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Ice water immersion does not activate diffuse noxious inhibitory controls of spinal reflexes in sedated or anaesthetised dogs (Canis familiaris): a pilot study
Get PDFIntroduction: Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) may be impaired in human subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Spontaneously occurring OA in dogs is considered a valuable model of human OA; however, methodology for assessing DNIC in dogs has not been fully developed. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable DNIC protocol using ice water immersion, similar to protocols used in humans. Objective: This study objective was to create an experimental protocol for inducing DNIC in sedated or anesthetized dogs, ensuring it has face validity for future assessments of DNIC in studies involving the spontaneous canine OA model. We hypothesized that inducing DNIC in healthy dogs would result in a reduced electromyographic (EMG) response to a specific nociceptive stimulus. Methods: Electromyographic (EMG) responses of the cranial tibial muscle to test electrical stimuli and interdigital skin temperature were recorded in seven healthy dogs before and during a 20-min duration conditioning ice water immersion of the distal forelimb. The protocol was repeated for each dog using three different states: sedation with acepromazine or alfaxalone or anaesthesia with alfaxalone. Results: Ice water immersion caused a decrease of interdigital skin temperature in dogs in all three groups with the nadir (4.9–13.6°C) at 10 min following immersion. Skin temperatures remained significantly higher (p = 0.018) in alfaxalone sedated compared to acepromazine sedated dogs and returned to baseline more quickly than in acepromazine sedated dogs. Magnitudes of EMG responses were significantly larger in acepromazine sedated dogs compared to alfaxalone treated dogs (p < 0.001). DNIC was not induced, as the EMG magnitude did not significantly change over time for either the early (p = 0.07) or late responses (p = 0.27), and no significant interactions were observed between time and anaesthetic state in relation to EMG magnitude. Conclusion: Our data suggest that a cold conditioning stimulus failed to elicit DNIC. It is possible that the magnitude of the conditioning stimulus was not sufficient to recruit DNIC in dogs
Sensitive and modular amplicon sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum diversity and resistance for research and public health
Get PDFTargeted amplicon sequencing is a powerful and efficient tool for interrogating the Plasmodium falciparum genome, generating actionable data from infections to complement traditional malaria epidemiology. For maximum impact, genomic tools should be multi-purpose, robust, sensitive, and reproducible. We developed, characterized, and implemented MAD4HatTeR, an amplicon sequencing panel based on Multiplex Amplicons for Drug, Diagnostic, Diversity, and Differentiation Haplotypes using Targeted Resequencing, along with a bioinformatic pipeline for data analysis. Additionally, we introduce an analytical approach to detect gene duplications and deletions from amplicon sequencing data. Laboratory control and field samples were used to demonstrate the panel’s high sensitivity and robustness. MAD4HatTeR targets 165 highly diverse loci, focusing on multiallelic microhaplotypes, key markers for drug and diagnostic resistance (including duplications and deletions), and CSP and potential vaccine targets. The panel can also detect non-falciparum Plasmodium species. MAD4HatTeR successfully generated data from low-parasite-density dried blood spot and mosquito midgut samples and detected minor alleles at within-sample allele frequencies as low as 1% with high specificity in high-parasite-density dried blood spot samples. Gene deletions and duplications were reliably detected in mono- and polyclonal controls. Data generated by MAD4HatTeR were highly reproducible across multiple laboratories. The successful implementation of MAD4HatTeR in five laboratories, including three in malaria-endemic African countries, showcases its feasibility and reproducibility in diverse settings. MAD4HatTeR is thus a powerful tool for research and a robust resource for malaria public health surveillance and control
How Can (A)I Research This? An Autoethnographic Exploration of Generative AI in Research, Teaching and Instructional Design
Get PDFThe autoethnographic study investigates the transformative impact of generative AI on educational research, instructional design, and teaching practices over a 5-month period (May–October 2024). By integrating AI tools into every phase of the research process, the study examines AI’s role as both a research partner and a subject of inquiry. Field notes, queries, and AI-generated outputs were systematically collected, creating a corpus for analysis. Grounded in activity theory, this research offers a reflective narrative on the evolving work routines of instructional designers and educators, emphasizing the orchestration of technology rather than prescriptive best practices. The study contributes to educational technology research by documenting the use of AI at a specific point in time, providing a foundation for future inquiry into the practical implications of AI in education
Moral Machine Learning: Teaching a Course at the Intersection of Applied Statistics and Moral Philosophy
Get PDFStatistical applications are increasingly inducing ethical considerations, which are often not able to be resolved via statistics alone. In this paper, we present a proposed course that combines applied statistics and moral philosophy. The instructional methods included are designed with implementation at a large research institution in mind but are fully intended to be transferable to any setting adopting such an interdisciplinary course into its curriculum. The aforementioned methods will foreground case-studies as tangible examples in a recurrent workflow involving identification of a dilemma, statistical analysis, philosophical defense, and application to the particular case study. Formative and summative assessment mechanisms will be presented alongside future directions and potential pitfalls of such a course. Motivating the proposed course is a desire to fill the comparative void in moral reasoning for statistics and data science curricula
Medicaid Expansion and US Mortality Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2018-2022.
