bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mourning Doves, Zenaida macroura, are Resistant to Metabolic Effects of a High Fat Diet
Authors: Basile Anthony J , Shi Xiaojian , Jasbi Paniz , Gu Haiwei , Deviche Pierre Joseph , Sweazea Karen L
Published: June 2021

Birds have naturally high glycemia relative to mammals and can serve as a natural animal model of hyperglycemia without associated mammalian‐like complications. In mice, consumption of a high fat diet (60% kcals from fat) for six weeks results in a pathologic condition characterized by increased body weight and elevated plasma insulin, glucose, and triglycerides. Thus, we hypothesized that adult Mourning Doves consuming a high fat diet (60% kcal from fat; HF; n=4) would likewise exhibit diabetes‐like pathology including hyperglycemia and altered metabolic profile when compared to birds fed a control diet (CON; n=5). All doves were housed individually and fed a nutritional balanced dove seed diet during a week‐long cage acclimation period. Next, birds were acclimated to their study diets for a week where the study diets were mixed into the seed diet in increasing amount until only the study diet remained. At the end of the four‐week experimental dietary period, we euthanized birds with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital and collected cardiac blood, liver, kidney, and pectoralis muscle for metabolomic analyses and biochemical assays. Contrary to our hypothesis, doves fed a HF diet developed few metabolite changes compared to control doves (number of altered metabolite concentrations: 19 of 137 in plasma, 4 of 152 in liver, 1 of 142 in pectoralis muscle, 3 in 150 in kidney; p<0.05). Specifically, glucose metabolite concentrations did not differ between groups. Further, we observed alterations in several metabolic pathways, but changes in only two pathways were significant (p<0.05) and concurrently of high impact (scale: 0–1; >0.60): (a) Ubiquinone and other terpenoid‐quinone biosynthesis (plasma and kidney), and (b) alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism (plasma and kidney). In addition, consumption of the HF diet did not alter body mass, plasma uric acid, pectoralis glycogen, or liver glycogen and triglycerides. In conclusion, consumption of a HF diet for four weeks did not instigate symptoms of diabetes. Elucidating the uniqueness of avian nutritional physiology, specifically their resistance to dietinduced metabolic complications, may help develop novel therapeutic agents for mammalian diabetes.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Differential effects of a 5‐HT1A receptor agonist on breathing and swallow motor patterns
Authors: Iceman Kimberly , Huff Alyssa , Reed Mitchell , Greene Clint , Howland Dena , Pitts Teresa
Published: June 2021

Swallow disorder (dysphagia) can cause aspiration and lead to pneumonia in a number of patient populations, including individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Dysphagia is characterized by dysfunction in the swallow motor pattern, which is a sequential activation of muscles that propels the bolus into the esophagus and prevents entry into the airway. Diaphragm activity contributes to effective swallow by generating negative pressure which draws the bolus into the esophagus. There currently are no effective pharmacological treatments for dysphagia, and we aim to explore the effects of a potential treatment agent by first assessing its effects on baseline breathing and swallow. We use EMG to record breathing patterns and water‐induced swallow in pentobarbital‐anesthetized spontaneously breathing cats. EMGs are recorded from the mylohyoid, thyrohyoid, thyroarytenoid, thyropharyngeus, cricopharyngeus (upper esophageal sphincter), and diaphragm muscles, and trans‐diaphragmatic pressure is measured by monitoring esophageal and stomach pressures. The serotonin 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT is delivered via the vertebral artery in doses ranging from 1μg/kg – 50 μg/kg. We report here differential effects of low‐dose (3 μg/kg) and high dose (30 μg/kg) 8‐OH‐DPAT on swallow‐breathing coordination, behavior‐specific muscle recruitment patterns, and the sequential muscle activation necessary for proper movement of a bolus through the pharynx. This work will potentially inform treatment of patients with dysphagia, including those with cervical spinal cord injuries.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by NIH grants HL 111215, HL 103415 and OT20D001983, the Craig F. Neilson Foundation Pilot Research Grant 546714, Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation, Research and Development RCSB92495 (DRH), Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Trust, Rebecca F. Hammond Endowment (DRH), and the Commonwealth of Kentucky Challenge for Excellence.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Excessive erythrocytosis in high‐altitude residents is associated with modest impairments in short‐term memory and processing speed
Authors: Heinrich Erica C. , Djokic Matea A. , Anza‐Ramirez Cecilia , Galindo Gustavo Vizcardo , Gilbertson Dillon , DeYoung Pamela , Orr Jeremy E. , Powell Frank L. , Malhotra Atul , Villafuerte Francisco C. , Simonson Tatum S.
Published: June 2021

