bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical rapid normalization of serum proteins in severely sarcopenic pediatric patients following liver transplant
Authors: Schmidt II Christian M. , Mangus Richard S.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
Pediatric liver disease patients develop frailty which risks adverse outcomes. This novel study aims to quantify differential rates of sarcopenia in pediatric liver failure pre/post-transplant as a function of nutritional parameters and dynamic changes in muscle mass. 
Project Methods: 
A retrospective review of a prospectively collected transplant database (2001-2018) at a single center was performed. Weekly serum protein values (albumin and total protein) and monthly body weights (BWs) and BMIs were collected. A select group with CT imaging pre/post-transplant underwent scaled scoring (cross sectional area at L2/L3 intervertebral space divided by height2 for core muscle mass). The post-transplant rates of change were compared to pre-transplant baseline nutrition status.  
Results: 
There were 114 subjects, 82 underwent CT analysis. Pre-transplant, 45% had severe sarcopenia. Post-transplant, median serum protein levels normalized, but slowest in patients infants. BMI and BW were unchanged except in adolescents it significantly decreased in the first 30 days. Paradoxically, median serum protein levels normalized at week 3 for patients with severe sarcopenia, faster than mild/moderate sarcopenia groups.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
Liver transplant normalizes serum proteins at differential rates according to age, pre-transplant BMI and level of sarcopenia. Despite normalization liver transplant does not change BW and BMI.  Paradoxically, severe sarcopenia patients normalize their serum protein levels at the fastest rate. We speculate an increased level of a novel “protein-stimulating factor” may exist in the severely sarcopenic group. Understanding post-liver transplant outcomes in patients as a function of their pre-transplant sarcopenic index is a novel method to optimize these patients care.
Effect of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of HPV31 E2 on Replication
Authors: Sharifi Mitra , Gilsonq Timra , Androphy Elliot
Published: January 2019

