bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Catfish (Arius bilineatus, Val.) skin protein preparation ameliorates neurobehavioral and axonal and neuronal histopathological alterations in a sciatic nerve crush injury rat model: a novel approach
Authors: Renno Waleed M , Afzal Mohammad M , Paul Bincy M , Nair Divya M , Kumar Jijin M , Al‐Hassan Jassim M 
Published: June 2021

Preliminary investigations showed that soluble protein fraction‐Fraction C (SPF‐FC) from catfish skin preparations (CSP) from the Arabian Gulf catfish (Arius bilineatus, Val.) exhibit potent anti‐inflammatory and healing properties as shown in our previous clinical trials for the healing of non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers, chronic back pain, and some other neurological disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties of SPF‐FC derived from CSP on the spinal neurons, regeneration of sciatic nerve fibers, and recovery of sensory‐motor functions in the sciatic nerve crush injury model. Male Wistar rats (weight 250–300 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: (I) SHAM, (II) CRUSH, (III) CRUSH+SPF treated intraperitoneally (IP) and (IV) CRUSH+SPF treated subcutaneously (SC) groups. Rats in CRUSH groups underwent surgery, where the sciatic nerve was crushed, followed by treatment with saline (II) or with 3–12 mg/Kg SPF IP (III) or SC (IV) daily for 14 days. All animals were tested for the neurobehavioral parameters throughout the 6 weeks of the study. Sciatic nerve and spinal cord tissues were processed for light and electron histological examinations, stereological analysis, immunohistochemical and biochemical examinations at Week 4 and Week 6 post‐injury. Administration of SPF IP or SC significantly (p<0.05–0.0001) enhanced the sensory and motor performance on different neurobehavioral functional tests of the nerve‐injured rats. The stereological evaluation revealed significant (p<0.000) histomorphological evidence of neuroregeneration in the sciatic nerve of the CRUSH+ SPF groups compared to controls at week 4 and 6. SPF‐FC treatment significantly prevented the decrease in the number of the NeuN‐immunoreactive spinal neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury, decreased the GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes and increased the GAP‐43 immunoreactivity. The data analysis supports our hypothesis that SPF‐FC immunoreactivity treatment lessens neurobehavioral deficits, enhances axonal regeneration and ameliorate histomorphological nerve alterations following nerve injury. Further, SPF‐FC protects spinal neurons and enhances subcellular recovery by decreasing the astrocytic activity and GAP‐43, thus improves nerve regeneration and functional recovery.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by Kuwait University Research Administration (KU Grants No. SL03/14 and SL04/09 and RCF/OMICSRU project SRUL02/13) and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (Grant No. KFAS 2013‐1207‐01A‐D).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Retinoic acid application affects optic nerve microglia and macrophages after optic nerve injury in frog Rana pipiens
Authors: De La Rosa‐Reyes Valeria , Duprey Mildred V. , Blagburn Jonathan M. , Blanco Rosa E. 
Published: June 2021

Retinoic acid (RA) plays major roles during nervous system development. We have previously shown that RA signaling pathway components are upregulated after optic nerve injury and that exogenous application of RA improves the long‐term survival of axotomized retinal ganglion cells to more than 90%. In addition, there is some evidence that RA may be a factor involved in the induction of phagocytic macrophages, promoting the production of pro‐repair chemokines that could play a role in successful regeneration. The objective of the present study is to determine the effects of RA application on the macrophage populations in the optic nerve after injury. We performed optic nerve crush and applied into the nerve either saline solution or retinoic acid. We examined the optic nerves at 48h, one week, and two weeks after axotomy with immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Electron microscope studies of the proximal, injury, and distal sites of the optic nerves show macrophages filled with secondary lysosomes and residual bodies. Immunocytochemistry of various macrophage subtypes was carried out followed by confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that application of RA to the optic nerve causes a significant increase in the number of macrophages and microglia present one week after optic nerve injury. Most cells were CD68‐positive in saline‐ and RA‐treated nerves. We also identified activated microglia (Iba1‐positive) and a sub‐population of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages (arginase‐positive) at the injury and distal sites. In conclusion, the application of RA affects the number and the distribution of macrophages after optic nerve injury and it may play a role in the success of optic nerve regeneration.Support or Funding InformationREB is supported by NIH grant GM116692, JMB by NIH grant NS081726This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Distribution of HAP1‐immunoreactive cells in the spinal cord is suggestive of its protective roles against neurodegeneration in vivo
Authors: Islam Nabiul , Takeshita Yukio , Jahan Mir Rubayet , Yanai Akie , Masumoto Koh‐hei , Shinoda Koh 
Published: June 2021

Huntingtin‐associated protein 1 (HAP1) is a neuronal interactor with causatively polyglutamine (polyQ)‐expanded huntingtin in Huntington's disease and also associated with pathologically polyQ‐expanded androgen receptor (AR) in spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), being considered as a protective factor against neurodegenerative apoptosis. In normal rodent brains, it is abundantly expressed particularly in the limbic‐hypothalamic regions that tend to be spared from neurodegeneration, whereas the areas with little HAP1 expression, including the striatum, thalamus, cerebral neocortex and cerebellum, are targets in several neurodegenerative diseases. While the spinal cord is another major neurodegenerative target, HAP1‐immunoreactive (ir) structures have yet to be determined there. In the current study, HAP1 expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in light and electron microscopy through the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spinal cords of the adult rats and mice. Our results showed that HAP1 is specifically expressed in neurons through the spinal segments and that more than 90% of neurons expressed HAP1 in lamina I–II, lamina X, and autonomic preganglionic regions. Double‐immunostaining for HAP1 and AR demonstrated that more than 80% of neurons expressed both in laminae I‐II and X. In contrast, HAP1 was specifically lacking in the lamina IX motoneurons with or without AR expression. The present study first demonstrated that HAP1 is abundantly expressed in spinal neurons of the somatosensory, viscerosensory, and autonomic regions but absent in somatomotor neurons, suggesting that the spinal motoneurons are, due to lack of putative HAP1 protectivity, more vulnerable to stresses in neurodegenerative diseases than other HAP1‐expressing neurons probably involved in spinal sensory and autonomic functions.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI (Grant Numbers 18K15006 to Md Nabiul Islam and 16H05118 to Koh Shinoda).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
First Systematic Documentation of Sex Differences in Craniofacial Norms of Nigerian Children
Authors: Musa Muhammad A. , Zagga Abdullahi D. , Ahmed Hamid , Weinberg Seth M. , Richtsmeier Joan T. 
Published: June 2021

Datasets containing standardized craniofacial measurements in African children are not widely available. Such datasets are needed to establish craniofacial norms and document patterns of normal growth, which are often population specific. In this cross‐sectional study we used traditional calipers to collect 13 standard anthropometric measurements on 320 male (n=172) and female (n=148) children from Sokoto, Nigeria with mean age of 38.39 and 37.34 months, respectively. The study participants were divided into eight different age groups: 6–12; 12–18; 18–24; 24–30; 30–36; 36–48; 48–60 and 60–72 months. ANOVA was used to test for sex differences within the age groups. Our results revealed statistically significant sex differences in craniofacial morphology at each age group, except the 12–18 month old subset. The greatest number of sexually dimorphic measures was observed in the 30–36 month and 36–48 month age groups. Through 60 months, the means of measurements that showed significant sex differences were universally larger in females than in males. By the 60–72 month group, mean values for sexually dimorphic traits were larger in males. This is consistent with reports in other cohorts showing a more accelerated rate of craniofacial growth in females during early postnatal growth that begins to level off during childhood. This study provides the first systematic documentation of sex differences in craniofacial variation in typical growing Nigerian children, increasing our understanding of craniofacial growth changes across different age groups in relation to sexual dimorphism. This information can be used by Nigerian clinicians and other health care givers to further understand craniofacial growth and morphology of Nigerian children, and serves as baseline data for the creation of a local craniofacial database that will facilitate diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies and overall patient management.Support or Funding InformationThe author(s) hereby acknowledge the support of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) through the Short‐term Visiting Scholarship Award to the Laboratory of Dr. J.T. Richtsmeier, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA as well as the Management of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, for the Staff Training and Development Fellowship Approval/Award (TETFund).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The Second‐to‐Fourth Digit Bone Area Ratio from Radiographic Images
Authors: Hartnell Layne , Zdilla Matthew 
Published: June 2021

Second‐to‐fourth digit ratio has been posited as a sexually dimorphic trait. Reportedly, females have a longer second digit relative to fourth digit and males have a longer fourth digit relative to second digit. This study assessed for differences in the size and shapes of the phalanxes from the second and fourth digits in 30 females (180 phalanxes) via radiographs of their right hands (all right‐hand dominant). Principle component analysis demonstrated differences between phalanxes. The area within the radiographic outlines of each phalanx were calculated. The areas of the phalanxes of the 4th digit were significantly larger than those of the 2nd digit. (Proximal phalanx: p=0.002; Middle phalanx: p<0.00001; Distal phalanx: p<0.00001). Further the phalanxes followed a trend, in both the second and fourth digits, where the middle phalanx was approximately twice the area of the distal phalanx and the proximal phalanx was approximately twice the area of the middle phalanx. The results of this study provide preliminary information that may be helpful in differentiating between phalanxes of the 2nd and 4th digits in human remains.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Mechanical and Fracture Properties Evolution of Gnathostome Dental Enamel and Orthodentine
Authors: Kay David Ian , Erickson Gregory M , Kuhn‐Hendricks Stephen , Giganc Paul M 
Published: June 2021

During gnathostome diversification modifications to dental form and mineralized tissues (enamel, dentines, and cementum) facilitated the exploitation of novel food resources, leading to the occupation of an unprecedented variety of ecological trophic niches. Generally, it has been assumed that the intra‐tissue biomechanics of these constituents had little bearing on whole‐tooth functionality, aside from mammalian enamel in occluding dentitions. Many mammals, for example, possess teeth that self‐wear to a functional topography with a diversity of derived tissues—some which possess unique mechanical attributes to resist wear and fracture. Here we formally test the hypothesis that gnathostome dental tissue material properties were static prior to the cladogenesis of Mammalia. Hardness (a proxy for wear resistance) and elastic modulus (proxy for structural rigidity and relevant to whole tooth rigidity) were tested using two standardized material science techniques, microindentation and nanoindentation, as well as a novel approach for quantifying fracture propagation patterns from indentation cracks. These data were analyzed in an ecological context using modern phylogenetic comparative methods. The results show these material properties to be highly variable within and between major groups of gnathostomes, with enamel and orthodentine hardnesses ranging from ~2.1 gigapascals (GPa) to ~6.1 GPa and ~0.5 GPa to ~1.5 Gpa, respectively. Elastic modulus values measured spanned ~34.6 GPa to ~112.5 Gpa in enamel, and from ~15.6 GPa to ~33.4 GPa in orthodentine. Lissamphibia display the lowest hardness and elastic modulus values of both enamel and orthodentine while the higher hardness and elastic modulus values are found in specific taxa from chondrichthyans, mammals, and some squamates. Aside from enamel hardness, there is no significant relationship between most material properties and assigned dietary classes. An ancillary goal of this work is also to glean initial insights about how dental attributes for non‐mammalian and mammalian taxa more generally may contribute to whole‐tooth form, function, performance, and diet. Clade‐specific complex fracture patterns in the enamels of mammals and chondrichthyans, for example, show that gnathostome lineages independently evolved traits that function to control fracture and minimize damage associated with catastrophic failure. Overall, this study suggests that selection operated at the tissue level primarily in enamel to bring about shifts in whole‐tooth functionality across Gnathostomata.Support or Funding InformationNSF EAR 0959029 awarded to Gregory M EricksonSigma Xi GIAR awarded to David Ian KayThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Histological Study of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Komro Jack , Gonzales Joshua , Marberry Kevin , Main Christopher , Kondrashov Peter 
Published: June 2021

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a crucial role in preventing the anterior translocation and medial rotation of the tibia against the femur. The normal histological composition of the ACL has been described as 99% dense regular connective tissue (DRCT), 0.9% loose connective tissue, and 0.1% vasculature with no nerves or adipose tissue present. Previous data on ACL structure in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) indicate that the ligament undergoes degenerative changes in OA patients. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the details of histological changes in the ACLs of patients with clinically diagnosed OA. The study was approved by the local institutional review board. The ACLs from six patients undergoing total knee replacement because of OA (OA group) and eleven normal ACLs from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine anatomy lab (control group) were collected. Demographic data, medical history, and Outerbridge scores were also collected. The average Outerbridge score in the OA group was 3.6 on a scale of 0–4. Nonconsecutive 10 μm longitudinal tissue slices of ACLs stained with hematoxylin and eosin were analyzed for tissue composition and amount of blood vessels. To account for possible differences in tissue composition across the ligament, the full length and full thickness of each ACL were analyzed using nine sections from each ACL, from which the data were averaged. ImageJ software was used to calculate percentages for total area and areas of DRCT, degenerative tissue, and vasculature. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare tissue composition and relative amount of blood vessels in the OA and control groups. There was no significant difference in tissue composition or vasculature between age groups (both P>.37). The major difference in the histological structure of the ACL between the two groups was the proportion of DRCT to non‐DRCT, which was significantly smaller in the OA group than the control group (OA, 50%; control, 96%; P<.001). The non‐DRCT included degenerative connective tissue and fibrocartilage. The ratio of blood vessels to area was greater in the OA group than the control group (OA, 0.12 vessels/mm2; control, 0.02 vessels/mm2; P=.01). These results indicate that the inflammatory processes in the knee contributing to OA lesions cause changes in the composition of the ACL that lead to destruction of collagen bundles, increased vascularization, edema, and formation of fibrocartilage‐like tissue inside the ligament. Thus, the ACLs from patients with severe OA undergo marked histological changes, making them less suitable for ligament‐retaining total knee arthroplasty.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The Accuracy of Risk Stratification System for Classifying Thyroid Nodules in FEU‐NRMF, Medical Center
Authors: Ligha Aloysius Ebi , Pidlaoan Rodney B 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThyroid Image Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) is a risk stratification system, recently recognized in an American College of Radiology (ACR) white paper. However, there is paucity of data been reported regarding the use of TIRADS in our local setting. Although foreign studies have been done regarding TIRADS, it is important to validate it against local data to determine its applicability and usability in our local institution so as to avoid unnecessary biopsy.The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of thyroid imaging reporting and data system in detecting thyroid malignancy in comparison to Fine needle aspiration biopsy report and also to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasound features in the prediction of malignant nodule.MethodsThis prospective cross‐section study involved 193 patients that underwent thyroid ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy study in FEU‐NRMF medical center radiology department. The thyroid lesions were divided into 5 categories; TIRADS 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 based on the ultrasound features. TIRADS 1, normal thyroid gland; TIRADS 2, benign in; TIRADS 3, probably benign; TIRADS 4A, low suspicious for malignancy; TIRADS 4B, intermediate suspicious for malignancy and TIRADS 5, high suspicious suspicious for malignancy. All thyroid nodules were characterized according to composition, echogenicity, margins, calcification and shape. Subsequently, the FNAB reports were obtained from the pathology department. Data were processed and encoded using Microsoft excel statistical analysis using SPSS. Determination of sensitivity and specificity was done using percentages of proportion. 95% confidence interval was calculated.ResultThis study revealed the presence of hypoechogenicity as the most sensitive but the least specific feature in a malignant thyroid nodule while taller than wide shape is the least sensitive but the most specific and its presence offers the highest likelihood of a nodule to be malignant. Higher TIRADS classification is found to be associated with higher risk of thyroid malignancy with a sensitivity of 97% in TIRADS 4a to 5. The risk of malignancy is in TIRADS 5 is put at 81%, therefore, TIRADS is a sensitive classification in recognizing patients with thyroid cancer and can be used as a guide in deciding the need for fine needle aspiration biopsy.Support or Funding InformationNo funding sourceThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
3D Anatomy and Muscle Architecture of the Human Hand: new approaches for imaging and education
Authors: Sullivan Samuel P , Johnson Laura E , Nesbitt Allison , Hill Cheryl A , Holliday Casey M 
Published: June 2021

New three‐dimensional digital imaging technologies permit much richer reconstructions of soft‐tissue anatomy. We used algorithmic fiber‐tracking software, or 3D muscle tractography to model the muscle architecture of distal forearm and hand muscles via diffusible iodine contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (DiceCT) of a deidentified donor. Excellent soft‐tissue staining and high CT resolution (<50 μm) allowed for the visualization of many tissues difficult to simultaneously resolve using other imaging modalities, including muscle fascicles, integumentary collagen fibers, as well as bony trabeculae. Muscle fascicles were tracked and modeled as curved cylinders from which fascicle‐specific information, such as length and orientation, was gathered. By modeling numerous fascicles within a whole muscle, we collected muscle‐wide distributions, rather than single‐value estimates, of quantitative muscle architecture variables. These comprehensive data afforded by DiceCT and algorithmic fascicle modeling promise to aid in biomechanical modeling. Further, the volume and fascicle models produced by these methods are an excellent teaching resource in medical education.Support or Funding InformationNSF IOS 1457319, NSF EAR 1631684, Missouri Research Council, Life Sciences Research Fellowship, University of Missouri Department of Pathology and Anatomical SciencesThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Illuminating Biochemistry Education with Infographics
Authors: Borror Megan B. 
Published: June 2021

Students are often disengaged from biochemistry in the classroom and have difficulty relating it to everyday life. While biochemistry may seem abstract to students, the biological chemistry principles are taking place in front of their eyes every day and are crucial to life as we know it. This study sought to engage students in an infographic project to encourage interest and engagement in an undergraduate biochemistry course. Infographics have recently become a popular device in the media and popular culture. An infographic is a visual presentation of data that aims to concisely deliver information in a simple, but striking way. Students worked as teams to create an infographic on their choice of topic relating to biochemistry. These infographics were submitted as posters and presented to their classmates at the end of the semester. A short survey was given to the students to assess their interest, engagement, and educational outcomes of the project. 91% percent of students agreed that the project reinforced biochemistry concepts learned in lecture, while 100% agreed that the project was interesting and exciting to work on. Students particularly enjoyed the freedom to choose their own topics and creatively represent the biochemistry in the world around them.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.