Student Poster Day 2023

32nd Annual SPH St udent Post er Day

PARTOF THEUALBANYSHOWCASEDAYEVENT

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Universit y at Albany, Upt own Campus

Campus Cent er Ballroom

1400 Washingt on Avenue, Albany, NY

AGENDA

8:30 am

Student Presenter Registration begins

8:45 am

Poster set-up & Presenter viewing begins

9:30 am-12:00 pm

Public Viewing: Student Poster Evaluation & Presentation

12:00pm-1:00pm

Lunch (presenters & evaluators only)

1:00pm

Awards Ceremony Presentation

SPH St udent Post er Day

A School of Public Healt h hallmark event demonst rat ing what makes us a nat ional leader in pract ice-based research and educat ion, where st udent s present on t heir int ernship and graduat e research project s and our SPH communit y recognizes and celebrat es t he effort s of our st udent s, facult y, and public healt h host organizat ions

UAlbany Showcase Day

A full-day, inaugural event highlight ing st udent excellence by showcasing research, scholarship, creat ive endeavors and experient ial learning across all UAlbany schools & colleges Showcase event s will be held ent irely on t he Upt own Campus, including post er displays and oral present at ions of research, art exhibit ions and spoken word event s, panel discussions and examples of field work

Photo: credit: Eirinn Marotta 2022 SPH Poster Day award winners

April 7, 2023

Dear Friends:

Congratulations to all of the University of Albany School of Public Health students presenting their work at the 32nd Annual SPH Student Poster Day. The research and internship projects presented here represent a wonderful array of the wide variety of important work students are engaged in to help address today’s public health issues, all along the continuum from bench research in biomedical sciences to applied public health policy work.

I am particularly proud that the partnership between the University at Albany and the New York State Department of Health affords students so many opportunities to help address, either through research or practice-based internships, some of today’s most pressing public health issues. The UAlbany School of Public Health is truly a national leader in practice-based research and education.

The experiences being presented today are important milestones in your professional growth and development. The breadth and depth of these projects assures me that the future of public health is in good hands.

On behalf of the Department of Health I would like to congratulate you on your meaningful work. I wish you all the best in your future careers, and encourage you to never stop learning

Sincerely,

James V. McDonald, MD, MPH Acting Commissioner of Health

Greetings!

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the University at Albany School of Public Health’s 32nd annual Student Poster Day!

This hallmark event is truly one of the highlights of the year for our school and for me personally. It’s a wonderful demonstration of what makes our school a national leader in practice-based public health research and education. The posters presented today represent the depth and breadth of research and practice-based experiences that our students engage in, and they represent meaningful and valuable collaborations among students, faculty advisers, and internship mentors on projects that focus on urgent, realworld public health issues and emerging concerns.

I’m also delighted that this year, Poster Day is an integral part of the inaugural UAlbany Showcase, a campuswide event that highlights student excellence in research, scholarship, creative endeavors, and experiential learning across all of UAlbany’s schools and colleges.

On behalf of our faculty and staff, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our student participants for their work displayed here. Many of our students presenting today will be graduating soon and begin the next phase of their careers as public health professionals, researchers, and leaders. All of them should be proud of the work they have done, and I am proud that our school has played a role in their professional growth and development.

The work displayed at Poster Day also clearly illustrates how our relationship with the New York State Department of Health gives our students amazing opportunities for research and experiential learning, and I want to thank DOH for their valuable partnership. I also wish to extend my very sincere appreciation to Health Research Incorporated (HRI) for their sponsorship of today’s prizes, and to the faculty advisers and internship supervisors that work with and mentor our students and make this day a source of pride for our School.

Sincerely,

Mary P. Gallant, PhD, MPH Interim Dean

Student Title

Jonas Barkevich Solar UV Radiation: The Risk of Cancer and Cataracts in Workers

Gillian Belarmino Solar UV Radiation: The Risk of Cancer and Cataracts in Workers

Alyssa Kamara Growth in common ownership in Medicare Part D party providers

Afraa Kolaib Sustainability And Partnership For Impactz

Winnie Kongo The Demographic Impact of the Civil War in Central African Republic

Ana Radojevic Why Are Women of Color Discriminated Against in the American Healthcare System?

Tishan Roye Silhouette

Presentation Type

UG: Presenting at Poster Day

UG: Presenting at Poster Day

Poster Presentation: Showcase Event

Oral Presentation: Showcase Event

Poster Presentation: Showcase Event

Oral Presentation: Showcase Event

Art Installation: Showcase Event

Ribosome hibernation factor induces isoniazid persisters of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in neutrophil-rich lung lesions.

Abstract

Thecurrenttreatmentfortuberculosis(TB),causedby Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb),consistsofamonths-longmulti-drug regimen. The extended regimen is necessitated by a small subpopulation of Mtb bacilli called persisters, which acquire phenotypicresistancetoantibiotics.Whereandhowthesebacillipersistinhostsremainunknown. Wepreviouslydiscovered that zinc limitation, a condition prevalent in chronic TB lung lesions, induces ribosome hibernation in Mtb. Ribosome hibernationinvolvesinactivationandstabilizationofnon-translatingribosomesbymycobacterialproteinY(Mpy).Exploiting ourmolecularunderstandingoftheMpyrecruitmentprocess,weconstructedareporterstraintovisualize Mtb bacilliwitha physiological condition inducing ribosome hibernation. Using time-lapse imaging of the reporter cells on a microfluidics platformandflowcytometry,weobservedthatcellswithinducedribosomehibernationacquireviablebutnon-replicatingstate inaMpy-dependentmanner,suggestingthatribosomehibernationprotects Mtb fromdrugslikeisoniazidthattargetgrowing bacilli.Thefrequencyof Mtb cellsexpressingthereportersignalincreasedfrom~1.0%to~25%uponisoniazidtreatmentof infected mice, and the change was Mpy-dependent. Moreover, these isoniazid persisters were harbored in acellular spaces surrounded by neutrophils. In summary, our findings begin to develop a molecular understanding of the linkage between ribosomehibernationandantibioticpersistenceinzinc-starvedTBlesions,whicharelikelyproducedbyneutrophils.

2 | Rachel Fay

Ciota

The influence of temperature on the evolution and adaptation of West Nile virus in New York State

Abstract

Arthropod-borne viruses are associated with over 140 human diseases. The most common arboviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes,areintheFlaviviridaefamily;theseincludeWestNilevirus(WNV),Zikavirusanddenguevirus.Theearth’saverage temperaturehasincreased0.9°Cinthelastcentury.Mostofthewarminghasoccurredinthelast35years,with2016beingthe hottestyearonrecord.WNVwasfirstidentifiedinNewYorkState(NYS)in1999andsincethenhasbecomeendemic.InNYS alonetemperaturehasrisenatanaveragerateof0.14°Cperdecadesince1900,withlargerincreasesmeasuredduringpeak WNVtransmission. UtilizingbothWNVsurveillanceandsequencingdatawedemonstratethatthereisasignificantcorrelation betweenincreasedtemperatureinNYSduringtransmissionseasonandbothincreasedWNVgeneticdiversityandprevalence. Giventhattemperaturehasalreadyincreasedacrossthestateandhasbeenexperimentallyshowntodrivethe emergenceof high fitness WNV strains, we hypothesized that contemporary genotypes should be more fit in mosquitoes at increased temperaturecomparedtohistoricalgenotypes.Toinvestigatethis,wetestedgeneticallydistinctrepresentativehistoricaland contemporaryisolatesofWNVtakenfromNYSinrelativelywarmorcoolsummers.Wethenquantifiedandcomparedvector competenceofCulexpipiens,theprimaryvectorofWNVinNYS,athistoricallyrelevanttemperaturesincluding20°C,24°C,and 28°C. Together,thesedatademonstratethatincreasedtemperaturehaslikelyinfluencedWNVevolutionandadaptationinNYS andcontributedtodocumentedincreasesintransmission.

1,2Jamie H. Corro; 2Yunlong Li, PhD; 3Mohd Saqib, Phd; 1,2Richard W. Cole, MS; 3Bibhuti B. Mishra, PhD; 1,2Anil K. Ojha, PhD; 1Biomedical Sciences Department, State University at Albany, 2Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 3Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany New York

PhD JosephWade

Mentor

Promoter

selectivity of the RhlR quorum-sensing transcription factor receptor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is coordinated by distinct and overlapping dependencies on RhlI and PqsE

Nicholas R. Keegan*/University at Albany, Anne M. Stringer*/Wadsworth Center, Charity L. McManaman/University at Albany, Joseph T. Wade†/University at Albany & Wadsworth Center, and Jon E. Paczkowski†/ University at Albany & Wadsworth Center, * = equal contribution, † = co-corresponding authors

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isahighlyantibioticresistantopportunisticpathogencommonlyresponsibleforinfectionsinpeople whoareimmunocompromised,hospitalized,orhaveunderlyingpulmonaryconditionssuchascysticfibrosis.Quorumsensing isaformofbacterialcell-cellcommunicationthatinvolvesthesecretionofsmallsignalingmoleculescalledautoinducers,which actasaproxyforcelldensityandcanbeboundbytheirreceptortoinitiatetheonsetof“groupbehaviors.”RhlRisaLuxR-type quorum-sensingreceptorknowntoregulatetheexpressionofgeneskeytothevirulenceof P. aeruginosa.Unlikeotherquorum sensingreceptors,RhlRbindstoanaccessoryproteincalledPqsEinadditiontobindingtheRhlI-synthesizedautoinducer.The RhlR-PqsEcomplexbindsDNAwithahigheraffinitythanRhlRalone,whichisconsistentwiththedeletionof pqsE alteringthe expression of known RhlR target genes. To understand how PqsE influences the function of RhlR, we used Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP-seq) to identify binding targets of RhlR. ChIP-seq was also used to determine RhlR bindingsiteswithadeletionof pqsE and rhlI tobetterunderstandtheroleofeachinaffectingRhlRfunction.Wethenusedthose bindingsitesandpreviouslycollectedRNA-seqdatatoidentifygenesthathavesignificantchangesinexpressionwith rhlR or pqsE deletionsandareassociatedwithRhlRbinding.Thisallowedustodetermine whichgenesaredirecttargetsofRhlR,as wellasclarifytheoverlappingcontributionofPqsEandRhlItotheRhlRregulon.

4 | Rachel Lange

New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands NY, United States of America

3. Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health

Abstract

Powassanvirus(POWV, Flaviviridae)isatickbornevirusendemicinNorthAmericaandRussia.POWVwasfirstisolatedin1958 in Canada. In 1997, a POWV-like agent was isolated from Ixodes scapularis and determined to be genetically distinct. This revealed the existence of two lineages: lineage 1, Powassan (POWV-1) and lineage 2, deer tick virus (DTV). Each lineage is maintained in separate enzootic cycles with POWV-1 maintained between I. cookei and woodchucks and DTV maintained between I. scapularis and small mammal hosts. Little is known about the divergence and adaptation of POWV within these enzooticcycles.POWV-1hasrecentlybeenisolatedfromnoveltickvectorsincluding Dermacentor, Amblyomma,and Hyalomma species. This highlights the rare, yet possible jump of POWV into novel tick hosts increasing geographic spread and risk to humans. To understand the adaptive potential of POWV in novel tick hosts we utilized tick-derived POWV strains from NYS, includingthefirstPOWV-1strainfrom I. scapularis.POWVstrainswereusedtoinfect I. scapularis andinfectionrates,growth kinetics, and viral output sequencing was assessed. Our studies revealed host-specific infection rates with I. cookei-derived strains resulting in significantly less infection. Comparison of full genomes derived 28 days post infection revealed genetic changes concentrated in specific gene regions. All POWV outputs shared one mutation in the NS4b gene. Minority variants revealeda biastowardsDTV-specific mutationsthatcouldalterviral phenotypes within I. scapularis.These data suggestthe potentialforPOWVtoadaptquicklytonoveltickhosts.

Rachel Lange1,2, Kiet Ngo2, Joseph G. Maffei2, Cheri A. Koetzner2, Alan P. Dupuis II2, Melissa A. Prusinski3, Bryon Backenson3, Laura D. Kramer1,2, and Alexander T. Ciota1,2; 1. State University of New York University at Albany School of Public Health, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Albany NY, United States of America 2. The Arbovirus Laboratory, Wadsworth Center,

A Genome-wide CRISPRi Screen Identifies Drivers of Antibody-mediated Agglutination in Salmonella Typhimurium

Abstract

SecretoryIgA(SIgA)representsthefirstlineofdefenseatmucosalsurfacestoprotectagainstinvasivemicroorganismssuchas thegloballyprevalententericpathogen Salmonella Typhimurium (STm).SIgAmediatesakeyeffectorfunctionknownasimmune exclusion,aprocessinwhichinvadingbacteriaareaggregatedviaantibodycross-linking,encasedinmucus,andthencleared fromtheintestinaltractviaperistalsis.Whileimmuneexclusioncanconferprotection in vivo,theunderlyingmechanismofIgAmediatedbacterialagglutination,includingtheroleofbacterialgeneexpressioninthisprocess,remainsunknown.Inthisstudy, weimplementedtheanti-lipopolysaccharidemonoclonalIgASal4inagenome-wideCRISPRinterference(CRISPRi)screento identify genes that actively promote bacterial agglutination in response to antibody exposure. We found that repeated Sal4 treatmentenrichedsingleguideRNAstargetinggeneslinkedtocyclic-di-GMPmetabolism,virulence,fimbriae,stressresponse signaling, and outer membrane composition. These findings indicate that repressed expression of these individual genes promotesantibodyevasionandresistancetoSal4-mediatedagglutination.Studiesarecurrentlyunderwaytodeterminetherole ofeachidentifiedgeneintheresponsetoSal4binding,andtoultimatelycharacterizethemechanismbywhichSal4IgApromotes agglutinationofSTm.

6 | Caleb Mallery

AlphaMultimer as a screening tool for protein-protein interactions in quorum sensing pathways

1. Caleb P. Mallery - 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, 12201, United States

1,2. Jon Paczkowski - 2Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, United States

Abstract

Quorumsensing(QS)isthe bacterialprocessofcell-cellcommunicationresponsibleforcollectivebehaviors. QSreliesonthe production,detection,andpopulation-wideresponsetochemicalsignalingmoleculescalledautoinducers(AI).Inresponseto changesincelldensity,acriticalconcentrationofAIsleadstosynchronouschangesingeneexpression,productionofvirulence factors, and biofilm formation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen and is oftenobservedinpatientswithcysticfibrosis.QSin P. aeruginosa isregulatedbyaseriesoftranscriptionfactorreceptors,called LuxR-type receptors, which bind AI, produced by their respective AI synthases, and control gene expression to promote pathogenesis.Onesuchreceptor,RhlR,isuniqueinthatitrequiresanaccessoryprotein,PqsE,tooptimallybindtothepromoter DNA.LuxR-typereceptors(RhlRhomologs)arewidespreadinGram-negativebacteriaandplayacrucialroleinpathogenesis. Giventhepublichealththreatposedby P. aeruginosa andotherGram-negativepathogens,understandingnovelprotein-protein interactions(PPI)andthemolecularbasisoftheseinteractionsisofcriticalimportance.Inrecentyears,computationaladvances suchasAlphaFoldhaveenabledtheaccuratepredictionofthousandsofsingle-proteinstructures.Thesetechniqueshaveledto the identification of novel proteins that show potential as drug targets and provide researchers with important structural insights.Inaddition,AlphaFold-Multimerhasbeeninstrumentalintheaccuratemodelingofproteincomplexesanddetection of novel PPI. To identify novel PPI between LuxR-type receptors and accessory proteins in P. aeruginosa, we employed AlphaFold-Multimer.

1,2Samantha K. Lindberg; 2Graham G. Willsey, PhD; 1,2Joseph T. Wade, PhD;1,2Nicholas J. Mantis, PhD; 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, UAlbany. 2Wadsworth Center, NYS Department of Health

PhD NicholasJ.Mantis

Serological analysis of outer surface protein C (OspC) of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi

Abstract

OutersurfaceproteinC(OspC)isahighlypolymorphiclipoproteinrequiredforinfectivityofmammalsbytheLymedisease(LD) spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) sensu lato. OspC elicits a strong antibody response in humans with most antibodies directed against highly variable regions of the protein with the possible exception of a highly conserved region in OspC’s Cterminus known as “C10.” Previous results from a European cohort suggested that C10 is immunoreactive in humans, but conclusionswerebasedonarelativelysmallsampleset.Moreover,thedegreetowhichC10antibodiesplayaroleinspirochete clearance and/or prevention of LD re-infection remains unknown. In this study, we performed an evaluation of ~800 Bbseropositivehumanserumsamples usingenzyme-linkedimmunosorbentassays(ELISA)andmultipleximmunoassays(MIA) forreactivitytoOspC,C10,andotherreportedOspClinearepitopes.WefoundthatC10reactivitywithhumanserumsamples was3-10foldincreasedoverhealthycontrols(p<0.001),confirmingthatthisregionofOspCisindeedatargetofantibodiesin response to Bb infection. We are currently investigating the degree to which C10 antibodies recognize diverse OspC types, mediatecomplement-dependentborreliacidalactivity,andcontributetoprotectionagainstprimaryinfectioninamousemodel. Towardsthisend,weusedflowcytometrytodemonstratethatsixuniqueC10-specificmonoclonalantibodieseachreactwith live Bb cellsincultureandwerethereforeprimedtoactivatethecomplementcascadeanddownstreamspirochetekilling. We hypothesize that C10 antibodies limit or prevent LD infection/re-infection cross-reactively through complement-dependent borreliacidalactivity.

8 | Tristan Nowak

Eastern fence lizards as reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto in North America: Characterizing dissemination and survival of Borrelia burgdorferi in Sceloporus undulatus

Abstract

Lymedisease(LD)isprimarilycausedby Borrelia burgdorferi sensustricto(Bb)inNorthAmerica(NA),aspirochetetransmitted by Ixodid ticks andmaintainedcyclingbetweenmultiplevertebratehosts.While Bb isfrequentlyobservedinmammalianand avianreservoirs,thebacteriumhasyettobeisolatedfromfrequentlyparasitizedNAlizards.Previousworkhasfoundthatsome lizardsmayclear Bb,while otherstudieshaveprovidedconflictingevidenceoftransmissioninthe field.Additionally,lizards havebeenimplicatedastheprimaryreservoirsfor Borrelia lusitaniae inEurope,anotherspeciesofLymeborreliae.Ourrecent workprovidedevidenceof Bb survivalintheEasternfencelizard, Sceloporus undulatus,andshedlightonstrain-specificsurvival of Bb B379 by utilizing an OspE-factor H (lizard) binding mechanism. These findings indicated that some strains of Bb may escapeinnateimmuneresponsesandraisedquestionswhether Bb B379survivalcouldberecapitulated in vivo.Inthisstudywe collectednaïvejuvenile S. undulatus fromourfieldsiteandinoculatedcohortswithseveralsuspectlizardinfectiousstrainsand anotherknownhumanpathogenicstrainof Bb.Wefoundforthefirsttimethat Bb cansurviveanddisseminateinlizards,and further,couldbeisolatedandcultured.Wealsofoundthatlizardseliciteddistinctimmuneexpressionprofilesagainstspecific strains and within the Bb OspC type K group. Our data thus confirms Bb B379 as a lizard-specialist candidate, challenges established Bb OspCtyping,andprovidesnovelevidenceof Borrelia survivalinNorthAmericalizards.

