bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Estradiol Replacement on Diurnal Sleep/Wake Pattern in Ovariectomized Rats Measured with a Subcutaneously Implanted Acceleration Sensor
Authors: Igarashi Ayako , Omura Natsumi , Miura Megumi , Mima Nanako , Nishimura Yuri , Mabuchi Kaori , Takamata Akira
Published: June 2021

We previously found that estrogen replacement reduces food intake and enhances c‐Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in ovariectomized rats, suggesting that estrogen may be involved in the formation of diurnal sleep/wake rhythm. In the present study we examined the effect of estradiol replacement on diurnal sleep/wake pattern in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and implanted with either estradiol or cholesterol, and all rats were then implanted subcutaneously an acceleration sensor for measurement of activity. We also measured EEG and EMG in some rats in order to verify the evaluation method of sleep/wake with the acceleration sensor. The estimated sleep/wake with the subcutaneous acceleration sensor after setting the threshold of activity level showed good correlation with the sleep/wake estimation with EEG/EMG. The estimated sleep during the light phase was relatively fragmented in estrogen‐deficit rats compared with estrogen‐replaced rats. Thus, estrogen might play a role in the formation of the pattern of sleep behavior during the light phase in ovariectomized rats.
Impact of Long‐Term, Voluntary Exercise on Body Composition and Pulmonary Function in Female Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Gordon Christopher , Phillips Pamela , Jarema Kimberly , Beasely Tracy , Johnstone Andrew
Published: June 2021

A sedentary (SED) lifestyle may contribute to increased susceptibility to air pollutants. Active (ACT), leaner individuals with improved cardiopulmonary fitness are thought to be less susceptible. It is important to develop animal models to study relationships between level of exercise, body composition, pulmonary function and susceptibility. ACT rats (N=40) were housed individually in cages with running wheels (Techniplast). Wheel activity (WA) was monitored continuously for 12 wk. SED rats were housed in cages without wheels. Percent body fat, lean, and fluid were monitored noninvasively (Bruker). Pulmonary responses (minute ventilation (MV), breathing frequency (BF), tidal volume (TV), and enhanced pause (penh)) were assessed (BUXCO) prior to and after 12 wk of training. Individual variation in total WA ranged from 213 to 1152 km with a mean of 708 ± 38 km. Individual differences in WA persisted throughout the study. Percent fat decreased by 2% after 1 wk of training; the difference persisted throughout training. Percent lean also decreased, whereas %fluid increased in ACT rats. There was an inverse correlation between total WA and %fat. MV, BF, and penh decreased in ACT rats. However, there was no correlation between total WA and changes in the pulmonary function. Overall, there was a direct relationship between level of running and decrease in body fat. Exercise improved pulmonary function; however, improved function was not dependent on individual WA. This abstract does not necessarily reflect US EPA policy.
A Study of Sports Injury and Sports Rehabilitation in Elite Golf Players
Authors: Jin Haeng Mi , Kwak Kyu Hoon , Moon Hwasil
Published: June 2021

Golf has been considered as less tough sports than other sports, thus golf players pay less attention on their sports injuries and rehabilitation but golf players still experience many sports injuries. The objective of this study was to investigate the status of sports injury and rehabilitation in elite golf players. 102 golf players were recruited and they completed validated questionnaires. Overall, greater than 80% of players experienced sports injury and 65% performed rehabilitation practice. However, still 70% of players experienced re‐injury. No difference in sports injury status according to sex was observed. Both regular member and associate member indicated that enough warm‐up is the primary prevention method to prevent sports injury but associate members significantly participated in rehabilitation practice than regular members. Elite golf players whose exercise career is greater than 10 years presented significantly higher experience in sports injury than whose career less than 10 years and they experienced injuries in waist, wrist, and elbow. In conclusion, lots of elite golf players experience sports injuries and present differences in status of sports injury and rehabilitation practice according to their affiliation and exercise career. Currently, elite golf players are less considering their sports injuries and they are not participating rehabilitation practice appropriately resulting in experiencing re‐injury. Therefore, further study is needed to build appropriate practice program and to develop systematic sports rehabilitation program for elite golf players.
Effect of Resistance Training on Intermuscular Adipose Tissue in Older Adults at Risk of Mobility Limitations
Authors: Cook Summer , Meyer Ashley , LaRoche Dain , Manini Todd
Published: June 2021

High levels of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in older adults are associated with muscle weakness and mobility limitations. This study determined if IMAT levels in older adults at risk of mobility limitations can be reduced following 12‐weeks of high‐load (HL)or low‐load blood flow restricted (BFR) resistance training. Twenty‐seven older adults (77.6 + 8.9 years; 27.3 +2.7 kg·m‐2) with low quadriceps muscle strength were randomly assigned to twice weekly sessions of HL (70% one repetition maximum, 1RM), BFR (30% 1RM coupled with a vascular restriction of 1.5 times systolic blood pressure at the proximal thigh) or attention control (CON) for 12‐weeks. HL and BFR groups engaged in three sets of leg extension, leg press, and leg curl training to muscular failure. The CON group performed light upper body resistance training that was not expected to result in muscle adaptations. T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans were conducted to measure the volumes of skeletal muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and IMAT in the thigh region before and after training. Following training, there were no differences in IMAT (P=0.22) and there were no differences in IMAT response between groups (P=0.38). SAT did not change over time (P=0.33) and there were no differences in SAT response between groups (P=0.39). Muscle volume significantly increased in the BFR group only (~5%; P=0.03) and was unchanged in the HL (~1.4%; P=0.18) and CON (~0.1; P=0.84). Twelve weeks of HL or BFR resistance training did not affect IMAT levels in older adults but it did improve muscle volume only after BFR training.

