bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased Dynamic Flexibility of Brain Functional Connectivity in Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Osborn Zachary G. , Risacher Shannon L. , West John D. , Tallman Eileen , Apostolova Liana , Sporns Olaf , Saykin Andrew J.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
In neuroimaging, functional connectivity (FC), defined as the correlation between the functional MRI signals of two brain grey matter regions of interest (ROIs), is thought to reflect communication between ROIs. Changes in whole brain FC networks have been detected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, traditional FC networks generated using the entire length of an fMRI scan could miss cognitively relevant fluctuations in FC. Analyzing dynamic patterns of FC within subsets of fMRI scans is hypothesized to enable greater sensitivity to deficits of information transfer and processing in AD compared to static FC. 
Project Methods: 
Functional MRI data of 58 participants with either subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, or controls were divided into time windows; the FC within each window provides sequential dynamic FC networks (dFC). Each dFC network was partitioned into subnetworks, e.g. visual or motor, whose member ROIs are strongly interconnected, and the functional flexibility of an ROI was estimated by the number of times it switches subnetworks in a scan. 
Results: 
The flexibility of the left inferior parietal lobule, right rostral lateral orbitofrontal cortex, and right amyglada/parahippocampal gyrus showed the highest correlations with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores: r = 0.2516, 0.2480, and 2421, respectively. Although no correlations reached conventional significance (p = 0.0568, 0.0605, and 0.0671, uncorrected), this may reflect low power that should be increased with a planned larger sample. 
Potential Impact: 
Dynamic FC analyses may help clarify the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive decline, but methodological refinements and higher resolution data are likely needed to realize this potential.
Immune regulation of neuronal injury and repair by observing T cell activation
Authors: Regele Eric J. , Runge Elizabeth M. , Kennedy Felicia M. , Sanders Virginia M. , Jones Kathryn J.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
It is unknown how the immune system maintains the majority of facial motoneuron (FMN) survival after axotomy. IL-10 cytokine is necessary for FMN survival and CD4+ T cells are activated and play a critical role in survival, but do not produce IL-10. It was proposed that the source of IL-10 resides in the CNS; however, it is possible that antigen presenting cells (APC) produce IL-10 which activate CD4+ T cells to a neuroprotective phenotype. The regulation of IL-10 receptors (IL-10R) in immunodeficient compared to wild-type (WT) mice in the facial nucleus was studied in this experiment, as well as the possibility of the PNS producing IL-10. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
To study APC’s role in motoneuron survival, we transferred WT whole splenocytes into global IL-10 knock out (KO) mice prior to axotomy. To study IL-10R gene expression, immunodeficient RAG-2 KO mice received WT or IL-10R-/- CD4+ T cells prior to axotomy.  
Results: 
qPCR revealed that WT mice upregulate IL-10R after axotomy, whereas RAG-2 KO mice had decreased expression comparatively. RAG-2 mice who received WT CD4+ T cells transfer restored IL-10R comparable to WT values.IL-10R was rescued in RAG-2 mice after the adoptive transfer of WT CD4+T cells. When IL-10R-/- CD4+ cells were transferred into RAG-2 mice, IL-10R values were restored; however, these T cells were unable to rescue FMN survival.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
If WT whole splenocytes transferred into global IL-10 KO mice rescue FMN survival, it implies that APC play a role in producing IL-10. If they cannot mediate rescue, then peripheral IL-10 is unlikely sufficient for FMN survival. CD4+ T cells regulate central IL-10R response and must respond to IL-10 to mediate FMN survival. The transfer of whole splenocytes provides APCs capable of producing IL-10 and CD4+ T cells capable of responding to IL-10.
Attitudes toward Contraception Initiation in the Emergency Department among Providers and Patients
Authors: VanderVinne, DO Nathan , Ryckman, BS Sydney , Coy, DO Lynn , Swartz, MD, JD Kimberly , Bernard, MD Caitlin , Kline, MD Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  
In 2011, 45% of 6.1 million pregnancies were unintended. Women between the ages of 20-24, those with lower education, lower income, and of African American descent had higher rates of unintended pregnancies.i In 2014, there were 25.9 million visits to the ED by women under the age of 24.ii Intervention within the Emergency Department to assess fertility status and provide contraception when appropriate has the potential to help reduce the number of mistimed and unwanted pregnancies. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
This study aims to assess the attitudes toward providing contraception within the Emergency Department via surveys. The provider survey will be sent through a large national list serve; the patient survey was given to women 18-45 years old within the Emergency Departments of a large county hospital and inner-city urban hospital. 
Results: 
So far, 200 surveys were collected. 32 women were planning to get pregnant within the next year, 135 were not attempting to get pregnant, 13 were unsure, and 20 could not get pregnant. The number of women who were unsure or did not want to get pregnant totaled to 148; out of these women, 62% showed interest in receiving access to birth control within the ED. We still plan to do more data analysis, including how many of these women are currently using birth control and demographic analysis looking at race, education level, and relationship status.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
If there is substantial interest, we will then conduct a study to initiate contraception within the ED. This will hopefully contribute to reducing the unintended pregnancy rate.
Determining Health Utilities for Immunosuppression in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schmidt, BA Lauren , Bennett, Jr., MD, MS William E.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a significant cause of gastrointestinal pathology in children and adolescents, with increasing incidence. The medications used to control this disease have an overall low risk of detrimental side effects, but when they occur can be serious or life-threatening. The most important side effects of immunosuppression in IBD are infection and malignancy, but little is known about how these risks affect patients’ and their families’ decisions about medication use.  Clinical utilities are a standard methodology used to assign risk to various hypothetical health states. We hypothesized that lower health utility scores would be assigned to scenarios related to cancer than to infection, even if the risks or severity were similar.  
Experimental Design or Project Methods: This study determines the clinical utility of immunosuppression and cancer / infection risk in children with inflammatory bowel disease using the standard gamble technique.  The standard gamble technique measures individual preferences for many different therapeutic modalities, under uncertain results. The study will look at the health utilities of at least 50 families at Riley hospital for Children and IU North, with at least 25 patients with ulcerative colitis and 25 patients with Crohn’s disease. In addition to the perfect health and death, we propose to utilize six different hypothetical health states during this study: (1) untreated IBD, (2) on a medication with no side effects, (3) on a medication with risk of a treatable infection, (4) on a medication with risk of an untreatable infection, (5) on a medication with risk of a treatable cancer, (6) and on a medication with risk of an untreatable cancer. We will also gather subject demographics, family education, family income, and perform an assessment of numeracy. These variables will then be used in a regression model to assess the effect of these confounders.  
Results: We have not yet enrolled subjects, but now that the tool and Standard Gamble design are complete, we expect to rapidly accrue enrollment over the next two weeks and will update results at that time. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Health utility data in pediatric IBD are quite scarce, with room for further research. It is crucial to understand the health utilities in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically in pediatric patients. This allows for cost-utility analysis to play a role in determining effectiveness for a wide variety of treatment modalities. It is also important when discussing treatment options with families when the risk of infection or cancer are present.  Knowledge gained from this study may help us design interventions that focus on educating families about the nature and magnitude of these important risks in immunosuppressive therapy.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Creation to Improve Surgical Candidacy Prior to Abdominal Operation: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Schmitz Adam , Haste, MD Paul , Johnson, MD Matthew S.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: TIPS creation is typically reserved for patients with refractory ascites or variceal hemorrhage. While TIPS have also been created prior to planned abdominal operation to decrease morbidity related to portal hypertension, there is little in the literature supporting its efficacy in that indication. The goal of this study was to determine if preoperative TIPS creation allows successful abdominal operation and improves outcomes. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: A retrospective review of records of 22 patients who underwent preoperative TIPS creation between 2011 and 2016 was performed. Clinical and serologic data were obtained for 21 patients since one patient was completely lost to follow up after TIPS creation. The primary endpoint was whether patients underwent planned abdominal operation following TIPS. Operative outcomes and reasons that patients failed to undergo planned operation were examined as secondary endpoints. 
Results: The mean age was 56.4 ± 8.8 years, and the mean Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were 7.2 ± 1.5 and 11.9 ± 4.3, respectively. Thirty-day mortality after TIPS creation was 9.5%. Eleven patients (52.4%) underwent planned abdominal operation and the thirty-day mortality rate was 0%. One of these 11 patients (9.1%) had surgical wound dehiscence and infection 53 days after operation. Reasons for failure to proceed to abdominal operation after TIPS were multifactorial. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: In our population, TIPS allowed successful abdominal operation in the majority of patients, with thirty-day TIPS mortality of 9.5%, no perioperative mortality, and 9.1% major postoperative morbidity.
Pneumonia in Indiana nursing homes: a retrospective case series
Authors: Shearn Andrew , Unroe, MD, MHA Kathleen , Carnahan, MD, MPH, MA Jennifer
Published: January 2019