1,2Kathleen R. McCarthy, 2Grace Freeman-Gallant, 2Graham G. Willsey, PhD, 2Carol Lyn Piazza, MPH, and 1,2Nicholas J. Mantis, PhD

1,2 Tristan A. Nowak; 1 Ashley L. Marcinkiewicz3Valerie Sürth; 3Peter Kraiczy; 4Russell Burke; 1,2Yi-Pin Lin; 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA. 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA. 3Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany. 4Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.

Hallack

Validation of a HIV-2 Sanger Sequencing assay to identify resistance to antiretroviral drugs

Abstract

Background: Humanimmunodeficiencyvirus,type2(HIV-2)isararetypeofHIVthatcancauseacquiredimmunodeficiency disorder(AIDS).IntheU.S.mostHIV-2casesarefoundinNewYorkState(NYS).Antiretroviral(ARV)treatmentforHIVreduces aperson’sviralloadtoanundetectablelevelbytargetingtheviralenzymes,reversetranscriptase,integrase,andproteasethat arecrucialinviralreplication.HIV-2isintrinsicallyresistanttoentireclassesofARVsandlikeHIV-1canalsodevelopresistance tootherARVs.Currently,thereisnoFDA-approvedHIV-2drugresistanceassayavailableintheU.S.

Objective: To validate an HIV-2 drug resistance assay to detect major drug resistance associated mutations (RAM) in the integraseregiontopredictsusceptibilitytointegraseinhibitors.

Methods: NestedPCRwasusedtoamplifytheintegraseregionofHIV-2.SequencingwasperformedusingSangerdideoxy-chain terminationmethods.SequenceswereeditedthenuploadedtotwoHIV-2mutationdatabasestointerpretmutationsthatcause drugresistance.Wedeterminedassaysensitivity,specificity,reproducibilityandaccuracy.

Results: TheassayisspecificforHIV-2andcannotsequenceothercommonbloodborneviruses,flaviviruses,orbacteria.This assayhasapredictedlimitofdetectionof500-1000IU/mL.Thedatademonstratethisassayisreproduciblewithnovariability inRAMmutations.Intheaccuracyverification,sequencewasobtainedfor32ofthe44(72%)oftheHIV-2RNA-positivesamples. Conclusion: TheHIV-2integrasedrug-resistanceassayissensitive,specific,accurate,andreproducible.Itwillallowphysicians inNYStobettercareforHIV-2infectedpatients.

10 | Easton Reagan

Structure and Characterization of AbmR Complex of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health.

Abstract

Introduction:Despiteover140yearsofefforts,MycobacteriumTuberculosis(Mtb)isstilloneoftheleadingcausesofdeathin theworld.ATPBindingmcr11Regulator(AbmR)isatranscriptionfactorwhichregulatesMtbdivergentsRNAgeneMcr11,of which an overexpression has been linked to Mtb growth arrest. It can form a large 39S protein complex, which indicates additional functional role(s)in Mtb. In this study, we expressed and purified wildtype and some mutant AbmR proteins. We have also studied the inference of the N-terminal domain in the AbmR oligomerization by introducing protein tags to the terminalregions.

Methods: A plasmid vector was designed and constructed using Gibson assembly technique. The constructed plasmid was sequenced,verified,amplifiedandthentransformedthroughRosettapLySscells.Theselectedcell strainswereusedtogrow andover-expressAbmR.Followingthis,theobtainedcellsweredisruptedviasonicationandcentrifugation.The supernatant wascollectedandloadedintoaNi-NTAcolumnforpurification.ThepurifiedAbmRwasanalyzedbygelelectrophoresis,negative stainingelectronmicroscopy(EM)inadditiontogel-filtrationchromatography.

ResultsandConclusion:Thewild-typeAbmRweresuccessfullypurified,andformedtheanticipated39Scomplexesasconfirmed bygel-filtrationchromatographyandnegativestainingEM.WehavealsosuccessfullyintroducedaSumo-tagattheN-terminal ofAbmRproteinwhichpreventedformationof39Scomplex. Furtherproteinbiochemicalstudiesareontheway.

MPH Renee

1Jennifer Pangburn, 2Renee Hallack, 1,2Linda Styer, 2Monica Parker; 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany NY, 2Bloodborne Viruses Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY

Regulation of RecA expression occurs at multiple levels in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract

The recA gene,encodingRecombinaseA(RecA)isoneofthree Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)genesencodinganintein,an interveningaminoacidsequencewithinahostprotein.Inteinsspliceoutofprecursorhostproteinswithsimultaneousligation oftheflankingexteinstoproducefunctionalproteins.Thereisdebateaboutwhetherinteinsfunctionsolelyasselfishgenetic elements or provide opportunities for post-translational gene regulation in their host cells. Prior in vitro studies have characterizedsplicingmechanisms,buttheinfluenceofhostfactorsoninteinbiologyispoorlyunderstood.Wemeasuredeffects ofenvironmentandantibioticsonnativeRecAinteinsplicingwithinMtbusingacombinationofwesternblotsandpromoter reporterassaysandfoundthatfactorswithinthenativeMtbenvironmentimpactinteinbiologyatmultiplelevels.RecAsplicing wasstimulatedinbacteriaexposedtoDNAdamagingagents.Inaddition,unsplicedprecursorproteinwasnotobservedwithin MtbdespiteitsaccumulationduringectopicexpressionofMtb recA within E. coli.AberrantinteincleavagereleasedN-exteinin Mtb,andectopicexpressionofMtbN-exteinactivatedLexAin E. coli.RecAwasfoundtobeimportantinrecoveryofcellsina carbon-limited isoniazid persister model. These results demonstrate that RecA splicing in Mtb is acutely responsive to the bacterial environment, underscoring the importance of studying intein splicing in native host environments and raising the excitingpossibilityofinteinsplicingasanovelregulatorymechanisminMtb.

12 | Megan Schumacher

Pseudomonas aeruginosa exclusion from oral biofilms

Abstract

Theoralmicrobiomeiscomposedofawidearrayofbacteria,asubsetofwhichformsbiofilmonteeth.Pseudomonasaeruginosa (PA)isafast-growing,ubiquitousbiofilmformer.Interestingly,PAappearstobeexcludedfromoralbiofilms.Whatremainsto be determined is how PA is being excluded and what the molecular determinants are that exclude PA from the oral biofilm community.OnetargetofinterestisthePAquorumsensing(QS)network.QSisamechanismbywhichbacteriaconductcellcell communication. We hypothesize that a member(s) of the oral biofilm community is secreting a small molecule that is inhibitingtheswitchfromindividualtogroupbehavior,thusrepressingthecascadeofgeneexpression,ultimatelyresulting in theinabilityforPAtoproducebiofilm.Totestthishypothesis,wewillsubjectPA,bothwildtypeandQSmutants,tospentoral biofilmmediatodetermineifasecretedfactorcaninhibitPAgrowth.Toidentifythefactor(s)affectingPAbiofilmformation, wewilluseacombinationofmetagenomicsandmassspectrometrytoidentifythesmallmoleculesthatarebeingproducedand whichcommunitymembersareproducingthem.Wecanthendirectlyassay,withtheadditionofsmallmoleculesorco-culture, PA biofilm inhibition measuring the changes in PA QS gene regulation. Determining the mechanism underlying PA exclusion fromoralbiofilmscouldleadtothedevelopmentoftherapeuticsforpreventingPAbiofilmformationinclinicallyrelevantareas ofconcern,suchasmedicaldeviceimplantationorcysticfibrosislungtissue.

1Ryan Schneider; 2Kelly Hallstrom, PhD; 3Chris DeMott, PhD; 4Kathleen McDonough, PhD. 1,4 Biomedical Sciences, SPH, SUNY Albany; 2,3,4 Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH

1 PhD JonPaczkowski Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

1Megan L. Schumacher; 2Lia I. Prager; 2Colin M. Henneberry; 2,4Alex M. Valm; 1,3Jon E. Paczkowski; 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, 12201, United States; 2Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, 12222, United States; 3Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, United States; 4The RNA Institute, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, 12222, United States

BMS 3 PhD JonPaczkowski

Quorum sensing synthase SNPs confer a fitness advantage in clinical Pseudomoans aeruginosa isolates

Kayla

A.

Simanek

1; Caleb Mallery1; Megan

Schumacher

1;

Lingyun

Li1,2; Jon E. Paczkowski1,3; 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, School of Public Health, Albany, New York, 12201, United States 2Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, United States 3Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208, United States

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isanopportunistichumanpathogenofsignificantpublichealthconcernbecauseitishighlyantibiotic resistantandcausestensofthousandsofhospital-acquiredinfectionseachyear.Healthcaresettingsdriveevolutionofclinical P. aeruginosa strainsduetotheuseofantibioticsandantimicrobials.Clinicalstrainsthatcausechronicinfectionsoftenevolve deleteriousinactivatingmutationsinlasR,whichencodesamastertranscriptionalregulatorofvirulencegenes.Theseclinical strainsalsoevolvesinglenucleotidepolymorphisms(SNPs)inaquorumsensingsynthasegene, rhlI.RhlIsynthesizesN-butyryl homoserine lactone (C4HSL), which is the ligand for a second major transcription factor, RhlR. The functional advantage of maintaining these SNPs in rhlI is unclear. We investigated the effect of three SNPs of interest on RhlI function and virulence factor expression. We found that these RhlI variants partially compensate for deletion of lasR to restore virulence factor expressioninalaboratorystrain.StructuralanalysisofRhlIindicatedthatthesevariantsmightaltertheactivityoftheenzyme. Totestthishypothesis,weusedmassspectrometrytoanalyzethemetabolitessecretedinthesupernatantsofstrainsharboring RhlI variants. We found that RhlI variants reduced C4HSL levels in vivo which resulted in increased virulence factor transcription,suggestingthatattenuationofRhlRactivationisadvantageousinclinicalstrainsof P. aeruginosa.Itisimportant tounderstandthenuancesofquorumsensingmediatedvirulenceexpressioninclinicalstrainsof P. aeruginosa toimprovethe treatmentoflife-threateninginfections,especiallyintheageofantibioticresistance.

14

| Lindsey Tolman

Intranasally-Delivered Therapeutic Immune Complexes Induce Protective Humoral Immunity Against Ricin Toxin

Abstract

Inhalation of ricin toxin (RT) elicits profuse inflammation and cell death within the upper and lower airways, ultimately culminatinginacuterespiratorydistresssyndrome.WepreviouslyreportedthattheeffectsofpulmonaryRTexposureinmice arenullifiedbyintranasaladministrationofamAbmixtureconsistingofPB10,directedagainstricin'senzymaticsubunit(RTA), andSylH3,directedagainstricin'sbindingsubunit(RTB).WenowreportthatdeliveryofPB10andSylH3asanRT-mAbimmune complex(RIC)tomicebytheintranasalori.p.routesstimulatestherapidonsetofRT-specificserumIgGthatpersistsformonths. RICadministrationalsoinducedhigh-titer,toxin-neutralizingAbs.Moreover,RIC-treatedmicewereimmunetoasubsequent 5×LD50 RTchallengeondays30or90.IntranasalRIC administration wasmoreeffectivethani.p.deliveryatrenderingmice immune to intranasal RT exposure. Finally, we found that the onset of RT-specific serum IgG following RIC delivery was independentofFcyRengagement,asrevealedthroughFcyRknockoutmiceandRICsgeneratedwithPB10/SylH3LALA(leucine to alanine) derivatives. In conclusion, a single dose of RICs given intranasally to mice was sufficient to stimulate durable protectiveimmunitytoRTbyanFcyR-independentpathway.

Mantis

1Lindsey Tolman, 2Jennifer L. Yates, 2Yinghui Rong, 1,2Dylan Ehrbar, 1,2Nicholas J. Mantis; 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health

BMS 4 PhD AnilOjha,PhD

Starvation sensing by mycobacterial RelA/SpoT homologue through constitutive surveillance of translation

,

,

,

4, Rajendra K.

, Anil K. Ojha1,3* 1. Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 12 Albany, NY 12208, USA 13 14 2. Division of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State 15 Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237, USA 16 17 3.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at 18 Albany, Albany, NY 12208, USA 19 20 4.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 21 Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA 22 23 5.

Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis 24 School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA 25 26 #Equal contribution

Abstract

Thestringentresponse,whichleadstopersistenceofnutrient-starvedmycobacteria,isinducedbyactivationoftheRelA/SpoT homologue(Rsh)uponentryofadeacylated-tRNAinatranslatingribosome.However,themechanismbywhichRshidentifies such ribosomes in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that conditions inducing ribosome hibernation result in loss of intracellularRshinaClpprotease-dependentmanner.Thislossisalsoobservedinnon-starvedcellsusingmutationsinRshthat block its interaction with the ribosome, indicating that Rsh association with the ribosome is important for Rsh stability. The cryo-EMstructureoftheRsh-bound70Sribosomeinatranslationinitiationcomplexrevealsunknowninteractionsbetweenthe ACT domain of Rsh and components of the ribosomal L7/L12-stalk base, suggesting that the aminoacylation status of A-site tRNA is surveyed during the first cycle of elongation. Altogether, we propose a surveillance model of Rsh activation that originatesfromitsconstitutiveinteractionwiththeribosomesenteringthetranslationcycle

Yunlong Li1#, Soneya Majumdar2#, Ryan Treen1,3#, Manjuli R. Sharma2, Jamie Corro1,3

Howard B. Gamper4

Swati R. Manjari2, Jerome Prusa5, Nilesh K. Banavali2

Christina L. Stallings5, Ya-Ming Hou

Agrawal2,3*

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR THE MULTI-SITE PFAS HEALTH STUDY IN THE CITY OF NEWBURGH AND HOOSICK FALLS AREA.

Cindy Arthur, MBChB,

Erin Bell, M.S., Ph.D.

Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA.

Abstract

TheMulti-sitePFAShealthstudyfundedbytheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention’sAgencyforToxicSubstancesand DiseaseRegistryisthefirststudytolookattherelationshipbetweenexposuretoPFASindrinkingwaterandhealth outcomes nationwide.TheUniversityatAlbanySchoolofPublicHealthandtheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealtharecollaboratingon thehealthstudy. Thisstudywill recruitresidentsinthecityofNewburgh(urban)andHoosickFallsArea(rural)becauseof their historical PFAS contamination. Both communities share a distrust of government and frustration regarding the Public Healthresponsetothecontamination. Further,theCityofNewburgh,anEnvironmentalJusticeCommunity,isalsoimpactedby the disproportionate distribution of exposures, such as lead. Partnership with community advisors, elected leaders and advocates is critical for establishing trust, addressing health concerns and scientific questions of most importance to the communitymembers. Therefore,thePFASHealthstudy,withguidancefromadvisors,hasusedavarietyofcommunication,inperson and virtual activities in this work that include media and mailings, social media advertisements, walking tours and participating in community sponsored activities, and partnering with the local Federally Qualified Health Clinic with their outreach. Thisfoundationalworkwillbeusedtobuildacommunityparticipatorybasedresearchmodeltoaddresshealthand wellnessinthecommunitiesmovingforward.

17 | Hailee Edwards

Quantifying environmental impacts of food donation in New York State

AlthoughfooddonationrankedasthetopstrategyofthefoodrecoveryhierarchybytheUSEPA,veryfewstudiesevaluatedthe environmentalimpactsoffooddonation.Recentstudiesfocusedonasinglepantryorasmall region,nostudyinvestigatedthe impacts of state-level food donation efforts. This study is the first one which quantifies the environmental impacts of food donationofanentirestate.Inthisstudy,wewillbuildaprocess-basedLCAmodel,usingfirst-handdatasetsprovidedbyFeeding NYS over the entire state spanning 3 years. Using a process-based LCA model, we can determine the resource consumption, environmentalandnutritionalimpactsofthefoodsurplusdonation,andredistributionnetworkwhileassessingthespatialand temporalpatternsoffoodsurplusdonatedanddistributedinNewYorkState.Wehopeourfindingswillfindhowmuchfoodis beingdonated,whereit’sgoing,andthemagnitudesofenvironmentalimpactsoffooddonationinNYS.Thisinformationcanbe usedtoexpandourknowledgeoffooddonationacrossNYSandbeusedtoidentifyareasinneed.Furtherinvestigationmaybe neededtounderstandthefoodsbeingselectedbyconsumers,theequityofthedonations,aswellasthequality.Thisisacrucial firststeptounderstandingthelandscapeoffooddonationacrossNYS.

1

1,2

1

2

1Hailee L. Edwards, MPH; 1Xiaobo Romeiko, PhD; 1University at Albany School of Public Health Abstract

Dr.DavidO.Carpenter

Assessing Exposure to Air Pollution at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Parking Garage in Philadelphia, PA

Abstract

ThePennPresbyterianMedicalCenterisa leadinghospitalinPennsylvaniaandone ofthe bestinUnitedStates.Theparking garageisahigh-risebuilding,usedmainlyforpatients,visitors,andstaff.Theincreasingdemandforhospitalparking,mostlyin urbanareas,hasledtohighairpollution,anditsimpactonhumanhealthandtheenvironment.Researchershavefoundthat transportation-relatedairpollutantsarebelievedtobeveryharmfultohumansandtheenvironment.Thegoalforthisproject wastoassessairpollutionwithinthefacility.

DustTrak (DRX 8534), by TSI Incorporation in Shoreview, Minnesota, aerosol monitoring equipment was used to measure different mass concentrations. Samples were collected on Mondays (mornings and afternoons) at the car exit, car entrance, pedestrian walkway and the stairways, each week for three weeks (30 minutes each). Data was collected for PM1, PM2.5, Respirable, PM10 and total mass concentrations (TMC). Mean and Standard deviations for all data were computed and summarizedastablesandgraphs.

Carexitregisteredthehighestrespirableconcentrations,closelyfollowedbythestairways.Thepedestrianwalkwaysregistered third highest and the garage entrance registered the least. However, all concentrations were found to be below the ACGIH recommended threshold limit of 3mg/m3. It is therefore vital to note that despite the car exit showing increased values for concentration,itstillfallsbelowthedangerouszone.Eachspotinthegaragegeneratesadifferentparticleconcentration.

