bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practical Approach to Molecular Biology (PAMB): Sequential Experiments to Teach Basic Laboratory Skills
Authors: Appleyard Caroline B , Rivera Elizabeth , Sanchez Maria del C , Torres Lillith , Rivera‐Amill Vanessa 
Published: June 2021

Students pursuing graduate degrees in the biomedical sciences require specific laboratory skills. We designed a course to teach these skills, ensuring uniformity and faster adaption in their education.AimTo test whether the course improved the technical ability and theoretical knowledge of first‐year graduate students.MethodsThe experiments were done sequentially—the results of each experiment leading to the next—and supplemented with lectures. Students learned about working safely in a laboratory, preparing solutions, keeping a laboratory notebook, and preparing a laboratory report, among other things; journal club discussion sessions and presentations were also included.ResultsPre– and post– self‐evaluations showed that students felt that the course addressed various deficiencies and enhanced their skills, an assessment supported by the course coordinator and supporting personnel, all of whom observed and subsequently evaluated student performance.ConclusionsThe PAMB course provides us with a tool to help incoming students better adapt to the PhD program, thereby improving the laboratory experience. This course generates data suitable for a written report, thus reinforcing presentation and scientific writing skills. We expect that this course will enhance the productivity and increase the success of the students in our PhD program. R25GM082406 & 5G12RR003050/8G12MD007579
Anatomy of the Genus Varecia: Contributions to biomechanics, pathology, and the relationship of periosteal reaction to muscle insertions
Authors: Orellana Elise Renee , Naples Virginia L. , Rothschild Bruce M. 
Published: June 2021

The genus Varecia, the ruffed lemur, is endemic to the forests of eastern Madagascar. Despite the abundance and diversity of lemur behavioral studies, anatomical descriptions are quite limited, both phylogenetically and epidemiologically. Jouffroy's description of limb musculoskeletal anatomy in Daubentoni madagascariensis, Propithecus verreauxi and Lemur variegatus was apparently based on single animal dissections. These studies provide little anatomical perspective as to interspecific lemur diversity and intraspecific variation. Our dissection of Varecia forelimbs is intended to contribute to the general knowledge of these animals as well as variation. An understanding of the basic anatomical features of lemur musculature serves to assist in determining diagnoses in pathological studies. Periosteal overgrowth is a phenomenon not limited to lemurs, but dissection of a lemur affected by a disorder causing generalized periosteal reaction allowed clarification of the effect of periosteal reaction on muscle insertions. We observed that periosteal reaction, no matter how extensive, actually spared areas of muscle attachment. Extension of the currently limited knowledge on lemur anatomy can lead to important insights not just for locomotor and other lemur studies, but for clarification of pathological conditions that can affect species facing other challenges to survival.Grant Funding Source: N/A
The application of low‐level laser therapy and natural latex protein in the sciatic nerve crushed
Authors: Dias Fernando J , Issa João P M , Coutinho‐Netto Joaquim , Fazan Valéria P , Calzzani Ricardo A J , Sousa Luiz G , Iyomasa Daniela M , Iyomasa Mamie M , Watanabe Ii‐sei 
Published: June 2021