Nearly one‐third of high‐altitude Andean men develop excessive erythrocytosis (EE; [Hb] ≥ 21g/dL and [Hb] ≥ 19g/dL in men and women, respectively) and Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS) in response to chronic hypoxemia. Reduced carotid artery flow, nighttime brain blood flow, and confusion have been reported among individuals with CMS. We sought to determine if men and women with EE showed significant cognitive impairments compared to healthy non‐CMS individuals. Forty‐eight life‐long residents (24 men and 24 women, 19 healthy and 5 EE individuals in each group) of Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4,350 m altitude) completed a battery of tests in their native language that examined a range of cognitive functions including speed processing, cognitive flexibility, verbal/working short‐term memory, emotion recognition, risk‐taking behavior, and reflex speed the morning following an overnight sleep study. Compared to healthy individuals, the EE group with higher hematocrit (EE: 63.4 ± 5.0% versus non‐EE: 50.9 ± 5.3%, p << 0.0001; no significant difference in age) memorized fewer words on the verbal paired associates test (EE: 3.4 ± 2.8, non‐EE: 6.3 ± 5.7, p < 0.05) and exhibited longer reaction times on the emotion recognition task (EE: 8090 ± 2130 ms, non‐EE: 5429 ± 2849 ms, p < 0.01). There were modest but significant associations of hematocrit with performance on the trail making tests (version A: p < 0.05, r2 = 0.09; version B: p < 0.05, r2 = 0.12), the mean reaction time on the emotion recognition task (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.10), mean reaction time on the balloon analog risk task (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.10), and the mean reaction time on the psychomotor vigilance task (men only: p < 0.05, r2 = 0.21). Together, these results support previous findings of reduced processing speed and speed of attention in highland versus sea‐level residents and demonstrate further impairments in short‐term verbal memory and reaction times, especially when making complex decisions, in high‐altitude EE patients.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the following training grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH NHLBI R00HL118215 (TSS), NIH NHLBI F32HL131306 (JO), NIH NHLBI F32HL131218 (ECH). Funding was also provided by an American Physiological Society Giles Filley Award (TSS) and the UCSD Center for Physiological Genomics of Low Oxygen. FCV is supported by the Wellcome Trust.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Paraventricular Hypothalamus Activates Brown Adipose Tissue Sympathetic Nerve Activity: A Foundation for a Therapeutic Approach to Obesity
Authors: Madden Christopher J , Burchiel Kim , Morrison Shaun F
Published: June 2021

Obesity is a major epidemic with enormous societal costs. Recently, surgical approaches to the treatment of obesity have become more common. Since the rediscovery of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans and the demonstration of the inverse correlation between BAT activation and obesity, BAT activation has emerged as a target for weight reduction. The main goal of this study was to demonstrate the “proof of concept” that electrical stimulation of hypothalamic sites could activate sympathetic outflow to BAT. In addition, these studies investigated optimal stimulus parameters and potential mechanisms underlying electrical stimulation‐induced increases in BAT sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). In urethane/chloralose anesthetized rats, maintained electrical stimulation (0.1mA, 0.1ms pulses, 100Hz trains for 5 sec periods with 50% duty cycle) of the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) elicited a biphasic response in BAT SNA. Initially, PVH stimulation inhibited BAT SNA, but this was followed by brief activations of BAT SNA during the off cycle between stimulus trains. After several minutes, PVH stimulation caused large activations of BAT SNA that occurred during both the on and off cycles, and these increased BAT temperature by 0.5–2.0 °C. These increases in BAT SNA and BAT thermogenesis were sustained for at least one hour of PVH stimulation. Nanoinjection of the GABAA antagonist, bicuculline, in the PVH prevented the stimulation‐evoked increases in BAT SNA and BAT thermogenesis. Thus, local release of GABA during PVH stimulation is necessary for the stimulus‐evoked activation of BAT SNA and increases in BAT metabolism. These data serve as a foundation for a potential approach to increasing metabolism in BAT for the treatment of obesity.

Support or Funding Information

NIH NCATS UL1‐TR000128 (CJM) and R01‐NS091066 (SFM)

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Hemodynamic Responses to Venous Distension: Does Sex Play a Role?
Authors: Mansur Daniel , Campos Monique O , Mattos João D , Paiva Adrielle CS , Videira Rogério , Macefield Vaughan , Nóbrega Antonio CL , Fernandes Igor Alexandre
Published: June 2021

