bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed germination response of Indian wild pear (Pyrus pashia) to gibberellic acid treatment and cold storage
Authors: THAPLIYAL Manisha , KALIYATHAN Namitha N. , RATHORE Kanupriya 
Published: December 2021

Knowledge of seed germination behaviour of different seed sources of tree species is useful in selecting the most responsive and adaptive ones for propagation and germplasm conservation. The wild Himalayan pear (Pyrus pashia Buch-Ham ex D. Don) produces highly nutritious edible fruits that are consumed by local communities. The populations of the species are threatened due to exploitation and lack of adequate conservation programmes. The study was conducted to examine the germination response of P. pashia seeds from two sources (S1-Champawat and S2-Pithoragarh) in Uttarakhand state of India, to different GA3 treatment and also to assess the viability and longevity of the seeds in cold storage (5 °C) for three years. In both sources germination percent (GP) increased significantly under GA3 treatment and speed of germination was also enhanced (reduction in mean germination time). In Source, 1 GP increased under all GA3 application, highest being 94% under GA3 500 ppm treatment. In Source 2, GP of seeds doubled under 100 ppm GA3 treatment while its higher concentrations did not improve the germination. However, the differences observed in germination between the seed sources could be due to differences in the dormancy levels and/or sensitivity to dormancy breaking elements across their geographical range. Thus, exogenous application of GA3 is suggested for enhancing the germination in seeds of P. pashia. Seeds responded to cold storage by increased germination with duration, i.e. highest after three years in storage, indicating that the seeds got the required chilling treatment for overcoming dormancy.
Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography as a Predictor for Visual Outcomes in Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Tsang Clayton , Hajrasouliha Amir , Mathew Sunu 
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common cause of vascular disease leading to visual impairment. Fluorescein angiography (FA), which can visualize areas of vascular non-perfusion, has been used historically to evaluate RVO. Recent advent of ultra-widefield imaging (UWFA) has extended the ability to visualize larger retinal areas, yet the prognostic use is unclear. A retrospective case series study was conducted to better characterize the link between ischemia and visual acuity (VA) outcomes using UWFA. Experimental method: The study used retrospective analysis of patients with RVO from September 2017 until June 2020. UWFA images of patients with RVO were analyzed by correlating VA to the surface area of retinal nonperfusion (NP) or the presence of macular ischemia (MI). VA was recorded at time of UWFA and at follow-up (average 4.7 months) and classified as ischemic if Snellen acuity was 20/200 or worse. NP surface area was measured using ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, MD). Eyes with abnormal and ischemic foveal avascular zones were categorized as having MI. Results: 13 eyes met inclusion criteria for the study. At initial presentation, ischemic eyes had greater NP compared to nonischemic eyes (p=0.02). At follow-up, eyes with ischemia had greater NP on their original UWFA compared to nonischemic eyes (p=0.03). When comparing eyes with and without MI, there were no significant differences in VA at initial presentation (p=0.30) or at follow-up (p=0.44). Conclusion and Implications: UWFA is important in the prognosis of RVO patients as visual outcomes correlate to the NP of the entire retina. The presence of MI alone was not successful in predicting visual outcomes. This suggests that UWFA is a more powerful diagnostic method compared to traditional FA techniques, which cannot identify peripheral nonperfusion. Future work will center around analyzing other retinal imaging methods and comparing prognostic efficacy.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Pulmonary Function in Premature Infants
Authors: Settle Abigail , Tiller Christina , Bjerregaard Jeffrey , Robinson Marylyn , Slaven James , Tepper Robert 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Infants born premature have decreased pulmonary function compared to full-term infants. Longitudinal infant studies are needed to determine whether impaired pulmonary function following premature birth demonstrates catch-up growth. This study measured airway and parenchymal function in infants born premature at approximately 6 months and 1 year of age to assess growth and the effects of gestational age (GA) and sex.

Methods:
37 infants born premature participated in two study visits (V1 and V2) at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. While sleeping, forced expiratory maneuvers were preformed to measure airway function. DLCO, diffusion capacity of the lung, and VA, alveolar volume, were measured under conditions of room air. Z scores were calculated to compare infants born premature and full-term, adjusting for size, race, and sex.

Demographics:
The subjects consisted of 21 females and 16 males. There were 7 subjects born at 24 – 28 weeks, 6 at 29 – 31 weeks, and 24 at 32 – 36 weeks.