Background 
The Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, & Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) project is a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) demonstration project, tasked with reducing potentially avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home residents. OPTIMISTIC-enrolled nursing homes are reimbursed by CMS for treating residents with pneumonia in place. The purpose of this study is to examine the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of episodes of pneumonia in OPTIMISTIC nursing homes. 
Project Methods 
This case series uses data from nursing home medical records of the seven facilities with the highest pneumonia caseload identified from the OPTIMISTIC database. Cases are from billing episodes spanning November 2017 through April 2018. Within each facility, cases of pneumonia were randomly selected for inclusion. Data were entered into an extraction tool designed by the study team. 
Results 
Data were extracted from 41 records of unique patients. Despite CMS reimbursing for a maximum of 7 days for treatment of pneumonia, 78.0% of patients were monitored beyond that time and with greater attention than usual care. Of all 41 patients treated with antibiotics, 53.7% were given a fluoroquinolone and 24.4% were given amoxicillin/clavulanate.  CURB-65 scores showed 58.3% scored in a range recommending hospitalization. Most patients (87.8%) were stabilized in the nursing home; three (7.3%) were hospitalized, one (2.4%) transferred to hospice, and one (2.4%) died. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact 
OPTIMISTIC-affiliated nursing facilities successfully provide enhanced care for most patients diagnosed with pneumonia in the facilities. Given the high incidence of fluoroquinolone use, one area for improvement is reduction of this medication contraindicated in the elderly.
Copy Number Analysis of Lung Tumor Progression in Mice
Authors: Schultheis Paige A. , Mickler Elizabeth A. , Stearman Robert S. , Geraci Mark W.
Published: January 2019

