bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactive Whiteboard Technology Provides a Creative Teaching Modality for a Large Neuroanatomy Laboratory
Authors: Hassan Sherif S. , Nausheen Fauzia , Scali Frank , Ettarh Rajonur 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveCurrent best teaching practices support the usage of several complementary pedagogical resources. The evolution of modern technology allowed the development of new teaching approaches that complemented the use of cadavers in the future learning model of neuroanatomy laboratory. New teaching methods were introduced to the neuroanatomy lab that included case‐based learning incorporating different neurological lesions and students were asked to work in teams to localize the neurological lesions. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of using the Interactive Whiteboard Technology as a teaching pedagogy in neuroanatomy laboratory to verify its effectiveness over existing traditional approaches. The overall goal was to augment team‐based learning and student engagement.MethodsA survey study of the students’ and faculties’ evaluations regarding the use of the Interactive Whiteboard Technology were statistically analyzed. These surveys were presented to the students and faculty at the end of the neuroscience course in the medical school. Students and faculty rated their learning and teaching experiences, respectively, using questionnaires. Students’ and faculties’ positive perceptions indicated their preferences to use the Panel Display in the Neuroanatomy labs.ResultsThe mean score of students’ evaluations for using the Interactive Whiteboard Technology revealed high satisfaction using this technology rather than traditional learning modalities in a laboratory setting. In a case‐based learning setting, this contemporary technology enhanced critical thinking and problem‐solving skills and emphasized previously taught concepts in a more interactive and integrated way. Neuroanatomy faculty preferred the Interactive Whiteboard Technology over conventional methods when comparing brain sections with imaging and prosected images in the lab. This technology also provided a convenient and easy method for neuroanatomy faculty to share teaching materials using the quick response (QR) code which directly connects this faculty with students’ personal devices. Summative results revealed overall teaching effectiveness.ConclusionUsing the Interactive Whiteboard Technology in neuroanatomy laboratory sessions can help students achieve their learning outcomes in lab. Using such method may overcome limitations such as the limited time for dissection. It may also allow for improved design and content of neuroanatomy laboratory for more use of small‐group sessions to be run by a smaller number of faculty.Support or Funding InformationSelf‐funded
Neural Basis of Anatomical Knowledge: An fMRI Study of Experts and Novices
Authors: Smith Theodore 
Published: April 2020

How do anatomy instructors neurally organize anatomical knowledge? How does it compare to their undergraduate students’ organization? Using fMRI, we examined the neural activation patterns of expert anatomists and undergraduate anatomy students while completing an anatomy semantic task. In this talk, the outcomes of this study will be discussed then be examined in the context of curriculum and anatomical education.Support or Funding InformationNone.
Comparing Serum Haemoglobin (Hb) Levels of Women who Received Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) and their Controls During Antenatal Care (ANC) in a Malaria Endemic Rural African Community
Authors: Chukwu Leo Clinton , Ohanaja Callista Onyinye , Chukwuemeka Meritcomfort Chinonyerem , Ikonne Chukwumamkpa Kingsley , Agbasi Patrick Ugochukwu 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe importance of optimal serum Haemoglobin levels during pregnancy need not be further overemphasized since it is a major clinical weapon against the menace of anaemia in pregnancy. Optimal Hb status helps a pregnant woman to enjoy an uneventful pregnancy course as well as avert the problems of anaemia in pregnancy which may include intrauterine growth retardations, preterm births, neonatal anaemias, increased admissions into special care baby units and neonatal deaths.AimThis study compared the serum Haemoglobin levels of women who received Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine and their controls during pregnancy.MethodThe study was conducted at Federal Medical Center Owerri, Nigeria. Owerri is typical for malaria endemicity in Africa. Ethical approval was gotten from the ethics committee of FMC, enabling commencement of longitudinal recruitment of participants after adequate counseling and informed consent for both groups. It was a laboratory based, cross‐sectional descriptive study involving 296 participants who satisfied the inclusion criteria for both study groups. Recruited participants were followed up through their antenatal course till delivery enabling collection of blood samples for Haemoglobin estimation which was done using the Cyanmethemoglobin method by Cook, 1985. The principle is that when blood is mixed with a solution containing potassium ferricyanide and potassium cyanide (Drabkin’s solution), the potassium ferricyanide oxidizes iron to form methemoglobin. Potassium cyanide then combines with methemoglobin to form cyanmethemoglobin (HiCN), which is a stable color pigment read photometrically at a wave length of 540nm.Data AnalysisThe data obtained was analyzed using the computer Software Package for Social Science version 20.0 (SPSS, Inc, 2007, Chicago). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, range, percentages etc) was determined for continuous variables. P‐value less than (<0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.ResultThe mean haemoglobin value was higher among the study group than the control. Mean Hb of the study group was 14.70 ± 2.34 while the minimum and maximum serum Hb levels were 9.00 and 20.40 respectively. For the control group, the mean Hb was 11.95 ± 2.04 while the minimum and maximum serum Hb levels were 7.20 and 16.70 respectively. From the results, the mean difference of 2.75 was found to be statistically significant; p value= 0.0001; 95% CI =1.275 – 1.647. This implied that evidence of significant effects was found on the Hb levels between the women that took IPT‐SP compared to their controls.Support or Funding InformationNo external funding received for this research. Funds unds were contributed by the authors.
