bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialectical and activity-based foundations for the modern original definition of science
Authors: Sorokin Roman V.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the actual problem of uncertainty in science. The work done not only contributes to the removal/solution of this modern problem, but also contributes to the theoretical understanding of the need for qualitative changes in the sphere of scientific activity, the most organic combination of theory with practice to form a new form of science, guaranteed to remove the global dangers and uncertainties of scientific and technological development. The author presents the basis for the formation of a modern, general definition of science, the absence of which indicates the presence of the above problem. The aim of the research is to give a modern general definition of science, making a serious step, if not to the final solution, then to a generally meaningful solution of this problem. In the authors opinion, all substantive elements necessary for forming a modern general definition of science have already been identified, but they are not structured. The methodological approach has a high importance in solving this problem, and the emphasis should be placed on dialectics, rather than formal logic. In dialectical methodology, it is necessary to refer to the theory of dialectical development from the abstract to the concrete, as well as the general theory of activity. The specificity of science is defined in the consistent disclosure of the content of science as knowledge, as individual-collective, internalist-externalist activity and as a sphere of social life. As a result of the analysis of these aspects the author comes to the initial, general and actual definition of science.
Epistemological status of the narrative in scientific cognition
Authors: Yakovlev Vitaly Yu.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: The article analyzes the role of narrative in scientific cognition.

AIM: The aim of the article is to investigate the epistemological status of the narrative in the process of knowledge production and legitimization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology of the study is based on the semiotic concept of culture in the context of the pragmatic practice of justifying the results of scientific research. Narrative is viewed as a specific way of making sense of the world and a form of human existence in the process of knowledge generation through storytelling. The functions of narrative in the process of cognition are analyzed: generation and comprehension of knowledge, structural organization of cognitive experience, translation of individual cognitive experience into the cultural code of society. The thesis that scientific representations of the object of cognition are secondary to narrative models of understanding in the context of communicative practice of science is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions are made about the necessity of explication in epistemology of value-semantic foundations of pragmatics of scientific knowledge, taking into account which the narrative nature of scientific knowledge should be explicitly presented in the methodological reflection of scientific research.
A hunam is the body of social being: divercity of collective socio-historical memory frameworks
Authors: Dakhin Andrey V.
Published: December 2021

Reflecting some contemporary trends social environment, the author underlines some of them which have increased the level of memory studies discussion. The paper reflects a trend of the postmodern pluralism field, where the social memory is defined as an object for free constructing. The alternative philosophical approach demands to rethink this pluralism by the decision of methodological choice towards memo philosophy which climes the idea of fundamental mission of social memory for social history and future development.
The dialectic of purpose and means in the life, work, and worldview of I.A. Dedkov
Authors: Zaitsev Aleksandr V.
Published: December 2021

The article deals with I.A. Dedkovs views on the ratio of the goal and the means on the way to the high social ideal. The analysis reveals the humanistic ontology of his worldview. I.A. Dedkov was a convinced anti-Stalinist, a supporter of the 20th Communist Party of the Soviet Union Congress decisions. Throughout his life and creative work, in his letters, diary entries, literary-critical and practical activities he consistently denounced the anti-humanist principle the end justifies the means, drawing arguments from the traditions of Russian classical literature and Russian prerevolutionary liberal-oriented philosophy, as well as from the Western European existentialism. This article reveals the latent humanistic-minded intension that existed in the Soviet period in the literary heritage of the critic and journalist I.A. Dedkov. The main methods used by the author in preparing this publication are elements of systematic and comparative (comparative) analysis, biographical, discursive and narrative research methods. The main conclusions from this study are the disclosure of the humanistic nature of I.A. Dedkovs worldview, sharply different from the amoral methodology of political expediency, which neglects the choice and use of ethically justified and adequate to the goal of its implementation. This position is supported by textual analysis of a number of sources, including Yu.V. Trifonovs story Impatience from the series Fiery revolutionaries about the revolutionary folk activist A.I. Zhelyabov. I.A. Dedkov consistently defended his theoretical and ideological postulates based on rejection and rejection of anti-human and inhumane political practices in his literary and journalistic activities, as well as in his personal life, maintaining his devotion to the socialist (communist) ideal in its humanistic (anthropocentric) ideal.
Things in cinema as a phenomenon of cultural reality
Authors: Orishchenko Svetlana S.
Published: December 2021

The objects, items, things that are most often used in the film texts of modern Russian cinema require close attention from the film culture point of view. The material world helps to realize the value of an object and its influence on the subject. The attitude to things and objects characterizes modern society from the point of view of order-chaos. Contemporary domestic film texts are interpreted by specialists and spectators, intended for a wide audience of the audience. A person is immersed in a system of symbols, and in cinema he seeks confirmation of this or that stable element of the virtual world, which he correlates with his real experience. Things, objects and objects can tell about the main thing, so they cannot be ignored, pass by this or that symbolic object.
REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN RUSSIA: STATE OF THE PROBLEM AND COMPENSATING MEASURES FOR RESTORATION OF FORESTS AS A NET CO2 SENSOR
Authors: Galimullin Alim , Bakhteev Kamil
Published: December 2021

