bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Nesprin in the Facial Branchiomotor Neuron (FBMN) Migration of Danio rerio (zebrafish) development
Authors: Nugooru Aishwarya , Conway Daniel E. , Walsh Gregory
Published: June 2021

Nuclear envelope spectrin‐repeat proteins (Nesprins) are part of the LINC (LInker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton) complex, which plays a vital role in the binding of F‐actin cytoskeleton to the nuclear envelope. Nesprins are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the nuclear membrane. Nuclear membrane movement is a fundamental aspect in cell migration and muscle development. Previous work has demonstrated that Nesprins may be associated with myosin‐dependent tension, which has implications in muscular dystrophy due to the role that nesprins play in muscle cells. We hypothesize that expressing dominant‐negative nesprin in Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos would result in defects in the migration of facial branchiomotor neurons and also cause disruptions in nuclear positioning in multinucleated muscle cells. To test this hypothesis, we use transient transgenic expression of dominant Nesprin in cranial motor neurons using the islet1 promoter. We quantify the extent of migration in neurons with inactive Nesprin. In addition, we express dominant‐negative Nesprin in muscle cells using a heat shock promoter and explore the positioning of nuclei in developing skeletal muscle myofibrils. Our preliminary data shows that transgenic zebrafish embryos with expression of dominant‐negative nesprin have disruptions and defects in tangential FBMN migration. However, with further experimentation and data collection in progress, we hope to analyze our findings for statistical significance. Our goal is to gain insight into the function of Nesprins in embryo development to better devise therapeutic strategies for patients with mutations in Nesprins.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Nutritional Health Status in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Farkas Gary J , Berg Arthur S , Pitot Marika , Gater David R
Published: June 2021

Despite an understating of accelerated aging attributed to changes in body composition and an increased risk of acquired chronic metabolic disease following spinal cord injury (SCI), the current status of nutritional health of those living with a SCI remains unknown. The objective was to investigate nutritional status in chronic spinal SCI and compare macronutrient and micronutrient intake to the recommended values by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science literature search was performed, identifying 268 papers. All papers included were English‐language papers examining nutritional status in adults with chronic SCI. After applying the inclusion criteria, a meta‐analysis using a linear mixed effects model was performed on 11 papers to produce weighted averages and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Weighted averages for age, weight, and time since injury were 39.5 y (CI: 36.0, 43.1; N = 541), 77.4 kg (CI: 72.3, 82.6; N=175), and 12.3 y (CI: 9.3, 15.3; N = 525), respectively. Resting metabolic rate (1492 kcal/day; CI: 1414–1569) fell below the able‐bodied average, and total energy (1866 kcal/day; CI: 1666–2066) and fiber (16 g/day; CI: 13–19) intake were below USDA guidelines (Figure). Protein (315 kcal/day; CI: 288–342) and carbohydrate (953 kcal/day; CI: 824–1082) intake were above guidelines (Figure). Fat intake (675 kcal/day; CI: 596–755) was within USDA guidelines (Figure). Vitamins A, B5, B7, B9, D, E, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were deficient, while vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12, C, K, sodium, phosphorus, and copper were in excess according to USDA guidelines. Vitamin B6, iron, and zinc were within USDA guidelines. Findings indicate greater energy intake relative to energy needs in those with chronic SCI, and an imbalance in fiber intake and micronutrients compared to the USDA guidelines. Future research examining nutritional health status is needed in order to establish evidence‐based, SCI‐specific dietary guidelines.

Support or Funding Information

NA

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Catfish (Arius bilineatus, Val.) skin protein preparation ameliorates neurobehavioral and axonal and neuronal histopathological alterations in a sciatic nerve crush injury rat model: a novel approach
Authors: Renno Waleed M , Afzal Mohammad M , Paul Bincy M , Nair Divya M , Kumar Jijin M , Al‐Hassan Jassim M
Published: June 2021