KINETIC STUDIES OF NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS SEROGROUP W CAPSULE POLYMERASE USING BIOLUMINESCENCE‐BASED ASSAYS
Authors: Moghaddam Laleh Sheikhi , McCarthy Pumtiwitt 
Published: April 2020

Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram‐negative bacterium that causes meningitis. Our overall goal is increased understanding of the N. meningitidis serogroup W capsule polymerase. This enzyme creates the capsular polysaccharide found in this serogroup. During the reaction, the enzyme transfers galactose and sialic acid from two nucleotide donor sugars (UDP‐Galactose and CMP‐Sialic Acid) to an acceptor. This capsule polymerase can be used as a new tool for glycoconjugate vaccine development. In this work, we describe our efforts to determine kinetic parameters of the enzyme which are currently unknown. We have optimized commercially available bioluminescence‐based assays to investigate activity of the enzyme (CMP‐Glo and UDP‐Glo by Promega). Reactions were performed to determine Km and Vmax values in a 10‐minute reaction. Km and Vmax values of 629.2 μg/mL and 0.8965 μM/min were determined for the acceptor (hydrolyzed serogroup W polysaccharide). To simplify our studies, we have recently moved to use of a homogeneous acceptor, a sialic acid trimer (DP3) and focused strictly on the UDP‐Glo assay. In our studies with this acceptor, we confirm an increase in product formation with increasing enzyme amounts (0–1250 ng enzyme). Km and Vmax values were determined for UDP‐Galactose (44.61 μM and 0.009457 μM/min) and DP3 acceptor (2984.2 μM and 0.01099 μM/min). In future work, we will perform kinetic studies with a modified acceptor (DP3‐Galactose) to determine Km and Vmax for this acceptor and CMP Sialic acid.Support or Funding InformationNIH 5SC2GM125517‐02NIH UL1GM118973
Sex Differences in the Cerebral Hemodynamic Response to Hypercapnia in Young Adults
Authors: Miller Kathleen B , Howery Anna J , Rivera-Rivera Leonardo A , Wieben Oliver , Barnes Jill N 
Published: April 2020

Despite sexual dimorphism present in stroke and risk for Alzheimer’s disease, sex differences in cerebral blood flow regulation remain controversial. Discrepancies in the literature may be due to menstrual cycle control as well as the inherent difficulty of quantifying cerebral blood flow in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cerebral hemodynamic response to hypercapnia in young men and premenopausal women using two approaches: 1) transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD); and 2) 4D flow MRI. Twenty habitually physically active participants including young men (YM; n = 10, age = 24±2 y) and young women (YW; n = 10, age = 26±4 y) were studied. Young women were studied during days 2–6 of the menstrual cycle. During separate, randomized study visits, left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) velocity was measured with TCD and LMCA flow was measured with 4D flow MRI during normocapnia and two levels of hypercapnia (4% and 6% CO2). 4D flow MRI quantifies cerebral hemodynamic and angiographic data simultaneously. End‐tidal carbon dioxide and mean arterial pressure were continuously monitored with an anesthesia monitor. At baseline, LMCA velocity (YM: 53±3 cm/s vs. YW: 60±4 cm/s, p=0.15) and LMCA flow (YM: 121±10 ml/min vs. YW: 131±6 ml/min, p=0.41) were not significantly different between groups. There was a trend for YM to demonstrate a larger LMCA cross‐sectional area compared with YW at baseline (YM: 0.071±0.002 cm2 vs. YW: 0.065±0.002 cm2, p=0.052). In response to hypercapnia, the LMCA velocity response was not different between groups (YM: 1.17±0.29 cm/s/mmHg vs. YW: 1.24±0.17 cm/s/mmHg, p=0.83). However, YM demonstrated a greater LMCA flow response compared with YW (YM: 2.98±0.40 ml/min/mmHg vs. YW: 1.38±0.26 ml/min/mmHg, p<0.01), even when accounting for changes in blood pressure. In addition, the LMCA significantly vasodilated in YM in response to hypercapnia (p<0.05); however, there was no significant change in LMCA cross‐sectional area in response to hypercapnia in YW (p=0.13). These results suggest that young men have augmented cerebral blood flow response to hypercapnia compared with young women. In addition, due to small changes in vessel cross‐sectional area during hypercapnia, sex differences may be underestimated if cerebral blood velocity is used as a surrogate of blood flow.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health T32 HL‐007936.