The article provides an overview and analysis of the state of the problem of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Russia, considers the measures developed at the level of the country and individual corporations that issue GHG to combat climate change. Particular attention is paid to methods of carbon dioxide (CO2) compensation, including taking into account the absorbing capacity of forests. The experience of the largest Russian oil company "Tatneft" is described in the implementation of a project for the breeding and scaling of triploid aspen with an increased absorptive capacity for planting seedlings in forests in order to reduce and compensate for the carbon footprint.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF MICROORGANISM GROWTH (ANALYTICAL APPROACH)
Authors: Glagolev Mikhail Vladimirovich
Published: December 2021

This work is a report "Mathematical modeling of the growth of microorganisms", written at the suggestion of the teacher of mathematics L.S. Akinfieva in 1982, when the author was a student of the 10th grade of a specialized (with in-depth study of biology) school No. 11 in Moscow. All students of this class were asked to write reports (as a "gift for the 60th anniversary of the USSR") within the framework of the general theme "Mathematics in my future profession."
The report contains the basic equations of the kinetics of growth and dying of microorganisms, as well as their consumption of a nutrient substrate (Malthus, Monod's equations, Herbert's model). In addition to the equations of microbiological kinetics themselves, some methods of obtaining their approximate solutions in the form of explicit functions (without using numerical methods) are demonstrated.
STAT3 Promotes Apoptosis of Alveolar Epithelial Cells by Inhibiting AKT Signaling
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Zheng Liqing , Cao Liang , Zhang Changhong , Li Chen
Published: December 2021

Type II alveolar epithelial cells are a crucial component of alveolar epithelium, and transcriptional activator 3 (STAT3) have functions in regulating alveolar epithelial cell proliferation. Therefore, based on the modular approach, we analyzed the effects of silencing STAT3 on type
II alveolar epithelial cells and studied its mechanism of action. Initially, in the GEO database, we downloaded data on type II alveolar epithelial cells. For transcript to me data in alveolar epithelial cell samples, we performed a differential analysis. Secondly, protein interaction network
analysis (PPIs) were performed on the differential genes, and the PPIs were analyzed modularly. The module gene was subjected to enrichment analysis of GO function and KEGG pathway. Non-coding RNAs and transcription factors that regulate the module are predicted based on hyper geometric testing.
Thus, we have a total of 13 dysfunction modules. These modular genes are significantly involved in biological processes such as nuclear membranes, embryonic organ development, and regulate the insulin signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway substantially. We identified vital ncRNA
pivots (miR-205-5p) and TF pivot (Eomes, Etsl, Nfkbl, Spi1, Statl, Usfl) to regulate dysfunction modules significantly. Our work deciphered a co-expression network that involved essential gene regulation of type II alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis. It helps to reveal the regulation of silencing
STAT3 gene on alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis and deepen our understanding of the mechanism. More importantly, we explained that the silencing gene STAT3 inhibits the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells by activating the AKT signaling pathway, providing a new theoretical reference for
the study of alveolar epithelial cells.
Penalized Maximum Likelihood Estimator for Finite Skew-Laplace-Normal Mixtures
Authors: Wu Weisan , Yang Xinyu
Published: December 2021

Skew-Laplace-Normal Mixture models is a more flexible framework than the normal mixture models for heterogeneous data with asymmetric behaviors. But it’s likelihood function have some bad math properties, such as the unboundedness of likelihood function and the divergency of
skewness parameter, it often mislead statistic inference. In this paper, we given a penalizing the likelihood function method to deal with these problem simultaneously, and we given the detail of proof on parameter have strongly consistency. We also give a modified penalized EM-type algorithms
to compute penalized estimators.
The Comparison of the Effect of Carboprost Suppository Combined with Romethamine and Carboprost Suppository Combined with Oxytocin in the Prevention of Hemorrhage after Cesarean Section
Authors: Wang Meixia , Xing Shujian , Wang Hui
Published: December 2021