Preliminary investigations showed that soluble protein fraction‐Fraction C (SPF‐FC) from catfish skin preparations (CSP) from the Arabian Gulf catfish (Arius bilineatus, Val.) exhibit potent anti‐inflammatory and healing properties as shown in our previous clinical trials for the healing of non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers, chronic back pain, and some other neurological disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of SPF‐FC derived from CSP on the spinal neurons, regeneration of sciatic nerve fibers, and recovery of sensory‐motor functions in the sciatic nerve crush injury model. Male Wistar rats (weight 250–300 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: (I) SHAM, (II) CRUSH, (III) CRUSH+SPF treated intraperitoneally (IP) and (IV) CRUSH+SPF treated subcutaneously (SC) groups. Rats in CRUSH groups underwent surgery, where the sciatic nerve was crushed, followed by treatment with saline (II) or with 3–12 mg/Kg SPF IP (III) or SC (IV) daily for 14 days. All animals were tested for the neurobehavioral parameters throughout the 6 weeks of the study. Sciatic nerve and spinal cord tissues were processed for light and electron histological examinations, stereological analysis, immunohistochemical and biochemical examinations at Week 4 and Week 6 post‐injury. Administration of SPF IP or SC significantly (p<0.05–0.0001) enhanced the sensory and motor performance on different neurobehavioral functional tests of the nerve‐injured rats. The stereological evaluation revealed significant (p<0.000) histomorphological evidence of neuroregeneration in the sciatic nerve of the CRUSH+ SPF groups compared to controls at week 4 and 6. SPF‐FC treatment significantly prevented the decrease in the number of the NeuN‐immunoreactive spinal neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury, decreased the GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes and increased the GAP‐43 immunoreactivity. The data analysis supports our hypothesis that SPF‐FC immunoreactivity treatment lessens neurobehavioral deficits, enhances axonal regeneration and ameliorate histomorphological nerve alterations following nerve injury. Further, SPF‐FC protects spinal neurons and enhances subcellular recovery by decreasing the astrocytic activity and GAP‐43, thus improves nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by Kuwait University Research Administration (KU Grants No. SL03/14 and SL04/09 and RCF/OMICSRU project SRUL02/13) and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (Grant No. KFAS 2013‐1207‐01A‐D).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Retinoic acid application affects optic nerve microglia and macrophages after optic nerve injury in frog Rana pipiens
Authors: De La Rosa‐Reyes Valeria , Duprey Mildred V. , Blagburn Jonathan M. , Blanco Rosa E.
Published: June 2021

Retinoic acid (RA) plays major roles during nervous system development. We have previously shown that RA signaling pathway components are upregulated after optic nerve injury and that exogenous application of RA improves the long‐term survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells to more than 90%. In addition, there is some evidence that RA may be a factor involved in the induction of phagocytic macrophages, promoting the production of pro‐repair chemokines that could play a role in successful regeneration. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of RA application on the macrophage populations in the optic nerve after injury. We performed optic nerve crush and applied into the nerve either saline solution or retinoic acid. We examined the optic nerves at 48h, one week, and two weeks after axotomy with immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Electron microscope studies of the proximal, injury, and distal sites of the optic nerves show macrophages filled with secondary lysosomes and residual bodies. Immunocytochemistry of various macrophage subtypes was carried out followed by confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that application of RA to the optic nerve causes a significant increase in the number of macrophages and microglia present one week after optic nerve injury. Most cells were CD68‐positive in saline‐ and RA‐treated nerves. We also identified activated microglia (Iba1‐positive) and a sub‐population of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages (arginase‐positive) at the injury and distal sites. In conclusion, the application of RA affects the number and the distribution of macrophages after optic nerve injury and it may play a role in the success of optic nerve regeneration.

Support or Funding Information

REB is supported by NIH grant GM116692, JMB by NIH grant NS081726

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Distribution of HAP1‐immunoreactive cells in the spinal cord is suggestive of its protective roles against neurodegeneration in vivo
Authors: Islam Nabiul , Takeshita Yukio , Jahan Mir Rubayet , Yanai Akie , Masumoto Koh‐hei , Shinoda Koh
Published: June 2021