Background 
The HPV early E2 protein is an essential regulatory protein involved in HPV replication and transcription that is encoded by all papillomaviruses. Phosphorylation of E2 at Y102 inhibits viral replication, and an additional phosphorylation site at Y87 was recently identified through mass spectrometry. This project aimed to characterize E2 proteins encoding mutations at Y87 that abrogate phosphorylation. In parallel, we aimed to identify the kinase responsible for E2 phosphorylation at Y87. The Androphy lab previously has published that FGFR tyrosine kinases effect HPV replication, but there may be other kinases which act upon E2. Tyk2 is a tyrosine kinase regulated by the viral protein E6 and highly expressed in keratinocytes. We want to determine if Tyk2 is involved in regulation of E2 through phosphorylation. 
Experimental Design 
We will co-express Tyk2 and E2 in 293TT cells and through immunoprecipitations determine if Tyk2 binds E2. Using an in-vitro replication assay, viral proteins E2 and E1 will be overexpressed along with Tyk2 to determine if Tyk2 effects replication. We will make HPV genomes with Y87E/Y87F mutations through site-directed mutagenesis. Expression of mutant E2 will be examined through transfection of cells and western blot analysis. 
Results 
E2 harboring 87 to glutamic acid (Y87E) or phenylalanine (Y87F) mutations produces soluble protein, but 87E inhibits replication. Tyk2 expression stabilizes E2 suggesting it binds E2. 
Potential impact 
It is important to understanding the mechanisms underlying a virus’ replication cycle for future targeted treatments against infection.
Modulation of Myocardial Oxygen Delivery in Response to Isovolemic Hemodilution
Authors: Simon Blake R. , Baker Hana E. , Earl Conner C. , Goodwill Adam G. , Luebbe Sam , Tune Johnathan D.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Prior studies have established that progressive increases in coronary blood flow are sufficient to maintain myocardial oxygen delivery in response to reductions in arterial oxygenation. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for anemic coronary vasodilation remain poorly understood. This investigation tested the hypothesis that autonomic neural pathways contribute to the maintenance of myocardial oxygen delivery in response to graded reductions in arterial hematocrit. 
Experimental Design: Experiments were conducted in open-chest anesthetized swine while assessing coronary blood flow and coronary arterial and venous blood gases in response to progressive hemodilution. Isovolemic hemodilution was achieved via simultaneous removal of 250mL of arterial blood and addition of 250mL of a synthetic plasma expander (Hespan) in swine that received either vehicle or a combination of atropine (0.5mg/kg) and propranolol (1mg/kg) (Atro/Pro). 
Results: Relative to vehicle control swine, treatment with Atro/Pro increased heart rate by ~50±4 beats/min and arterial pressure by ~10±1 mmHg.  However, Atro/Pro did not significantly alter increases in coronary blood flow in response to isovolemic hemodilution (hematocrits ranging from ~35±1% to ~15±1%). Coronary venous PO2, an index of myocardial oxygenation, was also unchanged by hemodilution in both vehicle and Atro/Pro treated swine.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: These data suggest that autonomic neural pathways do not play a significant role in the maintenance of myocardial oxygen delivery in response to graded reduction in arterial oxygen content. Understanding of how myocardial oxygen supply is ultimately sensed and regulated in response to reductions in tissue oxygenation remains elusive.
Enhancing cytotoxic chemotherapy response through targeted BET bromodomain inhibition in preclinical pancreatic cancer models
Authors: Singh Sandeep , McCauley Ross , Schwarz Johann R. , Schwarz Roderich , Awasthi Niranjan
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis and the standard of care regimen, nab-paclitaxel (NPT) plus gemcitabine (Gem), leads to a dismal 8.5 months median survival. Targeted inhibition of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) protein is currently under investigation for several cancers. We hypothesize that BET protein pathway inhibition by iBet-762 will enhance cytotoxic chemotherapy response in PDAC. 
Experimental Design: 
In vitro cell proliferation assays were performed using WST-1 reagent. Protein expressions were determined by Western Blot analysis. In vivo animal survival and tumor growth experiments were performed in NOD-SCID mice.  
Results: 
Inhibition in cell proliferation in human PDAC cells at 1 µM concentration in NPT+Gem, iBET-762, and NPT+Gem+iBet762 was 64%, 27%, 76% in AsPC-1; 43%, 13%, 69% in Panc-1; and 42%, 51%, 75% in MIA PaCa cells. iBET-762 decreased oncogenic proteins c-Myc, [Symbol]-catenin, Vimentin, and P-AKT while apoptosis related proteins such as cleaved PARP-1 and cleaved caspase-3 and cell cycle inhibitors proteins P21 & P27 were increased. In a peritoneal dissemination model, median animal survival compared to control (21 days) was increased after therapy with NPT+Gem (33 days, a 57% increase), iBet-762 (30 days, a 43% increase) and NPT+Gem+iBET-762 (44 days, a 110% increase). Effect of iBET-762 in combination with chemotherapy on local tumor growth is currently underway.   
Conclusion and Potential Impact:  
These findings suggest that the effects of standard chemotherapy can be enhanced through specific inhibition of BET proteins activity, and supports the clinical application of iBET-762 in combination with standard chemotherapy in PDAC patients.
Control of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and HMGB1 Cytosolic Translocation in Dorsal Root Ganglion Sensory Neurons Using Olaparib
Authors: Thielmeyer Hannah , Smith Jared , White Fletcher
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: Oxaliplatin (OXL)-associated Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent, potentially severe, and dose-limiting toxicity of colorectal cancer treatment. CIPN can persist for years beyond chemotherapy completion, causing significant challenges for cancer survivors due to its negative influence on quality of life. This work builds upon preliminary observations that platinum drugs lead to the release of a damage-associated protein, high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1). Drug-induced release of this protein from the nucleus into the cytosol and eventually into the extracellular compartment can sensitize primary afferent sensory neurons for prolonged periods of time, eliciting CIPN pain behavior in rodents. Inhibition of HMGB1 nuclear translocation through administration of olaparib may serve to diminish CIPN pain in a rodent model. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were given intraperitoneal injections of oxaliplatin and oliparib and measured using Von Frey Filaments for mechanical sensitivity and Plantar’s Test for thermal behavior. Lumbar dorsal root ganglions were collected for immunofluorescence to label tissues with anti-HMGB1 antibodies and analyzed.  
Results: Oliparib transiently reverses the OXL-induced tactile allodynia one hour after drug administration. Oliparib-treated rats also exhibit diminished cytosolic HMGB1, indicating a lack of nuclear translocation in medium and large diameter sensory neurons. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: The reduced CIPN behavior after oliparib administration correlates with diminished cytosolic HMGB1. This identifies HMGB1 as an important co-regulator of neurotoxicity due to oxaliplatin, which may have important relevance for future techniques to reduce CIPN and increase efficacy of colorectal cancer treatment.
SOX-2 Mediated Conversion of Astrocyte to Neuron
Authors: Tucker Brady , Wu Wei , Xu Xiao-Ming
Published: January 2019

