bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of pre-existing conditions on peri-procedural coronary diameters
Authors: McClaine Cameron , Vora Keyur , Dharmakumar Rohan
Published: January 2023

Background: Reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation is associated with a significant reduction in immediate mortality. A long-term critical complication of PCI is in-stent restenosis (ISR). However, the factors leading to restenosis remain unclear, albeit changes in coronary diameters post-PCI have been suggested to be important in stent restenosis. We hypothesize that pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking can affect the coronary artery diameters after PCI and contribute to in-stent restenosis.Project Methods: We recruited 26 AMI patients (age: 50-70 years; male 22) who were revascularized with PCI and studied whether pre-existing hypertension (HTN; n=10), type II diabetes mellitus (DM; n=5), dyslipidemia (DLP; n=3), and smoking (n=8) had independent contribution to changes in coronary artery diameter pre- and post-PCI. We measured segment-wise end-diastolic luminal cross-sectional diameter of left main (LM), left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx), and right coronary arteries (RCA) from invasive coronary angiograms before and after PCI.Results: We found that the LM showed insignificant change in cross-sectional diameter in HTN, DM, and smoking groups. However, DLP group of patients showed an increase in diameter post-PCI. Proximal segment of LAD in HTN patients and all LAD segments in DM group were significantly increased in diameter. Proximal LCx was reduced in diameter in DLP group. RCA distal and PDA segments in HTN group as well as PDA segment in DM group were reduced in diameter post PCI.Potential Impact: Although following PCI, proximal and mid segments increase in diameter by 5-20%; and distal segments by 20-30%, our early findings indicate that changes in cross-sectional diameter of the coronary segments can fall outside these ranges when pre-existing conditions are present. Follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the relation between changes in coronary diameters and in-stent restenosis.
Don’t Dismiss the Teachers: The Increased Demand for Teacher Mental Health Services Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Miller Abigail , Messmore Nikki
Published: January 2023

Background and Significance:Much discussion has surrounded how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted youth mental health, but less has been done to determine its impact on teachers. Youth First, Inc. of Evansville, IN places masters-level social workers in K-12 schools, providing critical support for Indiana youth. A common report among Youth First social workers has been the increase in personal consultations the teachers request. The objective of this study is to analyze the quantity and nature of teacher consultations across the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:Youth First collects data on services and compiles it on an internal server. For this study, access was given to data regarding teacher consultations. The data was then analyzed to determine trends. To better understand the nationwide teacher shortage, a literature review was conducted.Results:The data shows that in AY 2019-2020, there were 957 personal mental health consultations between teachers and social workers, accounting for 4.7% of total teacher consultations. Data from AY 2020-2021 shows an increase to 1,816 personal consultations, accounting for 5.6% of total consultations. While this jump does correspond to an increase in number of schools served, it also corresponds to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. AY 2021-2022 had 1,567 personal teacher consultations, accounting for 4.5% of the total number of consultations.Conclusion and Future Implications:According to the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, 44% of U.S. public schools currently report teaching vacancies. Of these schools, 61% “identified the pandemic as a cause of increased teaching vacancies”. According to a 2022 study by Indiana State University, nearly 97% of Indiana schools are reporting a teacher shortage. It is my hope that this data can be shared with Indiana school systems to address mental health needs of teachers, which may potentially improve the state-wide teacher shortage over time.
Tmprss3 deficiency does not affect auditory neuron differentiation: Implications for cochlear implantation
Authors: Moawad Jasmine , Chen Jeffery , Cabrera Ernesto , Nelson Rick F.
Published: January 2023