Atomic Spectrometry, Aluminum, and Human Health: Challenges with Analysis of Tissues and Fluids

Abstract

Aluminum is ubiquitous in the environment and has no known biological role in the human body. Among healthy people, exposuretoAlisnotaconcernasitisrapidlyexcreted.However,patientswithrenalfailureriskAlaccumulatinginthebrain andbones.SerumAlisthegold-standardclinicaltestforassessingexposure;however,assessingtheAlcontentoftargetorgans (postmortem)maybe more valuable where exposuretoAl occursasacontaminantinsolutionsadministeredintravenously. Oneofthegoalsofthisworkistodevelopa robustandvalidatedanalyticalmethodtomeasureAlcontentinbodyfluids(e.g., serum) and tissues (e.g., brain) using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). We used two GFAAS instrumentsequippedwithTransversely-heatedGraphiteAtomizers(THGA)andLongitudinalZeemanBackgroundcorrection systemstomeasureAl.TwoAlresonancelineswerestudied:309.27-nmand396.20-nm.Pyrolysisandatomizationcurveswere generated to optimize the GFAAS method. A magnesium nitrate modifier was used with both aqueous and serum matched calibrationstandards.Contaminationiseverpresent,evenwhenworkinginaClass100cleanroom.Allpipettipsweretriple rinsedwithacidanddoubledeionizedwatersolutionspriortouse.Calibrationstudiesindicatedthatthe309.27-nmlinewas themoresensitive,althoughitslineardynamicrangewasnarrowercomparedtothe396.20-nmline.Inthestudy,m0was34.4 pg, which compares favorably to 29.7 pg reported previously in our laboratory. The current method requires additional optimizationbeforevalidationcanbecompleted.

1Tamba Lebbie, 1,2 Dr. David O. Carpenter. 1SPH Dept. of Environmental Health Sciences. 2Institute for Health and the Environment

19 | Deanna Luneau

1,2 Deanna R. Luneau, 1,2 Aubrey L. Galusha, 1,2 Patrick J. Parsons; 1Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, 2Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany

PhD Dr.DavidCarpenter

Patterns of Emergency Room Visits for Respiratory Diseases in New York State in Relation to Air Pollution, Poverty and Smoking

1,2 Najm Alsadat Madani, MS; 1,2 David O. Carpenter, MD; 1 Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, University at Albany, 2 Institute for Health and the Environment

Abstract

Wehaveexploreddifferencesinratesofemergencyroom(ER)visitsforrespiratorydiseasesinthecountiesofNewYorkState (NYS) in relation to levels of air pollution, poverty, and smoking. Air pollution information was derived from the National EmissionsInventory,whichprovidesinformationonroad,non-road,point,andnon-pointsourcesof12differentairpollutants. This information is only available at the county level. Four types of respiratory diseases were considered: asthma, chronic obstructivepulmonarydisease(COPD),acutelowerrespiratorydiseases,andacuteupperrespiratorydiseases.AsthmaERvisits were elevated in counties with greater total air pollution. All forms of respiratory diseases were elevated in counties with a greaterrateofpoverty,althoughthismayreflectthefactthatpoorpeopleoftenuseERsforroutinecare.Therewasaverystrong association between rates of smoking for COPD and acute lower respiratory diseases. There was an apparent negative association between smoking and asthma ER visits, but this must reflect the fact that smoking was much more common in upstatecountieswhileasthmawasmorecommonintheNewYorkCityarea,whereairpollutionishigh.Airpollutionwasmuch greater in urban than in rural areas. Our evidence indicates that air pollution is the greatest risk factor for asthma attacks, whereassmokingisthegreatestriskfactorforchronicobstructivepulmonarydisease(COPD)andlowerrespiratorydisease. Poorpeoplearemorevulnerabletoallformsofrespiratorydiseases.

21 | Ashley Maitre

Review of Immunological Benefits of Fish Consumption

Ashley Maitre; Lydia Marquez-Bravo; Melissa Stone; Bureau of Toxic Substances Assessment, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY

Abstract

Perfluorooctanesulfonicacid(PFOS)is a contaminant frequently found in fish, and has beenassociated with several adverse healtheffects,includingdiminishedimmuneresponse.TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)establishesrisk-based levelsforhumantoxicity,whichareusedforfishconsumptionadvisoriesinordertolimitPFOSexposureandsubsequenthealth risks.However,apotentialconsequenceofsuchadviceisaloweredconsumptionoffishamongthepopulation.Whilethereis evidence that PFOS can cause adverse health effects, there is also evidence that fish and fish oil consumption can have immunological benefits. A literature review was conducted to assess and summarize relevant findings regarding the immunologicalbenefitsoffishorfishoilconsumption,usingrecentepidemiologicalandpeerreviewedliterature,anddiscusses thedifferentimmunologicalendpointsthatareinfluenced.Understandingthebenefitsoffishconsumptionthroughiscriticalto developingaccuratefishadvisoryguidelines.

Biomarker and body measure determinants of PFAS concentrations in the general US population: NHANES 1999-2018

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals associated with adverse health outcomes. Predictive modellingtoevaluatedeterminantsofPFASconcentrationsisneededtobetterunderstandvariabilityinhalf-liveestimatesand factorsinfluencingabsorption,distribution,andexcretionofPFASchemicals.WeinvestigatedeterminantsoffourlegacyPFAS concentrationsin the general USadultpopulation (aged≥18 years)using National HealthandNutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) laboratory and health examination data. Nine NHANES datasets between 1999 and 2018 with individual PFAS measurements were included in this analysis (N=15165). Variables with less than 50% missingness were included to be evaluatedaspotentialdeterminants.Datawereimputedusingprincipalcomponentanalysis,predictivemeanmatching,andkmeans clustering approaches and tested on each model. Random forest and elastic net regression models were employed to identifytoppredictorsoflegacyPFASconcentrationsandresultsusedtofitunpenalizedlinearmixedmodelstoestimateeffect sizesandp-values.Between22.96and37.99%ofvarianceinPFOAandPFOSconcentrationswasexplained,whilePFNAand PFHxSconcentrationshadlessvarianceexplained,3.39to19.85%.Urinealbuminandcreatinine,bodymeasures,heavymetal and phthalate concentrations, and complete blood count and standard biochemistry results were identified as important predictorsinallimputeddatasets.Resultsdemonstratethatbodymeasures,environmentalcontaminantconcentrations,and complete blood count and standard biochemistry results may be important predictors of PFAS concentrations with similar resultsobservedwhenconsideringvariedimputationapproachesusedtoaccountformissingness.

23 | Kimberly Mergen

EHS 6 PhD Dr.SusanMadison-Antenucci Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum Subtypes in New York State: A Partial Survey of Specimens from 2022

1,3Kimberly Mergen, MS; 1,2,3Susan Madison-Antenucci, PhD; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences. Albany, NY, 2University at Albany, School of Public Health, Department of Biomedical Sciences. Albany, NY, 3New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, Division of Infectious Disease. Albany, NY

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious disease transmitted through the fecal-oral route and is caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidiosis can be contracted by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, through fomitesorperson-topersoncontact.Thetwospeciesof Cryptosporidium thataccountformorethan85%ofinfectionsinNew YorkStateresidentsare C. hominis and C. parvum. C. hominis isprimarilyspreadfromhuman-to-humanwhile C. parvum isspread both from human-to human and through contact with cattle. Each species of Cryptosporidium can be further classified by subtype.Subtypeinformationisimportantbecauseitcanbeusedasamolecularepidemiologicaltooltosuggestlinksbetween casesofcryptosporidiosis. Subtypedatacanalsohelpdistinguishsporadicinfectionsversusanoutbreak.

Currently,acomprehensivedatasetof C. hominis and C. parvum subtypesisnotavailableforNewYorkState(NYS).Here,we determinedthesubtypeof410specimensthroughoutNYSfortheyear2022. C. parvum waspresentin182ofthespecimens while228contained C. hominis.Subtypesweredeterminedanddatawasfurtheranalyzedbyquarteroftheyearandlocationto identify any potential outbreaks or clusters. Subtype and spatiotemporal data serve as a foundation to inform future surveillance,outbreakinvestigationsandpreventionefforts.

1Jordan McAdam; 2Laura Jones; 1,2ErinBell; 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY, USA

Spatial and Temporal estimation of Traffic related Air pollutants in NYS and its relationship to the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight

Ese Freeman Oghaghare MPH Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY.

Abstract

Thereisanassociationbetweenexposurelevelsandpossiblehealthoutcomessuchaspretermbirth(PTB)andlowbirthweight (LBW). However, existing research on the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and pregnancy outcomesisinconsistent,andthereisalackofinformationontheroleofresidentialhistoryinexposuremisclassification. PTB and LBW are known predictors of infant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the need to explore the linkages between exposuretotraffic-relatedairpollution[TRAP]andadversepregnancyoutcomessuchasPTBandLBW.

Previousstudiesonthisassociationhavebeencarriedoutmostlyinurbanareasandhavereportedmarkeddifferencesinair pollution mixtures and levels in urban and rural settings. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by considering the residentialhistoryofthestudypopulation.

Thisretrospectivecohortstudywillinvolveresidents,includingsingletonsandlivebirthsintheCapitalregionofNewYork.The study population's database will include information on gestational age, maternal age, newborn birth weight, residence indicator,newbornageindays,patientcounty,etc.Proximitytomajorroads,definedbytrafficvolume,willbeusedasanindex ofairpollutionexposure.

ThestudywilldetermineifexposuretoTRAPatdifferentstagesofpregnancyisassociatedwiththeseoutcomes.Thestudy's expectedoutcomeswill provide critical informationon the associationbetweenair pollutionexposure and PTB/LBW,which will be useful in developing effective public health policies and interventions to mitigate exposure and improve pregnancy outcomes.

25 | Sarah Otaru

1Sarah Otaru; 1The State University of New York at Albany, Department of Environmental Health Sciences

Abstract

Glyphosate is a widely-used herbicide with potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Its presence in drinking water and crops raisesconcernsabouthumanexposureandadversehealthoutcomes.Previousstudiesonglyphosate'simpactonreproductive hormoneshaveyieldedinconsistentfindings,withsomereportingnegativeeffectsonmalereproductivesystems,andothers finding no significant impact. Similarly, research on glyphosate's effects on estrogen and estradiol has been mixed. Epidemiologicalstudieshavealsoproducedconflictingresults,withsomesuggestingincreasedrisksofspontaneousabortion andshortenedgestationallengths,whileothersfoundnoassociationsbetweenglyphosateexposureandadverseendocrineor reproductiveoutcomes.

The complexity of glyphosate's effects on the endocrine system, including factors such as dose, duration of exposure, and individual differences, necessitates further research. This study aims to investigate the association between glyphosate exposure and variations in sex hormone levels in human populations, using data from the National Health and Nutrition ExaminationSurvey(NHANES).Theresearchwillexaminethecorrelationbetweenincreasinglevelsofglyphosateinurineand changesinbloodsexhormoneconcentrationsinbothmalesandfemalesacrossdifferentagegroups.

Wehypothesizethathigherlevelsofglyphosateinurinewillbecorrelatedwithsignificantchangesinbloodhormonelevelsin a dose-dependent manner and that there may be a dose-dependent relationship between urine glyphosate levels and sex hormone-binding globulin levels. We also expect these relationships to be consistent across data waves, providing a greater combinedeffect.Thisstudy aimstodeepenour understanding ofglyphosate'spotential asanendocrine-disruptingchemical anditsimplicationsforhumanhealth.

"Assessing the Association Between Glyphosate Exposure and Sex Hormone Variations in Human Populations: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis"

Are there demographic differences between individuals who prefer mobile phlebotomy service versus a patient service center for sample collection in Biomonitoring NY?

Abstract

Background: BiomonitoringNY(BNY)aimstodeterminethetypicalrangeofapproximately40environmentalcontaminants inthebloodandurineofNewYorkers.ParticipantsinBNYareaskediftheywouldprefertohavetheirbloodandurinesamples collectedviamobilephlebotomyservice(MPS)orapatientservicecenter(PSC).Theaimsofthisanalysiswere1)todetermine if there are demographic differences between participants who prefer MPS versus a PSC for sample collection, and 2) to determineifthereisasignificantdifferenceinoverallsamplecollectionpreference.

Methods: TheanalysiswasconductedusingBNYsurveydataasofMay11th,2022.Demographicsincludedage,currentgender identity,sexatbirth,race,employmentstatus,householdincome,andhomeownershipstatus.Chi-squaredandFisher’sExact testswereusedtoassessassociationsbetweendemographicsandsamplecollectionpreference.Thetwo-sidedone-sampletest for the binomial proportion was used to assess if the overall number of participants who preferred MPS was significantly differentfromthenumberwhopreferredaPSC.

Results: No significant associations were found between the demographics investigated and sample collection preference. However,therewasasignificantdifference(p=0.04)betweenoverallparticipantpreferenceforMPSversusPSC.Specifically, significantlyfewerparticipantspreferredMPS(n=100)comparedtoaPSC(n=132).

Conclusions: Despiteasignificantdifferenceinsamplecollectionpreferenceamongparticipants,demographicdifferenceswere notobservedbetweenindividualswhopreferredMPSversusPSC.ThesefindingswillhelpinformfutureBNYsamplingoptions.

27 | Anonna Saha

Smoking and infertility among women: results from the National Health and Nutrition

Background:Smokingcigarettesisconsideredariskfactorformanydiseasesincludingreproductivedisorder.Theobjectiveof thiscross-sectionalstudyistoexaminethepotentialassociationbetweenexposuretosmokingandinfertilityinwomenwith theuseofnationallyrepresentativedata.

Methods:Weanalyzedcigarettesmokingandreproductivehealthquestionnairedatacollectedduringthenationalhealthand nutritionsurvey(NHANES),2013-2018cycle.Wedevelopedamultivariablelogisticregressionmodeltoestimatetheadjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the association between cigarette smoking and infertility among women of reproductiveage(18-49).

Results:Among4152 eligible women, 11.82% hadself-reported infertility in their lifetime,witha higher prevalence byage. Afterperformingmultivariablelogisticregressionandadjustingforpotentialconfounders,wefoundasignificantassociation between smoking and infertility (1.299 (1.020, 1.655)). The association between smoking history and infertility was strong amongyoungerwomen(2.8768(1.5248,5.4274)).

Conclusion: The study’s findings add to the already complex literature on smoking and infertility. We believe this study will make women aware not to smoke if they want to get pregnant. These studies further suggest population-based prospective cohortstudiesoncigarettesmokinganditsrelationshiptoinfertilityamongwomen.

Keywords:Cross-sectionalstudy,smoking,infertility,NHANES,reproductivehealth,epidemiology.

EHS 2 MPH HeatherAydin-Ghormoz,MS,MPAand KarenWilson,MPH Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

1,2Anne Pysnik; 2Heather Aydin-Ghormoz, MS, MPA; 2Monica Nordstrom, MSPH; 1School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY; 2Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY

Anonna Saha,MPH; Dr. David Carpenter,MD; University of Albany, School of Public health Abstract

Effectiveness of Food Policies and Organizations’ Partnerships on Mitigating Disturbances to the Food Rescue System: Insights from a Regional Simulation Model in New York

Abstract

Externalshockstofoodsystemsarebecomingmorefrequentandsevere,exacerbatingfoodsecurityissuesthataffectalready vulnerable populations. Policies have been crafted to improve food and nutrition security and reduce waste, some of them emergingasaresponsetodisruptions.Theimplementationofthesepoliciesreliesonkeystakeholdersthatconstitutethefood rescuesystem,suchasfarms,retailers,andorganizationsthatdistributeemergencyfood.However,thesestakeholdersarealso subject to the effect of shocks, including disruptions to the supply chain and human capacity like those occurring during the Covid-19pandemic.

Weusedacollaborativesystemdynamicmodelofrecoveryandredistributionofsurplusfreshfruits&vegetablesinNewYork’s Capital Region to test the ability of a surplus food compensation program for local producers and an organic waste ban to respondtochangesinfooddemand,foodsupply,andhumancapacityatorganizations.Weincorporatedinformationfroman onlinesurveyonorganization-levelresponsestothepandemicshocktobuild'what-if'scenarios.Further,wehypothesizedthat partnershipsandcoordinationacrossorganizationscouldmitigatetheimpactofdisruptions. Wepresentthesimulationofeightscenariosillustratingtheperformanceofpoliciesatdifferentimplementationlevelsduring disruptions.Weassessedpoliciesbasedontheirabilitytosustainfoodprocurementandminimizewaste.Allscenariosincreased fooddistribution,butnotallfavoredwastereduction.Coordinationandpartnershipsandprogramssupportinglocalagriculture arekeytoincreasingtheprovisionofnutritiousfoodstovulnerablepopulationswhileminimizingwasteduringshocks.

1 Mariana Torres Arroyo; 2 Luis Luna-Reyes; 3 Christine Bozlak; 1 Xiaobo Xue Romeiko; 4 Roni Neff; 1 Beth J. Feingold / 1 University at Albany, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences; 2 University at Albany, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy; 3: University at Albany, School of Public Health, Health Policy, Management, and Behavior Department; 4 Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg Schools of Public Health.

YisenZheng

Changes in COVID-19 Symptom Presentation by Predominant Variant Strain in Circulation in New York State (Excluding New York City), April 11, 2021 – May 7, 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown that symptoms manifest differently alongside additionalriskfactors. However,thereisscarcedataonhowsymptompresentationdiffersacrossvariantstrains. Duetothe changingnatureofSARS-CoV-2,quantifyingspecificvariant-symptomrelationshipsalongsideadditionalriskfactorsisessential toelevateourunderstandingofCOVID-19. OurstudyaimstoinvestigatechangesinCOVID-19symptompresentationwithin NewYorkStateovertime,throughchangesinthepredominantvariantstrainincirculation(Alpha,Delta,Omicron,andOmicron sub-variants).

Methods:PatientrecordsforconfirmedNYSCOVID-19casesoccurringfromApril11,2021-May7,2022wereextractedfrom NewYorkState’sCOVID-19database,NY-CDMS,andmatchedagainstvaccinationrecordsfromNYSIIS. SAS9.4wasusedto clean,matchthisdata,andassesssymptomtype,symptomseverity,underlyingconditions,hospitalization/intubation,and vaccinationstatusacrossvariantsAlpha,Delta,andOmicronsub-variants(BA.1,BA.1.1,andBA.2). Amultilinearregression analysiswasconductedtoexamineassociationsbetweensevereoutcomesandunderlyingconditionswithsymptomseverity acrossvariantstrains.

Results: SymptomseveritysignificantlyincreasedduringDelta,decreasedthroughOmicronBA.1andBA.1.1,butincreased duringBA.2;increasedforthosewhohaddiabetes,hypertension,andasthma;andincreasedwithhospitalization.

Conclusions: Symptomseveritychangesacrossvariantstrainswhileadjustingforadditionalriskfactors,buttoachievemore reliablesevereoutcomedata(currentdatawasself-reported),SPARCSdatacanbeused,andGISAIDdatacanbeusedtomatch individuallevelvariantdata.

TSH levels in dried blood spots from newborns screened for congenital hypothyroidism

Isa Brackett; Norma Tavakoli PhD

Abstract

Introduction/Aims:Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is usedas a markerto identifycongenital hypothyroidism(CH). ElevatedTSH(µU/mL)mayindicatethyroiddisordersinnewborns.OuraimwastoinvestigatethevariablesthatinfluenceTSH levelsindriedbloodspotsfromnewborns.Inaddition,wecomparedtwodifferentalgorithmsforCHscreening:theThyroxine (T4)first-tieralgorithmandTSHexclusivealgorithm.

Methods: AttheNewbornScreeningprogram,TSH(µU/mL)concentrationwasmeasuredusinganimmunoassayinourlab, andthedemographicinformationwasobtainedusinginformationsubmittedbyhospitalsofbirth.Thisdataiscollectedthrough theNewYorkState’sNewbornScreeningProgram.SAS(statisticalanalysissystem)wasutilizedtoanalyzethedataandexcel wasusedfordataorganization.