This study analyzed the effects of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT, 15J/cm2, 780nm) and natural latex protein (P1, 0.1%) in a crush injury (axonotmesis) of the sciatic nerve (15 Kgf, 5.2 MPa, 10 min) in rats. Fifty rats (male, 250g) were allocated into 5 groups (n = 10): G1 ‐ control; G2 ‐ injured nerve; G3 ‐ injured nerve and LLLT; G4 ‐ injured nerve and P1; G5 ‐ injured nerve treated with P1 and LLLT. After 4 or 8 weeks sciatic nerve was dissected and processed for histological quantitation (myelin area/nerve area, capillary density) and ultrastructural analysis. In both periods analyzed the histological quantification showed improvement with application of LLLT and P1. After 8 weeks of crush injury the data from the G4 and G5 are like to the G1 data; and capillary density was higher in G3, G4 and G5. The ultrastructural analysis also revealed improvements in morphological characteristics with the application of LLLT and P1 after 4 and 8 weeks after nerve injury. The groups 4 and 5 show more similar characteristics to the control group. The application of LTTT and P1 improved the recovery of nerve crush 4 and 8 weeks after injury. After 8 weeks the characteristics of the treated groups were more similar to the control and capillary density was higher, revealing time‐dependency in this recovery, overall the groups receiving the protein P1 associated or not with LTTT showed the best results.Research support: FAPESP 2010/12018.
Histological characterization of abdominal aorta post endovascular autologous transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) in Porcine AAA Model
Authors: Rawal Bhakti , Gillespie Virginia , Patel Aesha , Maheta Bhagirath , Faries Peter , Marin Michael 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionMSCs transplantation is being investigated in porcine AAA models for their potential to repair degenerated aorta. This study aims to characterize histological changes in the tissues of porcine AAA models post MSC transplant to build reliable methods of tracking the cells.Methods and ResultsMSCs were isolated from pig's bone marrow and expanded in vitro. Lenti Virus + GFP transfected to MSCs for 48 hrs. The cells are prepared with mixture of 10% sucrose, puramatrix and PBS. The AAA is induced and MSCs labeled with GFP are injected. The pig is sacrificed 2 wks post surgery and the tissues are collected and formalin fixed for histological staining such as H&E, Trichrome, Pearl, and Picrosirius red(PSR). IHC is performed to localize GFP positive cells. Figure 1A: IHC staining for anti GFP showing bright green signal ‐positive spindle cells at the border of Media and adventitia layer of the tissue. Cluster of MSCs showing two different morphologies, round and spindle shapes indicating differentiation of MSCs within the damaged region. Figure 1B: PSR stains showing distinct color gradient between new collagen fibers in green Vs. old collagen fibers. Figure 2A: H&E stain shows the presence of MSCs. Figure 2B: Trichrome confirms figure 1A findings.ConclusionThe histology slides clearly make it easy to visualize MSCs in the aorta post transplant confirming that it is possible to localize and track MSCs.
Phylogenetic based variation in autism
Authors: Charvet Christine , Finlay Barbara L. 
Published: June 2021

Variation in brains across mammals and within humans is characterized by inter‐correlations in brain region volumes, distinct allometric scaling for each brain region and the relative independence in limbic structure volumes from the rest of the brain. Autism is a disorder characterized by impaired communication and deficits in social reciprocity. Studies have implicated the limbic system and cerebellum in autism but these studies have yielded contradictory results. We hypothesized that autism is characterized by abnormalities in the variation in brain region volumes that is observed within and across species. We used MRI scans from the ABIDE and OASIS databases to estimate brain volumes and 9 of its subdivisions (e.g., isocortex) in 41 autistic and 69 control individuals ranging between 16 to 29 years of age. Variation in autistic brains resembles but also differs from the individual variation observed in controls. The slopes of each brain region regressed against the brainstem in autistic and control individuals are similar. Limbic structures scale with relative independence from the rest of the brain in autistic and control individuals. However, the cerebellum of individuals with autism varies relatively independently of other brain regions, exhibiting very larger or small cerebella for a given brain size. Thus, our data suggest that the pattern of variation in the cerebellum is abnormal in autism.Grant Funding Source: N/A
The anatomy of the jawless fish head and the early evolution of vertebrates
Authors: Miyashita Tetsuto 
Published: June 2021

No other structure better characterizes vertebrates than the head, with its intricate nervous innervations, highly specialized muscles, and massive skull. Did the first vertebrate possess all of those traits, or did early vertebrates acquire them in steps? Answers may lie in the jawless grade of vertebrates. Based on dissections, a histological analysis, and μCT imaging of cartilages, muscles, and nerves in hagfish and lampreys, I demonstrate that the biomechanics of jawless vertebrate head differs from that of jawed vertebrates in two distinct ways: linear muscle antagonism and elastic recoiling of the skeleton. I report structures in both hagfish and lampreys that either represent precursors to jawed vertebrate conditions (e.g., cardinal heart foreshadowing synovial joints; replacement of tooth plates mimicking that of the true teeth) or appear to be intermediate between two distinct tissues of jawed vertebrates (e.g., a cartilage functionally acting as a skeletal element but histologically identical to tendons). Evolutionary precursors to the jawed vertebrate conditions appeared in steps and transformed quickly at the origin of jaws. Coupled with the molecular genetic evidence, I present an evolutionary scenario for early vertebrates in which expression of the mandibular‐patterning Dlx pathway shifts via a series of specializations in feeding and respiratory structures.Grant Funding Source: NSERC
Allometry and function of primate pelves
Authors: Lewton Kristi L. 
Published: June 2021