Background and Hypothesis:TMPRSS3 variants are one of the most common genetic causes of hearing loss in children and adults undergoing cochlear implantation (CI). Controversy exists regarding the success of CI in patients with TMPRSS3-mediated hearing loss as a prior immunolabeling study localized TMPRSS3 to the spiral ganglion (SGN) neurons. Type I SGNs transmit sound information to the CNS, while Type II SGNs are thought to play a role in amplification. Sensory hair cells (HC) that synapse on the SGN appear normal at birth but rapidly degenerate at the onset of hearing (postnatal day 12) in Tmprss3-mutant mice implicating an extrinsic process in HC death. During development, the precise pattern of SGN subtypes requires spontaneous firing of HCs prior to the onset of hearing. We hypothesize that Tmprss3 does not impact HC mechanotransduction or SGN subtype patterning.Project Methods:Cryosections of control and Tmprss3 mutant (Tmprss3Y2560X/Y260X) mice at P11 and P21 were immunolabeled with antibodies specific for SGN subtypes and all neurons. Cell counts were analyzed including two-tailed unpaired t test with significance of p < 0.05 (n=3 for each condition). Whole mount cochlea from P7 mice were used to test HC mechanotransduction using FM1-43 uptake assay. Tmprss3 gene expression was determined using hybridization chain reaction.Results:There was no difference in subtype patterning at P11 or P21 except Tmprss3 mice had less Type II SGNs at P21. Tmprss3 is not expressed in Type I SGNs and has limited expression in Type II SGNs. FM1-43 uptake was unaffected in Tmprss3-mutant mice.Conclusion/Potential Impact:SGN patterning is normal in Tmprss3-mutant mice suggesting that TMPRSS3 plays no physiologic role in the spontaneous firing or mechanotransduction of HCs. The limited expression of Tmprss3 within SGNs and normal SGN patterning supports CI as an effective treatment option for patients with TMPRSS3-mediated hearing loss.
Spatial Transcriptomic Profiling of Cutaneous Melanoma Progression
Authors: Xue Gloria , Jayarapu Krish , Zhou Hongming , Xuei Xiaoling , Gao Hongyu , Liu Yunglong , Warren Simon , Alomari Ahmed , Turner Matthew J.
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective:In 2022, an estimated 99,780 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States. As incidence rates continue to rise, identification of biomarkers for disease progression is urgently needed to prevent overdiagnosis and provide therapeutic targets. The purpose of this project was to determine if spatial transcriptomics can be used to identify transcript changes during melanoma progression.
Methods:For this study and after specimen quality control (via DV200 values), four archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) human melanoma specimens were processed using the Visium Spatial Gene Expression platform. In Loupe Browser v6.0.0. (10x Genomics Inc.), K-means clustering was used as an unbiased approach in addition to manual selection of areas of melanoma adjacent to and distant from (i.e. nonadjacent) the epidermis to determine regions of interest for identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs)
Results:Expression of PAEP was significantly increased in a micrometastasis (~7.2 fold; Log2 scale) versus the primary melanoma in one specimen. Other DEGs also distinguished the micrometastasis (SLC16A3, CCND1, SCML4, and CSAG3) from this primary melanoma (S100A14, TRIM29, PTPRZ1, and BCAN). In the other specimens, a similar pattern of differential gene expression was seen between areas of melanoma adjacent to and nonadjacent to the epidermis. In addition, K-means clustering identified a region of differential gene expression suggestive of an inflammatory cell infiltrate next to the PAEP-enriched micrometastasis.
Conclusions and Potential Impact:This study demonstrates the feasibility of using spatial transcriptomics to investigate transcriptional changes during melanoma progression. Increased PAEP transcripts and the immunosuppressive functions of PAEP suggest PAEP may be an important mediator of melanoma progression. The current study suggests increased PAEP transcript levels are associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates. Understanding mechanistic links between increased PAEP and inflammation during melanoma progression could provide prognostic and therapeutic insights and thus, improved care for melanoma patients.
Associations of Childhood Exposure to Malaria with Cognition and Behavior Outcomes in Low- and Middle- Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Noel Josey , Ssemata Andrew , Nakitende Jacquelline Ann , Kizito Simon , Whipple Elizabeth C. , Thomas Melissa , McHenry Megan S.
Published: January 2023

Background: Malaria impacts >24 million children globally, resulting in >300,000 child deaths annually in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Little is known about the association between malarial infection and its impact on cognition and behavior. Our objective was to determine the association between different types of malaria infection with cognitive and behavioral outcomes among children living in LMICs.Methods: We systematically searched and reviewed the literature using six online bibliographic databases on 2/10/2022. Studies included involved children <18 years living in LMICs with active or past malaria infection and measured cognitive and/or behavior outcomes. A meta-analysis is underway for asymptomatic and severe categories of malaria. Due to heterogeneity of data, a qualitative summary was performed for uncomplicated malaria studies.Results: Out of 1994 initial titles reviewed, 40 articles met the inclusion criteria. 30 studies contributed data to the meta-analysis. Initial analyses suggest children with asymptomatic malaria tend to have lower mean scores than children without malaria in attention (SMD (standardized mean difference) -0.14, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.07) and general cognitive function (SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.07). No differences were found in language and numeracy scores. Children with severe malaria had significant reductions in their mean scores compared to children without malaria in language (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.17), general cognition (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.04), and memory (SMD -0.25, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.09). Most studies on uncomplicated malaria (7/8) found declines across multiple domains of cognitive testing compared to children without malaria.Conclusion: While analyses are not yet finalized, our initial findings suggest severe malaria is associated with worse neurodevelopment outcomes for children living in LMICs. Asymptomatic and uncomplicated malarial infection tend to have lower scores, though more research is needed. Support for children with malaria should consider strategies to optimize neurodevelopment.
Glaucomatous Optineurin (E50K) Mutation Disrupts Mitochondrial Homeostasis in Human Stem Cell Derived RGCs
Authors: Olivera Perez Leonardo , Surma Michelle , Dutta Sayanta , Das Arupratan
Published: January 2023

