bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lee University's Integrated Math and Science Scholars Program; Cohort 1 Results
Authors: Daft Sheila , Mitchum Jessica , Schlosser Sarah , Kasper Sherry 
Published: June 2021

Lee University's integrated Math and Science Scholars (iMASS) program began in the spring of 2015 as a part of the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S‐STEM) funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The purpose of this program is to introduce STEM students to industry and research opportunities in the region, cultivate a learning community by cohorting them in interdisciplinary groups with biology, chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics majors, and increase retention of the participants. The iMASS program seeks to include academically talented, financially eligible students, with a focus on those who are minority or first – generation. Thus far, we are on target to achieve many of our primary goals. In these first three years, we have recruited and selected talented and financially eligible students to participate in the program, retaining at least 90% of these scholars into each successive year. We have also provided these scholars with increased educational opportunities in and outside of the classroom. These opportunities include a seminar class featuring resume building, interview tips, and speakers from regional industries (Bayer and Oak Ridge National Labs) and graduate schools (University of Tennessee and University of Alabama at Birmingham). Additionally, we have provided industry and graduate school tours at different points throughout the academic year, resulting in successful internships for some of the scholars and thereby meeting one of Lee University's Quality Enhancement Plan goals. Through these educational opportunities and supports, the retention rate and persistence in STEM of our first cohort exceeds that of their peers in STEM at Lee (Cohort 1 at 100% vs. all STEM at 71%). This program is an example of the success made possible from introducing students to successful mentors in the community and the type of power that learning communities can have on students from a variety of backgrounds.Support or Funding InformationNational Science Foundation S‐STEMThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
An intensive preparatory program for incoming freshmen Biology students improves performance and retention
Authors: Shor Audrey C. , Clauson‐Kozina Cheryl , Altfeld Laura , Miller Christopher J. 
Published: June 2021

It is apparent that incoming freshmen Biology majors are unprepared for college, not just at Saint Leo University, but across the country. To address this dilemma at the forefront, a pre‐freshman year Biology Boot Camp (BBC) experienced was implemented in August 2012. The objective of this program was to increase retention in the Biology program, improve preparation of students entering the major, and increase graduation rates. The program was designed to offer Biology majors a short, intensive preview of the university level skills and expectations of students entering the first sequence Biology major course, Biological Principles I. In doing so, a well‐rounded preview into the life and work balance of a college student pursuing a Biology degree was modeled for participants. To date, 261 students have elected to participate in the program. Participating in the program has demonstrated that significantly more students earn a C‐ or higher in the first semester Biology course compared to matched controls (X2= 34.5, df = 5, P‐value < 0.001) among the first‐year cohort. In addition, more students who participated in the program remained at Saint Leo and graduated with an AA, BA, or BS within four years. Aside from course content, the additional experiences garnered throughout the program enable incoming freshmen Biology majors to develop a learning community in which they thrive. As such, 33% of students enrolled in the first year of the program engaged in early research activities compared to 2% of matched controls. Success workshops hosted throughout the program contribute to this development, namely early exposure to undergraduate research opportunities available on campus. Intensive programs introducing freshmen to the college experience such as BBC can help students adjust in the difficult transition to university life.Support or Funding InformationFunding for this program was provided by Flagship funds from Saint Leo University.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
MAMS: A Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Rich Collaborative Bridge Program to Doctoral Graduate and Health Professional School
Authors: Taylor Mark 
Published: June 2021