Functional inference of locomotion in fossil primate pelves is difficult due to the effects of body size, phylogeny, and other non‐locomotor functions on pelvic shape. This study examines size and scaling of pelvic anatomy using phylogenetic comparative methods to determine aspects of the pelvis that may be affected by the loading requirements of both locomotor mode and body size. Three‐dimensional landmark data were collected on 787 pelves from 40 taxa ranging in mean body size from 0.25 to 270 kg. Ten linear dimensions were calculated and phylogenetic reduced major axis regressions were performed for each pelvic dimension on overall pelvic size at several taxonomic levels. At the primate‐wide level, tests of the null hypothesis of isometric scaling of pelvic dimensions were rejected for some ilium dimensions and for the cross‐sectional areas of the ilium and ischium, dimensions that have been suggested to be strongly related to the effects of locomotor loading. The height of the lower ilium scales with negative allometry, while ilium width and the cross‐sectional area of the ilium and ischium all scale with strong positive allometry; tests for Catarrhini, Platyrrhini, Lemuriformes, and Lorisiformes support the primate‐wide results (all results significant at p<0.05). These results suggest that as body size increases—and forces due to loading increase—the height of the ilium decreases to mitigate bending stresses, while the areas of the ilium and ischium increase to reduce bone strain. Primate pelvic anatomy is likely adapted to the combined effects of loading due to large body size and locomotion.Grant Funding Source: NSF‐BCS #075–2575, The Leakey Foundation
Induction of Foxo3a by nutrient deprivation regulates folliculogenesis
Authors: Barilovits Sarah , Newsom Kimberly , Nick Harry 
Published: June 2021

The transcription factor Foxo3a impacts apoptosis, metabolism, and cell proliferation/differentiation, and is critical in ovarian folliculogenesis. Mice overexpressing Foxo3a in the ovary are infertile due to lack of follicular development, while Foxo3a−/− mice display infertility resulting from global follicular activation. Our cell culture data show that Foxo3a mRNA and protein expression is induced by both essential amino acid and glucose deprivation. We hypothesized that nutrient deprivation in mice would similarly upregulate Foxo3a expression, and potentially block follicular development. 5‐week‐old C57/B6 female mice were injected daily with 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG), a glucose‐deprivation mimetic, at increasing concentrations (100mg/kg, 300mg/kg, 600mg/kg or PBS). After two weeks, one ovary was used for RNA analysis, which showed that 100mg/kg 2‐DG caused a 4‐fold increase in Foxo3a mRNA. The contralateral ovary was formalin‐fixed and sectioned, and follicles were counted and classified. Mice treated with 100mg/kg 2‐DG had a 58% decrease in percentage of early‐stage primary follicles, while treatment with 600mg/kg 2‐DG resulted in a 32% decrease in these follicles. Our data demonstrate that nutrient deprivation induces Foxo3a in a mouse model, and that this induction results in a decrease of early‐stage activated follicles.Research Support: McKnight Brain Institute Research Fund
Adenosine A2A Receptor Agonists Regulate Cholesterol Homeostasis in Mouse Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages (BMDM)
Authors: Voloshyna Iryna , Littlefield Michael J , Kaplan Laura , Rieger Jayson M , Figler Robert , Reiss Allison B 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveAdenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) mediate anti‐inflammatory changes in the vasculature. Here we report that A2AR ligation via administration of the specific agonist ATL313 or the adenosine‐releasing drug methotrexate (MTX) to apolipoprotein (apo) E−/− mice enhances expression of cholesterol efflux proteins: cholesterol 27‐hydroxylase and ATP binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1 and reduces scavenger receptor expression in BMDM.MethodsMale homozygous apoE−/− (C57BL/6J) mice were randomized into 3 groups (n=8) and fed from age 10–20 weeks: regular chow [control], ATL313 300 μg/kg/day [AEA] or MTX 1mg/kg/week [AEM]. Femurs were dissected and cell suspensions obtained by flushing bones with DMEM. BMDM were generated by culturing cells for 7 days with MCSF. Expression of F40/80, ABCA1 and G1, 27‐hydroxylase, CD36 and LOX1 were evaluated by QRT‐PCR. Western blot confirmed results of PCR.ResultsIn apoE−/− mice, A2AR activation raises 27‐hydroxylase mRNA (by 23.5±3.5% in AEA and 18.7±2.1% in AEM) and ABCA1 (by 38.9±5.4% in AEA and 45.7±8.3% in AEM). ABCG1 expression was unchanged. CD36 and LOX‐1 mRNA were downregulated in both AEA and AEM groups, compared to control.ConclusionsA2AR ligation has an anti‐atherogenic effect on cholesterol transport that prevents lipid accumulation. Novel therapeutic approaches to cardioprotection may be directed toward improved cholesterol balance through A2AR activation.
Quality of Life (QOL), Depression and Physical and Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms in HIV‐Infected Patients on ART
Authors: Antwi Janet , Baum Marianna K , Martinez Sabrina S , Gracia Deborah , Greer Pedro , Barr Shakira , Campa Adriana 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveHealth‐related QOL measures disease burden in chronic disorders. We evaluated QOL, depression, and physical and GI symptoms in HIV+ adults.MethodsAfter consenting 191 participants, information on sociodemographics, depression and GI symptoms were collected. The Spitz QOL Index was used; score<8 and subscores <2 (activity, daily living, health, support and outlook) were considered poor QOL. CD4 count and viral load were obtained from records. Depression (scale ≥16) was assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.ResultsParticipants were 66% male, 33% had depression and 17% had QOL score <8. In regression analyses, QOL score<8 was associated with depression (β=0.21,p=0.009) and fever (β=0.27,p=0.003). SQOL subscores were significantly associated with depression, except for daily living, after adjusting for other significant factors. Activity <2 was associated with lower CD4 count, (β= −0.20,p=0.004), female gender (β=0.22, p= 0.015), and constipation β=0.15,p=0.034) controlling for age and BMI.ConclusionDepression and GI symptoms impact QOL and need to be recognized early in the treatment of HIV+ patients to improve mental health and QOL.Funded by NIAAA
Familiarity and Acceptance of Selected Korean Foods by Vietnamese and Brazilians
Authors: Kim Mi‐Hye , Kim Eun‐Ji , Chung Ji‐Hye , Shin Ji‐Eun , Woo Nariyha , Chung Hae Kyung 
Published: June 2021