Anatomical basis of the temporal muscle trigger points
Authors: Akamatsu Flávia Emi , Teixeira Giulianna Simonetti , Itezerote Ana Maria , Hojaij Flávio , Andrade Mauro , Jacomo Alfredo Luiz 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundMyofascial syndrome is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain associated with activity restrictions and is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTP). MTP are clinically identified by palpation of a muscle or fascial taut band. Pathophysiology of MTP is unclear, coincidence between them and muscle motor plate has been suggested. The temporal muscle is related to headache and temporomandibular disorders. Pain radiates from hyperalgesic points to distant areas just as it is reported in patients with neck pain and symptoms in the orofacial region. Temporal muscle locates trigger areas and trigger points in various parts of the muscle. Four trigger points are selected, but an anatomical correlation is missingMethodsTemporal muscles from six cadavers were carefully dissected from their origins in order to observe the exact point where nerve fibers penetrated the muscle belly. As muscle size varies among individuals, we calculated the relative entry point of the nerve into the muscle by defining six different areas in the muscle belly: three superior (I, II and III) and three inferior (IV, V and VI), beginning at the posterior margin of the muscle. Statistical analyzis OF anatomical data was obtainded by Poisson distribution and logarithm link function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons. (p <0.05)ResultsAreas II and III had the largest number of temporal nerve entry sites, with a mean of 3 sites (25%), followed by quadrant V and VI with a mean of 2 sites (16%) and quadrant I and IV with a mean of 1 site (9%).ConclusionIn accordance with the clinical literature, the branches of the temporal nerve in the temporal muscle corresponded to the described areas of the myofascial trigger points (MTPs). Anatomical correlations between MTPs may be a useful tool for a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a rational basis for their treatment.
Temporal behavior of weight loss in a rat model of gastric restriction
Authors: Akamatsu Flávia Emi , Itezerote Ana Maria , Saleh Samir Omar , Hojaij Flávio , Andrade Mauro , Martinez Carlos , Jacomo Alfredo Luiz 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundObesity is a complex and multifactorial disorder and has become a major healthcare burden in some countries. The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity is considered a global pandemic. The current paradigm in obesity treatment has traditionally relied upon lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) and pharmacological treatments which often lead to modest results. Surgical procedures have been increasingly performed. Bariatric surgery results in superior outcomes in terms of weight loss and weight‐associated comorbidities as compared to non‐surgical interventions. Experiments with animal models have significantly helped to elucidate some of the potential mechanisms underlying bariatric surgery. There is no information about gastric restriction with phytobezoar in animal model and the weight loss.PurposeMeasure the weight loss until 20 days after surgical gastrostomy and phytobezoar insertion and compare to sham and normal groupMethodsExperimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided in three groups: the stomach reduction group (R20), the sham group (SH20), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion and the control group (C20). Animals were fed and kept in separate cages. They were weighed every 3 days until being sacrificed on day 20. The results were described by the mean value with respective standard deviation. Comparison of multiple groups was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests. All tests were applied with 5% significance level.ResultsThere was a mean difference in the behavior of weight changes over the evaluation days between the groups (p Interaction <0.001), and on all evaluated days the experiment group presented a lower average weight change than the other groups (p <0.001). These findings might be a result of post‐ surgical weight loss correlated to a large extent with reduced spontaneous eating. This indicates that in our animal models it seems to recapitulate remarkably well the findings in humans.
