bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe iron deficiency and manganese concentrations in the rat cerebrum
Authors: Yokoi Katsuhiko , Konomi Aki
Published: June 2021

Severe iron deficiency is known to increase brain manganese concentration in rats. We studied whether severe iron deficiency affects dose‐effect relationship between dietary manganese and brain manganese in rats. Forty‐eight weaning male Wistar rats were equally divided into 8 groups and fed on respective experimental diets for 7 weeks. Four diets were iron‐deficient diet containing graded levels of manganese: one times, 3 times, 6 times and 9 times the National Research Council manganese requirement. The other four diets were iron‐adequate diet containing the graded levels of manganese as same as the above. After dietary regimen and 16 hour starvation, rat cerebrum was separated into striate, hippocampus and cortex (i.e., remaining parts). Samples were decomposed by wet ashing using nitric acid followed by hydrogen peroxide. Manganese concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed by simple linear regression, general linear model and nonlinear regression. The model that gave the highest Akaike information criterion was selected. Except for hippocampal manganese concentration in iron‐adequate rats, manganese concentrations in the measured brain regions were significantly and positively correlated with dietary manganese level. For hippocampus and striate, a general linear model was selected. Iron deficiency and dietary manganese independently and significantly increased manganese level in striate. In hippocampus, iron deficiency significantly increased manganese concentration. Effect of dietary manganese was significant when animals were iron‐deficient. Exponential saturation model regarding dietary manganese was selected for cortex. Effect of dietary manganese was significant and iron deficiency increased the curve span approximately by two‐fold. These results suggest that severe iron deficiency augments increments of manganese level by dietary manganese in the rat brain region.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP17K00877 and JP 25350137.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Cardiovascular and metabolic responses to the ingestion of caffeinated herbal tea: is it healthier to drink it cold?
Authors: Maufrais Claire , Sarafian Delphine , Dulloo Abdul , Montani Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2021

Aim

Tea is usually drunk either hot or cold. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular and metabolic responses to the ingestion of caffeinated herbal tea (Yerba Mate) at cold or hot drink temperature in healthy young subjects. We hypothesized that ingestion of cold tea induces a higher increase in energy expenditure (EE) than hot tea without eliciting any negative effects on the cardiovascular system.

Methods

Cardiovascular, metabolic and cutaneous responses were analyzed in twenty‐three healthy subjects (twelve men and eleven women) sitting comfortably with a 30‐min baseline and 90 min following ingestion of 500 mL of an unsweetened Yerba Mate tea ingested over 5 min either at cold (~3 °C) or hot (~55 °C) temperature, according to a randomized cross‐over design.

Results

Averaged over the 90 min post‐drink ingestion and compared to hot tea, cold tea induced a decrease in heart rate (cold tea: −5 ± 1 beats.min−1; hot tea: −1 ± 1 beats.min−1), double product, skin blood flow and hand temperature and an increase in baroreflex sensitivity, fat oxidation and EE (cold tea: +8.3 %; hot tea: +3.7 %). Averaged over the 90 min post‐drink ingestion, we observed no differences in tea temperature on cardiac output work and mean blood pressure responses.

Conclusion

Ingestion of an unsweetened caffeinated herbal tea at cold temperature induced a greater stimulation of thermogenesis and fat oxidation than hot tea, without eliciting any negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Further experiments are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of unsweetened caffeinated herbal tea at a cold temperature for weight control.

Support or Funding Information

Swiss Heart Foundation
THE USE OF ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE MYOGRAPHY FOR THE EVALUATION OF MUSCLE QUALITY AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADULTS
Authors: MENDOZA‐HERNANDEZ ALMA NUBIA , RIVERA‐ROMAN VIVIANA , CUAMATZIN LEONEL , ORTIZ‐LOZANO WENDOLIN
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is widespread both in healthy subjects and patients. There are new technique, Electrical impedance myography (EIM) for the evaluation of muscle quality. The composition myography has important features, the first is that the electrical current can be applied at a range of frequencies. Different tissues are sensitive to the frequencies. The second feature is that electrical current flows more easily along the muscle fibers than across them. This feature also allows us to discriminate muscle from other tissues.

Objective

To determinate the fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and Muscle quality (MQ) in adults and their relationship with quality of life (QoL).

Methodology

Information of the body composition was obtained by EIM and BIA, information was used to determinate FM and FFM percentages. Quality of life was obtained by EuroQol‐5D. Information of the dietary intake was obtained by 24‐hour recall. Statistical analysis included a paired t test, to determinate the differences between body compositon techniques; and linear regression analysis to determinate the effect of the MQ and the QoL.