Peripheral venous distension mechanically stimulates type III/IV sensory fibers in veins and evokes pressor and sympathoexcitatory reflex responses in humans. As young females have reduced venous compliance, smaller increases in arterial pressure to type III/IV sensory fibers activation and impaired sympathetic transduction, we tested the hypothesis that pressor and sympathoexcitatory responses to venous distension may be attenuated in women compared to men. Mean arterial pressure (MAP, photoplethysmography), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV, Modelflow), cardiac output (CO = HR x SV), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), femoral artery blood flow and conductance (FABF and FACT, Doppler ultrasound) were quantified in 8 males (27 ± 4 yrs.) and 9 females (28 ± 4 yrs.) before (CON) during (INF) and after (Post‐INF) a local infusion of normal saline (5% of the forearm volume) through a retrograde catheter inserted into an antecubital vein of the forearm, to which venous drainage and arterial supply had been occluded. MAP increased during and after infusion in both groups (vs. CON, p ≤ 0.05) but women showed a smaller pressor response in the Post‐INF period (Δ+7.2 ± 2.0 vs. men Δ+18.3 ± 3.9 mmHg, p = 0.019). MSNA increased and FACT decreased similarly in both groups (vs. CON, p ≤ 0.05) at Post‐INF. While HR changes were similar, increases in SV (Δ+20.4 ± 8.6 vs. Δ+2.6 ± 2.7 mL, p = 0.05) and CO (Δ+0.84 ± 0.17 vs. Δ+0.34 ± 0.10 L/min, p = 0.024) were greater in men than women. Therefore, these findings indicate that venous distension evokes a smaller pressor response in young women due to attenuated cardiac adjustments rather than to reduced venous compliance or sympathetic transduction.

Support or Funding Information

Support: CNPq, CAPES, FAPERJ

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Estrogen Receptor Alpha on Catecholaminergic Neurons in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius of Male and Female Rats
Authors: Nguyen Dianna Huyen‐Tram , Horn Christopher , Wang Lei A , Mifflin Steve
Published: June 2021

Very little is known about the location of neurons expressing estrogen receptors within the NTS. To elucidate whether estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is expressed on catecholaminergic neurons in the NTS in male and female rats, adult male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde and hindbrains harvested. In coronal sections containing the NTS (40μm thick) immunohistochemistry was performed using monoclonal antityrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibody (1:1000, Millipore) and secondary antibody Alexa Fluor 488 donkey anti‐mouse (1:500, Jackson ImmunoResearch) and polyclonal anti‐ERα antibody (1:2000–5000, Millipore) and secondary antibody Cy3 donkey anti‐rabbit (1:400, Jackson ImmunoResearch). Sections were captured using an Olympus BX41 fluorescence microscope and analyzed using ImageJ. The NTS was divided into 2 broad regions: sections caudal to the area postrema (caudal CAUD) and sections lying below the area postrema (sub‐postrema SP) The number of immunoreactive neurons in each region was counted and expressed as an average number of labeled neurons per section ± SEM. The number of sections analyzed ranged from 7–11 in CAUD and 3–7 in SP. In male rats, TH in CAUD NTS (n=6) was observed in 26 ± 4 and ERα in 24 ± 4 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 13 ± 2 neurons/section. TH in SP NTS (n=5) was observed in 54 ± 3 and ERα in 34 ± 2 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 15 ± 2 neurons/section. In female rats, TH in CAUD NTS (n=6) was observed in 27 ± 2 and ERα in 30 ± 3 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 17 ± 2 neurons/section. TH in SP NTS (n=6) was observed in 50 ± 4 and ERα in 52 ± 5 neurons/section. Co‐localization of ERα and TH was observed in 27 ± 2 neurons/section. At sacrifice, females were in estrus (n=1), diestrus (n=2) or proestrus (n=3). In CAUD NTS, the number of TH immunoreactive, ERα immunoreactive and TH/ERα co‐labeled neurons did not differ between males and females. In SP NTS, the number of TH immunoreactive neurons did not differ between males and females. However, in this region of NTS females had a significantly greater number of ERα (p=.013) and TH/ERα co‐labeled (p=.002) immunoreactive neurons compared to males. In CAUD NTS, ERα was observed in approx. 50% of TH immunoreactive neurons in males and approx. 63% in females. In SP NTS, ERα was observed in approx. 28% of TH immunoreactive neurons in males and approx. 54% in females. To conclude, ERα is expressed on a subset of catecholaminergic NTS neurons, as well as non‐catecholaminergic neurons in both male and female rats.

Support or Funding Information

This work is supported by National Institute of Health P01 HL088052.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Anti ‐inflammatory Treatment with a Prodrug of Dexamethasone in Stellate Ganglia Attenuates Ventricular Arrhythmogenesis in Chronic Heart Failure Rats
Authors: Zhang Dongze , Tu Huiyin , Wang Dong , Wadman Michael C. , Li Yulong
Published: June 2021

