bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O‐GlcNAcylation: The Switch between Termination of Regeneration and Initiation of Hepatic Dysplasia
Authors: Huck Ian , McGreal Steven R , Dalal Khyati , Menta Blaise , Gunewardena Sumedha , O'Neil Maura , Zachara Natasha , Slawson Chad
Published: June 2021

Background

O‐GlcNAcylation is a posttranslational modification where a single N‐acetyl glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) sugar is added to Ser/Thr residue of a protein catalyzed by an enzyme called GlcNAc transferase (OGT). O‐GlcNAcylation plays a significant role in cell proliferation, signaling and cancer pathogenesis. We investigated the role of O‐GlcNAcylation in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) using hepatocyte specific OGT knockout (OGTKO) mice.

Methods

Two‐three month old male WT and OGTKO mice were subjected to PH and samples were collected over a time course of 0 to 28 days after surgery. Liver regeneration was determined using liver to body weight ratio, H&E staining; PCNA immunohistochemistry, and Western blot for proteins critical to cell cycle progression. RNAseq studies were performed to identify global gene expression changes.

Results

WT mice had a normal regenerative response with peak proliferation at 48 hr after PH and the lost liver mass was regained within 14 days. OGT KO mice showed significantly faster regeneration as demonstrated by a rapid return to pre‐PHX liver to body weight ratio as compared to WT mice. OGT KO mice also showed significantly higher cell proliferation than WT mice at 5, 7, and 14 days, which continued till 28 days after PH. At 28 days after PH, the OGT KO liver showed significant histopathological abnormalities including giant cells, abnormal mitoses, significant intracellular globule accumulation and extensive ductular reaction. Morphometric analysis revealed that OGTKO hepatocytes and hepatocyte nuclei were significantly larger than WT cells. Most strikingly, the OGTKO mice showed several small dysplastic nodules at 28 day after PH. The increased proliferation was accompanied by significant induction of cell cycle regulators such as Cyclin D1 and pRb. RNAseq data revealed that OGTKO livers had a promitogenic and dedifferentiated gene expression profile consistent with histopathological changes. Finally, OGTKO mice has significant downregulation of HNF4aexpression and Co‐IP studies revealed that HNF4ais O‐GlcNAcylated in WT mice.

Conclusions

These data show that loss of O‐GlcNAcylation secondary to deletion of OGT results in uncontrolled hepatocyte proliferation and failed redifferentiation leading to dysplasia following PH. O‐GlcNAcylation is a major regulator of cell proliferation during termination of liver regeneration and disruption in cellular O‐GlcNac status may promote hepatocarcinogenesis.

Support or Funding Information

NIH R01 DK098414

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Identification of Two Novel Mutations from Congenital Heart Defects and Related Cellular Function
Authors: Chen Huan‐Xin , Yang Zi‐Yue , Hou Hai‐Tao , Yang Qin , Liu Lin , He Guo‐Wei
Published: June 2021

Objective

Congenital heart defects (CHD) represent the most common congenital anomaly in newborns. The causes of CHD are complex, and are not fully understood. A number of genetic studies have linked gene mutations to cardiac abnormalities. In this study, we found a child who was diagnosed as having a complex including complete endocardial cushion defect, patent ductus arteriosus, secondary atrial septal defect, severe pulmonary hypertension, and polydactyly, we aimed to identify potential pathogenic mutations from this complex.

Methods

The whole blood was collected and genomic DNA was extracted to identify mutations by whole exome sequencing (WES). The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to generate human pluripotent stem cell with mutations (hPSC‐Mut) separately. As pluripotency markers, Oct4, Nanog, Klf4, SSEA4 were tested in hPSC‐Mut cell, by the methods of Immunofluorescence, Real‐Time PCR, Western Blot. The hPSC‐Mut cell was then inducted and differentiated into cardiomyocytes (CM‐Mut), The differentiation efficiency and contraction of CM‐Mut was detected in 0d, 2d, 4d, 8d, 13d.

Result

Two heterozygous mutations, LTBP2 (c.2206G>A), TCTN3 (c.1268G>A) were identified via WES and analysed by bioinformatics. The hPSC‐LT/TC stable cell line was constructed, inducted and differentiated into CM‐LT/TC. Compare to the wild type, there were no significant differences in cell pluripotency and differentiation efficiency. The cell contraction was observed in the 8th day and lasted to the 13rd day, the contraction of CM‐LT was faster and CM‐LT was slower than wild type cell line.

Conclusion

Two heterozygous mutations LTBP2 (c.2206G>A) and CTN3 (c.1268G>A) with alteration of the contraction of CM‐LT/LT cell were found to be pathogenic in complex CHD.

