An Interdisciplinary Approach to Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Hesitancy Among Community Health Fair Participants in Gwinnett County, GA

Purpose Vaccine uptake hesitancy is a key factor affecting public health, notably during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this is of utmost importance and poses a great challenge requiring effective communication and education. Presently, concerns raised by the public regarding hesitancy include uncertainty about vaccine safety, vaccines being produced too quickly, personal fears and beliefs, conspiracy theories, myths, misinformation, and religious leaders’ misinformation to their congregations. The purpose of this project was to identify some barriers for COVID -19 vaccine uptake hesitancy among non-vaccinated individuals attending community health fairs and possibly address their concerns through education and proper communication. Methods This service project was conducted over two consecutive health fairs in Gwinnett County, GA held in July and September 2021, respectively, each for 3 hours. The program was governed by an interdisciplinary team of eight students and two faculty advisors from the PCOM Georgia school of pharmacy, doctor of osteopathic medicine and masters of biomedical sciences programs and was carried out as a booth-led discussion with health fair attendees. The team held thorough and interactive sessions with both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals over the course of each health fair while seeking to ascertain the reasons behind non-vaccinated individuals’ hesitancy. Furthermore, the team educated all participants about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines in contrast to the risks of acquiring COVID-19 without prior immunity. This was in addition to addressing individual concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines. Pamphlets debunking common COVID-19 vaccine myths with cited facts were distributed to participants to facilitate communication and provide vaccine education. Results As expected per observation and during the booth-led discussions, most of the non vaccinated individuals’ concerns were related to the uncertainty about the COVID-19 vaccines and their safety, fears and beliefs, faith-based hesitations and the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines prevalent on social media. Surprisingly, most of the participants who refused to take the vaccine disclosed a faith- based rationale. On the contrary, some individuals who delayed to be vaccinated were those who expressed concern about the uncertainty of the appropriate vaccine suitable for them. A subset of individuals also expressed concern about the side effects and a consequent delay of their vaccination due to their perceived risk of down-time due to side effects. Overall, we observed that most individuals who were non-vaccinated expressed concerns governed by fears and uncertainty of the vaccines themselves rather than of the governed by fears and uncertainty of the vaccines themselves rather than of the COVID-19 virus-induced disease itself. Conclusion In Gwinnett County, GA, as in much of the country, vaccine hesitancy is a great challenge posing a threat for adequate vaccine uptake. Individual beliefs and uncertainty can be curtailed through proper communication and education. The myths and conspiracies surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines can be addressed in a grassroots manner with interdisciplinary health professional students under faculty guidance. Increasing public awareness of these concerns through proper education, communication and helping to debunk some of these myths surrounding the COVID 19 vaccine can help alleviate these fears and possibly increase vaccination rates which will consequently bring us closer to herd immunity

Etude de l'empoisonnement des catalyseurs de FCC par le nickel et le vanadium

SIGLEINIST T 72594 / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc

Social Media and Digital Epidemiology

As a result of the Modern Communication Revolution the notion of healthcare and health in general has been removed from isolated offices and organizations and brought into the public sphere. Mass exchange of data and information is taking place over social media and giving rise to a new field of epidemiology. This new field, being coined digital epidemiology, is the use of trending social media tweets and posts for real-time analysis, intervention, and even predictions of health-related events. Digital epidemiology has enabled broader health communication, alternative disaster relief, and tracking of real-time disease outbreaks. As a result, two seemingly unique fields, social media and health, are converging in complex and intricate ways. Social media has been utilized as both an intentional driver to influence epidemiological response, in cases such as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, but also during an unintentional driver through the spread of heightened awareness and concern as seen through the Ebola virus outbreak. Through social media, public awareness on various diseases and outbreaks has greatly increased and has seemingly generated a ripple effect of both private and public funding and general response efforts toward a “trending” disease. Social media has the potential to elicit great effects in healthcare; however, it raises cause for concern with regards to the spread of misinformation. Consequently, further analysis is necessary in order to better understand and construct meaningful practices that minimize the negative impacts of social media and utilize its numerous advantages

Stem Cell Transplant in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes: Arresting Autoimmunity and Preserving ß- Cell Function

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune-mediated disease that causes progressive beta cell death. At the time of diagnosis up to 20% of remaining beta cell mass is still able to produce insulin. Methods to halt autoimmunity in those newly diagnosed with T1D are a promising research avenue. To date, three clinical trials have been performed using non-myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants (AHSCT). We performed a meta-analysis of the results from the three clinical trials to determine positive and negative prognostic factors for the patients’ response to AHSCT. Methods: Factors examined include sex, age, presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis, glycated hemoglobin (A1c), and levels of antibodies. The primary measurements was length of time subjects were able to discontinue insulin (calculated as the length of time free from exogenous insulin divided by the total follow-up for that subject). . In addition, for subjects with longitudinal data, trends in C-peptide (a measure of endogenous insulin production) and levels of antibodies were analyzed to determine whether beta cell function was preserved and autoimmunity reversed. Results: DKA at diagnosis was significantly associated with the following factors: age younger than 20 years (p=0.0314), a shorter time free from insulin post-treatment (

