconomic status (SES) participants had 3 times increased odds [OR= 2.76, [95% CI: 1.1 -6.89)] of using dispensary treatment when compared to upper class mothers. Place of residence was not a significant predictor of ORT or dispensary use.
 Discussion: These findings are consistent with other studies that show that mothers’ socioeconomic status are a good indicator of their knowledge about ORT use, and health care seeking behavior. On the other hand, maternal place of residence was not a significant predictor of ORT use, or consultation at a dispensary, even though other studies have found significant associations.
Conclusion: Interventions aimed at improving low-income mothers’ knowledge about diarrhea management can include lay medical personnel, such as dispensers, who are often the easily accessible medical resource to this population. Therefore, dispensers should be provided with further training to increase their knowledge and skills in treating children with diarrhea. Future studies that are more rigorous should be conducted to examine this public health issue.
The Association of Participant Characteristics and Service Delivery with Program Completion Rates for SafeCare in Georgia
Creators: name: Bolt, Malinda
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Child maltreatment affects millions of children annually, and evidence-based home visiting programs, such as SafeCare®, help increase parenting skills and, ultimately, the well-being of children. Although effective at reducing maltreatment when participants complete services, high attrition rates in home visiting services may reduce this effectiveness. Using a sample of all clients receiving SafeCare services in Georgia (n=93) from October 2013 to February 2015, we evaluated individual characteristics, information seeking behaviors, and programmatic factors in order to understand the relationships, if any, with participant program completion. During this evaluation cycle, SafeCare reports a completion rate of 43%. The race of the primary guardian significantly relates to program completion (p=0.02). This evaluation can assist those implementing SafeCare to anticipate the needs of their target population.
Effects of Maternal Folate Levels and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Growth, Infant Outcomes and Later Development
Creators: name: Gailey, Amanda
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Objectives: Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), which include a broad range of cognitive, growth, behavior, and physical abnormalities. Early detection of the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure is necessary to identify early interventions. The aim of this study is to identify the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on growth and infant development, to determine if ultrasound imaging can be used as an early identification tool, and to determine if maternal folate supplementation can mitigate the detrimental effects on growth and infant development.
Methods
A prospective cohort study and randomized trial from 2008 to 2014 conducted in two sites of Western Ukraine was analyzed. A sample of pregnant women who reported moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and a sample reporting little-to-no alcohol use during pregnancy participated in a comprehensive maternal interview and screening process. Women were further randomized into micronutrient supplementation groups. Standard ultrasound examinations during pregnancy including study specific brain growth measurements, along with blood and urine samples were obtained during follow-up visits. A biometric screening was conducted at birth, along with Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) assessments at 6 and 12 months of age.
Results
Estimated fetal weight (EFW), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), caval-calvarial distance (CCD), and orbital diameter (OD) were significantly reduced by alcohol exposure at third trimester ultrasound (p2(7)=18.044, p=0.012), AC at third trimester (X2(5)=17.955, p=0.003), and birth weight (X2(6)=75.058, p2(11)=63.051, p
Conclusions
Significant reductions in fetal growth measurements during third trimester ultrasound suggest that the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure may be detectable in late pregnancy. Significant associations between multivitamin supplementation and specific growth measurements suggest that micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy, including high doses of folate, may be an early intervention to reduce the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Further studies are needed to identify the specific micronutrients producing these effects, and to assess the appropriate level of these micronutrients necessary to provide the greatest benefit without exceeding the safe limit.
Factors that Increase and Decrease Therapist Use of an Evidence-based Practice with Youth Victims of Commercial Sex Trafficking
Creators: name: McCarty, Colleen
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Traumatic experiences occurring during childhood is an increasing public health concern. Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), which is the sexual abuse of a minor for economic gain, can be considered a complex trauma, as often this experience includes entrapment, isolation, frequent relocation, and prolonged physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. CSEC victims have a particularly high risk for negative mental health outcomes, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, which requires trauma-focused care. Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is the gold standard treatment approach for children and adolescents that have experienced sexual abuse. TF-CBT is an evidence-based practice designed to target negative mental health outcomes associated with traumatic experiences, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, and externalizing behavior problems. A network of highly trained therapists was established in Georgia to serve the CSEC population. The current research study examined responses from therapists following an advanced TF-CBT CSEC training workshop. A primary objective of this study was to assess needs identified by the providers while considering suggestions for improved applications of TF-CBT with CSEC clients. Results from this study reaffirm the benefits of using TF-CBT with CSEC clients, but emphasizes the need for additional TF-CBT CSEC-specific resources to be developed.
