bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an ELISA for Avian Corticosterone Binding Globulin
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth , Antunes Ivy , Malisch Jessica L. , Mertz Pamela S. 
Published: June 2021

The chemical response to environmental stressors has been highly conserved throughout evolution and is largely consistent amongst vertebrate animals; this allows avian endocrinologists to use birds as a model for the human stress response. Corticosterone binding globulin (CBG) is a carrier protein for the avian equivalent to cortisol: corticosterone (CORT). Research indicates that CBG's role as a CORT carrier is far more complex than just transport. It is widely accepted that free CORT is the biologically active form, but it is unclear if being bound to CBG (CBG‐CORT complex) inactivates CORT. There is evidence that CBG bound CORT can increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate and evidence that receptors exist for the CBG‐CORT complex in humans. However, it is not known if this is true for birds as well. With so much uncertainty surrounding CBG and its interactions with CORT, it is important to quantify CBG in avian stress studies; including CBG measurements may provide a more complete picture of the avian stress response. CBG is often not quantified in avian CORT research because radioactive assaying is the most common technique for CBG measurement in birds. This project developed an avian CBG enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using a novel CBG antibody developed for the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), and a recombinant form of zebra finch CBG. This study also examined the reactivity of the CBG antibody against zebra finch on different species of songbirds (Junco hyemalis, Zonotrichia albicollis, and Zonotrichia leuocophrys) via western blotting, as their CBG sequences vary slightly.Support or Funding Information2017 ASBMB Undergraduate Research Award to Elizabeth JohnsonThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Impact of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on HPA Axis Functionality in Depression
Authors: Kelly Claire E. , Cohen Brian D. 
Published: June 2021

The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis plays a primary role in stress response through the regulated secretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Diseases of cortisol dysregulation such as Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolemia) and Addison's Disease (hypocortisolemia) are both associated with depression. Based on this we, and others, have hypothesized that mutations in the genes for the glucocorticoid receptor, the closely related mineralcorticoid receptor (MR), and regulatory proteins associated with cortisol or GR function may contribute to depression in the absence of hyper‐ or hypo‐cortisolemia.Our study investigated the genotypic frequency in a clinical population of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect GR and MR sensitivity to cortisol binding or in genes for proteins that regulate these receptors. Buccal swab DNA samples were acquired from patients clinically diagnosed with depression and from a random population. Extracted DNA was analyzed utilizing multiple allele‐specific polymerase chain reactions to determine genotypic frequency of SNPs associated with hypersensitivity or resistance to cortisol. In addition, patients suffering from depression completed the multiple measures of depression and anxiety. Preliminary results have shown that a specific allele of the GR BclI polymorphism (rs41423247) is more frequently seen in depressed patients compared to a random population and is also associated with elevated measures of depression. Understanding the role of geneotypic variation in cortisol function could lead to more specific and targeted therapies for depression with the goal of improving patient outcomes.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Defining the expression domains of the Arabidopsis glutaredoxin genes AtGRXS5, AtGRXS6, and AtGRXS8
Authors: Davalos Oscar , Ehrary Ahmad , Rosas Miguel , Fernandez Francisco , Escobar Matthew A. 
Published: June 2021

Glutaredoxins are oxidoreductase enzymes that can regulate the activities of target proteins through the reversible breakage of disulfide bonds. We recently identified a group of seven glutaredoxin genes that are upregulated by nitrate and control primary root length in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The objective of this study was to characterize the gene expression patterns and subcellular localization of three nitrate‐regulated glutaredoxins: AtGRXS5, AtGRXS6, and AtGRXS8. Reporter lines consisting of the glutaredoxin promoter sequences fused to the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) gene were used to study glutaredoxin gene expression. Colorimetric GUS assays and histological sectioning showed that AtGRXS5, AtGRXS6, and AtGRXS8 are expressed exclusively in the phloem of A. thaliana roots and leaves. GUS activity assays demonstrated that AtGRXS6 and AtGRXS8 are strongly and specifically upregulated by nitrate. In contrast, AtGRXS5 gene expression was activated by both ammonium and nitrate. Nitrate concentrations as low as 50 μM activated glutaredoxin gene expression, with no further increase in expression at higher concentrations of nitrate. To characterize the subcellular localization of AtGRXS5, AtGRXS6, and AtGRXS8, translational fusions between the glutaredoxin gene and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) were expressed in transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) plants. Preliminary results demonstrated that all three glutaredoxins are localized to cell nuclei as well as small, yet unidentified structures in the cytoplasm. Overall, these studies will further explain how plants control the growth of their root system to maximize the uptake of nitrogen from the soil, a behavioral response that is highly significant in agriculture.Support or Funding InformationNSF IOS grant 1651584NIH RISE GM‐64783This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Identification and Characterization of Glycosomal and Cytosolic Nudix Hydrolases with Polyphosphate Hydrolyzing Activity in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Cordeiro Ciro D. , Negreiros Raquel , Ahmed Kyle , Docampo Roberto 
Published: June 2021

Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes the neglected tropical disease African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. T. brucei infection in humans leads to death if untreated and in cattle causes a disease called Nagana, which has considerable socioeconomic impact in developing nations of sub‐Saharan Africa. T. brucei is well adapted to fight the host immune response as well as various stress conditions it endures in its various hosts. The parasite relies only on glycolysis for ATP production when inside the mammalian host. It activates oxidative phosphorylation once in the fly vector. We are interested in understanding the metabolism and functions of the inorganic phosphate polymer polyphosphate (polyP) in trypanosomes. Previous work from our laboratory reported the importance of polyP for parasite homeostasis and survival. In this work, we identified and characterized the activity of two Nudix hydrolases, NH2 and NH4 that can degrade polyP. We found that NH2 is an exopolyphosphatase with higher activity on short chain polyP, while NH4 is an endopolyphosphatase that has similar activity on polyP of various chain sizes. Both enzymes have higher activity at around pH 8.0. NH2 has a glycosomal targeting signal and it was found previously in the proteome of glycosomes, peroxisome‐related organelles where glycolysis occurs. We confirmed NH2 localization using specific antibodies while endogenously tagged NH4 was localized to the cytosol. We also found that only NH2 can dephosphorylate ATP and ADP. However, NH2 has a higher affinity for polyP, which suggests that polyP could be relevant for glycosomal function. Additionally, NH2 could also participate in regulation of ATP/ADP levels. Furthermore, using the polyP‐binding domain (PPDB) of yeast exopolyphosphatase we localized long chain polyP to the glycosomes of trypanosomes. Our results suggest that Nudix hydrolases can participate in polyP homeostasis and therefore may help control polyP levels in glycosomes and cytosol.Support or Funding InformationNIH (5R01AI077538‐09)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Role of CRBN in molecular and cellular mechanism of AMPK inhibition.
Authors: Lee Kwang Min , Yang Seung‐Joo , Park Chul‐Seung 
Published: June 2021

Cereblon (CRBN), initially identified as a target protein of mild mental retardation in humans, is a substrate receptor of cullin‐ring E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL) and a primary target of thalidomide‐induced teratogenicity. An earlier study showed that CRBN negatively regulate the functional activity of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) by binding to the alpha subunit of the AMPK complex, and the ectopic expression of CRBN reduced the content of gamma subunit in AMPK complex. However, the molecular mechanism for the CRBN‐dependent reduction of gamma subunit from AMPK complex was not demonstrated. Thus, we investigated the molecular mechanism of CRBN‐dependent inhibition of AMPK. We noticed that the amount of gamma subunit in AMPK complex was increased in Crbn‐knockout (KO) MEFs and the gamma subunit was degraded more rapidly in wild‐type MEFs than in Crbn‐KO MEFs. After treating MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, the gamma subunit is accumulated more rapidly in wild‐type MEFs compared to Crbn‐KO MEFs. Moreover, exogenous expression of CRBN promoted the degradation of gamma subunit in Crbn‐knockout MEFs only in the presence of alpha subunit. These results strongly suggest that CRBN negatively regulates the AMPK activity by recruiting AMPK complex to CRL and degrading its gamma subunit.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Oxidative Stress and Obesity: Detection of Free Radicals in Leptin Resistant and Catalase Transgenic Mice
Authors: McCormick Garrett Lee 
Published: June 2021