The Master of Arts in Medical Sciences (MAMS) degree at Heritage University, a predominantly Native American and Hispanic‐serving liberal arts institution, is a one‐year bridge or pipeline program to doctoral graduate and health professional schools. The degree program is operated in collaboration with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and Washington State University College of Pharmacy. MAMS students are typically first generation, minority, late‐blooming, or disadvantaged individuals. Coursework taken alongside first‐year medical students at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences as well as first‐year pharmacy students at Washington State University coupled with standardized exam preparation, service‐learning opportunities, mentorship, study strategies, club participation, and access to medical, physician assistant, and pharmacy school faculty/staff/students provide MAMS students with the capability to strengthen their applications as well as demonstrate their readiness for doctoral or professional school study. The curriculum is biochemistry rich and focuses on the molecular basis of health and disease. Topical content covered includes histology, immunology, embryology, microbiology, biochemical metabolism, genetics, pharmacogenomics, medical physiology, and research theory. Additional instruction is provided in medical skills as well as the psychosocial basis of disease and treatment. Delivery of course content utilizes lectures, in‐class discussion, case‐based learning, small‐group learning, computer‐facilitated learning, and laboratory activities to maximize student comprehension of fundamental basic science principles. Since the program's inception in 2012, 100% of students have graduated, 41% of students have been minorities, nearly 90% of graduates have gained admission into a doctoral graduate or health professional school of their choice, and 98% of MAMS students in doctoral or professional programs have remained in good academic standing. MAMS students have been admitted to medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, physician assistant, and doctoral graduate schools. MAMS students admitted to professional schools have achieved equivalent or superior class grades and board scores compared to other admitted students. Overall student satisfaction is running approximately 90%.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Encouraging student interest in summer research experiences using a peer‐teaching “speed dating” model
Authors: Kruchten Anne , Glesener Kristopher , Qson Luther , Talaga Melanie , Trygstad Timothy 
Published: June 2021

To encourage students participating in an NSF SSTEM program at the College of Saint Scholastica to explore research opportunities, we hosted a “speed dating” program and dinner. Students participating in this SSTEM program are largely first generation college students from rural northeastern Minnesota. One goal of our program is to increase student participation in research experiences and exposure to graduate programs. In this peer‐teaching event, students who had completed summer research programs or internships (the “presenters”) prepared ninety‐minute elevator talks on their research topic. Students without research experience (the “participants”) listened to these talks in a one on one format and then followed up with ninety seconds of questions and answers about the research or how the researcher was selected for the position. After each presenter and participant exchanged ideas, the participants moved on to the next presenter; thus the “speed dating format”. After completion of the activity, all students participated in a discussion of how to find and apply for on and off campus research and internship opportunities. This method is a useful tool for encouraging interest in summer research using a peer‐teaching model.Support or Funding InformationThis work is funded by NSF SSTEM Award 1458481.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Laboratory Experiences in Sophomore Level Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratories: What works?
Authors: Huff Mary , Booth Rachell , Van Stry Melanie , Vega Quinn 
Published: June 2021

Authentic laboratory experiences incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum effectively engage students in research, enhance STEM student retention, and improve student learning. In recent years, numerous course‐based undergraduate research experiences (CURES) have been incorporated into introductory courses to provide opportunities for students early in their college careers to experience the excitement of scientific discovery while also providing a better representation of the application of scientific practices and the role of collaboration. There has also been similar efforts to develop authentic laboratory experiences in upper division or senior level molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology labs with great success. With the desire to offer authentic laboratory experiences across the curriculum, we are interested in identifying laboratory experiences that can provide similar opportunities in laboratories associated with sophomore level cell and molecular biology courses. This may be challenging as resources can be limited and changes may not be considered essential for supporting retention goals or providing the research productivity of an upper level course. Our goal is to identify common concepts and skillsets that are considered essential to a cell and molecular sophomore laboratory course and then expand the number of laboratory experiences that are related to these concepts. Finally, we feel that it is important to continue the conversations regarding the difficulties and benefits of implementing these various projects at the sophomore level. These issues include implementation of a research project with adjunct faculty or graduate assistants, and implementing short term or semester long projects.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Requirement of Fatty Acid Oxidation to Attenuate Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Harris Kate L. , Pereyra Andrea S. , Ellis Jessica M. 
Published: June 2021