Supported by NIH grant 1R15 A6040700‐01A1.
α‐actinin‐3 deficiency is associated with increased exercise performance and training‐induced changes in mitochondrial respiration in humans
Authors: Yan Xu , Eynon Nir , Papadimitriou Ioannis , Kuang Jujiao , Tirosh Oren , O'Keefe Lannie , Anderson Mitchell , North Kathryn , Bishop David
Published: June 2021

Deﬁciency of α‐actinin‐3 protein, as a consequence of the ACTN3 577XX genotype, has been shown to influence exercise performance. However, little is known about how α‐actinin‐3 deficiency influences training response in humans.

Aim

To investigate the influence of α‐actinin‐3 deficiency on performance outcomes and mitochondrial respiration following High‐Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

Methods

Twelve moderately‐trained Caucasian males (7 XX and 5 RR) were recruited, with matched body mass index (BMI). Following baseline tests, participants underwent 4 weeks of HIIT. 20km time‐trial (20km TT), and graded exercise test (GXT), to assess peak oxygen uptake (VO2Peak) and the Lactate threshold (LT), were performed pre and post training. A muscle biopsy was taken pre and post training, and analysed for in situ mitochondrial respiration.

Results

The XX participants had higher VO2peak at baseline (50.05 vs 44.07 ml kg‐1 min‐1 for XX and RR). Moreover, the XX participants finished the 20 km TT faster (40 min 20 s vs 42 min 25 s). Following 4 weeks of HIIT, the XX participants showed a greater increase in maximal mitochondrial respiration (Vmax) (XX = 19.20 vs RR = 8.24 pmol s−1 mg−1 ww).

image

Furthermore, the XX participants showed higher increase in LT (XX = 26.1 W vs RR=23.1 W), and VO2peak (XX = 3.10 vs RR = 2.80 ml kg‐1 min‐1).

Conclusion

These preliminary results indicate that α‐actinin‐3 deficient individuals had better endurance capacity, which could be resulted from higher maximal mitochondrial respiration after training.
Effects of Telephone Intervention on Inflammatory Cytokines Following Summer Lifestyle Intervention Program
Authors: Solis Leslie , Ponte Luis , Martinez Diego , Park Daniel , Park Kyung‐Shin
Published: June 2021

Inflammatory cytokines are useful biomarkers in predicting developing diseases in adulthood like cardiovascular disease and may be positively affected by physical activity and weight loss, but may regress without follow‐up intervention.

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of a 10 month telephone follow‐up after an 8 week summer lifestyle intervention (SLI) on inflammatory cytokines, body composition and physical fitness in obese Hispanic children.

METHODS

41 overweight or obese students (9‐14yrs) participated in 8 week SLI. After summer camp, students were randomly assigned to two groups: 10 month follow‐up telephone intervention (TI) and control (CON). Blood samples were obtained before (PRE), a week after (POST) and 10 months following the 8 week summer intervention (YEAR) to measure levels of TNF‐α, CRP, and adiponectin.

RESULTS

8 weeks of SLI significantly improved levels of inflammatory cytokines (P values: PRE vs. POST for all variables were < .03) in both groups. While the improvement in CON returned to PRE values during follow‐up period, TI statistically maintained changes up to 10 months with follow‐up telephone intervention: TNF‐α (PRE:62.7±1.34pg/mL®POST:48.6±1.42®YEAR:53.4±1.25, Mean±SE, P value: PRE vs. YEAR=.0034), CRP (594.6±90.8ng/mL®415.2±102.1®498.3±101.3, P=.022), and adiponectin (8.9±1.47ug/mL®11.4±1.7®10.7±1.6, P=0.046).

CONCLUSION

8 weeks of SLI reduced levels of TNF‐α and CRP while elevating levels of adiponectin in Hispanic children. Results indicate that telephone intervention is an effective secondary medium in maintaining changes of inflammatory cytokines obtained from intensive treatment.
Drosophila Exercise‐Training Requires Octopaminergic Neuron Activity
Authors: Sujkowski Alyson , Wessells Robert
Published: June 2021