Background: Axonal regeneration following SCI is crucial if individuals are to avoid permanent neurological damage. A plausible solution to circumvent neuronal death/ axonal degeneration may be in the conversion of ubiquitously distributed astrocytes into neurons. Previous research has shown that the neuronal transcription factor SOX-2 has the potential to convert mature glial cells into neuroblasts (iANBs). Furthermore, iANBs possess the capability to differentiate into functional neurons. Our study employs an in vivo mouse model to demonstrate the functional recovery that SOX-2 mediated conversion of astrocytes to neurons may pose following SCI.   
Methods: Our study utilized two populations of mice. The first population received thoracic T10 contusion injuries while the second population received cervical C5 dorsal hemi-sections. Mice were subsequently blindly categorized into groups A, B, and C (treatment groups) depending on which injection they would be receiving: LV-hNG2-GFP, LV-hNG2-SOX2, or LV-p75-2. Following injection, behavioral studies including Hargreaves, roto-rod, grid walk, BMS (contusion mice) and pellet retrieval (DH mice) were performed to assess functional recovery at 2 week intervals. 
Results: The astrocyte conversion to neuron project spans more than 16 weeks. Here we present data obtained in the first eight weeks which includes behavioral analyses of contusion injury mice. Currently grid walk, BMS, and Hargreaves testing show similar trends in spontaneous recovery however no significant difference is observed between the independent injection groups. On the contrary roto-rod analyses showed injection group C had a significantly lower latency to fall time in comparison to groups A and B six weeks post injection (wpi). 
Conclusion: The treatments are hypothesized to not take effect until approximately 8 wpi thus we expect subsequent behavioral testing to reveal significant differences between treatment groups, ultimately taking one step closer towards therapeutic intervention following traumatic SCI.
Molecular characteristics of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA: a novel biomarker for chronic HBV infection
Authors: Valdés, BS Juan D. , Xie, MD Zhanglian , Guo, PhD Haitao
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: HBV is a major etiological agent for viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV is a DNA virus per se but viral pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) has been recently found in patient blood. The serum pgRNA is hypothesized to function as a novel biomarker for the activity of HBV covalently- closed-circular DNA (cccDNA), which is the intracellular persistent form of HBV DNA and the template for producing viral proteins responsible for the chronic virulence of HBV. However, the molecular characteristics of serum HBV RNA remains elusive. 
Experimental Design and Project Methods: HBV RNA were extracted from patient’s sera. RT-PCR and 3’ RACE were utilized to amplify the internal sequence and 3’ terminus of HBV pgRNA, respectively. The PCR products were gel purified and cloned into T vector for sequencing.  
Results: After comparing the sequencing data to the reference HBV sequence, we found that the serum HBV RNA are spliced fragments of the original intracellular full-length pgRNA. The prevalence of the fragmented serum pgRNA was found in greater concentrations in untreated patients, and the ratios of different spliced forms of serum HBV RNA vary during the course of antiviral treatment. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Our study demonstrated that the serum HBV RNA are spliced/truncated forms of pgRNA, indicating that the RNA-containing virion is noninfectious. The characterization of serum HBV RNA sequence provides important insights into the assay design for serum HBV RNA detection.  Future study will focus on the mechanism underlying the selective egress of spliced pgRNA-containing virus particles.
Enhanced survival of lethally irradiated mice given pegylated G-CSF, GM-CSF, and IL-11 with lisinopril via modulation of the hematopoietic cytokines TGF[Symbol]-1 and RANTES
Authors: Walker Brett , Wu Tong , Plett Paul A. , Chua Hui L. , Feng Hailin , Orschell Christie
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  
We have previously shown increased survival in mice given pegylated growth factors, G-CSF, GM-CSF, and IL-11 (triple combo, TC), with lisinopril compared to TC alone in the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). This experiment investigated the mechanism behind the survival benefit. We hypothesized lisinopril regulates inflammatory cytokines hence increasing quiescence of primitive bone marrow cells. 
Experimental Design or Project Methods: 
C57BL/6 mice were exposed to LD90/30 total body irradiation (TBI). The irradiated mice were given a TC injection on day 1, and lisinopril was administered in drinking water beginning on day 7. Mice were euthanized on day 10. Flow cytometry was used to analyze bone marrow cell cycle and Bioplex was used to analyze cytokines in bone marrow supernatant. 
Results:  
Treatment with TC+lisinopril significantly decreased the level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine RANTES compared with vehicle mice (Veh) and TC alone (TC+Liso vs. Veh: 3.6 vs. 7.8 pg/mL, p<0.01; TC+Liso vs. TC: 3.6 vs. 5.2 pg/ml, p<0.01). TC+lisinopril increases levels of the pro-quiescence cytokine TGF-[Symbol]1, compared with Veh and TC alone (TC+Liso vs. Veh: 92.8 vs. 45.6 pg/mL, p<0.05; TC+Liso vs. TC: 92.8 vs. 44.7 pg/ml, p<0.01). TC alone had lower percentages of quiescent Lin- primitive bone marrow cells (G0+G1) than non-irradiated (NI) mice (75.7 vs. 85.2%, p<0.05), whereas there is no difference between TC+Liso and NI mice (83.0 vs. 85.2%, p=0.44). 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
The increased survival of H-ARS mice given lisinopril might be due to the regulation of TGF-[Symbol]1 and RANTES levels in the bone marrow leading to quiescence of primitive bone marrow cells.
A Case-Based Tropical Medicine Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Global Health Track Residents
Authors: Webb Damon E. , Northquist Will , Baenziger, MD Jenny
Published: January 2019

Global health education is essential for equipping physicians to improve population health both at home and abroad. Global health is a multidisciplinary specialty with physicians who come from many backgrounds, making it important to reinforce concepts in its education that might not have been the focus of their previous training. Tropical medicine, and its focus on infectious disease, is one area of global health that many physicians may not have focused on extensively. We developed a curriculum for tropical medicine for residents in the Indiana University Interdepartmental Global Health Track, a 2-3 year co-curricular focus on global health with residents from Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Med-Peds, Pediatrics, OBGYN, EM, and others. Research has shown that case-based learning (CBL) is effective in engaging students and faculty compared to other educational methods. It is believed that utilizing CBL in delivering a tropical medicine curriculum to these residents will develop proficiency in the subject over the 8 sessions developed. Residents will learn about a variety of infectious diseases in each session by working through a case, engaging in critical thinking in small groups, then taking a quiz. Following completion of all sessions, they will be complete a summative test and a survey subjectively assessing the curriculum. We hope this novel curriculum will prove effective in teaching the essentials of tropical medicine to Global Health Track residents and will serve as an example for the development of other tropical medicine curricula.
Gabapentin Targeting and Bone Mineralization Defects: Proposed mechanism for increased fracture risk in patients taking GBP-class anti-epileptic drugs
Authors: Wheeler Jonathan A. , Noonan Megan L. , Thompson William R. , White Kenneth E.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: 
Gabapentin (GBP) is an anti-epileptic drug and first-line therapy for neuropathic pain prescribed to 43 million patients in the US. Unfortunately, GBP use is associated with metabolic bone disease, leading to a 2 to 6-fold increased fracture incidence. Until now, the pathophysiology of this drug-induced bone loss was unknown. We hypothesize that the impaired bone mineralization and skeletal defects is a result of downstream effects of GBP targeting of the[Symbol]2[Symbol]1 subunit, the only known GBP receptor. 
Project Methods: 
In vitro: Murine mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPC-2) were treated with GBP doses varying from 0.5mM to 50mM while undergoing osteoblast differentiation for 1 or 2 weeks. Mineralization was assessed by Alizarin red stain. Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR.  
In vivo: The bone phenotype of mice lacking the [Symbol]2[Symbol]1 subunit was analyzed by longitudinal DXA analyses and examined histologically. 
Results: 
In vitro: MPC-2 cells treated with 50mM GBP while differentiating for 1 and 2 weeks had decreased osteoblast mineralization and a 7-fold reduction and 4 fold reduction, respectively, in DMP1.  
In vivo: Male and female [Symbol]2[Symbol]1 knockout mice showed a significant decrease in whole body longitudinal (6 wk – 18 wk) bone mineral density (BMD) in males (p<0.001) and females (p=0.014), along with severe osteomalacia, displaying unmineralized osteoid in the trabecular compartment of the distal femoral metaphyses. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: 
The impaired mineralization observed following [Symbol]2[Symbol]1 deletion, coupled with reduced differentiation of MPC-2 cells treated with GBP suggests that GBP regulates bone quality through a novel mechanism influencing phosphate wasting or 1,25 vitamin D deficiency leading to fracture. With this awareness physicians can monitor these patients for bone mass loss and prescribe drugs to prevent AED-mediated fracture.
Blood Loss in Primary and Aseptic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis
Authors: Xiao, BS Honglin , Deckard, BSE Evan R. , Ziemba-Davis, BA Mary , Meneghini, MD Michael R.
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis:  While blood loss in primary TKA is well-characterized, there is a paucity of data on blood loss in aseptic revision TKA.  In this study, we hypothesized that revision TKAs would have increased blood loss compared to matched primary TKAs. 
Project Methods:  Two-hundred-ninety consecutive revision TKAs performed between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and matched to primary TKAs on surgeon, age, sex, BMI, and ASA Score.  Seventy-four revision TKAs were excluded for factors affecting blood loss. Potential covariates affecting blood loss were compiled from the medical record. Outcomes including total blood loss, drain output rate, and change in hemoglobin levels from preoperative to postoperative day one were assessed. 
Results:  Two-hundred-sixteen revision TKAs matched to 216 primary TKAs were analyzed.  Multivariate analysis showed no difference in blood loss metrics comparing primary and revision TKAs.  However, increased tourniquet time (p=0.001), elevated BMI (p=0.002), male sex (p<0.001), and lack of topical TXA (p=0.005) significantly increased total blood loss.  Similar results were found for increased drain output rate in addition to lack of intravenous TXA (p<0.001) and a trend for lower age (p=0.073).  Increased tourniquet time (p=0.004) and lack of topical TXA (p=0.002) correlated with a greater drop in hemoglobin postoperatively. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact:  Primary and revision TKAs showed no difference in blood loss.  However, increased tourniquet time and withholding topical TXA significantly increased total blood loss, drain output rate, and change in hemoglobin levels. This data continues to support emphasizing procedural efficiency and TXA use in revision TKA.
A Physiological Role for a Moonlighting Protein in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Endotoxemia
Authors: Zborek Kirsten , Lee Daniel , Pajakowski Adam , Slack Jacob , Park Joseph , Park June , Schwarz Margaret
Published: January 2019

Background and Hypothesis: The pathogenesis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is multifactorial leading to inflammation. In BPD, Endothelial-Monocyte Activating Polypeptide II (EMAP II, encoded by Aimp1), a moonlighting pro-inflammatory cytokine, is initially found in bronchiolar club cells followed by intra-alveolar GAL-3+ macrophages. Sustained EMAP II mimics BPD, invoking inflammation, alveolar simplification, and macrophage recruitment. Targeted ablation of EMAP II in the recruited macrophages may dampen innate immune response. 
Experimental Design: Gender-matched, aged-matched littermate mice with myeloid-cell specific ablation of Aimp1 (Lyz2-Cre;Aimp1flox/flox, denoted as Aimp1Δ/Δ) or without (control) were subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-endotoxemia. Survival rates of co-housed or singly housed mice were measured over 72 hours following a lethal dose (15 mg/kg). Clinical scores (0-6) based on the integrity of their locomotion, fur, and eyes were assigned every 2 hours. Blood and bone marrow smears, average bodyweights, spleen-weights to bodyweights and liver-weights to bodyweights were analyzed. 
Results: There were no baseline differences in bodyweight, spleen weight:bodyweight, liver weight:bodyweight (p-val = 0.42, 0.46, 0.64). Representative bone marrow and blood smears showed no notable difference. Aimp1[Symbol]/[Symbol] male mice co-housed (dose 15 mg/kg) but not singly housed survived longer than their littermates (median survival: hours); Aimp1[Symbol]/[Symbol] female mice showed a survival advantage (median survival: hours) with lower clinical scores than their littermates. The kinetics of NFKBIA/I[Symbol]B degradation was similar between Aimp1[Symbol]/[Symbol] and control peritoneal macrophages in response to LPS, although there was a higher basal amount in Aimp1[Symbol]/[Symbol]. 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Aimp1/EMAP II does play a positive feedback role in innate immunity, potentially in a metabolically and gender-specific role of Aimp1 which remain to be explored.
Are signaling pathways inversely regulated in Alzheimer's disease and glioblastoma multiforme?
Authors: O'Neal William G. , Lahiri, Ph.D Debomoy K. , Dey, M.D Mahua , Wang Ruizhi
Published: January 2019

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest an inverse association between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD and cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are characterized by abnormal but opposing cellular behavior. AD is characterized by accumulation of the processing products of amyloid β (Aβ) and its metabolizing enzymes amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase (or BACE1), and γ-secretase. Our rationale is unraveling cell signaling pathways linking AD and GBM. We hypothesized low-grade gliomas (LGG) and high-grade gliomas (HGG) would have differential expression of neuronal and synaptic markers. Furthermore, protein expression profiles of these markers, APP metabolites, and BACE1 would be different among LGG, HGG, and AD cases. 
Experimental Design or project methods: Specific neuronal protein markers (e.g., NSE), presynaptic proteins (e.g., synaptophysin and SNAP25), and post-synaptic proteins (e.g., PSD-95) have been measured in glioma samples. Characterization are done by Western immunoblotting and ELISA. Protein biomarkers will be analyzed in LGG and HGG of biopsy samples, and the results will be compared with brain samples from AD cases. 
Results: Using specific primary and secondary antibodies and optimal protein range, we have standardized an immunoblotting procedure to detect our desired proteins in blinded LGG and HGG samples. After unblinding and analyzing results, expression signals will be compared between GBM and AD brain samples. 
Conclusion and potential impact: Our results would shed light on diverging and/or shared cell signaling pathways between AD and GBM. In addition, potential impact would be utilizing GBM-derived cultures to test and develop therapeutics for both AD and GBM.
Conflicts in Routing and UAV Autonomy
Authors: Anicho Ogbonnaya , Charlesworth Philip B , Baicher Gurvinder S , Nagar Atulya
Published: January 2019

Routing is very fundamental to the implementation of any networking or communications infrastructure. This paper, therefore, examines the conflicts and relevant considerations for implementing autonomous or self-organising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for communications area coverage, with particular emphasis on the impact of aerial vehicle autonomy algorithms on routing techniques for such networks. UAV networks can be deployed either as ad-hoc or infrastructure-based solutions. The mobility of UAVs introduces periodic topology changes, impacting link availability and routing paths. This work examines the implications of autonomous coordination of multiple UAVs on routing techniques and network architecture stability. The paper proposes a solution where routing techniques and UAV autonomy algorithms are integrated for improved global network efficiency for both ad-hoc and infrastructure-based scenarios. Integrating UAV autonomy algorithms with routing schemes may be an efficient method to mitigate link/topology stability issues and improve inter-UAV communication and network throughput, a key requirement for UAV networks. The implementation of inter-UAV links using optical, microwave or mmWave transmission is examined in the context of this work. The proposed integration may be crucial for communications coverage, where UAVs provide communications area coverage of a community of mobile or fixed users in either ad-hoc or infrastructure-based modes.
Study of serum levels of CRP and procalcitonin as early marker of sepsis in children with sepsis above neonatal age group
Authors: Kumar Vinaya , Neelannavar Ramesh
Published: January 2019

Background: Sepsis caused by infection remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity among children.  Blood culture though gold standard requires lot of time for diagnosis, hence it’s necessary to rely on early diagnostic markers such as blood counts, micro-ESR, CRP, Procalcitonin. The objective of this study is to evaluate the serum levels of CRP, Procalcitonin as reliable and as early marker of sepsis in pediatric patients above neonatal age group.Methods: Children aged above neonatal age group with clinically suspected sepsis as per the definition given by the International Paediatric sepsis Consensus Conference were selected. Patients were classified as those with sirs, sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Patients were divided into two groups one with culture proven sepsis and the other with non-culture proven sepsis. All patients had CRP, Procalcitonin levels measured at admission and 24hrs after admission. The primary outcome was to determine reliable marker in differentiating between the culture proven and non-culture proven sepsis, and to determine the early marker of sepsis.Results: Total 104 patients formed the study group, of which 42 belonged to SIRS group, 26 were sepsis, 19 were severe sepsis and 17 were septic shock. A total of 36 cases had culture positive. In present study PCT was found to be more reliable marker of sepsis as the sensitivity and specificity of PCT was more than CRP and AUC for PCT was significantly higher than CRP. PCT was found to be early marker as the AUC for CRP at 24hrs was significantly more than AUC for CRP at admission and there was no statistically significant difference between AUC for PCT at admission and 24 hours after admission.Conclusions: Both CRP and PCT levels have favourable test performance but PCT is more reliable. PCT is earlier to rise compared to CRP.
The Effectiveness of Stress Reduction-Based Cognitive Therapy on Perceived Stress and Migraine Symptoms of Women Suffering from Migraine
Authors: Nasab Angham Amin , Yousefian Zahra , Sehatti Marmareh
Published: January 2019

Background: A headache is considered as one of the most common physical complaints and a type of debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects people's social, communicative and occupational tasks. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of stress reduction-based cognitive therapy on perceived stress and migraine symptoms in women suffering from migraine. The instruments used in this study included the Perceived Stress Questionnaire and Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire. The present study data were analyzed using the covariance analysis.
Methods: The present study adopted a pretest-posttest with control group design. The statistical population of the present study included all patients suffering from migraine who went to the medical centers in Tehran in 2017. In this study, convenient sampling and random assignments were used. In fact, amongst the migraine patients, 30 patients were selected through a convenient sampling method that were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.  The experimental group received an intervention in a three-month period in ten 90-minute sessions, whereas the control group did not receive this intervention during the research process. The patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups.
Results: The results of data analysis showed that stress reduction-based cognitive therapy was effective on perceived stress and migraine symptoms in women suffering from migraine (P-value < 0.001), that is to say, this treatment can reduce perceived stress and migraine symptoms in women suffering from migraine
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that cognitive therapy based on stress reduction can be used as an effective treatment to reduce stress and migraine symptoms in women with migraine
As the study findings revealed, it can be concluded that cognitive therapy based on stress reduction can be used as an effective treatment to reduce stress and migraine symptoms for women suffering from migraine.
 
Keywords: Cognitive Therapy, Migraine Symptoms, Stress
Investigating Health Literacy of Teachers in Asaluyeh
Authors: Asadian Ali , Sotoudeh Ahmad , Venovel Mojgan Zarei , Moosai Roghaieh
Published: January 2019

Background: Health literacy is defined as the ability of individuals to read, understand, and act on health-related concepts in order to make healthy decisions. This study was conducted to determine the level of health literacy of teachers in Asaluyeh city, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 200 teachers who were selected using stratified random sampling method in Asaluyeh in the academic year 2015 - 2016. Health Literacy for Iranian Adults questionnaire (HELIA) was used to measure their health literacy. Data were analyzed by SPSS20 and by using descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA, independent- samples T test, and Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: The mean age of participants was 30.56 years (SD = 4.5(, 59% of them were male (n = 118) and 41% were female (n = 82). Teachers' health literacy status was in moderate level for 9.6% of participants (n = 99) regarding access to information, for 44.6% of participants (n = 89) regarding information comprehension in, for 68.4% of participants (n = 136) regarding judgment and assessment, and for 68.4% of participants (n = 136) regarding information use. We found that health literacy had a significant relationship with gender and age.
Conclusion: In this study, teachers' health literacy was at moderate level. So, it is necessary to provide effective internet resources and useful sites. We should also conduct health education programs in media such as radio and television to improve health literacy in teachers, especially in more experienced teachers.
 
Keywords: Health Literacy, Teachers, Asaluyeh city
The Effectiveness of Positive Psychotherapy on Mental Endurance, Self-Compassion and Resilience of Infertile Women
Authors: Mohammadi Robabeh Keshavarz , Bozorgi Somayeh Agha , Shariat Soheila , Hamidi Masoumeh
Published: January 2019

Background: Infertility creates many psychological problems for infertile women. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. The statistical population of the present study included infertile women in Tehran in 1396 who visited the infertility centers of Hope and doctor Shariati. In this study among the infertile women who referred to infertility center of Tehran, 30 women were selected and placed randomly in the test group and the control group. The test group received the intervention in two and a half months at ten sessions of 90 minutes. However, the control group did not receive this intervention during the research process. The questionnaire used in this study included Psychological distress tolerance questionnaire. Resilience Scale and self-compassion questionnaire. The data were analyzed through analysis of covariance using statistical software SPSS24. Results: The results of the analysis showed that positive psychotherapy has been effective on mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women (P-value < 0.001). Therefore, it has been able to improve mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women . Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that positive psychotherapy can be used as an effective treatment for mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women.Keywords: Mental Endurance, Self-Compassion, Resilience, Infertility, Positive.
Results: The results of the analysis showed that positive psychotherapy has been effective on mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women (P-value < 0.001). Therefore, it has been able to improve mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women . Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that positive psychotherapy can be used as an effective treatment for mental endurance, self-compassion and resilience of infertile women.Keywords: Mental Endurance, Self-Compassion, Resilience, Infertility, Positive
Relationship of Glass Ceiling and Mental Health with Burnout in Women Working in Khansar and Golpayegan Health Care Networks in 2018
Authors: Bayati Houri , Alavi Azam
Published: January 2019

Background: Burnout affects people's occupational performance and reduces their efficiency.  The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship of glass ceiling and mental health with burnout among women working in Khansar and Golpayegan health care networks.
Methods: The study population of this analytical- correlational study consisted of women working in Khansar and Golpayegan health care networks in 2018.
In order to collect data, 159 women were selected from these health care networks using convenience random sampling. Data collection instruments were General Health Questionnaire, Glass Ceiling Inventory and Burnout Questionnaire.
After collecting the questionnaires and drawing raw data, analysis of the data was performed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis).
Results: Glass ceiling perception was correlated with emotional exhaustion (0.49) and personal accomplishment (-38.8), and mental health with emotional exhaustion (0.54) and personal accomplishment (-0.50) among women employed in Khansar and Golpayegan health care networks (P-value < 0.001). Predictor variables (glass ceiling perception and mental health) could significantly predict emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment.
The model's coefficient of explanation also showed predictor variables (glass ceiling perception and mental health) could explain 46.2% and 26% of the variation in emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment in these women.
Conclusion: Given the significant role of glass ceiling perception and mental health in predicting emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment of employed women, it is suggested that the causative agents of the glass ceiling and damaging ones to mental health in employed women be taken into account to prevent burnout among them.
 
Keywords: Glass Ceiling, Mental Health, Burnout
A Case Report of Formative and Summative Evaluations of a Graduate Course on Foundations of Health Promotion for Masters of Public Health Students
Authors: Sharma Manoj
Published: January 2019

Development of foundational skills among masters of public health (MPH) students is challenging with regard to the mastery of delivering health education and health promotion methods.  In this case report we documented the conceptualization details and results from the formative and summative evaluations of one foundational course on health promotion implemented at a Southern US University. The course was based on the constructs of a fourth generation framework of multi-theory-model (MTM) of health behavior change that aimed at helping the students to acquire the behaviors needed for imparting the health education and health promotion methods  in the real world settings. In formative evaluation, a qualitative assessment is used, whereas, in the summative evaluation both qualitative and quantitative approaches are applied. We used a SWOT framework to conduct this study. Some of the documented strengths of the course included practical applications, interactive learning, and good use of the Canvas platform, group work, and skill building activities. The weaknesses of the course were the difficult nature of the subject and the fact that some presented methods were not clear. Some suggested opportunities for future offerings included having better environmental props, more online participation, and guest speakers. Some threats identified by the students were decrease of enrolment and possible reduction of face-to-face interactions due to online offerings. Overall, the instructor was successful in imparting skills pertaining to the methods for conducting health promotion within public health. The skill building activities and assignments elaborated in this course can be freely replicated for enhancing the learning acumen of MPH students around the world. This case report forms the basis for critical reflection among educators entrusted with designing such courses.
 
Keywords: Public Health, Health Behavior, Health Education, Health Promotion
Evaluating the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Tax Administration System in Ghana, Case Study of Sunyani Municipal Assembly
Authors: Atuahene Sampson Agyapong , Kong YuSheng , Bentum-Micah Geoffrey
Published: January 2019

In as much as most countries benefit from external sources of funds and grants, her major reliable source of fund is the one generated internally. In a developing country, taxation is one of the major forces behind which the country can develop. Whiles Ghana Revenue Authority is one of the agencies which can mobilize such funds for the benefit of the nations; it is not easy to find tax payers for assessment and eventually to pay their taxes. This study evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of the tax administration system of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The field of the tax administration is of major importance to any tax system. The research brought to light that there is lack of the characteristics of a good tax system that is equity, certainty, convenience and economy. The legal structure is complex and includes axes - related laws, decrees, and rulings.
Growing Acts of Indiscipline in Ghanaian Schools: Perception of Students and Teachers at Abuakwa South Municipality
Authors: Ofori Kennedy Nyeseh
Published: January 2019

Indiscipline in schools has attracted the attention of many people and has eventually become the focus of discussions on many platforms. The purpose of the study was to find out the perceptions of teachers and students at the Abuakwa South Municipality of Ghana on student indiscipline behaviours. The study employed the descriptive survey and the approach was concurrent mixed method, involving both quantitative and qualitative paradigms. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to obtain a sample size of five hundred and thirty (530) respondents. The main instruments used for the study were questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analysed using inferential statistics and content analysis. Findings from the study revealed that; there was no perceptual difference between students and teachers views on acts that constitute disciplinary behaviours. Additional, there were differences in the students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the influences of peer pressure on students’ disciplinary behaviours. It was recommended among others that peer counselling sessions should be organized periodically among students for them to be aware of acceptable behaviours in the school system and how they can maintain desirable behaviours.
Value Chain Analysison Processing Cardava Banana Chips In The Philippines: Luzon Case
Authors: Calica Gigi Bernardo , Lingbawan Karen R.
Published: January 2019

The study aimed to provide relevant information in terms of costs and income so that more people can be enticed to go into business of banana production and processing. This was conducted in the Philippines particularly Luzon island. Value chain and descriptive analyses were used in the data processing.

Research results showed that the chains for the fresh cardava to wet market and to banana chips chains involved six to eight marketing actors namely: the farmer, consolidator, trucker, wholesaler/trader or wholesaler/retailer, processor, distributor, and retailer and the consumer. All activities from the farm to the market were manually done which resulted to more or less five days to deliver the commodity from the farm to the end user.

The processor received the highest gross margin share of 88.59 percent followed by wholesaler/retailer of banana chips getting around 6.25 percent share of gross margin. The farmer, agent/consolidator and wholesaler/retailer received 2.40 percent, 1.49 percent and 1.27 percent, respectively.

In terms of costs, the processor incurred the highest at P4.25 per kg, the farmer at P4.16 per kg and the agent/consolidator at P2.83 per kg, both wholesaler/retailer for the fresh and processed products incurred lower costs than the other actors. Regarding income, chips wholesaler/retailer received the highest at P14.91 per kg; the processor at P6.26 per kg, and the wholesaler/retailer of fresh cardava, the farmer and the agent/consolidator received low income due to the low price of the commodity which was dependent on its quality.

Fertilizer application and use of postharvest tools to improve quality of produce was recommended to receive higher price.
Message from Editor
Authors: Maree Prof. Dr. Kobus
Published: January 2019

It is a great honour for us to publish Volume 8, Issue 2, of the Global Journal of Guidance and Counseling: Current Perspectives. The journal welcomes original empirical investigations and literature review articles on current issues in guidance and counseling. The journal is published quarterly and serves as an international platform for discussing new developments in guidance and counselling. The journal focuses on, but is not limited to, the following major fields as they relate to guidance and counseling: child and adolescent counseling, adult and elder counseling, family counseling, school counseling, health counseling, crisis and risk counseling, occupational counseling, industrial counseling, cyber counseling, psychology education, inter-disciplinary approaches to psychology, counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, technology usage in psychology, counseling and guidance, and special education.
Factors contributing to effective guidance and counselling services at university of Eswatini
Authors: Tsikati Alfred Fana
Published: January 2019

The growth from childhood to adulthood is always fraught with difficulties which create a void for effective guidance and counselling. Similarly, University of Eswatini (UNESWA) students face numerous problems that require effective guidance and counselling. The purpose of the study was to identify factors contributing to effective guidance and counselling at UNESWA, Luyengo Campus. The study utilised descriptive correlational research design.  Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The instrument was pilot tested with 30 students from Luyengo Campus who were not included in the study. The instrument was found to be 79% reliable. Three experts in counselling from UNIESWA and Ministry of Education and Training validated the instrument for both content and face validity. A sample of 297 was randomly drawn from a population of 1277 students. Data were analysed using descriptive, correlational and multiple regression statistics. Findings revealed that counsellor training contributes most, to effective guidance and counselling services (30.4%). Conclusion drawn is that counsellor training is responsible for effective guidance and counselling. Thus, the study recommends that counsellors must receive training in order to provide effective guidance and counselling services to their clients.