Get PDFObjectives. To examine the association of state Medicaid expansion status with mortality changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Methods. Deaths among individuals 20 to 64 years of age in 3142 counties were identified from 2018 to 2022 mortality surveillance data. Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated for each county and by cause of death. Changes in mortality rates before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (2018-2019 vs 2021-2022) in Medicaid expansion states relative to nonexpansion states were calculated after adjustment for county sociodemographic factors and state COVID-19 vaccination rates. Results. All-cause mortality rates increased in 2020-2021 nationwide and decreased slightly in 2022. Overall, the increase was slower in Medicaid expansion states, leading to a net decrease of 31.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.9, 42.8) deaths per 100 000 person-years associated with Medicaid expansion from 2018-2019 to 2021-2022. The decrease was largest for deaths from heart disease and liver disease and was observed across subpopulations stratified by sex, age, and race. Conclusions. Increases in mortality rates were slower in Medicaid expansion states than in nonexpansion states during the COVID-19 public health emergency, suggesting a protective effect of Medicaid expansion on population health during the pandemic. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print April 3, 2025:e1-e10. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308045)
A global collaboration for systematic analysis of broad-ranging antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Get PDFThe Coronavirus Immunotherapeutic Consortium (CoVIC) conducted side-by-side comparisons of over 400 anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike therapeutic antibody candidates contributed by large and small companies as well as academic groups on multiple continents. Nine reference labs analyzed antibody features, including in vivo protection in a mouse model of infection, spike protein affinity, high-resolution epitope binning, ACE-2 binding blockage, structures, and neutralization of pseudovirus and authentic virus infection, to build a publicly accessible dataset in the database CoVIC-DB. High-throughput, high-resolution binning of CoVIC antibodies defines a broad and predictive landscape of antibody epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and identifies features associated with durable potency against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and high in vivo efficacy. Results of the CoVIC studies provide a guide for selecting effective and durable antibody therapeutics and for immunogen design as well as providing a framework for rapid response to future viral disease outbreaks
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT, SERVICES, AND SUPPORT FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS IN VANCE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Get PDFSocial isolation and loneliness are growing public health concerns that disproportionately affect African American adults in rural communities. This capstone project explores the social and community context of health in Vance County, North Carolina—a region marked by high social vulnerability, racial health disparities, and limited access to community engagement opportunities. Through a systems-oriented approach, this project identifies social isolation among African American adults as a pressing social determinant of health (SDOH) and analyzes the structural, economic, and historical contributors to this issue. The project includes a comprehensive social determinants of health analysis, a leadership strategy featuring the development of a community-driven steering committee, and a systems-level framework supported by a causal loop diagram. Interventions emphasize expanding transportation access, investing in public spaces, strengthening broadband infrastructure, and leveraging culturally grounded community programs to foster social engagement. Additionally, a visual "rich picture" included in the report illustrates the complexity of the problem and highlights both current barriers and potential solutions. By highlighting key leverage points and barriers, this work outlines a path for county commissioners to create sustainable, equity-driven solutions that promote social connectivity and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Vance County.Master of Public Healt
IMPROVING CHILD FOOD SECURITY WITH SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS IN GRANVILLE AND VANCE COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA
Get PDFThis report is generated by the economic group for the commissioner’s office and examines the critical issue of child food insecurity in Granville and Vance Counties in North Carolina. The contextual analysis evaluates the current and historical socio-economic factors that contribute to food insecurity, a high-priority social determinant of health that has a long-lasting impact on children’s mental and physical health. A multifaceted approach was utilized for stakeholder mapping and engagement, analysis of past policies, and development of new potential policies. The design process utilized quality tools to develop the change idea, focusing on and enhancing the school meal program and enhancing local food access. The design process emphasized the feasibility, sustainability, and scalability of the school meal program by establishing a steering committee to oversee the implementation and iteration process. This comprehensive assessment aims to inform policy and practice to reduce child food insecurity and improve health outcomes.Master of Public Healt
POPULATION HEALTH OUTCOMES & THE IMPORTANCE OF STRUCTURED DATA FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Get PDFIntroduction: Population Health Outcomes (PHOs) collected between accreditation cycles have shown limited impact in demonstrating Health Department (HD) accreditation outcomes. Due to HDs' dissatisfaction and the extensive time required for reporting, the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is considering changes. This study explores the challenges and potential improvements through interviews with PHAB staff.
Methods: Thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with five key informants from PHAB’s Accreditation & Recognition and Research & Product Development teams. Informants provided insights on strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement, including equity integration. A coding tool was used to analyze responses.
Results: 42% of codes suggested improvements, with "Storytelling" as the most common theme. 30% of codes addressed challenges, while only 8% highlighted positive aspects.
Conclusion: Revising the PHOs reporting process could make data more intuitive and better demonstrate the impact of accreditation.
Master of Public Healt
Pay-it-forward as a strategy to increase vaccine uptake
Get PDFLow vaccine coverage is a critical global health issue. The pay-it-forward strategy offers a promising solution by encouraging individuals who receive subsidies or free vaccines to donate for future recipients, fostering community engagement and trust in vaccine services. However, challenges remain for scaling up and sustaining this strategy and should be addressed through future large-scale implementation trials