Background & Hypothesis 
The xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) gene encodes a protein that repairs DNA damage, like that caused by UV light. Its mutation in patients is associated with increased risk of melanoma. In our mouse model, the Xpc gene has a targeted deletion, leading to increased frequency of lung tumors in a mouse strain typically resistant to lung chemical carcinogenesis. We hypothesize that there will be enrichment of specific copy number variations (CNVs) in the genome throughout tumor progression that can distinguish the different stages of carcinogenesis in lung cancer. 
Project Methods 
Urethane treatments induced lung tumors in Xpc -/- (ko) mice. Laser capture microscopy was used to isolate tumor, hyperplasia, and normal tissue from lung sections. After DNA extraction, genomic DNA (gDNA) was quantified using Quantifluor assay. Whole genome amplification was completed using Repli-G kit. PCR, copy number analysis, and restriction enzyme digestion were quality control measures for amplified gDNA. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays will assess CNVs in samples that are successfully amplified. 
Results 
DNA was successfully amplified, as confirmed by the Quantifluor assay. PCR, copy number analysis, and restriction enzyme digestion confirmed 3 out of the 4 amplified samples were comparable to matched non-amplified samples, suggesting mouse gDNA was maintained.  
Potential Impact 
The mouse model findings can be applied to publically available human genome databases of lung cancer CNVs. Overlapping findings in mice and human CNVs may give insight into novel pathways for effective treatment in lung cancer.
A Descriptive Time Inventory of Emergency Department Nursing Workflows
Authors: Skold Dana , Mitchell, MD Alice
Published: January 2019

Background: Previous emergency department (ED) process improvement efforts used probabilistic analytical or simulated models without considering the impact of specific tasks on ED patient flow and resource needs. We focus on the tasks and workflows that comprise nursing activity in an urban academic ED and level I trauma center receiving over 80,000 annual visits. 
Experimental Design: Using a time/motion observational methodology, we create a minute-by-minute time inventory account of nursing tasks and workflows as observed through the activities of 35 nurses over 124.5 hours, representative of 24/7 patient care in 7 ED care areas. “Tasks” were defined as discrete, measurable, and consequential step(s) to accomplish a clinically meaningful goal (“workflow”). The task with highest cognitive demand for each minute of observation was recorded. We also tracked 12 discrete highest-acuity (“shock”) events and catalogued second-by-second observational accounts of each nurse diverted.  
Results: Our data demonstrate significant variation in tasks based on time of day. We observed substantial operational load moving patients between care areas, with intake and discharge comprising 25% of nurse workflows. Downtime averaged 32%, with variation depending on care area. Downtime was highest (47%) with passive video monitoring of psychiatric care and lowest (22%) in high-turnover intake areas. Highest-acuity patient-care events result in significant and variable nurse diversion from other tasks averaging 1:03:29 in combined nursing effort. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Movement of patients between care areas represents significant operational load. Interruptions and task preparation accounted for a surprising portion of activity.  Highest-acuity patient care events result in substantial and variable diversion of nurse care.
Chamas for Change: A Community Based Strategy for Pregnancy, Infancy, and Women Empowerment
Authors: Smith Ryan , Ruhl Laura
Published: January 2019

Background: Maternal mortality is the leading cause of death among women of childbearing age in Kenya, and 1 in every 19 infants dies before their first birthday. To address this, Chama cha MamaToto was developed as a community-based program for pregnant and breast-feeding women. It integrates health and social education to decrease poor health outcomes and parental stress. It also uses a table banking system called GISHE to develop financial independence. Central to Chamas is peer support and accountability, leading to empowerment of the women. This poster is an analysis of the program’s history, and a summary of data collected by the MNCH team from MTRH. 
Results: Women in Chamas had 5 times the odds of delivering in a health facility (OR = 5.07, 95% CI: 2.74-9.39). Children in Chamas had 33% relative reduction in stunting. Women and children in Chamas experienced 30% absolute reduction in harsh punishment (p< 0.001) compared to the control group. The Chamas program showed the potential for combined relative reduction of stillbirths and infant deaths by 56 percent (p<0.083). Additionally, women in Chamas had an 35% absolute increase in EBF for 6 months.  
Personal role: My role working with the Chamas program this summer involved a cost analysis of the program as well as developing an implementation manual.  
Conclusion: The next steps for the program include a continued scale up in two new sub counties, validation of findings from a cluster RCT, and a scale up of the program to all of Kenya in 2019.
Early surgical intervention is indicated for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in children and adolescents
Authors: Tragesser Cody , Gray, MD Brian W. , Landman, MD, MPH Matthew P.
Published: January 2019