Huntingtin‐associated protein 1 (HAP1) is a neuronal interactor with causatively polyglutamine (polyQ)‐expanded huntingtin in Huntington's disease and also associated with pathologically polyQ‐expanded androgen receptor (AR) in spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), being considered as a protective factor against neurodegenerative apoptosis. In normal rodent brains, it is abundantly expressed particularly in the limbic‐hypothalamic regions that tend to be spared from neurodegeneration, whereas the areas with little HAP1 expression, including the striatum, thalamus, cerebral neocortex and cerebellum, are targets in several neurodegenerative diseases. While the spinal cord is another major neurodegenerative target, HAP1‐immunoreactive (ir) structures have yet to be determined there. In the current study, HAP1 expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in light and electron microscopy through the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spinal cords of the adult rats and mice. Our results showed that HAP1 is specifically expressed in neurons through the spinal segments and that more than 90% of neurons expressed HAP1 in lamina I–II, lamina X, and autonomic preganglionic regions. Double‐immunostaining for HAP1 and AR demonstrated that more than 80% of neurons expressed both in laminae I‐II and X. In contrast, HAP1 was specifically lacking in the lamina IX motoneurons with or without AR expression. The present study first demonstrated that HAP1 is abundantly expressed in spinal neurons of the somatosensory, viscerosensory, and autonomic regions but absent in somatomotor neurons, suggesting that the spinal motoneurons are, due to lack of putative HAP1 protectivity, more vulnerable to stresses in neurodegenerative diseases than other HAP1‐expressing neurons probably involved in spinal sensory and autonomic functions.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI (Grant Numbers 18K15006 to Md Nabiul Islam and 16H05118 to Koh Shinoda).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
First Systematic Documentation of Sex Differences in Craniofacial Norms of Nigerian Children
Authors: Musa Muhammad A. , Zagga Abdullahi D. , Ahmed Hamid , Weinberg Seth M. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: June 2021

Datasets containing standardized craniofacial measurements in African children are not widely available. Such datasets are needed to establish craniofacial norms and document patterns of normal growth, which are often population specific. In this cross‐sectional study we used traditional calipers to collect 13 standard anthropometric measurements on 320 male (n=172) and female (n=148) children from Sokoto, Nigeria with mean age of 38.39 and 37.34 months, respectively. The study participants were divided into eight different age groups: 6–12; 12–18; 18–24; 24–30; 30–36; 36–48; 48–60 and 60–72 months. ANOVA was used to test for sex differences within the age groups. Our results revealed statistically significant sex differences in craniofacial morphology at each age group, except the 12–18 month old subset. The greatest number of sexually dimorphic measures was observed in the 30–36 month and 36–48 month age groups. Through 60 months, the means of measurements that showed significant sex differences were universally larger in females than in males. By the 60–72 month group, mean values for sexually dimorphic traits were larger in males. This is consistent with reports in other cohorts showing a more accelerated rate of craniofacial growth in females during early postnatal growth that begins to level off during childhood. This study provides the first systematic documentation of sex differences in craniofacial variation in typical growing Nigerian children, increasing our understanding of craniofacial growth changes across different age groups in relation to sexual dimorphism. This information can be used by Nigerian clinicians and other health care givers to further understand craniofacial growth and morphology of Nigerian children, and serves as baseline data for the creation of a local craniofacial database that will facilitate diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies and overall patient management.

Support or Funding Information

The author(s) hereby acknowledge the support of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) through the Short‐term Visiting Scholarship Award to the Laboratory of Dr. J.T. Richtsmeier, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA as well as the Management of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, for the Staff Training and Development Fellowship Approval/Award (TETFund).

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 Second‐to‐Fourth Digit Bone Area Ratio from Radiographic Images
Authors: Hartnell Layne , Zdilla Matthew
Published: June 2021

Second‐to‐fourth digit ratio has been posited as a sexually dimorphic trait. Reportedly, females have a longer second digit relative to fourth digit and males have a longer fourth digit relative to second digit. This study assessed for differences in the size and shapes of the phalanxes from the second and fourth digits in 30 females (180 phalanxes) via radiographs of their right hands (all right‐hand dominant). Principle component analysis demonstrated differences between phalanxes. The area within the radiographic outlines of each phalanx were calculated. The areas of the phalanxes of the 4th digit were significantly larger than those of the 2nd digit. (Proximal phalanx: p=0.002; Middle phalanx: p<0.00001; Distal phalanx: p<0.00001). Further the phalanxes followed a trend, in both the second and fourth digits, where the middle phalanx was approximately twice the area of the distal phalanx and the proximal phalanx was approximately twice the area of the middle phalanx. The results of this study provide preliminary information that may be helpful in differentiating between phalanxes of the 2nd and 4th digits in human remains.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Mechanical and Fracture Properties Evolution of Gnathostome Dental Enamel and Orthodentine
Authors: Kay David Ian , Erickson Gregory M , Kuhn‐Hendricks Stephen , Giganc Paul M
Published: June 2021

