Graduate
November 24, 2020
Methylomic and Transcriptomic Insights Linking Air Pollution and Atherosclerosis
Background: Current literature demonstrates a compelling relationship between long-term air pollution exposure and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. DNA methylation is a potential mediator of the air pollution-atherosclerosis association because 1) exposure to particulate matter is associated with alterations in DNA methylation, and 2) alterations in DNA methylation are found in atherosclerotic lesions and are…
Prevalence of mixed neuropathologies in autopsied older adults and associations with clinical disease progression
Introduction: Many older adults have multiple brain pathologies (aka mixed neuropathologies) at autopsy; however, the clinical importance of mixed neuropathologies is not well established. The objectives of this dissertation were 1.) to examine the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathologic change (ADNC), Lewy body disease (LBD), vascular brain injury (VBI), and their co-occurrence and 2.) to…
Environmental Enteropathy and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 are associated with early childhood growth in Bangladesh
Chronic undernutrition, marked by stunting (low height for age), is associated with increased child morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current intervention strategies are often ineffective at preventing or reversing stunting; while some children grow in response to nutrition programs, many do not. This dissertation aims to improve understanding of two major challenges in the prevention and…
Changing etiologies of childhood acute febrile illness: implications for management in an era of declining malaria
Background: Acute febrile illness (AFI) is a common syndrome among children presenting to a healthcare facility in resource-limited settings and a substantial contributor to childhood mortality. In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria has historically been a leading cause of childhood AFI but malaria incidence and mortality have declined dramatically over the past decade. At the same time,…
Gender Based Violence and HIV Risk: Mediating Pathways and Strategies for Prevention
The studies within this dissertation address gender-based violence (GBV) and its relationship with risk factors for HIV acquisition in African women. Women exposed to GBV have a higher risk of HIV infection, but the mechanisms for this association are not well understood, and the mechanisms may differ according to the patterns of violence experienced. Therefore,…
Heterogeneity in survival among adult cystic fibrosis patients with low lung function in the United States
Background Lung transplantation (LTx) is frequently considered for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) when FEV1 reaches <30%. This study estimated transplant-free survival for patients with CF and FEV1 <30% and identified predictors of transplant-free survival. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry, 1/1/2003-12/31/2013. Adult patients (≥18 years) with…
Intimate Partner Violence among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative Pregnant Women Receiving Partner Services in Kisumu, Kenya: Correlates and Incidence during Postpartum
Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence amongst women. IPV experienced during pregnancy can expose women and their babies to fatal and non-fatal adverse outcomes. This study assessed socio-demographic factors associated with current or past intimate partner violence to better identify women who are at risk or those currently experiencing…
Role of Support Persons in Adolescent and Young Adult Voluntary HIV Testing and Counseling in Kenya
University of Washington Abstract Role of Support Persons in Adolescent and Young Adult Voluntary HIV Testing and Counseling in Kenya Jillian Neary Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Jennifer Slyker, MSc, PhD Assistant Professor, Global Health Adjunct Assistant Professor, Epidemiology Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) are the only age stratum in which HIV incidence and…
Sex-specific Associations of Maternal Birthweight with Offspring Birthweight in the Omega Study: The role of pre-pregnancy body mass index
Background: Birth weight is an indicator of fetal growth and development, important determinants of life course health. Maternal birthweight (BW) is one of the strongest predictors of offspring BW, perpetuating generational cycles of poor health and risk for adverse birth outcomes. However, potential non-linear relationships or modifying or mediating factors of maternal and offspring BW…
Using HIV Surveillance Data for Public Health Evaluations and Interventions: Common Challenges & Proposed Methodological Solutions
In the United States (U.S.), the purpose of HIV surveillance and related data systems is changing. Evolving programmatic priorities and complicated care needs of an aging population has led to greater demand for timely, accurate, and detailed data. My dissertation evaluates three prominent data systems: (1) National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS), (2) Medical Monitoring Project…
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