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) occurs most often in adolescent patients. There is consensus that surgical intervention plays an important role in preventing recurrence, however, the optimum timing of surgery is debated. We hypothesize that clinical and radiographic factors are associated with eventual need for surgery. 
Experimental Design: We searched the medical record for PSP patients between ages 9 and 21 treated from 1/1/08 to 12/31/17 and collected data on chest tube management, radiographic measurements, operative management, and recurrence. We performed univariate analysis on relationships between admission events and eventual surgery or other management strategies. 
Results: We identified 68 PSP admissions from 31 patients. Considering only first-time admissions, there was no association between eventual surgery and clinical factors and radiographic findings.  The single factor associated with eventual surgery was history of pneumothorax in any lung (p=0.015). For patients with prior pneumothorax who underwent surgery, operation the day after admission would have reduced hospital stay by an average of 1.5 days (min=0, max=9) and an average of 2.2 days (min=0, max=10) if performed on the day of admission, with a mean 1.85 fewer chest x-rays (min=0, max=7). Considering only first admissions, ipsilateral recurrence rate was 16.7% after surgery, 46.7% after chest tube alone, and 100% after observation alone. 
Conclusion: This analysis suggests that though eventual surgery is difficult to predict, ipsilateral recurrence rate is reduced following surgery. Furthermore, earlier operation in recurrent patients could reduce resource utilization. Thus, expedited surgical treatment may merit consideration in patients with a history of pneumothorax.
Effects of Temperature and Separation on the Retained Coagulability of Human Blood Utilizing Thromboelastography
Authors: Wiley, MS Michael A. , Alves, PhD Nathan J.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
Thromboelastography is torsional method of assessing coagulation efficiency (e.g. rate of clot formation and maximum clot strength) by measuring the viscosity changes of blood under low-shear stress. Limited research has been performed to date on how centrifugation and storage of whole blood affects the coagulability when recombined. We hypothesized that centrifuged blood that was stored at its component-specific ideal temperatures would produce a clot with the same clotting characteristics as whole blood. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
Whole blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers into citrated tubes and were assigned to the following conditions: whole at 25[Symbol]C, whole at 4[Symbol]C, and centrifuged and stored as RBCs, platelets, and plasma (at 4[Symbol]C, 25[Symbol]C, and -20[Symbol]C, respectively) and then recombined. TEG tracings for each condition were obtained over the course of three weeks. We also explored how freezing and thawing whole blood samples and its components affected clotting. 
Results: 
When compared to room temperature and refrigerated whole blood, separated blood maintains its normal physiologic clotting dynamics and kinetics for a longer period of time. Whole blood at 25[Symbol]C maintains maximum clot strength for approximately one week post draw, whereas freezing whole blood drastically reduces coagulability. Additionally, we discovered that there is no practical difference in the clotting parameters between the first blood draw and subsequent draws. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
Our study demonstrates the viability of storing blood in its components and recombining them at a later date while minimally affecting its clotting ability, thereby potentially reducing wasted blood products and the need for multiple blood draws for coagulation studies.
Quantifying the effects of mechanical signals on musculoskeletal quality in a model of complete estrogen deprivation
Authors: Wilson Reid , Pagnotti, PhD Gabriel M. , Mohammad, MD, PhD Khalid S. , Guise, MD Theresa A.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
Post-menopausal, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer patients are treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to limit tumor progression; however, this causes adverse musculoskeletal effects. Zoledronic acid (ZA) is prescribed to inhibit bone resorption. Mechanical signals, delivered via low intensity vibration (LIV), stimulate bone formation. We hypothesize that combining LIV with ZA will mitigate bone loss in a murine model of complete estrogen-deprivation more effectively than either treatment alone. 
Project Methods: 
21-week-old C57BL/6 mice (n=20/group) were ovariectomized, receiving daily letrozole injections (OVX/AI) with LIV (OVX/AI+LIV), ZA (OVX/AI+ZA), LIV and ZA (OVX/AI+LIV/ZA) or underwent sham surgery with daily PBS (vehicle) injections (SH-OVX) for 22 weeks. Longitudinal dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and micro-computed tomography scans were analyzed for changes in body composition and bone microarchitecture, respectively. 
Results: 
OVX/AI reduced whole body (p< 0.0001) and lumbar spine (p<0.0001) bone mineral density (BMD) as compared to SH-OVX by 11% and 28%, respectively, as measured via DEXA. At 22w, OVX/AI+LIV/ZA had greater BMD across both regions-of-interest relative to OVX/AI (p<0.0001). Cortical bone area fraction (p<0.0001) and cortical thickness (p[Symbol]0.001) in distal femora decreased by 8% and 9%, respectively, in OVX/AI relative to SH-OVX. In OVX/AI+LIV/ZA, these parameters were greater relative to OVX/AI (p[Symbol]0.0001). OVX/AI+ZA and OVX/AI+LIV groups were not significantly different from OVX/AI in either cortical bone area fraction or cortical thickness. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
Complete estrogen-deprivation reduced bone mineral density and altered microarchitecture. Mechanical signals provided via LIV combined with ZA prevent bone loss in aged estrogen-deprived mice. Combining these treatment strategies may reduce skeletal morbidity in breast cancer patients.
This Story Needs to Be Told: Formative Research on Using Animated Storytelling to Address Prospective Minority Clinical Trials Participants’ Need for Comprehensive Knowledge
Authors: Younker Stephanie M. , Ridley-Merriweather Katherine E.
Published: January 2019