During gnathostome diversification modifications to dental form and mineralized tissues (enamel, dentines, and cementum) facilitated the exploitation of novel food resources, leading to the occupation of an unprecedented variety of ecological trophic niches. Generally, it has been assumed that the intra‐tissue biomechanics of these constituents had little bearing on whole‐tooth functionality, aside from mammalian enamel in occluding dentitions. Many mammals, for example, possess teeth that self‐wear to a functional topography with a diversity of derived tissues—some which possess unique mechanical attributes to resist wear and fracture. Here we formally test the hypothesis that gnathostome dental tissue material properties were static prior to the cladogenesis of Mammalia. Hardness (a proxy for wear resistance) and elastic modulus (proxy for structural rigidity and relevant to whole tooth rigidity) were tested using two standardized material science techniques, microindentation and nanoindentation, as well as a novel approach for quantifying fracture propagation patterns from indentation cracks. These data were analyzed in an ecological context using modern phylogenetic comparative methods. The results show these material properties to be highly variable within and between major groups of gnathostomes, with enamel and orthodentine hardnesses ranging from ~2.1 gigapascals (GPa) to ~6.1 GPa and ~0.5 GPa to ~1.5 Gpa, respectively. Elastic modulus values measured spanned ~34.6 GPa to ~112.5 Gpa in enamel, and from ~15.6 GPa to ~33.4 GPa in orthodentine. Lissamphibia display the lowest hardness and elastic modulus values of both enamel and orthodentine while the higher hardness and elastic modulus values are found in specific taxa from chondrichthyans, mammals, and some squamates. Aside from enamel hardness, there is no significant relationship between most material properties and assigned dietary classes. An ancillary goal of this work is also to glean initial insights about how dental attributes for non‐mammalian and mammalian taxa more generally may contribute to whole‐tooth form, function, performance, and diet. Clade‐specific complex fracture patterns in the enamels of mammals and chondrichthyans, for example, show that gnathostome lineages independently evolved traits that function to control fracture and minimize damage associated with catastrophic failure. Overall, this study suggests that selection operated at the tissue level primarily in enamel to bring about shifts in whole‐tooth functionality across Gnathostomata.

Support or Funding Information

NSF EAR 0959029 awarded to Gregory M Erickson

Sigma Xi GIAR awarded to David Ian Kay

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Histological Study of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Komro Jack , Gonzales Joshua , Marberry Kevin , Main Christopher , Kondrashov Peter
Published: June 2021

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a crucial role in preventing the anterior translocation and medial rotation of the tibia against the femur. The normal histological composition of the ACL has been described as 99% dense regular connective tissue (DRCT), 0.9% loose connective tissue, and 0.1% vasculature with no nerves or adipose tissue present. Previous data on ACL structure in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) indicate that the ligament undergoes degenerative changes in OA patients. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the details of histological changes in the ACLs of patients with clinically diagnosed OA. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. The ACLs from six patients undergoing total knee replacement because of OA (OA group) and eleven normal ACLs from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine anatomy lab (control group) were collected. Demographic data, medical history, and Outerbridge scores were also collected. The average Outerbridge score in the OA group was 3.6 on a scale of 0–4. Nonconsecutive 10 μm longitudinal tissue slices of ACLs stained with hematoxylin and eosin were analyzed for tissue composition and amount of blood vessels. To account for possible differences in tissue composition across the ligament, the full length and full thickness of each ACL were analyzed using nine sections from each ACL, from which the data were averaged. ImageJ software was used to calculate percentages for total area and areas of DRCT, degenerative tissue, and vasculature. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare tissue composition and relative amount of blood vessels in the OA and control groups. There was no significant difference in tissue composition or vasculature between age groups (both P>.37). The major difference in the histological structure of the ACL between the two groups was the proportion of DRCT to non‐DRCT, which was significantly smaller in the OA group than the control group (OA, 50%; control, 96%; P<.001). The non‐DRCT included degenerative connective tissue and fibrocartilage. The ratio of blood vessels to area was greater in the OA group than the control group (OA, 0.12 vessels/mm2; control, 0.02 vessels/mm2; P=.01). These results indicate that the inflammatory processes in the knee contributing to OA lesions cause changes in the composition of the ACL that lead to destruction of collagen bundles, increased vascularization, edema, and formation of fibrocartilage‐like tissue inside the ligament. Thus, the ACLs from patients with severe OA undergo marked histological changes, making them less suitable for ligament‐retaining total knee arthroplasty.

