Research Bulletin
News from the Child Health Research Institute
April 2022
|
|
Screenshot of Projected Home Page for CHRI UNMC Web Page |
|
CHRI Member Portal Opened and Newly Designed CHRI Website Debuting Soon |
|
CHRI is proud to announce that our member portal is now open. The portal provides CHRI members with exclusive access to valuable content for research and grant support, best practices for study creation, CHRI funding opportunities and much more. By creating a portal for members, we are able to create and share more resources that delve into granular specifics of pediatric research. One new feature is the resource directory where members can submit ideas for collaboration and share the services available from their respective areas/labs. Another new feature in the portal is video recordings of past CHRI events that you may have missed attending.
The CHRI Member Portal can be accessed by clicking here. If you have a UNMC or Nebraska Medicine email address, you can log in by using the username and password associated with your UNMC or Nebraska Medicine accounts. If you do not have a UNMC or Nebraska Medicine email address, our office will send you information on how to create an account, and you will designate your own password. If you have not received account creation information or need your password reset, email chri@unmc.edu, and a member of our team will help you.
The opening of the CHRI Member Portal will be followed later this spring by the release of the new CHRI web pages in the updated UNMC design. Through the transition to the new web page design, nearly all duplication between the member portal and the general CHRI site will be eliminated. The non-portal CHRI pages will contain the basic information about the institute for a wide audience, leaving the most specific and valuable information for members within the portal pages. The portal pages will also eventually transition to the updated UNMC design.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we transition to and test this new portal. Your feedback on the layout and content is always welcome, as are any ideas of additional information to be featured. Ultimately the portal's purpose is to serve you, our members, with the information you need to do your best work in pediatric research. We look forward to your input on the portal as we grow and will be debuting more exciting improvements in the months to come.
|
|
CHRI Priorities & Activities:
Update from Executive Director Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD
|
|
It’s an exciting time of year for CHRI and our members. We are transitioning back into national scientific meetings, many of our members are currently at PAS in Denver. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity for CHRI members to present their high-quality work to their peers from around the country.
On May 5 and 6, the CHRI’s Pediatric Research Forum which will feature 90 abstracts from CHRI members and pediatric trainees. Please plan to join us in person at Children’s in the solarium on Thursday May 5. Your interaction with the poster presentations and presence at CHRI’s first in person event since the pandemic began is essential for supporting our investigators and encouraging our trainees to continue to include research in their medical careers. Developing our pipeline of child health researchers is critical to our patient’s health now and in the future.
Bill Rizzo, MD, professor, Division of Inherited Metabolic Diseases and CHRI Scientific Director and Matt Halanski, MD, associate professor, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery will serve as our keynote speakers, and the creative art entries for Medicinal Musings will be showcases. During the May 5 award ceremony, several of our trainees will also be recognized at the program for their outstanding work and present on their research.
Look for the RFA for the CHRI Healthcare Disparities grants in general child health research and pediatric cancer research, which will be published next week. We have so many opportunities for our investigators to have high-quality work supported by CHRI.
Our website at UNMC will be transitioning soon to the new UNMC platform. If you experience any broken links, please alert us by email at CHRI@unmc.edu
Kind regards,
Ann
|
|
CHRI Funded Pilot Study Led by
Dr. Anji Yetman Selected for ASE Sonographer Investigator Competition
|
|
A CHRI-funded pilot project titled, "Use of Layer Specific Strain Imaging and Shear Wave Elastography to Evaluate Subclinical Cardiac, Vascular & Hepatic Dysfunction in Patients with Turner Syndrome,” has been chosen for the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions in Seattle in June. Anji Yetman, MD, director of Vascular Medicine, Cardiology with Children’s Specialty Physicians and professor, UNMC Division of Pediatric Cardiology is the principal investigator, and Mary Craft, lead research sonographer in the Pediatric Research Office, is the sonographer investigator. Ling Li, MD, PhD, Children’s cardiologist and assistant professor, UNMC Department of Pediatric Cardiology, is a co-investigator on the study. Drs. Yetman and Li are CHRI members.
The investigators submitted an abstract to ASE for the sonographer investigator competition. Craft is one of four finalists selected to present at the Seattle sessions.
The team of researchers provided answers to our questions about their project.
How would you describe Turner Syndrome?
Turner syndrome (TS) is a relatively common chromosomal abnormality in females, caused by complete or partial X-monosomy. TS occurs in approximately 1 of 2,500 live female births. Signs and symptoms may include short stature, premature ovarian failure, a "webbed" neck, a low hairline at the back of the neck and swelling (lymphedema) of the hands and feet. Some people with TS have skeletal abnormalities, kidney problems and/or a congenital heart defect. Most affected girls and women have normal intelligence, but some have developmental delays, learning disabilities and/or behavior problems.
What are examples of subclinical dysfunctions that you set out to evaluate in patients with TS, and how are these important?
