bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential changes in trophoblast lineage allocation in rats deficient in uterine natural killer cells
Authors: Renaud Stephen J , Scott Regan L , Chakraborty Damayanti , Rumi M.A. Karim , Soares Michael J
Published: November 2023

Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most prevalent uterine leukocyte population during early pregnancy. They are recruited to the uterus soon after embryo implantation, and “prime” the uterine spiral arteries in preparation for the increased demand on these vessels later in pregnancy. A second wave of spiral artery modification occurs by invasive trophoblast cells. Invasive trophoblast cells originate in a specialized compartment of the placenta ‐ called the junctional zone in rodents ‐ and progressively migrate into the uterus en route to the spiral arteries. This “two‐wave” transformation of the uterine vasculature by both NK cells and trophoblast cells occurs in humans and rats. The purpose of this study was to generate and characterize a genetic model of uNK cell deficiency in rats, and observe the resulting consequences on trophoblast development and reproductive outcomes. To accomplish this task, we utilized zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)‐mediated genome editing of the interleukin 15 (Il15) gene. The Il15 locus was targeted because it encodes a cytokine required for NK cell maturation and survival. ZFNs were microinjected into zygotes, and transferred to pseudopregnant dams. Following genotypic characterization of pups, we identified a founder animal containing a seven base‐pair deletion within exon 2 of the Il15 locus. The deletion resulted in a frame shift within the coding sequence of Il15, and caused a functional loss of IL15 protein. In comparison to wild‐type pregnant female rats, whose uteri contained massive quantities of perforin‐positive NK cells, uteri of females harboring a homozygous mutation at the Il15 locus contained no detectable uNK cells. At midgestation, an expansion of the junctional zone of the placenta was observed, as well as depth and quantity of trophoblast cells invading within the spiral arteries. Accordingly, the internal luminal diameters of these vessels were substantially larger in rats lacking uNK cells. In summary, we demonstrate here significant differences in the size of the junctional zone and the number of invasive trophoblast cells in uNK cell‐deficient rats. These studies will enhance our understanding of the role of NK cells on uterine spiral artery remodeling, trophoblast invasion, and hemochorial placental development.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH HD020676
The Effect of n‐Acetylcysteine on the Migration of Myofibroblasts
Authors: Nichols Matthew Dillon , Vaughan Melville B
Published: November 2023

Dupuytren's contractures are hand deformities that affect more than 200,000 cases in the US per year and are typically cured by invasive procedures that remove the nodules that form on the affected hand. Our goal is to study chemical inhibition of myofibroblasts, cells associated with Dupuytren's contracture, to provide insight for a noninvasive treatment of Dupuytren's contractures. Myofibroblasts use migration as part of their pathologic activities. This study examined the migration of myofibroblasts, using varying amounts of the amino acid n‐acetylcysteine (NAC), previously shown to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation. The methods used were an elastomer plug migration assay and this determined the myofibroblast migration. Our results demonstrated NAC increased the speed of migration when used in concentrations of 1–5μM and NAC inhibited the migration when used in concentrations of 10–20μM. In a complex tissue, this biphasic result may have unintended consequences. Our future goal is to study the mechanism of this biphasic migration effect.

Support or Funding Information

UCO Office of Research and Grants
Caffeine Inhibits Dupuytren's Fibroblast Form and Function In Vitro
Authors: Pantoja Joana C , Bryson Matthew , Alkadhem Niyaf , Vaughan Melville B.
Published: November 2023

Myofibroblasts are contractile, secretory cells of wound healing, fibroses, and contractures. Recently caffeine was shown to reduce fibrotic conditions in rodents. Our goal was to determine caffeine's effect on Dupuytren's contracture cells in vitro. We cultured fibroblasts in three different experimental models for 5 days. Transforming Growth Factor‐beta (TGF‐b) was used to stimulate fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. Replicate cultures were treated with 5mM caffeine using a coverslip assay. Immunostaining results showed that caffeine reduced proliferation and alpha‐smooth muscle actin. Stress fibers were present in both treated and untreated groups, suggesting the cells would be contractile. Fibroblasts plated in stress‐relaxed collagen lattices failed to generate any tension (3 cell types, n=4 each). We then cultured collagen lattices for 3 days to allow tension generation, followed by caffeine treatment. Caffeine failed to inhibit contraction under these conditions (n=4). Fibroblasts remodel and compress collagen using migration‐like tractional forces. We predicted that caffeine would inhibit cell migration. Using a migration assay we determined that 5mM caffeine inhibited migration. Therefore caffeine likely affects cellular pathways related to migration rather than contraction or tension generation. This suggests that treating already‐existing fibrotic conditions with caffeine will be more challenging than preventing future occurrences.