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 Accuracy of Risk Stratification System for Classifying Thyroid Nodules in FEU‐NRMF, Medical Center
Authors: Ligha Aloysius Ebi , Pidlaoan Rodney B
Published: June 2021

Background

Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) is a risk stratification system, recently recognized in an American College of Radiology (ACR) white paper. However, there is paucity of data been reported regarding the use of TIRADS in our local setting. Although foreign studies have been done regarding TIRADS, it is important to validate it against local data to determine its applicability and usability in our local institution so as to avoid unnecessary biopsy.

The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of thyroid imaging reporting and data system in detecting thyroid malignancy in comparison to Fine needle aspiration biopsy report and also to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasound features in the prediction of malignant nodule.

Methods

This prospective cross‐section study involved 193 patients that underwent thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy study in FEU‐NRMF medical center radiology department. The thyroid lesions were divided into 5 categories; TIRADS 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 based on the ultrasound features. TIRADS 1, normal thyroid gland; TIRADS 2, benign in; TIRADS 3, probably benign; TIRADS 4A, low suspicious for malignancy; TIRADS 4B, intermediate suspicious for malignancy and TIRADS 5, high suspicious suspicious for malignancy. All thyroid nodules were characterized according to composition, echogenicity, margins, calcification and shape. Subsequently, the FNAB reports were obtained from the pathology department. Data were processed and encoded using Microsoft excel statistical analysis using SPSS. Determination of sensitivity and specificity was done using percentages of proportion. 95% confidence interval was calculated.

Result

This study revealed the presence of hypoechogenicity as the most sensitive but the least specific feature in a malignant thyroid nodule while taller than wide shape is the least sensitive but the most specific and its presence offers the highest likelihood of a nodule to be malignant. Higher TIRADS classification is found to be associated with higher risk of thyroid malignancy with a sensitivity of 97% in TIRADS 4a to 5. The risk of malignancy is in TIRADS 5 is put at 81%, therefore, TIRADS is a sensitive classification in recognizing patients with thyroid cancer and can be used as a guide in deciding the need for fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Support or Funding Information

No funding source

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
3D Anatomy and Muscle Architecture of the Human Hand: new approaches for imaging and education
Authors: Sullivan Samuel P , Johnson Laura E , Nesbitt Allison , Hill Cheryl A , Holliday Casey M
Published: June 2021

New three‐dimensional digital imaging technologies permit much richer reconstructions of soft‐tissue anatomy. We used algorithmic fiber‐tracking software, or 3D muscle tractography to model the muscle architecture of distal forearm and hand muscles via diffusible iodine contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (DiceCT) of a deidentified donor. Excellent soft‐tissue staining and high CT resolution (<50 μm) allowed for the visualization of many tissues difficult to simultaneously resolve using other imaging modalities, including muscle fascicles, integumentary collagen fibers, as well as bony trabeculae. Muscle fascicles were tracked and modeled as curved cylinders from which fascicle‐specific information, such as length and orientation, was gathered. By modeling numerous fascicles within a whole muscle, we collected muscle‐wide distributions, rather than single‐value estimates, of quantitative muscle architecture variables. These comprehensive data afforded by DiceCT and algorithmic fascicle modeling promise to aid in biomechanical modeling. Further, the volume and fascicle models produced by these methods are an excellent teaching resource in medical education.

Support or Funding Information

NSF IOS 1457319, NSF EAR 1631684, Missouri Research Council, Life Sciences Research Fellowship, University of Missouri Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Illuminating Biochemistry Education with Infographics
Authors: Borror Megan B.
Published: June 2021

Students are often disengaged from biochemistry in the classroom and have difficulty relating it to everyday life. While biochemistry may seem abstract to students, the biological chemistry principles are taking place in front of their eyes every day and are crucial to life as we know it. This study sought to engage students in an infographic project to encourage interest and engagement in an undergraduate biochemistry course. Infographics have recently become a popular device in the media and popular culture. An infographic is a visual presentation of data that aims to concisely deliver information in a simple, but striking way. Students worked as teams to create an infographic on their choice of topic relating to biochemistry. These infographics were submitted as posters and presented to their classmates at the end of the semester. A short survey was given to the students to assess their interest, engagement, and educational outcomes of the project. 91% percent of students agreed that the project reinforced biochemistry concepts learned in lecture, while 100% agreed that the project was interesting and exciting to work on. Students particularly enjoyed the freedom to choose their own topics and creatively represent the biochemistry in the world around them.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Expanding Opportunities for Undergraduate Research: CUREs and Beyond
Authors: Teter Ken , Moore Sean , Borgon Robert A , Schneider Kimberly , Fedorka Ken
Published: June 2021