Background:Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are highly energy dependent due to their continuous action potential firing requirements and long unmyelinated axons hence highly susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunctions, observed in glaucoma. Dr. Das’s lab recently had identified Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) inhibition by BX795 drug activates mitochondrial biogenesis and promotes RGC protection with glaucomatous Optineurin (OPTN-E50K) mutation. OPTN is a critical player for mitophagy. It is still not clear if activation of mito-biogenesis improved mitochondrial homeostasis which I investigated in this project.MethodsTo investigate mitochondrial homeostasis in human RGCs, I have used a robust well-characterized human stem cell differentiated RGC (hRGC) model with wild-type (WT) and E50K mutation background which Dr. Das’s lab routinely uses. To investigate mitochondrial homeostasis, I used JC1 live cell mitochondrial dye which fluoresces red when bound to healthy mitochondria and green when bound to damaged mitochondria. I used this assay on hRGCs treated with BX795 and mitochondrial stressor CCCP and measured red to green mitochondria ratio on confocal z-stacks using ImageJ.ResultsUnder basal level, we found hRGCsWT had a significantly increased healthy (red:green) mitochondria compared to hRGCsE50K. This suggests E50K mutation disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis. To gain mitochondrial homeostasis, it is possible that hRGCsE50K will produce more mitochondria over time than the WT. Indeed, we observed significant increase in healthy mitochondria for hRGCsE50K at 3h and 24h of DMSO and BX795 treatment, but not for hRGCsWT. We also observed under CCCP damage for 3h, hRGCsE50K had significantly higher amount of damaged mitochondria (p=0.051) while hRGCsWT maintained homeostasis.Conclusion and Potential ImpactMy study suggests glaucomatous OPTN-E50K mutation disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis and activation of mito-biogenesis by BX enriches healthy mitochondria leading to hRGCE50K protection. This study has high impact as further avenues for promoting mito-biogenesis could lead to glaucoma neuroprotection therapy.
Role of Rap1 GTPases in Growth, Differentiation, and Migration of Myeloid Cells
Authors: Hemmerlein Tessa , Kanumuri Rahul , Ramdas Baskar , Kapur Reuben
Published: January 2023

Background:Rap1 is a Ras-like small-molecular-weight GTP-binding protein involved in signal transduction cascades. It cycles between a GDP-bound inactive and a GTP-bound active form. This switching is regulated by specific GEFs and GAPs. Rap1 exists in two isoforms - Rap1a and Rap1b. While Rap1 has been implicated in regulating several hematologic disorders, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, its role in the development and function of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors (HSC/Ps) has not been investigated. Macrophages play an essential role in the retention of hematopoietic cells in the mesenchymal niche. Resident macrophages in the spleen retain HSCs through VCAM1 adhesion. Previous studies have shown that loss of both isoforms of Rap1 in mice results in enhanced peripheral blood leukocyte counts and mobilization of primitive hematopoietic stem cells (Lin-KIT+Sca1+) into peripheral blood circulation. Given this loss of retention of primitive hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, we hypothesized that perhaps Rap1 plays an essential role in adhesive interactions of HSC/Ps in the bone marrow.
Methods:To test this hypothesis, we derived macrophages from the bone marrow of wild-type (WT) and Rap1a/b double knockout (DKO) mice and compared their growth, survival and differentiation using proliferation and adhesion assays, as well as flow cytometry to assess apoptosis, macrophage differentiation, MCSF receptor expression, and expression of integrins.
Results:Our studies show that macrophages derived from Rap1 DKO mouse bone marrow show impaired growth, survival and differentiation along with impaired adhesion in response to extracellular matrix components including fibronectin.
Future Directions:In the future, we hope to study macrophage adhesive interactions in response to SDF1, collagen, and other extracellular matrix proteins in myeloid-specific deletion of Rap1 in mice, and to study the role of Rap1 in different lineages of hematopoietic cells using different CRE drivers.
Effect of Acute IFN-α Exposure on β-cell Survival and Function in the Absence of Functional Autophagy
Authors: Perez Aviles Glorian , Novak Alissa N. , Linnemann Amelia K.
Published: January 2023

Background and Hypothesis: It has been demonstrated that the protective degradative process of autophagy is defective in the context of human T1D. Additionally, a type I interferon-inducible transcriptional signature has been detected in blood cells of children genetically at risk for T1D prior to the appearance of autoantibodies. Preliminary data demonstrate that autophagy can be stimulated by IFN-α in β-cells of non-diabetic mice, but this response is defective in β-cells of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, a mouse model for autoimmune diabetes. We hypothesize that impaired autophagy and exposure to IFN-α will lead to reduced β-cell survival and impaired function.Methods:Bafilomycin A, a lysosomal inhibitor, was used to inhibit autophagy in INS-1 832/13 cells and pancreatic human islets. We then utilized western blot analysis, Caspase-Glo® 3/7 Assay, and Insulin HTRF Assay to assess β-cell survival and function in response to IFN-α exposure.Results: Western blot analysis was used to monitor inhibition of autophagy and stimulation of IFN-α pathway in INS-1 832/13 cells (n=4) and pancreatic human islets (n=1). An increase in LC3II/LC3I ratio was observed after treatment with Baf A, indicating accumulation of autophagosomes. Phosphorylation of STAT2 was observed in IFN-α treated cells, indicating stimulation of the IFN-α pathway. Impaired autophagy and IFN-α exposure did not induce apoptosis in INS-1 832/13 cells (n=2). Following Baf A and IFN-α treatment, glucose stimulated insulin secretion was measured. Glucose stimulated insulin secretion is decreased in INS-1 832/13 cells following Baf A and IFN-α treatment (n=2).Conclusions: These data suggest that inhibition of autophagy followed by an acute treatment with IFN-α does not induce significant cell death, but modestly impairs β-cell function. Future studies will determine the effects of prolonged IFN-α exposure on β-cell survival and function as well as investigate other potential mechanisms of cell death.
Measuring Denatured Collagen Debridement After in vivo ACL Cyclic Loading in Mice
Authors: Phan Khang , Loflin Benjamin , Ahn Taeyong , Schlecht Stephen
Published: January 2023