Background: The Komen Tissue Bank (KTB), a clinical trial that collects women’s healthy breast tissue for use as research study controls, currently stores samples demonstrating a noted paucity of minority specimens. Studies have shown minority groups’ participation in clinical trials is dependent upon the groups’ knowledge about the associated research. This study’s purpose is to conduct formative research on animated storytelling’s effectiveness as a communication tool to address minority groups’ expressed need for knowledge and encourage participation in cancer clinical trials.  
Methods: I re-coded data previously gathered from a KTB study to evaluate the perceptions of Latinas (n=14) and Asian Americans (n=17) toward breast tissue donation. Extensive review of the current literature yielded data concerning African Americans’ outlooks toward clinical trial participation, and also illustrated the efficacy of using narratives and animation as communication and education tools. 
Results: The literature review clearly illuminated the importance of storytelling in minority cultures and suggested the success of using narratives as communication tools. We anticipate our findings could be influenced by a) minorities’ lack of, and need for, comprehensive knowledge, b) previously obscured participation barriers, and c) animated storytelling as an effective delivery method. 
Projected Conclusion and Potential Impact: Using an animated storytelling communication tool may successfully increase knowledge about, and comfort with, participation in a cancer clinical trial. The next phase, an animated video production, will tell the comprehensive story of healthy breast tissue donation. The use of this tool could help increase minority participation in cancer prevention and cancer clinical trials.
Are there sex-based differences in myocardial injury in Acute Heart Failure?
Authors: Kramer Kaleb , Hunter, MD Benton , Levy, MD Phillip , Collins, MD Sean , Lane, MS Katie , Li, PhD Xiaochun , Pang, MD Peter S.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  
Myocardial injury in acute heart failure (AHF) contributes to worse outcomes.  Whether there are sex-based differences in organ injury in AHF is not well known. This study was designed to assess potential sex-based differences in myocardial injury, as defined by high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) levels, in patients presenting in ED with AHF. We hypothesized that men with AHF have higher hsTnT levels. 
Project Methods: 
This is a preliminary analysis from the TACIT study, a large, prospective, multi-center, observational, biomarker cohort study.  Adult patients diagnosed and treated for AHF, with a systolic blood pressure >100mmHg, and enrolled within 3 hours of first AHF therapy were eligible. Febrile patients, short life-expectancy, ACS, AF with RVR >130bpm, transplant, VAD, or ESRD were excluded. hsTnT were drawn at baseline and 3 hours later.  Hemolyzed samples were disregarded as hemolysis falsely lowers hsTnT. A multivariable linear regression model was used to adjust for potential differences in baseline hsTnT using clinically meaningful covariates.   
Results: 
Of 527 enrolled, 499 comprised the final analysis set.  Of these patients, 413 had a non-hemolyzed baseline hsTnT. Notably, more men than women were enrolled; men had higher mean baseline hsTnT values (48.3ng/mL, SD(74.5)) than women (28.3ng/mL SD(39.9)). After multivariable adjustment, baseline hsTnT differences by sex remained significant (p <0.0001). 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
Men with AHF have higher baseline levels of myocardial injury than women. These differences may need to be taken into account for risk-stratification as well as management.
The Degradation and Subcellular Localization of an Oncogenic protein complex in T-cell Leukemia
Authors: Nwosu Chiagozie , Christy Michael , Layer Justin , Davé Utpal
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
LIM domain Only-2 (LMO2) is a key oncogenic driver of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. LMO2 functions as part of a large multisubunit complex that regulates gene expression. LMO2 itself does not bind DNA but it does bind class II basic helix loop helix transcription factors, TAL1 or LYL1,  which are also part of the LMO2-associated complex. We recently identified LIM domain binding protein 1 (LDB1) as an obligate LMO2 partner that is required for LMO2 protein stability in T-ALL. We believe the interaction between LDB1 and LMO2 is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of T-ALL and is a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive leukemia. We hypothesize that in the absence of LDB1, LMO2 is rapidly degraded. Nonetheless, the mechanisms for the localization and degradation of LMO2 and its partners have not been fully explored. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
In this study, we analyzed the first order decay of the LMO2-associated complex including LMO2, SSBP2, SSBP3, TAL1, LYL1, and LDB1. We analyzed the subcellular localization of these same proteins distinguishing between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Our studies were enabled by cloning the HALO tag to the NH2-terminus of these proteins. Fluorescent small molecules such as HALO ligand, R110, were used for intracellular labeling followed by pulse chase analysis via flow cytometry for half-life and imaging by confocal microscopy.  
Results: 
We observed a hierarchy of protein stability: LDB1 had the longest half-life, followed by SSBP3, SSBP2, Tal1, LMO2 and Lyl1had the shortest half-lives. Co-expression of LDB1 conferred enhanced staility upon all protein components. All of the protein components studied showed a predominantly nuclear distribution with some in the cytoplasm.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
The prolonged protein stability of LDB1 allows it to confer enhanced stability to LMO2 and bHLH proteins TAL1 and LYL1. Thus, targeting the assembly of the multisubunit LMO2 complex.
Combined inhibition of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) p110δ improves monocytosis and splenomegaly in a JMML Mouse Model
Authors: Patel Roshni , Ramdas Baskar , Deng Lisa , Jideonwo-Auman Victoria , Kapur Reuben
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive, childhood leukemic disorder for which there are no efficacious chemotherapeutics. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the SHP2 phosphatase oncogene, Ptpn11, are the most common associated mutations. In hematopoietic cells, these mutations lead to increased AKT and ERK activation, which results in hyperproliferation of myeloid cells. Clinically, this manifests as monocytic leukocytosis and marked splenomegaly with the consequence of severe thrombocytopenia. Previously, this lab has shown that pharmacological inhibition of p110d, the hematopoietic-specific catalytic subunit of PI3K, moderates monocytosis and splenomegaly in a JMML mouse model with a SHP2 GOF mutation (E76K mice). Additionally, BTK has been identified as a potential therapeutic target as it cooperates with PI3K to increase activation of AKT and ERK in myeloid cells. Using a dual-hit approach of targeting both PI3K p110d and BTK may serve as a valuable treatment design for JMML.  
Experimental Design or Project Methods: We have treated E76K mice with a combination of 20mg/kg ACP319, a PI3K p110d-specific inhibitor, and 20mg/kg acalabrutinib, a BTK-specific inhibitor, via oral gavage twice daily for 21 days and performed hematopoietic analysis including the degree of splenomegaly, monocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. 
Results: The combination treatment scheme significantly decreased monocytosis and ameliorated thrombocytopenia compared to vehicle treated mice. Furthermore, splenomegaly was significantly reduced in the combination-treated mice compared to vehicle.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Combination chemotherapy with PI3K p110d- and BTK-specific inhibitors profoundly corrects disease state hallmarks of JMML, and may warrant further clinical investigation of efficacy.
A comparative study of tympanoplasty with or without mastoidectomy in tubotympanic type of chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Nambiar Rachna Vijayan , Priyadarshini G. , Tiwari Aishwarya
Published: January 2019