Endurance exercise is a promising therapeutic intervention with substantial protective effects on multiple indices of healthspan, including muscle and cardiac function. Male Drosophila respond to a ramped daily program of exercise by inducing conserved physiological responses similar to those seen in mice and humans. Female flies induce negative geotaxis but fail to sustain strong behavioral response during the training period. As a result, females do not experience the adaptive training response seen in males. Here, we demonstrate that poor female exercise response is mediated by differences in neuronal activity, not by differences in muscle. We also show that the sex‐specific exercise‐training response is reversible even in adults, after development has been completed. Using tissue‐autonomous expression of sex determination constructs, we have identified octopaminergic neurons as sufficient to govern adult exercise behavior. Importantly, manipulating octopaminergic neurons is also sufficient to induce conserved cellular and physiological changes seen following endurance training. Reversal of sex‐specific response can also be accomplished by providing octopamine or octopamine antagonist in food. Octopamine, the invertebrate ortholog of norepinephrine, is an important neuropeptide involved in diverse behaviors as well as learning, memory and reward. This model provides an important opportunity to further examine the specific pathways mediating reward‐based behavioral and physiological changes.
CT, PET and MRI in Experimental Barometric Physiology
Authors: Hansen Kasper , Schmidt Nikolaj , Pedersen Michael
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Divers are exposed to extreme changes in pressure during their underwater endeavour at the risk of developing adverse symptoms during/after decompression, collectively known as decompression sickness (DCS), which in severe cases is a potentially disabling or life‐threatening condition. However, many underlying physiological phenomena attributed to DCS are currently unknown, possibly because it is intrinsically difficult to study model animals during the actual pressurisation and decompression event. We have developed a preclinical pressure chamber system compatible with CT, PET and MRI scanners, which are capable of non‐invasive visualisation of morphology and physiological processes.

Method

First, modality‐appropriate phantoms were examined with CT, PET and MRI during pressurisation up to 10 ata (90 meters of water). Secondly, 15 anaesthetised rats (6 control, 9 pressurised) rats were MRI scanned before, during pressurisation to 7 ata for 45 min, and repeatedly during 240 minutes after a decompression of 0.5 ata/min. Concurrently, ultrasound of the pulmonary artery was performed to monitor bubble‐development; a traditional marker for DCS severity.

Results

The acquired image signal from pressurised CT and PET phantoms were unchanged, but pressure per se had a significant but weak negative effect on the longitudinal (r1) and transverse (r2) relativity of degassed MRI phantoms. The simulated pressure chamber dive induced significant changes in basic MRI‐parameters measured in rat brain.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a system capable of performing non‐invasive in vivo measurements on a rodent model during pressurisation up to 10 ata. We believe the system could become promising for basic research in barometric physiology and medicine.
HIF‐2α Deficiency Induces Carotid Body Sensory Long‐Term Facilitation
Authors: Peng Ying‐Jie , Nanduri Jayasri , Khan Shakil , Wang Ning , Semenza Gregg , Prabhakar Nanduri
Published: June 2021

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) induces carotid body plasticity manifested as sensory long term facilitation (sLTF). CIH‐induced sLTF requires reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. Mice partially deficient in the transcriptional activator hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α subunit (Hif‐2α+/‐) exhibit oxidative stress and augmented carotid body sensitivity to hypoxia, which are similar to CIH‐exposed wild‐type mice. We hypothesized that Hif‐2α deficiency would evoke sLTF of the carotid body due to increased ROS levels. Consistent with this possibility, Hif‐2α+/‐ mice displayed sLTF compared to their wild type littermates and systemic administration of the membrane permeable antioxidant MnTMPyP prevented both oxidative stress as well as sLTF. CIH decreased Hif‐2α protein levels in the carotid body and induced oxidative stress. Blocking CIH‐induced HIF‐2α degradation by ALLM treatment inhibited ROS generation and prevented CIH‐evoked sLTF in rats. Taken together, these results suggest that Hif‐2α degradation in response to CIH is a critical molecular mechanism leading to ROS‐dependent induction of carotid body sLTF. Supported by NIH‐ HL‐90554.
Altered Behavioral Performance in the Cell‐specific HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α Deficient Mice
Authors: Xu Kui , Sun Xiaoyan , Radford Thomas , LaManna Joseph
Published: June 2021

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs, including HIF‐1 and HIF‐2) are transcriptional regulators that mediate hypoxic adaptation and plays physiologically important roles in oxygen transport. We compared the voluntary wheel running over a 24‐h period in the cell‐specific (neuronal or glial) HIF‐1α or HIF‐2α knockout (KO) mice and their wild‐type (WT) controls. Cognitive function was measured using a Y‐maze test. The running distances in the neuronal HIF‐1α KO mice were similar compared to the WT controls (9.2 ± 2.1 km, n = 30 vs. 9.3 ± 3.0, n = 20), whereas the running distances in the glial HIF‐1α KO mice were significantly reduced (7.0 ± 3.4 km, n = 18). However, the running distances in the neuronal HIF‐2α KO mice (10.9 ± 2.8 km, n = 36) were significantly increased compared to the WT controls (7.7 ± 3.2 km, n = 22) and the glial HIF‐2α KO mice (7.8 ± 2.2 km, n = 3). In the Y‐maze test, all groups had a comparable alternation rate (indicative of sustained cognition), with the lowest alternation rate in the glial HIF‐2α KO mice (%, 53 ± 9, n = 3) and the highest alternation rate in the HIF‐2 WT controls (%, 63 ± 9, n = 17). Our data demonstrated that the voluntary exercise activity and cognitive function were altered in the mice with neuronal or glial deficiency of HIF‐1α or HIF‐2α, suggesting the effect of HIF‐1α or HIF‐2α gene deletion on voluntary exercise activity and cognitive function may be cell‐specific.
Strain‐Dependent Variations in Carotid Body O2 Sensing: Role of CO‐H2S Signaling
Authors: Peng Y.‐J. , Makarenko V. , Nanduri J. , Vasavda C , Raghuraman G. , Yuan G. , Gadalla M. , Kumar G. , Snyder S. , Prabhakar N.
Published: June 2021