Results: TSHconcentrationpeakedduringthefirst24hoursofage.Lowbirthweightnewbornshadalowermeanandmedian TSH concentration than normal birthweight newborns. The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was higher low birthweightnewborns.Additionally,theincidenceofCHwashigheramongfemalescomparedtomales.Wenotethatseasonal factorsinfluencedthemeasuredTSHconcentration.

Discussion: Adjusting the cut-offcriteria basedon birthweight can decrease the potential false negative cases usingTSH screeningbutmayincreasethenumberoffalsepositivecases.Afterconsideringthepositivepredictivevalue(PPV),recallrates, andfalsepositivesofbothalgorithms,TSHexclusivescreeningdecreasedthefalsepositiveratewhenscreeninglowbirthweight newborns.Seasonaladjustmentstothecut-offsimprovedtherecallrateandPPV.

1,2Ryann Augstell; 1Yisen Zheng, MPH; 1Youjung Byun, PhD, MPH; 1Bridget J. Anderson, PhD; 1New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Albany, NY, 2School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY

Willingness to Receive Emergency Department COVID Vaccination among Incompletely Vaccinated Patients

Abstract

Objectives: Many Americans remain un-or-under vaccinated for COVID-19. The use of Emergency Departments (ED) for deliveryofCOVID-19vaccinationremainsunexploredinthecontextofwidespreadvaccineavailabilityandsustainedvaccine hesitancy.

Methods: FromJune14throughJuly30,2022,weenrolledarandomsampleofEDpatientsatatertiary-carehospitalinUpstate NewYorkinacross-sectionalsurveyofCOVID-19vaccinationstatusandassessedtheirwillingnesstoreceiveanEDvaccination. Wedescribethesampledemographicsandcomparetheirvaccinationstatusandhesitancy.

Results: Ofthe126eligiblepatients,105(83.33%)completedthesurvey.Ofthese,62.9%completedtheirprimaryseriesand atleastonebooster,18.1%receivedtheirprimaryserieswithnobooster,2.9%patientsreceivedatleastonedoseofatwo-dose regimen,16%wereun-vaccinated.Thereceiptofprimaryseriesandboostervariedbyage[18-44years=51.6%;45-65years= 57.1%;andgreaterthan65years=81.3%;(p=0.032)].Patientswhoreceivedatleastonepriorvaccinationweremorewilling toreceiveanadditionalvaccinationduringtheirEDvisit,ascomparedtopatientswhowereunvaccinatedandofferedafirst dose(41.01%vs.17.65%respectively,p=0.132).

Conclusions: ThisstudyreaffirmsthatdespitewidespreadCOVID-19vaccineavailability,manyseekingemergencyhealth servicesremainun-or-undervaccinated.EmergencyhealthservicesmayprovideanopportunitytoengagepatientsonCOVID19vaccinationtounderstandtheirvaccinationhesitancy.Futureworkisneededtodevelopnovelapproachestoengagevaccine hesitancyorresistanceamongEDpatients.

32 | Teresa Costa

Fatal Drug Overdose Trends Among Northeastern US Adolescents (10-19 years) 2010-2021

Abstract

Introduction: AdolescentdrugoverdosedeathshavebeenontheriseintheUnitedStatessince2019.WhileThePublicHealth InformationGroupattheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealthhasbeenmonitoringopioidoverdosetrendsinadults,the numberofadolescentoverdosedeathswassolowtheywerenotconsistentlylookedat.Withtrendsontherise,itispertinent toknowwhatisgoingoninourregion.Adolescents(aged10-19years)intheNortheastwerechosenasthepopulationof interest.Thegoalwastodeterminethedemographicmakeupofadolescentsmostaffectedbasedonrace,ethnicity,andgender. Drugtypewasalsoinvestigatedtodeterminewhatwascontributingthemosttooverdoses.

Methods: CDCWonder,anonlinedatabaseforepidemiologicalresearch,wasusedtogatherdataforthisproject.ICD-10codes indicatingoverdosedeathswereinputintotheMultipleandUnderlyingCauseofDeathfieldsinordertoobtaindeathcounts. Datawerefilteredbasedoncategoriessuchasage,race,ethnicity,gender,anddrugtype.Then,thedatawasputintoExcelfor analysis,ratecalculations,andcomparisonandinterpretationoftablesandgraphs.

Conclusions: DatashowedthatintheNortheastregionoftheUSadolescentswhowerewhite,male,andnon-Hispanichadthe highestratesofoverdosedeaths.Opioidswereshowntobepresentin75%ofalladolescentoverdosedeaths,thehighest percentageofalldrugtypesthatwerelookedat.Fentanylcontributedtoalargepercentageofopioid-involvedcases.

1Matthew Carter, BS; 2Michael Waxman, M.D.; 2Ashar Ata, PhD; (1 Affiliation University at Albany School of Public Health, 2 Albany Medical College)

1Teresa Costa; 2Vivian Kamanu, MPH; 1University at Albany School of Public Health; 2Public Health Information Group, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychotropic Polypharmacy in Child and Adolescent Medicaid Enrollees in New York State, 2021

Abstract

Background:Asof2019,intheUnitedStatesapproximately20millionyouthsundertheageof18havebeendiagnosedwitha mental or behavioralhealthdisorder.The use of a complexpsychotropic drug regimen onthese individuals as a form of treatmenthassteadilyincreasedbetweentwo-tosevenfoldintheUnitedStatessince2008.Thisstudyaimstoexaminethe prevalenceandpotentialcorrelatesofpsychotropicpolypharmacy(PP)(threeormore)amongchildrenwhoareMedicaid enrolleesinNewYorkState.Methods:Across-sectionalstudyof2021Medicaidenrolleesaged0-17,whoweretakingatleast onepsychotropicmedicationfor90daysandutilizedamentalhealthservicein2021.DatacollectedfromtheNYSOfficeof Mental Health Psychiatric Services and Knowledge Enhancement System (PSYCKES). Statistical analyses done on SAS 9.4 DesktopVersion.Results:Totalof24,396childreninNewYorkStatetakingonepsychotropicmedicationin2021;5,272were takingthreeormoreconcurrently.Demographicdistributionofthepopulation:white(66.1%),male(58.3%),Non-Hispanic (75.3%)and>10yearsold(79.5%).ChildrendiagnosedwithBipolardisorderhadsignificantlyhigheroddsofPP(OR=2.45, 95%CI=2.18-2.74).ChildrenprescribedatleastoneantipsychotichadsignificantlyhigheroddsofPP(OR=5.97,95%CI=5.586.38).Conclusions:Pediatricpsychotropicpolypharmacyhasbecomeanincreasinglyusedpractice.Thereisaninadequate amountofempiricaldatatounderstandtheclinicaljustificationforitsuse.Additionalstudiesareneededtolearnmoreabout theeffectiveness,safetyandlong-termeffectsofpediatricpsychotropicpolypharmacy. 34

| Jancarlos Guzman

1Jancarlos Guzman; 2Christopher F. Davis PhD, MPH, CPH. 1School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY. 2Office of Public Health Practice, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY.

Abstract

Introduction: In1985,theReportoftheSecretary’sTaskForceonBlack&MinorityHealthwasreleased.Thislandmarkreport wasamongthefirsttodocumentthedisparitiesseeninvarioushealthoutcomesbetweenracialandethnicminoritygroups comparedtotheirWhitecounterparts.Sincethen,muchprogresshasbeenmadeineliminatinghealthdisparities,buttheystill exist.OneoftheleadersinpromotinghealthequityistheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth.Nowinitsfourthiteration,the 2023NewYorkStateHealthEquityReporthighlightstheuniquestrengthsandchallengesinhealthoutcomesformajorracial andethnicsubgroups.

Methods: DatafromtheCountyHealthIndicatorsbyRace/Ethnicity(CHIRE)tableswereanalyzedtocomparethedifferent racialandethnicsubgroups.DatawasanalyzedforallofNewYorkState,NewYorkCity(NYC),NewYorkStateexcludingNYC, andNewYork’s62counties.Theanalysisresultssummarizedvariousstrengths andchallengesforeachracialandethnic subgroup.

Results: Improvementwasshowninseveralhealthoutcomes,worseninginothers,andarangeofdisparitieswerenoted.Black non-Hispanicshadthemostchallengesinhealthoutcomesandveryfewstrengthscomparedtoothersubgroups.Hispanicsalso hadseveralchallengeswithlimitedstrengths.Asian/PacificIslandernon-Hispanicshadafewchallengesbutseveralstrengths. Theanalysissuggestssignificantdisparitiespersistbyraceandethnicity,especiallyamongBlacknon-HispanicsandHispanics.

Conclusion: TheresultsofthisanalysiswilldrivehealthequitypoliciesandinterventionsinNewYorkState.

1Alexandra Frary , 2Jamie Kammer, PhD. 1 University at Albany, School of Public Health, 2 NYS Office of Mental Health

2 MPH ChristopherF.Davis

Mentor

Racial Disparities among Injuries Complicating Pregnancy in New York State (NYS)

Abstract

Introduction:DisparitiesinmaternalandinfanthealthexistintheU.S.;patternsthathavepersistedfordecadesdespiteadvances inmedicalcare.Recentevents,suchasthedisparateimpactofCOVID-19andchangestoreproductivepolicyhavebrought increasedfocustolongstandinginequitiesinmaternalandinfanthealth.Whileafocushasbeenplacedonpregnancyrelated deaths,thereisapaucityofdataondisparitiesininjuriescomplicatingpregnancy(ICP).

Methods:TheNewYorkState(NYS)emergencydepartment(ED)andhospitalizationdatacollectsinformationonICP.This analysisexaminesracialdisparitiespertainingtoICPwithinthisdataset.ICPwereidentifiedusingICD-10-CMcodesfor20162020.

Results:From2016-2020,5,725individualsweretreatedwithICP,resultingin$127millionincharges.From2016-2020,ED visitratesforICPremainedsteady,witharateofICPforBlacknon-Hispanic(NH)of5.8per100,000comparedto1.6among White NH. Among hospitalizations, rate trends indicated a widening gap from 2016-2020. In 2016, Black NH had a hospitalizationrateofICP1.8timeshigherthanWhiteNH,whereasin2020therateforBlackNHwas2.7timeshigher.In adjustedregression,BlackNHexperiencedhigherchargesassociatedwiththehospitalcare,comparedtotherestofourstudy population(p<0.0001).

Significance:DisparitiesexistamongICPinNYS.BlackNHconsistentlyexperiencehigherratesofICPcomparedtoWhiteNH andpatternsindicateawideninggap.ForeverydollarchargedtopatientstreatedforICP,BlackNHwerechargedanadditional 13cents.

36 | Charlotte (Bishan) Huang

Depressive Symptoms and HIV Viral Suppression - A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background:DepressionisacommonmentalhealthdisorderthatcanimpactHIVoutcomes.Understandingtherelationship betweendepressionandHIVviralsuppressioniskeyforimprovinginterventions.Whilepreviousstudiesshowedanassociation betweendepressionandHIVoutcomes,fewhavecomprehensivelyquantifiedthisrelationship.Thismeta-analysisaimedto reviewexistingliteratureandquantifytheassociationbetweendepressionandHIVviralsuppression.

Methods:AsystematicliteraturesearchwasconductedinPubMed,WebofScience,EBSCO,andOVID.ThesoftwareRayyanwas usedtoevaluateeligibilityofstudies,andPRISMAguidelineswereusedforabstractingdata.TheoutcomemeasurewasHIV viralloadsuppressionorundetectableviralload.Ameta-analysiswitharandom-effectsmodelwasperformedusingReview Manager5.4.1.SubgroupanalysisfurtherexaminedthedataaftertheI2testshowedheterogeneityofprimaryarticles. Results:The14primarystudiesincludedcovered73,579participants.Resultsshowednon-depressedindividualsweremore likelytoachieveHIVviralsuppressionorundetectableviralloadcomparedtodepressedindividuals(OR=1.57,95%CI=1.14, 2.17). Subgroup analysis indicated this effect was significant among the general PLWH population (n= 66506, OR=2.19, 95%CI=1.29,3.74),butnotamongcisgenderwomen(n=2565,OR=1.17,95%CI=0.98,1.40)ormenwhohavesexwithmen (n=4508,OR=1.44,95%CI=0.51,4.08).

Conclusions:Thismeta-analysishighlightstheimportanceofaddressingmentaldisordersinHIVmanagement.Interventions targetingthegeneralpopulationofPLWHshouldincludestrategiestodecreasedepression.Furtherinvestigationisneededto determinethefactorsassociatedwiththeoutcomedisparitiesincisgenderwomenandmenwhohavesexwithmen.

1 Noelle Horth, BS; 2 Emilia Pawlowski, MS; 2 Aisha Roberts, MPH; 2 Michael Bauer, MS; 1 University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY; 2 Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY

1,3,Bishan Huang, MPH, MBBS; 2, 3, Alitasha Younger, MPH; 3Peggy Elmer, MSW; 1,3,Thomas O’Grady, PhD; 1.School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States; 2.School of Public Health, Downstate Health Sciences University, State University of New York, New York City, NY, United States; 3.The AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States

BackgroundandPurpose:

Usefulness of the EHDI Reporting Process

Deepika Reddy Kandhi , Lauren Miller PhD

Abstract

TheNewYorkEarlyHearingDetectionandIntervention(NYSEHDI)ReportingProcessinvolvecreatinganddisseminating aggregatedmonthlyreportstostaffatbirthingfacilities,hospitals,andtoaudiologiststoensureinfantswithhearinglossare identifiedandreceiveearlyintervention(EI)servicesassoonaspossible.Themonthlyreportscontainchildlistswhichidentify theinfantswhoaremissinghearingscreening,diagnosticevaluation,and/orreferraltotheEarlyInterventionProgram(EIP). TheEHDIProgramalsodevelopsrunchartswhichprovideeachfacilitywithinformationaboutthemonthlypercentofinfants whohavereceivedhearingscreening,diagnosticevaluation,andreferraltotheEIP. TheNYEHDIteamdistributedasurveytodiscoverareaswheretheNYEHDIReportingprocessmoduleperformswell–meaning effectively,efficiently,andwithsatisfaction–andidentifyareasforimprovementwherethemoduledoesnotmeettheneedsof the data reporters. This evaluation will be used to enhance the EHDI Reporting Process and act as a baseline for future assessmentsandactivities.Basedongapsidentifiedinthemonthlyreports,targetedtechnicalassistancewillbeprovidedto hospitalsandaudiologiststhathaveahighnumberoflosstofollow-up/losstodocumentation.Theresultsfromthesurveywill beusedtoenhancetheEHDI-ISsystem,andactasabaselineforfutureevaluations.

38 | Emily Neimeyer

Evaluation of A NYS Harm Reduction Re-Entry Case Management Service Program: A MixedMethods Analysis of Staff Perceptions and Client Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction:Incarceratedindividualsaredisproportionatelyaffectedbysubstanceusedisorder(SUD)andfacehigherriskfor recidivismandoverdosepost-incarceration.Toreduceriskofoverdoseandaidinsuccessfulcommunityreentry,AlbanyCounty jailpartnerswithaharmreductionprovidertooffermedicationforopioidusedisorder(MOUD)andcomprehensivecase managementservices(e.g.,housing,insurance,linkagetocare)toinmateswithanySUD.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 staff members from the jail and harm reduction provider. InterviewswereanalyzedinNVivotoassessalignmentofprogramgoalsandimplementationchallengesamongstaff.Client censusdatacollectedbythejailfromJanuary-November2022wereanalyzedinSAStoidentifytrendsrelevanttointerview themes.

Results:Increasingclientengagementanddecreasingrecidivismandoverdosewereidentifiedbystafffrombothagenciesas importantprogramgoals.Challengesidentifiedincluded:bailreform,whichreducedthenumberofprogram-eligibleinmates; andCOVID-19shutdowns,whichimpactedavailabilityofSUDtreatmentandre-entryservices.Clientcensusdatadocumented increasesinprogramenrollmentandonlyonefataloverdosepost-incarceration.However,increasedMOUDdiversionand recidivismwerereported,possiblyinrelationtooveralljailpopulationchanges.

Conclusions:Analysisofclientcensusdataisanimportanttoolforcommunicatingprogressandchallengesassociatedwith programgoals,whichisnecessaryinestablishingstaffconsensusintheseareas.Whenstaffarealigned,thisensureseffective implementationandallowsforflexibilitywithinprogrampolicy,whichisessentialtoaddressthedynamicobstaclesfacedby MOUDandharmreductionprograms.

MPH

1Emily Neimeyer; 1Isabella Sunkes, MPH; 2Benjamin Kuettel, M.A.; 1Tomoko Udo, PhD; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, 2University at Albany School of Criminal Justice

COVID-19 Outbreaks at Regulated Children’s Summer Camps, New York State (NYS) Metropolitan Area Region (MARO), June 1 – September 15, 2021

Abstract

Introduction:ThisanalysisdescribedCOVID-19outbreaksamongregulatedcampsinMAROofNYS,excludingNYC,byoutbreak sizeandcamptypebetweenJuly-September2021.

Methods:Outbreak-associatedcasedatawereextractedfromCommCare(COVID-19surveillancesystem). Outbreakswere identifiedusingCouncilofStateandTerritorialEpidemiologistsdefinitions. Outbreakswerecategorizedbysize(small2-5 cases,medium6-10cases,andlarge11+cases). DescriptivecasestatisticswerepreparedusingMicrosoftExcel.

Results:129of861regulatedcampsexperiencedaCOVID-19outbreak. Although71%ofcampswereintheMid-Hudson,Long Islandexperienced70%ofdaycampoutbreaks,67%ofoutbreak-associatedcases,andmajorityofsmall(50.6%),medium (57.1%),andlarge(87.5%)outbreaks. Mostoutbreaksoccurredindaycamps(93.8%). Largeoutbreaksweren’tdetected amongovernightcamps. Meanagesofdayandovernightcampcaseswere11and22yearsold,respectively. Mostcaseswere attendees(82.6%).

Discussion: COVID-19 transmission among Long Island camps mirrored community incidence during the same period. Individuals at day camps may experience community and household exposures outside of camp whereas individuals at overnightcampslikelyremainon-siteforthesessionduration.Daycampsmaybemorevulnerabletooutbreaksduetoyounger attendeesnotage-eligibleforvaccination.

Conclusion:Temporarydecreasedcommunityexposureandon-sitecontrolmeasuresmayreducelikelihoodofovernightcamp outbreaks. CampsshouldemphasizeCOVID-19immunizationwhileutilizingnon-pharmaceuticalinterventions.

Student’s Role: Gabrielle Roosevelt organized camp and COVID-19 outbreak and case data, categorized outbreak sizes, conductedpreliminarydataanalysis,andproducedrelevantstatisticalandepidemiologicalfigures.

40 | Alexandra Videll

2 MPH LindseyHutchison,MS

Development and Implementation of Data Processes for HBV Cluster Outbreak Detection

1 Alexandra Videll 1 University at Albany

Abstract

Background: Diseasesurveillanceandresponseisanintegralaspectofpublichealthwork.TheBureauofHepatitisHealthCare andEpidemiologyattheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHeathusestheCommunicableDiseaseElectronicSurveillanceSystem (CDESS) in conjunction with the Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System (ECLRS) to conduct hepatitis B virus surveillanceoutsideofNewYorkCity.