Cardiac sympathetic overactivation is a key trigger for ventricular arrhythmogenesis and is involved in sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Inflammatory infiltration in stellate ganglia (SG) has been considered as a critical factor to boost adrenergic activity in patients with ventricular arrhythmia. Our current study aims to investigate whether anti‐inflammatory treatment with a macromolecular prodrug of dexamethasone (P‐Dex) in the SG attenuates cardiac sympathetic overactivation and ventricular arrhythmogenesis in CHF rats. CHF rat was induced by surgical ligation of left coronary artery. P‐Dex (10 mM, 2 μl) was microinjected into bilateral SGs at 12 weeks after coronary artery ligation. Final experiments were performed at 9 days after P‐Dex treatment. ECG data obtained from 24‐hour continuous telemetry recording in conscious rats demonstrated that anti‐inflammatory treatment with P‐Dex in SGs reduced the incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF). CHF‐induced heterogeneity of ventricular electrical activities was restored by P‐Dex treatment, as evidenced by P‐Dex‐shortened QT interval, QT dispersion as well as T‐peak to T‐end interval. In the power spectral analysis of heart rate variability, P‐Dex treatment in SGs normalized CHF‐increased ratio of low frequency to high frequency. In addition, anti‐inflammatory treatment with P‐Dex not only reduced CHF‐induced cardiac sympathetic nerve over‐activity, but also decreased the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in CHF rats. Based on above data, we conclude that anti‐inflammatory treatment with P‐Dex in SGs attenuated CHF‐induced cardiac sympathetic overactivation and ventricular arrhythmia, suggesting that anti‐inflammatory treatment in SGs might be an effective therapeutic strategy to improve lethal ventricular arrhythmia and reduce mortality in patients with CHF.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grant (R01HL137832A to Y.‐L. Li)

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) expression and Renin/Angiotensin System (RAS) in salt‐sensitive rats
Authors: Okechukwu Charles , Awumey Emmanuel Modesto
Published: June 2021

The CaSR provides the primary mechanism for Ca2+‐mediated regulation of the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a result of parathyroid cells sensing small changes in the [Ca2+]. However, the CaSR is also involved in the fine regulation of serum Ca2+ levels and renal Ca2+ excretion, independent of PTH secretion. The mechanisms underlying these latter effects are not clear. The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) plays vital roles in the development of hypertension. The disease is associated with vasoconstriction, endothelial and renal dysfunction. Treatment of the disease is difficult because the mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that a high salt diet reduces renal [Ca2+] and increases systolic blood pressure in Dahl salt‐sensitive rats. Studies show that adequate Ca2+ intake (1.0 to 1.5 g/day) is critical for optimal blood pressure (BP) regulation, and randomized controlled trials have revealed significant reductions in hypertension risk and BP levels in human. In the kidney, the CaSR is expressed along the nephron and plays an important role, with the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), in the regulation of renal tubular Ca2+, Na+ and water reabsorption. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of high salt diets and receptor mutation on the expression of CaSR, its downstream signaling complements and proteins in the RAS in female Dahl salt‐sensitive rats. Our data indicate that CaSR gene mutation and high salt diets modulate the expression of the CaSR, GRK2, PKCα, NCX1 and RAS proteins in kidney. Thus, CaSR signaling is linked to RAS to control hypertension.

Support or Funding Information

NIH Grant SC1 HL136278

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Perinatal Inflammation Results in Altered Histone 3 and Histone 4 Methylation Patterns
Authors: Sugar Sophia S , Heyob Kathryn M , Rogers Lynette
Published: June 2021

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) continues to be a significant pulmonary complication for preterm infants, but the mechanisms associated with altered lung development remain poorly understood. Our mouse model of perinatal inflammation mimics the pathophysiology observed in infants with severe BPD. We have previously reported decreased pulmonary miR‐29b and miR~17–92 cluster expression and increased global DNA methylation. These studies tested the hypothesis that histone methylation may also be responsible for the lung pathophysiology observed in this model. First, we investigated protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT)‐mediated changes in H4R3me2 (symmetrical and asymmetrical). Second, we explored lysine methylation, specifically H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K27me3.

Methods

Pregnant C3H/HeN mice received an intraperitoneal LPS injection on E16 and newborn pups were exposed in 85% oxygen from birth to 14 days of life. On postnatal day 14 or 28, mouse lung tissues were harvested. Tissue homogenates were analyzed by western blot for PRMT‐1, PRMT‐5, and H4R3me2 symmetrical and asymmetrical and by ELISA for H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K27me3 (Epigentek).

Results

Perinatal inflammation resulted in decreased expression of PRMT‐1 (1.0 v 0.45 arbitrary units, p<0.0001) and PRMT‐5 (1.0 v 0.48 arbitrary units, p=0.02) which corresponded to decreases in H4R3me2 symmetrical methylation (1.3 v 0.39 arbitrary units, p=0.04). H3K9me2 (39.8 vs 25.0 ug/mL, p=0.03) and H3K4me3 (41.1 vs 30.3 ug/mL, p<0.05) were also decreased in the exposed group while H3K27me3 was not significant.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that maternal inflammation combined with neonatal hyperoxia influences expression of proteins involved in histone methylation and alters specific histone methylation marks. Further investigations will explore expression of histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases. Overall the changes observed suggest a disruption in chromatin structure which may be responsible for altered gene expression in this model.