The postpartum hemorrhage increases with the increasing use of cesarean section, one of the common methods of delivery. In order to improve the postoperative safety of women with cesarean section, an effective strategy to prevent bleeding after cesarean section is extremely important.
This study compares the preventive effects of carboprost with carboprost tromethamine and carboprost with oxytocin on postpartum hemorrhage of cesarean section, which will provide reference for clinical effective prevention of bleeding after cesarean section. A prospective analysis was performed
on 349 cases of cesarean section puerperants. According to the treatment method, they were divided into two groups: carboprost suppository combined with oxytocin group (control group) and carboprost suppository combined with romethamine group (study group). The general data, hemodynamic parameters
[heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and blood oxygen saturation(Sp02)], incidence of adverse reactions, bleeding, uterine recovery and drug efficacy of the patients were compared. There were no differences in hemodynamic indexes between the two groups
before medication (P> 0.050). After medication, the HR, SBP, and DBP of the study group were lower than those of the control group, and Sp02 of the study group was higher than that of the control group (P <0.001). The HR and Sp02 of the two groups after medication were higher than those
before medication, while the SBP and DBP were lower than those before medication (P <0.050). The total postoperative bleeding volume in the study group was lower than that in the control group (P <0.05); the postoperative bleeding rate in the study group was lower than that in the control
group (P <0.05). The uterine return in the study group was better than that in the control group (P <0.05). The total effective rate of the control group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The combination of carboprost suppository and romethamine can better prevent
the bleeding after cesarean section, and it is worth popularizing and developing.
A Program Evaluation of the Engagement of Participants in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial at Indiana University School of Medicine
Authors: Ziwawo Cynthia , Sotto-Santiago Sylk
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective:
Since the emergence of various COVID-19 vaccines, there have been a significant amount of members of historically marginalized populations that remain unvaccinated. Specifically, Black and Latino/x populations vaccine rates are consistently lower than their white counterparts not just in Indiana, but across the country. The recruitment of the AstraZeneca clinical trial for the COVID-19 vaccine that was hosted by Indiana University School of Medicine underscored this disparity. The drop off rates for Black and Latino/x participants between being screened for the study to ultimately being enrolled into the study became a cause for concern. The concept of vaccine hesitancy in these communities is a concept worth further exploration in order to determine the best strategies to improve health outcomes as we continue to mitigate the current pandemic.
Methods:
Interviews with the research assistants of the AstraZeneca clinical trial were conducted in order to identify the major causes of hesitancy and acceptance amongst the individuals that were screened and enrolled into the study. The questions explored the interactions with the participants, specifically for anecdotal evidence of the screened participants that ultimately did and did not participate in the study.
Results:
Despite the outpouring of Indiana residents that enrolled in the study, many chose not to participate due to unknown potential side effects of the vaccine, access to provider advise, trust, among others. Furthermore, the timeframe of the study was heavily impacted by the availability of the FDA approval of Pfizer’s vaccine, in which many participants chose to drop out for a guaranteed vaccine.
Conclusion and Potential Impact:
Identifying barriers to vaccine acceptance in marginalized communities will provide vital information for advancing public health efforts to increase vaccination rates. Additionally, implementing these strategies into vaccine clinical trials will allow for more equitable representation, and culturally competent scientific evidence.
White Matter Tract Neuroimaging and Serum Biomarker Analysis in Sports-related Concussion
Authors: McGill Michael J. , Wen Qiuting , Yang Ho-Ching , Shahid Salman , Wu Yu-Chien
Published: December 2021

Background: 
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world, estimated to carry an annual global incidence of over 27 million cases. Mild TBI (mTBI), commonly known as concussion, is the mildest form of TBI and accounts for roughly 90% of all head injuries. Sports-related concussion (SRC) contributes significantly to this statistic with millions of athletes sustaining high-impact injuries in contact sports such as football, soccer, and lacrosse. By examining the white-matter microstructure, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has shown excellent capabilities for detecting pathophysiologic changes after SRC and monitoring symptom progression. Biomarkers including neurofilament light (NfL) and tau have been implicated in SRC and may provide insight into the duration of post-concussive symptoms. At this time, very few studies have been published evaluating the relationship between these serum biomarkers and alterations to DTI metrics.  
 
Methods: 
In the present study, we examined the association between serum biomarkers NfL and tau to further understand the relationship between these biomarkers and neuroimaging findings seen with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) after exposure to a sports-related concussive event. 
  