Systemic responses to hypoxia vary among human subjects and in different strains of rats. We examined whether these inherent variations in hypoxic response to carotid body (CB) O2 sensing and involve CO‐H2S signaling. Experiments were performed on age and gender matched Sprague‐Dawley (SD), Brown‐Norway (BN) and Spontaneous Hypertensive (SH) rats. Compared to SD, BN rats exhibited impaired carotid body response to hypoxia, and developed pulmonary edema as a consequence of poor ventilatory adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia. SH rat carotid bodies displayed inherent hypersensitivity to hypoxia and develop hypertension. BN CBs have higher CO and lower H2S levels than SD, while SH carotid bodies have reduced CO and greater H2S generation. Reducing CO levels in BN carotid body increased H2S generation, restoring CB hypoxic sensing and preventing high‐altitude pulmonary edema. Increasing CO levels in SH carotid bodies reduced H2S generation, preventing hypersensitivity to hypoxia and controlling hypertension. Supported by NIH‐HL‐90554.
Fetoplacental Vascular Resistance is Elevated by Experimental Diabetes and Hypoxia
Authors: Hampl Vaclav , Kafka Petr , Kratzerová Tereza , Vajnerová Olga
Published: June 2021

Acute and chronic hypoxia during the last part of pregnancy increases fetoplacental vascular resistance (Hampl & Jakoubek, Physiol Res 58: S87, 2009). Hypoxic hypoperfusion of the fetal side of the placenta is commonly considered causative in the syndrome of impaired fetal growth. Since maternal diabetes is a well‐known factor affecting fetal growth, we tested the hypothesis that maternal diabetes affects fetoplacental vascular resistance. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg i.p.) on day 14 of pregnancy (term = 21 days). One of the placentae from each dam was prepared on day 20 and both its maternal and fetal side was perfused ex vivo with Krebs solution while fetoplacental perfusion pressure (FPPP) was measured. At constant flow rate (1 ml/min), FPPP was higher by 14% in the diabetic (D) than in the control (C) placentae (26 vs. 22 mmHg, P>0.05). Acute hypoxia increased FPPP in C (by 22%, P>0.001) and significantly less so in D (by 8%, P>0.05). During acute hypoxia FPPP did not differ between C and D. The results were similar in a different model of diabetes (100 mg/kg streptozotocin given on second postantal day to future mothers). Using this model, we also found that diabetes markedly potentiated the rise in fetoplacental vascular resistance caused by chronic hypoxia (10% O2 for the last week of pregnancy). These data indicate that experimental diabetes increases fetoplacental vascular resistance to a similar extent as acute hypoxia and potentiates the effect of chronic hypoxia.

Supported by Grant Agency of the Czech Republic grant # 13‐01710S.
Placental Transport of Nutrients and Fetal Metabolism in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Rats
Authors: Arguello Irene , Hennington Bettye Sue , Alexander Barbara , Ojeda Norma
Published: June 2021

Previous studies show that reduced uterine perfusion results in intrauterine growth restriction and impaired fetal nutrition. However, the mechanisms involved are not totally understood. The objective of this study was to investigate whether reduced uterine perfusion alters placental transport of glucose and fatty acids in growth‐restricted fetuses. We used a rat model of growth‐restricted offspring induced by reduced uterine perfusion at 14 days of gestation. At 19 days of gestation fetuses and placentas were excised by cesarean section followed by collection of fetal and maternal blood and tissue. GraphPad software was used for statistical analysis with significance set at P<0.05. Reduced uterine perfusion resulted in male and female growth‐restricted fetuses with lower body weight and placental size compared to controls (P<0.05); and greater placental efficiency in female fetuses. Protein concentration and gene expression of placental glucose transporters GLUT2 and GLUT3 and fatty acids transporter FATP1 were elevated in growth‐restricted fetuses compared to controls (P<0.05). Glucose levels were elevated in female growth‐restricted fetuses compared to male and controls (P<0.05). Analysis of correlation between placental efficiency and fetal glucose level showed negative correlation (Pearson r=‐0.7939) in controls and positive correlation (Pearson r= 0.0747) in growth‐restricted fetuses. These results suggest that reduced uterine perfusion induces compensatory changes in glucose and fatty acids placental transporters to ensure fetal survival and also results in changes on glucose homeostasis in growth‐restricted fetuses
Single Molecule Analyses of Fluorescent Protein Tagged FSHR Reveals Homodimerization and Specific Heterodimerization with LHR
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Joseph , Barroso Margarida , Herrick‐Davis Katharine , Ulloa Aguirre Alfredo , Lindau‐Shepard Barbara , Thomas Richard , Dias James
Published: June 2021