Results

Forty‐six adults (33 males and 67 females) were evaluated. The mean amount of energy, fat, protein, and carbohydrates were 2200.1 kcal/d (SD=500), 65 gr/d (SD=25), 71 gr/d (SD=13) and 233 gr/d (SD=60), respectively; The FM as 33%, high, the prevalence in overweigth was 53%. MQ was good in 36%. The amount of EQ‐5D as 0.82 (SD=0.15). The MQ was entered into the linear regression model as a continuous variable, the QoL were significant (p=0.031)

Conclusion

Electrical impedance myography has a potent facility to measure the fat‐ mass and muscle quality synthesis, where body composition measure should be considerate. This nutritional dietary analysis indicate a protein deficit 15%, that makes available a free pool to replace the protein degradation when the amount FFM is adequate. Further research must be done in order to link the muscle quality and functionality to quality of life.

Support or Funding Information

INSTITUTION: UPAEP

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Does Notch Act Through mTOR to Regulate Protein Synthesis?
Authors: Huot Joshua , Thompson Brian , McMullen Charlotte , Arthur Susan
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Notch signaling is thought to be crucial in regulating skeletal muscle regeneration, however, the impact Notch signaling has on other skeletal muscle processes (e.g. protein synthesis) remains unclear. The purpose of this project was to determine the effects of Notch inhibition on protein synthesis in C2C12 cells.

METHODS

C2C12s were seeded, proliferated to ~ 90% confluence and then differentiated for four days. At the onset of differentiation, C2C12s were treated every 12 hours (from 0hr–96hr) with one of the following conditions: 4 μmoL of gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI: Notch inhibitor), 100 nmoL of Rapamycin (mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor), both, or control. Four days post‐differentiation C2C12s were fixed for immunofluorescence to quantify myotube formation, or were collected and analyzed for components of Notch, anabolic signaling, and protein synthesis (via puromycin incorporation).

RESULTS

GSI treatment increased fusion index compared to the other three treatments (fusing nuclei/total nuclei) (p <0.0001). Rapamycin abrogated fusion index relative to control (p <0.0001). GSI + Rapamycin‐treated CC12s also had reduced fusion index compared to control (p<0.0001). GSI‐treated C2C12s displayed elevated protein synthesis compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). Rapamycin reduced protein synthesis compared to control (p < 0.05). GSI+Rapamycin‐treated C2C12s did not differ in protein synthesis compared to control or Rapamycin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests that Notch may regulate protein synthesis through mTOR.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Phytoecdysteroids Enhance Skeletal Muscle Function Recovery Following In Vivo Eccentric Contraction‐Induced Injury in Old Mice
Authors: Hodgman Charles F. , Godwin Joshua S. , Zwetsloot Kevin A. , Shanely R. Andrew
Published: June 2021

Phytoecdysteroids are natural plant steroids synthesized by a variety of hardy plants. Previous work by our group has shown that administration of phytoecdysteroids, such as 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E), in old mice results in an increase in protein synthesis signaling and skeletal muscle fiber size. The effect of phytoecdysteroids on recovery from eccentric contraction‐induced skeletal muscle damage is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the degree to which 7 days of 20E supplementation, in old male mice, improves recovery of isometric skeletal muscle function following injurious eccentric muscle contractions (EC), compared to placebo (PLA). Old male mice (mean age 27.5 ± 0.5 months) were assigned to either EC+20E or EC+PLA treatment groups. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and then in vivo isometric contractions (Aurora Scientific, 1300A) were performed to obtain optimal electrode placement for stimulation of the anterior crural muscle group. Following electrode placement, the isometric torque‐frequency relationship was established (PRE). Then, 150 EC were performed to induce injury in the anterior crural muscle group. Upon completion, the torque‐frequency relationship was re‐measured to confirm damage (POST). Following recovery from anesthesia, the mice received either 20E (50 mg•kg−1 BW) in liquid diet (BioServ, AIN‐76) or PLA (liquid diet only) by oral gavage. Mice were gavaged daily for 6 days. On day 7, mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and the torque‐frequency relationship was re‐assessed (7‐day). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that EC in EC+PLA led to a depression in the torque‐frequency relationship, as measured at 7‐day (p<0.01). Conversely, 7 days of 20E supplementation led to recovery of the torque‐frequency relationship to PRE levels (p=0.461). Additionally, maximal (250 Hz) and submaximal (40 Hz) isometric torques remained depressed in EC+PLA (p=0.014 and p=0.004, respectively), while EC+20E showed no change (p=0.559, p=0.632, respectively) from PRE to 7‐day. In conclusion, these findings suggest that 20E exerts anabolic or ergogenic effects in old male mice that aid in recovery of isometric skeletal muscle function following EC‐induced injury.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Regulation of Intracellular Calcium in Uterine Leiomyomas
Authors: Ravix Jovanka L. , Purdy Mackenzie D. , Thompson Michael D. , Wicher Sarah A. , Roesler Anne A. , Manlove Logan , Britt Rodney D. , Wheeler Lydia D. , Parikh Pavan , Stewart Elizabeth , Pabelick Christina , Prakash Y.S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are benign smooth muscle cell tumors of the uterus that affect a large percentage of reproductive aged women, contribute to infertility, excessive menstrual bleeding, and represent the leading cause of hysterectomy (~70%). Despite their importance, the mechanisms that promote fibroid growth are still not well‐understood. Fibroids are comprised of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts and their growth is modulated by hormones including estrogen and progesterone. Intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i signaling is a key aspect of SMC physiology in promoting contractility, cell proliferation, and fibrosis: aspects relevant to fibroid biology. While [Ca2+]i regulation in normal myometrium is well characterized, this has not been explored in fibroids. The goal of this study was to explore [Ca2+]i regulation in fibroid SMCs and the effect of sex steroids towards obtaining insights into tumor progression.