There is a homeostatic balance between the production of natural antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Catalase is an enzyme which behaves as an antioxidant by decomposing peroxide into oxygen and water. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals are in excess in relation to antioxidants. Deficiencies in antioxidant mechanisms have been linked to obesity, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. More than 33% of adults and 16% of children are obese, and to combat this crisis a better understanding of these mechanisms is needed. We hypothesized that an increase in catalase expression and activity should lead to a decrease in obesogenic pathways. Free radical concentrations were measured using electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry in four different genotypes of mice: wild‐type, cat‐tg (catalase transgenic), ob/ob, and a new model bob‐cat (leptin resistant and catalase transgenic). Liver and adipose tissue were bathed in an EPR spin probe CMH, and incubated for 30 minutes. Tissues were then measured using the Bruker X‐Band 9.8 GHz EPR Spectrometer at Marshall University. It was observed that the wild‐type sample contained the highest concentration of free radicals, followed by cat‐tg. Bob‐cat contained the lowest concentration, slightly less than ob/ob. It was expected that cat‐tg would have a lower concentration than wild‐type. However, obtaining even lower measurements from ob/ob and bob‐cat shows that more work must be done to fully elucidate these processes.Support or Funding InformationSummer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2017 (SURF)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Changes in membrane lipids in soybean leaves in response to soybean aphid infestation
Authors: MacIntosh Gustavo C. , Nguyen Khoi , Hohenstein Jessica 
Published: June 2021

Aphids are specialized insects that feed on phloem sap. They alter plant metabolism, affect plant growth and development, and are also vectors for plant viruses. Their feeding habits result in little mechanical damage and avoid triggering many plant defenses commonly elicited by other herbivores. It has been proposed that aphids can suppress effective defenses through the induction of decoy responses. Several lines of evidence suggest that lipid‐derived signals and phytoalexins have an effective role as defenses against these insects. Previously, we showed that soybean aphids, Aphis glycines Matsumura, affect fatty acid accumulation in soybean plants. Here, we performed lipidomics and transcriptome analyses of soybean leaves that were infested with soybean aphids for 7 days to identify further changes in lipid composition triggered by aphid feeding. We found significant changes in membrane lipid species including digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lysoPE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidic acid (PA). Transcriptome data identified a large number of differentially expressed genes associated with lipid metabolism, including changes in different fatty acid desaturases, and a strong induction of phospholipase A, phospholipase C, and phospholipase D. We also observed a strong induction of the oxylipins biosynthesis pathway, and negative regulation of sphingolipids biosynthesis. In addition, a number of genes corresponding to PI‐binding proteins are upregulated in leaves of aphid‐infested plants. Our results suggest that membrane phospholipids play an important role in the soybean response to aphid feeding, and that fatty acid‐ and PI‐derived signals likely mediate this interaction.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by a grant from the Iowa Soybean AssociationThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Analysis of Assessment on Biochemistry Threshold and Core Concepts in Students with Varying Chemistry Backgrounds
Authors: Keenan Kelly 
Published: June 2021

Stockton University is one of a few number of universities that do not follow the traditional introductory Chemistry sequence. Instead of the usual year of General Chemistry followed by one year of Organic Chemistry, Stockton follows a 1:2:1 one model of one semester of General, two semesters of Organic Chemistry followed by one of General. The prerequisite for students to take Biochemistry at Stockton is the first two semesters of Chemistry or one semester of General and one of Organic. About half of the students take Biochemistry with these prerequisites while the other half have various combinations of Chemistry courses. Previous assessments have shown there is a stronger correlation between the students grade in Biochemistry compared to previous Chemistry courses rather than the number of Chemistry courses. An assessment was developed to test the level of knowledge on three threshold concepts for incoming Biochemistry students: biochemical pathways, physical basis of interactions and free energy. A fourth component was added based on functional groups and organic chemical reactions. Students were given the assessment on the first day of class as well as at the end of the term. To insure that the students took the assessment seriously, extra credit (2% of final grade) was offered for a high enough score on each test. For the analysis of results, the exam questions were divided into categories based on the threshold concept and average scores were calculated for students based on the chemistry background. Grades less than 50% were described as lacking an understanding of the topic, grades between 50 and 70% were described as having a basic understanding of the topic and grades greater than 70% were having a deep understanding of the topic. While there were differences in other threshold concepts between the groups, all students were lacking in the free energy question at the start and end of the semester and showed the smallest improvements.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Stress & Burnout in Graduate Students: The Role of Work‐Life Balance and Mentoring Relationships
Authors: Evans Teresa M. , Bira Lindsay , Gastelum Jazmin Beltran , Weiss L. Todd , Vanderford Nathan L. 
Published: June 2021