Gonadotropin hormones (Follicle stimulating hormone/FSH, Luteinizing Hormone/LH) play essential roles in ovarian follicle maturation. FSH induces granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation including expression of LH receptor (LHR). Since FSH receptor (FSHR) and LHR are concurrently expressed in granulosa cells, we attempted to monitor trafficking of FSHR and possible heterodimerization with LHR in HEK293 cells. We constructed an FSHR‐fluorescent protein (FSHR‐FP) but found that FSHR‐FP did not traffic to the plasma membrane. The FSHR C‐tail was swapped with the C‐tail of LHR (LHRcT) to create a chimera to which was added a fluorescent protein (FP) [GFP, YFP, or mCherry]. The FSHR‐LHRcT‐FP bound FSH and transduced FSH binding to produce cAMP. Quantitative FRET analysis of FSHR‐LHRcT‐FP showed an average FRET E% of 12.9± 5.7. Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy coupled with Photon Counting Histogram analyses demonstrated that the FSHR‐LHRcT‐FP exists as a freely diffusing homodimer on the cell surface. FSHR‐LHRcT‐FP co‐expressed with LHR‐FP showed an average FRET E% of 14.4±7.5, demonstrating the formation of FSHR and LHR heterodimers/hetero‐oligomers. These data provide a structural imprimatur to understand the consequences of FSHR/LHR heteromerization in granulosa cells as a possible additional level of FSHR signal control and modulation during the process of differentiation. Supported in part by HD18407 (JAD), R21MH086796 (KHD, JEM).
Perfluorooctanoic Acid‐Induced Progesterone Synthesis Inhibition is Associated with Decreased Expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) mRNA but Not p450 Side‐Chain Cleavage mRNA in hCG‐Stimulated mLTC‐1 Cells
Authors: Miller E , Tadros S , Cannon J
Published: June 2021

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmentally persistent synthetic fluoropolymer that has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. Although its mechanism of action remains largely unknown, it has been suggested to decrease steroidogenesis. The aims of this study were to determine if PFOA decreases progesterone (P4) synthesis in stimulated Mouse Leydig Tumor (mLTC‐1) cells and which steroidogenic enzymes are involved. Cells were treated with PFOA (100nm ‐ 100μM) for 24h before stimulation for 4h with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or forskolin. Cell viability was measured using the CellTiter‐Blue® Cell Viability Assay. The effects of PFOA on P4 production were assessed by ELISA. The expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), p450 side‐chain cleavage (p450scc), and the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) were determined by real‐time PCR. Cells treated with 100μM PFOA for 24h showed an 86% reduction in hCG‐induced P4 synthesis compared to untreated cells. To ensure that this decline was not due to diminished LHR expression (mRNA levels were decreased in PFOA‐treated cells), cells were also stimulated with forskolin. Similar results were obtained. There was no significant decrease in cell viability. There was no significant difference in levels of p450scc mRNA between PFOA‐stimulated and unstimulated cells. However, the levels of StAR mRNA levels were markedly declined in cells treated with 100μM PFOA. These data show inhibition of steroidogenesis in PFOA‐treated mLTC‐1 cells and an associated decrease in the expression of LHR and StAR mRNA.
Funding: Center for Undergraduate Research and Dept of Biological Sciences, GRU
Surgical treatment of phimosis with congenital epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Lozovoy V. , Lozovaya E. , Dosanova A
Published: June 2021

Congenital epidermolysis bullosa is a rare disease. The main symptom of the disease is the formation of bubbles, even after minor mechanical trauma to the skin. The severity of disease is reduced to the period of puberty. Extreme difficulties arise in the case of additional diseases that require surgical intervention. Physician should choose a rational type of tactics of the patient treatment in order to eliminate the pathological process with minimal aggravation of the patient's condition on the underlying disease.

Child G., 4 months entered on 16.09.11 complaining of the presence of the skin all over the body and limbs ulcers covered with crusts, at different stages of healing, difficult urinating. He is observed by a dermatologist with a diagnosis of “congenital epidermolysis bullosa”. Surgeon in outpatient terms performed the autopsy of education, treatment, subsequently observed the formation of scar phimosis with difficult urinating. Foreskin deformed, expressed edema and hyperemia of tissues, hole of the foreskin is narrowed due to the formed scar here ‐ the continuing phase of wound healing with the development of granulation growths. Surgical intervention for emergency indications was performed to resolve acute urinary retention, restore of spontaneous urination ‐ circular excision of the foreskin with the removal of the pathological process leading to the development of urinary retention, it was used during the operation a principle of minimal soft tissue injury with the exception of the forceps, clamp to hold penis in position used gauze soaked in glycerine.