The study was designed to look at the prevalence and relationship between liver dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction and vascular dysfunction. There is growing evidence that liver health has a direct bearing on cardiovascular health in the general population. Patients with TS have a higher incidence of fatty liver disease and a higher incidence of early onset ischemic heart disease. The relationship between these two diseases has not been previously investigated. Fatty liver disease in these patients may play a causative role in their cardiovascular disease. We assessed for subclinical and clinical dysfunction in liver function, myocardial function and aortic function.
What was your goal in testing these specific echocardiography techniques in TS patients?
Our goal was to assess the prevalence and impact of cardiometabolic risk factors and alterations in liver stiffness on aortic stiffness and cardiac function using layer-specific strain analysis and shear wave elastography in patients with TS.
What were the criteria for patients enrolled into the study? How many participated?
Subjects with genetically proven TS, ages 0-60 years, who were followed in the subspecialty TS cardiology clinics at Children's Hospital & Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine, were eligible for enrollment. Fifty female subjects with TS and 33 normal controls have participated in this study to date.
Please describe one of the significant conclusions from this work so far.
Subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction is present in patients with TS from a young age and can be detected using novel ultrasound techniques: layer specific strain and shear wave elastography.
How could this affect care of patients with TS?
This study will help to improve understanding of cardiovascular disease in TS patients and would move us one step closer to timely intervention and disease mitigation.
|
|
Dr. Shannon Buckley Chosen to Receive
Joseph P. and Harriet K. Gilmore Distinguished New Investigator Award
|
|
CHRI investigator, Shannon Buckley, PhD, assistant professor of UNMC’s Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, received this year’s Joseph P. and Harriet K. Gilmore Distinguished New Investigator Award. She received the award at a ceremony held on April 6 where Bryant England, MD, PhD, assistant professor of UNMC’s Department of Rheumatology, also received the award.
Dr. Buckley said she was grateful to be selected.
"It represents not only my work, but the work of all the hardworking dedicated lab members who have contributed to the research," she said.
Dr. Buckley said her research goal is "to understand alterations in blood cells that contribute to the development of leukemia and lymphoma."
"Our lab strives to understand the role of mutated genes and aberrantly expressed proteins using primary patient samples and mouse models of disease," she said. "In addition, our work uses new technologies to identify novel proteins expressed in leukemia and lymphoma patients. We aim to gain understanding of disease initiation and progression and provide therapeutic targets for future drug discovery."
Dr. Buckley started her independent laboratory at UNMC in August 2015, using genomic and proteomic approaches in mantle cell lymphoma and acute myeloid samples to study molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate decisions.
Dr. Buckley’s work has demonstrated a key role of UBR5, which is mutated in approximately 18% of mantle cell lymphoma patients. A future goal is to decipher the molecular mechanism of UBR5 in B cell activation and lymphoma.
Congratulations, Dr. Buckley!
|
|
Department of Pediatrics Antiracism Committee's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference Scheduled for May 27 |
|
The UNMC Department of Pediatrics Antiracism Committee invites you to its second annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference on May 27, 8 a.m. to noon.
The focus of the conference will be “Diversity in Research” and will feature:
-
Keynote talk by Tukufu Zuberi, PhD, the Lasry Family Professor of Race Relations, Professor of Sociology and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and co-editor of White Logic, White Methods: Racism and Methodology
- Breakout sessions to discuss topics on inclusive research
- Panelist discussion
- Reports from other groups giving voice to marginalized populations within the medical community
- Updates from the Department of Pediatrics Antiracism Committee
Receive the Zoom information and event notices by clicking here.
|
|
Dr. Anderson Berry Among Speakers at Introduction to Mentoring Workshop |
|
CHRI Executive Director and Children’s Vice President of Research, Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, will be one of three speakers at the Introduction to Mentoring Workshop on May 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. The workshop is sponsored by IDeA Clinical and Translational Research and CHRI and will take place over Zoom and in person at UNMC, with on-site capacity limited to 20 people. Click here to register.
|
|
Rwanda-Nebraska One Health Seminar Series |
|
Please join us via live stream on Zoom for the Rwanda-Nebraska One Health Seminar Series presentation titled Human Resource for Health in Rwanda: Sustainability and Lessons Learned.
Featured Speaker –
Stephen Rulisa, MD, FCOG(ECSA), PhD, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine & Pharmacy, University of Rwanda
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
8:30-9:30 a.m. (CDT) | 3:30-4:30 p.m. (GMT+2)
|
|
CHRI Grant Application Now Totally Electronic |
|
The CHRI Grant Application is now electronic. This transition will help the institute better track submissions and outcomes. Keep this new feature in mind as you consider or prepare for the next cycle, due May 15. An application guide and helpful templates for the applications are available on our webpage. Reach out to chri@unmc.edu with questions or concerns. |
|
Registration Open for
Effective Grant Applications Workshop
|
|
June 7, 2022 | 8 a.m. - Noon
*In person and via Webinar
University of Nebraska Omaha
Great Plains IDeA Cinical and Translational Research is sponsoring a course by Paul Casella on creating effective grant applications.
The course:
- Reviews the principles of good grant writing to produce clear, direct and compelling proposals.
- Focuses on understanding the psychology of reviewers and the review process, how to engage readers and facilitate understanding and how to manage the proposal writing process.