Background/Objective:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common and debilitating injuries in sports. Once thought to be caused due to acute stress events, recent research has demonstrated that this could be from chronic overuse and fatigue. We hypothesized that the estimated time that denatured collagen removal occurs is around 6 days to start ACL repair and there will be no changes between right and left knee mechanical parameters.Methods:Forty B6 female 10-wk old mice were used in a custom setup that cyclically loads to 60% of the ACL’s max force for 500 cycles. All right legs were tested, and the specimens were randomly separated into four equal cohorts for rest times in 3-day increments. Following each cohort’s rest time, the left knee was loaded in the same manner (n=7) and the remaining from each group (n=3) were used as untested contralateral controls. Immediately after each cohort was tested, they were euthanized, and legs were harvested, fixated, and decalcified for paraffin infiltration. Tissue was sectioned and deparaffinized for staining with R-CHP for immunofluorescence, followed by Raman spectroscopy to examine proteoglycan activity.Results:Current results demonstrate the mechanical data of all tested ACLs via measures of hysteresis and stiffness. No statistical differences were found, except for the hysteresis of the left ACLs between cohorts 2 and 3 and upper stiffness of the right ACLs in all mice compared to the left ACLs in cohort 3. The results from CHP staining will be analyzed in future work.Conclusion and Implications:Ultimately, this study will help narrow down when denatured ACL collagen from fatigue begins as an indication of the repair process taking place. This knowledge may be used in athletes with strained ACLs to know how long to adequately rest before continuing sport activity.
How COVID-19 Impacted Community Health Coalition Functioning and Strategies Used to Adapt
Authors: Vandeventer Luke , Savaiano Dennis
Published: January 2023

Background/Objective: Community health coalitions are important resources for positively impacting health. Recent research analyzed how COVID-19 affected health coalition operations. This literature review examined both gray and peer reviewed literature to investigate the effect.
Methods: A manual search of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science’s (ACTS) – Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (JCTS) 2022 Abstract Supplemental Volume 6 – Issue – s1 and the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) 2021 Poster Session – PS1042.0 School Health & Wellness: Promoting School Health through Innovative Programs and Partnerships was performed. Additionally, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), PubMed, and OVID databases were searched for relevant articles. In total, 3393 articles were provided by the search strategy and 114 remained after removal of the duplicates, title, and abstract screening. After full-text examination, 52 were included for analysis.
Results: Of the 52 articles analyzed, 19 discussed pausing in-person coalition activities, 7 discussed member commitment or enthusiasm, 6 indicated decreased funding, 4 indicated a change in meeting frequency, and 1 indicated decreased attendance. Additionally, 42 articles mentioned incorporating technologies to communicate virtually. The three most common virtual communication methods were phone [voice call] (22), email (19), and unspecified (18). Twenty-three articles indicated new or existing health coalition partnerships were leveraged to rapidly establish trust with communities.
Conclusions: Incorporating virtual communication technologies was commonly used to avoid communication disruptions during the pandemic, but the variable impacts should be considered in future public health crises. Furthermore, the study determined a viable option to rapidly establish trust with new communities may be leveraging existing−or creating new−partnerships with organizations that have long-standing ties with target communities.
Impact and Implications: This paper serves as a resource for possible strategies that health coalitions can incorporate into their operations to potentially improve resilience in public health crises until additional research is conducted.
Regional Differences in Human Skin Responses to Receptor Agonists: Implications for Differing Facial vs. Forearm Innervation
Authors: Ungureanu C. Ilinca , Stout Stout , Miller Olivia G. , Metzler-Wilson Kristen
Published: January 2023