Support or Funding Information

NIH NICHD R01HD088033

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Lymphocytes mediate bone loss induced by gut microbiota repopulation following antibiotic use
Authors: Arce Naiomy Deliz Rios , Schaefer Laura , Britton Robert , McCabe Laura , Parameswaran Narayanan
Published: June 2021

Recent studies link the gut microbiota, immune cells and bone health. We identified that treatment of mice with oral antibiotics followed by four weeks of natural repopulation leads to an altered gut microbiota composition as well as bone loss. To identify the role of lymphocytes in post‐ABX repopulation induced bone loss, we treated T and B lymphocyte‐deficient Rag knockout mice and corresponding wild‐type (WT) mice (male, C57BL/6J, 12 weeks of age) with antibiotics (ABX, ampicillin (1g/L) and neomycin (0.5g/L)) in the water for two weeks. Afterwards, mice received water without antibiotics for another 4 weeks to allow the repopulation of gut microbiota. Bone volume fraction (BVF) of the femurs were analyzed using microcomputed tomography. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease in post‐ABX WT mouse femoral trabecular BVF (relative to body weight (BW)) (WT:0.98±0.05, WT‐ABX: 0.69±0.07, n=14–17). Strikingly, this effect was not observed in the RAG‐KO (BVF/BW KO: 1.57±0.07, KO‐ABX: 1.49±0.11, n=9–11) mice. Analysis by diversity metrics (Bray‐Curtis) showed similar changes in gut microbiota repopulation in both the WT and RAG‐KO group. However, several operational taxonomic units (OTUs) classified as Lactobacillales were significantly higher in the repopulated RAG‐KO group when compared to the WT group (WT‐ABX: 0.24±.07, KO‐ABX:2.63±.31, n=11–14). This suggests that Lactobacillales might play a protective role in preventing bone loss during post‐ABX repopulation in the RAG‐KO mice. To test this possibility, we administered Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 for 4 weeks to post‐ABX‐treated WT mice. Our data establish that Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 can colonize the gut in the WT mice and more importantly, it prevents bone loss induced by post‐ABX repopulation. Together, our results demonstrate an important role for lymphocytes in regulating bone health and for the role of Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 to prevent bone loss in ABX‐treated mice.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Vascular Function in Healthy Adults Consuming Vegetarian and Omnivore Diets
Authors: Gonzalez Macarena Ramos , Mbakwe Alexis Ugochi , Smiljanec Katarina , Zuelch Michelle , Witman Melissa , Lennon Shannon Liduina
Published: June 2021

Consumption of a vegetarian diet has been associated with a lower blood pressure (BP), lower incidence of overweight/obesity and decreased cardiovascular disease risk as compared to consumption of a diet containing red meat. The exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear however, it is hypothesized that a vegetarian diet may protect the vascular endothelium, whose optimal function is necessary to prevent pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

PURPOSE

To determine if individuals who have been following a vegetarian diet have greater endothelial function compared to individuals consuming a non‐vegetarian diet containing red meat.

METHODS

Healthy, normotensive males and females between the ages of 18–50 years were recruited. Vegetarianism (V) was defined as following a plant‐based diet for at least 5 years that could include eggs and dairy and omnivores (O) were defined as consuming at least two servings of red meat a week. Diet history was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire. Vascular function was assessed using passive leg movement (PLM) to evaluate leg blood flow (LBF), an indicator of nitric oxide‐mediated endothelial function. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and aortic augmentation index (AI), an index of wave reflection. Females were tested in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

RESULTS

Forty‐eight subjects (V: 6M/20F, 28 ± 2 yr; BMI 22 ± 0.6 kg/m2; O: 9M/13F, 24 ± 1 yr; BMI 23 ± 0.6 kg/m2) completed the study. While total energy consumption did not differ between groups, there were significant differences in macronutrient consumption with V consuming more carbohydrate and fiber, less cholesterol, saturated fat, and protein than O, even when normalized to energy intake (P<0.05). Systolic BP tended to be lower in V (V: 113 ± 2, O: 117 ± 2 mmHg; P=0.06) while diastolic BP was not different between groups (V: 70 ± 1; O: 70 ± 2 mmHg; P>0.05). Pulse pressure was lower in V than O (V: 42 ± 1; O: 47 ± 2 mmHg; P<0.05). Vascular function as assessed by PLM showed differences in baseline LBF (V: 147 ± 14 mL/min, O: 199 ± 18 mL/min; P<0.05) and % change in LBF (V: 265 ± 43 mL/min, O: 169 ± 31 mL/min; P=0.05) while area under the curve (V: 125 ± 19, O: 95 ± 24) remained unchanged between the two groups (P>0.05). Arterial stiffness as assessed by PWV (V: 5.6 ± 0.2 m/s, O: 5.4 ± 0.2 m/s) and AI (V: 10 ± 3 %, O: 11 ± 2 %) were not different between groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

These preliminary data suggest following a vegetarian diet may improve overall resting hemodynamics and peripheral vascular function compared to consumption of a diet containing red meat in apparently, healthy adults.