Targeting resistance-nodulation division family efflux pumps in A. baumanii for new advances in antibiotic discovery

There has been a lack of new drugs and platforms of discovery and research has dramatically has slowed down in the research of antibiotics. As a family, gram-negative bacteria have long developed the ability to be multidrug resistant (MDR). The major focus of this review is to highlight discoveries in gram-negative bacterial pathogens, specifically Acinetobacter baumanii. A. Baumanii is one of many types of bacteria that have developed MDR and is a high occurrence in the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, along with nosocomial bloodstream infections in United States hospitals. MDR in bacteria often occurs through either reduced permeability of the drug, increased efflux of the drug out of the cell, or through modification of antibiotic target receptors. Only recently has new antibiotic research focused on genetic modification of efflux pumps. In A. baumanii genes AdeABC and AdelJK may be involved in multidrug resistance via efflux pumps. Current research tends to focus on the resistance-nodulation division (RND) family efflux pump, often targeted with carbapanems, penicillin, cephalosporin, and aminoglycosides, which over time cause increased up regulation of efflux pumps in A. baumanii. More specifically there exists 22 additional genes that have been identified as RND family efflux pump modulators, and more study is needed to determine their effect in efflux pump regulation. Focusing on efflux pumps in gram-negative bacteria can provide a new platform for antibiotic discovery and could expedite the need for new broad-spectrum antibiotics

A Comprehensive Review of Yoga-based Intervention for Children

The movement of incorporating yoga and meditation programs into schools has become a current sensation in the United States. Historically, qualitative research measuring yoga and meditation’s effectiveness has laid the groundwork for recent quantitative studies. One study claims that yoga may induce immunoglobulin genetic variant shifts toward better health. Most of the variables isolated in yoga studies offer mental and behavioral health benefits for school-aged children. Research on cerebral cortical changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA-axis) induced by high cortisol levels illustrated externalization of behaviors in children. To this end, a review of the reduction in cortisol levels in younger populations with yoga-meditation intervention programs has shown to be beneficial. Positive outcomes in self-esteem and a reduction in aggressiveness have been widely reported with yoga trials in children. Further, an intervention of yoga and mindfulness with obese children showed a positive impact on reducing BMI levels and decreasing overall negative feelings. The empirical relevance of the social and emotional impact of yoga and meditation is clear yet needs further replication and increased methodology rigor of study designs. The direction for future research is toward more quantitatively, replicable studies that will assist in developing and validating the need for additional school-based yoga programs

The Mechanisms of Genetically Modified Vaccinia Viruses for the Treatment of Cancer

The use of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer is an emerging field of cancer research and therapy. Oncolytic viruses are designed to induce tumor specific immunity while replicating selectively within cancer cells to cause lysis of the tumor cells. While there are several forms of oncolytic viruses, the use of vaccinia viruses for oncolysis may be more beneficial than other forms of oncolytic viruses. For example, vaccinia viruses have been shown to exert their anti-tumor effects through genetic engineering strategies which enhance their therapeutic efficacy. This paper will address some of the most common forms of genetically modified vaccinia viruses and will explore the mechanisms whereby they selectively target, enter and destroy cancer cells. Furthermore, this review will highlight how vaccinia viruses activate host immune responses against cancer cells and will address clinical trials evaluating the tumor-directed and killing efficacy of these viruses against solid tumors. While there are several forms of oncolytic viruses, the use of vaccinia viruses for oncolysis may be more beneficial than other forms of oncolytic viruses. For example, vaccinia viruses have been shown to exert their anti-tumor effects through genetic engineering strategies which enhance their therapeutic efficacy. This paper will address some of the most common forms of genetically modified vaccinia viruses and will explore the mechanisms whereby they selectively target, enter and destroy cancer cells. Furthermore, this review will highlight how vaccinia viruses activate host immune responses against cancer cells and will address clinical trials evaluating the tumor-directed and killing efficacy of these viruses against solid tumors

Utilization of Semi-Solid Agar Inoculation in Microbial Co-culture Yields a Bacteria with Antibiotic Properties Against MRSA