There is not yet consensus on the precise differences between non-glabrous and facial skin characteristics. Our lab identified similar responses to local heat stress in forearm and facial skin, while others identified differing responses to autonomic stressors within facial regions. Anatomical differences, such as the thinner nature of facial skin and specifically its thinner stratum corneum, may also impact facial autonomic responses. Considering this layer is a protective barrier, facial skin may be more sensitive to perturbations like drug administration. While non-glabrous skin is innervated by spinal nerves, facial skin is innervated by cranial nerves. Because of these anatomical and physiological differences between non-glabrous and facial skin, it is possible that their differing neural and receptor characteristics impact a key autonomic end-organ response: cutaneous blood flow. In this pilot experiment, we investigated possible regional differences between the forehead and forearm in response to adrenergic and cholinergic agonists. We hypothesized that drugs targeting adrenergic (phenylephrine, clonidine, and isoproterenol) and cholinergic (acetylcholine) cutaneous receptors would elicit similar vasomotor effects in both locations. One female subject underwent forearm and forehead iontophoresis of each agonist using adaptations of published protocols, as well as a control protocol using deionized water (vehicle) alone. We recorded blood flow via laser-Doppler flowmetry (Moor Instruments) and beat-by-beat arterial blood pressure via finger photoplethysmography (ADInstruments). We calculated baseline cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and plateau 43°C CVC to determine the change in skin blood flow resulting from drug administration. Our results indicate that while phenylephrine administration caused vasodilation, opposing our hypothesis, administration of all other drugs caused responses in agreement with our expectations. Thus, these pilot data suggest that facial and non-glabrous skin may respond similarly to adrenergic or cholinergic agonists. These findings imply a potential use for topical dermatological drug treatments utilized on the trunk/extremities to benefit cutaneous facial diseases.
The Impact of Improving Nutrition Status, Pre-habilitation, Optimization of Cardiac Hemodynamics Including use of Temporary Mechanical Support When Indicated on the Reduction of Frailty in Patients Evaluated for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies
Authors: Thomas Mariah , Hunter Julie , Mohammed Asim
Published: January 2023

Background: Advanced frailty and age are associated with increased mortality, adverse surgical and transplant outcomes. Aside from bridge-to-transplant ventricular assist device (VAD) implant, minimal literature exists regarding reversing frailty. The aim of this study was to assess interventions used by Lutheran Heart Transplant (HTx) and VAD Program on reducing frailty and the impact on short-term operative outcomes.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of 29 patients evaluated in the Lutheran HTx and VAD program was performed. Data collected included biomarker and demographic data for June 2020 to present. The study population was analyzed and then stratified by their modified Fried Frailty Phenotype (mFFP) score. Independent analysis was performed for HTx and VAD cohorts. Fisher’s exact and t-tests were used to analyze categorical and continuous variables, respectively (alpha = 0.05).
Results: 18 out of 29 patients (62%) were classified as frail at initial assessment. Significant improvements were observed in bilirubin (p=0.017), creatinine (p=0.001), eGFR (p=0.001), lactic acid (p=0.002), and prealbumin (p=0.002) for the total study population. Frail patients experienced longer intubation (3 vs 4 days) and hospitalization (20 vs 23 days) times post-HTx. Due to limited sample size, we were unable to analyze the VAD cohort by mFFP score.
Conclusions: Significant improvements were seen in kidney function and nutrition status as indicated by creatinine, eGFR, and prealbumin data. However, the available data was insufficient to examine the interventions impact on frailty as described by the Fried Frailty Phenotype. Similar to other studies, frailty was associated with increased intubation and hospitalization duration post-HTx.
An Analysis of Indiana Youth Group Demographics
Authors: Gross Rachel , Abraham Olivia , Messmore Niki
Published: January 2023

This study examines the demographics of the youth attending Indiana Youth Group (IYG) programs and how the demographics of the IYG attendees compare to youth in Marion County, Indiana at large. Indiana Youth Group is a center based in Indianapolis that serves LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-24 that creates safer spaces to build community and offers harm-reduction programs that empower youth to build confidence, explore their identities, and foster friendships. IYG provides a wide array of programs free of charge, including basic needs, support groups, arts and crafts, sexual health education, STI/HIV testing, case management, mental health counseling, and affinity groups to lessen the impact of stressors most faced by LGBTQ+ youth and increase self-efficacy. Based on our analysis of demographic data from the 2020 IYG Annual Report and the 2020 Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) County Snapshots, we found that IYG attendees are less diverse than the greater Marion County youth population in terms of race in 2020. IYG serves a higher proportion of white youth and a lower proportion of Black and Hispanic/Latinx compared to the Marion County population. Our study proposes the following strategies to broaden outreach to racially minoritized populations: identify and build relationships with trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) within Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, invest in health education and health literacy, and increase language access by conveying program information through trusted community messengers. Organizational changes could include cultural competency and social justice training for staff that specifically focuses on the intersection between systemic racism and LGBTQ+ oppression.
Evaluating the Need for Surgical Intervention Following 360 Degree Trabeculotomy
Authors: Gill Minka , Smith Heather
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate how long, on average, after a 360 trabeculotomy procedure was secondary surgery needed for patients with congenital and secondary glaucoma.
Methods: IRB approval was received from the Indiana University School of Medicine to access digital patient charts from Riley Children’s Hospital’s department of ophthalmology. The Kruska-Wallis test was utilized to evaluate the average number of days between the initial 360 trabeculotomy and secondary glaucoma surgery. The chi-squared test was performed to evaluate surgical success rates. Surgical failure was defined by the patient needing additional surgical intervention or having more than two eye exams that demonstrated an intraocular pressure greater than 21. A 5% significance level was used for each test.
Results: The surgical success rates for 360 trabeculectomies in patients with congenital and secondary glaucoma were 64.70% and 25%, respectively (p =.0002). The average values for the number of days after which secondary surgery was needed were 818.20 and 259.00 days for patients with congenital and secondary glaucoma, respectively (p =.28). The average values for the number of days after which an intraocular pressure lowering drop was needed for patients following the initial procedure were 311.83 and 51.56 for patients with congenital glaucoma and secondary glaucoma, respectively (p =.06).
Conclusion: The rate of single surgical success was much higher for patients with congenital glaucoma than secondary glaucoma. This could be attributed to the anatomic variability, inflammatory processes, and pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to secondary glaucoma. The small number of cases presents a limitation to this study. Although the data for the number of days between initial and secondary surgical intervention is not statistically significant, this study still demonstrates that a significant number of patients achieve intraocular pressure control following a 360 degree trabeculotomy.
Wireless Electroceutical Dressing Inhibition of Azole sensitive and resistant strains of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Swartz Luke E. , Maupin Alec J. , Basaran-Akgul Nese , Steiner Shomita S. , Sen Chandan K. , Templeton Steven P.
Published: January 2023