Results

The child was discharged on the 6th day in a satisfactory condition. He is examined in a month ‐ no complications noted, the process of urination is not broken. (Valeologia j. №3 2014)
Effects of Thyroid Hormone Manipulations on Growth & Metabolism of American Alligator Hatchlings
Authors: Sirsat Tushar , Sirsat Sarah , Crossley Janna , Dzialowski Edward
Published: June 2021

Thyroid hormones play an important role in vertebrate growth, development and metabolism. However, few details are known about their influence on postnatal development of reptilian archosaurs, such as the American alligator. To explore the role of thyroid hormones in the neonate American alligator we orally administered triiodothyronine (T3) and a thyroperoxidase inhibitor, methimazole, for 2 weeks to induce hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. We measured systemic O2 consumption (VO2) by flow‐through respirometry (at 30 ͦC) , followed by permeabilized‐muscle mitochondrial respiration of cardiac and thigh muscle using Oroboros O2K high‐resolution respirometry. The hyperthyroid group (T3) had significantly higher systemic VO2 when compared with control, while the hypothyroid group (MMI) had significantly lower VO2. There was a general trend in cardiac and skeletal mitochondrial flux with MMI being lowest and T3 being highest; fluxes during oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) via CI + CII and OXPHOS via CII were significantly higher in the hyperthyroid than hypothyroid group. Snout‐vent and head length were significantly longer in hyperthyroid animals than control and MMI. These results suggest thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in neonate alligators, not only regulating growth and systemic metabolism, but also mitochondrial respiration and associated energy production capabilities therein. Supported by NSF IOS 1146758 (EMD)
The Role of Pre‐recorded Lecture to Replace Live‐Lecture on Student Performance
Authors: Hadgu Rim , Huynh Sophia , Lee Kunhee , Albert Michelle , Rehman Mariam , Mussig Zachary , Gaebelein Claude , Gopalan Chaya
Published: June 2021

There has been a sudden increase of reliance on pre‐recorded lectures (PRL) as a source of learning in higher education today. In this study, we compared student performance between live‐lecture (LL) and PRL.

Sixty Introductory Physiology students at St. Louis College of Pharmacy gave informed consent to participate in this study. Two lectures were pre‐recorded to replace LL. We compared individual performance by separating exam questions into PRL and LL. LL had an average of 78.2% on relevant questions while PRL yielded an average of 74.5%. The pattern of test performance was similar for both groups and the proportion of each group passing was 85% for LL and 80% for PRL. Subsequently, these questions were separated into two subgroups: memory questions (MQ) and comprehension questions (CQ). The mean performance of the participating students for PRL‐MQ was 81% and LL‐MQ was 72% and was not statistically significant. On the other hand, the mean for PRL‐CQ was 55%, and LL‐CQ was 78%, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that students that attend LL perform better on higher‐order processing questions. Although PRL can be used to supplement lectures, our findings highlight the importance of teacher interaction to attain a deeper understanding of content.
Increasing Knowledge Retention Through Self‐Regulation in Medical Students
Authors: Johannessen Molly , Winston Kalman
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Self‐regulation theory has been linked to optimal functioning in learners across a diverse range of disciplines and content areas, and has been effective within several areas of medical education. This study was designed to utilize self‐explanation and calibration of knowledge as a form of self‐regulation to improve knowledge retention.

Methods

Utilizing a four‐tier multiple‐choice formative‐assessment instrument, students (n=850) were given the opportunity to increase their knowledge retention on difficult physiology concepts. This formative assessment was offered post‐lecture as a means to increase student learning. Evaluation of subsequent exam performances and the types of self‐explanation given were compared between three student groups: those who completed no multiple‐choice questions (MCQs); MCQs only; and MCQs plus confidence calibration and self‐explanation, to evaluate the hypothesis that self‐regulation increases learning.

Results and Conclusions

The well‐acknowledged educational benefits of test‐enhanced learning were reconfirmed with this study: the use of practice formative assessments alone improved subsequent exam performance (+2‐4%, effect size: >0.2). The study further demonstrated that self‐explanation and calibration of confidence added an additional educational benefit above these formative assessments alone (+2‐5%, es: >0.2), thus demonstrating that the additional cyclic process of self‐regulation may be a valuable tool to aid learning and knowledge retention within medical education.
A Structured Program for Increasing Medical Student Commitment to Engage in Scientific Research on Hispanic Health Issues
Authors: Crespo Maria , Facundo America , Vera Mildred , Merced Kritzianel
Published: June 2021

The Hispanic population is growing rapidly in the USA, representing approximately 17% of the total population. Despite the higher prevalence of certain health conditions in this population when compared to other ethnic groups, studies addressing this disparity are scarce. A structured student research program was implemented at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine to increase the number of medical students committed to engage in scientific research. It consists of three sequential research courses offered between the first and fourth years of study. A research track certificate is offered to students who complete the three courses with a minimum of 480 hours of research experience. By establishing student‐mentor relationships, the program provides medical students with a variety of basic and clinical research opportunities in Hispanic health‐related issues. In addition, during the first course, students receive basic scientific knowledge and research fundamentals through workshops scheduled during the summer. During the 2014 Summer, 51 first‐year medical students participated in the program, representing approximately 50% of the total number in first‐year class. The number of research manuscripts and presentations at scientific forums has increased significantly during the last five years. The implementation of a structured research program in the medical school curriculum focused on the development of clinical researchers is a valuable strategy to increase research projects addressing Hispanics' health needs. Supported by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grant # D34HP24463.
Strategies To Teach Physiology in An Era of Declining Lecture Attendance
Authors: Lechner Andrew
Published: June 2021