The University of Central Florida (UCF) hosts over 2,500 students majoring in Biology, Biotechnology, or Biomedical Sciences. About half of these students have transferred to UCF from the state college system. To expand research opportunities for both transfer students and first time in college students, UCF has developed several research programs and curriculum‐based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). The Transfer‐student Research and Integration Program (TRIP) prepares life science students for placement in graduate school or the STEM workforce by supporting their professional development and integration into the UCF community. TRIP students also receive a team‐based research experience in the form of Group‐Effort Applied Research (GEAR), a CURE that delivers concept‐driven lecture material and provides hands‐on training in the context of an active research project from the instructor's laboratory. Other CUREs at UCF include Applied and Industrial Microbiology (AIM) and Peer Instruction and Laboratory Occupational Training (PILOT). AIM provides interdisciplinary research experiences that are collaboratively linked to regional industries that use microbes. PILOT combines aspects of an undergraduate research experience with an undergraduate teaching assistantship for an upper‐division lab course focused on molecular biology techniques. Students can leverage these experiences to secure an independent research position that may involve an Honors‐in‐the‐Major (HIM) thesis or participation in the Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE). All of the aforementioned activities provide authentic research experiences while also promoting the development of soft skills essential for success in research. This poster will provide an overview of the CUREs and research programs available to life science students at UCF. Each program can serve as a template for similar efforts at other Universities.

Support or Funding Information

National Science Foundation S‐STEM grant 1742380

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Are You a Scientist? Exploring Science Identity in a Structural Biology Outreach Program
Authors: Wyatt Brittney Nicole , Schram Malia
Published: June 2021

As part of the science community, scientists are agents of social influence that can impact a student's sense of belonging and participation in science. Students mentored in research experiences have an increase in science persistence, efficacy, and identity. To further investigate the effect of mentored research experiences on a student's science identity, we developed a research‐intensive outreach lab dedicated to instructing high school students and undergraduate research mentors on techniques used in structural biology. Lab participants expressed fluorescent proteins in bacteria and purified the proteins to subsequently determine the proteins' structure by X‐ray crystallography. The development of this outreach lab raised specific questions on the effectiveness of engaging students in science through outreach programs. Specifically, does an inquiry‐based science outreach program increase students' perception of themselves as a scientist by doing hands on experiments, group discussions and pre/post‐lab assignments? Prior to participation in the outreach program, a majority of the students already strongly identified as a science person. While the students' perceptions of themselves as a science person did not change, how students viewed scientists changed from impersonal to personal characteristics after completion of the program. Students indicated that the inclusive environment of the outreach program created an authentic sense of belonging in a research setting. Based on these results, future work will focus on modifying and expanding mentored research programs to engage a range of students in research experiences.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by Dr. Martin St. Maurice and the Marquette University Strategic Innovation Fund.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Making Experiential Education in the Lab Accessible: Reflections of Deaf or Hard‐of‐Hearing Students and Lab Advisors
Authors: Gehret Austin U.
Published: June 2021

The value of an undergraduate research or internship experience can be measured by its ability to transform a student's self‐identity related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Successful experiences not only hold potential to help students shed previously held notions of self‐incompatibility with STEM, they can often motivate a research career and the desire to develop as a scientist. However, students of diverse and underrepresented populations, such as d/Deaf and hard‐of‐hearing students (DHH), engaged in undergraduate research or internship experiences in STEM may or may not reap these same benefits given the potential for barriers to information access. We conducted a survey of current and past DHH undergraduate students who worked in a lab setting as part of an undergraduate research or internship experience; as well as, graduate and undergraduate research advisors and internship advisors. All of the advisors had little to no sign language skills and had worked with at least one DHH student. Students and advisors were asked to provide strategies that they used to facilitate training and communication in lab and to rank the perceived effectiveness of those strategies. Students placed a strong emphasis on the benefits of access services (e.g., interpreting, captioning) and sign language while advisors ranked written communication highest with written protocols and face‐to‐face communication on par with access services. When asked to reflect upon these experiences, students and advisors were largely in agreement that the experiences were rewarding and productive, respectively. In contrast, DHH graduate students with prior lab research experiences indicated a readiness for graduate‐level research that graduate advisors disputed.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by an internal NTID FEAD grant (A.U.G.)