Results: 
Serum tau levels decreased significantly at the 24-48h post-injury time point compared to 6h post-injury. Serum tau levels then elevated significantly at the asymptomatic time point in comparison to the 24-48h post-injury time point. The serum tau level was significantly associated with higher mean diffusivity (MD) in the white-matter tracts. Serum NfL had minimal associations with white matter diffusion metrics.  
 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
This research serves to better inform future investigations into the relationship between DTI metrics and serum biomarkers in the context of mTBI and SRC. This information may contribute to the development of a simple bedside serum analysis with potential to offer tremendous insight into the comprehensive brain health of patients who are being evaluated for SRC, thereby streamlining the therapeutic process and providing more accessible healthcare to patients in locations where advanced imaging techniques are not readily accessible.
Neuroprotective role of human neuritin 1 on axotomized human eyes pressurized using the Translaminar Autonomous System
Authors: Miller Ryan , Shahul Hameed Shahna , Sharma Tasneem
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Primary open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide characterized by retinal ganglion cell death (RGC) and visual field loss. Glaucoma is most commonly associated with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), and current clinical management is limited to lowering intraocular pressure. We have previously shown that the secreted human protein neuritin 1 (NRN1) exhibits neuroprotection, regeneration, and preservation of RGC function after RGC axonal injury. We propose to overcome RGC degeneration by over-expressing NRN1 in our novel ex-vivo perfused pressurized Translaminar Autonomous System (TAS). 
Methods: Human donor eyes were obtained from eye banks. To model glaucomatous conditions, dissected human posterior eye cups were cultured in the TAS model with IOP:ICP conditions of 16:12 mmHg over 6 days. Flow rate of perfusion medium to the interior and exterior (around optic nerve) of the eye cup (IOP and ICP, respectively) was controlled by automated pumps to induce the translaminar pressure gradient.We assessed survival of RGCs with and without hNRN1 treatment by TaqMan array analysis of apoptosis/inflammatory markers (retina). Expression of FN and COLIV was examined from conditioned medium of both groups by Western analysis.  
Results: We successfully maintained IOP: ICP differentials over 6 days. The RGCs degenerated faster in non-treated conditions compared to NRN1 treated eyes. In contrast to control, NRN1-treated group displayed differential expression of FN and COLIV. We observed dysregulated expression of GFAP, BAX and TLR4 expression between control and experimental conditions.  
Conclusion: We utilized our unique TAS model to recreate the human optic nerve head environment of elevated translaminar pressure for testing a unique neuroprotective and regenerative gene therapy. Using this approach, we hope to identify human Neuritin 1 as a therapeutic gene to save the visual neurons and develop a new treatment for glaucoma.
Oxidative DNA Damage in Tamoxifen Injected THPfl/+ ROSACre/+ Mice
Authors: Moore Robert , LaFavers Kaice , El-Ashkar Tarek
Published: December 2021

Background and Hypothesis: 
Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is an important regulator of urinary and systemic homeostasis expressed exclusively in the kidney. Complete knockout of THP has been shown to lead to systemic oxidative damage in a mouse model. To develop a more clinically relevant model, we generated a tamoxifen inducible knockout/heterozygote mouse using the Cre/Lox system. We hypothesize that inducing a heterozygous state would increase levels of oxidative damage in mice. 
Methods: 
Experimental mice were generated by breeding THPfl/fl mice with ROSACreERT2/CreERT2 mice to develop the inducible heterozygote THPfl/+RosaCreERT2. These mice, along with controls (THPfl/fl) were treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of 75 mg/kg tamoxifen for 5 days. Serum samples were obtained from mice at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 weeks from the first injection, while kidneys were harvested at 1 or 3 weeks. PCR of kidney genomic DNA demonstrated excision of the floxed allele in mice expressing Cre-ERT2.  Western Blot analysis of kidney lysates was used to measure kidney THP, while circulating THP was measured by ELISA. Oxidative DNA damage was measured in the kidney and circulation by ELISA. 
Results: 
Though kidney THP levels decreased in mice expressing Cre-ERT2, circulating levels of THP remained stable, with evidence of transient increases at 1 or 2 weeks for most animals. Mice expressing Cre-ERT2 had significantly increased oxidative DNA damage within the kidney and there was a trend toward increased oxidative DNA damage in the serum, though larger sample sizes are required to verify this finding. 
Conclusion: 
Despite decreased THP in the kidney, mice maintained normal levels of circulating THP. However, higher levels of oxidative damage were found in both the kidney and circulation. Together, these results suggest that THP levels in the serum are tightly controlled and that an acute loss of THP leads to rapid increases in oxidative damage.
Foreign Body Response and Intravital Microscopy on AIW in Mice
Authors: Sharpe Shannen K. , Martinez Michelle M. , Dunn Kenneth W.
Published: December 2021