Support or Funding Information

National Natural Science Foundation of China (81870288, 81641017), National Central Grants for Research Institute (2017NL31001), Binhai New Area Health Bureau ( 2016BWKZ 003).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Endothelial Calmodulin and CaMKII Play a Role in Leukocyte Transmigration
Authors: Dalal Prarthana J , Sullivan David P , Muller William A
Published: June 2021

Inflammation results in the dilation of blood vessels and recruitment of circulating leukocytes into damaged tissues for repair. A transient increase in endothelial cytosolic free calcium (↑[Ca2+]i) is required for leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM). We have also found that IQ‐domain GTPase‐activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is essential for TEM. Specifically, the calmodulin‐binding isoleucine‐glutamine (IQ) motif domain is critical for its function during TEM. Calmodulin (CaM) is an intracellular calcium‐binding protein, however, its role in TEM is undescribed. Therefore, we hypothesized that it is involved in the endothelial calcium signaling cascade essential for supporting leukocyte transmigration.

In endothelial cells IQGAP1 knockdown reduced TEM substantially. Re‐expressing IQGAP1 truncation mutants containing both the actin‐binding and IQ‐motif domains rescued TEM but truncation mutants lacking the IQ motif domain but did not support TEM.

Human endothelial cells treated with the calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine (TFP) demonstrated a marked reduction in leukocyte TEM. Only 13% of leukocytes transmigrated through endothelial monolayers pretreated with 100 mM TFP compared to 84% TEM in control, untreated monolayers (p<0.05). We also looked at the role of calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII). Treating endothelial monolayers with 10 mM KN‐93, a CaMKII inhibitor, substantially reduced leukocyte TEM. Here 22% of leukocytes transmigrated which was significantly reduced compared to control TEM rates (p<0.05). Calmodulin pulldowns also showed that without the IQ‐motif domain IQGAP1 cannot substantially interact with calmodulin further suggesting a link between endothelial calcium, IQGAP1 and CaM.

Current experiments focus on inhibiting CaM and CaMKII in endothelial cells using genetically encoded selective inhibitory peptides and inducible endothelial‐specific CaMKII‐deficient mice. Identifying the mechanism by which endothelial Ca2+ influx mediates TEM will provide novel insight into the signaling and also provide potential targets for anti‐inflammatory therapy.

Support or Funding Information

R01 HL046849, R01 HL064774, F30 HL134202

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Deficiency of Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 in Myeloid Cells Prevents Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Wei Jia , Wang Yidong , Cai Zhejun , Shu Qiang
Published: June 2021

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe inflammatory disease and is the most common cause of gastrointestinal mortality in newborns. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a master regulator of macrophage function, which is essential for proinflammatory M1 macrophage polarization, and our previous data suggest the role of M1 macrophages promote NEC injury. Here, we investigated whether IRF5 is involved in the pathogenesis of NEC. We found that IRF5 was induced in infiltrated macrophages in neonates with NEC compared to the controls. We further confirmed IRF5 induction in macrophages in murine experimental NEC, and the infiltrated macrophages were predominantly polarized into M1 but not M2 phenotype in NEC. We generated the myeloid‐specific IRF5 defecient mice, and revealed that myeloid‐specific deficiency of IRF5 dramatically prevented experimental NEC, which was associated with reduced M1 macrophage polarization and systematic inflammation. Moreover, we found that ablation of IRF5 in myeloid cells markedly suppressed intestinal epithelial cells apoptosis and further prevented intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by experimental NEC. Overall, our study provides evidence that IRF5 in myeloid cells participates in the pathogenesis of NEC, while myeloid cell‐deletion of IRF5 prevents NEC via inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81501298, 81670390, and 81670259).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Philippine Traditional Fermented Products: Potential Probiotic Bacteria with Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Agcaoili Genesis Julyus Tabangay , Oyong Glenn , Cabrera Esperanza C
Published: June 2021

Thirty (30) isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Philippine traditionally‐prepared fermented products, namely: fermented soy‐bean paste, fermented mustard and fermented rice‐fish mixture were studied for their in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Seventeen (17) isolates were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, while 13 isolates were identified as Enterococcus spp. using 16S rDNA sequences. The phylogenetic tree revealed that there were three clusters of LAB with 100% similarity level. Disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of LAB against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, while the modified agar overlay method was used to determine the antifungal activity of LAB isolates on the yeast Candida albicans, and the dermatophytes Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum. The filter‐sterilized LAB culture supernatants were evaluated for their cytotoxicity to mammalian colon cancer cell lines HT‐29 and HCT116, and normal human dermal fibrolasts HDFn using resazurin assay (PrestoBlue™). Colchicine was the positive control. No antimicrobial activity was observed against the bacterial test organisms and the yeast Candida albicans. On the other hand, all of the tested LAB strains were fungicidal for all the test dermatophytes. Cytotoxicity index profiles of all the LAB supernatants tested showed that these were cytotoxic to HT‐ 29 and HCT116 colon cancer cell lines, but were not cytotoxic for the normal HDFn cells. Results provide strong support for the role of the lactic acid bacteria studied for antifungal treatment and anticancer therapy.