Background/Objective:The opportunistic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Fungal infections are increasingly likely in burn victims, as the epidermis serves as the body’s first line of defense against microbial pathogens. In an effort to utilize complementary methods of control, an electroceutical dressing containing geometrically patterned silver and zinc nanoparticles embedded in fabric was used. The dressing utilizes generates a weak electric field when moist to produce antimicrobial effects. Preliminary research showed that the dressing effectively inhibited Candida albicans. This foundational research has led us to hypothesize that the electroceutical dressing could also be an effective option for inhibiting A. fumigatus. The objective of this project was to establish the inhibitory effects of the dressing across multiple strains of A. fumigatus.
Methods:We used both radial growth on Aspergillus Minimal Media (AMM) agar plates and concentration in AMM liquid cultures to determine A. fumigatus growth rates. The plates were initially inoculated with 100 conidia of A. fumigatus. Liquid cultures were inoculated with 200,000 conidia/mL. The liquid cultures Radial growth was measured daily for 14 days, and concentration was measured every third day for 24 days.
Results:Our results show that the Wireless Electroceutical Dressing (WED) effectively inhibits A. fumigatus growth.
Summary:The data indicates that WED inhibits azole resistant and non-resistnat strains of A. fumigatus. By illustrating the effectiveness of the electroceutical dressing, it presents additional options for controlling A. fumigatus infection. Additional research should be conducted to determine if the dressing is fungistatic or fungicidal, along with assessing its effectiveness in inhibiting other fungal infections.
Validation of Spinal Cord Injury Sensory Deficit Model with Head-Fixed Rat
Authors: Chinthala Anoop S. , Slack Jacob C. , Yadav Amol P.
Published: January 2023

Background/Objective: Numerous studies have reported restoring motor function through spinal cord stimulation in a rodent spinal cord injury model; however, replicating sensory information through spinal cord stimulation has not been thoroughly tested.We have previously trained rats to detect artificial sensations which lead to the question if this can be generated in a spinal cord injured rat.  Our study begins to address this question by first validating a spinal cord injury model to test. Our hypothesis is if a decrease in the percent correct response compared to pre-procedure is observed, then this will verify sensory loss in this dorsal column lesion model of spinal cord injury.
Methods: We use sensory detection in a head-fixed rat to verify a spinal cord injury sensory deficit model. We begin by placing a water-deprived rat into a custom-made head-fix set up where two water spouts are placed in front of the rat. Vibration stimuli is applied to the hind paw via a vibration motor set at 200 hz ± 50 hz. The rat is trained to associate stimulus with left spout and no stimulus with right spout. Correct percent response is recorded and once rat demonstrates detection, the rat undergoes a dorsal column hemi-section procedure. Post procedure, the rat will be placed back in the head-fix set up to repeat the behavioral experiment.
Results: Thus far, only habituation training has been completed with the rat. The following steps include detection training, dorsal column hemi section, and re doing the detection training to measure a difference in correct response rate.
Conclusion and Potential Impact:This is a crucial step for spinal cord injury research as this confirms sensory loss and will allow further testing to restore sensation. After validation, we can begin testing to restore sensation using stimulation of the spinal cord.
HLA-E and HLA-G Co-expression in Porcine Endothelial Cells Attenuates Human Natural Killer Cells degranulation
Authors: Farag Kristine , Cross-Najafi Arthur , Wilmes Danielle , Kundu Debjyoti , Zhang Wenjun , Ekser Burcin , Li Ping
Published: January 2023