Pulmonary Testing Results:

Variable

Z Score

V1

V2

V2-V1

Male

Female

GA

DLCO

-0.17
(-0.59, 0.26)

*-0.75
(-1.18, -0.31)

*-0.58
(-1.03, -0.12)

*-0.86
(-1.42, -0.30)

-0.05
(-0.53, 0.43)

*0.13
(0.001,0.28)

VA

0.06
(-0.24, 0.45)

-0.24
(-0.70, 0.23)

-0.30
(-0.72 ,0.14)

-0.14
(-0.71, 0.43)

-0.04
(-0.53, 0.45)

0.09
(-0.05, 0.23)

FVC

*-0.38
(-0.60, -0.17)

**-1.05
(-1.36, -0.74)

**-0.67
(-0.98, -0.36)

**-0.71
(-1.04, -0.38)

**-0.72
(-1.01, -0.44)

0.07
(-0.01, 0.15)

FEF50

**-0.88
(-1.15, -0.62)

**-1.36
(-1.63, -1.08)

*-0.47
(-0.80, -0.14)

**-1.12
(-1.44, -0.79)

**-1.12
(-1.40, -0.84)

**0.15
(0.07,0.23)

FEF75

**-0.57
(-0.88, -0.26)

**-1.16
(-1.48, -0.83)

*-0.59
(-0.93, -0.24)

**-0.76
(-1.16, -0.35)

**-0.97
(-1.32, -0.62)

**0.21
(0.11,0.31)

* = p < 0.05 ** = p < 0.001

DLCO was decreased in male subjects compared to female subjects and male full-term infants. VA was not significantly different between subjects and full-term infants. Compared to full-term infants, subjects had decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow at 50% and 75% vital capacity (FEF50 and FEF75). DLCO, FVC, FEF50, and FEF75 exhibited a significant decrease in pulmonary function from V1 to V2 among subjects. Gestational age showed a positive relationship for DLCO, FEF50, and FEF75.