Support or Funding Information

NIH NIGMS P20GM113125

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Utilization of Anatomage Table Technology Enhances Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application of Human Anatomy and Physiology in Multiple Settings
Authors: Smith Kyle Everett , Ruholl Hannah Olivia , Gopalan Chaya
Published: June 2021

The Anatomage Table (AT), an advanced anatomy visualization system utilizing radiographic images of cadavers, allows dissection and reversible manipulations of a virtual human cadaver. The Anatomage Table has enhanced learning by creating a hands‐on and interactive way to study anatomy, helping future health care providers comprehensively understand cross‐sectional anatomy and adjacent structures in an integrative approach compared to traditional text book images. Creating coronal, sagittal, and transverse sections of the human body systems enhances three‐dimensional analysis of gross anatomy and histology. Understanding regional anatomy, depth, and adjacent structures is paramount when performing medical procedures such as epidurals, endovascular cannulations, intubations, and peripheral nerve blocks. Comprehension of structures and their periphery help guide assessment techniques before invasive procedures. This table allows a user to capture images of regional anatomy for lecture presentations and develop in‐house digital textbooks. Furthermore, images created using the AT help Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia students in distinguishing anatomical landmarks such as nerve plexuses, vertebrae, and vascular structures that correlate with anesthetic procedures. The Anatomage table serves as a magnificent tool in sharing the knowledge of anatomy and physiology among local community members. It is used in the Physiology Understanding Week outreach program to introduce anatomy to elementary school children. A pretest and posttest of anatomy knowledge implied that the elementary students scored higher after they were introduced to the AT compared to their scores before. The Anatomage Table has an unlimited potential to enhance student learning at many different levels from outreach to clinical practice.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Assessing Student‐Led Learning in an Anatomy Practical: Students' Perception
Authors: Lone Mutahira , Abdullah Elias , Balta Joy Y.
Published: June 2021

The teaching of anatomy has for long been delivered through lectures and supplemented with practical sessions. Different institutions devise varies teaching methods to deliver the practical aspect of anatomy. Some of these methods are faculty‐led while others are more student‐led [1]. In this study we aimed to gather medical students' opinion on the various learning resources used to study anatomy, and link them to a number of learning outcomes. In addition, the study also aimed to assess the benefits of student‐led learning (SLL) and faculty‐led learning (SLL). First year medical students were invited to participate in this study. Information about the study was provided to the students and informed consent was obtained. In one practical session, student were divided into groups and were provided with a list of structures that they need to identify on prosections using the available resources. This was followed by a faculty led demonstration to identify the same list of structures. Students were then asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the practical session. Anonymized data was collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). This study was approved by the Social Research Ethics Committee at University College Cork.

From the 86 registered students, 65 took part in this study yielding a 75% response rate. Cadaveric prosections (mean = 1.40, SD = 0.965) were deemed as the most preferred for learning anatomy with plastic models (mean = 4.51, SD = 1.252) as the least favored. Prosections (mean = 4.42) were again deemed as the most superior resource in achieving the majority of the devised set of learning outcomes, while plastinated specimens (mean = 2.10) were the least helpful resource. Prosections were highly ranked by the students as they provide hands‐on experience on a realistic specimen, appreciation of spatial relationships and 3D visualization of structures. A larger number of students (n = 53, 81.53%) agreed that the SLL sessions offered more “independent learning” and the sessions provided a comfortable environment. A majority (n = 53, 81.53%) indicated that the FLL sessions gave more “assistance in learning” with less accountability. The students felt less accountable during the FLL tutorials possibly because they didn't feel pressured in knowing and explaining the material because the information was presented to them by experts. With the clear benefits of SLL, further research is required to investigate the best way to integrate similar sessions in an anatomy practical.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Board Games: A Tool in the Process of Microanatomy and Embryology Education and Learning
Authors: Teixeira Claudio Silva , da Costa Antônio Orcini , da Costa Roberta Oliveira , de Freitas Ana Paula Fragoso , Sanders João Victor Santos Souza , Cavalcante Jonathan Barros , Freitas Francisco Orlando Rafael , Cerqueira Gilberto Santos
Published: June 2021

Teaching through interactive methodologies can promote revolutionary changes in the teaching‐learning processes, since the material produced can contain playful resources and other more attractive aspects that have the dynamism and the interaction with the students in the morphological sciences. Thus, games can be used for the purpose of developing self‐confidence, generating motivation, promoting playfulness and social interaction among those involved. In addition, games enable meaningful content practice, developing skills, conferring skill and competence. In this way the present research had as objective to investigate, educational games with educational resource in the process of teaching and learning of embryology and histology. Conducted through a descriptive, cross‐sectional study with a quantitative approach. The games were held at a basic education school in Brazil. 25 high school students participated in the study. With a data collection instrument, a semi‐structured questionnaire was used, applied in two different moments, pre‐test, followed by interventions of educational games and post‐test. The Mann Whitney test was used to analyze the data. The results showed a statistically significant difference in students' learning before and after the application of the educational games, observing a greater number of answers in the questions involving knowledge of embryology (p <0.05), however, in histology there was no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05). It was observed that there is no statistically significant difference between the participants' ages. It was found that educational games function as a relevant tool for acquiring knowledge of embryology.