Methods: SAScodewasdevelopedtoverifyreportedcasestatusanddiseasecodeinCDESSmetcasedefinition,anddatawas manuallyupdatedtoensureaccuracy.SASwasusedtocreateinputfilesforSaTScan’sprospectivespace-timepermutation modelforeachdiseaseclassificationgroup(acute,chronic,allcases,andcasesoccurringinthoseages16-29).Thehistorical limitsmethodusedSAScodetocomparethecurrentfour-weekperiodwiththefour-weekperiodsprecedingandfollowing, goingbackfiveyearstodetectsignificantdiseaseclustersstatewide.

Results: BothSaTScanandthehistoricallimitsmethodproducedlineliststhatidentifiedpotentialclustersofcasesineach diseasecategory.SaTScanreturnsp-valuesforeachcluster,whilethehistoricallimitsmethodreturnscaseclusterswhichhave countsgreaterthanonestandarddeviationabovethehistoricalmean.

Conclusion: SaTScan can detect clusters across county borders and the area of detection is adjustable based on chosen parameters.Thehistoricallimitsmethodismoresensitive,butconfinesclusterstocountyborders.Ideally,bothmethodswould beusedtogetherforoutbreakdetectionandresponsegoingforward.

1Gabrielle Roosevelt, BS; 2Sandhya Singh, MPH; 3Rebecca Dietrich, MPH; 2Susan Miller, MS; 2Kelly Barrett, MPH; 3Eric Wiegert, MPH; 2Neida Mita Mendoza, PhD, MS; 1State University of New York at Albany, School of Public Health; 2New York State Department of Health, Metropolitan Area Regional Office, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control; 3New York State Department of Health, Metropolitan Area Regional Office, Center of Environmental Health

New York Should Allow Young Children to Remain Enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plus Until Age 6

Abstract

Introduction: Childrenareatriskoflosingmedicaidcoverageevenwhentheyareeligible.Thecurrentadministrativetransition leadstogapsincontinuouscoverageforchildrenduringtheirmostimportantdevelopmentalstage.

Methods: Nationally,3outof4childrenareprojectedtoloseMedicaidaftertheCOVID-19continuouscoverageprotectionends willstillbeeligible.Researchwasconductedandsupportingdata wasidentifiedfromotherstatemodelsandwereusedasa basistopushfortheimplementationofcontinuousaccesstohealthcoverageforyoungchildreninNewYorkthroughcontinuous medicaideligibilitytoage6withoutinterruptionsanddelaysincoverage.

Results: Datafrom2019shows96.3%ofalleligibleNewYorkchildrenparticipateinMedicaid/CHIPwhichisalargepercentage of New York’s children. This ensures children get the necessary check-ups, screening, and treatments during their critical developmentalstages.Thisleadstobenefitsinbothlong-termandshort-termhealthbenefitsaschildrenreceivethenecessary health during their critical developmental ages. Continuous Medicaid coverage is cost-effective to operate and avoids more costlyemergencycare.ChildrenarealsotheleastexpensivebeneficiarygroupinMedicaid.

Conclusions: Continuous eligibility provides a longer period of stable coverage for young children during a critical stage of development. Some states (Oregan, New Mexico and Washington State) that have already started moving forward towards continuouseligibility.NewYorkcanfollowOregon,NewMexicoandWashingtonstateandsubmitawaiverrequest.

42 | Isha Bhushan

Elder Abuse Education and Outreach Program (EAEOP)

Abstract

Goal:

1.Raiseawarenessandeducateprofessionalsandthepublicaboutelderabuse,neglectandfinancialexploitation.

2.Enhancelocalcommunityservicestovictimsofeldermistreatmenttocomplementandenhancethestate’sEAEOPefforts.

Background: Eachyearmillionsofvulnerablepopulationsarethetargetofelderabuse.AccordingtotheNationalCouncilon Aging,approximately1in10Americansages60+haveexperiencedsomeformofelderabuse,amongstwhich1in24casesis reported.

Objective #1:Buildinglocalcapacitytoidentifyandprovideoutreachorotherinterventionservicestoolderadultvictimsof abuseinordertoconnectthemwithappropriateservicestoradiatemistreatmentandpreventrecurrence.

Key Task: Compiling new and updated resource and referral information to be used by the general public, not-for-profit organizations and senior service organizations to educate on signs of elder abuse and how to report and/or refer cases to authorities.

Measurement Outcome: Producing a comprehensive and easy to use resource and referral guide for questions about and reportingofsuspectedcasesofelderabusewithinAlbanyCounty

Objective #2: Implementing outreach and/or education activities to increase awareness, recognition and reporting among professionalsandthepublicregardingelderabuse,neglectandfinancialexploitation.

KeyTask:Compilinglistsof“audiences''foracomprehensiveandeasy-to-useresourcedirectoryviatelephone,emailandinpersonvisits.

MeasurementOutcome:distributing10,000copiesofacomprehensiveresourceguidetoidentifyingandreportingelderabuse totargetaudiencesthroughAlbanyCountyandNewYorkStatebySeptember2021.

1Yodit Berhan MPH Candidate; 2 Bridget Walsh, MPH;1 University at Albany, School of Public Health; 2 Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy

1Isha Bhushan, MPH/MSW; 2Gretchen Moore, MA, Chief Compliance Officer and Capital Region E-MDT Project Coordinator; 3Holly Cramer, Exclusive Director at LifePath

43 | Karly Boyd

Childhood Blood Lead Level Reporting Compliance: Evaluating Timeliness and Data Quality in Accordance with Public Health Law 1370-e

Abstract

Introduction: The New York State Department of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) utilizes reportingandsurveillanceefforts,efficienttestingmeasures,andsupportiveresourcesto eradicatechildhoodleadpoisoning. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Childhood lead poisoning is a critical public health concern that impacts childhood growth,behavior,development,andotherdimensionsofhealth.

Methods: Thorough evaluation and data tracking methods were utilized to assess 176 laboratory reports from 2019-2021. Evaluation efforts were used to better understand New York State ECLRS (Electronic Clinical Laboratory Reporting System) performancereportdata,identifylimitedserviceandpermittedclinicallaboratoryreportingcompliance,andinformdeficient laboratoriesofnecessarycorrectionstoimproveoverallreportingtimelinessanddataqualityinaccordancewithpublichealth law1370-e.

Results: Evaluative approaches were utilized to develop comprehensive laboratory compliance summary reports and appropriate communications to alert laboratories of their compliance status. Evaluation efforts found that 78% of 2021 laboratoryreportsdemonstrated timeliness complianceforallfourreportingquarters.37%of2021laboratoryreportsindicated data quality complianceforallfourreportingquarters.

Conclusion:EvaluationofECLRScompliancereportdatademonstratedroomforimprovementconcerningchildhoodbloodlead levelreporting.Timelyreportingandqualitydataareessentialtoensureaccuracy,mitigateleadrisk,andmaintainchildhood healthacrossNewYork State.Furtherefforts,strengthenedreportingandsurveillance,andthoughtful recommendationsare necessarytoeffectivelychallengechildhoodleadpoisoning.

44 | Poorva Kulkarni

Literature Review for Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) in Adolescents and Adults

Abstract

Introduction: AliteraturesearchwasconductedexploringeffectivetreatmentoptionsforthosewithCannabisUseDisorder (CUD).Overthelast20years,researchershavefoundpsychosocialinterventionssuchasCognitiveBehavioralTherapy(CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), or Motivational Interviewing (MI) significantly improve outcomes for those with CUD.Recentresearchalsoexplorespharmacologicalandtechnology-basedtreatments.

Methods: Thearticleswere searchedforinPubMedusingsearchterm“treatmentforcannabisusedisorder”.Elevenarticles wereselectedforinclusioninthereviewbasedontheirrelevancetothetopicandthequalityoftheresearchstudy.Fiveofthe articleswererandomizedclinicaltrialsandsixweresystematicreviewsormeta-analyses.

Results: Thetimeperiodofarticlesrangedfrom2000to2022.Theagerangeoftheparticipantsincludedadolescents,young adults,andadults.CBTwasfoundeffectiveintreatmentofCUDinallfiveresearcharticlesinvolvingCBT.Threearticlesreported thatuseofMIimprovedthe outcomesforCUD,onearticlereportedmixed results,andonearticleshowednoeffectofMIon CUD. Two articles, including a literature review, reported CBT+MET significantly reducing cannabis use. Contingency managementalsoimprovedoutcomewhencombinedwithCBTorCBT+MET.PharmacologicaltreatmentsincludingTHCand cannabinoids replacement therapy did not show any significant findings. Text-based and web-based interventions were effectiveinreducingcannabisuseinyoungadults.

Conclusions:CBTwithMETandcontingencymanagementwerefoundtobethemosteffectivetreatmentoptionsforCUD.

1Karly Boyd B.S., MPH/MSW Candidate;1University at Albany School of Public Health

1Poorva Kulkarni; 2Sarah Krassenbaum; 2Maria Morris-Groves; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health; 2New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports

VanGenechten

Reducing Lead Exposure from Lead in Donated Venison in New York State

1Maeve McCullouch; 2Audrey Van Genechten; 2Gena Gallinger, MS; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health; 2New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health Outreach and Education

Abstract

Background:ThroughouttheUnitedStates,effortstoreducetheriskofleadexposurefromdonated venisonharvestedwith leadammunitionhavevaried.Currently,NewYorkState(NYS)isevaluatingthefeasibilityofpolicies,guidance,andoutreach materialstoaddresspotentialleadexposuresfromdonatedvenison.NYSDepartmentofHealth(DOH)aimsto minimizerisk, whilemaintainingthetraditionofhuntingandavailabilityofdonatedvenison.ThisworkisbasedonpreviousNYShuntersurvey datagatheredbytheNYSDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation(DEC)LeadAmmunitionWorkingGroup.

Methods:Forthisproject,wedevelopedaquestionnaireforNYSfoodbanksandfoodpantriestobetterunderstandknowledge, attitudes,andbeliefsrelatedtothehealtheffectsoflead,theexposurerisksofleadindonatedvenison,andrecommendations for future steps. We also researched how other states are addressing the risk of lead in donated venison. Cornell University workedincollaborationtointerviewNYSfoodprocessors.

Results:Weinterviewedthreefoodbanks,onefoodpantry,andfoodbankassociationFeedingNYS.NYSDECprovidedsurvey data from 25,000 hunters and Cornell University interviewed 19 food processors. We also interviewed the Minnesota DepartmentofAgricultureabouttheirvenisondonationprogram,themostrobustinthecountry.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that targeted risk communication may be most effective in addressing the risk of lead in donatedvenison.Statewideregulationsarenotrecommendedatthistime.Stakeholdercollaborationsshouldcontinuetoinform recommendationsthatbenefitandmaintaintrust,whilepromotingoverallpublichealth.

46 | Roxanne Mitchell

Creating and formulating a resource guide for returning citizens

Capital District Abstract

Background: Improving access for underserved populations with initiatives across the capital region by expanding access to insurance,providingfreeoralpreventivecareacrossschools,andofferinghealthplanninganddataexpertise.Wecurrentlyhave afocusonthe1115Waiverintendedtointegratesocialandmedicalcare.Aimingtoincorporatesocial,physical,andbehavioral health care into the fabric of the NYS Medicaid Program, the NYS 1115 Waiver seeks to decrease health disparities, enhance healthequity,andsupportsocialcaredelivery.Thereisalsoastrongfocusondecreasinghealthdisparitiesacrosspopulations particularlythecriminaljusticeinvolvedpopulation.Therearesignificantgapsincareforthispopulationandforreentry.

Objective:Increaseawarenessofneedsforreturningcitizensandcreatearesourceguidetosupporttheirhealthandwellness. Methods:Talkingandinterviewingreentrycoordinatorsandorganizationsinformallytolearnaboutbarriersandidentifyareas ofneed.Whileformulatingalistofneedsthatarenotbeingmet.Collectingandorganizingdataandcategorizingthem. Results:Resultssectionwillremainblankuntilcompleteresourceguideiscompleted.

Conclusion:Conclusionwillbeaddedattheend

1. Roxanne Mitchell MPH 2. Healthy

47

Marissa O'Dell

Hospital Response to Covid-19

Marissa O'Dell

Abstract

Introduction: The Office of Quality and Patient Safety assists in the daily collection of data from the Hospital Emergency Response Data System (HERDS) for New York State. Daily information is collected on COVID-19 admissions, fatalities, hospitalizations,bedavailability,vaccination,PPE,andstaffingratios. Methods: The hospital call center sends an email to the HERDS team to indicate that the data can be processed. The team membersinchargeofprocessingforthedaythenlogontoWEBEXandruntheappropriateSASprograms.Overthecourseof thisinternshippediatricdatawasanalyzed,todetermineiftherewereanyanomaliesortrendsintheCOVID-19data.Todothis thedatawasadjustedtogivetherateper100,000accordingtoregionandage. Results:ItwasfoundthattherateofCovid-19caseswasthehighestamongpersonswhoare0to4outofallagegroupsunder theageof18(0to4,5to11,12to18). Thegroupthathadthegreatestrateofchangesincethepreviousreportwasthe 12to 18 group. Further analysis showed that the cases were the highest in regions other than New York City from September to November2021,andFebruarythroughMarch2022(afterthattheregionwiththe highestnumberofcasesforthose0to18 wasNewYorkCity).

48

Hannah Olatunde

Maternal and Child Health Systems Mapping

Abstract

DuringthisinternshipIusedthelogicmodeltemplatethatwas createdinthesummertocreateamoreadvancedlogicmodel fortheCYSHCNdomain.Inaddition,IreviewedcurrentTitleVactionplansandotherrelevantsourcedocumentstoconduct interviewswithprogramleadsandsubjectmatterexpertsintheDivisionandDepartmentofHealthtoinformthevisualization and substantive content for logic models. I created a logic model, a companion stylized summary document (i.e., a narrative briefingdocument/snapshot),andapresentation(separatefromtherequiredinternshippresentation)thatcanbeusedtoshare theinformationwithDepartmentleadershipandexternalstakeholders.

HPM

49

Kahnia Palin

Maternal and Child Health Systems Mapping

Abstract

Introduction: TheDivisionofFamilyHealth(DFH)receivesafederalMaternalandChildHealthServices(“TitleV”)blockgrant tosupportMaternalandChildHealthinitiativesacrossthestate.TheTitleVgrantisorganizedintofivedomains,whichsupport improvingthehealthandwell-beingofmothers,children,includingchildrenwithspecialneedsandtheirfamilies.Thepurpose of creating the worksheet tool was to examine how responsive the Title V programs are at addressing the communities' identifiedneedswhilefurtherexamininghowTitleVprogramsareusingahealthequitylenstoaddresssocialdeterminantsof healthtoreducedisparitiesacrossthefivedomains.

Methods:AworksheettoolwasdevelopedasinformedbytheWMHFY-22’AnnualReportandFY-22’ApplicationYearwhich outlinedstrategiesthatalliedwiththeidentified10crosscuttingpriorities.

Results: The worksheet tool revealed that many of the strategies outlined in the WMH FY- 22’ Annual Report and FY- 22’ ApplicationYearplansareaddressingmanyoftheidentified10crosscuttingpriorities.Theworksheettooldididentifygapsin activitiesthatshouldaddresscommunityandenvironmentalsafetyand healthyeating.Theworksheetservedasausefultool thatalldomainscanusetovisuallyidentifywherethegapsareintheiractionplans.

Conclusion:WhilethereisevidencethattheWMHdomainprogramsarebeingresponsivetothecommunities’identifiedneeds whilealsodemonstratinghealthequity,therewereidentifiedgapsthatshouldbeaddressed.Theworksheettoolshouldalsobe completedbytheremainingdomains.

50 | Rebecca Pendergrass

Integrating Oral Health Services into School-Based Health Centers in New York State

Abstract

Background: ThePlanningandImplementingaSchool-BasedHealthCenterDental(SBHC-D)Programguidancedocumentwas lastreleasedin2010.ItdoesnotreflectcurrentSBHC-Doperationsandpolicies.

Methods: Aliteraturereviewwasconductedfocusingontworesearchquestions:(1)HowareSBHCsoperatedthroughoutthe U.S.?(2)Whatarebestpracticesandstrategiesforprovidingdentalservicesinaschool?AsurveywassenttoSBHC-Dproviders. Keyinformantinterviewsandfocusgroupsessionswereheld.

Results: A review of 20 documents concluded that medical-dental integration, nutrition counseling, and expanded scope of practice for dental hygienists have led to improved health outcomes in other states. Results from key informant interviews highlightedthatfee-for-servicereimbursementmodelseffecttheservicesprovidedbySBHCsandadditionaltechnicalassistance (TA)opportunitiesareneeded.12responsestotheSBHC-Dprovidersurveyindicatedthattheguidancedoesnotreflectcurrent operationsandpoliciesandtherehavebeenchallengeswithimplementingpiecesofit.Twofocusgroupsessionswith15SBHCDrepresentativeshighlightedtheneedforflexibleguidance,astreamlineddocument,sampleforms,andtheadditionofmissing procedures.

Discussion: SBHC-DprogramsexpandaccesstodentalcaretochildrenthroughoutNYS.TheNYSDOHcanbestsupportthese programsthroughmedical-dentalintegrationandMedicaidreimbursement,offeringadditionalTAopportunities,andproviding opportunitiesforfeedback.TheSBHC-Dguidanceshouldbestreamlinedandupdatedtoreflectcurrentoperationsandpolicies andincludebestpracticesandprocedures.

2 MPH KirstenSiegenthaler,RacheldeLong,MeganTyrrell Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

1Kahnia Palin, MPH Candidate; 2Kirsten Siegenthaler, PhD, MPH; 2Rachel de Long, MD, MPH; 2Megan Tyrrell; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, 2NYS Department of Health Division of Family Health.

1,2Rebecca Pendergrass; 2Samantha Cassidy, MPH; 2Elizabeth Foust, MPH; 1University at Albany School of Public Health; 2Bureau of Child Health, Division of Family Health, New York State Department of Health

51 | Rachel Scott

3 MPH/MSW KirstenSiegenthaler,RacheldeLong,&MeganTyrell

Title V Maternal and Child Health System Mapping: Creating Logic Models to Promote Women, Maternal, Perinatal, and Infant Health in NYS

Abstract

TheDepartmentofHealthreceivesafederalMaternalandChildHealthServices(MCHSBG,or“Title V”)block grantfromthe HealthResourcesandServicesAdministrationtosupportMaternalandChildHealthinitiatives.TitleVconsistsoffivedomains: Women&MaternalHealth(WMH),Perinatal&InfantHealth(PIH),ChildHealth(CH),AdolescentHealth(AH),andChildren& Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN). Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) requires each state to developalogicmodelforeachdomaintoguideprogramplanning,evaluation,andstrategiccommunicationinsideandoutside the Division. The internship objectives included collaborating with team members to create logic models and companion narrativesummarydocumentsfortheWMHandPIHdomainsandapresentationonthefivedomainstobeusedbytheDOHin meetings with funders and external stakeholders. Title V Needs Assessments, Action Plans, Annual Reports, other relevant documents,andotherstates’TitleVprogramlogicmodelswereanalyzedtocreatelogicmodels.Inaddition,interviewswith the Family Planning Program and the Perinatal Infant Community Health Collaborative were conducted to inform the logic modelsandidentifyanyareasofimprovement.OneoftheprimarylimitationsfoundwasthatallTitleVprogramsinterviewed donotcurrentlycollectdataregardingclientsatisfaction.TitleVshouldrequirethatitsprogramsmeasureclientsatisfactionto ensuretheirneedsarebeingmetandprovidemoreconcretewaystheprogramsmeetclients'uniqueneeds.