Background: Xenotransplantation offers a prospective solution to organ shortage. The elimination of major xenoantigens in pig cells prevents hyperacute xenograft rejection (HXR), driven by preformed antibodies. However, acute xenograft rejection (AXR), driven by immune cell activation,continues to be a barrier in pig-to-human xenotransplantation. Natural killer (NK) cells, with inhibitory and activating receptors, play unique roles in AXR by promoting graft rejection or tolerance. NK cell tolerance occurs naturally in utero where human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E and HLA-G are present. Expressing HLA-E/G in    xenografts may provide immune protection from human NK cell cytotoxicity.
Methods: This study aims to demonstrate the use of HLA class I molecules in inducing human NK cell tolerance. 5-gene-knock-out (5GKO) porcine endothelial cells (pECs) were transfected with HLA-E and HLA-G genes. Transfected cells were stained with HLA-E and/or HLA-G antibody. HLA class I expressing 5GKO cells were isolated by flow sorter. Genetically modified pECs were co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for E:T ratio of 10:1 for 2 hours. PBMCs were collected and stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies. NK cell degranulation was accessed by the percentage of CD107a expression in the CD3-CD56+population. Co-localization of HLA-E and HLA-G on pECs was imaged by immunofluorescence microscopy and quantified by Image-Pro.  
Results: 5GKO pEC lines expressing HLA-E, HLA-G, and co-expressing HLA-E and HLA-G were successfully established. Co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G in 5GKO pECs reduced human NK cell degranulation by 50% compared to the 21% reduction achieved with 5GKO alone (p<0.0001). Co-localization intersection of 5GKO.HLA-E.HLA-G with stimulated PBMCs was not significantly different than when cultured with media (0.067 vs. 0.059, p=0.57).
Conclusion and Impacts: Co-expression of HLA-E and HLA-G in 5GKO pECs significantly reduced human NK cell degranulation, compared to 5GKO.HLA-E, 5GKO.HLA-G, and 5GKO pECs. However, co-localization of HLA-E and HLA-G didn’t change when cultured with stimulated PBMCs. This study provides insight into the interactions between HLA molecules that promote an immunotolerant phenotype.
Analysis of Girls Inc.’s Redefining Beauty Curriculum in the Prevention of Eating Disorders
Authors: Farris Kelsey , Messmore Niki , Stone Jade
Published: January 2023