Support or Funding Information

This study received funding of CAPES.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Size Matters? Evaluating the Effect of Size on Anatomy Learning
Authors: Hildebrand Alexandra Helene , Wainman Bruce , Fenesi Barbara , Brewer‐Deluce Danielle , Dong Angela , Xie Jim , Yang Jack
Published: June 2021

Until recently, the size of an anatomical structure for learning was simply its natural size. Now, with increasing accessibility of 3D scanning and printing, a highly accurate model of virtually any size can be produced. But the question remains, what is the best size for learning? To investigate the effect of object size on learning, 3D models were printed from surface scans of bones using a structured light 3D scanner. A human thoracic vertebra and a human hemipelvis were chosen both for their variation in size and the fact that bones lend themselves well to 3D printing. The bones were each printed in PLA filament at 50%, 100%, and 400% scale. Undergraduate students from McMaster University (n=120) with no prior knowledge of anatomy were randomized into six groups according to 1) which size of model they would learn from and 2) which bone they would learn first. Each participant was asked to learn nominal anatomy from both a hemipelvis and a vertebra model of the same size. After the learning stage, participants were immediately tested on a real bony specimen. The learning and testing stages were then repeated with the other bone. Finally, participants completed a mental rotations test (MRT) and operation span task (OSPAN) to control for any effects of individual differences in spatial ability or working memory on anatomy learning, respectively. Participants also completed a short qualitative survey about their opinions on the size, labelling, colour, and handling of the 3D printed models. Data collection is underway. Test performance will be analyzed using a 3 (bone size: 0.5x, 1x, 4x) × 2 (Bone type: vertebra, hemipelvis) factorial ANOVA. This study has been approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HiREB). Insight into how model size affects anatomy learning will provide useful information for educators looking at printed 3D and virtual reality models used for educational purposes.

Support or Funding Information

This study was internally funded by the Education Program in Anatomy at McMaster University.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Using Anatomy to Foster Competencies in the First Year of Medical School
Authors: Fahl Jeffrey C , Petersen Kyle , Pettit Alesha , Ralston Claira , Simanton Edward , Haycocks Neil , Cosgrove Ellen M
Published: June 2021

Objective

To prepare medical students for life‐long learning by using a competency‐based approach to anatomy.

Background

Small group learning affords an opportunity for students to learn from each other while they develop four competencies: fostering knowledge for practice, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and personal and professional development

The virtual anatomy course is taught in 35 two‐hour sessions with teams of students moving through stations where they teach each other. This approach requires the students prepare by focused reading to teach to their peers.

Design

Before each anatomy session, the students receive an iBook that contains both pre‐readings and modules. The readings replace the traditional introductory lecture; the modules direct the students through the concepts of the lab experience. Students work in pre‐assigned groups of six; two students from each group are required to teach one of the three modules. The modules are 20 minutes in length.

Outcomes

Over the course of 1 year of study, students must learn to disengage from their pre‐med passive approach to learning and engage in a professional active learning mode.

Strengths and Limitations

There was widespread skepticism that students would not know how to teach each other. Students took many months to switch from a lecture‐based system to active learning. However, by the end of the 12 months of anatomy sessions, the students were engaged, worked effectively with each other, and demonstrated mastery of the anatomy content both in class and on standardized NBME exams.

Feasibility and generalizability

This approach of learning by teaching makes the out‐of‐class preparation necessary for a ‘flipped classroom’ into a more active process and results in deeper understanding than reading alone. It is both feasible and generalizable to other courses.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Acinetobacter and Moraxella OriCs are Functional as Chromosomal Replication Origin Transplants in E. coli
Authors: Alqahtani Abdulaziz , Kadam Rohit , Alfeneikh Asrar , Alhamdani Halah , Grimwade Julia , Leonard Alan
Published: June 2021

