Health Education and Promotion
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Item Restricted COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT INSECTICIDE EXPOSURE METHODS TO ASSESS INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IN MOSQUITOES(2025-04-28) Rush, Emma SuzanneMosquito issues related to pathogen transmission and nuisance are handled by mosquito control programs throughout North Carolina and elsewhere. Field trials are a common method for evaluating the efficacy of insecticide-formulated products (FP); however, this method is cumbersome, expensive, and labor-intensive. A novel compact wind tunnel used in a laboratory setting was developed as an alternative method for evaluating FP efficacy and mosquito mortality was compared between the field trial and wind tunnel methods of exposure. Two different FP (Biomist® 3+15 and Duet®) were applied to wild and laboratory populations of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus. The field trial included FP application via truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) equipment to caged mosquitoes set up in a 9 x 3 grid with 100 ft distances between rows of stations. Mosquitoes were transferred to clean cages immediately post-exposure, incubated at 28°C, and mortality monitored for 36 h. Wind tunnel experiments consisted of exposing each replicate mosquito cage to aerosolized FP for 10 s, following the same post-exposure methods as in the field trial. Mosquito knockdown was recorded 2 h post-exposure, and mortality was recorded at 36 h. Mosquito mortality in the group exposed to FP at 100 ft (closest location to ULV treatment) during the field trial was similar (p>0.05) to mosquitoes exposed in the wind tunnel for Biomist® and Duet®. Mosquito mortality in the group exposed to FP 200 ft and 300 ft from the field trial spray line was similar to the wind tunnel for Duet®, but significantly lower than wind tunnel results for Biomist® (200 ft: p=0.019, 300 ft: p=0.049). There was nearly 100% mortality in the lab Ae. albopictus, wild Ae. albopictus, and lab Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus for Biomist® and Duet® in the wind tunnel, but field trial results varied depending on distance from the spray line and mosquito population. Wild Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus showed insecticide resistance in both the field trial and wind tunnel experiments for all tested FP. Based on these results, the wind tunnel could be used as a screening step for FP or a potential alternative testing method when field trials are not possible.Item Restricted Evaluating Treatment Efficacy of a Novel Nano-Antibiotic against Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Planktonic and Biofilm Forms in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Model(2025-04-30) Garcia, Lauren CBackground: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is a bacterium often found during advanced stages of muco-obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients with COPD hyperaccumulate thick mucus that impairs ciliary movement within the airways. Pa binds to glycosylated mucin proteins in the mucus, which enables Pa to evade antibiotic treatment (i.e., Tobramycin) regardless of frequency or dosage; this forms a favorable environment for recurrent and chronic bacterial lung infections, exacerbated symptoms, and higher mortality rates. Antibiotic treatment failure remains a challenge, contributing to 4.95 million deaths in 2019, globally. Objectives: This study’s objective was to determine the efficacy of amino-functionalized silver nanoparticles (NH2-AgNPs) in inhibiting both planktonic and biofilm forms of Pa growth under low and high mucin environments, mimicking the airway milieu of patients with early and chronic stages of COPD. Methods: PAO1 strain was used for multiple toxicity bioassays, including growth assay, cell leakage assay, resazurin cell viability assay, crystal violet biofilm inhibition assay, and Pierce Bradford protein assay. Results: NH2-AgNPs were significantly inhibitory to both the planktonic and biofilm forms of Pa at ≥1 µg/mL compared to Tobramycin. These results suggest higher potency of NH2-AgNPs over Tobramycin in inhibiting Pa infections in in-vitro COPD model.Item Restricted Buprenorphine Prescription in North Carolina(2025-04-15) Wood, MadisonA 2022 report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 75% of overdose deaths involved the use of opioids. Medications such as Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Naltrexone can be used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), and they are referred to as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and activating them less than a full agonist (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine). This can decrease an individual's reliance on stronger opioids. Increasing the accessibility of Buprenorphine among individuals with OUD is essential to decreasing the prevalence of overdose-related deaths. In June 2023, the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act decreased barriers and eliminated the x-waiver requirement for clinicians to prescribe Buprenorphine. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of Buprenorphine prescription among clinicians in Pitt County, North Carolina, after the x-waiver was eliminated in June 2023. Due to the MAT act and x-waiver elimination, we hypothesize that the prevalence of Buprenorphine prescription will have increased since June 2023. Data was obtained through a convergent mixed methods Qualtrics survey. The survey design was largely based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science (CFIR). Survey constructs included employment demographics, attitudes toward Buprenorphine prescription, Buprenorphine prescription prevalence, the impact of the x-waiver, infrastructure, barriers to prescribing Buprenorphine, and personal demographics. Clinicians were identified using the North Carolina Medical Board roster. Respondents consisted of Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, and Physician Assistants, currently practicing in Pitt County. A recruitment letter outlining the study was sent to clinicians identified from the roster. The recruitment timeline was based on the Dillman Method, which assists with maximizing response rates. Data was analyzed using the SPSS statistics software. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize the data both graphically and numerically. Qualitative data analysis was analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. When assessing the impact of the x-waiver elimination on buprenorphine prescription prevalence, it was concluded that most participants (N = 23; 78.3% Medical Doctors, 65.2% white, 56.5% male) indicated no change in buprenorphine prescription since the x-waiver was eliminated in June 2023. When asked if their buprenorphine prescription habits had changed since June 2023, 13.0% were unsure if their prescription habits had changed, and 8.7% reported prescribing more buprenorphine. No clinicians stated they were prescribing less buprenorphine since the elimination of the x-waiver. Findings demonstrate that buprenorphine prescription habits did not change amongst the sample after the x-waiver was eliminated. A comprehensive approach combining education for clinicians and patients, addressing systemic gaps, and stigma influencing attitudes for MOUD treatment is needed to further improve buprenorphine prescription prevalence.Item Embargo Droplet Distribution of Formulated Products on Mosquitoes Exposed Via Wind Tunnel: Method Development for Assessment of Product Efficacy Using Fluorescent Dye(East Carolina University, May 2025) Slade, RavenMosquito control programs (MCP) rely on methods such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay to monitor insecticide resistance for technical grade active ingredients. However, CDC bottle bioassays are not designed to assess formulated insecticide products (FP). A compact wind tunnel allows for FP testing in a laboratory setting and is more convenient than a field trial for assessing FP. This study develops a method for investigating FP droplet number and spread on mosquitoes in a novel compact wind tunnel and analyzes the extent to which this relates to mosquito mortality. Four mosquito populations (two wild, two lab; Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens/quinquefasciatus) were reared in incubators at 28°C using established methods. Adult female mosquitoes (4-7 d old) were exposed to four FP (oil-based: ReMoa Tri®, Duet®, Biomist®; water-based: AquaDuet®) mixed with fluorescent dye (1g/L dye:FP ratio) in a wind tunnel to visualize droplet distribution. Mortality was monitored 2, 24, and 48 h post-exposure. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the number of droplets per mosquito between FP, indicating homogeneous droplet distribution in the wind tunnel. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in droplet distribution between mosquito body parts and this varied by FP. Droplet counts on mosquitoes (subset of cages analyzed) were significantly related to aggregate mosquito mortality for Biomist® and ReMoa Tri®, but not for AquaDuet® or Duet®.Item Embargo Comparison between Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) App Prototype and WBGT Monitor to Assess Heat Stress Risk in Groundskeeping in an Eastern North Carolina University Setting(East Carolina University, May 2024) Angol, Bridget AmaTitle: Comparison between WBGT App Prototype and WBGT Monitor to Assess Heat Stress Risk in Groundskeeping in an Eastern North Carolina University Setting The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index is the preferred environmental heat metric for occupational heat-related illness (HRI) prevention. However, WBGT data may not always be easily accessible for workplace heat stress evaluation. Thus, there is a need for well-designed WBGT-based tools that offer reliable, more accessible, and cheaper WBGT risk information for HRI prevention. A WBGT web app prototype was developed by ECU