Background: CSOM is one of the most common ear diseases in developing countries. Lack of an aerating mastoidectomy at the time of the initial tympanoplasty may be a significant source of failure in patients with chronic non-cholesteatomatous otitis media so cortical mastoidectomy along with tympanoplasty has for long been considered the surgical procedure of choice. The purpose of our study is to ascertain the effectiveness of tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy.

Methods: Our study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Pondicherry. It included 50 patients of CSOM tubotympanic type of age between 15 years to 45 years and of either sex who were diagnosed and treated in E.N.T Department during the study period October 2016 to August 2018. Out of 50 patients who underwent surgery in 25 cases tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy was done and tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy was performed in 25 cases.  

Results: Commonest age group was 15-19 years. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. In x-ray bilateral mastoids Schuller’s view, 24 patients (48%) had sclerotic mastoids and 26 patients (52%) showed pneumatic mastoids. Clinical improvement, graft uptake and postoperative hearing improvement was similar in both the groups.

Conclusions: Most common age group of presentation with CSOM tubotympanic type is 15-25 years. CSOM tubotympanic type appears to be more common in males. Hearing improvement following tympanoplasty alone and tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy were comparable in both the groups. Mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty does not give additional benefit in terms of hearing improvement.
Francis Ponge e a figuração do eu
Authors: Almeida Danielle Grace Rego de
Published: January 2019

Em um primeiro momento, o artigo pretende investigar de que modo a experiência com as coisas se impõe como método de construção poética na obra de Francis Ponge. Em seguida, trata-se de analisar os rastros deixados por esse método de escrita que dizem respeito à questão das fronteiras entre o eu e o outro. Para alguns críticos da poesia francesa, na busca de uma linguagem objetiva e impessoal, o poeta moderno acabaria por revelar um sujeito lírico em vias de novos contornos. Para entender essa perspectiva, seguiremos principalmente as reflexões de Michel Collot e Jean-Michel Maulpoix, confrontando-as com a escrita materialista de Ponge, no poema “O caderno de bosque de pinheiros”, que compõe a coletânea A raiva da expressão, publicado em 1952.
The Effect of Divorce Counseling based on Gottman's Approach on the Self-Efficacy in Divorce Management of Couples Applying for Divorce
Authors: Mahmoodabadi Hassan Zareei , Zarei Fatemeh
Published: January 2019