Bacterial chromosome replication is triggered by the initiator protein, DnaA, which assembles into a multimeric complex (orisome) that unwinds the replication origin, oriC, and helps to load the replicative DNA helicase. DnaA is highly conserved and the oriCs from nearly all bacteria carry clusters of oriC‐encoded DnaA recognition sites that guide step‐wise and properly timed orisome assembly. However, the arrangement of these sites is widely divergent among bacterial types and prior studies show that heterologous oriCs are only functional in extremely close relatives with nearly identical origin nucleotide sequence. To investigate the basis for DnaA recognition site diversity and possibly identify shared steps in orisome assembly, we replaced E. coli's chromosomal oriC with heterologous donor oriCs from its distant Gammaproteobacterial relatives and measured replication activity in vivo. Despite carrying little sequence similarity to the host, oriCs from Acinetobacter baylyi (ADP1) and Moraxella catarrhalis (ATCC 25240) were active in E. coli and used alternative pathways to assemble E. coli DnaA into functional orisomes. Mapping studies revealed the transplanted oriCs lacked the distinctive DNA unwinding element comprising 13mer repeat motifs as well as the arrayed low affinity DnaA recognition sites that are both hallmarks of E. coli oriC. Using flow cytometry analysis, we found that ADP1 and M. catarrhalis oriCs were also unable to initiate DNA synthesis at the proper cell cycle time in their E. coli hosts. Thus, the mechanisms for initiation timing must be distinct from those that permit replication fork assembly on these origins. We propose that E. coli and ADP1‐type orisomes share a sub‐architecture required for mechanical function (unwinding and helicase loading), but also carry type‐specific variations in the arrangement and affinity of DnaA recognition sites that are required for proper initiation timing using their cognate DnaAs. We propose that replication origin diversity reflects the many varieties of cell cycle‐coupled regulatory mechanisms used to control the availability/accessibility of DnaA at the oriCs of different bacterial types. Further studies of DnaA‐oriC interactions on heterologous origins may also reveal novel targets for broad spectrum bacterial growth inhibitors as well as those for type‐specific inhibition.

Support or Funding Information

National Institutes of Health (GM54042 to AL) and Florida Institute of Technology Holzer Lequear Fund for Molecular Genetics (to JG).

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Confirmation and Effects of VACM‐1/Cul5 Gene Knockout in T47D Breast Cancer Cells and HUVEC Cells Using CRISPR‐Cas9 Approach
Authors: Bonema Sarah , Wabel Emma Ann , Brunink Schuylar , Burnatowaska‐Hledin Maria
Published: June 2021

The VACM‐1/Cul5 protein is a part of the ubiquitin E3 ligase system responsible for ubiquitin‐dependent protein degradation. The VACM‐1/Cul5 dependent E3 ligase decreases cellular proliferation, and lack of regulation in this pathway can lead to cancer. The CRISPR‐Cas9 system is a bacterial immune system that functions by targeting specific sequences of DNA. It can be programmed to target genes of interest and enables specific gene editing in eukaryotic cells. This system was previously used to knockout VACM‐1/Cul5 in a T47D breast cancer cell line and in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC). The immunostaining results of control and CRISPR‐transfected HUVEC and T47D cells indicate knockout of VACM‐1. Confirmation of the knockout in the T47D cell line was achieved through a T7 Endonuclease 1 mismatch cleavage assay, proving a homozygous mutation of both alleles. AlamarBlue® growth assays in the T47D cell line and Matrigel® growth assays in the HUVEC cell lines show that VACM‐1/Cul5 knockouts in both cell lines increase proliferation. Together, these results suggest that VACM‐1/CUL5 is an important regulator of cellular growth in breast cancer and endothelial cells. Our current work focuses on determining the effects of the VACM‐1/Cul5 knockout on T47D and HUVEC cell signaling pathways.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Sherman Fairchild Research Grant to S. Bonema and 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.
A regulatory interplay: hnRNP A1 and AUF1 compete for the same IRES domain to regulate viral translation in EV71
Authors: Davila‐Calderon Jesse , Penumutchu Srinivas , Tolbert Blanton
Published: June 2021

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a single‐stranded RNA virus, represents a persistent global health threat against which there is no FDA‐approved vaccine or treatment. Enteroviruses use a type I IRES to facilitate protein synthesis and genome replication by recruiting multiple host RNA‐binding proteins (ITAFs) that fine‐tune translation. HnRNP A1 and AUF1 are antagonistic ITAFs that interact with the EV71‐IRES to upregulate or downregulate viral translation, respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms driving the IRES‐ITAFs interactions to regulate EV71 translation remain poorly understood. Compelled by these challenges, we pursue to identify the nature of the specific recognition between IRES‐ITAFs interactions and its effect on modulating viral replication. Here, using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H‐13C HSQC), we found a competition between hnRNP A1 and AUF1 for the same binding site on stem loop II (SL‐II) within the EV71 IRES which has been proven to be a vital RNA element for the virus. Specifically, we observed that, at high concentrations, hnRNP A1 can disrupt the AUF1‐SLII complex while AUF1 cannot outcompete hnRNP A1 for SL‐II binding when the reverse experiment is performed. Furthermore, we also identify conditions to obtain both antagonistic ITAFs bound to the SL‐II at their respective binding sites. Our observations fill important knowledge gaps as the data upholds a regulatory mechanistic model in which hnRNP A1 and AUF1 compete for association to the same IRES domain (SL‐II). Hence, the interaction of hnRNP A1 with SL‐II blocks AUF1 binding thus, activating viral translation which is vital for the virus. In conclusion, our observations enhance our understanding of how an ITAF interplay plays a key role in modulating viral translation and replication, and how EV71 IRES structure adapts to hijack cellular proteins.

Support or Funding Information

NIH

R01GM126833

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