bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
XRT: A Reproducible and Scalable Training System that Produces Students Capable of Conducting Novel Molecular Biology Research
Authors: Groshong Tyler L. , Fong Megan J. , Madejski Irene R. , Leeman Jacob T. , Sundaresan Avirath , De Luke 
Published: April 2020

Many high‐school science education programs do not train students to be independent researchers that make novel contributions to the scientific community, which is arguably the primary goal of a scientist. There are many possible explanations for this paradox. Due to high student/teacher ratios, teachers are unable to give the individualized attention necessary to cultivate a scientist from a student. Class schedules, student motivation, and diverse intellectual support are also huge barriers. As a result, most high‐school programs struggle to establish a system that allows for university and graduate‐level laboratory education of a significant number of students.Here, we report a curriculum that trains students to design, conduct, manage, lead, and present novel research projects, but also a program that is self‐sustaining and scalable. The system produces a three‐tiered system of research students, each with an increasing set of laboratory and troubleshooting, goal‐setting, and project management skills. This management system is scaffolded. It can be completed at different speeds. These teams design projects that are novel and real. Trained teams come together and systematically create projects that can not only sustain themselves and pursue novel intellectual discovery, but also projects that are able to expand and adapt through multiple years and to a changing number of students, independent of staffing.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by The Nueva School.
The importance of creating your own Anatomical Study Aids, from an educator’s perspective
Authors: Leighton Maria Ximena 
Published: April 2020

For many years in the traditional medical education we have used books and atlases to teach anatomy. The students were presented with a lecture for that day’s Lab dissection and then went directly to the Anatomical Laboratory and follow the instructions in a dissector.The atlases contain diagrams of everything they need to know but at the same time they have an important limitation showing the depth of the structures; which is very important for the students to be able to understand the three dimensional aspect of the human body.Then, we added Atlases with photographs from dissected bodies which came out more than two decades ago. These ones have been very helpful teaching aids. However they also presented some challenges such as the difficulty by the students to follow the labels in many pictures and the bodies presented differed a lot from the bodies they were working on their dissections. As a results many students use them as a review tool.Also now in the modern medical education we have incorporated electronic teaching aids and the students have easy access to internet, therefore they can google anything. Unfortunately not everything they can find is accurate.Because of all these concerns, I started creating multimedia teaching materials tailored to the students at my institution. Using a cadaver embalmed in the same way as the one used by the students, I created dissecting videos using our own dissector. I also produced photographs which I am using now to create online reviews and many other materials for the students.Creating my own material has helped me to show the students the structures in a more efficient way and most importantly has helped the students to have a better three dimensional understanding of the human body.The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private ones of the author/speaker and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Department of Defense, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences or any other agency of the U.S. Government.Support or Funding InformationUSUHS
Role of PCSK1N and GPR83 in salt resistance
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxu , Kumar Megha , Konkalmatt Prasad , Asico Laureano , Jose Pedro A , Armando Ines 
Published: April 2020