Methods

Cells were enzymatically isolated from normal myometrium and select fibroids of different sizes from patients undergoing myomectomy at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (IRB approved). [Ca2+]i was measured using fura‐2/AM and real‐time fluorescence microscopy. The contribution of Ca2+ influx vs. intracellular pathways in the responses to 1uM oxytocin were assessed using pharmacological inhibitors/activators. Cells were pretreated with vehicle, 1nM estrogen, or 1nM progesterone to assess the effect of sex steroids.

Results

Fibroid‐derived cells showed a greater contribution of Ca2+ influx pathways in their responses to oxytocin than normal myometrium. Here, the Ca2+‐activated chloride channel TMEM16A (Ano1) was found to be contributory, with Western analysis showing higher levels of Ano1 in fibroids. Exposure to estrogen resulted in significantly higher [Ca2+]i responses compared to cells treated with vehicle or progesterone, although progesterone did enhance [Ca2+]i responses as well. Estrogen increased Ano1 expression. Cell proliferation was also increased in fibroid cells.

Conclusions

Exposure to estrogen and progesterone enhances oxytocin induced [Ca2+]i responses of fibroid‐derived cells, potentially via increased TMEM16A (Ano1). Such increases may further contribute to the observed hormone‐induced enhancement of fibroid cell proliferation. Menstrual cycle fluctuations in reproductive aged women may thus contribute to the progression of fibroids. Greater understanding of calcium signaling pathways such as Ano1 in fibroid tissue may allow for novel therapeutic targets in uterine leiomyomas.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH grants R25 GMO75148 (JLR), R01 HL088029 (YSP), and R01 HL56470 (YSP).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Secondhand smoke exposure impairs vascular reactivity in mesenteric arteries
Authors: Nieves‐Cintron Madeline , Syed Arsalan , Pan Shiyue , Karey Emma , Sun Junqing , Navedo Manuel , Chen Chao‐Yin
Published: June 2021

Secondhand smoke (SHS) has significant detrimental vascular effects, including enhanced vasoconstriction and hypertension. Yet, the mechanisms linking SHS exposure to these complications are unclear. Although the multifactorial nature of these changes is well appreciated (e.g. endothelial dysfunction, aberrant central control regulation), impaired vascular smooth muscle (VSM) function may also be a key, yet poorly explored, contributing factor. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that vascular reactivity of small diameter mesenteric arteries is altered in mice exposed to SHS. Mice were randomized into control (filter air, FA) and experimental (SHS) groups and exposed to either FA or SHS (Total Suspended Particle, TSP = 3 ± 1 mg/m3; 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week) for a 12 weeks period. After 12 weeks, mesenteric arteries from mice exposed to SHS showed higher (P < 0.05) myogenic tone compared to arteries from the FA group (15.7 ± 2 vs. 23.2 ± 2 FA vs. SHS, respectively). Moreover, we found reduced ACh‐induced vasodilation in SHS arteries (p < 0.05). Consistent with elevated myogenic tone, the resting membrane potential (Vm) of VSM cells isolated from mesenteric arteries of mice exposed to SHS was more depolarized (p < 0.05) than in cells from arteries from the FA group (−42.3 ± 3 vs. −35 ± 2, FA vs. SHS, respectively). Our next series of experiments will examine mechanisms mediating changes in Vm in VSM from SHS versus FA. Our results suggest that SHS have deleterious effects on the vasculature that may involve changes in VSM function.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by NIH R01ES025229, R01HL098200, R01HL121059, and NIH‐T32 HL086350.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Effect of metabolic syndrome and aging on coronary artery disease severity and Ca2+ dysregulation in coronary smooth muscle in Ossabaw miniature swine
Authors: Badin Jill K. , Bruning Rebecca S. , Sturek Michael
Published: June 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and aging are prevalent risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) that play a role in the etiology of CAD, including dysregulation of Ca2+ transporter function in coronary smooth muscle (CSM). The current study examined Ca2+ dysfunction in MetS‐ compared to aging‐induced CAD.