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Developing an Inclusive Workshop Series for Faculty Mentoring Diverse Research Students
Authors: Michel Lea Vacca , Newman Dina , Magalhaes Rita Margarida Almeida , Wyatt Brittney N
Published: June 2021

Undergraduate research can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both students and mentors. Many students who participate in undergraduate research find themselves motivated to pursue graduate programs in their fields. However, a negative experience during undergraduate research can have the opposite effect‐ students may disengage from scientific research altogether, and mentors may find themselves pulling back from mentoring undergraduates. When students are from nontraditional or underrepresented groups, these effects can be amplified due to complicating factors such as stereotype threat and a deflated sense of belonging. Here, we report on a workshop series for research mentors, designed specifically to improve and enhance faculty awareness on inclusive practices. The workshops employed a combination of reading and writing assignments, discussions, videos, podcasts, and activities to help mentors recognize the complexity of identity, implement inclusive practices in their research groups, and foster a sense of belonging in their students. A majority of faculty who participated in the workshops reported having a positive experience that increased their awareness and promoted them to be a more reflective research mentor.

Support or Funding Information

The development of this workshop series was supported by an Inclusive Excellence grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (PI: Scott Franklin, RIT).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Development of a directed beam monochromatic UV light device for investigation of DNA damage in skin cancer
Authors: Paliwal Vipin , Masoud Nazieh
Published: June 2021

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in US. Prolonged exposure to sunlight is one of the major causes of skin cancer. UV‐B radiations in the region of 290–320 nm of the solar spectrum are absorbed by skin cells resulting in mutated DNA leading to cancer. A need to for a directed beam source of single wavelength UVB light to study DNA damage prompted us to develop this light source. We developed a small portable UVB light source with directed beam emitting single wavelength at 308 nm. A mixture of Xe and Cl was used to form the XeCl* excimer which specifically emits the wavelength of 308 nm. The source is completely sealed and portable and can be transported to any laboratory, classroom or clinic. The source generates UVB light inside a ¼ inch diameter sealed quartz tube such that the light leaves from one end of the tube (directed beam) which can be regulated in intensity. The utility of the UVB source was tested by studying quantitative DNA damage (6–4 photoproducts) in calf thymus DNA. We conclude that the formation of 6–4 pyrimidine‐pyrimidone photoproducts is proportional to the dose of UVB radiation. In addition to skin cancer research, future application of the source could also include classroom demonstrations and even precision laser phototherapy of skin conditions such as Vitiligo.

Support or Funding Information

Milwaukee School of Engineering □ Summer Professional Development Grant‐2018

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
DNA Repair Process in Virally Infected Cells
Authors: Podlutskaya Viktorija , Bishop Sabrina , Haines Samanta , Podlutsky Andrej
Published: June 2021

Humans come into regular contact with a spectrum of infectious agents, such as viruses. According to the CDC, there are over 200 viruses that contribute to just the common cold. Viruses will infect host cell DNA and begin to produce new viruses. In addition to viral challenges, cells must defend against endogenous threats such as oxidative stress, which cause a variety of DNA damage and could lead to mutations. These and other stimuli result in cellular efforts to repair DNA, but sometimes the damage is not repaired properly. This may occur because of viruses hijacking the DNA repair machinery while cells attempt to repair their DNA. Our hypothesis is that the virus‐infected cells could not repair their damaged DNA properly and as a result, damage is passed onto subsequent generations in the form of mutations. Accumulation of damaged and mutated DNA results in a predisposition to cancer and subsequent progression to tumor formation. For example, individuals infected with HIV/AIDS, caused by a virus, show a greater increase in certain types of cancer. Using Human Herpes Virus 8, the show the link between virus infections and cellular DNA repair function. Through measuring DNA repair with the Comet Assay, and by analyzing the level of apoptosis, we conclude that active production HHV8 in BCBL1 cells interfere with the DNA repair of X‐ray and UV‐C induced DNA damage.

Support or Funding Information

1) Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers UL1GM118991, TL4GM118992, or RL5GM118990. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/titleIXcompliance/nondiscrimination.