The foreign body response is the body’s response to the insertion of an object. The foreign body response consists of two components, the innate and adaptive immune response, and lasts for the life of the inserted object.  Accordingly, the foreign body response represents a significant challenge to the development of implanted medical devices.  In addition to triggering the damaging consequences of inflammation, the foreign body response acts to encapsulate and isolate inserted objects, limiting the functional lifetime of medical devices such as glucose monitors.  Accordingly, significant efforts have been devoted to understanding the cell biology of the foreign body response to identify approaches for limiting surface “biofouling”.  We have developed an indwelling window system that support longitudinal intravital microscopy of mice.  In studies of transgenic mice expressing fluorescent immune cells, we found that the window triggers a local inflammatory response.  To explore the utility of this window system as an experimental platform for characterizing the foreign body response, we conducted an intravital microscopy study of 8 mice expressing GFP in myeloid immune cells (Lys-EGFP mice) with surgically implanted abdominal imaging windows.  To identify differences in the responses to different surface chemistries, the windows were either left uncoated or coated with poly-L-lysine or type V mouse collagen prior to insertion. Intravital multiphoton microscopy studies conducted over a period of up to 3 weeks demonstrated that the window instigated a local recruitment of immune cells, followed by vascularization and giant cell formation that varied depending upon window surface treatment.  These studies demonstrate the utility of the abdominal window as a model system for studying the cell biology of the foreign body response and represent the template for subsequent studies designed to compare the foreign body response to different coating materials designed to extend the useful lifetime of implanted devices.
How Translators Affect the Experience and Healthcare of Primary Spanish-Speaking Patients in the Trauma Department
Authors: Morocho Catherin , Joplin Tasha N. S. , Lopez Kevin , Ortiz Damaris , Goergen Craig J. , Meagher Ashley
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective:  The trauma bay is a fast-paced environment where comprehension of medical jargon is difficult even for native English-speaking patients. For Spanish-speaking patients, the presence, and use of the translating tools in hospitals may change the course and/or quality of their care, especially in a trauma setting. Our objective was to gather information and perspectives of Spanish-speaking patients in the trauma bay and subsequent hospitalization. This pilot study determined if there were constant themes. 
Methods: In this pilot qualitative study, we successfully recruited three adult primary Spanish-speaking patients admitted to the trauma service for at least twenty-four hours in July 2021 at an urban academic level I trauma center. Spanish only in-person semi-structured interviews were used to gather patient’s perspectives, with data supplemented from electronic health records and trauma registries. The interview was transcribed in Spanish, translated to English, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.    
Results: Although recruitment occurred at both hospitals, this study includes only three patients admitted at IU Health Methodist. All three were males aged 22-37 years from Latin America. Blunt injuries occurred in two with injury severity scores (ISS) ranging from 5-11 while the third had penetrating injuries with an ISS of 10. Several themes have emerged. All patients felt they did not have autonomy or empowerment in their care. It was found that the healthcare team decided who received a translator. Two of the patients had a lack of understanding in their traumatic injuries. One patient relied on his partner for translating, even though a translator was provided. 
Conclusions: These results suggest that Spanish-speaking trauma patients lack autonomy, empowerment, and understanding their medical conditions. Further interviews need to be conducted in order to strengthen the perspective of a Spanish-speaking trauma patient’s care.
Regulation of Human NK Cell Activation by Expression of HLA Class I Molecules in Pig Endothelial Cells
Authors: Obando Benjamin , Cross-Najafi Arthur , Lopez Kevin , Thadasina Deepthi , Zhang Wenjun , Isidan A. Kadir , Park Yujin , Campana Gonzalo , Li Ping , Ekser Burcin
Published: December 2021

Background:  
Pig-to-human xenotransplantation (XTx) is a promising solution to the organ shortage. Genetically engineered pigs lacking major xenoantigens have reduced hyperacute rejection and prolonged xenograft survival. Despite these advancements, acute xenograft rejection (AXR) remains a major barrier to clinical XTx. AXR is mediated by multiple immune cells, of which natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role. Previous studies have shown that human HLA-E suppresses NK cell activation through the inhibitory receptor NKG2A. We seek to improve pig-to-human compatibility by expressing HLA-E in a genetically modified pig endothelial cell (pEC) line. This cell line 5GKO/ HLA-G+ has mutations in five genes encoding for xenoantigens and expresses HLA-G, an inhibitory ligand of the NK cell receptor KIR2DL4. In this study, the 5GKO/HLA-G+/HLA-E+ pEC line was established to examine whether co-expression of inhibitory ligands promotes NK cell tolerance.   
 
Methods:  
The HLA-Eα/pCDNA3.1 plasmid containing the HLA-E α-chain (HLA-Eα) cDNA driven by a CMV promoter was linearized and introduced into 106 cells of the 5GKO/HLA-G+ pEC line by electroporation. After 48 hours, HLA-E expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. HLA-E+ pECs were isolated by flow cytometry sort and co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by IL-2. NK cell degranulation was compared between the 5GKO/HLA-G+ and 5GKO/HLA-G+/HLA-E+ pEC lines by measuring CD107a expression in the CD3- CD56+ cell population. 
 
 
 
 
Results:  
HLA-E molecules were successfully expressed on the pECs surface, indicating the HLA-E a chain can pair with the existing b2-microglobulin (B2M). The transfection efficiency was 38.2%. Three weeks later, the 5GKO/HLA-G+/HLA-E+ pEC was successfully established, confirming via flow cytometric analysis. The analysis of NK cell degranulation (CD107a) is underway.  
 