professors to calculate the current and forecasted WBGT, but it has not been tested for accuracy. The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability of the app prototype in providing accurate heat stress risk information for groundskeepers in eastern North Carolina by comparing the WBGT indices and risk levels from the app (WBGTapp) with those derived from heat stress monitor (WBGTins). Heat stress monitoring was conducted on campus using a heat stress monitor. The outdoor WBGT index was recorded for 81 days, and the hourly mean WBGT indices were compared to the ACGIH Threshold Limit Values and action limits for heat stress. Risk levels were assigned to WBGT indices based on workload. The WBGT app was used to record hourly WBGT indices and risk levels. Data analysis was conducted using t-tests, Pearson correlation tests, and cross-tabulation to assess the app's reliability in evaluating workplace heat stress risk. The study found that the hourly mean WBGTapp index was significantly higher (P<0.01) than the WBGTins index, but the difference between the overall average of the daily mean WBGTapp and the daily mean WBGTins was not statistically significant. There is a strong, positive correlation between the hourly mean WBGTapp and WBGTins indices (r=0.94, P<0.01), between the daily mean WBGTapp and WBGTins indices (r=0.97, P<0.01), and between the daily maximum WBGTapp and WBGTins indices (r=0.94, P<0.01). The hourly mean WBGTins indices ranged from 8.35 – 33.03 °C, while the hourly mean WBGTapp indices ranged from 6.11-37.78 °C. The app correctly identified 73-88% of minimal-risk conditions, depending on workload type, and was most reliable in identifying extreme-risk conditions at 97%, 95%, and 93% for light, moderate, and heavy workloads, demonstrating its capability to protect workers, especially for severe heat stress risk conditions. The WBGT app prototype is a promising tool for assessing heat stress risk, providing early warnings, and offering affordability and convenience for occupational heat stress prevention.Item Open Access Electronic Cigarette Users’ Reactions and Responses to a Hypothetical Ban of Flavoured Electronic Cigarette Liquids(2022) Soule, Eric K.; Mayne, Shannon; Snipes, William; Thomas, Luke; et alItem Open Access Horse Owner Practices and Equine and Human Arboviral Encephalitis in North Carolina(2022-03) White, Avian V.; Smith, Deryn M.; Richards, Stephanie L.Item Open Access Community Health Workers’ Role in Addressing Farmworker Health Disparities(2022) Cofie, Leslie E.; Lee, Joseph G. L.Item Open Access Perceived Barriers to Serving on National Institutes of Health Scientific Review Groups Experienced by Black and African American Scientists(2022-07-13) Soule, Eric K.; Thomas, AlishaItem Open Access Using Facebook Advertisements for Women’s Health Research: Methodology and Outcomes of an Observational Study(2022-01-12) Farr, Deeonna E.; Battle, Darian A.; Hall, Marla B.Item Open Access Nitrogen Treatment by a Dry Detention Basin with Stormwater Wetland Characteristics(2022-05-12) Humphrey, Charles P. Jr; Iverson, Guy; Nolan, MelissaItem Open Access Human Papillomavirus Dose Reminder Preferences Among Parents From a Diverse Clinical Sample: A Qualitative Study(2022) Cofie, Leslie E.; Hirth, Jacqueline M.Item Open Access Advancing the Health of Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in the United States: Identifying Gaps in the Existing Literature, 2021(2022-05) Bloss, Jamie E.; Zahra, Abdul G.; Firnhaber, Gina; Cofie, Leslie E.; Lee, Joseph G. L.Item Open Access Practical Advice Regarding the Reliability of the Patient Educational Materials Assessment Tool for Health Educators(2022) Lee, Joseph G. L.; Sesay, Mahdi; Acevedo, Paula A.; Chichester, Zachary A.; Chaney, Beth H.Item Open Access HPV Vaccine Recommendation Practices of Current and Future Physicians in North Carolina: An Exploratory Study(2022-07-05) Richman, Alice R.; Torres, Essie; Wu, Qiang; Eldridge, David; Lawson, LuanItem Open Access Racial and Gender Diversity Among Students and Faculty in EHAC-Accredited Environmental Health Sciences Programs: Trend Analysis from 2009 to 2021(2022) Balanay, Jo Anne; Richards, Stephanie L.; Mitchell, Leslie D.Item Open Access Sociodemographic Correlates of Colorectal Cancer Screening Completion among Women Adherent to Mammography Screening Guidelines by Place of Birth(2022-04-21) Farr, Deeonna E.; Cofe, Leslie E.Item Open Access Quantifying Total Phosphorus and Heavy Metals in Residential Septage(2022-03-25) Iverson, Guy; Humphrey, Charles P. Jr.; Jernigan, Jordan; Serozi, Brent; Sanderford, Christa; O’Driscoll, MichaelItem Open Access Economic Pressure and Intention to Complete Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Among U.S. Men(2022) Farr, Deeonna E.; Korous, Kevin M.; Brooks, Ellen; Tuuhetaufa, Fa; Rogers, Charles R.Item Open Access Association Between Family/ Neighborhood Cancer Risk Factors and Adolescent Dietary Behaviors: A Parent-Adolescent Dyadic Analysis(2022) Xu, Lei; Wu, Qiang; Wilmouth, Logan; Rogers, Charles R.