The speed of cultural exchange, including the adoption of novel foods, has accelerated with increased internet use and international travel. As the number of studies demonstrating the clear health benefits of Korean cuisine continues to grow, the resulting governmental efforts to promote Korean cuisine has also increased. We aimed to evaluate the familiarity and acceptance of Korean foods by randomly selecting 90 local foodies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and 203 local foodies in Sao Paulo, Brazil between June 2010 and August 2012. SPSS 12.0, t‐tests and Chi‐square tests were performed to compare the findings. Korean foods were consumed ≥2/wk by 42% of Vietnamese (VT) vs. <1/yr by 32% of Brazilians (BZ, p<0.001). Most frequently consumed by VT were Kimchi (7.7%), Kimchi Jjigae (7%) and Bibimbop (7%). BZ consumed Bulgogi (13.4%), Kimchi (10.7%), and Samgyeopsal/Galbi (6.3%), with Samgyetang (12.4%) and Bibimbap (15.5%) as desired items to try in the future. Preferred flavors of Korean foods were cited as spicy, strong spicy‐marinated flavor by VT, and sour taste by BZ. Disliked flavors were oily and sour by VT and smell, texture and spicy‐marinated flavor by BZ. The differences between VT and BZ should be considered in developing and introducing country‐tailored and localized menus and services.Grant Funding Source: Korean Rural Development Administration (20120501–030‐503–001‐02–00)
My child is overweight? : How parental perceptions differ by race/ethnicity
Authors: Cardel Michelle , Dulin‐Keita Akilah , Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Johnson Susan L. , Peters John C. , Hill James O. , Fernandez Jose R. 
Published: June 2021

Low socioeconomic status (SES) and minority populations are at increased risk for overweight (OW), and parents that are unaware of their child's OW status are less likely to seek treatment. We examined the influence of parent's race/ethnicity and SES on parental perceptions of child weight status and concern for the child becoming overweight (CONCERN) among a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of parents and normal and OW children ages 7–12. BMI was assessed via anthropometrics and OW was defined as BMI ≥ 85% for age, sex, and height. Parental perceptions of OW were measured via the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Of the 312 subjects, 53% were male, 39% were white, 34% were African American (AA), and 27% were Hispanic (HA). HA had a higher prevalence of OW (p<0.05), and HA and AA parents report significantly more CONCERN than whites (p<.0001). In parents of OW children, more than two‐thirds of parents in each racial/ethnic group incorrectly identified their child as normal weight. Among AA and HA parents, ~7% identified their OW child as being underweight. In whites, CONCERN was significantly correlated with parental ability to correctly identify weight status (p=0.0043). SES and child sex was not associated with CONCERN or parental ability to correctly identify weight status. This data suggests that among white parents only, concern for weight status was associated with correctly identifying child weight status.Grant Funding Source: T‐32
The importance of hypercaloric diet components: alter metabolic parameters independent of time and the amount consumed and inflammatory only after prolonged intake
Authors: Francisqueti Fabiane V. , Nascimento André F. , Luvizotto Renata A. M. , Correa Camila R. 
Published: June 2021

The aim was to evaluate the influence of short and long periods of high calorie diet on metabolic markers in plasma and inflammatory in adipose tissue. Male Wistar rats (10 weeks old) were divided to receive control diet (C, normal chow + water) or hypercaloric (DH, calorie diet + sugar water) for 6 or 24 weeks, constituting four groups: C6, C24, and DH6 DH24 (n = 8 animals/group). Were analyzed: final body weight (FW), adiposity index (AI), caloric and food intake (g), plasmatics metabolic parameters (blood glucose, triglyceride‐(TG), insulin, leptin, adiponectin, IL‐6 and TNF‐ α) and in adipose tissue (IL‐6 and TNF‐ α). Both experimental periods caused change in AI, blood glucose, TG, leptin, adiponectin and insulin in DH, even ingesting smaller amount of feed and no difference in caloric intake. However, only 24 weeks was associated with increased IL‐6 and TNF‐α only in adipose tissue. In conclusion, metabolic parameters were altered by the diet quickly, while inflammatory change in adipose tissue needed of a longer exposure to energy overload, showing that components of the diet are important, independent of the amount consumed.Financial Support: FAPESP (2011/14132–0)
Effectiveness of losing weight slowly for producing and maintaining weight loss in overweight and obese adults: 24 month results
Authors: Pacanowski Carly R , Levitsky David A 
Published: June 2021

This study tested the efficacy of losing weight slowly in 1% decrements. Adults desiring to lose weight with a BMI ≥ 27.0kg/m2 that were not diabetic, pregnant, or had an eating disorder volunteered (n = 178) for the study and were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group self‐weighed daily and logged their weight on a website that presented a graph of their weight with a line that was set initially at 1% lower than their starting weight. Once the participants achieved a stable weight at the 1% level, the line dropped another 1%. This continued until the participants reached a maximum of 10% loss. A significant difference in weight loss was found between the experimental group and the control group after 12 months (mean loss 1.0 ± 9.8 lbs vs 5.7 ± 12.9 lbs; p=0.019). Males showed a greater weight loss than females as indicated by a significant group by gender interaction (p=0.044). The experimental group maintained the lost weight through the next 12 months of the study (mean loss of 1.2 ± 15.0 lbs; p=0.5 versus 0). Future research that identifies individuals that would benefit from this type of self‐directed approach is necessary.Grant Funding Source: Cornell University
A qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers to weight‐loss maintenance in premenopausal women
Authors: Metzgar Catherine J. , Preston Amy G , Miller Debra L , Nickols‐Richardson Sharon M 
Published: June 2021

Few women are successful at weight‐loss maintenance (WLM), due to a limited understanding of facilitators and barriers to achieving WLM. To explore facilitators and barriers to WLM, 7 focus groups were conducted with women who participated in a primary, 18‐wk randomized clinical trial that promoted weight loss with an energy‐restricted diet. Focus groups were held in a private room, tape‐recorded, and led by a moderator and co‐facilitator. Tapes were transcribed verbatim; phenomenologic analysis was used to evaluate transcripts for common themes. Women (n=23, mean±SD age: 39.4±6.2 y, BMI: 30.0±6.2 kg/m2) perceived awareness and mindfulness of food choices, exercise, support, accountability and self‐motivation as facilitators of WLM. Barriers included aging, heath status changes, internal factors, environmental pressures and lack of accountability or support. Consuming unprocessed foods; emphasizing fruits/vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low‐fat dairy; planning ahead and being mindful of food choices and portion control; keeping a food journal; following consistent eating patterns of frequency and snack consumption; and maintaining a “fresh‐slate” mindset were additional strategies for WLM. Future interventions should target these facilitators and barriers to promote long‐term WLM in women.Funded by The Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition, The Hershey Company, Hershey, PA.