Conclusion:  
We established a 5GKO/HLA-G+/HLA-E+ pEC line, which is a valuable tool to study human-to-pig xenoreactive immune response in vitro, with the goal of improving pig-to-human xenograft immunotolerance.
Myocarditis in the Presence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection: A Case Study
Authors: O’Brien Sean , Ajam Samer , Han Amy
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective:  
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute respiratory infections in children and adults. RSV has many non-specific symptoms such as cough and dyspnea. RSV is associated with high mortality in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Although rare, RSV has been reported to cause extrapulmonary complications such as arrhythmias and myocarditis. This case focuses on a patient infected with RSV who presents with acute sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT). 
Case Overview: 
An 83 year-old patient with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, persistent atrial fibrillation, and asthma presented to the emergency department with concerns of cough, malaise, and a syncopal episode. Upon admission, the patient tested positive for RSV and was diagnosed with acute bronchitis exacerbated by history of asthma. The patient soon developed SMVT with heart rates as high as 235 beats per minute. After consultation with an electrophysiologist, the VT was attributed to myocarditis as a result of the RSV infection. Oral amiodarone was prescribed, and the patient was discharged two weeks later. In a follow-up visit, no SMVT was reported, and the dosage of amiodarone was decreased.  
Discussion: 
With the onset of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic in early 2020, myocarditis associated with viral infection has been of interest in recent literature. Many cases of cardiovascular complications have been reported in patients infected with SARS-CoV2. Consequently, it is important to discuss cases of other respiratory viruses also presenting with arrhythmia and myocarditis. In the current case, a patient with RSV developed new onset VT. VT can be life-threatening and can cause further cardiovascular complications.  
Conclusion: 
RSV can cause new onset cardiovascular complications, albeit rare. It is important for clinicians to be aware of such complications especially in cases in which patients have preexisting cardiovascular conditions. Patients infected with RSV should be closely monitored for new onset complications.
Impact of Neonatal Outcome on Language Used to Describe Periviable Birth Experience
Authors: Patel Meera , Casbon Courtney , Morales Nazeli , Tucker Edmonds Brownsyne
Published: December 2021

Motivation and Purpose: The experience of giving birth to a periviable neonate between 22-25 weeks gestation varies greatly among women depending on numerous factors. Studying periviable narrative experiences will allow us to isolate those factors that create a more positive experience, even in the instance of a negative neonatal outcome (infant death). Results may be used to advise future caregiving approaches so they may be tailored to the needs of women in these situations. This study aimed to qualitatively assess the extent of the relationship between neonatal outcome and the language used by women and their important others (IOs) to describe periviable birth experience three months postpartum. 
  
Method: A semi-structured interview guide was used to investigate participants’ perceptions of their delivery experience and subsequent NICU experience, if applicable, at three months postpartum. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for themes by three investigators. Conventional content analysis was conducted using NVivo 12. 
  
Results: Twenty-three women and twelve IOs were recruited at two hospitals between 2016 and 2018. Women and IOs who experienced infant death negatively described their delivery experience if they also negatively described healthcare team (HCT) interactions, including providers’ communication, clinical judgement, and personality traits. Specifically, participants with overall negative birth experiences described not understanding various clinical decisions and felt uninformed on topics pertinent to their or their infant’s care. Alternatively, women and IOs who experienced infant death who positively described their delivery experience also positively described NICU care (including HCT interactions) and infant death experience (comfort care). These results highlight the impact of HCT interactions and communication on a patient’s perception of delivery despite a negative neonatal outcome. 
  
Conclusion: These findings could suggest that improvements in communication and information dissemination from the HCT may have the ability to improve a patient’s periviable birth experience despite a negative neonatal outcome.
Assessment of Computational Histopathology in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: DeBrota Michael , Idrees Muhammad , Landis Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Background and Hypothesis: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) histopathology includes elastic fiber (EF) abnormalities, mucoid extracellular matrix (MECM) accumulation, and smooth muscle derangement in the aortic medial layer. While semi-quantitative grading of these characteristics is a standard practice, computational characterization of medial layer components may facilitate novel quantitative analyses at higher throughput. We hypothesized that computational results would correlate with results of semi-quantitative grading of aortic histopathology.
Experimental Design: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human aortic tissue sections were stained with Movat’s pentachrome to characterize aortic microstructure. Sections were also immunostained for nitrotyrosine residues to assess oxidative stress. Samples were initially graded semi-quantitatively by two independent blinded readers. Next, computational histopathology software was used a) to quantify the proportions of EF, MECM, and cellular area in the medial layer of pentachrome-stained sections and b) to quantify the distribution and intensity of positive nitrotyrosine staining in immunostained sections. Association between semi-quantitative grading and computed values was tested with ANOVA.
Results: The cohort included 74 participants who underwent prophylactic aortic replacement for TAA and 23 healthy controls. The mean age was 54±17 years. On average, EFs accounted for 49% (range 6-90%) of medial tissue area, whereas MECM accounted for 25% (1-73%). The overall semi-quantitative grade of medial degeneration severity was associated with decrease in EF fraction (p=0.02). The grade of EF thinning also strongly correlated with decrease in EF fraction (p=1x10-6). Meanwhile, grade for accumulation of MECM was associated with increase in MECM (p=0.004). Increased semi-quantitative grading for nitrotyrosine levels was associated with increased nuclear signal optical density (p=9x10-10) and greater percentage of cells labeled as strongly positive (p=8x10-10).
Conclusion and Potential Impact: We observed significant correlations between computed quantitative values and semi-quantitative grading. This suggests that computational histopathology is a valid method for investigation of human TAA tissues.
Examining the Role of HIPPO/YAP and AMOT Dysregulation and Imbalance in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Underwood John , Bacallao Robert L.
Published: December 2021