Dissonance and Accord Between Black Faith Leaders’ and Community Members’ Perceptions of Structural and Institutional Barriers in HIV
Creators: name: Phillips, Jennifer
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Historically, the Black church has acted as the leader and social service provider in the black community. Despite the church’s successes in providing support to alleviate health disparities, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has remained largely ignored. Research has shown that rather than just providing information about high risk HIV behavior, underlying inequities also need to be addressed. This analysis contains data from four separate qualitative focus groups containing faith leaders and community members and preliminary quantitative data from community members. Responses from community members and faith leaders are compared and reported relating poverty, violence, HIV, and other inequities within their neighborhoods. The analysis focuses on the common themes of perceived barriers and future recommendations given by the community members and faith leaders. Community members and faith leaders both identified structural barriers and inequalities. With regards to HIV services, community members were concerned with confidentiality as well as availability and extent of services. Faith leaders discussed possible conflicts with church teachings and funding. Both groups acknowledged the impact of stigma. These findings highlight greater environmental factors that impact HIV services in black ministries, but also includes changes that could be addressed by ministries at the local level.
Supplementary document for ON-CHIP SPIN-ORBIT LOCKING OF QUANTUM EMITTERS IN 2D MATERIALS FOR CHIRAL EMISSION - 5951099.pdf
Creators: name: Ma, Yichen
name: Zhao, Hao-Qi
name: Liu, Na
name: Gao, Zihe
name: Mohajerani, Seyed Sepehr
name: Xiao, Licheng
name: Hone, James
name: Feng, Liang
name: Strauf, Stefan
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2025
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: Sections S1 to S7
Diabetes Reduces the Rate of Sputum Culture Conversion in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis
Creators: name: Salindri, Argita
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Background: Risk factors for acquired multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) are well described but risk factors of primary MDR TB is understudied. We aimed to 1) assess risk factors for primary MDR TB, including diabetes, and 2) determine if diabetes reduced the rate of sputum culture conversion in patients with primary MDR TB.
Methods: From 2011-2014 we conducted a prospective cohort study at the National Center for TB and Lung Disease in Tbilisi, Georgia. Adult (?35 years) patients with primary TB were eligible. MDR TB was defined as resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid. Patients with HbA1c ?6.5% were defined to have diabetes. Polytomous regression was used to estimate the association of patient characteristics with drug resistance. Cox regression was used to compare the hazard rate of sputum culture conversion in patients with and without diabetes.
Results: Among 318 patients, 268 had drug susceptibility test results. Among patients with DST results, 19.4% was primary MDR TB and 13.4% had diabetes. In adjusted analyses, diabetes (aOR 2.51 95%CI 1.00 – 6.31) and lower socioeconomic status (aOR 3.51 95%CI 1.56 – 8.20) were associated with primary MDR TB. Among patients with primary MDR TB, 44 (84.6%) converted sputum cultures to negative. The hazard rate of sputum culture conversion was lower among patients with diabetes (aHR 0.34 95%CI 0.13 – 0.87) and among smokers (aHR 0.16 95%CI 0.04 – 0.61).


Conclusions: We found diabetes to be associated with an increased risk of primary MDR TB; both diabetes and smoking were associated with a decreased rate of sputum culture conversion.
An Assessment of the Feasibility of Environmental Exposure Data for Syndromic Surveillance
Creators: name: Johnson, Nolan
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION: Syndromic surveillance is a method of rapid disease detection based on categories of syndromes, or signs, experienced before the full onset of disease. It is increasingly being used by government agencies and health departments to identify disease outbreaks in a timely manner. Environmental exposures are known to induce respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, tend to have a seasonality component, and adversely affect the health of millions of people.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assess the availability of environmental exposure data for air pollution (PM2.5, ozone, and NO2), pollen, and water contaminant exposure for use in a syndromic surveillance project. We also evaluate: 1) the general proximity of HMO populations to monitors, and 2) distribution of SES characteristics of the area populations with respect to monitor locations.