Methods

Young (2.5 ± 0.2 years) and old (8.8 ± 1.2 years) swine were fed an atherogenic diet for 11 months to induce MetS and were compared to lean age‐matched controls. The metabolic profile was confirmed by body weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and intravenous glucose tolerance test. CAD was measured with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and histology. Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was assessed with fura‐2.

Results

CAD severity was similar between MetS young and lean old swine, with MetS old swine exhibiting the most severe disease. Fura‐2 imaging of [Ca2+]i in CSM revealed that both MetS young and lean old swine had increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store release, and MetS young swine exhibited increased Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. Lean old swine exhibited attenuated sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase activity. MetS old and MetS young swine had similar Ca2+ dysregulation.

Conclusions

Ca2+ dysregulation in CSM is more pronounced in lean old compared to both MetS groups, which is indicative of mild, proliferative CAD. MetS old and MetS young swine exhibit Ca2+ dysfunction that is typical of late, severe disease. The more advanced, complex plaques in MetS old swine suggest that the “aging milieu” potentiates effects of Ca2+ handling dysfunction in CAD.

Support or Funding Information

This research was supported by HL125385, P30 DK097512, T32 HL079995, Indiana University School of Medicine Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Research, and the Fortune‐Fry Ultrasound Research Fund.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Synergistic effects of Dantrolene and Nimodipine on the Phenylephrine‐induced Contraction and ACh‐induced Relaxation in Aortic Rings from Diabetic Rats
Authors: Roman Marie , Ramirez Jose , Torres Ricardo , Morales Myrna , Torres Hector , Crespo Maria J.
Published: June 2021

Diabetics have a higher risk of developing cerebral vasospasms (CVSP) than non‐diabetics. The addition of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) blocker dantrolene to standard therapies reduces vasospasms in non‐diabetics. Whether diabetics with CVSP also benefit from this drug, however, is unknown. We evaluated the effects of a 30‐min incubation with dantrolene (50 μM), nimodipine (50 nM), and both drugs in combination, on phenylephrine (PHE)‐induced contraction, and on acetylcholine (ACh)–induced relaxation in aortic rings from streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Age‐matched, non‐diabetic rats served as controls. The oxidative‐stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4‐hydroxyalkenal (4‐HAE) were also evaluated in the presence and absence of dantrolene and nimodipine. The combination of these two drugs acted synergistically to reduce the PHE‐induced contraction by 80% in both diabetics and controls. In contrast, it increased the Emax value for ACh‐induced relaxation (from 56.46 ± 5.14% to 96.21 ± 7.50 %; n=6, P < 0.05), and it decreased MDA +4‐HAE values in diabetic rats only. These results suggest that the combination of dantrolene and nimodipine benefits both diabetics and non‐diabetics by decreasing arterial tone synergistically.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NIH (MBRS‐RISE Grant R25GM061838), and NIMHD‐RCMI (Grant G12‐MD007600).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Glucose and NADPH Oxidase Dependent Trans‐plasma Membrane Electron Transport
Authors: Kelly Shannon C. , Patel Neej N. , Fisher Jonathan S.
Published: June 2021