Previous studies from our laboratory show that in mice increased expression/function of the orphan receptor GPR83 is associated with salt resistance. GPR83 is expressed in proximal and distal convoluted tubules of the mouse kidney. Global deletion or renal‐specific silencing of the GPR83 gene increases systolic blood pressure (SBP) and increased G protein‐coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4) expression in the kidney. Recent evidence indicated that peptides derived from the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 1 Inhibitor (PCSK1N) may be the endogenous ligands of GPR83. We hypothesized that these peptides are implicated in the regulation of blood pressure. Renal specific siRNA‐mediated silencing of PCSK1N in mice resulted in an increase in SBP (130±4 vs control wild‐type 100±1 mmHg, n=3/group; P<0.05); this was associated with decreased urinary Na+ excretion (P<0.05) and decreased renal cortex expression of GPR83, but increased NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expressions (P<0.05 all). The peptides PEN (proline, glutamic acid, and asparagine) and SAAS (serine, alanine, alanine, and serine) are derived from enzymatic breakdown of Pro‐SAAS. Renal restricted infusion of PEN (1 μg/day; 7 days) did not affect SBP, slightly decreased Na+ excretion and increased GPR83, GRK4, and NHE3 expressions (P<0.05 all) but did not affect Na+/K+‐ATPase expression. By contrast, renal‐restricted infusion of SAAS (1 μg/day; 7 days) in mice decreased SBP (82± vs 100± mmHg; P<0.05), Na+ excretion did not change but decreased the renal cortex expression of GRK4, GPR83, NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPAse (P<0.05 all). Furthermore, PCSK1N expression was increased by a high salt diet (4%NaCl) in non‐transgenic mice but was decreased in the salt‐sensitive GRK4 486V mice on the same diet. Our result suggested that Pro‐SAAS peptides may be involved in the development of salt sensitivity through gene‐gene interactions among PCSK1N, GPR83, and GRK4.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by NIH grant t R01DK039308 (P.A.J.);NIH grant R37HL023081(P.A.J.); NIH grant P01HL074940 (P.A.J.); NIH grant P01HL068686 (P.A.J.); NIH grant R01HL092196 (P.A.J., I.A.); NIH grant R01DK09098 (I.A.)
Does hypoxic response enhance overload‐induced muscle hypertrophy ?
Authors: Takada Hiroaki , Osana Shion , Kubota Takahiro , Nunomiya Aki , Nagatomi Ryoichi 
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTIONWe recently established a conditional knockout mouse which exhibits hypoxic response under normoxia. Prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 (PHD2), an enzyme responsible for oxygen dependent hydroxylation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), turns HIF susceptible to ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by the proteasome. We previously examined the effect on endurance capacity of PHD2 conditional knockout mice (cKO). A 4‐week training effect on endurance time was more than 1.6 times enhanced in the PHD2 knockout mice (A Nunomiya, et al., Acta Physiol, 2016). Blood flow restriction during strength training are known to facilitate muscle hypertrophy. How hypoxic response is involved in the process of muscle hypertrophy is yet to be clarified. Thus, we hypothesized that overload induced muscle hypertrophy may be enhanced in the PHD2 knockout mice.METHODSWe used tamoxifen driven PHD2 cKO mice. After intraperitoneal administration of tamoxifen for 1 week, the cooperative muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) for the plantaris muscle of the right leg were excised for overloading. Seven days later, we examined the weight, size, fiber‐type composition of the plantar muscles as well as the protein synthesis pathway such as the activation of the mTOR pathway and blood composition such as red blood cell count, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor, EPO (Erythropoietin)).RESULTSOur results show that overloading induced plantaris muscle hypertrophy as compare to the control leg plantaris muscle. The hypertrophy was remarkably enhanced in the PHD2cKO(32% in control vs 83% in PHD2 cKO) .CONCLUSIONSHypoxic response mediated by HIF pathway enhanced overload‐induced muscle hypertrophy.
“Meet the Patient” Sessions: An Effective Pedagogical Approach for Teaching Pharmacology to Pre‐clinical Medical Students
Authors: Athauda Gagani , De La Camara Frances , Shopa Keith , Krieger Diane , Toonkel Rebecca Lyn , Moulik Sabyasachi 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionOpportunities for patient involvement in teaching pharmacology to pre‐clinical medical students is limited. At our institution, two “Meet the Patient” sessions were incorporated into the Period 2 Endocrine System course as a novel pedagogical tool. This method of teaching invites students to approach content in a clinically oriented fashion while meeting and discussing their learning with a live patient. In this study, we investigated student satisfaction and the effect of these “Meet the Patient” sessions on medical student pharmacology knowledge acquisition as assessed by MCQ final exam performance.MethodsAll second‐year students (Class of 2021, n=117) in the Endocrine Systems course participate in two mandatory “Meet the Patient” sessions focusing on Diabetes Mellitus and Pituitary/Adrenal Disorders. Prior to the sessions, students are required to view short pre‐recorded modules (covering pathophysiology and pharmacologic management) and to take a short readiness quiz. Sessions occur in the lecture hall, with students working in pre‐assigned groups of three. During the session, the facilitator briefly introduces the patient and allows students to ask probing questions to flesh out the history. Students then work together to complete guided in‐class learning questions. Student satisfaction was assessed anonymously through end of course evaluations (5‐point Likert scale). Pharmacology knowledge acquisition was assessed by student performance on session‐related pharmacology MCQs included on the internally developed final course exam and compared with student performance on all non‐session‐related MCQs on the same exam. Unpaired two‐tailed T‐tests (unequal variance) were used to compare the means.ResultsMean agreement (agreed or strongly agreed, n=105) with statements that the sessions: “improved my understanding of management,” “improved my understanding of pathophysiology,” “helped me better understand the diagnosis,” “helped me understand the implications of the disease,” and that “I am more likely to retain information presented in this format than through traditional lecture” was found to be 91.43%, 87.63%, 90.48%, 93.34%, and 88.57%, respectively. Mean performance on session‐related pharmacology MCQs included on the internally developed final course exam (n=5 questions) was found to be 97% (SD 3.67) as compared with 85% (SD 17.97) for mean performance on all non‐session‐related MCQs (n=25 questions) on the same exam (p=0.005).Conclusion“Meet the Patient” style sessions are an effective tool for teaching pharmacology to pre‐clinical medical students. These sessions are well received by students and may lead to improved knowledge acquisition. Further study is needed to assess effects on retention and to explore potential explanations.
Using Synthetic Biology methods to construct a dual functional estrogen biosensor
Authors: Yusef Farhiya , Le Kimberly , Meunier Angela , Fontenot Morilyn , Roecklein-Canfield Jennifer 
Published: April 2020