2) NASA EPSCoR, NNH15ZHA003C

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Compromised Genomic Maintenance Integrity after Non‐Lethal Doses of Cadmium
Authors: Sherrer Shanen M. , Lundh Linnea M.
Published: June 2021

The integrity of an organism's genome can be compromised and promote carcinogenesis without structural modifiers under certain conditions. One such condition occurs when cadmium is present since cadmium exposure is linked to lung cancer and other cancers with little molecular details known. In this study, we first observed that the productivity of replicative DNA polymerases is greatly reduced in the presence of cadmium. This cadmium‐induced decrease in DNA polymerase efficiency can lead to an increase in genetic mutations that become substrates for the DNA mismatch repair (MMR). Deficiency of MMR also increases spontaneous mutability and is the cause of some sporadic cancers and colon cancer. Interestingly, cadmium selectively inhibits 3′‐directed MMR, a reaction that absolutely depends on human MutLα (hMutLα), and that can only be restored with supplementation of endonuclease‐active hMutLα. We also found that cadmium specifically inactivates hMutLα endonuclease activity. Based on our findings, it is suggested that some of the biological effects of cadmium on MMR are the result of deminished replicative DNA polymerase activity, and selective inhibition of zinc‐dependent hMutLα. Thus, our work provides new molecular details on how cadmium acts as an environmental carcinogen and mutagen.

Support or Funding Information

This work was partially financially supported by St. Mary's College of Maryland. L. Lundh was supported by the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust's Ruth Mathes Scholarship.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Elongin and the Elongin A ubiquitin ligase complex in transcription and the response to DNA damage
Authors: Weems Juston Cory , Conaway Joan , Conaway Ron
Published: June 2021

Lesions induced by a variety of DNA damaging agents can block RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation. Mechanisms that reactivate or remove Pol II that has become stalled or arrested at such lesions are critical for resumption of gene expression after DNA damage repair and, in addition, may contribute to efficiency of the DNA repair process by enhancing access of the damage repair machinery to the lesion. Following exposure of cells to UV irradiation or other DNA damaging agents, Pol II is ubiquitinated in a transcription‐coupled reaction and degraded by the proteasome, and it has been proposed that ubiquitination and degradation of Pol II stalled at DNA lesions may contribute to transcription‐coupled DNA repair and/or to reactivation of transcription after repair of the damaged DNA.

Elongin is a multisubunit complex that was first identified and purified as an activity that stimulates the rate at which Pol II elongates nascent transcripts in vitro. Elongin is composed of 3 subunits, Elongin A (ELOA), the ubiquitin‐like protein Elongin B (ELOB), and Elongin C (ELOC), which is similar to the SCF ubiquitin ligase subunit Skp1. Elongin A performs dual functions in cells as a component of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription elongation factor Elongin and as the substrate recognition subunit of a Cullin‐RING (CRL) E3 ubiquitin ligase that has been shown to target Pol II stalled at sites of DNA damage. Here we investigate the mechanism(s) governing conversion of the Elongin complex from its elongation factor to its ubiquitin ligase form. We find that assembly of the Elongin A ubiquitin ligase is a tightly regulated process. In unstressed cells, the majority of Elongin A is found as part of Pol II elongation factor Elongin. Assembly of Elongin A into the ubiquitin ligase is strongly induced by genotoxic stress, by transcriptional stresses that lead to accumulation of stalled Pol II, and by other stimuli, including endoplasmic reticulum and nutrient stress and retinoic acid signaling, that activate Elongin A‐dependent transcription. We will describe ongoing studies to define signal transduction pathways that lead to assembly and activation of the Elongin A‐ubiquitin ligase as well as experiments addressing the possibility that the Elongin A ubiquitin ligase plays a more direct role in Elongin A‐dependent transcription activation than previously anticipated.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
CoxR Directly Represses Alkane Hydroxylase Gene Expression in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Abbondanza Domenic , Kaufman Marissa , Smolarek Brandon , Dey Arup , Peterson Celeste
Published: June 2021

Alkanes are commonly found in nature and many gram positive and gram negative bacteria have developed enzymes for degrading them. The alphaproteobacteria Caulobacter crescentus has the CYP153 gene which codes for a medium‐chain alkane hydroxylase in the cytochrome P450 family. However, the regulatory mechanism controlling this gene has not been well‐characterized. A reverse genetics screen found that a deletion in the TetR family coxR gene results in a strain that is sensitive to oxidative stress. We used RNA‐seq and EMSA with Ni‐NTA purified CoxR to determine which genes CoxR directly regulates. Expression of the CYP153, ferredoxin and ferredoxin reductase genes were shown to be upregulated in the coxR deletion strain. Furthermore, CoxR was shown to directly bind to a 35bp region of the CYP153 promoter. In summary, we have shown that the transcription factor CoxR directly represses CYP153 gene expression.

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