Trans‐plasma membrane electron transport (tPMET), a process common to multiple cell types, transfers electrons from the cytosol to the extracellular space. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of tPMET in muscle cells. C2C12 myotubes and water‐soluble tetrazolium salt‐1 (WST‐1), a cell impermeable electron acceptor, were utilized along with metabolic inhibitors to elucidate the mechanism of tPMET. Upon addition of superoxide dismutase to extracellular media, WST‐1 reduction by myotubes was decreased by ~70%, indicating that the release of extracellular superoxide is the main mechanism of tPMET in C2C12 myotubes. The addition of GKT137831, a NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 and 4 inhibitor, suppressed WST‐1 reduction while the addition of GSK2795039, a NOX2 inhibitor, did not decrease WST‐1 reduction. Preliminary western blot analysis showed the presence of NOX1 and NOX2 protein but not NOX4 protein. In the absence of glucose, tPMET was significantly decreased, thus indicating that tPMET is a glucose dependent process. The addition of the hexokinase inhibitor, 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, also suppressed tPMET as did the addition of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, dehydroepiandrosterone. In contrast, glycolytic inhibitors including the 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase inhibitor, 3PO, and enolase inhibitor, sodium fluoride, did not affect WST‐1 reduction. This indicates that the process of tPMET is dependent upon the pentose phosphate pathway and not glycolysis. In conclusion, these data suggest a glucose‐sensing model of tPMET in which presence of extracellular glucose provides substrate for NADPH production and subsequent NOX1‐dependent release of superoxide.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the United States Public Health Service award R15DK102122 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Two Case Studies Comparing Flipped Teaching and Online Teaching with the Traditional Lecture‐based Teaching
Authors: Fentem Andrea , Beard Rachael , Gopalan Chaya
Published: June 2021

Flipped teaching has expanded into many classrooms over the recent years due to its student‐centered focus. Similarly, online teaching has also gained popularity due to the flexibility it offers to students. In the first case study, we compared scores on exams from the traditional lecture‐based teaching method with that of a flipped teaching style in a graduate level Advanced Human Physiology (NURS514) course for the Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) students. In the second case study, we compared scores on exams between a traditional and an online NURS514 course from the Nurse Practitioner (NP) program between two semesters. Since the exam averages were consistently high in every exam whether it was lecture‐based or flipped teaching, there was no significant difference between the two methods of teaching among the CRNA classes. However, over 80% of the CRNA students reported that they would recommend flipped teaching in the future. The NP class, on the other hand, performed significantly better in their exams in the online course compared to the face‐to‐face class (p < 0.05). The success with online student performance is partly due to the flexibility students have in pacing their learning through lecture videos instead of the continuous four‐hour weekly lectures in the face‐to‐face setting. Newer teaching methods such as flipped teaching and online class could successfully replace traditional lecture‐based courses.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
How do astrophysicists organize a party? Their wives planet: Gender differences in student perceptions of instructor humor in college science courses
Authors: Cooper Katelyn , Hendrix Taija , Cala Jacquie , Brownell Sara
Published: June 2021

Instructor's use of humor in college classrooms is generally viewed positively by students and has been correlated with positive student learning, motivation, perceptions of instructor immediacy, and classroom environment. However, the majority of studies on instructor humor used in college classrooms have explored student perception of funny humor and not of unfunny or offensive humor. Female students, who are more likely to report feeling unwelcome in college science courses, may be particularly affected by instructor use of unfunny or offensive humor. However, few studies have explored how male and female students perceive instructor humor and more specifically, whether male and female students perceive different subjects as offensive. Further, no humor study has been conducted in the context of college science courses.

This study was conducted as a course‐based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in biology education with 12 undergraduate and 4 graduate students. Students in the CURE engaged in the process of selecting a research question, iteratively developing a survey tool, collecting data, and analyzing data. We surveyed 1637 undergraduate students across 25 different college science courses at one institution and found that 97% of students appreciate when instructors use humor in college science classes. Using a combination of grounded theory and content analysis, we identified 12 distinct reasons for why students appreciate instructor use of humor in science classes, including that it enhances student learning, makes students more excited to attend class, and makes the instructor more approachable. We found that instructor use of funny humor positively impacted student sense‐of‐belonging to the science classroom, instructor relatability, and student attention to course content. We also found that while instructor use of unfunny humor appeared to neither have a positive nor a negative effect on students, instructor use of offensive humor negatively impacted student sense‐of‐belonging to the science classroom and instructor relatability. There was no difference in the extent to which instructor use of humor positively or negatively affected male and female students. Lastly, we identified a suite of subjects that students broadly perceive as funny, yet less than 5% of students perceive as offensive. We also identified a suite of subjects that some students perceive as funny, yet more than 50% of students perceive as offensive. Specifically, female students were more likely to be offended by humor used by instructors. We hope that these findings will aid in the development of more inclusive classrooms by encouraging instructors to use humor that is most likely to benefit all students.

Support or Funding Information

None

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Comparison of medical students' performance in multiple choice questions and integrated short answer essay questions in end unit examination at PBL School
Authors: Hasan Zuheir A. , Almarabheh2 Amer J. , Abdul Razzak Rima L. , kamal Amer H.
Published: June 2021

The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is a regional university serving the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. One of the most distinguished features of the MD program at AGU is problem based learning curriculum where teaching and learning of basic medical sciences are delivered through nine integrated organ system based units. At the end of each unit, medical students are required to pass a comprehensive end unit exam, where multiple formats of assessment are currently used This retrospective study compared the performance of year II medical students in multiple choice (MCQ) and short answer integrated questions (SAQ) of the end unit I examination The grades of three cohorts (471 students) were analyzed. The average score was 69.8(±SD 12.) in the MCQ component and 65.5 (± SD 13.7) in the SAQ component. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation (r=0.819, P< 0.000) between MCQ and SAQ.. when students performance was grouped by final end unit grade, a significant correlation existed between MCQ and SAQ score for 40 students who failed the end unit exam, 234 students who received a passing or a good score and for 132 students who received a very good score A positive but none significant correlation existed between the MCQ score and the SAQ score for students who received an excellent grade in the end unit exam. Finally two ANOVA revealed that MCQ scores were higher than (P < 0.01) SAQ scores for all groups. The results of this study showed that for most students, there is strong correlation between MCQ and SAQ scores, indicating that student performance was independent of testing format.

Support or Funding Information

Arabain Gulf University

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Redesign of Introductory Biology Courses to Align with Vision and Change Recommendations Improves Student Success
Authors: Wilkinson Katherine A. , Anand Sulekha , Lambrecht Susan
Published: June 2021

The SJSU Biological Sciences Department recently redesigned the core introductory biology sequence to align with the best practices in biology pedagogy as described in the Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education report. We now emphasize depth not breadth of information and focus on understanding how to interpret experimental results. We have incorporated more inquiry‐based labs and active learning strategies, including out of class reading quizzes and in‐class clicker questions. Our goal is to improve student performance in this 2 semester‐long lecture and lab course and improve student preparation for success in the major. To assess the success of our redesign and aid in our understanding of the student population that takes these courses, we administer two validated concept inventories, the Biology Concept Inventory (BCI)and the Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (TOSLS), and a demographic survey at the beginning of the first course and the end of the second course. We have finished the first full year of the redesigned series and have seen modest improvements in failure rates (old version: BIOL 1A: 22%, BIOL 1B: 24% failure rate; new version: BIOL 30: 19%, BIOL 31: 13%). We also saw improvements in the performance of first generation college students and students from underrepresented minority groups in the new courses as well as increased retention into the second semester. Students in both versions of the courses scored significantly higher on the BCI following the second semester, suggesting improved mastery of the course content. Students in the old version of the course scored significantly worse on the TOSLS in the second semester, while students in the new version of the course had post‐test TOSLS scores that were trending higher, suggesting the new version was more effective in improving scientific literacy skills. We are continuing to track student success in future courses and are investigating changes in student attitudes about science with the Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey (CLASS). Overall, the redesign has had positive effects on student success.

Support or Funding Information

We are supported by a California State University Program in Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB) Curriculum Grant.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo‐Devo‐Path), or Macroevolutionary Medicine: linking anatomy, evolution, development and human pathologies
Authors: Diogo Rui
Published: June 2021

Since the rise of Evo‐Devo in the 1980s few authors have attempted to combine the increasing knowledge obtained from the study of model organisms and human medicine with data from comparative and evolutionary biology in order to investigate the links between development, pathology and macroevolution. Fortunately, this situation is slowly changing, with a renewed interest in Evolutionary Developmental Pathology (Evo‐Devo‐Path) in the last decades. However, this interest and the new data obtained from it, as well as their main implications for evolution and medicine, have not been the object of a synthesis to the broader scientific community and wider public. In this talk I will thus provide such a synthesis. Specifically, I will provide a brief historical account on the study of the links between evolution, development and pathologies, followed by case studies from the recent work done by me and other colleagues on subjects related to Evo‐Devo‐Path, and then by a general discussion on the broader anatomical, developmental and macroevolutionary implications of these case studies and of research recently done by other authors. An important component is to therefore also contribute to the understanding of the links between the phenotype and the genotype, within both normal and abnormal development. Therefore I will also include the results of work I have been doing with physicians and surgeons who are interested in directly applying and/or collecting Evo‐Devo‐Path data to their own medical interventions, as part of an effort to focus on the applications and implications of these data for direct medical use. My primary aim is to highlight the strength of studying developmental anomalies within an evolutionary framework to understand morphological diversity and disease by connecting these recent works with the research done and broader ideas proposed by authors such as Étienne Geoffroy Saint‐Hilaire, Waddington, Goldschmidt, Gould and Per Alberch, among many others, to pave the way for further and much needed work regarding abnormal development and macroevolution.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Shaping the craniofacial skeleton of Mexican cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus); Role of Osteoblast and Osteoclast
Authors: Atukorallaya Devi Sewvandini Atukorala , Ratnayake Ravindra Kumar
Published: June 2021

The vertebrate bony skeleton is remodelled continuously by bone deposition and reabsorption, which is essential for normal development, growth, repair and for the mineral homeostasis. Remodelling of the skeleton usually involves the removal of the bone by osteoclasts and the subsequent formation of new bone by osteoblasts. These remodelling mechanisms can be found in the teleost fish skeleton with special adaptation to the aquatic life. Most of the fish species have teeth in their craniofacial region and replace their dentitions though out the life which lead to continuous bone remodelling activity in the tooth‐bearing bones. The Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus), is a small teleost fish that exists as two morphs; sighted and blind cave form. The degeneration of the eyes, result in the characteristics craniofacial phenotype in cavefish. However, little is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying the remodelling activity of the skeleton of this species. This study was designed to identify the cellular interactions during the development of craniofacial skeleton of Mexican cavefish. Histological and whole mount analysis was performed to compare the development of the skeleton in these two morphs. The cavefish showed delayed eruption of teeth in tooth‐bearing bones but has large jaw bones compared to the surface larval fish. Sites of bone resorption in the bony skeleton will be investigated by RNA in situ hybridization and ultrastructural analysis. Live bone staining techniques will be used to identify the pattern of bone deposition. This study will provide insights into the evolution of osteoblastic and osteoclastic cell activity and will highlight the use of this species as a model in mammalian skeletal disorders.

Support or Funding Information

This research was funded by the University of Manitoba.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Temporal Effect of Hydrocortisone Treatment on Conjunctival Papillae in the Chicken Eye
Authors: Drake Paige M. , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: June 2021

Intramembranous ossification is still poorly understood. Chicken embryos (Gallus gallus) have served as excellent models for investigating bone development. Scleral ossicles are a series of 13–15 bones that overlap to constitute a single sclerotic ring of bone. They have no articulation with the skull and are positioned in the corneal‐scleral limbus of the eye. The scleral ossicles are ideal elements in which to investigate the developmental processes underlying intramembranous ossification, as they are easily accessible for embryonic manipulations. Each ossicle is induced by corresponding regions of thickened epithelia called conjunctival papillae. The cells below the papillae ultimately differentiate into osteoblasts and deposit bone matrix. Research in the past decade has examined various factors that affect ossicle development, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and hedgehog (HH) signalling pathways, hydrocortisone treatment, vasculature, and vascular endothelial‐derived growth factor (VEGF) expression. The objective of this research is to further elucidate the mechanism by which hydrocortisone affects the development of scleral papillae. Here we explore the precise timing of hydrocortisone injections that is sufficient to inhibit the formation of all scleral papillae. Our previous research showed that delivering hydrocortisone injections at HH29 and HH30 produced the most significant effects on scleral condensation morphology and number. By adjusting the injection time points by an hour in each experiment, we determined the ideal window when hydrocortisone injections are sufficient to completely disrupt all papillae in 100 % of the injected embryos. For example, delivering the injections 18 hours apart results in the prevention of 12/13 conjunctival papillae in 100% of the embryos (n=4). This result indicates signalling mechanisms responsible for inducing conjunctival papillae are likely active almost a full day prior to the first papilla becoming morphologically visible at HH29. This study has implications for future research towards elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying conjunctival papillae development.

Support or Funding Information

This research was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Critical Roles of Rostral‐Process‐Meckel's‐Cartilage in Mandibular Formation and Repairing
Authors: Jing Yan , Li Chaoyuan , Zhao Hu , Feng Jian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

It is generally accepted that mandibular ossification and regeneration occur via an intramembranous mechanism; and that mandible cartilage is associated but does not directly contribute to bone formation. The goal of this study was to investigate whether and how Rostral Process (RP)‐Meckel's cartilage (MC) directly contributes to mandibular growth and repair.

Methods

To define the cell fate of mouse MC, R26RTomato mice were separately crossed with inducible Gli1‐CreERT2 (expressed in early progenitor cells), Aggrecan‐CreERT2 (Acan, expressed in all cartilage), or Col10a1‐Cre (expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes) mice, with or without 2.3Col1a1‐GFP (expressed in bone cells). Mice were sacrificed from E11.5 (before Meckel's cartilage) to P28. The combined approaches of in vivo cell lineage‐tracing, histology, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry with different cartilage and bone markers were used to determine the contributions of cartilage in mandibular development and repair.

Results

The first sign of intramembranous bone was observed at E13.5 along the mandible dentary. From E15.5, numerous MC‐derived bone cells clearly presented with bone markers expression, such as Col I and DMP1, indicating a direct transformation of MC chondrocytes into bone cells in both Col10a1‐Cre and Acan‐CreERT2 background. Importantly, a separate progenitor niche (Gli1+ and Acan+, named condensed mesenchymal progenitor, CMP) was identified. Further studies showed that CMPs are responsible for the formation of the RP and expansion of MC during postnatal mandibular growth. In a trauma response, we clearly demonstrated both chondrocyte‐derived and non‐chondrocyte derived bone cells take part in bone repairing.

Conclusions

1) The mandibular bone originates from non‐cartilage‐derived and cartilage‐derived bone cells; 2) The CMP‐RP‐MC, equivalent to a long bone growth plate, is responsible for expansion of the anterior portion of the mandible, including symphysis; and 3) both chondrocyte‐derived and non‐chondrocyte‐derived bone cells coordinate for mandibular bone repairing. This work sheds new light on the mandibular development and repair process.

Support or Funding Information

NIH DE025659 to JQF; Burstone□Indiana Biomechanics Award (AAOF) to YJ

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
A new transgenic Xenopus reporter line reveals dynamic expression of snail2 during cranial neural crest development
Authors: Makhija Aditi , Li Jiejing , Perfetto Mark , Wang Jian , Shah Anoop , Tran Hong Thi , Vleminckx Kris , Wei Shuo
Published: June 2021

During vertebrate embryogenesis, the cranial neural crest (CNC) is induced at the neural plate border (NPB) and subsequently migrate and differentiate into various cells and tissues. In Xenopus, the transcription factor Snail2 is induced at the NPB by canonical Wnt signaling and is required for CNC induction and migration, but the roles of Snail2 at later stages remain unclear. To monitor CNC development in live embryos, we generated a transgenic X. tropicalis line expressing Green Fluorescent Protein(GFP) driven by the snail2 promoter. Using whole‐genome sequencing, we mapped the transgene insertion to a noncoding region. Live imaging of the transgenic embryos reveals that snail2 is expressed in pre‐migratory and migrating CNC but is lost in CNC cells that have arrived at their destinations. However, snail2 is re‐expressed during CNC differentiation in all CNC derivatives that were examined. Defects in CNC differentiation, in addition to induction and migration, can be readily detected using this transgenic snail2 reporter line. Finally, comparison with a transgenic Wnt reporter line shows that Wnt signaling is consistently activated prior to snail2 expression, suggesting that the Wnt‐Snail2 axis may play important roles in multiple stages of CNC development. We are also developing a new transgenic line with a photoconvertible protein instead of GFP that can be used to monitor cell fate of various CNC branches for lineage tracing of CNC derivatives.

Support or Funding Information

Funded by: NIH DE022813 and GM114105

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Hox Regulation of Neural Crest Cells during Craniofacial Development
Authors: Pushel Irina , Krumlauf Robb
Published: June 2021

Craniofacial structures are shaped by the formation, migration, and differentiation of cranial neural crest cells (cNCCs) in the developing embryo. Many craniofacial defects are caused by misregulation in this embryonic cell population. Recent work has identified key components of the gene regulatory network (GRN) responsible for cNCC development, but there remain gaps in our knowledge. One such example is the Hox family of genes, which are known to pattern subsets of cNCCs and show jaw, ear, and palate defects when misexpressed, yet whose role in the GRN remains unknown. We study mouse embryogenesis to identify which factors Hox genes regulate throughout cNCC development and determine the mechanism by which they contribute to the identity of cNCC derivatives. To approach this question, we use RNAseq to compare the transcriptomes of Hox‐positive and Hox‐negative cNCCs and generate a candidate list of genes that are potential Hox targets. We identified several genes known to be involved in the cNCC GRN, allowing us to begin integrating the Hox genes into this network, as well as novel targets that appear to be significant in craniofacial development. To identify the regulatory mechanisms that affect Hox targets, we use ATAC‐seq to compare chromatin accessibility between cNCC subpopulations and identify enhancers that may modulate the expression of genes downstream of the Hox family. We are working to systematically test the more promising targets through perturbation, expression analysis in mutants, and reporter assays to validate direct regulatory interactions between Hox genes and other key factors of the GRN, particularly as they relate to differences between subpopulations of cNCCs that give rise to distinct derivatives. Expanding current knowledge of the GRN governing cNCC development in this manner establishes a greater foundation for future work on this cell population. Moreover, the integration of the Hox genes, as one specific example, into this framework will develop a more precise understanding of the developmental dynamics responsible for craniofacial defects and can ultimately inform clinical approaches to the etiology and treatment of these defects.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.