The presence of estrogenic compounds (endocrine‐disruptors, EDCs) in the water supply raises concerns about human and aquatic health. Current methods for detecting estrogen contamination require expensive, time‐consuming techniques such as liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography. Previously reported estrogen biosensors required multiple cloning and transformation steps for successful detection in bacteria. As proof of concept we constructed a new dual function estrogen biosensor in bacterial cells. Synthetic Biology demonstrates the integral relationship between biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science. The field provides innovative approaches to a wide range of applications, such as bioremediation, sustainable energy production and biomedical therapies. Synthetic biology allows for the construction of genetic devises composed of DNA sequences modified to be interchangeable and provide novel functions. New tools and devices are constantly needed to enhance the already extensive list of novel genetic parts. Our estrogen responsive plasmid contains parts that allow for both the constitutive expression of the estrogen receptor followed by an estrogen response element toggled to a reporter gene in a single vector. When the estrogen response element is activated a reporter gene will produce a color change in E. coli. We will construct novel promoter and chromophore reporter genes combinations to optimize estrogen responsiveness. We will present data demonstrating the efficiency of this dual‐functional biosensor and it effectiveness for detection of estrogenic compounds in contaminated water.Support or Funding InformationNSF‐REU‐1852150, REU Site: A multisite REU in Synthetic Biology, 2019
JAW MORPHOMETRY: AN ANATOMIC STUDY
Authors: Lima Sarah Araújo Santos , Parente Maria Eduarda Cordeiro , Teixeira Claudio Silva , Barreto Joao Erivan Façanha , Cerqueira Gilberto Santos 
Published: April 2020

The jaw, an odd bone, being the largest and strongest of the face, serves to receive the lower teeth. It consists of a curved horizontal portion, the body, and two perpendicular portions, the branches, which join the body ends at almost right angles. The jaw is a bone widely used for forensic purpose. Forensic anthropology uses data collected from remains, among which the pelvis and the skull are the most used structures, and through meticulous analysis, enables post‐mortem identification. Thus, The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring morphometric measurements using mandible. Morphometric measurements were performed using a digital caliper, angle, diagonal length, horizontal length, minimum branch width, branch line and jaw line. An exploratory study was performed with 37 jaws of the anatomy laboratory. For data collection, a collection script was used. For statistical analysis, Student’s t‐test and ANOVA onw were used for parametric data. For nonparametric data, the Mann Whitney test was used, being considered significant when presented at p <0.05. A statistically significant difference was observed between the diagonal length of the mandible body (87.43±0.91) compared with the horizontal length (15.22±0.82). We identified the following morphometric measures for anatomical accidents: Jaw branch width (29.39±0.66), jaw line (84.02±0.96). It was found that there are several anatomical differences between the jaws present in the laboratory and that these variations may imply in various clinical situations such as anesthesia for oral procedures. Moreover, these variations are of vital importance for human identification.Support or Funding InformationCNPQ
Photogrammetric Digitization and labeling of Plastinated Models for Pre‐Clerkship Education
Authors: Oh So‐Young , Dorsainville Gregory A. , Harnik Victoria , Rapkiewicz Amy , Shearer Brian , Ramirez Kristen , Alfaro Veronica , Rosenfeld Mel 
Published: April 2020