Conclusion and Potential Impact:
The subjects did not exhibit catch-up growth, or an increase in z score from V1 to V2, in parenchymal and airway function for DLCO, FVC, FEF50, and FEF75. Gestational age and sex were factors affecting pulmonary function. As premature infants are born with lower pulmonary function than full-term infants, it is important to understand how lungs continue to develop after release from the NICU.
Measuring the Impact of Human-Centered Design Research
Authors: Smith Victoria , Claxton Gina 
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective: Human-centered design (HCD) is an approach to research that aims to facilitate participant engagement in research studies. Research Jam is the Patient Engagement Core of the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (Indiana CTSI) that applies HCD to health research. The objective of this project is to assess the impact and efficacy of the HCD approach in health research. This project follows-up with previous investigators who have completed a project with Research Jam to measure impact on investigators’ attitudes towards HCD and participant engagement as well as the efficacy and implementation of the project-specific tools and deliverables that resulted from the work with Research Jam.
Project Methods: A survey was developed in Qualtrics and sent to investigators (N=34) from Research Jam’s portfolio of completed projects (2015-2020). Five follow-up interviews were conducted and analyzed in NVivo.
Results: Survey response rate was 50%. Of the projects listed by the investigators, 89% had deliverables that were reported as feasible and relevant to the target audience. Long-term sustainability of the deliverables showed room for improvement. For all projects, 81% were reported to have helped the investigator learn how to better engage with participants to inform their subsequent research.
Potential Impact: These findings demonstrate that HCD produces deliverables that are feasible and relevant to target audiences, and health researchers view HCD as a useful method to engage more directly with research participants. These results can serve as a guide for Research Jam to continue to refine processes, such as improving long-term sustainability of the deliverables, and to direct future projects.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in Pediatric Trauma Patients
Authors: Sullivan Dalton , Landman Matthew P. , Gahagen Rachel E. Gahagen 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common hospital-acquired infection found in intubated trauma patients. In previous adult studies, VAP has been associated with an increase in length of stay, cost, morbidity, mortality, and longer mechanical ventilation. There remains little examination of the risk factors, prognosis, and microbiology of VAP within the pediatric trauma population. This study aims to analyze factors associated with VAP in pediatric trauma patients.
Methods:
The Riley Hospital for Children Trauma Registry was utilized to identify intubated pediatric trauma patients from 2016-2020. Patients were excluded if intubated for less than 48 hours. VAP was defined as positive if patients met either Centers for Disease Control definition and or were clinically diagnosed with and treated for VAP. Univariate and multivariate modeling was performed.
Results:
A total of 171 patients met inclusion criteria and 43 (25%) were diagnosed with VAP. The median age was 8 years (2-13) and ISS was 26.5 (22-35). The median duration of intubation was 203.8 hours (117.3-331.3). The overall mortality was 55 (32.2%). While variables such as lower age and use of MTP resulted in a higher likelihood of mortality, VAP diagnosis was not associated with increased mortality. BAL analysis displayed that the most common cultured bacteria were H. influenzae, Staph. aureus, and Strep. Pneumoniae with most VAPs being diagnosed on day 2 of admission. When analyzing the impact of age, ISS, intubation hours, ICU days, and GI prophylaxis on VAP, only age was significantly associated with VAP: for each year the odds of VAP rose by 10%.
Conclusions:
A quarter of the pediatric trauma patients were diagnosed with VAP during the study period. No modifiable risk factors were found for VAP with only patient age demonstrating significance for the diagnosis. Further investigation into VAP definition and prevention in pediatric trauma patients should occur given it’s prevalence.
Comparison of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole vs. Clindamycin for the Treatment of Children with Musculoskeletal Infections
Authors: Tyte Julian , Russell Kelsey , Wood James B. 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Musculoskeletal infections ([MSKI]; osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, pyomyositis) are common invasive infections in children. With increasing antibiotic resistance and allergies, treatment options are limited. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) has activity against common MSKI pathogens, yet pediatric MSKI outcomes data are limited. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes of children with MSKI treated with TMP-SMX compared to clindamycin. We hypothesized that outcomes would be similar between groups.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of children <18 years old, admitted to Riley Hospital for Children from January 2010-June 2021 treated with TMP-SMX or clindamycin for MSKI. Patients were identified by ICD-9/10 codes. Patients were excluded if TMP-SMX or clindamycin was not the main treatment, they had symptoms >30 days, hardware associated infection, or an alternative diagnosis. Treatment success was defined as no evidence of infection at the end therapy. Treatment failure was defined as antibiotic intolerance, or development of recurrent/chronic osteomyelitis. Adverse drug reactions were recorded.
Results:
One-hundred-sixty-three patients (30 TMP-SMX, 133 clindamycin) met eligibility criteria. The majority were non-Hispanic white males, median age of 1.75 years (IQR, 1-3.75) for the TMP-SMX group, and 7 years (IQR 3-10) for the clindamycin group. Osteomyelitis was the most common infection type in both groups (TMP-SMX 43.3%, clindamycin 54.1%). S. aureus was the most common pathogen in both groups (TMP-SMX 36.7%, clindamycin 48.1%). Of the patients that completed follow-up, 84% successfully completed treatment with TMP-SMX, compared to 86.4% with clindamycin (odds ratio [OR] 0.82; 95% CI 0.25-2.46, p=0.75). Adverse drug reactions occurred in 6.7% of the TMP-SMX group, compared to 10.5% in the clindamycin group (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.13-2.57, p=0.52).
Conclusions:
Preliminary results show that TMP-SMX is well tolerated and not associated with higher risk of treatment failure compared to clindamycin in the treatment of pediatric MSKI. Randomized controlled trials to evaluate optimal treatment are needed.
Effects of Gkn1 On Biofilm Formation
Authors: Wasserman-Bruck Tova , Boger-May Boger-May , Rubadeux Derek , Ruley-Haase Katelyn , Boone David L. 
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives:
Gastrokine-1 (Gkn1) is a protein produced solely in the stomach and secreted into the lumen of the gut. Gkn1 has a BRICHOS domain which is anti-amyloidogenic. While the exact function of Gkn1 is not yet completely understood, Gkn1 has a protective role against IBD in induced models of colitis. Since microbes secrete amyloid to facilitate biofilm formation, we hypothesized that Gkn1 may play a protective role against IBD by inhibiting amyloid formation by biofilm forming microbes in the gut. We examined the effects of varying concentrations of Gkn1 on known biofilm forming microbes to determine if there was a dose responsive inhibitory effect of Gkn1 on biofilm formation.
Methods:
Bacterial colonies from Adherent Invasive E. coli and E. faecalis were cultured and incubated at 37 degrees Celsius overnight. The samples were then diluted 1:100 and inoculated into 96-well costar microassay plates with concentrations of Gkn1 ranging from 0.00075 to 0.025 mg/ml. At 8, 24, or 48 hour time points the plates were then washed to remove planktonic bacteria, and adherent biofilms were stained with crystal violet. Biofilm formation was analyzed by comparing the OD590/OD600 against a control.
Results:
Using a one-way ANOVA, we determined that there is dose response inhibition of biofilm formation with Gkn1, with the greatest inhibition of biofilm formation at concentrations of Gkn1 between 0.00312 and 0.0125 mg/ml.
Conclusions:
A dose response inhibition of Gkn1 on biofilm formation was identified. Since Gkn1 has demonstrated a protective role against IBD in induced colitis, targeting intestinal luminal amyloids may be a potential therapeutic approach for IBD.
Alliances to Disseminate Addiction Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT): Assessing the Exchange of Ideas in Alliances Between Juvenile Justice and Community Mental Health Centers
Authors: Patrick Elise , Schwartz Katherine , Ouyang Fangquian , Taylor Stanley , Aalsma Matthew 
Published: December 2021

