Exploration of Significant Relationships between Gut Microbiota Variables and Obesity Measures in the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Obesity rates have more than doubled in the past twenty years in both Western and Westernizing countries. China especially has seen a dramatic increase in obesity prevalence of almost 10% from 1992 to 2002 (20.0 to 29.9%). Much of the research surrounding this increase has focused on the association between diet and obesity. However, there has been a recent surge in the research surrounding gut microbiota and their relationship with obesity measures. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), this paper explores the relationship between various gut microbiota variables and obesity measures through linear regression models. Models were computed, both unadjusted and with covariate adjustment, with false discovery rates (FDR) adjustments made for multiple comparisons and significant probabilities were reported for each of the taxonomic classifications available in the CHNS. Unadjusted results suggest that the bacteria phyla of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Euryarchaeota may be the strongest predictors of obesity measures. However, this relationship does not hold for adjusted models as the significant phyla are mixed.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt

Programming for the Collegiate Orchestra

Programming for the modern American orchestra is a process deeply rooted in tradition. Yet, programming styles vary greatly between collegiate and professional ensembles. This thesis explores orchestral programming through the lens of six collegiate conductors from across the United States. Results from both qualitative and quantitative data illuminate the complex process of programming for collegiate orchestra directors and highlight how their processes differ from that of professional ensembles.Bachelor of Science in Public Healt

Racial and ethnic differences and COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in drug overdose deaths in North Carolina

Purpose To examine racial/ethnic differences and COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in key characteristics of drug overdose deaths in North Carolina. Methods We used North Carolina State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (NC-SUDORS) data to describe specific drug-involvement, bystander presence, and naloxone administration for drug overdose deaths by race/ethnicity during pre-COVID-19 (May 2019–February 2020) and COVID-19 periods (March 2020–December 2020). Results For all racial/ethnic groups, drug overdose death rates and the percentage with fentanyl and alcohol involvement increased from the pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 period, with fentanyl involvement highest among American Indian/Alaska Native (82.2%) and Hispanic (81.4%) individuals and alcohol involvement highest among Hispanic individuals (41.2%) during the COVID-19 period. Cocaine involvement remained high among Black non-Hispanic individuals (60.2%) and increased among American Indian/Alaska Native individuals (50.6%). There was an increase in the percentage of deaths with a bystander present from the pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 period for all racial/ethnic groups, with more than half having a bystander present during the COVID-19 period. There was a decrease in the percentage with naloxone administered for most racial/ethnic groups, with the lowest percentage among Black non-Hispanic individuals (22.7%). Conclusions Efforts to address increasing inequities in drug overdose deaths, including expanded community naloxone access, are needed

Development and Application of an Interdisciplinary Rapid Message Testing Model for COVID-19 in North Carolina

Introduction From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have sought to develop evidence-based messages to reduce COVID-19 transmission by communicating key information to media outlets and the public. We describe the development of an interdisciplinary rapid message testing model to quickly create, test, and share messages with public health officials for use in health campaigns and policy briefings. Methods An interdisciplinary research team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill assembled in March 2020 to assist the state health department in developing evidence-based messages to influence social distancing behaviors in the state. We developed and iteratively executed a rapid message testing model; the components of the 4-step model were message creation, survey development, survey administration, and analysis and presentation to health department officials. The model was executed 4 times, each during a 7-day period in April and May, and each subsequent survey included new phrasing and/or messaging informed by the previous week’s survey. A total of 917 adults from North Carolina participated in the 4 surveys. Results Survey participants rated messages focused on protecting oneself and others higher than messages focused on norms and fear-based approaches. Pairing behaviors with motivations increased participants’ desire to social distance across all themes and subgroups. For example, adding “Protect your grandmother, your neighbor with cancer, and your best friend with asthma,” to messaging received a 0.9-point higher score than the base message, “Stay 6 feet apart from others when out in public.” Practice Implications Our model to promote social distancing in North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic can be used for rapid, iterative message testing during public health emergencies