METHODS: We collected exposure data, patient population data, and Census tract SES data for two metropolitan areas where Kaiser Permanente (KP) provides medical services: Atlanta, Georgia and the northern Virginia, District of Columbia (DC), and Baltimore area. Exposure data for air pollution and pollen were collected for 2013-2014. Straight-line distance from a monitor to the nearest KP clinic, and from each Census tract centroid, to the nearest air pollution or pollen monitor was computed using the Euclidean distance formula.
RESULTS:

Air pollution is routinely monitored by a Federal mandate, is universally available, and easily obtained. Pollen data is collected by private entities, which in some cases hinders access. Water quality data is generally publically available, but it is collected at the source and not easily traceable to water delivery endpoints.
In both Atlanta and DC, Maryland, and Virginia most of the clinics (78% and 94%, respectively) are located within 10 miles of an air pollution monitor; approximately 83% and 94% of the KP populations were located within 10 miles of an air pollution monitor.
SES populations differ substantially by race, age, income, and education with respect to the nearest monitor. However, the median and interquartile range of various air pollutants does not differ much across the monitors – indicating that, on average, there is little SES gradient in type of level of air pollution exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study adds knowledge regarding future considerations about the coverage of environmental monitors and to what extent exposure measure estimates can be assigned to certain populations located near monitors.
Patient Satisfaction & Knowledge of Services: An Evaluation of a Street Medicine Program
Creators: name: Christensen, Aleta
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION: Healthcare needs among homeless populations are difficult to meet within the scope of a standard healthcare model. A street medicine model addresses the specific needs of those experiencing homelessness; healthcare professionals seek to build trust and rapport with people who are living unsheltered by taking their clinical practice to the streets. The street medicine program evaluated in this study provides primary and behavioral care in a metropolitan area in the Southeastern United States. AIM: This program evaluation aimed to answer the following questions: how has the street medicine program affected the perceptions of ill-health and access to healthcare among its current patients? Further, how would the current patients of the street medicine program rate their satisfaction with the program and are they aware of all available services? METHODS: Using a mixed methods approach, 40 semi-structured interviews and participant observations were conducted with patients of the street medicine program. Participants were asked to rate their satisfaction with the program and their overall health status on a 5 point Likert scale. Informed by Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) analysis methods, the qualitative data were transcribed and coded. All quantitative analyses were done using SPSS. RESULTS: Overall, 70% of participants rated their satisfaction with the street medicine program as excellent (n=28). For self-rated health status, there was a normal distribution across the Likert scale with 43% reporting their overall health status as moderate (n=17). Using CQR, four key domains emerged from the qualitative data: community trust, rapport building, needs addressed, and needs not addressed. These domains encompassed specific participant responses. Examples include: heard about the street medicine program through word of mouth (community trust), team showed kindness (rapport building), received diagnosis and treatment (needs addressed), and needing help getting into housing (needs not addressed). CONCLUSION: Overall, this study validated the effectiveness of the street medicine program in building trust and rapport with its patients. Satisfaction with the street medicine was high across patients. This study contributes information regarding patient experiences within an alternate healthcare model serving a highly vulnerable population.
The Role of Health Literacy and Numeracy on Exercise Self-efficacy and Exercise Behavior in the PAADRN Bone Health Intervention
Creators: name: Fallon, Elizabeth
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION: Osteoporotic bone fracture is a major cause of hospitalization, disability, loss of independent living capacity, and mortality among aging adults. Although physical exercise may sustain bone mineral density and prevent falls and fractures among individuals at risk for low bone mineral density, adherence to exercise recommendations is low. Increasing efficacy and effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis would benefit from examination of heterogeneity of treatment effects. Previous research indicates that poor health literacy (HL) and health numeracy (HN) may be associated with less exercise behavior and heterogeneity of treatment effects may be evident across high and low level of health literacy and/or health numeracy.