- Includes exercises related to specific elements of a scientific proposal, particularly the Specific Aims page.
Paul Casella, MFA
Paul Casella is a writer, teacher and editor. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Paul has worked with health professionals to improve the clarity and effectiveness of their manuscripts for publication and grant applications since 1995. He was a writer and the primary editor of the funded Great Plains IDeA-CTR grant application.
The final hour of the course will be dedicated to editing and feedback of participants’ writing samples. Samples should be sent to paul-casella@uiowa.edu by May 31.
In addition, on June 9 and 10, Casella will conduct 45-minute private consultations for writing or presentation skills coaching at UNO (June 9) and UNMC (June 10). If interested, contact Heather Braddock to sign up.
There is no cost to attend either opportunity.
*Registration is required.
Continental breakfast will be available at the workshop.
Register by clicking here.
Questions
|
|
Registration Open for
Pediatric Trauma Conference
|
|
Children's Hospital & Medical Center is hosting the 2022 Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Pediatric Trauma Patient conference on Friday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street in Omaha. This annual conference will feature a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual options for participation, although these options are subject to change.
The conference will feature experts from multiple specialties who will share their knowledge and provide a comprehensive review of treatments, advances, strategies and evidence-based recommendations in pediatric trauma care. The target audience includes physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, paramedics, EMTs, social workers, Child Life specialists and other professionals caring for pediatric trauma patients.
The Grand Rounds/keynote topic is “Whole Blood Resuscitation,” presented by Donald Jenkins, MD, professor and clinical vice chair for Quality, Department of Surgery, at Long School of Medicine and UT Health, San Antonio.
Additional topics include:
· Interventional Radiology
· Vascular Trauma Surgery
· Spinal Cord Trauma
· Trauma-Informed Care
· Increased Suicide Attempts
|
|
UNMC Core Facility Profile:
Electron Microscopy Core Facility
|
|
Nicholas Conoan, electron microscopy specialist, graciously answered our questions about the Electron Microscopy Core Facility (EMCF).
If an investigator wants to learn more about the EMCF in connection with research projects, what is a good way of getting needed information?
For basic information about initiating a project with the EMCF, our website is a great place to start. If more details are needed, CHRI members can contact me at nicholas.conoan@unmc.edu. Our website has information about our equipment, services and fee schedule. We have an FEI Tecnai G2 Spirit transmission electron microscope and an FEI Quanta 200 SEM, as well as many pieces of support equipment for electron microscopes.
What are the initial steps for engaging the services of the EMCF?
Contact us via phone or email and we will set up a consultation to determine your needs and goals and if the EMCF can help you attain them. We will go over how to prepare your samples before submitting them to us.
Does the EMCF team examine the samples or can CHRI members be trained to image their own samples?
It depends on the nature of the project, but we can do it either way. We can train the CHRI member on our equipment and our procedures, or they can leave it to us.
Do you have experience supporting pediatric researchers?
Yes, we have worked with Shantaram Joshi, PhD, professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, on his pediatric cancer research projects. Also our Core Director, Andrew Dudley, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, is a CHRI member.
|
|
Disseminating Discoveries:
February Publications
|
Take a minute to check out the wide range of research published by CHRI members in February. |
|
|
Funding Opportunities:
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Title X Family Planning Research: Innovative Service Delivery Models (PA-FPR-22-001)
The Office of Population Affairs (OPA) has issued a NOFO to announce the availability of funds for Title X Family Planning Research: Innovative Service Delivery Models grants. This NOFO solicits applications from public or private nonprofit entities to conduct research or analyses that will lead to feasible and effective strategies to increase equitable access to quality Title X family planning services among clients in need of family planning and sexual and reproductive health services.
Priority areas for these research grants are:
• Innovative Strategies to Increase Equitable Access
• Impact of Telehealth on Title X Services
• Trends and Current Reach of Family Planning Clinics
• Trends in Client Need and Use of Title X Services
Applicants may select more than one priority area to address. Innovative ideas are encouraged for all priority areas, but research leading to feasible, wide-scale, effective interventions is of primary importance.
This opportunity will support research in the biomedical, contraceptive development, behavioral, and program implementation fields related to family planning and population (Section 1004 of the Public Health Service Act, 42 U.S.C. 300a-2). The purpose of the FY22 initiative is to fund a new set of research grants with the goal of improving service delivery and data collection of family planning services offered under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. OPA anticipates funding an estimated 10 awards ranging from $200,000 to $750,000.
The NOFO is available here.
Application Due Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Pediatric Research Grant
Funder: Foundation for Physical Therapy
Amount: Up to $40,000
Deadline: June 1, 2022
Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation Grant
Funder: Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation
Amount: Up to $60,000
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Pichichero Family Foundation Research Development, Vaccines for Children Initiative Award in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Funder: Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Amount: Up to $50,000
Deadline: July 15, 2022
E.W. 'Al' Thrasher Awards
Funder: Thrasher Research Fund
Amount: Up to $550,000
Deadline: Concept paper submission due July 19, 2022
|
|
Child Health Research Institute
986847 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-6847
402-559-4032 or 402-955-7907
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