Background/Hypothesis:
In the US, over half of youth involved in the juvenile justice system meet criteria for substance use disorder (SUD). Further, SUD is a consistent predictor of recidivism. Thus, significant improvements are needed to assure that justice-involved youth who meet criteria for SUD are screened and referred to care, especially in rural settings. ADAPT, an ongoing, statewide project, employs a learning health system (LHS) model to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) to develop and improve alliances between juvenile justice (JJ) and community mental health centers (CMHCs). We assessed collaboration, “alliance,” between these systems.

Methods:
The LHS alliance was assessed with self-report surveys distributed to personnel at 8 county sites. These included the cultural exchange inventory (CEI) measure to assess the process of exchanges in knowledge (beliefs about the process of implementing EBPs), and outcomes of those exchanges (beliefs about the outcome of interagency collaboration), to assess the alliance between JJ and CMHCs.

Results:
Pre-implementation surveys indicated a significant difference between CMHC respondents (CEI Output M=3.55, SD=1.53) compared to JJ respondents (M=2.89, SD=1.57) about the outcomes of the exchange of ideas [t(190)=2.13, p=0.03]. Both CMHC (CEI Process M=3.93, SD=1.45) and JJ participants (CEI Process M=3.84, SD=1.96) reported similar beliefs about the process of idea exchange t(119)=0.27, p=0.78). Further, participants from low rurality counties (i.e., more urban) reported less favorably to beliefs about the outcomes of collaboration (CEI Output M=3.16, SD=1.62) compared to medium rurality county participants [M=3.76, SD=1.39; t(120)=2.03, p=0.04]. Thus, we find a difference in perception of collaboration both between systems and between counties of varying rurality.

Conclusion/Potential Impact:
These findings help capture the current barriers to collaboration that exist between JJ and CMHCs before implementation of the LHS framework. Understanding these barriers between systems is essential to better cultivate interagency alliances to improve care for justice-involved youth with SUDs.
Changes in Receptive Field Size in Syngap1 +/- Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Anderson Evan , Martin Charles A , Dadarlat Maria 
Published: December 2021