AIM: Examine heterogeneity of treatment effects due to HL/HN on post-intervention exercise self-efficacy and exercise behavior among older adults enrolled in a large, multi-site randomized controlled trial designed to increase exercise as part of osteoporosis guideline concordant care. 
METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted, utilizing a modified intent-to-treat approach. Linear mixed models with and without covariates were conducted to examine heterogeneity of treatment effects by incorporating the treatment by high/low HL/HN interaction. Analyses were conducted using pooled, as well as site-specific samples.
An Examination of Risk and Violence Indicators among a Subset of Elder Deaths in Fulton County, GA
Creators: name: Witwit, Ahmed
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION: Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (ANE) is considered as one of the hidden problems in public health. Recent studies report a prevalence of rate of 7.6-10% among individuals 65 and older; however, further research indicates only 1 in 14 cases come to the attention of the authorities. As the US population demographic continues to age (expected to reach 20% of the general population by the year 2030), there is an urgent need to understand ANE through research so that effective prevention measures can be developed, so that older adults can live with dignity and avoid needless suffering at the end of life.  The purpose of this study is to examine the saliency of ANE internal and external risk factors in a subset of elder deaths collected from the Fulton County, GA Medical Examiner database of death records.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort design was used to examine death records of 101 cases from individuals recorded to be 65 and older at death from Fulton County for the period from April to May in 2014. Associations of risk factors identified in previous ANE research were examined among the cases having markers/notations of possible violence. Bivariate analysis was performed using Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact and logistic regression were run to determine significant associations. 
RESULTS: The original dataset included 101 cases for the two-month period selected for this study. Of the 101 cases, 55 cases were included in the analysis after removing cases with missing observations. Out of the 55 eligible cases, 16 (29%) were identified as suspicious of ANE. A chi-square test was run for 7 risk factors that were suggested by the literature (higher age groups, African American, female gender, dementia and chronically ill, living alone or with family, and having an informal caregiver), only 1 risk factors maintained a statistical significance (living situation), after adjusting for living alone as reference group, logistic regression showed that living with family members maintained a statistical significance association (OR= 0.12, P=0.017). 
DISCUSSION: While this study utilized a small sample of cases, the results indicate that it is worthwhile to conduct a larger study in the future. The results of this study are important, as the detection of risk factors that may exist during older adults’ lives-may reveal important potential windows of opportunity for early intervention and prevention of escalating ANE.
A Comparative Analysis of State School Food Preparation Practices in NJ, GA & KY, 2006 - 2012
Creators: name: Battle, Shanice
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Background: Over the past decade, the U.S. has struggled to effectively address the childhood obesity epidemic. Healthy eating is paramount to child health, especially in terms of obesity prevention. The rate of obese adolescents in grades 9-12 between 2005 and 2013 remained about the same in Georgia, decreased in New Jersey, and increased in Kentucky. It is possible that school meals could be different amongst these states.

Methods: This study analyzed changes and differences in school food preparation practices between 3 selected states. These regions were chosen based on their relatively low (New Jersey), intermediate (Georgia), and high (Kentucky) obesity rates. Both SHPPS 2006 and 2012 nutrition services data was chosen for this analysis to look at changes in school food preparation practices in each state and in the overall sample over time using independent samples t-tests and one way ANOVA.

Results: Overall, statistically significant changes (p<.05) in food preparation practices were observed in seven out of 22 food preparation practice variables between 2006 and 2012. New Jersey and Georgia improved their food preparation practices between 2006 and 2012 while Kentucky improved in some areas and worsened in others. Between states comparisons showed Kentucky had several practices different from New Jersey and Georgia in 2006 but by 2012 there were very few differences between states.

Discussion: These states have improved in some areas of school food preparation practices while other areas still need improvement. The state with the highest adolescent obesity rate was the only state to show declines in the average use of healthier school food preparation practices. Public health efforts should seek to address barriers to providing healthy foods in schools for regions that show the need for intervention.
Pathway Group Lasso for Integrating Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Creators: name: Banton, Sophia
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: INTRODUCTION: Transcriptomics and metabolomics are high-throughput technologies that are critical to contemporary biomedical sciences, measuring gene expression levels and metabolite concentrations, respectively. Effective methods of integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics data are highly desired. Gene and metabolic pathways represent accumulated expert knowledge in particular domains. LASSO regression is widely used for feature selection, and group LASSO incorporates prior knowledge of groups of variables.
AIM: To address the current need to integrate the two data types, a novel approach in the framework of group LASSO was developed and tested using a set of metabolomics and transcriptomics data on malaria intermittent preventative treatment with pyrimethamine in Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
METHODS: Groups are predefined using biological pathways and variables in groups will be standardized separately. The leading principal components were obtained for each pathway for each of the two data types, and then combined into an integrated matrix, which together with the group information served as input for a group LASSO regression model.
RESULTS: We identified multiple pathways that were top contributors to the differences due to pyrimethamine exposure in the macaques and jointly predicted the association of member genes and metabolites to plasma hemoglobin levels.
DISCUSSION: By applying this integration approach via group LASSO, we identified multiple pathways that are top contributors to the differences due to pyrimethamine exposure in the macaques and jointly predicted the association of member genes and metabolites to plasma hemoglobin levels. Our findings are consistent with current literature, and provide high-quality mechanistic hypotheses. Pathway group LASSO is thus a novel and effective method of integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics data.
A Comparison of Health Information Seeking Behaviors and Attitudes of Immigrant US Residents and Native Born US Residents: Adults with Personal or Familial Experience with Cancer.
Creators: name: Chambers, Melany
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Background: There is insufficient research about the health information seeking, access, and usage among immigrants to the United States, who, face health disparities associated with their immigrant status. Health-information seeking behaviors and attitudes, unique to immigrants, need to be considered as one set of factors contributing to health disparities.
Objective: This thesis focused on identifying differences in information seeking behaviors and attitudes between natal and immigrant US residents and the subset who had either themselves had been diagnosed with cancer or who had a family member diagnosed with cancer.
Methods/Analyses: Nationally representative Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data (HINTS4Cycle 3), collected from a sample of respondents (N=3185) by mail between September and December 2013, was used for these analyses. Sample weights were applied during SAS data analysis to account for the complex survey design. Analyses assessed the frequencies of health information seeking behaviors and attitudes of natal versus immigrant US residents.
Results: Both natal and immigrant US residents indicated that the Internet was the most popular choice for seeking health or medical information (69.9% and 69.8%, respectively), with the next highest being doctor, healthcare provider, or cancer organization combined (14.3% and 17.1%, respectively). These differences in use of information sources were not significant. Both natal and immigrant US residents “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that they were frustrated (68.1% and 65.8%, respectively) and were concerned about the quality of the information (52.9% and 54.8%, respectively) during the last time they searched for health information. Again, these differences in attitudes toward information were not significant.
On the other hand, compared to natal US residents, immigrant US residents were more likely to state that their most recent search took a lot of effort (35.2% and 46.1%, respectively, p=.01). There were also moderate and significant differences between natal and immigrant respondents’ trust toward information from government health agencies (69.3% and 81.3%, respectively, p
About one-third (30.2%) of immigrant US residents reported that they spoke English “not well” or “not well at all.” Among the immigrant US residents, the Internet was the source most commonly chosen by both groups (Speak English “very well,” or “well” and speak English “not well” or “not at all”) as the source they went to first during their most recent search for health or medical information (78.1% and 45.8%, respectively, p
Conclusions: There are important differences between Internet-related health information seeking behaviors and attitudes of natal US residents and immigrant US residents.
An Examination of the Association between HSV2 and HIV1 Serostatus Outcome and Respective Risk Behaviors and Characteristics of a Population of Male Partners and Clients of Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda
Creators: name: Laliberte, Jennifer
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2016

description: Background: 
Presently, the region that disproportionally carries the highest burden of the HIV1 and HSV2 epidemic is SSA (sub-Saharan Africa). Uganda, a country in Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has both high incidence of HIV1 and high prevalence of HSV2 infection. Recent statistics demonstrate a 22% increase in HIV1 incidence from 2001 to 2011 in Uganda. A segment of this population in Uganda is composed of female sex workers (FSWs) who in Uganda account for 35 percent of the nation's HIV1 prevalence. This study explores a population of male partners and clients of these female sex workers (MPCSWs) in order to identify potential risk factors that this segment of the sex work population may contribute to HIV1 and HSV2 prevalence in the sex work population in Kampala, Uganda.
Methods: 
 Data was obtained from the 2008/2009 Crane Survey and collection of clinical data was completed with the collaboration of Uganda Ministry of Health STD/AIDS Control Programme, Makerere University School of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Four multiple logistic regression models were built with the ten chosen independent variables to identify associations among these variables and each of the four cross-classified serostatuses of HIV1 and HSV2. The level of significance of all analyses was ?=.05.
Results:
 Having a presence of a genital ulcer/sore in the last 12 months was found to have significant association with cross-classified serostatuses HIV1-, HSV2- (OR: 0.52) and HIV1+, HSV2+ (OR: 2.29). Reporting "ever been married" was found to have significant association with cross-classified serostatuses  HIV1-, HSV2- (OR: 0.52), HIV1+, HSV2- (OR: 2.90). The variable "age" was found to have significance with cross-classified serostatuses HIV1-,HSV2- (OR: 0.90), HIV1-, HSV2+ (OR: 1.06), and HIV1+, HSV2+ (OR: 1.08). Lastly, those that reported having had a circumcision had significant associations with cross-classified serostatuses  HIV1+, HSV2- (OR: 0.26) and HIV1+, HSV2+ (OR: 0.48).
Conclusion:
Although significant associations were not established across all cross-classified serostatuses for all variables found to have at least one significant association with a cross-classified serostatus, previous evidence provides support for these type of observational studies with similar survey structures to have compromised statistical power and possibly explain for why within significant variables, significant associations were not found across all outcome groups. Circumcision status and the presence of a genital ulcer/sore in the last 12 months appears to have possible important implications with acquiring both these infections, especially HIV-1 for the studied population.
Is There an Association Between Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation and Elevated Body Mass Index in Women?
Creators: name: Rucker, Jennifer
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2015

description: Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States. Its objective is to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Women represent 28% of participants. Low-income individuals and women have the highest rates of obesity.
Objective: Determine if there is an association between participation in SNAP and elevated body mass index (BMI) in low-income women.
Design: A cross-sectional analysis was performed with National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2009-2010 dataset. The study population comprised 788 women between the ages of 18 and 65, who were not pregnant, with household incomes ? 130% of the federal poverty level. More than half (57%) of the study population were SNAP participants. Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between SNAP participation and BMI, as well as selected sociodemographic variables; race, country of birth, education level, marital status, total number in household, insurance coverage, physical activity, and food security.
Results: SNAP participants were more likely to be overweight or obese than non-SNAP participants. There were no statistically significant associations found between SNAP participation and elevated BMI. Having health insurance was associated with elevated BMI in both univariate (OR: 1.339; 95% CI: 1.006, 1.781; P? 0.05) and multivariate analyses (OR: 1.479; 95% CI: 1.079, 2.2028; P? 0.05).
Conclusion: Though there was no statistically significant association between SNAP participation and elevated BMI due to limitations of the dataset, some relationship does seem to exist. Health insurance was the only variable positively associated with elevated BMI. Further investigation of obesity in low-income women and other populations is necessary to better align SNAP with dietary guidelines.
An Evaluation of Worksite Wellness Program Components within the Corporate and Academic Settings
Creators: name: Jones, Jalisa
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2016

description: As healthcare within the United States continues to evolve, novel and innovative programs are needed to address the top three leading causes of death, which are largely lifestyle and behavioral related: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. About 50% of U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease. Entities such as the government, employers, and employees are responsible for paying for America’s healthcare bill; 60% U.S. healthcare is paid by employers. A current solution to reducing healthcare costs and the prevalence of chronic disease are worksite wellness programs, which increasingly are being adopted by employers. The purpose of this study is to conduct secondary analysis to assess worksite wellness program components and best practices as defined by program managers within the corporate and university settings. Qualitative analyses was undertaken to analyze and identify common themes from case studies of nine university wellness programs and interview transcripts from the perspective of eleven wellness program managers from the corporate and university settings. The study findings suggest that programs within the university setting target multiple population demographics. They also seek to improve more than the physical dimension of wellness. As mentioned by the program managers, previous literature, communication, consistency, and components that address multi-dimensions are found to be the best practices of their program. To engage program participants, it is suggested that program managers should seek to expand their programs, collaborate, communicate, and be consistent. To confirm these findings, future studies that use a larger sample of universities and corporations should further assess program components and employee participation.