Mitigating Effect of Korea Red Ginseng Against Multi‐Tissue Iipotoxicity Caused by High‐Fat Diet Feeding
Authors: Kim Sung Hyeok , So Gyeongseop , Ha Chang Woo , Park Yuna , Lee Jin Woo , Jang Seon-A , Sohn Eun-Hwa 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundsExcessive consumption of fat and its aberrant deposit in the body has been linked to the low‐grade inflammation in various susceptible organs and eventually causes tissue toxicity. This study examines the multifaceted suppressive effects of Korean Red ginseng extract (KRG) against high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced lipotoxicity and inflammatory responses occurring in the liver, aorta, and brain.MethodsThe standardized KRG powder was prepared by Korea Ginseng Corporation and was dissolved in phosphate buffered saline as a concentration of 30 mg/mL. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed HFD with or without KRG (10 or 50 mg/kg body weight; orally) for 12 weeks (n = 10 per group). The anti‐inflammatory potential of KRG was determined in the blood and the aorta, liver, and brain.ResultsKRG significantly inhibited HMG‐CoA reductase activity in vitro. In vivo, KRG supplementation suppressed HFD‐associated body weight gain, lipid profile changes, excessive fat deposition in the liver, and increases of leptin, insulin, and ALT levels in the blood. Inflammatory markers of the aorta (ICAM‐1 protein level and wall thickening of the aorta), liver (COX‐2 expression and liver function tests), and brain (APP, BACE1, and Tau protein levels) were also significantly reduced by KRG. In microvascular endothelial cells, 15% cyclic stretch‐mediated upregulation of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression was significantly attenuated in the presence of KRG.ConclusionKRG supplementation attenuates HFD‐mediated body weight gain, lipid profile changes, and multi‐tissue inflammatory responses including the liver, aorta, and brain.
Increased Heme Synthesis in Ovarian Cancer and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Leads to Downregulation of Glycolysis, Mitochondrial Respiration, and Cell Migration.
Authors: Kaur Pritpal , Nagar Shreya , Bhagwat Madhura , Padmanabhan Sveta , Gaire Bijaya , Vancura Ales 
Published: April 2020

Cancer cells undergo a complex rearrangement of metabolic pathways involved in biosynthetic processes to support tumor initiation and progression. Targeting glycolysis and TCA cycle that provide precursors for biosynthetic pathways emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy in some cancers. Heme has a potential to regulate both glycolysis and TCA cycle. Heme serves as a prosthetic group in proteins and enzymes that sense, transport, or use oxygen, such as hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome complexes, catalases, and cyclooxygenases. Heme is also required for ATP production by the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The first and rate‐limiting step in heme synthesis is production of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA). In this study, we show that promoting heme synthesis by ALA supplementation in ovarian cancer and triple negative breast cancer cells leads to downregulation of glycolysis and lactate production, mitochondrial respiration, as well as cell migration. The mechanism responsible for reduced glycolysis and cell migration involves destabilization of heme‐regulated transcription factor Bach1.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH GM120710
Relationship between Decreased Oxygenation during Acute Hypoxia and Cognitive Deterioration in Healthy Humans
Authors: Uchida Koji , Baker Sarah E. , Wiggins Chad C. , Senefeld Jonathon W. , Shepherd John R.A. , Trenerry Max R. , Clifton Haider R. , Holmes David R. , Joyner Michael J. , Curry Timothy B. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundDespite improvements in military aircraft safety, many aviation incidents are attributed to hypoxia. The correlation between moderate hypoxia and cognitive function are well studied but results remain controversial. Comparatively, the effects of severe hypoxia are still not well understood. In the present study, we examined the executive cognitive function and physiological indices under both moderate and severe hypoxia conditions.PurposeTo examine the relationship between executive function and physiological indices during acute hypoxia exposure.MethodsTen young healthy participants (4M/6F, 29±4 years) completed two different levels of hypoxia: 1) 10 minute moderate hypoxia (MH; FiO2= 0.118) and 2) 3 minute severe hypoxia (SH; FiO2= 0.077) following 3 minute baseline (BL; FiO2=0.209). Reaction time and errors of commission (defined as a response to a non‐target stimulus) were evaluated continuously using a custom Go/No‐go test at baseline and throughout hypoxia exposure. In this Go/No‐go test, participants were required to push a key when upper case “A” or “@” appeared but not when lower case “a” appeared on a computer monitor as quick and as accurately as possible. The stimuli were presented one at a time at any one of nine differing locations across the screen. Cerebral oxygenation (rSO2) was continuously monitored with near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) positioned above the left supraorbital ridge. Finger oxygen saturation (SpO2) was continuously assessed using a pulse oximetry. Data were analyzed in every 30 seconds and are presented as mean±SE. Two‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons was used to evaluate significant differences.ResultsBoth SpO2 and rSO2 were reduced with SH (SpO2 %, BL: 99.3±0.1% vs. SH: 70.7±1.5%, P<0.01; rSO2 %, BL: 70±4% vs. SH: 58±4%, P<0.01). In SH, correlations of SpO2 and rSO2 were significant to the number of errors during the cognitive performance task (SpO2; R= −0.65, rSO2; R= −0.58, Both P<0.01). SH significantly increased errors of commission of the last 30 seconds in 3 minute hypoxic exposure. (BL: 0.6±0.2 errors vs. SH: 1.7±0.5 errors, P<0.01). SH significantly decreased reaction time over hypoxic exposure (BL: 0.43±0.01 sec vs. SH: 0.41±0.01 sec, P<0.01). Comparatively, MH did not elicit an increase in the number of errors of commission nor a decrease in reaction time (Both, P>0.05).ConclusionExecutive function deteriorated during severe hypoxia. Oxygenation of the prefrontal lobe which controls inhibition may be related to the increase in commission errors. Devices that monitor physiological indices such as SpO2 or rSO2 might be beneficial for a model to predict executive deterioration.Support or Funding InformationThis project was funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), grant number N00014‐18‐D‐7001‐TO1.
Chemical Inhibition of PTEN‐Induced Kinase 1 (PINK1) Degradation Confers Neuroprotection in Culture Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chu Charleen T. , Liu Yuan , Verma Manish , Wang Kent Z. Q. , Otero P. Anthony , Chen Bill , Mallampalli Rama 
Published: April 2020

PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1) loss of function is linked to familial recessive Parkinson’s disease and, more recently, sporadic Alzheimer’s disease. After mitochondrial processing and release, PINK1 is rapidly degraded by the proteasome.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that stabilization of PINK1 by interfering with binding to its SCF ubiquitin ligase complex would elevate PINK1 expression levels and confer neuroprotection.Methods & ResultsAfter identifying an F‐box protein that interacted with PINK1 and regulated PINK1 expression levels, we used computational binding simulations to screen compounds likely to interfere with this interaction. We identified a small molecule that stabilized PINK1 expression and reduced both cell death and dendritic retraction in several models of Parkinsonian injury in primary cortical neurons and patient‐derived cells.ConclusionsOur identification of an F‐box protein‐targeted small molecule antagonist capable of elevating endogenous PINK1 levels sets the stage for additional target validation for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction.Support or Funding InformationGrant support: NIH grants AG026389, NS101628 (co‐funded by NINDS/NIA) and NS065789 (C.T.C.), HL096376, HL097376, HL098174, HL081784, P01 HL114453 and Merit Review Award from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (R. K. M.), HL139860 and HL133184 (B.B.C.), HL142777 and AHA 16SDG27650008 (Y.L.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.