Support or Funding Information

1. DOST‐SEI, Accelerated Science Technology Human Resource Development Program

2. Center for Environmental and Natural Science Research, De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila

3. De La Salle University, College of Science, Biology Department

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Trouble with Terminology: Confounding of The Terms “Sex” And “Gender” In the Anatomical Literature
Authors: Carter Yasmin
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The value of integrating ‘sex and gender’ into health education and research has been increasingly acknowledged recently. These terminologies, and hence the concepts they imply, tend, outside of language and gender scholars, to be improperly applied.

Aim

The goal of this study was to determine the currently accepted “correct” definitions of the terms “sex” and “gender” and to determine the accuracy of the usage of these terms in the anatomical literature.

Methods

In order to facilitate this, we first created a glossary of sex‐ and gender‐based medical terms both preferred and of those no longer considered appropriate, based on current literature. We subsequently conducted a meta‐analysis of the use of the term's “sex” and “gender” from June 2017–June 2018 of the top six anatomical journals: Annals of Anatomy; Anatomical Record; Anatomical Sciences Education; Anatomical Sciences International; Clinical Anatomy, and Journal of Anatomy.

Results

The term gender was used on average in 22 papers in each journal over the year examined; however, we found that over 85% of papers using the term ‘gender,’ used it incorrectly ‐ as a substitute for “sex” when reporting biological differences. Clarity and coherence in our definitions are vital for both accuracy and validity in our discussions ‐ be it in our curriculum, data, outcomes or healthcare.

Discussion and Conclusion

The conflation of the terms “sex” and “gender” leads to confusion regarding the contributions of these concepts to results, incomplete analysis and reporting in research. The accurate usage of these concepts, in turn allows us to discuss more complex theories such as gender non‐conforming participants and sex‐based biological differences.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Quantifying Medical Resident Perceptions Regarding the Utility of High‐fidelity Patient Simulation using Q‐methodology
Authors: Klein Barbie
Published: June 2021

High‐fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) combines sophisticated patient manikins and realistic, immersive environments to safely train physicians at an early stage of their medical careers. However, little is known about the distinct patterns of medical resident perceptions who experienced HFPS during their undergraduate medical education (UME). Q‐methodology obtains first‐person, qualitative viewpoints from participants about a specific topic of interest using a quantitative inverted factor procedure and was used to answer the research question: How do medical residents perceive the utility of, and satisfaction with, HFPS experienced during their UME? Since Q‐methodology is an exploratory, systematic research technique that does not attempt to hypothesize existing relationships, a priori hypotheses were not developed for this research question. Graduates were sampled from Indiana University Bloomington School of Medicine (IUSM‐B) classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017 because HFPS was integrated into their UME. Of the 58 medical residents contacted, 12 were recruited for this study. The residents were asked to electronically sort 37 validated statements relative to each other into a bipolar, inverted quasi‐normal distribution based on their subjective opinions. Two open‐ended questions at the end of the sorting procedure allowed participants to elaborate on their choice of the highest and lowest ranked statements. The final solution consisted of three factors, one unipolar factor (Factor 1) and one bipolar factor (Factor 2a and Factor 2b), that explained 45% of the total variance in the data, with eleven participants (91.7%) mapping onto one of the three factors. Seven residents were grouped into Factor 1 and were labeled ‘Practical Skeptics' given their pattern of finding value in the pragmatic relevance of HFPS, but had difficulty suspending their disbelief of the simulated patient manikin. Three residents were clustered into Factor 2a characterized as ‘Simulation Enthusiasts' and demonstrated a pattern of embracing the HFPS experience, could suspend their disbelief, and found value in interprofessional education simulations with nursing students. Factor 2b included one resident described as an ‘Anxious Supporter’ because this individual embraced the use of HFPS but captured the stress and anxiety that some feel while participating in simulations that was not seen with the other two factors. This study discovered three distinct perceptions regarding HFPS among residents who attended IUSM‐B and may aid in tailoring HFPS strategies to more fully meet the needs and expectations of future physicians.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Constructing a Communication Scale to Measure the Effectiveness of Interprofessional Communication
Authors: Selvakumaran Kohilan , Selvakumaran Kaesavan , Norman Geoffrey , Palombella Andrew , Rockarts Jasmine , Wainman Bruce
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In our modern healthcare, healthcare teams are becoming increasingly multidisplinary which brings upon the need for them to be effective in order to have better patient outcomes. Communication failures can occur in interprofessional healthcare teams which leads to negative health outcomes. In order to evaluate communication in interprofessional groups, a communication scale is needed.