Heart enlargement, or cardiac hypertrophy, is an increasingly prevalent condition in the obese, aging, diabetic, and hypertensive populations. It is characterized by reductions in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, yet the role fatty acid oxidation plays in cardiac remodeling remains unclear. We have previously demonstrated that the loss of mouse cardiac carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (Cpt2M−/−), an enzyme required for mitochondrial long‐chain fatty acid oxidation, causes cardiac hypertrophic remodeling and early lethality. Cpt2M−/− mice are resistant to two therapies previously shown to attenuate hypertrophy: inhibition of mTOR and reversal of protein hypoacetylation, suggesting that improving mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation is key for attenuating cardiac hypertrophy. To determine if restoring mitochondrial oxidative flux with alternative substrates to long‐chain fatty acids could improve hypertrophy, control and Cpt2M−/− mice were placed on either control diet or specialized ketogenic diet enriched with octanoate, a medium‐chain fatty acid that can bypass CPT2 for mitochondrial oxidation. While ketogenic diets have been shown to improve cardiac hypertrophy, we report here that in the absence of CPT2, ketogenic octanoate‐enriched diet failed to improve hypertrophy. We will further describe the molecular and metabolic consequences of the ketogenic octanoate‐enriched diet on the heart with and without CPT2. Determining the molecular events that fail to be modified in the Cpt2M−/− heart in response to this therapy will elucidate pathways that link fatty acid oxidation to cardiac remodeling.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Effect of a Deletion of Mitochondrial DNA on Cell Growth, Mitochondrial DNA Content, and Metabolic Activity
Authors: Keck Christopher , Gulfo Michelle K. , Pogozelski Wendy 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions such as the 4977‐bp “common deletion” (ΔmtDNA4977) on cell growth, mtDNA content and metabolismIntroductionHuman mitochondria (mt) contain circular DNA molecules of 16549 base pairs and can contain large deletions that correlate with aging and disease. We have studied the effects of a particular deletion of 4977‐bp (ΔmtDNA4977),. The deleted mtDNA is missing regions of Complexes I, IV and V. We have been studying how this deletion affects cell growth, mtDNA content, and metabolism in a lymphoblast cell line bearing elevated levels of the deletion, comparing the effects with normal cells.MethodsWe used real‐time PCR to measure the amount of mtDNA bearing the deletion as well as total mtDNA in the two cell lines. We compared the growth and metabolism of the two cells lines by varying glucose content in media and measuring numbers of cells as a function of time. We measured the rates of glycolysis with a lactate assay, measured oxidative phosphorylation with an oxygen consumption assay, and studied the shapes of the cells via microscopy. We also investigated the effect of succinic acid on metabolism.ResultsCells with elevated ΔmtDNA4977 actually had more total mtDNA content than did normal cells, perhaps as a compensatory response. Despite this increased mtDNA content, they grew more slowly, grew poorly in media with low glucose, showed higher rates of glycolysis, formed spheroids more readily; and were more often polarized in shape. Normal control cells grew well in all media types tested; however, when grown in high glucose, normal control cells were polarized more often. Succinic acid supplementation did not substantially affect growth of either cell type. Initial results suggest that accumulation of this deletion increases the dependence of the cell on glucose metabolism and contributes to activation of mechanisms that result in projections and polarization.Support or Funding InformationThe Geneseo Foundation and Geneseo Student AssociationThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Consequences of Cytochrome c Oxidase Assembly Defects for the Yeast Stationary Phase
Authors: Dubinski Alicia F. , Glerum D. Moira 
Published: June 2021

Functional assembly of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is essential for an intact mitochondrial respiratory chain, although the consequences of a loss of assembled COX at yeast stationary phase remain largely unexplored. Stationary phase cultures are a good model for terminally differentiated cells in humans, such as neurons. Our goal is to define the physiological changes in mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress between exponential and stationary phases in a respiratory competent strain and a set of COX assembly mutants with defects in a variety of aspects related to enzyme assembly. These results further our understanding of mitochondrial changes in terminally differentiated cells and aging cells. In this study, we show that a wild‐type respiratory competent yeast strain at stationary phase is characterized by a decreased oxidative capacity, as seen by a reduction in the amount of assembled COX, which is supported by a decrease in protein levels of several COX assembly factors. Wild‐type cells also have a disrupted mitochondrial reticulum during stationary phase. Loss of assembled COX results in the decreased abundance of many mitochondrial proteins at stationary phase, which we show is likely due to decreased membrane potential and changes in mitophagy. In addition to an altered mitochondrial proteome, COX assembly mutants display unexpected changes in markers of cellular oxidative stress at stationary phase. Specifically, differences in distribution of Sod1 between exponential and stationary phases give insight on location of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. Our results suggest that mitochondria may not be a major source of ROS at stationary phase in cells lacking an intact respiratory chain. Overall, we have identified fundamental differences between exponential and stationary phase mitochondria in respiratory competent yeast and have defined two distinct phenotypes, decreased levels of mitochondrial proteins and less mitochondrial oxidative damage, in cells with a defective respiratory chain. These findings suggest that COX deficiencies are associated with broader cellular phenotypes in terminally differentiated cells in humans.Support or Funding InformationNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Vespa Amino Acid Mixture (VAAM) Enhances Electron and Proton Transport in Mitochondria and Leads to Excessive Reactive Oxygen Production
Authors: Mohamed Attia , Stowers Samuel , Clark Kristy , Dameron Marisa , Weikel Adam , Colon Emilie , Redmond Sarah Beth 
Published: June 2021

Vespa amino acid mixture (VAAM) is a synthetic blend of amino acids, which has been proven to increase rates of aerobic cellular metabolism by increasing net ATP production in various eukaryotes. The mechanism through which VAAM increases ATP production is unknown; our work suggests that VAAM augments the proton motive force. In order to quantitatively evaluate the effects of VAAM on mitochondrial metabolism, we measured the levels of reactive oxygen species, relative NAD+/NADH levels, caspase activation, mitochondrial membrane integrity, and ATP levels in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with differing doses of VAAM at multiple time points. The levels of reactive oxygen species increased within five minutes of the exposure to the lowest dose of VAAM (0.003%, 1% of the recommended dose) and time points beyond five minutes yielded toxic levels and activation of caspase. This was also demonstrated with NAD+/NADH levels, higher levels of NAD+ were observed in the VAAM treated cells, indicating an increase in entry of electrons into the transport chain, leading to the observed increase in ATP production. We attempted to counteract the actions of VAAM by adding α‐tocopherol (an antioxidant) and 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP, a proton motive force uncoupler) to the VAAM treatment separately. The antioxidants reduced the production of reactive oxygen species only slightly, and did not significantly lower the production of ATP. Surprisingly, DNP, known to uncouple the proton motive force, was successful in prolonging the life of the cell in the presence of VAAM. This taken in account with the increase in ATP production leads us to believe that VAAM facilitates electron transport leading to enhanced coupling with the activity of ATP synthase.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Protective Effect of Larportea aestuans Extract on Diclofenac ‐ Induced Oxidative Stress in the Brain of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: OMOTOSHO Omolola Elizabeth , Ogunlade Dipo 
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed at assessing the effect of diclofenac induced oxidative stress in the brain of Wistar rats. The experiment was carried out using thirty‐six rats in six groups with six rats in each group. The first group was used as the control group which was not pretreated nor induced with oxidative stress but received 1ml of gum acacia which is the vehicle. Groups 2 to 6 were induced with oxidative stress by oral administration of 40mg/kg body weight of diclofenac and pretreated as follows: group 2 received only diclofenac, group 3 with 200mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of Laportea aestuans (L.A.), group 4 with 400mg/kg body weight of L.A. extract, group 5 with 500mg/kg body weight of L.A. and group 6 with 50mg/kg body weight of cimetidine. The pretreatment was carried out for a period of seven days after which oxidative stress was induced. The animals were thereafter sacrificed, and brain was excised. Antioxidant enzymes and molecules such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were assayed by standard methods. The results showed significant increases in level of glutathione and activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl in groups 3 to 5 when compared to group 2. This shows protection of the brain against free radicals and reactive oxygen species.Support or Funding InformationCovenant UniversityThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.