Background: Today, couples applying for divorce need more self-efficacy in their divorce management.
Self-efficacy in divorce management helps divorcing couples make the right decision to continue their married life or leave. The present study aimed to determine the effect of divorce counseling based on Gottman's approach on self-efficacy in divorce management within couples who applied for divorce in Yazd.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was based on pre-test, post-test, and follow-up method in which the case-control group design was applied. The study population included all couples who applied for divorce in Yazd in 2017. We selected 32 participants using purposive sampling, who were then divided into experimental and control groups. In order to collect the study data, we used Zareei's self-efficacy questionnaire in divorce management. To analyze the data, we run multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), two-way analysis of variance, and repeated measurement tests.
Results: The results of MANOVA analysis indicated that the experimental group used self-efficacy more frequently than the control group in divorce management and its subscales. Moreover, analysis of two-way variance showed that gender did not have a significant correlation with the training results. In other words, the effect of education was the same for both genders. Moreover, the results of repeated measurement analysis indicated significant differences between the levels (pre test with post test and follow up).
Conclusion: Gottman-based divorce counseling affected self-efficacy in divorce management of couples applying for divorce in Yazd. The effectiveness of this training was the same for both males and females. As a result, for those couples who want to divorce, such training seems to be extremely necessary.
 
Keywords: Divorce Counseling, Tendency to Divorce, Divorce Management, Gottman, Self-Efficacy
Factors influencing the creation of synergies between research-based technologies and farmers’ indigenous knowledge systems and practices in Sierra Leone
Authors: Jenkins Finda B , Bangura Kemoh , Mahmood Nazir , Gborie Moses , Kanu Adam Sheka
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affected the synergy between scientific research and technology and farmers' indigenous knowledge systems and practices during the 2018 planting season in Sierra Leone. The study clearly demonstrated the importance of understanding indigenous knowledge and identifying areas where policy makers, service providers and researchers may intervene in future agricultural extension, research and development activities, since farmers also make recommendations on areas that need improvement. The results demonstrated that significant proportion of rice farmers (both male and female) across the ten districts (53.8%) cultivated traditional rice varieties as a result of limited access to improved rice varieties. The results further demonstrate that improved techniques need to be integrated with indigenous practices of farmers through their learning fields; back up with the availability, accessibility and affordability of agro inputs, as farmers admitted that they cannot increase rice production by growing it their own ways. The conclusion of this paper is that, despite many changes in agricultural practices, indigenous knowledge has been used by most small-scale farmers in agricultural production, mainly because it has been tested over several generations.
GEOGRAFIA E ENSINO: um olhar humanista
Authors: Ramos da Silva Felipe Kevin
Published: January 2019

GEOGRAPHY AND TEACHING: a humanist lookGEOGRAFÍA Y ENSEÑANZA: una mirada humanistaRESUMOPensar o ensino de geografia a partir do humanismo é o objetivo deste breve ensaio. Tendo em vista que o ser humano é essencialmente um ser geográfico, busca-se, teoricamente, refletir sobre a relação ensino-geografia enquanto dimensão indissociável no qual a subjetividade humana torna-se o ícone referencial. Nesse sentido, a Geografia humanista revela-se como guia deste ensaio sob a regência da perspectiva fenomenológica existencialista. No entanto, não necessariamente iremos fazer um balanço sobre as principais teorias do ensino de geografia, mas, sobretudo, trazer ao leitor, autores que possam, em tese, nos possibilitar a (re)pensar o ensino de geografia mais em sua dimensão ontológica e epistemológica, que propriamente lógica e apriorística.Palavras-chave: Fenomenologia; Ontologia; Geografia Humanista.ABSTRACTThinking about the teaching of geography from humanism is the goal of this brief essay. Considering that the human being is essentially a geographic being, it is theoretically sought to reflect on the teaching-geography relationship as an inseparable dimension in which human subjectivity becomes the referential icon. In this sense, humanist geography reveals itself as a guide to this essay under the regency of the existentialist phenomenological perspective. However, we will not necessarily take stock of the main theories of geography teaching, but above all, bring to the reader, authors who can, in theory, enable us to (re)think geography teaching more in its ontological dimension and epistemological, that properly logical and aprioristic.Keywords: Phenomenology; Ontology; Humanist Geography.RESUMENPensar la enseñanza de la geografía a partir del humanismo es el objetivo de este breve ensayo. Teniendo en cuenta que el ser humano es esencialmente un ser geográfico, se busca, teóricamente, reflexionar sobre la relación enseñanza-geografía como dimensión indisociable en el que la subjetividad humana se convierte en el icono referencial. En ese sentido, la Geografía humanista se revela como guía de este ensayo bajo la regencia de la perspectiva fenomenológica existencialista. Sin embargo, no necesariamente vamos a hacer un balance sobre las principales teorías de la enseñanza de geografía, pero, sobre todo, traer al lector, autores que puedan, en tesis, permitirnos (re) pensar la enseñanza de geografía más en su dimensión ontológica y, epistemológica, que propiamente lógica y apriorística.Palabras clave: Fenomenología; Ontología; Geografía Humanista.
HINDU SPIRITUAL GROUPS IN INDONESIA AND THEIR ACTIVE ROLES IN MAINTAINING HARMONY
Authors: Yoga Segara I Nyoman
Published: January 2019