Background: Eating disorders are commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders in adolescents. Because of the severity of disease and difficulty of treatment, means of prevention are important. Girls Inc. is a national non-profit organization that delivers evidence-based programming for people identifying as girls. Their four-week summer camp includes curriculum for building relationships, economic and media literacy, body image, and self-esteem. Here, the Girls Inc. curriculum “Redefining Beauty” is evaluated for efficacy of changing attitudes and behaviors correlated with development of eating disorders.
Methods: Pre-and-post curriculum self-report surveys were administered to 11-14-year-olds (n=28) at the Girls Inc. summer camp. Group C1 consisted of 11-12 year-olds and C2 were 13-14 year-olds. All participants present for the camp the day of surveying were included in the study. Likert scales were used to assess body image and self  -esteem. Collins Child Female Scale determined dissonance between current and ideal body image. Data was also collected regarding the use of dieting and exercise to lose weight.
Results: No significant differences were found. In a Likert scale question on body satisfaction, there was no significant difference between pre-and post-curriculum answers (X2(t-1.7056, p=0.1036)). Body dissonance was measured to have no significant difference between pre-and post-curriculum answers (Paired t-test(t=0.8467, p=0.4077)). In a question asking if participants have been on a diet, 41.4% answered yes. This data was compared between two groups, and no significant difference was found (X2(z=0.1357, p=0.7125)) .  
Conclusion: This research can be used to aid Girls Inc. and similar programs in updating or creating eating disorder prevention curriculum. Because research has shown that increasing self-esteem and improving body image leads to decreased risk of developing eating disorders, it is important that curriculum aimed at preventing eating disorders is measured for its success in improving these factors.
Effects of kidney disease and dietary inulin treatment on transcellular phosphorus transporters
Authors: Fonseca Austin , Wilson Hannah , Chen Neal X. , Moe Sharon M. , Biruete Annabel
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease – mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is marked by biochemical abnormalities, bone alterations, and vascular calcifications. We recently showed that the fermentable fiber inulin lowered circulating phosphorus. Our objective was to determine the effect of dietary inulin on the expression of intestinal phosphate transporters.
Methods: Starting at 22 weeks of age ((~ 50% normal GFR) and for 8-or-10 weeks, normal littermates (NL) and Cy/+ male rats (CKD) were fed a 0.7% phosphorus, casein-based diet without or with 10%-inulin (CKD+IN); At euthanasia (30 or 32 weeks, ~30-to-15% normal GFR), mucosa from duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was collected for intestinal transporter expression (NaPi2b, PiT1, PiT2, NHE3) via qPCR. Data was analyzed via 2-way ANOVA.
Results: CKD animals developed hyperphosphatemia at 32 weeks, but CKD+IN lowered circulating phosphorus. NaPi2b was expressed highest in the jejunum, followed by the duodenum, but not ileum. At 32 weeks, NaPi2b was lower in CKD and CKD+IN in the duodenum and jejunum compared to NL (p<0.05). PiT1 was expressed in all three intestinal segments. Duodenal PiT1 expression was increased in the CKD group compared to NL and CKD+IN (p<0.05), but the expression was unchanged in the jejunum or ileum. PiT2 expression was consistent across all three segments. Duodenal PiT2 expression decreased in CKD and CKD+IN compared to NL (p<0.05). NHE3 expression were highest in jejunum. From 30-to-32 weeks, NL had increased duodenal NHE3 expression (p<0.05), but expression was similar between CKD and CKD+IN in jejunum and ileum.  
Conclusions: CKD alters intestinal phosphate transporters, but a 10% Inulin diet did not affect their expression in the small intestine. Lowering circulating phosphorus may be related to improvements in gastrointestinal microbiota, reduction of uremic toxins, and possibly phosphorus transport in the cecum and colon. Furthermore, the effect of inulin on paracellular phosphate absorption in CKD should be explored.
Adolescent Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: French Jayla , Kirkpatrick Laura , Aalsma Matthew , Bell Lauren
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective: Although adolescents have been widely impacted by the opioid epidemic, the lack of timely, evidence-based treatment poses a significant barrier to care. Pre-implementation work involving interviewing adolescents to gain their perspectives on opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment is essential for implementing evidence-based practices into new settings. This qualitative evaluation seeks to describe adolescent perspectives on facilitators and barriers to engagement in treatment for OUD.
Project Methods: Adolescents aged 15-20 living in Indiana who reported use of any non-prescribed opioid in the past 12 months were screened for eligibility and consented. We conducted semi-structured interviews on 6 adolescents and performed qualitative analysis using a grounded theory approach. 3 coders analyzed interview transcripts using NVivo R (QRS International), identifying common themes concerning facilitators and barriers to adolescent disclosure of use, treatment initiation, and engagement in retention in treatment. The Indiana University IRB approved this study.
Results: Barriers to youth disclosure of use were shame/embarrassment and fear of disappointing significant adults. Treatment initiation barriers included denial of dependence and concerns about withdrawal. Engagement/retention in treatment barriers were perceptions of judgment after relapse and frustration with early stages of treatment. Identified facilitators of disclosure were acceptance of use as a problem and identification of life goals. Treatment initiation facilitators were supportive family members/trusted adults and family financial resources. Facilitators of treatment engagement/retention included positive peer influences and treatment of underlying mental health issues.
Potential Impact: Facilitators and barriers identified in this qualitative analysis will allow organizations and clinicians to tailor the way they engage and treat youth with OUD based on their specific needs and preferences, allowing for earlier, more effective engagement in treatment. Given the inequitable distribution of treatment for OUD between age groups, this pre-implementation data contributes to the end goal of closing treatment and outcome gaps.
Inhibition of CaMKK2 Decreases Progression of Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis in a Rabbit ACL Transection Model
Authors: Riggs Keegan , Dilley Julian , Sankar Uma
Published: January 2023

Background and Hypothesis:Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a multifactorial degenerative disease of the joint affecting 20-50% of all joint injuries with a total annual cost of $15 billion. There are no current disease-modifying therapies for PTOA. Mechanical stress due to ligament tear or impact injury triggers the release of inflammatory mediators in the joint. Resulting collagen damage, loss of proteoglycans, and cell death triggers further release of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species. This cycle of inflammation leads to PTOA. We hypothesize that inhibition of Ca2+/CaM dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2), a kinase associated with the inflammatory effects in PTOA, will mitigate the disease-propagating mechanisms.
Methods:We utilized a rabbit model of PTOA which involved surgical transection of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to generate joint instability. Rabbits were then treated tri-weekly with either STO-609 (CaMKK2 inhibitor, 0.033 mg/kg) or saline (control) for 16 weeks. Rabbits were sacrificed at 16 weeks post-surgery. Tibiofemoral joints were harvested for staining with safranin O fast green (SO) and PTOA grading via Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. Apoptosis was assessed with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). RNA isolation of cartilage and subchondral bone tissue was conducted for qRT-PCR. Gene expression of MMP-13, IL-6, IL-1B, ACAN, COL2A1 was quantified and normalized to GAPDH.
Results:Histology and gross morphology showed increased PTOA severity in saline controls compared to STO-609 treated rabbits. There was no significant difference in chondrocyte apoptosis in STO-609 treated rabbits compared to saline controls based on TUNEL staining. Gene expression analyses are in progress.
Potential Impact:This study addresses the unmet clinical need for novel disease-modifying therapeutics for PTOA. Preliminary results show that inhibition of CaMKK2 has the potential to decrease cartilage degradation after joint injuries.