Aim

Given that there is currently no validated communication scale for interprofessional groups, the study's goal was to create and validate a communication scale in the context of an interprofessional based dissection course.

Methods

Observations of the 34 students in the dissection study (N = 34) were conducted for the first 3 classes. With the use of these observations and prior qualitative analysis of focus group interviews from the course, a communication scale was constructed. The question items were then vetted by coordinators of the dissection course and research experts which led to the communication scale being shortened from 54 questions to 28 questions. The communication scale was used by each student in the class to assess themselves and two of their peers in their group resulting in 3 scores altogether. This procedure was repeated one week later to evaluate the reliability of the scale.

Results

There is a 0.331 Pearson's Correlation between peer rater 1 and the self‐rater, a 0.139 Pearson's Correlation between peer rater 2 and the self‐rater and a 0.279 Pearson's Correlation between peer rater 1 and 2. These results indicate a significant difference between self and peer rating, and only a moderate correlation between any two of the three raters. Also, the large standard deviation associated with each of the 3 scores is indicative of large variability of scores around the mean total score.

Discussion and Conclusion

Overall, it is clear from the results that the constructed communication scale is not sufficiently reliable. Therefore, the next steps of the study is to improve reliability of the scale. This is by performing factor analysis to see whether question items can be decreased and grouped together to create subscales. Then, the subscales will be tested to see whether they are effective in measuring changes in communication skills of interprofessional groups over the duration of the course. Student feedback on the communication scale will also be used to improve on the effectiveness and reliability of the scale.

Support or Funding Information

N/A

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Is there a Perceived Shortage of Anatomy Educators? An International Study
Authors: Wilson Adam , Notebaert Andrew , Schaefer Audra , Moxham Bernard , Stephens Shiby , Mueller Caroline , Lazarus Michelle , Katrikh Aaron , Brooks William
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In 2002, a widely publicized report projected an anatomy educator shortage based on the perceptions of department chairpersons. Now, 16 years later, with the number of medical and health professions programs higher than ever, does a perceived shortage of anatomy educators (AEs) continue to persist? If there is a shortage, how severe is it and is it a global phenomenon?

Methods

This study replicated and expanded upon the previously published 2002 report. Two surveys were internationally distributed to 1) departmental leaders and 2) trainees (i.e., graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) within anatomy‐related departments. Trends in the number and type of AE job openings were also explored by analyzing job postings within the US over the past 2 years. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate perceptions, historic trends, and future projections.

Results

The majority (51% or more) of departmental leaders who responded from the US/Canada (n=81), the European Union (n=52), and ‘other countries’ (n=26) anticipate they will have ‘moderate’ to ‘great’ difficulty hiring AEs in each of the four classic anatomy disciplines over the next five years. Within the US alone, the number of AE job postings for allopathic and osteopathic medical schools has increased from a minimum of 17 postings in 2017 to 25 postings (and counting) in 2018. While the number of open AE positions within the US/Canada and ‘other countries' is perceived to remain in a steady state over the next 5 years, the European Union estimates a 5 fold increase in the number of openings. Departmental leaders prioritize AE applicants who have teaching experience (90%), the ability to teach multiple anatomy disciplines (72%), and the knowledge/experience of employing different teaching pedagogies (65%). Through the eyes of most (67.2%) trainees, the current job market is perceived to be highly competitive.

Conclusions

Based on the perceptions of international departmental leaders and trends in documented job postings, the job vacancy gap for AEs continues to widen with the European Union projecting the greatest need for AEs over the next 5 years. Trainees' perceptions that the job market for AEs is competitive might be explained by a mismatch in how AEs are trained and the types of applicants departmental leaders are seeking.

Support or Funding Information

AAA

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Building Bridges in Anatomical Sciences and Medical Education: Brazil and US Expanding Connections
Authors: Curcio Daniella Franco , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: June 2021

Since 2015 the international outreach initiative Building Bridges (BB) has fostered collaborations and exchange experiences in anatomical sciences among students, researchers, and educators from Brazil and the US. Following a mini‐symposium at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2015, lectures, colloquia, and student‐faculty exchange sessions have subsequently been held in Sao Paulo (Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences), Ribeirao Preto (University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, USP‐RP) and Rio de Janeiro (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ; Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, UNIRIO; and the Brazilian National Academy of Medicine), from 2015–2018. Here, we report the upcoming BB activities held in November 2018. This year, we addressed the “Anatomy Leagues” of students at the Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences and our first solely post‐graduate audience (speech‐language pathologists and otolaryngologists) at the Center for Voice Studies. At the Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences, the lectures focus on educational advances, while at the Center for Voice Studies, the keynote speech center on science and our current research in developmental and evolutionary anatomy of the larynx, funded in part by grants to us from CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/National Council for Scientific and Technological Development). We also met with deans and departmental and educational leadership in the medical schools, members of the Brazilian National Academy of Medicine and members of the Brazilian Society of Anatomy, in preparation of launching an international exchange program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and medical schools in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. We hope that by creating opportunities for students to participate in an exchange program in New York, we can help forge new leaderships and role models in medicine and health sciences in Brazil. We expect that our meetings this year continue to enhance the cooperation with the health care, medical and anatomical communities of the two countries.

Support or Funding Information

Meeting support funded in part by The Anatomical Record; Research reported funded in part by CNPq grant PDE #249582/2013–9

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
A Low‐Cost 3D‐Printed Cricothyrotomy Training Simulator
Authors: Barger John Bradley , Gaffin Steven S.
Published: June 2021

We describe a novel, low‐cost training device for cricothyrotomy procedures for medical students and residents. The device includes 3D‐printed laryngeal cartilages and cricothyroid membrane embedded in an ultrasound compatible ballistics gelatin. The device is life‐size with accurate textures and ultrasound properties, allowing students to practice incision placement in a low‐stakes environment. The difficulty of procedure practice can be adjusted by tinting the ballistics gelatin to provide a transparent or opaque soft‐tissue layer based on learner level. With the transparent trainer, the learner can easily see the landmarks for incision placement, and with the opaque trainer the learner can practice ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided incision placement. The training device has been tested with a small cohort of first‐ and second‐year medical students enrolled in a “Wilderness Medicine” elective course. They reported satisfaction with the device as a trainer, but outcome measures are not yet able to be assessed.

Support or Funding Information

None

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Techniques for Interactive Sectioning of Anatomical Models During Live Instruction Applied to the Facial Skeleton Using the Digital Content Creation Software Zbrush 2018
Authors: Lister James Percy
Published: June 2021

The use of 3D digital models in anatomical education has ben expanding due to the increased availability of technological solutions and growth in computing power required for visualizing digital geometry and delivering such content in real time to classroom settings. The availability to individual consumers of previously expensive or proprietary digital content creation (DCC) software has exploded with the introduction of the indie license business model. DCC software tools provide individuals the ability to generate anatomical models directly, or to enhance anatomical models derived from medical imaging data. The main advantage to the educator for using DCC tools has historically been that iterations on the model do not require multiple imaging data sets since the user can directly create the desired anatomical variations; the limiting factors being the user's available time/effort and personal anatomical knowledge. Recently powerful new tools have become available in some DCC packages such as Zbrush 2018 (Pixologic, Inc.) that introduce the ability to perform Boolean operations (addition, subtraction, intersection) on digital geometry. While these tools typically are used by artists in visual graphics fields to create a final geometrical form, here I will describe how the live interactive nature of these tools can be utilized in the lecture setting to interactively section anatomical models. A model of the facial skeleton will be used to explore the simultaneous implementation of several anatomical planes of section of arbitrary orientation in teaching the relationships of individual bones to each other and to elements of the pterygopalatine ganglion. Combinations of Boolean operations on individual and multiple anatomical structures will be demonstrated to illustrate how this software can best enhance the live classroom experience by empowering an instructor to “build” the anatomical region in a customized manner that tracks with the course of instruction. Additionally, these tools permit live sectioning of simple animated geometry, which can be used by the instructor to show how the cross‐sectional appearance of anatomical structures change during normal movement or disease processes. 3D print‐ready models can also be generated from any sectioned model using a plugin that ships with the software. Since DCC software are not designed as presentation tools, their live use presents new challenges for the educator integrating this technology in the classroom. Several notable obstacles are presented, such as controlling the speed of geometry manipulations, and potential solutions such as directing the students' attention using color and extra modeled geometry are discussed.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The Efficacy of a Cadaver‐based Online Teaching Resource on Improving Physiotherapists' Anatomical Knowledge: A Pelvic Health Perspective
Authors: Gastle Nicole , Robson Naomi , Hauck Katie , McWatt Sean , Jadeski Lorraine
Published: June 2021

Neuromuscular dysfunction of the pelvic floor and perineum can negatively impact several populations including the elderly, parous women, and athletes. Pelvic health physiotherapists assess and treat neuromuscular dysfunction of the perineal and pelvic diaphragmatic regions using targeted physical therapy techniques. Consequently, they must rely on their understanding of the complex anatomy of the pelvic floor to guide them during the assessment and treatment of their patients. In Canada, physiotherapists who choose to specialize in pelvic health enroll in continuing education courses to learn clinical concepts and techniques associated with the specialty. However, an initial pilot study revealed that the majority of physiotherapists attending these entry‐level pelvic health courses had limited prior knowledge of the anatomy relevant to the specialty. Since pelvic anatomy is foundational to the pelvic health specialty, entering the course with insufficient anatomical knowledge may limit the physiotherapists' abilities to learn and execute more advanced clinical procedures.

To improve baseline pelvic anatomy knowledge, a cadaver‐based online teaching resource, the Pelvic Health Anatomy Module (PHAM), was created and evaluated in the present study. The study was conducted to assess: (1) the efficacy of the PHAM to enhance physiotherapists' anatomical knowledge before entering a pelvic health course, and (2) if having stronger anatomical knowledge prior to the onset of the course impacted their understanding of the course concepts. Physiotherapists (n = 23) were given one of two anatomy education resources to review before the beginning of an entry‐level pelvic health certification course – the experimental group received the novel PHAM resource, while the control groups reviewed a traditionally‐used online video resource.

Participants who received the PHAM perceived it as “very useful”, while the control group perceived the traditional videos as “useful”. The average for the group who reviewed the PHAM was higher for the anatomy scores at the beginning, end, and one week after completion of the course than the group who reviewed the control resource. Furthermore, the average for the group who reviewed the PHAM was higher on evaluations of course concepts compared to the groups who reviewed the control resource. The initial results of this study support the development and use of comprehensive and purposeful anatomy resources for continuing education courses in healthcare, particularly physiotherapy, to enhance foundational knowledge and facilitate better application of course concepts.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Does Optional Online Quizzing Improve Student Satisfaction and Preparedness in an Undergraduate Elective Advanced Human Anatomy Course?
Authors: Richardson Nicolette Shannon
Published: June 2021

Many methods of online quizzing have been used in the past to assess understanding, improve accessibility, and help improve student success, however it does require additional time and preparation on the part of the student, compared to completing only midterm and final exams. We have previously shown that completing online quizzes throughout the semester improves student success on course exams, however we have only anecdotal feedback about the student experience. The present study will examine student satisfaction in two offerings of an upper‐level elective advanced regional human anatomy course. In both offerings, students completed two online quizzes, each worth 10% of the final grade, and based on material from both lecture and online “dissection” labs (using human anatomy software). In one course, it was mandatory to complete both quizzes, however in the other course the quizzes were optional (with the option of moving the 10% to the midterm and final exam respectively for the two quizzes).

Data will be presented from a student satisfaction survey with Likert‐style questions, through which we will assess student satisfaction with the usefulness and accessibility of the online quizzes to help guide future course design. Data will be compared between the two courses, as well as between the students in the optional course who chose not to complete quizzes, and those who do. We hypothesize that students will feel better prepared for midterm and final exams if they completed the quizzes, and that they will prefer the flexibility and accessibility of the optional quizzes, compared to the non‐optional quizzes.

Support or Funding Information

York University Faculty of Health Dean's Catalyst eLearning Grant

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Exploring the Role of Videos in Medical Education Curriculum: A Two Year Study in Cardiothoracic Anatomy
Authors: Sajan Abin , Torre Barrett , Caceres Noel , Laurance Brett , Marquez Samuel
Published: June 2021

Anatomy education in medical schools has evolved since the Flexnor report of 1910 with traditional resources of cadaveric dissections, prosected specimens, lectures, anatomy textbooks, atlases and now, included in this range of assets are radiologic images and an increasing number of anatomical videos. Multiple studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of integrated anatomy videos as the preparatory pre‐requisite resource prior to laboratory. Studies have shown that anatomy videos, specifically short two to three minute clips, are the most accepted introductory and/or summary method preferred by students. Anatomical videos have seen a major increase on websites (e.g., YouTube and internet resources), but further research is required on how best to utilize these videos to their full potential in the gross anatomy curriculum. We report on our two year SUNY Downstate findings (2017–2018) on the creation of four detailed student‐driven videos that covered the anatomy of the thorax that included the anterior chest wall (Part I), lungs (Part II), heart (Part III), and posterior mediastinum (Part IV). The videos, designed to match Downstate anatomy curriculum with a narrative dialogue that totaled twenty‐six minutes in length, were offered as a supplemental learning resource to the Class of 2020 and 2021 via Panopto software that provides video content management through Blackboard. The survey given to the 2021 class after the summative exam showed 99% of the 2021 class responders recommended these videos to future classes and 98% of students reported that these videos were necessary to best prepare for the practical exams. Quantitative results recorded by Panopto showed an average of 151 out of 204 unique users utilized this resource totaling 961 views resulting in 5952 total minutes viewed within one week of access to the videos. Our findings suggest that students found the anatomy videos indispensible to their learning with a majority viewing the videos multiple times, strengthening the value and utility of the resource. In an era of increasing number of medical education resources, we are striving towards remodeling our Integrative Pathways Curriculum by implementing concise anatomy videos to best benefit our medical students.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Effectiveness of learning through online modules compared to lecture format in medical undergraduate curriculums
Authors: Doroudi Majid , Johnson Kristine , Finlayson Sarah , Fejtek Monika , Macrae Naomi
Published: June 2021

Background

Interactive modules have been shown to be effective avenues for medical education. With recent changes to medical undergraduate curriculums, particularly at UBC, modules can serve an important role for both students and educators as a resource for creating well‐rounded content. As part of week 63 in the UBC undergraduate curriculum (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding), we created an educational module on gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) to serve as an independent curricular activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of developing the curricular content of GTD into an online educational module.

Methods

Second year UBC medical students were evaluated in two sequential academic years with one class receiving a lecture on GTD (lecture‐based group) and one class completing a module on GTD during allocated curricular time (module‐based group). The educational module on GTD was developed with a focus on an interactive, case‐based approach. Surveys evaluating subjective knowledge acquisition were administered.

Results

Of the module‐based group, 59% felt their knowledge of GTD was strong or very strong compared to 21% of the lecture‐based group after the educational intervention. Fewer students in the module‐based group identified their knowledge of basic science concepts (placental development, genetics) as poor or very poor after completing the module. Of those who completed the module, 86% would like to see more educational modules for other curricular topics.

Conclusions

Educational modules can help support evolving medical undergraduate curriculums and provide subjectively similar, if not improved educational outcomes. Overall, students would like to see more educational modules on curricular topics.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Localization and induced release of potentially therapeutic components of the rat submandibular salivary gland
Authors: Watanabe Michiko , Lin Amy , Doughman Yong Qiu , Al‐Adhami Omar , Getsy Paulina , Coffee Gregory , Giarola Alessandra S , Sridhar Arun , Siegel Ruth , Liu Yehe , Jenkins Michael W , Befus Dean , Lewis Stephen J
Published: June 2021

The salivary glands release multiple compounds into the saliva and blood that have potentially therapeutic properties. One aim of this study was to localize rat submandibular gland protein SMR1, a prohormone known to contain anti‐inflammatory and analgesic peptides, and compare to the distribution of other known components within the rat submandibular gland (SMG). We also explored the feasibility of releasing SMR1 by local neurostimulation using electrodes. Our hypothesis is that SMR1 would be found in discrete regions of the SMG and could be stimulated to be released into the saliva and blood using localized electrostimulation.

Salivary glands serve as a source of multiple compounds that are essential to health. The prohormone SMR1 is an example of such a compound that is present in the rat SMG and is secreted into the saliva or blood as peptides that have been shown to have analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Neuroactivation using systemically applied drugs have been shown to release these and other SMG components. Focused electrode‐based neurostimulation of specific sites of the autonomic system may be a better strategy to more specifically release therapeutic compounds without affecting off‐target systems. Previous studies supported differential release of components from the acini compared to the duct system. In this study we evaluated the tissue distribution of SMR1 compared to other known components of the rat SMG, a major salivary gland.

SMGs from young and mature rats were fixed, cryosectioned and immunostained. SMR1 peptides were immunohistologically detected in the serous acinar cells of the rat SMG with heterogeneous distribution within any particular acinus. The location of other components alpha‐amylase, EGF (marker of the tubogranular duct system), lactoferrin, lysozyme, were compared to the location of SMR1. Smooth muscle cell (anti‐smooth muscle actin), neuronal components (anti‐TuJ1, anti‐TH, anti‐ChAT, and anti‐synapsin) were also localized or co‐localized.

Neurostimulation of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and adjacent nerve trunk by bipolar electrodes induced marked increases in SMR1 content in the saliva as determined by Western blot. We also discovered that placement of the electrode altered the level of peptide secretion. Intriguingly, the electrode stimulation increased levels of SMR1 collected from adjacent blood vessels. These findings set the stage for additional studies to refine the stimulation parameters and to map the SCG innervation of the SMG.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by grants from GSK‐Galvani

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Behavioral Outcome after Exposure to Two Different Rewarding Stimuli Depends on Social Status
Authors: Pallé Anna , Zorzo‐Vallina Candela , Luskey Valerie , McGreevy Kerry R. , Fernández‐Lajo Jorge , Trejo Jose Luis
Published: June 2021

Several studies have described the important role of social environment on dimensions of behavior such as mental health and cognitive performance. Specifically, social rank has been found to affect how individuals respond after significant social experiences such as isolation. Although changes in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity play a role in the establishment of social rank, few studies have assessed how animals of different positions in the hierarchy process, interact, and respond to different stimuli. Firstly, we analyzed the relationship among stress, adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and social rank. Secondly, we studied how the exposure to two different types of rewarding stimuli, such as physical exercise and female interaction, affect (i) the social behavior of differently ranked animals, and (ii) adult hippocampal neurogenesis and signaling pathways. No differences were found between animals of different rank in stress‐like behavior, anxiety, and AHN, but we found differential gene expression in mPFC. We also found that female exposure induces subtle different responses in the sociability of animals depending on their rank, as dominant animals presented a trend for an increased social preference after female interaction compared to naïve mice, and 3 weeks of treadmill exercise significantly increased the social preference of dominant animals. We analyzed Oxt+ cell density in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and no differences were found among groups in naïve conditions and after female exposure. Moreover, we found that 3 weeks of treadmill increased phosphorylated ERK in dominant mice, produced no changes in neurogenesis depending on the rank but microarray analyses showed differential gene expression among experimental groups. Together, these data suggest that the position of an individual in a social hierarchy may alter the way reward information is processed and unveils an unexplored role of social hierarchy in the development of activity‐induced behaviors.

Support or Funding Information

Work was supported by project grants from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness BFU2013‐48907‐R and BFU2016‐77162‐R (to J.L.T.). A.P. was funded by an FPI grant, and K.R.McG. was funded by a contract associated with the project grants above mentioned (to J.L.T.).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Hypertensive Neuropathy: A New Clinical Entity?
Authors: Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli
Published: June 2021

Hypertension is a main risk factor for stroke and vascular dementia and may cause important changes to the cerebrovascular tree, turning the brain more susceptible to infarcts, microaneurysms and ischemia. In spite of the well documented influence of hypertension on the brain, data on the sensitivity of peripheral nerves in hypertension is scarce. Our laboratory has been working for decades to help understanding how hypertension affects peripheral nerve morphology and function, using the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) model. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), first inbred from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), are considered a good experimental model of human essential hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations on the morphology and morphometric data on sural, phrenic, vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves of SHR, previous to the development of hypertension and with well‐established hypertension. Male and female SHR and normotensive WKY rats aged 5, 8 and 20 weeks (N = 6 in each group) were investigated. After arterial pressure and heart rate recordings in anesthetized animals, right and left sural, vagus, phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerves were removed and prepared for epoxy resin embedding and light microscopy. Morphometric analysis was performed with the aid of computer software, and took into consideration the fascicle area and diameter, as well as myelinated fiber number, density, area and diameter. Nerves from young animals did not show differences between sides and genders. Significant differences were observed for the myelinated fiber number and density, comparing different genders of WKY and SHR in all nerves. Also, significant differences for the morphological (thickening of the endoneural blood vessel walls and lumen reduction) and morphometric (myelinated fibers diameter and G ratio) parameters of myelinated fibers were identified in nerves from adult hypertensive animals. Morphological exam of the myelinated fibers suggested the presence of a neuropathy due to hypertension in both SHR genders. These results indicate that hypertension altered important morphometric parameters related to nerve conduction in hypertensive animals. Moreover the comparison between males and females of WKY and SHR showed that the morphological and morphometric alterations due to hypertension are not gender related. The presence of a so called “hypertensive neuropathy” is documented with endoneural vascular lesions, axonal atrophy and loss of small myelinated fibers.

Support or Funding Information

Support: CNPq, FAPESP and FAEPA

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.