Lecture simulcasts and web‐based archiving have reduced class attendance among preclinical medical students, even as labs and demos decline. Thus while the basic science years of MD education have historically been the primary arena for physiology instruction, its content experts increasingly face empty seats. In 16 years of running a Respiratory Module for MD‐2 students (175/yr), we have resisted this trend via a menu of opportunities to engage students. Of these, four draw more students than the 30‐40% at lectures. By attendance and student evaluations, the most popular are two where groups of <18 perform: 1) a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) for basic spirometry and plethysmography and then join pulmonologists to discuss new PFT cases (>95% attend); 2) a 7‐stage Human Patient Simulation (HPS) to diagnose and treat a ‘penetrating chest wound of unknown etiology’ (>90% attend). While voluntary, many students attend twice; enthusiastic evaluations lead later classes to arrive with positive expectations. Then all lectures, labs, PFT, and HPS are revisited at weekly Structured Speed Reviews (SSR) summarizing each hour of content in 10 min and are recorded like lectures by Tegrity; >65% attend. Finally, we hold 2‐3 Facilitated Peer‐to‐Peer (FPTP) lunch hours per week. Attended by 15‐20% of students, FPTPs are guided by faculty but students identify concepts to review, complete practice problems, and explore tangential topics of mutual interest. Costs (personnel, facilities, time) and benefits of the PFT, HPS, SSR, and FPTP are evaluated yearly.
Correlation Between Hands On Activities And Transfer Skills On Assessments
Authors: Anjur Sowmya
Published: June 2021

Students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora are part of a teaching laboratory that encourages creative learning. Students in the course Physiology and Disease are exposed to basic physiological concepts using novel hands on methods to help them understand the material better. This semester, in order to observe the effect of hands on activities on student understanding, students made heart models to study the anatomy and physiology of the heart. Their scores on the heart unit assessment were evaluated for understanding by correlating their scores on heart model building with specific transfer questions on the heart unit. It was observed that students who spent more time on building their heart models also seemed to be better equipped to answer transfer questions on the heart unit test.
Technical Writing for Introductory Science Courses – Proficiency Building for Majors and Non‐majors.
Authors: Hannah Rachael , Lisi Michelle
Published: June 2021

Technical writing is a necessary skill for many allied health professionals, yet students tend to get very little instruction in gaining proficiency for this skill. Undergraduate students gained technical writing proficiency through a series of exercises within inquiry based labs while enrolled in either General Biology (BIO112) or Anatomy and Physiology (BIO261/262) at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI). Tutorials were developed and created by members of the Virtual Academic Writing Lab & Tutoring (VAULT) Project that provided supplemental instruction for technical writing deliverables within the lab courses. Building assignments throughout the course used rubrics that measured student attempts and provided on‐time feedback that allowed for students to hewn their writing skills. Building assignments were introduced as segments (in the following order; Plagiarism/Citation, Methods, Results, Introduction, Discussion, Abstract), and students were given multiple attempts for success. All students gained incremental proficiency in technical writing and by the end of the semester were able to write a high quality lab report that successfully met the proficiency standard. Writing precisely and concisely is a skill that must be taught for today's allied health professionals as they are the first line communicators between patients and managed health care. These methods show that all students can gain proficiency in technical writing without an undue grading burden to the course instructor.
The Role of Medical Student's Feed Back in Undergraduate Gross Anatomy Teaching
Authors: Anand Mahindra Kumar , Gaur Uma , Lakhani Chintan , Chudhari Manisha , Sarvanan P
Published: June 2021

Teaching the subject of gross anatomy to undergraduate students has always been challenging as it lays the foundation for the subsequent understanding of clinical teaching. It requires constant evaluation along with updating and remodeling to prepare an appropriate and effective clinical based, integrated gross anatomy curriculum. Feedback obtained from students is an essential tool in the process of evaluation of teaching and learning in any institution. Analysis of feedback from students along with inputs from teachers and reflections of teaching bodies help to achieve appropriate modifications in the course content and teaching methods.

This study was conducted in the form of an anonymous survey. Six hundred medical students, belonging to the 3rd to 9th semester participated in this study. A questionnaire was circulated amongst them during college hours. The questions in the questionnaire were based on the course content, methods of teaching, quality of teaching, teaching tools, mode of assessment of students and suggestions to improve the quality of the curriculum in relation to gross anatomy.
Majority (99%) of the students were willing to participate in the survey and gave their honest opinion. It was noted that though majority of the students liked the subject and the course content, they did not like the methods and tools of teaching. A large number of students (89%) suggested that evaluation should be conducted for each course at the end of the semester.

Evaluation and feedback by students can play an important role in modification, reconstruction and delivery of an effective, integrated gross anatomy course.
Anatomy Academy: A Catalyst For Personal Growth And Development In Undergraduate Pre‐Professional And Medical Students
Authors: Steed Kevin , Wilson‐Ashworth Heather , Wisco Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Anatomy Academy (AA) is an educational intervention program that has aided in the instruction of over a thousand elementary age students in basic anatomy and physiology through didactic small group and physical activities in attempts to impact childhood obesity and interest in science. Founded in 2012, through a partnership with the School of Medicine at UCLA and one Los Angeles, CA charter school, AA has expanded to a dozen schools in the greater Salt Lake City area with the support of the College of Life Sciences at BYU, Dept. of Neurobiology and Anatomy at U of U, and Dept. of Biology at UVU. We have received overwhelming positive response from school administrators, teachers, our student volunteers, and especially the elementary students. We ascertained the impact of AA on mentor teaching experience through a series of weekly post‐lesson reflections. We asked the following questions: 1) what did you learn about yourself from the experience of working as an Anatomy Academy mentor? 2) How have you changed/developed? 3) What will you take with you into your future career? The responses we received included a realization of an ability to make a difference in the world now, insight to the effectiveness of guiding students through material rather than lecturing, awareness of the value of respect in the learning environment. AA has had a profound impact on our mentors, and in many cases has inspired a new direction, or renewing interest in research topics or career goals. We assert that AA is an invaluable engaged learning experience that may shape the type of physician or professional that many of the students will become.
Implementation & Evaluation of Anatomy Teaching Associate Program
Authors: Makeeva Valeria , Resuehr David
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Repeated attempts to establish an anatomy TA‐program at UABSOM in 2011 and 2012 using fourth‐year medical students have been unsuccessful due to low enrollment. We hypothesized that the root cause was too inflexible program scheduling for fourth year students' required activities.

Methods

We converted previously required two weeks of class time into 25 hours of “face time” – training for labs and teaching. Our TA's selected any 6 dissections to teach from 23 total occurring during the 10‐month span between August and May.TA's were co‐enrolled in the present course and their remaining requirements.

Results

We achieved full enrollment (24 TA's) in our first “pilot year.” 12 (50%) TA's completed voluntary survey evaluations. Importantly, 83.3% of TA's agreed or strongly agreed that flexibility of the TA program weighed into their decision to sign up. Surveys also divulged that the TA‐program was highly rated and mutually benefitted all involved parties, TA's, students taught and professors.

Discussion/Significance

Any course in a higher education setting suffering from low student participation due to curricular constraints may convert class time to “face time” and thereby make previously inaccessible educational opportunities available to students.

Source of Research Support

Dept. of Cell, Dev. and Int. Bio at the UABSOM

*Ethics approval for project evaluation was obtained from the UAB Institutional Review Board (IRB, E131015008).
The Anatomy Training Programme (ATP) – What Have We Learnt?
Authors: Wilkinson Tracey , Heylings David , Smith Claire
Published: June 2021

The ATP, run by the Anatomical Society and the American Association of Anatomists to train young scientists in anatomy, began in 2008. Six successful years later, 26 trainees have completed part or all of the ATP. It consists of 4 modules (limbs, trunk, head and neck, and neuroanatomy) completed over 2 years. Study is undertaken by trainees in their home institution, with a local mentor to support their learning. The year culminates in the highly rated residential school at the University of Oxford. The course now has a strong emphasis on reflective learning, with each trainee submitting a monthly journal to a tutor from the ATP management team, who reviews the journal, answers any questions, and performs a monitoring role. This process is a more recent development, since it became obvious early on that the trainees needed someone to communicate with in order to share their experiences or problems. This reflective element can be problematic for some trainees, but easy for others. Putting learning into practice through a variety of activities (teaching students, anatomical dissection, or question writing) has been key to producing a good portfolio. Another innovation from the original ATP design has been to provide greater flexibility for trainees, allowing them to take only one module per year to fit with work commitments or personal preference. This has allowed technical anatomy staff, whose job is primarily to produce prosections, to gain recognition for their learning. The programme is not easy; many new anatomy lecturers struggle to balance the needs of their academic post and the time required to study anatomy to a level sufficient to teach. However, completion of the ATP is rewarding!
Femoral Neck Anteversion: Estimation in Bones of South Indian Origin and Clinical Significance
Authors: Krishnamurthy Ashwin , Chettiar Ganesh , Saralaya Vasudha
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine the average angle of Femoral Neck Anteversion (FNA) in bones of South Indian population.

Methods: One hundred and fifty intact dry femur bones belonging to 78 males (63 Right & 15 Left) and 72 females (36 Right and 36 Left) were chosen for the study. The FNA, angle between a transverse line that passes through bicondylar plane of the distal end of femur and an imaginary line passing through the center of femoral head and neck were evaluated by Kingsley Olmsted method and the results statistically analyzed.

Results: The mean FNA of the bones observed was 12.860+ 7.380. The mean measurements in the male and female bones was 14.110+ 6.190 and 11.50+ 8.320. It was observed that in 58% of bones the FNA was 11‐200, in 24% it was 0‐ 100, in 12% it was 21‐ 300 and in 9% bones the femoral neck was retroverted.

Conclusion

The cause for variation in measurement of FNA can be multifactorial and has important implications in arthroplasties and evaluation of pathology of hip. The values of the present study add to the data on FNA as it is known to increase in conditions like Perthe's disease, cerebral palsy, postural defects etc and is known to decrease in toing out and rickety chondrodystrophy.