Microbial co-culture has many important applications, not least of which being the identification of novel antibiotic factors. Semi-solid agar inoculation co-culture is an innovative technique that aims to increase the yield and biodiversity of cultured environmental samples and to physically separate bacteria to aid in the isolation process. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) inoculated into semi-solid tryptic soy agar (TSA) with a 1% agar concentration was able to proliferate and disseminate throughout the entirety of the plate without difficulty. Bacteria isolated from soil obtained from Radium Springs, Georgia was cultured onto MRSA-inoculated agar using a point inoculation technique. Isolates of interest were identified by their ability to produce a zone of inhibition whereby inoculated MRSA had a decrease or absence of growth in the region containing the proliferating soil colony and 1-2 mm beyond its borders. Due to the ability of secreted factors to diffuse throughout the semi-solid agar, interactions between the microorganisms, or lack thereof, were readily seen. Results revealed a Gram-positive bacteria that demonstrated inhibitory effects in multiple co-culture experiments. Preliminary characterization showed the inhibitory bacteria to be bacillus shaped and non-spore-forming amongst other properties. Current findings suggest that this bacterium may be the source of a novel antibiotic with the potential to inhibit MRSA

Effects of Mass Culture Technique on Microbial Yield and Biodiversity

The great plate count anomaly describes the phenomena whereby the yield and diversity of microbes cultured from environmental samples are lower than expected. The difference in expected versus obtained results is due to many factors, including lack of access to environmental nutrients and change in growth conditions. This study examined the effect of various culturing methods on both biodiversity and yield of environmental samples. Culturing techniques utilized included serial dilution plating, filter stamping, filtrate culturing, and semi-solid agar inoculation co-culture. Each technique alters the density of the microbes in the environmental sample either by changing the sample concentration or excluding by size. In addition, co-culturing increases likelihood that growth factors will be produced. Microbial density produced by each method was comparable but differed based on the degree of sample dilution. The diversity of cultured samples, defined by differences in colony morphology, was greatest for the serial dilution plating and co-culturing methods. Results indicate that size exclusion, as well as differences in sample concentration of the various culturing methods, has a great effect on microbe biodiversity in mass culture. Due to the urgent need for novel antibiotics, understanding the effect of mass culturing methods on microbial yield can aid in determining the experimental design for isolating antibiotic-producing microbes from environmental samples

Student Perceptions of COVID-19 Vaccines Amidst College Vaccine Mandate Reveals Educational Gaps

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among interdisciplinary student bodies at the PCOM campuses and provide evidence-based education of the role of vaccination in mitigating the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of two educational COVID-19 Vaccines Debunked sessions were created and hosted by an interdisciplinary team of eight healthcare professional students from the PCOM Georgia campusʼ Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Biomedical Sciences programs. The event was promoted to students from all of PCOMʼs professional and graduate programs across three campuses. Interested students were required to pre-register and offered an opportunity to complete an anonymous survey before each session including demographics, overall attitude, and motivations for receiving or not receiving the vaccine. Results were analyzed using Qualtrics, LLC. Each one hour session was held in-person on PCOM GA campus with other campuses having the opportunity to join virtually. Each session commenced with a brief introduction of the student panelists and advising faculty followed by a brief overview of the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine mechanisms. Using an interactive presentation with real-time anonymous polling, the student panelists presented factual evidence to debunk the most common vaccine myths, as reported in real-time by student attendees. Following the myth-busting segment, student panelists facilitated a fifteen minute question and answer session with options for anonymous participation by student attendees. Due to the spread of misinformation along with recent vaccine mandates, it was hypothesized during data collection that there would be hesitancy among students regarding the vaccine and mandate. Results: A total of 283 students participated in the sessions and completed an anonymous survey with just over half of the student body indicating no hesitancy in receiving the vaccine with 79% in agreement with the vaccine mandate policy. While exploring COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and common misconceptions, we were surprised to find that during both sessions the students inquired the most about information on how to approach individuals who were hesitant to get the vaccine with over 90% of the student body asserting the need for vaccine education among healthcare students. The interactive format of the event and preparedness of the panel participants allowed flexibility for a plethora of topics to be discussed regardless of the initial intent. The anonymity allowed for a more robust student participation. Additionally, the anonymous polling platform allowed the team to better prepare for the second session according to the questions asked during the first session. Finally, the interprofessional nature of the student team offered an opportunity for discipline-specific means of communicating for effective vaccine advocacy as health professional students were eager to be better equipped to address vaccine hesitancy in an evidenced-based manner. Conclusion: Students and future healthcare professionals are often the liaison between scientific information and loved ones. This session highlighted educational gaps for providing tools to access credible information, discerning reputable sources, interpreting and relaying information effectively. It is essential we address how to effectively bridge the gap between research, healthcare, education and patients in the upcoming generation of healthcare professionals to ensure the longevity of public trust in science. In the effort to gain herd immunity, this is an apparent barrier which is seen across interdisciplinary health professionals and graduate students