52 | Taina Suarez

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Survey for Farmers

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Survey for Farmers/Taina Suarez/New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Abstract

The2022Farmers’MarketNutritionProgram(FMNP)FarmerSurveyisanannualsurveydistributedtofarmersenrolledinthe NYSDepartmentofAgricultureandMarket’sFMNP.Thepurposeofthissurveyistocollectdataonthefarmers’participationin markets/farmstands,theirexperienceparticipatingintheFMNPprogram,andtheirwillingnesstoparticipateintheprogram ifanonline redemption methodwasimplemented.Throughthissurvey,the Farmers’MarketFederationofNewYork isalso provided a better understanding of how farmers run and conduct their business and what additional SNAP-based incentive programsfarmersparticipatein.Thesurveywasdistributedtofarmersviamailandonline,allowingfarmerstomailintheir responses or complete the online version. This year the FMNP Farmer Survey introduced demographic questions, providing additionalinformationthatwasnotpreviouslycollected.ThedatashowthattheFMNPprogrampresentsvaryingbenefitsand challengestofarmers'businesses.Thedataalsoshowedvariationinfarmers’utilizationofandwillingnesstointroducedifferent technologytoruntheirbusinessorengageintheprogram.ThedatacollectedinthesurveyiscrucialfortheFMNPtoevolve withthechangingneedsoffarmersandmarketsandwillbeutilizedtostrategizewaystoimprovetheoverallprogramandto bettersupportnewandreturningenrolledfarmersfortheupcomingseason.

1Rachel Scott; 1Cemile Antal; 2 Kirsten Siegenthaler; 1&2Rachel de Long; 2Megan Tyrell; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health; 2NYS Department of Health

53 | Nicolette Susi

HPM 2 MPH RobertCollins

The relationship between Long Island Jewish (LIJ), Katz Women’s Hospital, Press Ganey Hospital Survey Scores for Question 16: “During this hospital stay, did doctors, nurses, or other hospital staff talk with you about whether you would have the help you need when you left the hospital?”, and discharge procedures on antepartum floors.

Nicolette Susi, MPH; Robert Collins; Maureen Early-Donohue RN, MSN; Allison O'Brien RN, MSN; Northwell LIJ Katz Women's Hospital

Abstract

Methods:Throughout4weeks,20+hourswerespentconductinganin-depthevaluationofthedischargeprocessonLIJKatz’s 5thand6thAntepartumfloors.Theresultsofhospitalsurveysshowedalackofpatientsatisfactioninhavinghelppost-hospital discharge.Semi-structuredqualitativeinterviewswithnursingstaffwereconductedtoassesstheirviewsandknowledgeofthe discharge process. In-person qualitative observations of how 8 discharges were assessed by highlighting the language including“post-dischargesupportorhelp”.

Results:InJune2022,only 10%ofdischargedmothersonthe 5thfloor,and9.4% ofmothersonthe 6thfloor were askedat dischargeiftheyhadsupportpost-discharge.Thisestimatehasbeenconsistentwiththeunitsrunningaverageoftheirscores. Participantswereethnicallydiverse(25%bilingual)and50%werefirst-timemothers.Findingsrevealedmultigravidamothers receivedlimitedinformation,withnursesspendinglesstimewiththemother.Newmothersreceivedanin-depthoverviewof dischargeinformationbutweredistractedbytheirnewborns.

Conclusions: Despite staff efforts to provide exceptional discharge procedures, support after discharge was not discussed. Interventionssuchascreatingachecklistofkeypointsthatfocusontheimportanceofaskingaboutpost-dischargesupportare crucial.

54 | Melissa Toback

Addressing Childhood Nutritional Access in Rensselaer, NY

1Melissa Toback; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health

Abstract

Introduction:ChildreninRensselaercountyexperiencefoodinsecurityatarateof17.8%andobesityatarateof16%.BrightSide Up’s Farm to Preschool and Veggie Kids Club programs service high need areas within Rensselaer through classroom food explorations,lessons,andtheweeklyprovisionoflocalproduceandingredientsforfamilies;aimingtoreducebothchildhood foodinsecurityandobesity.

Methods:Weeklyrecipebagswithingredientsfromlocalfarmswereprovidedtofamiliesattwochildcarefacilities-TroyCEO’s summerHeadstartprogramandVikingChildcareCenter.TwoZoommeetings,“FamilyCookingParties,”wereofferedtoengage familiesincooking withsaidingredients.Qualitativeandquantitative data wascollectedthroughprogramsign-ups,optional surveys, and participation in weekly question and Zoom meetings, serving as an insight into the program's effectiveness. Familieswereincentivizedtojointhroughtheofferingofanewkitchentooleachweek.

Limitations:ChildcarefacilitiesareunabletocontinueprogrammingwithouttheinterveningsupportofBrightSideUp.

Discussion:BrightSideUp’sFarmtoPreschool&VeggieKidsClubprogrammingencouragesexploration,culturaldiffusion,and thesupportoflocalagriculturewhilstaddressingtheissuesofchildhoodobesityandfoodinsecurity.Doingsousingashamefreemethodologythatengageschildren,families,andchildcareworkersalike;usingahealth-focusedlensthatrecognizesthe complexitiesoftheissuesathand.

It lays the foundations for a lifetime of healthy practices which are a complementary alternative to some of the American AssociationofPediatrics'newer,morecontroversialrecommendationsforaddressingchildhoodobesity.

Advancing Social Justice and Health Equity Through Policy-Building in Rape Crisis Response Services

Abstract

Objectives & Methods:Aqualitativeresearchanalysiswasconductedbasedonresearchgatheredfrompeer-reviewedsources overthelastfiveyears:

-To identify national rape crisis program best practices with a specific lens on cultural competency, social justice, healthyequity,andintersectionalityastheseprioritiesrelatetosecondarypreventionofsexualviolence.

-To develop a guidance document for NYSDOH RCPs that will clarify the regulations, establish consistency between program interpretation, and encourage programs to enlist survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsivepracticesthatalignwithandmeetstheregulations.

Background: The Rape Crisis Program in the NYSDOH Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive, and Sexual Health consists of 53 approved programs. These programs provide confidential, free, and accessible services to survivors of sexual violence. Rape crisisresponseexistsasasecondaryformofsexualviolencepreventionasitprovidessupporttosurvivorsafterexperiencing sexualviolencebutpropercareandtreatmentforsurvivorscouldpreventnegativelong-termhealthoutcomes

Conclusions: Healing-centered engagement is a social justice approach that moves beyond trauma-informed care. This framework allows the survivor to redefine the terms previously used to describe their experience rather than imposing a “traumatized”labelonthem.Centeringvoicesisahealthequityapproachtocommunityinvolvementasitisanideathatrequires theengagementofsurvivorswithlivedexperience,whoaremembersofmostimpactedcommunities.CenteringVoicesrequires changing not just who is engaged, but how work is done by prioritizing theories and approaches that center the most marginalized.

56 | Hlawn Zi

NYS Council on Children and Families: Data Dissemination Using the Kids’ Well-being Indicators Clearinghouse (KWIC)

Hlawn Zi, MPH Candidate; University at Albany School of Public Health Abstract

Introduction: Supportingresearchanddatasuggestschildren,families,andvulnerablecommunitiesinNewYorkStatearein needofresources.Resultscanbeachievedbysettingandenforcingpolicies,buildingpartnerships,andfundingandproviding quality services. For almost 40 years the New York State Council on Children and Families (CCF) has served as a broker, innovatorandchangeagentamongthestate’shealth,education,andhumanservicesagencies.Toservefamiliesinthestate,the Council usesa geographic informationsystemsoftware andcreatedtheir ownmapping tool.The Kids’ Well-beingIndicators Clearinghouse(KWIC)isatooltogather,plotandmonitorNewYorkStatechildren’shealth,education,andwell-beingindicator datatoimproveoutcomesforchildrenandfamilies.

Methods: Beinvolvedinlearninganddocumentinggeographicinformationsystem(ormappingtool)developmentprocesses. FocusonlearningtheGISsoftware(e.g.,KWIC,Tableau,ArcGISonline)withthetechnicalteamandhelpingcleandatasetstobe usedinthemappingtools.Createmapsandvariousdatasetstobeused.

Results: SeveraldatasetswerecleanedandwereusedtomaptheminthemappingtoolKWIC,whichwascreatedbyCCF.The mapsworktoshowtheavailabilityofresourcesandcentersforchildrenandfamiliesinNYwhichalignwiththegoalsofKWIC.

Conclusions: TheuseofthemapsonKWICwillbebeneficial.However,itiscrucialtokeepthedatasetsupdatedregularly.Itis alsoimportanttokeepmappingnewdatasetswithdifferenttopics.

1 Abigail Zalucky, 2 Heather Doppel, 3 Bernadette Dolan, 4 New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive and Sexual Health, 5 University at Albany School of Public Health

Innovative Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Care and Treatment Models for Persons Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs): Qualitative Analysis on Client Interviews.

Abstract

Background:Personswhoinjectdrugs(PWID)arehighlysusceptibletohepatitisCvirus(HCV)infection,buttreatmentuptake inthispopulationischallengingduetosocialdeterminantsofhealth(SDOH)inequities(e.g.,homelessness,foodinsecurity,lack ofinsurance).Toaddressthispublichealthconcern,theNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth(NYSDOH)AIDS Institute(AI) fundsthreeinnovativeprogramsthataddresstheneedsofPWIDbyofferingHCVtreatmentinnon-traditionalsettings(e.g.,colocatedonsiteatsyringeexchangeprogramsanddrugtreatmentprograms,onmobilevans,viatelehealthtechnology).

Methods:Transcriptsof13semi-structuredinterviewswereanalyzedandcodedinExceltoidentifyemergentthemesamong clients who completed HCV treatment in relation to the program’s effectiveness in addressing SDOH to improve treatment completion.

Results:Among13clients,23.08%receivedcarein-person,69.23%viatelemedicine,and7.69%onthesite’smobilevan.Most clients identified that staff support, and engagement were crucial to their treatment success. Help with insurance access, appointmentreminders,andmedicationdeliverymadetheprocessofreceivingHCVcaremoreaccessibletoclients.

Conclusions:Barrierssuchasinsurance,transportation, andotherSDOH make HCVtreatmentcompletiondifficultforPWID. However, these barriers can be overcome when PWID have access to treatment in non-traditional settings and work with program staff who adapt services to address client needs and monitor client progress closely. To improve HCV treatment outcomes,NYSneedstoensurePWIDcontinuetohaveaccesstoavarietyofinnovativeHCVtreatmentoptions.

58 | David Appau

New York State Public Health Corps - Working Groups, Communications, and Summit Planning and Implementation, 2022

New York State Public Health Corps - Working Groups, Communications, and Summit Planning and Implementation/David B. Appau/Office of Public Health Practice/New York State Department of Health

Abstract

Background: The 2021 State of the State Address announced the establishment of the New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC) Fellowship Program with the goal to build public health capacity to support COVID-19 operations and increase preparednesstorespondtofuturepublichealthemergenciesinlocalitiesacrossthestate.

Methods: Support the NYSPHC mission by Identifying key stakeholders for the workgroups that reflect diverse sectors, geographicregions,andpopulationsinthestate.Developingoutreachcommunicationstoolstocapturethelevelofinterestof potentialstakeholders.DevelopingacommunicationplantopromotetheNYSPHCFellowshipProgramthroughsocialmedia, web,andothercommunicationchannels.DevelopingcontentfortheNYSPHCwebsite;Whilealsoutilizingsurveyoutreachand data.

Results: As of 8/8/22: The number of applications received for the NYS Public Health Corps Fellowship Program (NYSPHC) increased2.6%overthelasttwoweeksfrom1,057to1,084.Todate,269Fellowshavebeen hired,a3.5%increasefromtwo weeksago.Thereare167Fellowscurrentlyemployedby34counties,35bytheNYSDOH,and50byAmeriCorps.Overall,34 contractshavebeenapprovedorexecuted,10budgetsarebeingreviewedinternallyorarewithLHDstobeupdated,andtwo countieshavereceivedbudgetinstructionstocomplete.10countieshavedeclinedthegrant.

Conclusion: TheNYSPHCFellowshipProgramestimatesthat525Fellowswillbehiredinthisfirstyear.(363byLHDs,112by NYSDOH,and50byAmeriCorps).

SBCH 2 MPH TomokoUdo,PhD;SarahShufelt,MPH; IsabellaSunkes,MPH

1Patricia Acheampong; 2Tomoko Udo, PhD; 2Sarah Shufelt, MPH; 2Isabella Sunkes, MP; 1School of Public Health, SUNY Albany, 2School of Public Health, SUNY Albany

Avienu

Breastfeeding Support and Social Media in the Capital Region

1Monica Barrera; 1Stephanie Avienu, BS, IBCLC, 2 Erin Sinisgalli BS, MPH; St. Peters Health Partners Community Health Programs Baby Café

Abstract

Background: Long-term studies of breastfeeding indicate that it ensures babies have good health and protects them against someshortandlong-termillnessesanddiseases.BabyCaféisagrantfundedprogramwhereexpectantandnursingparentscan receive free professional lactation consultations, interact with other parents and share the experiences of parenthood. Most people consider social media to be a reliable source of information and one parenting tool. Mothers are especially likely to receivesupportandcitefromsocialmedia.

Methods:Usingaquantitativeapproachtomeasurethedifferenceinfollowers,pagereachesandpagevisitsinDecember2022 toApril2023.TogainattractiontherewereaclusterofBabyCafépostremindersforanincreasein participationandensure newfollowersandpagelikes.InMarch,aTikTokpagewasestablishedwhereviewsofcontentwerealsorecorded.

Results:TheFacebookandInstagramoverviewconcluded97%offollowersarewomen,specificallybetweentheagesof25-34 and35-44.Usinghashtags,postingInstagramvideos“reels”hasledtoanincreaseofprofileviewingsandbeingsharedonother users’publicstoriesleadingtoanincreaseofawarenessofourprogram.

Conclusion:BabyCaféhasproventobeeffectiveinhelpingbreastfeedingmothers.Theyhavehadmuchsuccessincreatinga comforting and supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers. Through successful social marketing we can ensure a consistentpatternofparticipationandparentstofindusthroughsocialmedia.

60 | Samantha Fandl

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Youth and Families in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of School Personnel

1 Samantha Fandl; 1 University at Albany School of Public Health; 1 New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA)

Abstract

Background: MentalhealthinthewakeoftheCOVID-19pandemichasbeenatopicofinterestsincetheonsetofthepandemic. Oneareaofinteresthasbeenthetollthepandemiconthementalhealthofyouthinschoolsandschoolpersonnel,havinggone throughanextendedperiodofvirtualanddistancedlearning. Thisprojectinvolvesinterviewingschoolpersonneltoinvestigate theburdenthesecircumstanceshadonthementalhealthofstudentsandschoolstaff.

Methods: Toinvestigatethetollonmentalhealthinschools,focusgroupswereconductedamongschoolpersonnelinNewYork State.Sixsmallfocusgroupscontainingteachers,studentsupportstaff,andadministratorsofmiddleandhighschoolstudents wereconducted,interviewingparticipantsonvariousmentalhealthconcernsandneedsobservedintheirschools.Responses wereanalyzedtodeveloprecommendationsforimprovingmentalhealthinschoolsinthewakeoftheCOVID-19pandemic.

Results: Common topics of concern among school personnel were student social anxieties, student attendance, and mental healthresourcesforstudentsandstaff.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic created unique circumstances for youth and school personnel which resulted in an escalation of mental health concerns in this population. Based on the narratives of school personnel in these focus groups, recommendationstoimproveschoolmentalhealthshouldfocusonimprovingstudentsocialenvironmentsandaccesstomental healthresources.

SBCH 2 MPH Stephanie

Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

61 | Sabrina Howard

SBCH 3

MPH JacquelynDwyer

Impact of Automated Home Medication Dispensers on Medication Adherence in Patients with Chronic Disease

Abstract

Background: Individuals with multiple health conditions often have complex medication needs, leading to poor medication adherence.Forhighneed,lowadherencepatients,wedeployedautomatedmedicationdispensingdevices(MedaCube)totheir homes.Theprogramincludesmedicationreconciliationandcomprehensivereviewofthemedicationregimeninpartnership withadispensingpharmacyandmedicalproviders.

Methods: The primary outcome is the overall medication adherence of the patient cohort. Primary adherence was assessed primarily by medication class, and patient demographics. Informal feedback was collected from the PHPT and patients throughoutthedeploymentprocessregardingchallengesandsuccesses.

Findings:PatientadherencewithaMedaCubedeviceishigh.AmajorityofparticipantsidentifiedasBlackfemales.Theaverage ageofpatientsparticipatinginthisprogramis61.Patientsaretakinganaverageof11medications.Ofthe16initiallydeployed MedaCubes, the average adherence rate is 92%. Many patients approach 100% adherence for several of their medications, demonstrating measurable improvement. Most medications dispensed in MedaCubes to this patient population are for cardiovascular disease. Despite the clear value in medication adherence for this complex patient population, significant staff resourcesareneededforthedevelopmentofproceduresforroutinefillingofthedevicesandphysicaldeploymenttopatient homes.

Implications:Thedevicehelpedtofacilitatemedicationadherenceacrossallindividualsexponentially.Themaintenanceofthe devicerequirestrainingandcommunicationwithvariousproviders.Giventhecostofthedeviceitselfneedstobeacknowledged thatnotallpatientpopulationscanaffordaco-paystrategy.

62 | Deanna Jacobs

SBCH

Schenectady County Food Council’s Plan to Combat Food Insecurity

Abstract

Background: The Schenectady County Food Council (SCFC) is a community based coalition, consisting of community organizations, residents, and other individuals that live, work, or serve in Schenectady county with the common goal of promoting an equitable food system. The SCFC was created after food insecurity became exacerbated due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Objective: Promotecommunityawareness,involvement,andfunctionalityoftheSCFCtoaddresstheinequitablefoodsystem byadheringtothegoalsandobjectivesoutlinedbytheSchenectadyCountyHealthyandEquitableFoodActionPlan.

Methods: Multiple Food Policy Councils in the United States were reviewed to create the Guiding Principles of the SCFC. Biweekly meetings were held for steering committee members to discuss the plans of action that addressed the goals and objectivesoutlinedintheSchenectadyCountyHealthyandEquitableFoodPlan.

Results: ThesteeringcommitteehostedtheirfirstmeetingfortheSCFCtorecruitcollaborativeandsupportingmemberswith ageneralinterestrateof100%forinvolvement.ToaddressthefourgoalsoftheSCFC,memberscreatedsubcommitteestomeet bi-weeklyoutsideofthemonthlymeetings.

Conclusion: The SCFC intends to expand their reach within the community by advertising the Food Council in public transportation,grocerystores,foodpantries,etc.Afterasuccessfulfirstpublicmeeting,inwhichanycommunitymemberswere allowedtoattend,theyhadmanyindividualsandorganizationswillingtocontributetotheSCFCascollaborativeandsupporting members.Thisprojectisongoingandhasnotyetbeencompleted.

1 Sabrina Howard;2 Wendy Parker, PhD;3 Jacquelyn Dwyer PharmD; 4 Saydatou Niass, 5 Naomi Pickett, ACPHS Collaboratory; Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY,

2 MPH NatalieProhoda,MPH,CLC

1Deanna Jacobs; 2Natalie Prehoda, MPH, CLC; 1University At Albany School of Public Health, 2Schenectady County Public Health Services

MPH KaraBurke

Instability in Albany Housing as Demonstrated by Albany Medical Center’s Pediatric Clinic Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Screening for the Health Equity Project (HEP) 2022

Abstract

Background: The number of individuals experiencing housing insecurities and eviction has increased since the onset of the Coronaviruspandemic,andwasfurtherexacerbatedin2022withtheliftingandexpirationofpublicpoliciesthatprovidesafety netstotenants.Couplinginsufficienciesintenantprotectionswithlittle-to-nolegalsupportforthosewhohavebeenevicted,or mayfaceeviction,hascreatedapublichealthcrisisforAlbany.Identifyingthestability,quality,andaffordabilityofthehousing optionsavailabletoresidentsrepresentsoneofthemostsignificantSDOH.

Results: OftheindividualsthatscreenedpositiveontheSDOHintakeform,20%indicatedhousingproblems.Notincludedis the 6% that indicated issues with their landlord. Continually, 19% of respondents reported trouble paying for utilities. This analysis features 620 respondents who screened positively on AMC Pediatric Clinic’s SDOH form from January 3, 2023 to December30,2022.Thesenumbersrepresentpatientsofanurbanpediatricprimarycareofficethatdemonstratedunmetneeds ontheirscreeningformsandrepresent27%oftotalscreens.

Conclusions: ScreeningAlbanyMedicalPediatricClinicpatientsforSDOHrevealsthehousingcrisisexperiencedbyvulnerable populations.WithAlbanyCountyreporting4,326evictionfilingsin2022alone,supplyofpublicsafetynetsandlegalsupport did not meet the necessary demand. Prioritizing the public health needs of Albany tenants begins with substantive housing policies.

64 | Taylor Manzelli

It's All About Perspective: Reframing the Narrative on Aging Through Community-Informed Resources and Self-Efficacy in Older Adulthood

Abstract

Introduction: Aging is a multi-faceted and complex biological process that presents physiological consequences, as well as mental and emotional alterations to older adults’ health and well-being. Albany Guardian Society refers to an older adult as someoneovertheageof60.CurrentpopularAmericanmediaandselectmedicalliteratureaimtoframetheholisticprocessof aginganditsimpactsasanegativeexperience,whileinfiltratingmessagingthatperpetuatesapreferenceforyoungerpersons. This has culminated in a gap of resources for approaching the aging process with a constructive mindset that is culturally competentandhealthequity-informed.

Methods:Extensiveliteraturereviewswereconductedtogatherinformationonavailableresourcestoolderadults,followed bythefacilitationoftwofocusgroups.Thefirstconsistedof14residentsofamiddle-socioeconomicstatusbackgroundlivingin asuburbanindependentseniorlivingresidenceinAlbanyCounty;thesecondconsistedof12residentsofalow-socioeconomic backgroundlivinginarural,subsidizedseniorhousingresidenceinRensselaerCounty.

Results:Theliteratureevaluationsandqualitativeanalysesofthefocusgroupdatarevealedsixprimarytopicstowhicholder adults indicated significant need for increased exposure: socialization, planning ahead, economics, health, safety, and technology.

Conclusion/Next Steps:Developaninteractiveandcomprehensiveworkbookontheagingprocessasanecessaryresourceto improvehealthoutcomesandqualityoflifeforolderadults.Futurestepsshouldfocusonutilizingthisguideintandemwith outreachprogrammingonaging-in-placethatencouragesthetargetpopulationtotakeaction.

1Ian Kundel; 2Kara Burke, MPH; 2Gabrielle Leach, MPH; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health. 2Albany Medical College.

1Taylor Manzelli; 2Gretchen Moore, 1University at Albany School of Public Health; 2Albany Guardian Society

65 | Farzana Moshi

SBCH 2 MPH SallyHolt,MPH&NickFoster

Birthing Hospital x Home Visiting Collaboration Project Pt. II

Farzana Moshi1 , Sally Holt, MPH2 , Nick Foster2; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, 2New York State Department of Health

Abstract

Introduction:TheNYSDepartmentofHealth’s(DOH)PerinatalRegionalizationUnit(PRU)overseesLevel4birthinghospitals (BH) and the Regional Perinatal Center, while the Home Visiting Unit manages home-visiting programs (HV) statewide. The unitscollaboratetoimprovecoordinationandreferralsbetweenbirthinghospitalsandhomevisitingprogramstoenhancebirth outcomesforpregnantpeople,infants,andfamilies.

Methods:AcollaborationwithBPRASHprogrammanagerandadministratorenabledassessmentofthereferralrelationship betweenBHandHVtobetterunderstandtheprocess,barriers,andrecommendations.

Results: The survey and analysis were conducted from both perspectives, with findings presented to internal and external stakeholders.Thesurvey,analysis,andcross-referencingofresultswillserveasabasisforfuturerecommendations,continued surveying,andprogramdevelopmentamongBPRASHandDOH.

Conclusion: The next steps include creating a Promising Practice Tip Sheet on improving support, maintaining referral relationshipsandincreasingcoordinationforbothagencies,conductingkeyinformantinterviews,andre-surveyingBHformore dataresultsduetoalowresponserate.

66 | Bridget Nandawula

Assessing the Diversity of Malaria species at Engeye Health Clinic, in rural Uganda

1Bridget Nandawula, MPH; Janet Keithly, PhD; Kathy Chang, MD/MPH; Olivia, Namugenyi; LT

Abstract

Uganda is a high disease burden country, known for a high Malaria incidence and mortality. The country experienced approximately12.3millionmalariacasesand13,203malariadeathsin2018alone.Ofthefivemalariaparasites,Plasmodium falciparum(Pf),Plasmodiumvivax,Plasmodiummalariae,PlasmodiumovalecurtisiandPlasmodiumovalewallikeri,thatinfect humans,Plasmodiumfalciparum(Pf)causesthemostmorbidityandmortalityworldwide,exactingdeathin90%ofindividuals withseveremalaria.In2017theWorldHealthOrganizationreportedthat92%ofallcasesofPfmalariaoccurredinonlyfive countries. Uganda was one of these. Although most patients in rural Uganda present with P.falciparum (75%), a substantial numberisinfectedwithP.malariae(15%)orP.ovale(9%),resultinginsignificantmorbidity.Theoverallgoalofthisproject was to determine the prevalence of non-falciparum malaria infecting patients at Engeye Health Clinic in Ddegeye Village to informbestpractice.Forthispilotstudy1000malariapositivebloodsampleswereobtainedandanalyzedbyGiemsa-stained thickandthinbloodsmearsatEngeye.Ourfindingsrevealtheconsistentemergenceofnonfalciparuminfections,highlighting the complex dynamics underlying multispecies infections. Given the growing body of evidence that nonfalciparum malaria infections circulate concurrently, we encourage better surveillance for nonfalciparum Plasmodium infections, particularly in childrenwithimprovedfield-baseddiagnostics.

67 | Allison Nolan

TeiaDeCarlo

Supporting NY Farms and Communities through Nourish NY Family and Nutrition Ready to Eat Meal Development

1Allison Nolan; 2Teia DeCarlo, MPH; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, 2NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Abstract

Background:COVID-19leftthousandsofNYfamilieswithoutasufficientfoodsupplyandclosedmarketsforfarmersleaving themwithanabundanceofsurplusproducts.Inresponse,theNourishNYprogramwaslaunchedtoprovidefundingforfood bankstopurchaseNYSfarmproducts,allowingthemtoprovideadequatenourishmenttofamiliesinneed.Thesuccessofsister program,RestaurantResiliencywhichworkedwithrestaurantstosupplypreparedmealstotheregionalfoodbanksshowedan opportunitytoexpanduponNourishNYeffortsandprovidemoreoptionsforfoodbankstotakeadvantageof.

Methods:Anextensive analysisofpeer-reviewedarticles,andwebsitessuchasthe USDA andNY Department ofHealthwas conductedtoinformthedevelopmentoftwostrongdocuments.

Results:Adocumentoutlininghealthandsafetyguidelineswasdevelopedforstaffandvolunteersoffoodbanksandpantries. This document also contains nutritional standards of Nourish NY with sample meal plans. A document was created for consumers’benefitwhichteachesconsumersaboutthe benefitsofhealthyeating,howtoimplementhealthymealsintotheir diet,examplesofsimpleandhealthyrecipes,andtheimportanceoffoodsafety.Finally,asystemtotrackthedetailsofpurchased goodsandapprovemealswasalsodeveloped.

Conclusion: Previous successes in the early rounds of Nourish NY are a great example of how the United States can appropriately utilize funding to provide communities with healthy, well-balanced meals while simultaneously supporting farmers.

68 | Manny Nyarko

1Manny Nyarko, BS Abstract

Introduction:Itisimportantforstudentsandstafftolearnaboutdifferent topicsin healthtodeplete biasesthatcouldaffect one's perception while in school or the workforce. The Climate & Inclusion Section of the School of Public Health (SPH) newsletteraimstogivestudentsandstaffintheSchoolofPublicHealththeopportunitytolearnaboutdisparitiesinhealthand othervarioushealthtopicstounderstandhowhealthexperiencescanvaryamongdifferentgroupsofpeople.

Methods: Consistent updates regarding different health topics such as abortion rights, disparities, and caregiving in the newslettertoprovideresourcesandinformationforstudentandstaff.

Results:Thisledtoincreasedawarenessandknowledgeaboutabortionrights,disparitiesinchildbirth,caregivingandmental health.Also,therewasinspirationtocuratesimilarinitiativesinotherprogramsduetotheimpactthatthenewsletterhad.

Conclusion: The Climate & Inclusion Section of the SPH newsletter grants a general understanding on the type of health experiences and disparities are present in the United States. The newsletter is meant to broaden perspectives regarding healthcaresothatstudentsandstaffarebetterequippedintheenvironmentstheyenter.Furtherresearchwouldbenecessary topinpointwhatexactlythestudentsandstaffwanttolearnaboutandhowitcanbeappliedtotheirlifesothatstaffcanconnect withstudentsandviceversa.

FrankiePearson

Increase Access and Improve Employee Participation in the MVP Well-Being Program

Kimberly Ossorio BS MPH, MCH

Abstract

Background:MVPHealthCare’sinternalwell-beingprogram,MVPWell-Being,strivestoprovideemployeeswithengagingand educational programming across five dimensions of well-being. Although the well-being programming is diverse, comprehensive,andholistic,thereremaingapsbetweentheindividualandtheresources/programmingtheyseek.Improved accesstotheseresourcesmayimproveoverallparticipationinthewell-beingprogram.

Objective:IncreaseawarenessandimproveMVPWell-BeingProgramparticipation;supportingstrategicobjective#1:Create GreaterEmployeeAwarenessandEducation.

Methods: The MVP Well-Being Decathlon framework was created using existing programming. All programming focuses on improving various aspects of wellness across what MVP recognizes as the five dimensions of well-being. Ten distinct programmingcategorieswerecreatedandtaggedwithintentionalpointvalues;consideringthewellnesstopic,effortneededto participate, and how often the program is available. Data is collected using MS Forms registrations, and points are awarded/tracked using a master excel sheet with participant names. Top three individuals with the most points and the departmentwiththehighestpointaverageattheendoftheinitiative,winprizes.Participationdatawillbecomparedtoprevious yearstodetermineanyimprovementsinengagementafterimplementationoftheWell-BeingDecathlon.

Results:ResultssectionwillremainblankuntiltheWell-BeingDecathlonbegins,anddataiscollected.

Conclusion:ConclusionwillbeaddedafterimplementationoftheWell-BeingDecathlon.

70

Hayley Pawlowski

Development and Standardization of Albany County Crisis Officials Responding & Diverting (ACCORD) Program Data

Abstract

Introduction:Manylawenforcementofficersarenotfullytrainedtoaddressemergenciesrelatedtoacutebehavioralormental health crises. The ACCORD program was implemented in Albany County’s Hilltowns area with the goal of improving client outcomes (e.g., reducing unnecessary arrests and future mental health crises), Here, nonviolent 911 calls for individuals experiencingcrisesarerespondedtobyateamofmentalhealthprofessionalsandemergencyservicetechniciansinadditionor insteadoflawenforcement.ThecountyisworkingtoexpandACCORDafterbenefitsforthecommunitywerefoundinapilot study. In anticipation of increasing data volume, the UAlbany ACCORD evaluation team identified a need to improve data collectionandprocessing.

Methods:Usinginputfromaninterdisciplinaryteam,standardizedcrisisencounterandfollow-uptoolsweredevelopedforthe ACCORDteamtouseduringresponsetoemergencycallsorcontactwithclients.Datamanagementsoftwarewasprogrammed for data entry and storage. ACCORD data from June 2022 through March 2023 are currently being transcribed into the standardizedformatinpreparationfordevelopmentofafinalizeddataset.

Results:UtilizationofstandardizeddatacollectiontoolsallowstheACCORDprogramevaluationtooperateinamoreefficient andorganizedmanner.TranscriptionandentryofantecedentACCORDdataimprovesdatamanagement.

Conclusion:Witheachencounterandfollow-up,ACCORDprovidesmanyservicesandinterventionstotheirclients.Giventhe highvolumeofdatacollected,itisessentialfortheACCORDteamtohaveaccesstostandardizeddatacollectiontools,allowing forcontinuedevaluationwork.

1Hayley Pawlowski; 3Preston Roberts; 1Tomoko Udo, PhD; 1Isabella Sunkes MPH; 2Jordan Dyett; 2Timothy Campbell; 1Denard Cummings; 2Carmen Morano PhD; 1UAlbany school of Public Health; 2UAlbany school of social welfare; 3UAlbany school of criminal justice

New York State Family Planning Program 2022 Statewide Snapshot: A Qualitative Analysis of Annual Narrative Reports

Abstract

Introduction:TheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth(NYSDOH)funds37agenciesthatoperate164clinicalfamilyplanning program (FPP) service sites that provide confidential family planning (FP) and reproductive health services to low income, uninsured, and underinsured individuals of reproductive age, including adolescents to reduce unintended pregnancy and improve birth outcomes. Yearly,FPagenciessubmit annual narrative reports to the NYSDOHdetailingsuccesses,challenges, andqualityimprovementandassuranceinitiatives.

Methods:UtilizingMicrosoftExcel,aqualitativethematicanalysisof32submittedFPannualnarrativereportswasconducted. Textsegmentsextractedfromreportswereassignedtentativecodeswhichwerethenrevisedandgroupedintocategories.If applicable,categoriesweregroupedintothemes.

Results:Overwhelmingly,FPagenciesnotedstaffingchallengesduetoleaves,resignations,transfers,andrecruitment;manyof thesewereattributedtotheCOVID-19pandemic.TelehealthservicescontinuedfacilitatingaccesstoFPservicesforpatientsin many circumstances however, most agencies report patients prefer in-person visits. Staff training, patient and community feedback, diverse staffing, interpretation services, and modifications to signage and in-reach and outreach materials were utilizedtopromotetheawarenessandprovisionofresponsive,competent,andinclusiveFPservices.

Conclusion: Despite challenges faced, all FP agencies persevered and continued to improve upon and deliver high quality, inclusiveFPservicesinalignmentwithprogramrequirementsandguidelinesprovidedbytheNYSDOH.TheNYSDOHFPPstaff wasprovidedwithareportdetailingfindingsandrecommendationsandadataanalysisplantoassistinthefutureanalysisof FPannualnarrativereports.

72 | Jamie Reedy

Accessibility in Health Communications

Abstract

TheCenterforInjuryResearchandPolicy(CIRP)atNationwideChildren’sHospitalinColumbus,Ohio,recognizesthegrowing importanceofhealthequityinthecurrentpublichealthlandscape.CIRPisoneofnineInjuryControlResearch Centers(ICRC) grant-funded by the CDC andis working toaddresshealthequity through accessible communications. Accessibilityinhealth communicationstransforms who isoffereda seatatour table and boosts the traditional reachofhealthmessages.Everyone from researchers presenting at conferences, to health educators, to public health practitioners benefits from accessible communications.Oneofthemanyaccessibility-focusedICRCprojectswastoconductalandscapeanalysisofthecurrentstate of accessibility in health communications, then develop a suite of educational resources on accessible communications and design publicly sharable, accessible collateral materials. Designing accessible communications focuses on reflecting your audienceinyourmaterials,whichcanbeappliedacrossmediums,includingvideocaptionsandtranscripts,imagealternative text (alt text), plain language, supportive imagery and storytelling, and overall diverse, equitable, and inclusive content. One projectencapsulatedmanyoftheseaspectsbydesigningamini-course toeducateparentsofteensonkeepingtheirchildren safeduringmentalhealthstruggles.Thisprocessincludedcollaborationandstoryboarddevelopmentwithapublichealthartist and emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusive plain language, alt text, and visual storytelling to share a child injury preventionmessage.Teachingandsharingaccessiblecommunicationshelpusmeetcommunities’needsandfostercollaborative partnerships,whicharecriticalforshapingahealthierfuture.

andKallynAlexander Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

1 Danielle Pellino; 1 University at Albany, School of Public Health; 2 Brittany DeWitt; 2 Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive and Sexual Health; 3 Kallyn Alexander; 3 Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive and Sexual Health

Degree Mentor

1Jamie Reedy, MA, CHES ®; 2Tracy Mehan, MA; 3Omaya Torres; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York; 2Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; University; 3University of Pennsylvania,

73 | Yelena Reyes

Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Competency Communications for Public Health Professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA) is one of the nation’s oldest non-profit health organizations,andtheiraimistopromoteandprotectthehealthofallNewYorkers.Withinthisinitiativetopromoteandprotect healthistheuseofcommunications.Communicationshelpswithincreasinghealthliteracy,asitallowsforanorganizationto communicatebeyondonelanguage,orevenspeechitself.Theneedtoimprovethisformofcommunicationgoeshandinhand withculturalcompetency.

Methods: Duringthebeginningoftheproject,thecreationandimplementationofsocialmediapostswascompletedinorderto reach out to organizational members about health-related events. In addition to social media work, a Disability/Diversity Inclusionchecklisthasbeencreatedforuseatafutureconferencethattheorganizationwillhelptohost.