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder, most commonly caused by mutations in Polycystin-1 and Polycystin-2 (PC1 and PC2), in which many large lumenal cysts develop in the kidney epithelium. The disease is progressive and ultimately leads to renal dialysis and/or kidney transplant given the lack of efficacious therapeutic intervention. Current research has implicated HIPPO/YAP pathway dysregulation and AMOT imbalance following defects in cell-cell adhesion and contact inhibition as the molecular basis for ADPKD. To test this hypothesis as to the minimum cellular changes necessary to produce cystogenesis, the Bacallao lab microinjected normal human kidney epithelial (HK2) cells in order to drive ectopic expression of Cadherin-8 (CAD-8). Our Imaging with confocal microscopy and subsequent image analysis indicates CAD-8, a cadherin abnormally expressed in renal epithelial cells of ADPKD patients, is sufficient to cause formation of cysts albeit with uncharacteristically small lumens compared to typical ADPKD cysts. However, these cells exhibit significantly larger cyst expansion when they are transduced for coexpression of CAD-8 and constitutively active YAP5SA. Cells modified for heterozygosity with respect to a defective PC1 gene (PKD) also exhibited significantly larger lumen cysts when transduced with YAP5SA reinforcing the role of Yap in lumen size control. Finally, PKD cells transduced with AMOTL1 exhibited significantly smaller lumen sizes. AMOTL1 belongs to a family of adapter proteins which bind and inhibit Yap activity thus showing conclusively that positive and negative modulation of Yap activity correlates with cyst lumen size expansion and reduction respectively.
“This project was funded, in part, with support from the O’Brien Center for Advanced Renal Microscopic Analysis funded, in part by P30 DK079312 from the National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.”
The Learning Ratio in Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Diedrich Taylor , Hammers Dustin , Nemes Sára
Published: December 2021

Background: The Learning Ratio (LR) is a novel marker of learning capacity. Unlike traditional raw learning scores (RLS), LR controls for the number of words learned by participants after the first trial, thus avoiding a common confound with learning slope research. While investigation has been conducted on the relationship between LR and late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, little to no information on LR in the context of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease (EOAD) exists. The goal of this study was to establish criterion validity for the LR by showing that it outperforms the traditional RLS in EOAD.
Methods: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test individual trial scores (Trials 1-5) were obtained from 314 participants (82 cognitively normal [CN], 168 EOAD, and 64 Early-Onset Non-Alzheimer’s Disease [EOnonAD]) enrolled in the Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study. RLS for each participant was calculated as follows: Highest Trial score (of Trials 2 through 5) – Trial One score. LR was calculated as follows: RLS / (Maximum trial score possible – Trial One score). In essence, LR is the proportion of available information learned after Trial 1.
Results: When controlling for age, education, sex, and ethnicity, significant differences were observed between groups for both LR (p<0.001, η=0.485) and RLS (p<0.001, η=0.325). For both LR and RLS, CN participants performed better than EOnonAD participants, who performed better than EOAD participants. Upon direct comparison, the magnitude of the effect for LR was stronger than for RLS.
Conclusion: Results support criterion validity for LR by establishing that LR values are consistently lower for more severe disease states to a greater extent than a traditional learning metric. Such a finding suggests that LR is useful for measuring learning for those with EOAD.
Early Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates Using an Electronic Nose
Authors: Prabhakar Mira , Markel Troy
Published: December 2021