NYU School of Medicine recently embarked on a re‐design of its anatomy curriculum that decreased the use of cadavers with plastinated specimens. Plastinated models provide an authentic learning experience of the human body, but lack necessary labels outlining important structures. Due to the fragile nature of the specimens, we endeavored to solve the challenge of labeling by developing a digitized supplement and archive of plastinated and pathology specimens.An interdisciplinary team of faculty and multimedia designers at NYU School of Medicine designed and developed electronic resources related to the artistic models and plastinated specimens. Over the course of three months, 60 artistic and plastinated models of different sizes were captured from dozens of angles using a digital camera or an Artec Leo Scanner. The numerous image captures of the plastinated specimens were processed in Agisoft Metashape, a stand‐alone software product, that performs photogrammetric processing of digital images and generates 3D spatial data. After Agisoft Metashape exported a complex 3D mesh with a high‐resolution texture, anatomy faculty added labels to the digitized 3D anatomy specimens using the Sketchfab web platform. The labeled 3D anatomy models were then uploaded into the Living Anatomy site on NYU School of Medicine’s learning management system for students to explore before, during, and after their anatomy lab sessions. Quizzes using these models also were created to help students identify the structures and link them to physiology and clinical scenarios.The digitized 3D models allow students to zoom in, rotate and explore the specimens in a more interactive way, thereby enhancing the process of just observing fragile plastination models. When asked, 84% of students reported that the 3D models of plastinated specimens contributed “very much so” to their learning of anatomical relationships.We will continue to find opportunities for the meaningful integration of these 3D models within the anatomy curriculum as well as into other pre‐clerkship and clerkship modules. We will also assess the educational outcomes of the 3D models and, by doing so, will incorporate instructional design into the process.
Investigation of the Role of Manganese Transport Repressor DR2539 in Mn/Fe Homeostasis
Authors: Brown Jordan , Bokretsion Petros , Pattanayek Rekha , Damo Steven 
Published: April 2020

Mn and Fe ions are necessary for fundamental cellular processes, where they serve as enzyme cofactors or impart structural stability to proteins. However, Mn and Fe are toxic in excess. For example, dysregulation of Mn/Fe homeostasis results in manganism, a neurological disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, tight regulation of intracellular Mn/Fe ratios is critical. Understanding the mechanisms used to regulate Mn/Fe homeostasis has both medical and bioremediation implications. D. radiodurans is particularly successful at establishing maintaining a high Mn/Fe ratio, making it an ideal model to investigate. DR2539, a metal ion dependent transcription factor of the DtxR family, plays a major role in maintaining the intracellular ratio of manganese to iron within D. radiodurans. DR2539 has been shown to bind to the promoter of the Mn importer protein, MntH and repress it in a Mn‐ and Fe‐ dependent manner. 64 other genes are either up‐ or downregulated in the absence of functional DR2539. To further elucidate the role of DR2539 in Mn homeostasis, we recombinantly expressed DR2539 from E. coli and purified it to homogeneity. Preliminary differential light scattering (DLS) and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) results suggest DR2539 can bind to Mn, and Mn binding induced oligomerization of the protein. Comparative modeling suggest the Mn‐induced oligomer is either a homodimer or a homotetramer with a similar structure to other members of the DtxR family. Preliminary crystallization screening experiments have identified potential conditions which may lead to samples suitable for high‐resolution structural studies. In total these experiments represent a first step toward elucidating the molecular basis of DR2539 function.Support or Funding InformationNSF HRD 1547757 Grant
Comparison of Exosomes Secreted by Culture‐Expanded Annulus Fibrosus, Nucleus Pulposus, and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells for Intervertebral Disc Repair
Authors: Linde Peter , Kisiday John , Puttlitz Christian 
Published: April 2020

Exosomes have emerged as an alternative to cell therapies in many fields. Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) have been almost exclusively used to generate exosomes as progenitor cells are known to rapidly generate exosomes with a high therapeutic potential. Progenitor cells can be obtained from different connective tissues, and it has been shown that the therapeutic potential of exosomal cargo differs among tissues. We postulate the most efficacious exosomes are produced by progenitor cells derived from the tissue that is to be treated. Our long‐term goal is to develop exosome therapies for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. The intervertebral disc is made up of two regions that can experience degradation, the outer annulus fibrosus and inner nucleus pulposus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare exosomes from MSCs to exosomes from annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells that adopt progenitor cell properties with culture‐expansion. Bone marrow MSCs, annulus fibrosus, and nucleus pulposus cells were isolated from sheep and culture expanded. Over 20 days of expansion, all cell types grew in a steady exponential fashion for around 28 population doublings and expressed progenitor cell CD markers. Secreted exosomes were purified by ultracentrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy and western blot for exosomal proteins. The size and number of exosomes produced was analyzed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. All cell types secreted exosomes that were not significantly different in size or number. MSCs, annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells all took up exosomes from each cell type. This data confirms that manufacturing of functional exosomes is comparable among these cell types. Exosomal content is currently being analyzed to identify differences among cell types and includes total proteome by protein mass spectrometry, as well as RNA and mi‐RNA content through RNA sequencing.Support or Funding InformationColorado State University Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory