bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrition & Health Elective for First Year Medical Students
Authors: Mossavar‐Rahmani Yasmin , Reznik Marina , Barnhart Janice , Davis Nichola , Kligler Benjamin , Burton William 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe describe a six session elective on Nutrition and Health for first year medical students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine that combines nutrition content with a motivational interviewing‐based approach to interact with patients.MethodsSessions were developed with student input and facilitated by a nutritionist and physicians. Topics consisted of: Nutrition Assessment; Science behind USDA Nutrition Recommendations; Dispelling Myths about Dieting; Motivational Interviewing; Reading Nutrition Facts Label and Hot Topics in Nutrition. In the first session students also assessed their percent body fat using a Tanita scale. For the nutrition facts session students paired up with patients with limited English speaking ability and used an elicit‐provide‐elicit approach to assist patients with reading labels.SummaryData for the 2011–2012 classes are presented. A total of 28 students participated (N=24 with complete data). Pre‐ and post‐multiple choice knowledge test consisting of 13 questions indicated an average increase of 2.68 points on all test items, (p<0.0001). High attendance (>; 86% for each class yr) and student ratings (4.2 for course facilitation & content from a scale of 1= poor to 5=excellent) attest to the engagement of students.ConclusionsA nutrition elective that combines the art and science of nutrition engages students and improves their knowledge of nutrition.
Aromatase Inhibitor Resistance in Breast Cancer: a Potential Role for Cytokine Signaling Network.
Authors: Barone Ines , Gelsomino Luca , Giordano Cinzia , Lanzino Marilena , Bonofiglio Daniela , Fuqua Suzanne AW , Catalano Stefania , Andò Sebastiano 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundResistance to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is frequently acquired with an associated poor prognosis. Breast cancer models revealed the importance of growth factor signals in sustaining endocrine‐resistant growth; however it remains unknown the potential of cytokine networks in creating a microenvironment supporting tumor progression.MethodsMCF‐7 aromatase‐overexpressing breast cancer cells (WT) and their AI anastrozole‐resistant (AnaR) counterparts were generated. Human Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) as stromal cells. Realtime PCR for cytokine changes, immunoblotting analysis for signaling activation, MTT and soft agar assays for growth were used.ResultsAnaR cells exhibited elevated phosphorylation of MAPK, but not of PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. AnaR cells expressed high levels of IL‐1, IL‐6, leptin and their receptors and also showed an increased proliferation after treatment with these cytokines. Conditioned medium (CM) from CAFs was more effective in stimulating growth of AnaR compared to WT cells, and Ana treatment reversed these effects only in WT cells. Inhibition of the cytokine JAK2/STAT3 cascade suppressed CM‐induced proliferation in AnaR cells.ConclusionsAcquired AI resistance was accompanied by development of a cytokine‐driven phenotype, highlighting the potential clinical benefit of targeting cytokine networks in hormone‐resistant breast cancers.
Team‐taught grand rounds promote horizontal and vertical integration in a discipline‐based medical curriculum
Authors: Duffourc Michelle Marie , Schoborg Robert V. , McGowen K. Ramsey , Lybrand Cynthia , Blackwelder Reid B. 
Published: June 2021

Discipline‐based medical curricula face the challenges of promoting horizontal (across course) and vertical (across years) integration, as well as providing opportunities for students to build the skills needed to become “residents‐as‐teachers”. To address these issues, we developed an Integrated Grand Rounds (IGR) series in which cases are co‐presented to M1/M2 students by clinical and basic science faculty. Sub‐topics relevant to the case are expanded upon by means of live patient interviews and small group sessions led by M3/M4 students. IGR effectiveness is measured by comparison of pre‐/post‐test scores and student attitude questionnaires.Overall, student post‐test scores improved by 23% and >; 95% of all students felt that this activity was an effective way to both integrate information across courses and highlight clinical applications of basic science material. Additionally, all M3/M4 students polled felt that the IGR provided a valuable opportunity to review important basic science concepts and practice clinical teaching skills.The IGR series has proven to be a highly successful tool for cross‐course and longitudinal integration and is enthusiastically supported by both faculty and students. Notably, the IGR provides an efficient and cost‐effective vehicle to expand interdisciplinary connections and enhance integration. As a result, we are in the process of expanding its use in our curriculum.
Shape Analysis of the Facebase 3D Facial Norms Dataset Reveals Sexual Dimorphism in Human Faces in Juveniles, Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Parsons Trish Elizabeth , Raffensperger Zachary D , Hecht Jacqueline T , Heike Carrie L , Cunningham Michael L , Marazita Mary L , Weinberg Seth Michael 
Published: June 2021

One of the major goals of the 3D Facial Norms Project is to create a large publically available database of 3D facial images and measurements from healthy human subjects. This dataset provides an unparalleled opportunity for the study of human facial shape. The current sample size of almost 1,000 subjects allows us to immediately address questions on a range of topics, including sexual dimorphism and changes over the lifespan. Anthropologists have long known that the human facial shape is sexually dimorphic; our question is: when does facial sexual dimorphism present itself during ontogeny? We broke our sample into three age groups, 19–40 (n = 722), 11–18 (n = 90) and 3–10 (n = 119). These groups represent roughly before, during and after puberty. We hypothesize that facial differences between the sexes would first emerge in the 11–18 group and become more divergent in the 19 – 40 group. Shape was assessed using geometric morphometrics. The results indicate that sexual dimorphism is detectable even in the youngest group (Procrustes distance (P‐dist) between male and female mean shapes: 0.0148, p = 0.017). The means shapes are also different between males and females among the 11–18 age group (P‐dist = 0.0208, p < 0.0001) and the difference is largest in the adult sample (P‐dist = 0.0215, p < 0.0001). These results have implications on our understanding of the drivers of sexual dimorphism in human faces.Grant Funding Source: This work was supported by NIH Grant number 1U01DE020078 to SMW
The Impact Of Different Additives To Neutral Buffered Formalin
Authors: Hewitt Stephen Merrill , Perry Candice D , Ylaya Kris , Morris Jennifer , Chung Joon‐Yong 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundNeutral Buffered Formalin (NBF) is the industry standard fixative for anatomic pathology. In addition to 105 formaldehyde, NBF contains up to 10% methanol as well as buffering agents. In addition to NBF, different reagents can be added in an effort to improve the quality of proteins and nucleic acids isolated from formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue.MethodsTissue was fixed individually in different fixative formulations to evaluate the contribution of each reagentt in the fixative. Tissues were subsequently paraffin embedded. Endpoint analysis included evaluation of cyto‐and histo‐morphology, immunohistochemistry, and RNA quality.ResultsThe addition of phosphate buffer contributes to the greatest improvement in quality, at the RNA level compared to other ingredients and additives in neutral buffered formalin.ConclusionsThe presence or absence of other reagents in neutral buffered formalin has limited impact on biomolecule quality in the presence of appropriate buffers.
Mechanisms for differential endocytosis of CD44 involved in turnover and signaling in chondrocytes
Authors: Askew Emily Blair , Hida Daisuke , Ono Yohei , Knudson Cheryl B. , Knudson Warren 
Published: June 2021

In cartilage, hyaluronan (HA) is anchored to chondrocytes via binding to CD44. We have shown that CD44‐mediated endocytosis and lysosomal degradation of HA requires CD44 palmitoylation and subsequent transit into lipid raft microdomains. Interestingly, raft‐CD44 is also a substrate for MMP cleavage generating a 20kD C‐terminal fragment. In chondrocytes, CD44‐HA complexes are thought to be present in different membrane pools, some destined for endocytosis and others involved in signaling, migration or anchorage of matrix. Differentiating these pools is challenging due in part to the constant replenishment of CD44. Trypsin treatment of chondrocytes generates a unique 25kD fragment representative of CD44 present in all membrane pools prior to typsinization; the 20kD fragment only the lipid raft pool. Decay of both 20 and 25kD CD44 fragments is completely blocked by chloroquine suggesting lysosomal degradation as a common endpoint. No 20kD domains were derived from 25kD fragments suggesting the 25kD cannot subsequently move into lipid rafts and serve as a substrate for MMP and γ‐secretase. Chlorpromazine, 350 mM sucrose and Dynasore, inhibitors of clathrin coated vesicle formation, partially block the decay of the 25kD fragment. We hypothesize that raft‐CD44 is responsible for HA endocytosis; whereas CD44 involved in signaling may be downregulated by clathrin‐associated endocytosis. Supported by NIH R01‐AR39507 and R01‐AR43384.Grant Funding Source: NIH R01‐AR39507 and R01‐AR43384
Bridging integrator protein 3 (Bin3) deletion causes cataract due to morphological abnormalities in lens cells
Authors: Scheiblin David A , Duncan Melinda K 
Published: June 2021

The lens is a complex epithelial tissue whose highly organized structure is required for its transparency. The BAR superfamily of peripheral membrane proteins control membrane curvature in many contexts and deletion of the BAR family member, Bin3, from mice results in cataracts (a clouding of the lens) associated with actin defects. However, the role that Bin3 plays in postnatal lens development and homeostasis is not known.Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of Bin3 null lenses revealed minor defects in fiber cell packing from birth to 3 weeks postnatal. The defects in fiber cell packing became progressively worse from 1 month until the fiber cells exhibited both vacuoles and disrupted fiber cell packing by 2 months. Scanning electron micrographs show that the elaborate membrane protrusions found on normal lens fiber cells becomes disorganized in Bin3 null lenses. The observed actin defects along with the morphological defect lead us to hypothesize that Bin3 is important for actin nucleation along lens fiber cell lateral membranes. Multiple proteins such as Cdc42, N‐WASP, and ARP2/3 control actin nucleation. In yeast Bin3 recruits Cdc42 to the cell division site and facilitates its activation, thus changing the cytoskeleton. It has not been shown whether this process is conserved in mammalian cells. Current studies suggest that Cdc42 plays a role in changing the cytoskeleton in Bin3 null lenses.Funded by NEI EY12221.Grant Funding Source: NEI EY 12221
Muscle‐derived cells (MDCs) responsible for myogenesis differ from MDCs involved in adipogenesis in dystrophin/utrophin−/− mice
Authors: Sohn Jihee , Lu Aiping , Tang Ying , Wang Bing , Huard Johnny 
Published: June 2021

Ectopic fat formation/accumulation and infiltration in skeletal muscle is closely associated with several disorders including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disorder. However, neither the origin of ectopic adipocytes, nor the mechanism of their formation in disease, is known. Based on a previously published preplate technique, we isolated two types of muscle derived cells; rapidly adhering cells (RACs) and slowly adhering cells (SACs) from skeletal muscle of C57BL (wt) and utrophin/dystrophin double knockout (dys−/−utro−/−, dKO) mice, which emulates the phenotype seen in DMD patients. Previously, we have shown that SACs are myogenic progenitor cells and are mainly involved in muscle fiber regeneration or degeneration. Here, we identify RACs as PDGFRá + multipotent, mesenchymal progenitor cells and observe that dKO‐RACs display increased adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic potentials compared to wt‐RACs. We also show that, compared to other muscle‐derived cell populations from dKO mice, RACs display significantly increased proliferation and adipogenic potentials both in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that RACs may be the major contributor to ectopic fat cell formation within skeletal muscle in pathological conditions such as DMD. Therefore, targeting RACs to block adipogenesis in skeletal muscle may open new opportunities to treat muscle diseases.Grant Funding Source: Department of Defense (DOD) – Army
Variant Distribution of the Obtuse Marginal Artery of the Heart (Anatomical and Multislice CT Imaging)
Authors: El‐Maasarany Shirley Hilal Labib , El‐Tahhan Salah Mohammed , Beiram Dalia Mahmoud 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe obtuse marginal artery (OMA) is one or two branches from the left circumflex branch(LCx) of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). It supplies the most lateral wall of the left ventricle.AimThe aim of the present work was to study the origin, size, distribution and variations of the OMA.Material and MethodsTwenty embalmed human hearts showing no gross pathological lesions in the wall of the chambers were used. The LMCA, the left anterior descending(LAD), the LCX and the OMA were dissected to study their distribution. Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) of forty healthy individuals with no obstructed lesions were studied retrospectively.ResultsGigantic OMA was seen in 3 out of the 20 dissected specimens and in 5 out of the 40 MSCT hearts. Its diameter was bigger than the LCx itself (more than 3.4 mm in diameter). They supply not only the lateral wall of the left ventricle but also most of its anterior and inferior walls reaching to the apex.ConclusionThese variant anatomical findings shoud be considered during various interventional and surgical procedures.
Acute blood pressure response to exercise in post‐menopausal women
Authors: Bentley Danielle Christine , Thomas Scott G 
Published: June 2021

Chronic blood pressure (BP) reductions resulting from exercise interventions have been linked to an acute vascular response, post‐exercise hypotension (PEH). PEH has traditionally been stimulated using continuous aerobic exercise bouts. The use of isometric handgrip (IHG) contractions to elicit PEH is an emerging area. The present research investigated PEH in response to both ergometer cycling and bilateral IHG contractions in post‐menopausal women, a demographic of imperative concern. Women completed an acclimatization session followed by four experimental sessions; two using IHG as a stimulus and two using ergometer cycling as a stimulus. Pre‐ and post‐exercise BP were determined using an automated sphygmomanometer (BPTru). Participants were 5 post‐menopausal women with an average resting BP of 117.8 ± 1.8 / 79.9 ± 1.7. In contrast to expectation, both of the exercise stimuli induced acute increases in BP. Aerobic stimuli induced increases of 2.1 ± 0.6 / 3.2 ± 0.4. IHG stimuli induced changes of 3.9 ± 0.7 / 3.9 ± 0.5. Further exploration of this relationship is required to determine the exercise protocols which will elicit PEH in this specific population of post‐menopausal women. This information will be valuable in prescribing acute exercise bouts for blood pressure control in this at‐risk demographic. This research was completed with support from the Dr. Terry Kavanagh Research Fellowship.Grant Funding Source: CIHR
Susceptibility of multiple myeloma stem cells and their progeny to NK‐cell mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Podberezin Mark , Wen Jianguo , Chang Jeff 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of our study was to examine sensitivity of MM cells and their SC progenitors (which are characterized by negativity for CD138 and active efflux of Hoechst 33342 dye) to natural killer (NK)‐cell mediated cytotoxicity.MethodsNK cells were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers and co‐cultured with MM (RPMI 8226) cells for 4 hours. NK cell cytotoxicity was assessed by flow cytometry assay. Three different NK/target cell ratios were used. MMSC represented by side population (SP) (negative for Hoechst and CD138) were quantified as percentage of total viable MM cells.ResultsNK cells exhibited significant cytotoxicity against RPMI 8226 cells in all three ratios. Surprisingly, the strongest cytotoxicity was demonstrated when minimal NK/MM ratio (2.5:1) was used. We hypothesize that this phenomenon could be due to NK‐NK cell fratricide. Remarkably, proportion of the overall viable target cell population, represented by MMSC, decreased.ConclusionsMM cells are sensitive to NK‐mediated cytotoxicity. The finding of major importance was potential susceptibility of MMSC to NK‐cell mediated cytotoxicity which could make NK cells additive armamentarium in treating minimal residual disease in patients with MM.
Eliminating the need for multiple injections during a dental procedure; A novel study identifying the greater palatine foramen and nerve using ultrasound
Authors: Hafeez Sahar Najmus , Johnson Marjorie , Merrifield Peter , Ganapathy Sugantha , Galil Khadry 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundA greater palatine nerve (GPN) block is required for many dental procedures. Localization of the nerve currently relies on a blind, surface landmark approach, which often requires multiple needle pricks and a large amount of local anesthetic. Ultrasound (US) is a safe, non‐invasive modality and bone appears as a white line on an US. Any disruption in this line may indicate a discontinuity in bone such as a foramen.HypothesisAn US‐guided approach can be used to locate the greater palatine foramen (GPF) and isolate the GPN on the hard palate.Material & MethodsIn this study, 16 cadaveric hard palates were scanned by a linear probe and an US‐guided injection of India ink was administered into the GPF of all the specimens.ResultThe hard palate was visible as a white continuous line and an interruption in this line near the maxillary molar teeth was recognized as the GPF in all of the 16 specimens. In 9 out of 16 specimens, traces of India ink were found in the greater palatine canal.ConclusionUS can be effectively used to visualize both the GPF and GPN in palates with and without molar teeth and an ultrasound guided GPN block could be considered as an adjunct to dental clinics. These findings may warrant follow‐up testing on patients in the dental clinic. The author is supported by OGS funds.Grant Funding Source: Departmental
Intra‐element variation in osteocyte lacunar density and morphology in healthy young male cortical bone
Authors: Carter Yasmin , Suchorab Jessica L. , Thomas C. David , Clement John G. , Cooper David M.L. 
Published: June 2021

We previously reported considerable intra‐element variation in osteocyte lacunar properties, with density differences up to 30% across a cross‐section of the male (20 yrs) femoral cortex related to the biomechanical axes. The purpose of this research was to determine whether this pattern of variation occurs in a larger sample. Anterior (A), posterior (P), medial (M) and lateral (L) blocks (2×2 mm) were prepared from the proximal femoral shaft of 7 healthy males aged 20–34 and synchrotron micro‐CT imaged. Average lacunar density (± sd) from the APML regions were 22,961 ± 1991, 28,264 ± 4186, 32,082 ± 7731 and 30,525 ± 1977 per mm3 of bone, respectively. Consistent with the pattern observed in the previous study, density was significantly different between the A and the L region (p<0.05). The density of the combined A and P regions was also lower (p=0.006) than that of the combined M and L regions. The differences in density were mirrored by shape differences; with the combined AP region having more elongate (p=0.004) and flattened (p=0.001) lacunae, than those of the ML region. The consistent appearance of this pattern of variation in a larger sample suggests considerable normal variation occurs in the lacunar properties of healthy young males. The underlying functional significance of the observed differences likely relates to localized variations in loading conditions as the pattern corresponds well with mechanical axes.Grant Funding Source: Saskatchewan Health Research Fund
Comparative tissue stainability and localization of active staining principle in fractions of Lawsonia inermis (Henna) leaves
Authors: Alawa Judith Nkiruka , Kauche Eunice , Ahmed Bilkisu , Adetiba Bamidele 
Published: June 2021

The crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Lawsonia inermis (Henna) have demonstrated cytoplasmic staining properties in animal tissues. However, to improve the staining efficacy on tissues and to localize the active dyestuff, the extracts were fractionated sequentially in n‐hexane, ethyl acetate, n‐butanol and distilled water using column chromatography. The soluble fractions were subjected to thin layer chromatography to identify the active compounds. Tissue stainability of the fractions was evaluated in formalin‐fixed and paraffin embedded tissues (liver, kidney, cardiac muscle, testis, lungs, brain and intestine) obtained from Wistar rats. Ethyl acetate was the most effective and showed better tissue stainability compared to n‐Butanol, characterized by the deep brown colour intensity on the tissues and remarkable contrast with haematoxylin comparable to haematoxylin and eosin stain. This corroborated the TLC analysis which demonstrated that the ethyl acetate and n‐butanol fractions showed brownish spots which were absent in the hexane and distilled water fractions. Ethyl acetate spot showed deeper colouration than the n‐Butanol spot suggesting that the active staining principle known as lawsone is localized in these fractions. The n‐hexane and distilled water fractions showed weak to no staining activity on tissues. This indicates that the active staining principle of Henna is localized in the ethyl acetate and n‐butanol fractions and these will serve as good solvents for the further purification of the active staining compound.Grant Funding Source: A.B.U Zaria
Quantitative Immunostaining: 3D X‐ray Microscopy for Visualizing and Measuring Protein Distribution in Three Dimensions
Authors: Merkle Arno , Metscher Brian , Yun Sylvia , Lau SH 
Published: June 2021

Immunostaining has become an important tool for biological and biomedical research, providing information on the distribution of gene products such as proteins and ribonucleic acids, and has been primarily developed through optical microscopy‐based techniques, including serial sectioning histology and optical projection tomography (OPT). However, due to the limited penetration depth of visible light, these techniques are often limited to either small samples ranging from tens to hundreds of microns or to lower resolutions (10 μm).We describe a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging technique using a laboratory based 3D X‐ray microscope (XRM) for quantitative characterization of proteins in small animal embryos at high resolutions of <1 μm spatial resolution (<200 nm pixel). By using non‐destructive X‐rays that achieve large sample penetration, we demonstrate whole mount imaging capabilities of antibody probes in developing embryos. We will additionally discuss software techniques to measure X‐ray attenuation within the sample to provide quantitative mapping of protein densities. Future directions include correlative studies using compatible molecular probes for light and electron microscopy and counterstaining organs and cells with additional heavy metal stains.