Background and Hypothesis: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a form of intellectual disability with impairments in social functioning and cognition. Mutations within the SynGAP1 gene are associated with ASD due to over activation of RAS-GTP causing insertion of AMPA receptors onto the post synaptic membrane, and thus early maturation of dendrites. These mutations lead to an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance within the brain, and patients often present with intellectual disability, seizures, and issues of cognition. Research has shown that Syngap1 +/- mice have decreased cortical gray matter brain volume throughout areas involved in the visual system pathway. However, hierarchal visual processing has not been well characterized in a Syngap1 +/- mouse model of autism.
Project Methods: Using 64 and 128 channel microelectrodes, we recorded the neural activity within V1 of four mice. Neural activity was recorded in response to visual stimuli - testing receptive field size between two wild-type and two Syngap1 +/- mice. Data was run through spike sorting algorithms to identify neurons. Receptive field area for each neuron was then calculated and compared between the two genotypes.
Results: The receptive field areas of Syngap1 +/- mice were statistically larger (p < 0.01) compared to wild type mice. Syngap1 +/- mice had a mean receptive field area of 450.5 visual degrees (±443.7) and WT mice had a mean receptive field area of 261.1 visual degrees (±187.21). Most of the neurons within Syngap +/- had no distinct receptive field, 67.9%, while only 25.7% of wild type neurons lacked a distinct receptive field.
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Overall, Syngap1 +/- mice had larger, and less distinct receptive fields compared to wild type mice. Deficiencies in the Syngap1 protein may impair refinement of visual stimuli. Understanding the mechanism of response of missing SynGAP1 can inform directed therapies and interventions to treat patients with the missing gene and manage their intellectual disability.
A survey study of the impact of COVID-19 on women at high risk for infant mortality in Central Indiana
Authors: Asthana Tanvi , Tang Qing , Hodges Matt , Litzelman Debra 
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective: The WeCare program aims to reduce infant mortality through the community health worker model by assisting high risk women of child-bearing age. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional challenges for women already at high risk factor for infant mortality (IM). The aim of this survey study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this population.
Methods: Enrolled WeCare participants were given an optional COVID-19 phone survey (modified from the IeDEA survey*) between August 2020 and May 2021 to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their daily lives, income, food security, and mental health. Trained research assistants and community health workers administered surveys. Verbal consent was obtained over the phone. Data was entered into REDCap. From REDCap, data was exported to SAS version 9.4 to calculate descriptive statistics and chi square tests.
Results: Fifty-six primarily women of color (68%) completed the survey. Sixty-two percent of women lived in high-risk zip codes for infant mortality in Central Indiana. Fifty-seven percent of women worked prior to the outbreak. Forty-eight percent of the working women lost income, and seventy percent of women worked jobs requiring interaction with the public. These women experienced greater food insecurity (38%), depression (24%), and anxiety (31%) compared to before the pandemic (p<0.001).
Conclusion/Discussion: The demographics and residence of those interviewed were representative of the WeCare cohort (NS differences in race/ethnicity/age). In comparing the prevalence of food insecurity, depression and anxiety between the survey sampled during covid and prior to covid, all factors were significantly increased. These vulnerable women (many pregnant or postpartum), often major breadwinners in their household, held jobs putting them at high risk for covid infections, and lost these high-risk jobs at an alarming rate. These data confirm the detrimental impact of COVID-19, especially on a population already at high risk for IM.
Acknowledgement of original authors of the *IeDEA survey: Suzanne Goodrich, Michael Scanlon, Leslie Enane, Kara Wools-Kaloustian
AMPATH Surgical App: Open Appendectomy
Authors: Matthews Joshua , Bhatia Manisha , Saruni Seno , Hunter-Squires JoAnna L. 
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective: Due to a geographic shortage of surgical providers within Kenya, doctors without surgical training are expected to complete emergency surgical procedures. The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) surgical team is developing an education module, delivered via mobile phone app and self-made simulators, dedicated to the skills necessary to complete open appendectomy. We hypothesize that our model and curriculum will provide a low-cost method of effectively simulating the open appendectomy.
Methods: After developing a step-based curriculum, an initial prototype of a model for the appendectomy was constructed. Expert academic surgeons from Indiana University were identified to test the prototype by performing an open appendectomy on the model. Feedback on both the model and the procedure was obtained via recorded video and REDCap.
Results: A total of 8 expert surgeons were consulted on the model, each presented with an updated version of the appendectomy model and procedure based on feedback. Experts provided feedback on the model and each substep of the curriculum. Overall, the curriculum was clear with each substep receiving a median score of at least 82 out of 100 for clarity. While the model received lower scores in utility and “realism, expert feedback was incorporated in an iterative process such that latter models demonstrated net improvement in the realism and utility of several substeps, including “the appendectomy”.
Conclusion: A low-cost appendectomy model with corresponding curriculum was developed, and refined with expert feedback, to facilitate this project’s transition to its next stage – testing on medical trainees. Additionally, the model and curriculum will enable the development of an AI algorithm to give the learner real-time feedback as they perform the simulation.
Implications: Ultimately, this study may create a platform that increases access to best possible practice and improves outcomes in settings where surgical education is limited.