Electronic Health Records and Immunization Information Systems Interoperability: Measuring Impact on Immunization Outcomes
Creators: name: Bryant, Amanda
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2016

description: INTRODUCTION:  Immunization is an intervention proven to reduce morbidity and mortality for several infectious diseases, yet coverage remains less than optimal, especially among minorities and the poor.  Challenges to adequate coverage are associated with access and consolidated immunization documentation to support clinical immunization decision making.  Efforts to improve access and service delivery include Community Guide recommended interventions, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, and electronic data exchange between provider electronic health records (EHR) and state and city immunization information systems (IIS). 
AIM: The purpose of this study is to 1) determine if EHR-IIS interoperability improves immunization outcomes and 2) identify how EHR-IIS interoperability may improve the capacity to support activities to increase appropriate immunization. 
METHODS: Data reported by state IIS for immunization provider sites both prior to and after the establishment of or the improvement of an existing EHR-IIS interface were analyzed to examine changes in 1) the mean difference in the proportion of 19 to 35 month old children at these sites who were up-to-date for age-appropriate immunizations, and 2) the mean difference in completion of key demographic and vaccine-related fields for 4m to 6 year-old children associated with enhanced sites in the IIS. 
RESULTS:  Statistical analysis yielded evidence of a positive change in the mean difference in the proportion of children aged 4m to 6 years with key demographic and vaccine data in IIS.  A statistically significant change in the mean difference of up-to-date status in 19 to 35 month olds was not detected.
DISCUSSION: Evidence suggests that EHR-IIS interoperability can improve the capacity of IIS in targeting of immunization services to underserved populations and support accountability for the VFC program. Implementation of EHR-IIS interfaces must be performed thoughtfully and support accountability and with an understanding of the impact of the interface on IIS data used to support immunization program activities.  Immunization outcomes for children at provider sites engaging in electronic data exchange with IIS should continue to be monitored. Additional analysis must be done to identify the interoperability factors that are positively and negatively associated with improved immunization outcomes.
Correlation Between Nutritional Indicators and Low CD4 Count (<200 cells/mm3 ) among HIV Positive Adults in Kapiri, Zambia 2008-2009
Creators: name: Fofana, Kadija
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2016

description: 
 
Correlation Between Nutritional Indicators and Low CD4 Count (<200 cells/mm3 ) among HIV Positive Adults in Kapiri, Zambia 2008-2009 
By Kadija C. Fofana
 
Background  
The co-morbidity of malnutrition and HIV is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to the pervasiveness of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity in this region. Limited research has been done to assess the association between nutritional indicators and CD4 count among ART-naïve populations in resource scarce settings. It was specifically of our interest to assess various nutritional indicators as factors correlated with low CD4 cell count (< 200 cells/mm3).
Methods
From 2008-2009, HIV positive adult males and non-pregnant females completed nutritional assessments at a Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) HIV clinic in Kapiri, Zambia. First recorded CD4 cell counts were used in this analysis. In this cross-sectional analysis, sex-stratified multivariate logistic regression models assessed the association between various nutritional indicators and CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/mm3.
Results
51% of males and 50% of females had a first recorded CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3. Among males, a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) categorization as ‘undernourished’ (aPR= 1.5113, 95% CI = 1.1451-1.9946, p = 0.0035) was associated with CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/mm3. Among females, an MUAC categorization as ‘undernourished’ (aPR = 1.4212, 95% CI 1.1027-1.8318, p= 0.0066) was associated with CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/mm3.
Conclusion
In sex-specific multivariate analyses, MUAC (undernourished) among both males and females was the only nutritional indicator associated with the outcome. It may be of interest to further investigate the impact of MUAC as an insightful anthropometric measure in the evaluation of immunological outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in light of differences between sex and the overall nutritional status of the studied population.