Many factors contribute to the success of graduate students such as mental health, work‐life balance and mentorship. Stress, a key component of one's mental health, and its management are correlated with training success among graduate students. The 2015 University of Arizona Graduate Student Mental Health National Association of Graduate Professional Students Report found that a majority of doctoral students experienced “more than average” stress or “tremendous” stress and endorsed school and education‐related issues as the most significant contributors. Additionally, multiple studies have shown that there is a correlation between occupational stress and the development of burnout. Burnout involves emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished sense of personal accomplishment.Despite knowing that graduate students have high rates of stress, key questions about the impact of situational factors such as work‐life balance and mentorship on stress and burnout has not been defined in this population. As such, the current study explores the interaction between stress, burnout, work‐life balance and mentoring relationships in a diverse population of graduate students.We deployed a comprehensive survey, via social media and direct email, that included validated scales for stress and burnout as well as questions related to work‐life balance and mentorship. We surveyed a total of 2,231 respondents (223 Master's students and 2,008 PhD students) who represented the following fields of study: science (39%), humanities and social sciences (55%), engineering (2%), and other (4%).Master's and PhD students had significantly high rates of moderate to severe stress, 81% and 82% respectively. Seventy‐three percent 73% of Master's students and 70% of PhD students indicated moderate to severe burnout. Area of study, quality of mentoring relationships and work‐life balance were significantly correlated with stress and burnout.The results of this study support the need to bolster ongoing initiatives that are focused on improving the work‐life balance and mentor/mentee relationships of graduate students. We also suggest integrating measures of mental health into the evaluation of ongoing initiatives in order to fully measure the impact of a particular program. Additionally, we suggest that there is a need for developing new interventions that could perhaps have a greater impact on graduate student well being.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Using Frankenstein to Teach Ethics and Code of Conduct in an Undergraduate Science Course
Authors: Tansey John T. 
Published: June 2021

Numerous agencies (including ASBMB, ACS, IUBMB, NSF, and NIH) have called for formal ethics education in the undergraduate curriculum, yet there is widespread confusion over what this means, and therefore how to accomplish the task. Furthermore, while bioethics, animal rights, or medical ethics are rich fodder for discussion, the discussions are often polarizing, difficult to manage, and fail to achieve the desired outcomes (broadening the students understanding of ethics and ability to conduct science in line with a code of conduct). In this exercise, students read the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and used the ethical situations in the novel as a launching off point for discussion of modern codes of conduct and ethical dilemmas. These include broader themes such as the responsibility of a creator to their creation, but also topics such as working safely in a laboratory, use of human subjects, and following an institutional code of conduct. Student discussions occurred in class in small groups (less than three students), class wide discussions (approximately 24 students) and in online forums through a closed Facebook group. Feedback from students was largely positive. Preliminary results indicate that this method is a viable way to broach sometimes difficult topics in scientific ethics from a safe distance and introduce professional codes of conduct and ethics to undergraduates.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Math‐Up Skills Test (MUST): As a Predictor of Success in General Chemistry
Authors: Chen Ashley , Mamiya Blain , Mason Diana 
Published: June 2021

General Chemistry is known as a gateway course to many STEM careers. Some of these careers include nursing, technology, and engineering. However, General Chemistry is also known as a high‐risk course where thirty percent of students taking it will be unsuccessful. Unsuccessful is defined as a grade of D, F, or W (withdrawal). Recent educational trends have shown that number‐sense decline is causing students to become reliant on calculators. Students are unable to do basic math without the use of an electronic calculator. As such, thirty to sixty percent of college students require remedial coursework in both math and science.The MUST test, or the Math‐Up Skills Test, has been developed to test math skills in topics that are taught in algebra courses and below. Some of the math skills include multiplying numbers in a scientific notation form, and conversions from a fraction to a decimal. The MUST Test has been distributed to participating General Chemistry I and II faculty members throughout different universities in Texas. For data collection, students must fill out an IRB form stating that they will give their consent for using their scores and demographics for research purposes. On different days in the semester, the MUST test is done twice: Once without the calculator, and once with a calculator. The presence of a calculator does not make a statistical difference with the scores of the student taking the MUST. Using multiple statistical tests, the MUST test scores are correlated with student success in General Chemistry I and II. The MUST correlations were divided into following different categories: Gender, classification, and institution.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.