Hinduism in Indonesia has been embraced in various ways. In addition to individual adoption, the conversion to Hinduism has also be performed through religious groups, which later develop by adjusting the local customs. The distinction between one adherent to another is essentially unified by the same theology. Panca Sraddha is one of the binders of Buddhis’ belief to Brahman, Atman, Karmaphala, Punarbhawa or Samsara, and Moksa. By utilizing this similarity, people who belong to Hinduism in Indonesia can live in harmony with other fellow Hindus as well as other religious communities, including Indonesian "indigenous religion" followers. Taking the fact into account; however, there are some Sampradaya or spiritual groups which aim to study the religion deeply by making the Vedic scriptures as the only source of the teachings which might lead them into certain challenging situations in terms of living in harmonious life. The problematic situations were addressed through this qualitative research, which employed interviews, observations, as well as document analysis as source of data. This study concludes that the three religious spiritual groups in Hinduism described in this article are now well-welcomed as an integral part of Indonesian Hindus and members of community in general, although they initially have been rejected at the beginning of their development. In keeping harmony among religious believers, these three spiritual groups, Hare Krishna, Sai Baba, and Brahma Kumaris are actively managing pleasant relations with the Indonesian government, Hindu councils, traditional Hindus, and other religious communities. They have performed strategies of dialogue, cooperation, and social service through humanitarian activities based on love and universal values.
Author Guidelines
Authors: Analisa Analisa
Published: January 2019

Author Guidelines
A Content Analysis of the Research Articles Written on online-counseling
Authors: Ceker Eser
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the research studies conducted between 2000-2017 about â€œonline counselingâ€ with particular attention to the publication year, number of researcher in the researching teams, country of the researching university/researcher, application area researched, publication source, author, affiliation, research document type, and the research model used. According to the results; teams composing from two to three researchers are more common than studies researched by a single person.  Applications focusing on â€œAnalyzing Online Counselingâ€ and â€œOnline Counseling for Health & Medicineâ€ are most preferred researched areas. Results also indicate that, more researchers from USA and Australian Universities studied â€œonline counselingâ€ related problems than others. The total number of research carried out for online counseling seems to have increased from 2007 onwards. It is believed that, these results together with the recommendations and comments may be supportive and helpful especially for the future online counseling research studies in developing countries.
Study upon the Postgraduate Dissertations the Subject of which are Family Involvement in Pre-School Education in Turkey
Authors: Celik Nur Demirbas , Birand Aycem
Published: January 2019

Planning and implementation of services which shall make the family a part of the process in the construction of pre-school education services which were provided during early childhood that is one of the most critical periods of life are highly important in terms of child’s healthy development. Within this frame, study upon the dissertations about family involvement and family education in pre-school has become necessary. For this purpose, “family involvement” and “family education” indexes in the departments of Pre-school Education, Pre-School Teaching, Child Development and Education; and Primary School which have been carried out in the Institute of Educational Sciences and Institute of Social Sciences at Council of Higher Education Dissertation Centre have been scanned. As a result of this scan, 47 postgraduate dissertations have been found out. These dissertations have been analysed by content analysis. This content analysis has been carried out according to specific criteria. These criteria include the year in which the dissertation was made; the level, paradigm, research design, target group, group size, data collection tools and the subject of the dissertation. The data obtained from the dissertations which were examined with content analysis were analysed. 38 of these dissertations are postgraduate dissertations and 9 of them are doctoral dissertations. One of the remarkable findings of the research is that the percentage of the dissertations upon “investigation of the opinions”. The findings of the research have been discussed within the frame of literature and recommendations have been made for pre-school teachers.
Keywords: Family involvement, family education, pre-school education, content analysis
Relationship between father’s emotional intelligence and marital satisfaction with adolescent self-esteem and mental health
Authors: Rasouli Ali , Heydari Hassan , Alyasin Seyed Ali , Abdi Mansour
Published: January 2019

Emotional intelligence is the capacity of perception, expression, recognition, application and management of excitement of oneself and others. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between marital satisfaction and emotional intelligence of fathers and their adolescence self-esteem and mental health. A total of 384 students and their fathers selected through cluster sampling method completed a questionnaire which consisted of the following factors such as marital satisfaction, emotional intelligence, self-esteem and mental health. The research was designed as a descriptivecorrelative survey, and data were analysed. For analysing data, correlation and regression were analysed using SPSS software. Results of stepwise regression showed that 26/6 of variance of adolescence self-esteem was explained by father’s marital satisfaction and emotional intelligence and 53/9 of variance of adolescence mental health was explained by father’s marital satisfaction and emotional intelligence.
Keywords: Marital satisfaction, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, mental health