Results/ Discussion: Thisinternshipallowedforthecreationofasocialmediaflyerandinclusionchecklist/guidebook. This wasdoneinordertoincreaseaccessibilitytoNYSPHAinformation,aswellasincreasingaccessibilityatevents/conferencesthat NYSPHAhelpstohost.

Conclusion: Thereisaneedtoimprovecommunicationsasawaytoaddressculturalcompetencywithinthe realmofpublic health.Theuseofsocialmediapostsisagreatstarttocommunicatingwithothers,butitisalsoofmostimportancetoconsider communicating outside of social media. To gain cultural competency with communications, one must consider all aspects of Diversity,whichnotonlyincludesracebutage,languageandevenhowable-bodiedanindividualis.

74 | Ashley Shayya

Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Survey of New York State Local Health Departments

Abstract

Introduction: TheCoronavirusDisease2019(COVID-19)firsthitNewYorkStateinMarchof2020andhasnowsurgedforover threeyears.LocalhealthdepartmentswereonthefrontlinesoftheCOVID-19response,taskedwithnumerousresponsibilities toensure the public’s safety.Few studieshave analyzedlocal healthdepartments’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This studyaimstonotonlyhighlighttheincredibleworkoflocalhealthdepartmentsbuttoanalyzethesuccessesandfailuresinNew YorkState’slocalCOVID-19response.

Methods: AspartofNewYorkState’sArticle6PerformanceIncentiveProgram,NewYorkStatelocalhealthdepartmentswere sentasurveyabouttheirCOVID-19responseviaSurveyMonkey.Descriptiveanalyseswereusedtodescribequantitativedata andthematicanalyseswereutilizedtosummarizequalitativeresults.

Results: Thesurveywascompletedby57ofthe58localhealthdepartmentsinNewYorkState.Strengthsandweaknessesin theareasofadministrativepreparedness,communicationactivities,equitableresponse/marginalizedcommunities,promoting vaccineuptake,COVID-19pandemicimpact,partnerships,vaccinehesitancy,andtrainingneedswerenotedandreportedina culminatingreport.

Conclusions: LocalhealthdepartmentsworkeddiligentlytoslowthespreadofCOVID-19intheircommunities.Theresultof this year’s Performance Incentive Program will help strengthen collaboration and transparency between local health departmentsandtheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealthaboutlessonslearnedfromtheCOVID-19response.

SBCH 2 MPH LaurenSears Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

Yelena Reyes1 , Lauren Sears, BA2 ; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, 2New York State Public Health Association

MPH Dr.ChristopherDavisandDr.ChristopherMaylahn Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

1Ashley Shayya; 2Christopher F. Davis, PhD, MPH, CPH; 2Christopher Maylahn, DrPH, MPH; 1University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY; 2Office of Public Health Practice, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY

75 | Quinn Slingerland

SBCH 2 MPH JaminGelder Dept/Program Year Degree Mentor

Improving and Expanding Pure Water for the World’s Menstrual Hygiene Management Program Based in Limonade, Haiti

1 Quinn Slingerland, 2 Jamin Gelder, 3 Elodie Herald, 4 Pure Water for the World, 5 University at Albany School of Public Health

Abstract

Background: The country of Haiti's lack of access to proper sanitation facilities contributes to health disparities for menstruatingwomenandgirls.Thesedisparitiesresultinnegativehealthoutcomesbothphysicallyandpsychologically.Pure Water For the World (PWW) works to increase water and sanitation in Limonade, Haiti, through community education and watersanitationalternativesthatareaffordableandsustainable.

Methods: Analysisofthecurrentprogramwasdonetoidentifyareasthatneedexpansion.Four focusgroupinterviewswere conductedinpersoninLimonadeduringApril2023togaugecommunityknowledge,beliefs,andpracticesregardingMHM.5 Men(ages18-45)wereinterviewedfirst,then5boys(under18),5Women(ages18-45)and5girls(under18).Responseswere thentranslatedandimputedintoanExcelspreadsheetthatidentifiedkeyindicators.Recommendationsforimprovementsto theMHMprogramweremadebasedontheseindicators.

Results: 100% of men (ages 18-45) interviewed were not confident in their understanding of menstruation. 100% of boys (under18)statedtheywouldliketolearnmoreaboutmenstruation,100%ofwomen(ages18-45)reportedthattheydonot haveaccesstoadequaterestroomfacilities,and100%ofgirls(under18)donotunderstandthepurposeofmenstruation.

Conclusion: Each focus group identified a community-wide lack of formal education, taboos, and misconceptions regarding menstruationandMHMamongstmen, women,boys,andgirlsinLimonade,Haiti.Giventhese results,futureMHMprograms should implement culturally competent, sustainable education programs and services that reduce these disparities while improvingwatersanitationandmanagementservices.

76 | Sarah Snyder

The Planning and Pitch for The New York State Department of Health App Prototype 2022-2023

Sarah Snyder, Abigail Guisbond, MPH, Sam Miller, MPA; NYS Department of Health, Office of the Commissioner, School of Public Health, University at Albany Suny

Abstract

Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, serving various purposes, including financial management and communication.Whatiftheycouldalsobeusedtomanageourhealththroughanapp?TheCOVID-19pandemichashighlighted theimportanceofmobileappsasapowerfultoolforpublichealthcommunicationandinformationdissemination.Developing anappthatofferseasyaccesstotheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth(NYSDOH)information wouldbeavaluabletoolfor managingpublichealthinthestate.TheappwouldprovideNewYorkerswithaccesstoCOVID-19updates,vaccinationdetails, healthylivingtips,andmentalhealthresources,empoweringthemtotakecontroloftheirhealth. Moreover, the app’s benefits extend beyond individuals, as the NYSDOH could use it to monitor public health concerns and communicatewiththepublicaboutpotentialhealththreats.Giventhatalmost96%ofNewYorkCityresidentsowncellphones, and79%ofthemhave smartphones,anapp wouldbea powerful toolformakingNYSDOHinformationaccessibletoa wider audience.ThegoaloftheNYSDOHappistomakeNewYorkersthehealthiestpeopleintheworld,livingincommunitiesthat promotehealth,protectedfromhealththreats,andhavingaccesstoqualityhealthservices. Byofferingeasyaccesstoinformationandresources,theappcouldhelpindividualstakecontroloftheirhealthandwell-being, whileexpandingNYSDOH’sreachandimpact.TheNYSDOHappwouldbethefirstofitskind,settinganexampleforotherstate healthdepartmentstofollow.

Wock

The Role of Social Determinants of Health in Poverty: 2024 Community Needs Assessment for Low-Income Individuals living in Albany County

Abstract

Background: From 2021 to 2022, poverty in Albany County increased from 11.9% to 12.1%. However, the population has decreased by 803 people. Poverty may result in health disparities among low-income individuals due to lack of access to healthcareservices,nutritiousfood,safeandaffordablehousing,andmore.Inresponse,AlbanyCommunityActionPartnership conducted a 2024 Community Needs Assessment to determine the social determinants of health leading to poor health outcomesinAlbanyCounty.

Methods: AsurveyandfocusgroupwasconductedwithmemberslivinginAlbanyCounty.Bothqualitative andquantitative datawasanalyzed.DatawasalsocollectedfromoutsidesourcessuchastheU.SCensusBureautocreateanupdatedfactsheet, comparingdatafrom2021to2022.

Results: The top three needsof Albany County low-income individualsare food insecurity, lack of affordable childcare,and safe/affordablehousing.AlbanyCountyisconsideredachildcaredesertandfoodinsecurityremainsanissueforatleast10.4% (2019).LackofaffordablechildcareisaleadingcauseofunemploymentinAlbanycounty.Albanyonlyhas2regulatedchildcare programs for school aged children during non-regular hours (2018). From 2019 to 2020, there was a 47% increase in the unshelteredinAlbanyCounty.

Conclusions: AsratesofpovertycontinuetoincreaseinAlbanyCounty,moredatacollectionneedstobedonetodetermine thecausebehindincreasedfoodinsecurity,lackofaffordablehousing,andlackofchildcaretoimprovehealthoutcomes.

78 | Christina Winn

Leveraging COVID-19 and/or Flu Testing to Integrate HIV Testing in ERs to Identify Acute HIV Infection: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV testing decreased. Clinically, acute HIV infection, COVID-19, and flu have similarpresentingsymptoms.Asaresult,theAIDSInstituteposedthequestion:CanCOVID-19and/orflutestingbeleveraged toprovideHIVtestinginemergencyroomstoidentifyacuteHIVinfection?

Objective: To address the feasibility of the above research question via a literature review to summarize peer-reviewed publishedresearchlinkingHIVtestingwithCOVID-19and/orflutestingtoinformAIDSInstituteprogramming.

Methods: Peer-reviewedarticlespublishedinEnglish-languagejournalsfromJanuary2017toMay2022werecompiledfrom systematicsearchesofPubMed.SearchresultswereimportedintoEndNote.Thearticleswerescreenedbasedonthetitlesand abstracts,thenscreenedbyreadingtheminfull.

Results: Of the 1,131 articles found, 34 were selected, 32 were quantitative, and 2 were qualitative. Major results reported includedthefollowing1)integrationofHIVtestingwithCOVID-19testingmayincreaseHIVinfectioninurbanEDs.2)Linking HIVandCOVID-19testingcouldpotentiallyreduceHIVinfectionsandhealthcarecosts.3)CombinedfluandCOVID-19testing couldincreaseoveralltestingandfacilitateresourceconservation.

Conclusions: Combined testing in EDs is an important and complicated issue with many influential factors to consider. Compelling evidence supports linked testing; however, the many limitations, such as patient refusal and provider attitudes towardlinkedtesting,mayhinderthefeasibilityofintegratedtesting.Thisreview’sfindingshavehelpedexpandontheresearch questionandhighlightfuturedirectionsforHIVresearch.

1Samantha Van Buren, 2Katie Wock, 1University at Albany School of Public Health, 2Albany Commmunity Action Partnership

1Christina Winn; 1,2Thomas O’Grady, PhD, MPH; 1University at Albany, School of Public Health; 2New York State Department of Health

UG |Jonas Barkevich

PublicHealth PosterPresentation (atSPHPosterDay)

OccupationalHealth

Mary

O'Reilly

Dept/Program Presentation Format Course Mentor

Solar UV Radiation: The Risk of Cancer and Cataracts in Workers

Abstract

SolarUV radiation exposure isa significant risk factor indevelopingskincancer andcataracts.Outdoor workersworldwide, such as farmers, construction workers, and lifeguards, are vulnerable to this exposure. The risk is exacerbated because they worklonghoursduringthehighestlevelsofUVradiation,andtheydonothavethefreedomtoseekshadethroughouttheday. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed each year with basal or squamous cell carcinoma,whilealmost100,000willbediagnosedeachyearwithmelanoma,themostfatalformofskincancer.Inadditionto cancer,studieshave shown thatintense UV exposure is globallyrelatedto the development of cataracts.Currentprevention methodsincludesunscreen,protectiveeyewear,andvariousclothingtypes,includingUV-blockinghats,shirts,andneckshields. By summarizing the risk of occupational sun exposure, effective prevention methods, and barriers to implementing these methods,thisposteraimstoraiseawarenessoftheimpactofUVradiation,itshealtheffects,andhowtoprotectworkersand thegeneralpublicagainstover-exposure.

UG |Gillian Belarmino

PublicHealth PosterPresentation(atSPHPosterDay)

OccupationalHealth

MaryO'Reilly

Dept/Program Presentation Format Course Mentor

Solar UV Radiation: The Risk of Cancer and Cataracts in Workers

Abstract

SolarUV radiation exposure isa significant risk factor in developingskincancer andcataracts.Outdoor workersworldwide, such as farmers, construction workers, and lifeguards, are vulnerable to this exposure. The risk is exacerbated because they worklonghoursduringthehighestlevelsofUVradiation,andtheydonothavethefreedomtoseekshadethroughouttheday. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed each year with basal or squamous cell carcinoma,whilealmost100,000willbediagnosedeachyearwithmelanoma,themostfatalformofskincancer.Inadditionto cancer,studieshave shown thatintense UV exposure is globallyrelatedto the development of cataracts.Currentprevention methodsincludesunscreen,protectiveeyewear,andvariousclothingtypes,includingUV-blockinghats,shirts,andneckshields. By summarizing the risk of occupational sun exposure, effective prevention methods, and barriers to implementing these methods,thisposteraimstoraiseawarenessoftheimpactofUVradiation,itshealtheffects,andhowtoprotectworkersand thegeneralpublicagainstover-exposure.

*|Alyssa Kamara

PublicHealth&Economics PosterPresentation N/A PinkaChatterji

Dept/Program

Growth in common ownership in Medicare Part D party providers

Abstract

Medicareisfederallyoperatedhealthinsuranceforpeople65yearsandolderaswellasyoungerpeoplewithparticularmedical conditionswhichincludes4parts:A,B,C,andD.PartDisanoptionalcomponentthatcoversprescriptionmedicationstakenby mouth.MedicarepartDisheavilysubsidizedbythefederalgovernment,butcoverageisdeliveredexclusivelythroughprivate insurance plans. Recent research demonstrates the reemergence of trusts in the form of "horizontal shareholdings' wherein particularinvestorsownlarge sharesinnumerous competingfirms,possiblyharmingcompetitionandconsumers.Medicare partDisnoexceptiontothistrend,asindicatedbythecommonownersinthedistributingprivateinsurancecompanieswhich have had top investors increase their share over the party provider extensively over the past ten years. Collecting the top shareholdersinMedicareineachstateandthatshareholder'stotalenrollmentwithinthestatesince2013andvisualizingthese trendsindicatesthatthetopcommonownershavesteadilyincreasedtheirsharesinownershipacrosspartyproviders.Current literature suggests that common ownership can push the part D market towards a monopolistic outcome, resulting in deadweightlossesforthemarketandincreasedcostsforenrollees.Thiscontinuedtrendmayhaveanimpactonaccessibilityto low-costplans.

Dr.MaryEllenMallia Dept/Program

Mentor

Sustainability And Partnership For Impact

Abstract

The lack of awareness and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals among the general public and students is hinderingprogresstowardsachievingsustainabledevelopment,despitetheirestablishmentbytheUnitedNationsin2015asa global effort to combat poverty, protect the environment, and promote well-being. To achieve sustainable development, it is crucial to increase awareness and understanding of the SDGs through education, strong institutions, campaigns, targeted training, and effectively participating in partnership efforts to achieve sustainable development, addressing all of the SDGs. Sustainable development necessitates the collective commitment of individuals, communities, and governments to adopt sustainable practices in all aspects of life, including long-term behavioral and social changes, volunteering, participating in community initiatives, advocating for sustainable policies, supporting sustainable businesses, and collaboration between differentsectors.UAlbanytakesmultiplesustainableinitiatives,however,accordingtoourresearchandsurveys,studentslack knowledgeofhowtodoso. Thisprojectwillprovidethemwithwaysandopportunitiestoparticipatewiththegoalofinvolving studentsincontributingtowardsoursustainabilitygoalsbothoncampusandintheworld.

Winnie Kongo

The Demographic Impact of the Civil War in Central African Republic

Abstract

Huang

TheCentralAfricanRepublichasenduredabrutalcivilwarforyears, whichhashaddevastatingeffectonthepopulation.The warhascausedthousandsofdeaths,displacement,refugees,andorphans.Atthe timeofthewar,thiswasthe mostpressing humanitariancrisis,anditseffectcontinuestoday.However,thereisagapinresearchstudyingtheimpactofthewar,specifically onemigration.ThisdeservestoberesearchedespeciallybecauseCentralAfricanRepublicisnotawell-knownnationaround the world and there is little awareness and understanding of these issues. The research will examine existing videos and researchontheeffectsofthewar,aswellasprovidefirst-handfindingsfrominterviewingCentralAfricannatives.Itisimportant tofirstknowhowseverethewarwasandwhyitallstarted.Afterwards,theresearchwillentailinterviewsfromCentralAfrican immigrantsontheimpactofthewarandwhytheychosetoleave.Lastly,studyingrecentemigrationpatternstotheneighboring countries such as Chad, Sudan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo will give insight on the demographicimpactofthewaronCentralAfricanRepublic. Policyimplicationswillbediscussed.

*|Ana Radojevic

PublicHealth&English OralPresentation WritingandCriticalInquiry

MarcieNewton Dept/Program

Presentation Format

Course Mentor

Why Are Women of Color Discriminated Against in the American Healthcare System?

Abstract

Womenofcolor,specificallyAfricanAmericanwomen,arepersistentlydiscriminatedagainstintheAmericanhealthcaresystem. AfricanAmericanwomen’squalityofhealthcare,forinstancethediagnosisprocessandthereceivingoftreatment,isdiminished in the current healthcare system. The discrimination of African American women is a historically founded issue that has worsenedinrecentyearsasaresultoftheCOVID-19pandemic.Thisraisesthequestion,whyarewomenofcolordiscriminated against in the American healthcare system? My research into this discrimination led to the examination of a collection of influencesthataffectthedisproportionatediscriminationofAfricanAmericanwomen.Theseinfluencesincludehistoricracism ofAfricanAmericans,socialprejudices,andnoxiousstereotypes.Potentialsolutionstothisproblemincludetheimplementation of regulations against discrimination. This implementation would ensure the safety and rights of African American women. Racial education to healthcare providers could also be beneficial in order to avoid biases affecting the treatment of female patientsofcolor.

Muhlstock

Mentor Silhouette

Abstract

Thisvideopieceiscenteredaroundtheideaofexpressingmentalillnessinavisibleformat.Divingintothephenomenonthat ‘monsters’arerealandareamongus.MaybenotthetypicalcinematicmonstersthatareusuallyshowninHollywoodmoviesor folktales;buttheonesourmindscreate.Throughoutthisillustrationitishintedthatthesolemaincharacterissufferingfrom schizophrenia;inwhichtheyfeelfollowed.Thefilmdoesagreatjobofcreatingasplitrealityinwhichtheprotagonistis‘normal orneurotypical’andisenjoyingtheirday whichisshownincolor.While the battle withthe illnessisportrayedinblack and whitewherethefeelingofstress,anxietyanddepressionisapparent.Thefilmdrawsinspirationfromseveraldifferentartforms, videographyandscholarlyarticlessuchastheNetflixOriginalShow,Atypical,andtheartpiece,TheScream,byEdvardMunch.

UG Students presenting in Campus Center Ballroom as part of Poster Day

* Students presenting elsewhere as part of Showcase Day Event

Participating Students in alphabetical order

Participating Students in alphabetical order

Undergraduate Students

Participating Students according to Department of Study

Participating Students according to Department of Study

The School of Public Health would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their cooperation, assistance and support

Ajitha Ganesan, Poster Day GA

Katrina Chamberlain

Susan Bernardi-Bain

Eirinn Marotta

Linda Gauvain McNulty

Nikki Malachowski

Rebecca McCarthy

Matt Kohn

Department Faculty Evaluators

SPH Mentors

Diana Mancini

Rapid Copy

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Special t hanks t o our sponsor

The Universit y at Albany School of Public

Healt h recognizes and appreciat es Healt h Research Incorporat ed (HRI) for sponsoring our 32nd Annual St udent Post er Day.

Their generous cont ribut ion allows us t o provide monet ary awards t o t op performing st udent s.