Support or Funding Information

UCO Office of Research and Grants, NSF OK‐LSAMP Cooperative Agreement HRD‐0902027, and Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for Iraq 2015
The Role of Nanoscale Roughness on Cell Attachment Following Titanium‐based Instrumentation of Titanium, Titanium‐Zirconium, and Zirconia Surfaces
Authors: Cerutis D. Roselyn , Fischer Nicholas G. , Gnabasik Ryan , Lang Melissa S. , Baruth Andrew
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the nanoscale characteristics of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) adhesion to disks composed of several dental implant and healing abutment materials following repeated (100x) instrumentation with a titanium (Ti) curette, as commonly used in dental implant surface cleaning, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in contact mode. Sterile Ti Grade 2, Zirconia (ZrO2) and Ti‐zirconium (Ti‐Zr, Roxolid®) disks (Straumann®, Andover, MA, USA) with a machined surface, 5 mm in diameter, were used in this study. Optical laser profilometry (1 – 5 μm lateral resolution) over a length of 4.4 mm revealed a statistical increase (over control) in average roughness for Ti and Ti‐Zr, but not for ZrO2. The disks were then placed in 96‐well cell culture plates and seeded with 0.3 ml of an HGF suspension at a density of 104 cells / ml of cell culture media. The units were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C in a humidified CO2 incubator. The units were removed from the 96 well dishes, rinsed in phosphate buffered saline, fixed by immersion in 95% ethanol for 5 min, and air‐dried. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that HGF adhesion was statistically higher (over control) for Ti, Ti‐Zr, but not for ZrO2. We employed AFM (5 – 10 nm lateral resolution) to explicate the role of nanoscale roughness on cellular attachment; in particular, whether the nanoscale roughness played a dominant role in adhesion. AFM was performed on an Agilent 5420 SPM/AFM, in ambient conditions, housed in an acoustic and mechanical vibration isolation chamber and analyzed with Agilent's PicoView software package. Images were obtained in constant force mode with a 1 Hz scan rate, at 512 lines per image, with a Silicon Nitride cantilever (spring constant of 0.08 N/m and a tip radius of ≤ 10 nm). Images taken at size scales of 2 to 100 μm revealed an instrumented surface of Ti and Ti‐Zr that was coated with 50 – 100 nm pits and fissures, while ZrO2 remained relatively unchanged and smooth. Critically, these nanoscale features would have been difficult, if not impossible, to identify using traditional optical profilometry methods. Following cell plating, AFM clearly shows protruding cells on the control surface and a “planarizing” of the nanoscopically rough surfaces of instrumented Ti and Ti‐Zr. This likely occurs by filling of the pits and fissures with extracellular matrix during cell attachment. Alternatively, on ZrO2, the cells protruded from the surface for both the control and instrumented surface. In conclusion, the increase in nanoscale roughness following instrumentation, along with macroscale roughness, may play a significant role in HGF attachment and adhesion for dental implant and healing abutment materials, as it is more consistent with cellular size scales.

Support or Funding Information

This research was partially supported by a research grant from Straumann USA (IIS 15‐12).
The Cardiopharyngeal Field and Associated Syndromes in Humans
Authors: Forrester Angelique , Fahimuddin Fatimah , Singh Simmi , Ziermann Janine M
Published: November 2023

Early vertebrates like cyclostomes (lampreys and hagfish) have many muscles that appear as linear series of similar and equivalent structures, also called polyisomeres. In the first half of the 20th century William K. Gregory postulated that there is an evolutionary trend to reduce the numbers of repeating structures and/or to modify them into more specialized structures, which he designated as anisomerism. Similarly, “Williston's Law” is a trend towards a reduction in number and/or specialization in function of the bones of the skull. Interestingly, most of the discussion about anisomerism, polyisomerism, and Williston's Law focus on hard tissues. Here we provide an encompassing overview of the cephalic muscle evolution in vertebrates and show that there is (1) a trend to have less polyisomeric (serially similar) and more specialized muscles (anisomerism), and (2) a parallel between ontogeny and phylogeny, i.e. the same trends observed in evolution are observed in development. That is, it is important to stress that the decrease in polyisomeric muscles and increase in specialized muscles does not reflect the total number of cephalic muscles in the adult specimen. For example, during the cephalic muscle evolution from the last common ancestor of gnathostomes to humans 27 polyisomeric muscles were lost, but a single muscle (interhyoideus) got specialized into numerous muscles that are present in the adult human (ca. 22 muscles of facial expression).
Premature ovarian failure patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells show compromised potential to develop to germ cells and granulosa cells
Authors: Lu Chen‐Yu , Chen Yu‐An , Wu Fang‐Chun , Chang Nan‐Shan , Ho Hong‐Nerng , Chen Hsin‐Fu
Published: November 2023

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), is a common endocrine disorder in females, accounting for 1–2% in women during the reproductive ages. Patients with the disease experience spontaneous menopause before the age of 40 years, and frequently encounter significant difficulties and pains in overcoming the problems of infertility and menopausal syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying POF are difficult to study due to the lack of a suitable disease model. Recently pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem (ES) cells and human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, are becoming useful cell sources to study and dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying in vitro differentiation into specialized cell types. We and other researchers have previously shown that pluripotent stem cells including human ES cells and iPS cells are capable of developing into germ cells and granulosa cells. In this study, we derived POF patient‐specific iPS cell lines from three patients and two controls using skin fibroblasts or PBMCs and induced them to early female germ cells expressing germ cell markers VASA and GDF9 and meiosis marker SCP3, and also to granulosa‐like cells expressing FOXL2, FSHR, AMHR2, AMH and CYP19A1 (aromatase). We observed that the differentiated POF‐patient iPS cells showed differential expression levels of the granulosa cell markers and VASA, when compared to NTU1 human embryonic stem cells. The data demonstrated that iPS cells can be produced from POF patients and control subjects, and these cells can be induced in vitro to early germ cells and granulosa cells, but significantly with compromised potential when compared to other pluripotent stem cells. The POF patient‐specific iPS cells derived in this study thus represent a very useful disease model for further studies to test the disease mechanisms and to test drugs that may be useful for treating POF.

Support or Funding Information

National Science Council of the Republic of China (NSC) and National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), Taiwan
Using Rabbit Umbilical Cord Stem Cells as Vehicle to Deliver Anti‐Cancer Drugs to Treat Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Marolt Clayton , Rachakatla Raja Shekar
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest and most aggressive forms of cancer, with a five‐year survival rate after diagnosis of 6.7%. There are numerous treatments available, but none are able to effectively target the cancer cells directly without harming nearby healthy cells, causing unwanted side effects to the patient. The objective of this study is to determine how effective rabbit umbilical cord stem cells (rUCSC) are at targeting Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells and delivering interferon‐β (IFN‐β) to kill the cancer cells in vitro. We investigated the trophic ability of rUCSC towards Pan02 cells. This study showed that as Pan02 cell concentration increased, the amount of stem cell migration increased as well. We then investigated the anti‐cancer ability of rUCSC‐IFN‐β on Pan02 cells as compared to regular rUCSC. Pan02 cells both alive and dead were counted. This study showed that wells with rUCSC‐IFN‐β had higher amounts of dead Pan02 cells compared to the control wells with rUCSCs. These results indicate the trophic ability of rUCSCs and the use as a drug delivery vehicle through the anti‐cancer ability of IFN‐β. Future studies include testing rUCSC‐IFN‐β's efficacy on pancreatic cancer in vivo in SCID mouse models.
Functional cranial joint histology in Anas platyrhynchos: a window to understand avian cranial kinesis
Authors: Bailleul Alida M , Holliday Casey M
Published: November 2023

Many of the cranial joints of birds allow significant cranial kinesis, a phenomenon in part responsible for the remarkable diversity of avian feeding adaptations. Whereas some morphological and biomechanical features of cranial kinesis have been studied, little is known about joint structure at the microscopic scale. Consequently, it is still unclear: 1) how the skeletal tissues found at these joints mediate intracranial movements; 2) how these cranial joints vary among different reptile clades; and 3) if specific tissues coincide with particular loading environments. These data are key to understanding the structural basis of kinesis, how secondary articulations form and the origins of the avian feeding apparatus.

Here we investigated the functional joint histology of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Ducks have derived adaptations for herbivory and are model organisms in developmental biology and biomechanics. A total of five specimens (three adults and two hatchlings) were histologically sampled. Two other specimens were CT‐scanned using contrast‐enhancing techniques to build 3D anatomical and biomechanical models. Five intracranial joints were sampled: three diarthroses (jaw joint, otic joint and palatobasal joint) and two syndesmoses (mandibular symphysis and craniofacial hinge). CT data were registered with histological slides to better compare 3D structure.

The jaw, otic and palatobasal joints are all synovial, with a synovial cavity encasing cartilage on each articular surface. The prokinetic hinge is a complex joint: laterally it is synovial, whereas medially it is a synostosis. The mandibular symphysis is a synostosis. Upon comparisons with functionally homologous, albeit structurally analogous joints in lizards and crocodylians, major differences in tissue organization occur within the otic and palatobasal joints, as well as in portions of the craniofacial hinge, likely reflecting each clade's developmental and phylogenetic trajectories. These clade‐specific differences in joint microstructure are possibly responsible for the wide range of skull morphologies and cranial kinesis in reptiles. The results of this study have significant implications to understanding the origins of avian cranial kinesis in a broader phylogenetic context (i.e., within non‐avian dinosaurs).

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by: NSF‐IOS 1457319; Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences.
Evolvability and the Diversification of the Craniofacial Skeleton in the Domesticated Pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: Linde‐Medina Marta , Fondon John , Marcucio Ralph , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Young Nathan M.
Published: November 2023

The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the evolution of complex structures, like the cranium, represents a principal aim in evolutionary biology. It has been argued that the evolution of a modular organization, by which different subunits of a structure can change relatively independent from one another, has favored the morphological diversification of complex structures. However, the potential of species to diversify can be hidden in natural populations due to the fact that both natural selection and genetic drift tend to reduce phenotypic variation. This mismatch between potential and actual phenotypic variation will confound studies aimed to understand the role of integration and modularity in the evolution of complex structures. For example, a taxon with a high degree of modularity could display lower phenotypic variation than a taxon with low modularity if the former evolved under strong stabilizing selection. Domesticated species are characterized for displaying a wider spectrum of morphologies than their wild populations. Thus, domesticated species offer a unique opportunity to investigate if this increase in phenotypic diversification is related to changes in pattern and/or magnitude of morphological integration and modularity or, instead, it reflects the potential of a common structural pattern to generate phenotypic variation, i.e. the evolvability of the wild population. Here we use geometric morphometrics to quantify variation in cranium size and shape of domesticated pigeons and compare this to their feral counterparts. We show that domesticated pigeons do not represent novel phenotypes but extensions of variation already present in the feral population. We also show that the increase of variation in domesticated pigeons would mainly reflect the evolvability of the feral population.

Support or Funding Information

National Institutes of Health Grants R01DE019638 and R01DE021708.
The Effects of Body Weight Supported Physical Activity on Joint Pain, Function and Thigh Muscle Strength in Overweight Patients with Mild – Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Peeler Jason , Leiter Jeffrey , MacDonald Peter
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To examine the effect of a 12‐week lower body positive pressure (LBPP) supported low‐load treadmill walking program on knee joint pain, function, and thigh muscle strength in overweight knee OA patients.

Design

Prospective, observational, repeated measures.

Setting

Community based, multidisciplinary sports medicine clinic.

Participants

Thirty‐one patients between the ages of 55–75, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 and mild to moderate knee OA.

Intervention

Participants exercised under low‐load treadmill walking conditions twice weekly (for 12 weeks) using an amount of lower body positive pressure (LBPP) support that minimized knee pain while walking for a period of 25 minutes at a set speed of 3.1 mph at 0° incline.

Main Outcome Measurements

Acute knee pain (VAS) during full weight bearing treadmill walking, chronic knee pain and joint function (KOOS questionnaire) during normal activities of daily living, thigh muscle strength (Biodex isokentic dynamometer), and body anthropometry were assessed at baseline, week 13, and again at week 46.

Results

Immediately following completion of the 12 week exercise regimen, participants reported significant improvements in chronic knee pain and function, and demonstrated significant increases in thigh muscle strength about the degenerative knee. Participants also experienced significant reductions in acute knee pain during full‐weight bearing treadmill walking, and required dramatically less LBPP support in order to walk pain free on the treadmill. More than 33 weeks following exercise cessation, patients continued to report improvements in knee joint pain and symptoms; experienced enhanced joint function; and maintained thigh muscle strength gains.

Conclusions

Data suggest that a LBPP supported low‐load exercise regime can be used to significantly diminish knee pain, enhance joint function and increase thigh muscle strength, while safely promoting pain‐free walking exercise in over‐weight knee OA patients. These findings have important implications for the development and refinement of exercise strategies and interventions used in the management of joint symptoms associated with knee OA, and for improving the physical health, quality of life and social well‐being of North America's aging population.

Impact of the Study

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) supported low‐load exercise is a safe user‐friendly mode of exercise that can be successfully used in the management of day‐to‐day joint symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis, as well as to study the long term impact of regular exercise on knee OA pathogeneses and progression.

Support or Funding Information

Funding provided by the Manitoba Centre on Aging, and on‐going support through the University of Manitoba and the Pan Am Clinic Foundation.
The Collaborative Undergraduate Research Lab: Using Yeast Genetics To Create An Authentic Research Experience For Freshman
Authors: Johnson Tracy
Published: November 2023

In the last several years, there has been a growing recognition of the value of discovery‐driven research experiences for undergraduates. The benefits are well‐documented, including better learning outcomes, higher overall GPAs, and increased persistence in STEM disciplines. Notably, while the data are compelling for students in general, there appear to be particularly strong benefits for students who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. A key component of persistence in STEM, particularly for traditionally underrepresented students, is their ability to identify as scientists (See for example Estrada‐Hollenbeck et al. J. Educ. Psychology 2011). To this end, and with the support of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Professors program, we have developed the Collaborative Undergraduate Research Lab (CURL) to provide first year students with a discovery‐based, authentic research experience within a classroom setting.

The CURL is an introductory course that provides research training for up to 22 students in a 10‐week quarter and includes complementary instruction in genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Additionally, the course includes intensive focus on laboratory ethics, science writing (grants and manuscripts), and research presentation—all of which are key components of research science. The CURL is closely aligned with my laboratory's research, which focuses on understanding the process of RNA splicing. The students in the CURL address the basic question: How does the cellular machinery that carries out RNA splicing (the spliceosome) work? Using the genetically tractable model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) the students perform a genetic screen to generate mutants that they then characterize using molecular genetics approaches. At the end of the quarter, when the mutants have been identified and characterized, the students present their research findings to each other and to a panel of faculty observers and prepare their contributions for a publication that includes all of the students as co‐authors, which is currently in preparation.

Our initial assessment indicates that engaging early‐stage students in inquiry based research experiences that mirror the activities of professional research scientists can have a profound effect on student learning outcomes, identification as scientists, and the propensity to pursue research opportunities in STEM disciplines. The results of these assessments will be presented here.

Support or Funding Information

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Award# 52008140
Laterality and Locality of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to Pancreatic Position; Right Kidney RCC Mechanism of Dissemination to Pancreatic Position
Authors: Hartley Christopher Kirk , Raffoul Adam , Johnson Marjorie , Gomez Jose A , Pautler Stephen , McAlister Vivian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of all adult malignancies. Although RCC does not commonly metastasize to the pancreas, it is the most common source of metastasis in the pancreas. RCC preferentially disseminates via the renal vein to common sites such as the lung, brain, and bone. Current literature does not document a physical explanation for why the pancreas is susceptible to RCC metastasis as it is upstream in the venous drainage. We hypothesize a potential undocumented local vascular or lymphatic route from the kidney to the pancreas to explain pancreatic susceptibility to RCCs. This study aims to map anatomical structures and pathways that might be responsible for metastatic spread between the right perinephric compartment and anterior paranephric compartment.

Methods

Four fresh frozen cadaveric specimens and 20 fixed cadaveric specimens are in the process of microdissection following vascular latex injection.

A study is underway to map perinephric and anterior paranephric lymphatics and lymph nodes will be identified using GEWF (glacial acetic acid, ethanol, distilled water, and formaldehyde) and immunohistochemistry for monoclonal antibody D2–40 (a marker of lymphatic endothelium). Vasculature will be identified under a dissection microscope and further characterized using immunohistochemistry for polyclonal antibody CD31 (a pan‐endothelial marker).

Preliminary results

Vasculature has been observed exiting the kidney via the capsule into the perinephric fat. Microdissection has revealed a rich vessel network supplying the superior medial aspect of the perirenal space converging on the adrenal gland. In addition, vasculature has been observed extending to and running along the internal barrier of Gerota's fascia. The GEWF solution is being tested on axillary fat as a control for comparison of lymph node identification in the renal perinephric and paranephric fat.

Discussion

Anatomical understanding of the vascular and lymphatic pathways between the kidney and the pancreas will help determine the extent of radical resection surgery with a curative intent. In addition, our study may have implications on the local resection of tumors.
Marked individual differences in the propensity to select methamphetamine over food reinforcement in a rat preclinical model
Authors: Purpura Mari
Published: November 2023

Drug abuse and addiction are serious health issues in the US and worldwide. Methamphetamine (METH) abuse remains an extremely serious problem in the United States and the consequences of METH abuse are devastating psychologically, medically, and socially. However, the factors that contribute to METH addiction vulnerability remain largely unknown. Recent preclinical data have demonstrated that there is substantial individual variation in the propensity to select drugs of abuse (cocaine or heroin) over a competing reinforcer (food) with the majority of individual exhibiting a strong preference for one reinforcer. Further, the distribution of individuals that prefer cocaine over food exhibits a marked sex difference with females exhibiting a higher propensity to forgo food reinforcement to obtain cocaine as compared to males. Currently, there is limited information on how subject factors may impact the selection of METH over a competing reinforcer and thus, we have begun to explore individual differences in a rat model of METH versus food choice. Briefly, rats are implanted with an intravenous catheter and then trained for METH or food reinforcement on alternating days followed by assessment of choice between these reinforcers followed by additional tests at higher doses of METH. To date, the data indicate that, like cocaine, there is a high degree of individual difference in the selection of METH over food reinforcement and that this selection is dependent upon METH dose with 12.5% selecting 0.05 mg/kg/infusion METH and 37.5% selecting 0.1 mg/kg/infusion METH over food reinforcement. Our preliminary data also suggest that, in comparison to reports of employing drug‐food choice procedures in male rats, that females exhibit higher and more plastic (i.e. dose dependent) selection between METH over a competing reinforcer. Additional studies will provide a more direct comparison between males and females as well as determine the potential contribution of gonadal hormones. Generally, the results of this pilot study are consistent with the growing body of clinical and preclinical evidence demonstrating that females exhibit a higher addiction vulnerability for stimulant drugs of abuse.
a Medium‐sized, Enlarged Anatomical Model of Human Ear in plaster (first middle of the 20th century)
Authors: LE FLOCH‐PRIGENT PATRICE P , FROMAGER VALERIE , GILLOT JEAN‐BERNARD
Published: November 2023

An enlarged model of the human ear represented the temporal bone with the elements of the middle ear. It was 30 cm long, 22 cm wide and 14 cm high. The basis (26,7 ; 16,3 ; 2,5 cm) was in wood painted in black. The osseous sections of the temporal bone (squamous part and roof of the petrous bone) were represented with the diploë. The tympanic membrane presented a 5 mm peripheral annulus and was 5 cm wide and 5,5 cm high. The malleus, uncus and corda tympani (VII) were stuck on the medial face of the tympanic membrane. The internal carotid artery was represented in its extra and intra‐cranial aspect. The internal jugular vein was represented in its extra‐cranial aspect. The elements of the internal ear were missing. Numerous numbers and letters corresponded to legends of which the text was unknown. The roof of the petrous bone was missing. A well drawn auricle was present. This sample in plaster was very similar to a still greater one belonging also to the Scientific Library Brieux ‐ Gillot in Paris (France) on january 2015. Their craftsman was identical.

Support or Funding Information

Librairie scientifique Brieux ‐ Gillot, 48 rue Jacob, 75006 Paris ‐ France
An Enlarged Anatomical Model of Ear in Wax (Tramond, Paris), late 19th century
Authors: LE FLOCH‐PRIGENT PATRICE P , FROMANGER MARINE , GILLOT JEAN‐BERNARD , VERDEILLE STEPHANE
Published: November 2023

A wax ear model was observed in its anatomical veracity and its structures detailed by a CT‐scan examination. It was 13 cm high, 17 cm long and 17 cm high. The three parts of the ear were represented. The auricle (11,7 cm high, 8 cm antero‐posterior, 5 cm transversal) represented the cartilaginous part and several muscles, the external auditory conduct ; the middle ear represented the tympanic membrane, the malleus and the uncus, the facial nerve and the tympanic cord ; the internal ear represented the superior part of the cochleo‐vestibular apparatus. The temporal bone was represented with its squamous part, the petrous pyramid and the tympanal bone. The end of the internal carotid artery ( 5 cm long, 1 cm in diameter) was represented in red as the middle meningeal artery on the the endocranial face of the squamous part of the temporal bone covered by a thin transparent layer of wax representing the dura mater. The lateral part of the Eustachian tube was represented (6 cm long, 1,3 cm in diameter). Not any element could be removed from its adjacent parts, this was dued to the construction in wax. The CT‐scan (Siemens somatom definition) proved that the anatomical part in wax was made by two joined elements. An internal metallic wire attached it to the plaster foot (12 cm high, 12 cm wide). The basis in wood was 29 cm in diameter and comprised two labels : one metallic and one in paper authentifying Tramond as the craftman. He was active late in the 19th century and during the beginning of the 20th century.
Does Sinus Surgery Increase the Risk of Orbital Fractures in Patients?
Authors: Joshi Rootu , Johnson Marjorie , Willmore Katherine , Galil Khadry , Jenkyn Thomas , Sowerby Leigh , Moore Corey
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The orbit is bounded by thin bony walls that are prone to fracture in facial trauma. Despite its thin nature, the medial orbital wall, or lamina papyracea, is less likely to fracture than the orbital floor. This may be due to the uncinate process of the ethmoid bone, as well as the ethmoid bulla, acting as buttresses for the medial orbital wall. What is not understood is how functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and its associated uncinectomy and ethmoidectomy, affect the fragility of the bony orbit. Resection of the uncinate process and ethmoid bulla, as well as skeletonization of the lamina papyracea, may predispose a patient to post‐surgical fractures. We hypothesize that FESS will decrease the force required to induce a fracture in the medial orbital wall.

Objectives/Methods

The objective of this study was to establish the force required to induce orbital fractures in cadaveric specimens, while evaluating the occurrence, severity and pattern of post‐surgery fractures. Using fixed (n=4) cadaveric heads, a pilot study was conducted to test the protocol and narrow the range of force required to produce orbital fractures. Subsequent studies will be performed using fresh‐frozen (n=8) cadaveric heads. FESS has been performed on one side of the head for each fresh‐frozen specimen, while the other side serves as control. Pre‐operative CT scans have been performed on all heads. Heads will be potted in 4″ PVC pipes, with dental cement, for stability during testing. Globes will be reinflated with a viscous sodium hyaluronate injectable for standardization of pressure, confirmed with a tonometer. An impactor mass of 1.356 kg will be dropped from varying heights onto the orbit to induce fractures. The force of impact will be measured, via accelerometer, to compare operated and non‐operated sides. Post‐operative fractures within the orbital wall will be detected via cone‐beam CT.

Results

Pilot study results indicate that the force required to fracture the orbital floor is lower than the force required to fracture the medial orbital wall and these forces are in line with published values (orbital floor: ≥ 2.08 J; medial wall: ≥ 4.90 J). The post‐surgical force testing and scanning has not been completed at this time.

Discussion/Future Directions

This is the first study to look at the effect of sinus surgery on orbital fracture risk in patients. Subsequent studies will analyze whether FESS decreases the force required to induce fractures of the medial orbital wall. As the prevalence of post‐FESS patients increases, it is important to understand how the bony alterations of sinus surgery affect the stability of the orbit in order to counsel patients appropriately and obtain informed consent.
Dissection of a New Born: a Visceral Model in Wax by C. Kellner, early 20th century
Authors: LE FLOCH‐PRIGENT PATRICE P , FROMANGER Marine , GILLOT Jean‐Bernard , BARBET Patrick
Published: November 2023

A rare model of dissection in wax of the trunk and neck in a new‐born was observed in order to appreciate its anatomical veracity. It belonged to the Scientific Library Brieux (Paris 6ème) on november 2016. It was contained in a box painted in black which was 39,5 cm long, 25 cm wide and 12 cm deep in its external dimensions. The main part of the dissection represented the abdomen under the diaphragmatic muscle and the pelvis. The body and the tail of the pancreas were represented and also the spleen; the inferior vena cava and the aorta were represented in their abdominal aspect. The liver, the small and large intestine were not represented. The two kidneys were represented (only the caudal pole for the left one) with a very large right adrenal gland which proved that the subject was a new born as after birth its size diminishes. The two ureters were represented as a largely opened urinary bladder and behind the cross‐section of the rectum. A penis and a left scrotum ascertained that the subject was a male. The thorax was represented frontally cut with the cross‐section of the ribs on their lateral segment. The two right and left lungs were represented and the vascular arteries of their hilus as well. The heart was not represented. The cervical and mediastinal trachea was represented and the main bronchi below, then the inferior thoracic part of the oesophagus with the vagal plexus. The vagus (X CN) and the phrenic nerve were represented on both sides at their cervical and thoracic way. The inferior layngeal nerve was represented on both sides. In the rostral region, the larynx was represented and also the mandible and the external mouth. The roots of the four limbs was toughly represented on their superficial cutaneous aspect. The gross‐anatomy of the new born is poorly studied (except in the book of Crelin) and rarely represented as a model in three dimensions, especially in wax. The sample was signed by C. Kellner which is quite unknown: there was no mention of this craftman in the book of Michel Lemire: « Artistes et mortels », Paris, Chabaud, 1990. The beginning of the 20th century is a plausible datation.
Gautier d'Agoty, 1746, Paris: a Coloured Plate of Six Dissections of the Upper Limb
Authors: LE FLOCH‐PRIGENT PATRICE P , FROMANGER Marine , GILLOT Jean‐Bernard
Published: November 2023

Gautier d'Agoty is very famous for his engravings with four passages of coloured inks; this procedure gave several colors with an excellent rendering of the human dissections during the 18th century in France. We have analyzed the anatomical veracity of the plate #17 “demonstrated by Duverney, painted and engraved by J. Gautier”. In november 2015, It belonged (#64747) to the Scientific Library Alain Brieux ‐ Gillot. It represented the dissections of a left human upper limb: the hand with the posterior (x1) and anterior (x2) aspects, the forearm with the hand on their posterior and anterior aspects, and the deltoid muscle. The anatomical veracity was excellent. The dimensions of the frame of the plate were 72 × 55 cm. The editors were Gautier, Quillau and Lamesle, in Paris, 1746. The exact title was: “ Suite de l'essai d'anatomie en tableaux imprimés représentant au naturel tous les muscles du pharinx, du tronc et des extrémités supérieures (...) par M Duverney (...) comprenant 12 grandes planches par le Sieur Gautier (...) ‐ Myologie complète en couleur et grandeur naturelle, composée de l'essai et de la suite de l'essai d'anatomie, en tableaux imprimés, par M. Gautier d'Agoty, père (1716–1785) de l'Académie des Sciences des Belles Lettres de Dijon et Pensionnaire de sa Majesté”. These plates were so large that they were commonly fold; for this sample, there is only one fold perpendicular to the middle of the length. These plates are so wonderful that they are commonly used for decorative puposes especially in the libraries of the medical schools; this spectacular aspect is excellent for the gross‐anatomy field but the main thing is their scientific exactitude.
an Animal Series of Embryological Models in Plaster by Meusel in Germany, circa 1900, probably Representing the Amphioxus
Authors: Le Floch‐Prigent Patrice P.
Published: November 2023

Twenty (20 cm high) models in plaster represented the beginning of the animal embryology. They were mounted on a wooden basis by a metallic wire. All the early models had a polar globule. The first stages of the segmentation were represented with successively : one, two, four, eight, and so on cells, then was a morula and a blastula stage with a cyst and then the gastrulation. At least, three models in a large size represented two hemi‐sections : one (33cm long) was probably an amphioxus larva with three layers dorsally and two ones ventrally ; the other one with ten big somites could be a drosophila sample ; and a frontal cross‐section with the beginning of the organogenesis. A label (L M M) on the basis corresponded to Meusel, a german craftsman which was active during two or three decades after 1900.

These models could be the representation of the first embryological stages in the amphioxus or in a sea urchin which were largely studied in these times. Unfortunately the embryology even for its morphological aspects has made so much progress that these models have now only an historical interest and no more a teaching one.

Support or Funding Information

Brieux‐Gillot Scientific Library, 48 rue Jacob, Paris 6th. France
Post‐pneumonectomy Compensatory Lung Growth is Associated with Spatially Dependent Blood‐Borne Myofibroblast Recruitment
Authors: Ysasi Alexandra , Gibney Barry , Chamoto Kenji , Valenzuela Cristian , Bennett Robert , Wagner Willi , Ackermann Maximilian , Tsuda Akira , Mentzer Steven
Published: November 2023

In several mammalian species, including rodents and humans, removing one lung results in the compensatory growth of the remaining lung. Following left pneumonectomy in mice, lung growth involves an increase in lung volume (46.03% in 14 days, p<0.01), weight (45.56% in 14 days, p<0.01) and cell number (46.77% in 14 days, p<0.05). An increase in lung volume with no change in mean linear intercept (59.70 +/− 2.00 μm) yields an increase in surface area (29.88 × 103 cm2/kg at day14, p<0.05), indicating an increase in the number of alveoli. However, histologic clues to the mechanism of lung growth are lacking. Post‐pneumonectomy lung growth is rarely associated with the cellular aggregates typically associated with tissue repair. To investigate the possibility of a distributed, blood‐borne delivery of regenerative cells, we studied a parabiotic wild‐type (WT) green fluorescent protein (GFP) cross‐circulation model. After WT pneumonectomy, the remaining WT lung was studied with whole‐lobe serial section fluorescence histology and automated multi‐wavelength cell scoring. Analysis of whole‐lobe image stacks demonstrated that 9.30% of all lung cells are derived from the peripheral blood (GFP+), with this number increasing 64.70% within 14 days of pneumonectomy (p<0.05). Within this GFP+ population, cells co‐expressing the myofibroblast marker cytoplasmic alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) increased more than 4‐fold within 14 days of pneumonectomy (4.17% of total cells, p<0.01). These GFP+/αSMA+ cells migrated from heterogeneous subpleural regions of the lung starting 3 days after pneumonectomy (average distance from the pleura=321.48μm). The blood‐derived cells migrated into the septa of centrally located remodeling alveoli by day 14 (average distance from the pleura=1345.12μm, p<0.01). In contrast, other cell types such as GFP+/CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells did not display this spatial autocorrelation. When compared to finite element analyses of post‐pneumonectomy lung deformation, the heterogeneous subpleural regions with myofibroblast recruitment correlated with areas of maximal lung stretch. Finally, morphometry of the migrating myofibroblasts demonstrated a progressive change in the cell shape factor from round on day 3 (average shape factor=0.48), to elongated at day 14 (average shape factor= 0.38, p<0.01)—findings that suggest cell integration into the architecture of the remodeling lung. We conclude that the selective recruitment and directed migration of blood‐borne myofibroblasts is a fundamental mechanism of lung repair and regeneration.
Expression of myostatin in postnatal mouse head and leg muscles
Authors: Miwa Yoko , Takada Hiroshi , Sato Iwao , Sunohara Masataka
Published: November 2023

Objective

Myostatin (Mstn) is a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family that regulates muscle differentiation and growth. Thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRα) effects to the producing the myogenic protein in muscle development. We aimed to identify the relationships between Mstn, TRα, and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms expression during postnatal mouse development.

Methods

We investigated the expression of Mstn, TRα, and MyHCs (embryonic, slow, IIa, IIb, and IIx) using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and ELISA (Mstn) in postnatal mouse muscles between day 0 and day 10. We also examined the correlations between Mstn, TR and MyHCs during early development of mouse masseter muscle (MM) and of the rectus femoris muscle (RFM).

Results

Distinct Mstn mRNA expression patterns were observed in the two muscles, despite nearly non‐significant changes in the Mstn protein abundance in MM. The expression pattern of the TRα mRNA in the MM differed from that observed in the RFM. The expression of the MyHC IIa, IIb and IIx mRNAs increased in the MM and decreased in the RFM from day 0 to day 10, while embryonic fiber MyHC mRNA expression was similar in both muscle types. Principal component analysis showed that the existence of correlation between; 1) TRα and MyHC, 2) Mstn and MyHC, and 3) TRα and Mstn. They were different according to two muscles. Cluster analyses identified the distinct clusters: cluster 1, days 0–4 for the MM and day 0 for the RFM; cluster 2, day 6 for the MM and day 2 for the RFM; and cluster 3, days 8–10 for the MM and days 4–10 for the RFM.

Conclusions

These data suggest that TRα potentially influences MyHC expression in both muscle types. In addition, Mstn has a limited effect in the MM related to the expression of individual MyHCs, as opposed to its role in the RFM, at early postnatal developmental stages. TRα could be involved in regulating both the temporal expression of MyHCs and Mstn at early postnatal stages in the mouse head and leg muscles.

Support or Funding Information

none