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating clinical problem that often necessitates resection of necrotic intestine, leaving infants with a suboptimal length of intestine to absorb nutrition. There are no adequate tests or biomarkers to predict NEC onset. We hypothesized that assessment of biological samples with a novel electronic nose can be used with machine learning algorithms to detect aberrancies in stool and urine volatile organic compounds to predict NEC risk. 
Methods: 18 infants of gestational age ≤34 weeks in the Riley Hospital NICU were enrolled in the study and underwent stool (38 control, 3 NEC) and urine (42 control, 5 NEC) sample collection. Stool was collected by the bedside nurse via the infant’s diaper or ostomy bag. Urine was collected using a bag around the infant’s perineum or via foley catheter if already present. Stool samples and 250uL urine samples were aliquoted into Eppendorf tubes and covered with Parafilm. Samples were heated to 40°C, 30 minutes for stool, and 10 minutes for urine. Sample headspace was analyzed using the Cyranose 320 electronic nose, creating a “smellprint” comprised of readings from 32 unique sensors. Individual sensors were compared using Mann-Whitney U test.  P<0.05 was significant. 
Results: There was no significant difference in urine or stool signals among the 32 sensors between NEC and control groups.  
Potential Impact: While no significant difference was found, this study is greatly limited by the number of patients enrolled, with only 2 of the 18 being diagnosed with NEC. Past retrospective studies with this device have found differences between NEC and non-NEC stool. The future goals of this study are to continue enrolling patients to have a more robust data set. Using machine learning, we aim to create a model to predict NEC before its clinical manifestation so that beneficial treatment can be initiated earlier. 
 
Acknowledgment: This project was funded, in part, with support from the NIH NHLBI Short-Term Training Program in Biomedical Sciences Grant funded, in part by T35HL110854 from the National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Analysis of Lipid-Associated Gene Expression in Mouse Endotoxin Model
Authors: Price Charles , Hato Takashi
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective:  
Sepsis-induced kidney injury is a major clinical problem and is an independent risk factor for mortality. We and others have reported that renal tissue metabolism is profoundly altered in the septic milieu. However, whether such metabolic shift is an adaptive response or pathologic process remains unclear. For instance, decreased lipid metabolism in the renal peroxisomes could limit the genesis of deleterious reactive oxygens species whereas the lack of lipid usage in peroxisomes could contribute to energy depletion. Accordingly, here we examined gene expression changes involved in lipid metabolism using mouse models of endotoxemia. Specifically, we compared gene expression changes between injurious high-dose endotoxemia and protective low-dose endotoxin preconditioning models with the goal of identifying favorable reprogramming in lipid metabolism.  
 
Methods: 
To induce protective preconditioning, mice were subjected to low-dose endotoxin followed 24 hours later by high-dose endotoxin. Non-preconditioned mice were subjected to a single high-dose endotoxin. Renal tissues were processed and single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed. Tissue metabolomic data was also obtained.  
 
Results:  
We found that renal lipid metabolism is deranged in the non-preconditioned endotoxemia model. Plin2, a marker for lipid accumulation, was significantly upregulated in the proximal tubules of non-preconditioned animals. In contrast, Plin2 expression was preserved in the preconditioned animals, suggesting that altered Plin2 expression is a maladaptive response. Similarly, Pdzk1 and Lrp2, genes involved in HDL/LDL receptor expression, were concurrently downregulated in the injurious model, whereas their expression levels were preserved in the protective model. The stable expression of these two genes may be important for maintaining metabolic capacity and anti-inflammatory effects observed in the preconditioned state. These findings were further supported by our tissue metabolomics analysis.  
 
Conclusion/Impact:  
Our data indicate that aberrant lipid metabolism is a prominent feature of endotoxin-induced kidney injury. The use of protective preconditioning served as a platform to identify several candidate genes that could be studied further for the development of biomarkers and precise intervention.
Promoting a Sense of Belonging Among Underrepresented Medical Students Through Cross-Cultural Programming
Authors: Wendel Kaitlin , Khan Nabia , Haywood Antwione M.
Published: December 2021

Background and Hypothesis: Despite improvements in recruiting trainees from underrepresented backgrounds, there is a paucity in programming designed to enhance underrepresented in medicine (URM) students’ sense of belonging and well-being. In addition to academic stressors, URM students may experience discrimination and stereotype threat, all of which contribute to burnout. Although Indiana University School of Medicine is one of the largest and more diverse medical schools in the country, URM students continue to experience disconnectedness from peers, mentors, and faculty from URM backgrounds due to the regional campus model. To address the complex challenges URM students face, the Cross-Cultural Student Success Retreat (CCSSR) was created. We hypothesize that URM students will feel an increased sense of belonging through participation in the retreat.
Project Methods: The CCSSR was developed in partnership between Medical Student Education and the Office of Diversity Affairs as a response to concerns of isolation and burnout among URM students. The program is designed to be cohort style where day-long events take place twice an academic year to engage students with minority faculty and activities designed to promote sense of belonging, retention, and success. The retreat is broken into four sessions; self-discovery, self-efficacy, bias/perception, and well-being. Each of the sessions includes a presentation, discussion, and activity.
Results: The retreat was found to be a success, with positive responses received from 36 participants across each session. Outcomes included an increased awareness of personal biases and prejudices, heightened sense of belonging among peers, and a feeling of empowerment to make their environment more inclusive.
Conclusion and Potential Impact: The positive outcomes of the retreat strongly suggest a need to implement long and short-terms programs catering specifically to the success of URM students. Ultimately, addressing the specific challenges faced by URM students will decrease rates of burnout and isolation among this population.