bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of spatial and non‐verbal general reasoning abilities in female veterinary medical students
Authors: Gutierrez Juan Claudio 
Published: June 2021

Spatial visualization ability refers to the human cognitive ability to form, retrieve and manipulate mental models of spatial nature. Visual reasoning ability has been linked to spatial ability. There is currently limited information about how entry‐level spatial and visual reasoning abilities may predict veterinary anatomy performance or may be enhanced with progression through the veterinary anatomy content in an integrated curriculum. The present study made use of two tests that measure spatial ability, and one test that measures non‐verbal general reasoning ability in female veterinary students: Guay's visualization of views test, adapted version (VVT), mental rotations test (MRT), and Raven's advanced progressive matrices test, short form (APMT). Tests were given to female veterinary medical students immediately before commencing the integrated veterinary medical curriculum (T0), at week 32 (T1) and, at week 64 (T2) into the program.Results showed that first‐year female veterinary medical students exposed to an integrated curriculum for 64 weeks improved their spatial visualization ability as measured by VVT and MRT. A long‐term improvement of their non‐verbal general reasoning ability as measured by APMT was also observed. Spatial ability scores measured by VVT and MRT showed a long‐term positive correlation with non‐verbal general reasoning ability scores (APMT) establishing that these abilities are linked.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Effects of Nicotine Administration during Pregnancy on the Exocrine Pancreas of 1‐Month‐Old Rat Offspring: An Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Othman Manal Ahmed 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundExposure to cigarette smoking by mothers during pregnancy is associated with various hazardous effects. This might result in impaired pancreatic functions in the offspring of smoking mothers. The most active ingredient in cigarette smoke, nicotine (NC) was shown to have variable side effects. The exocrine pancreas has been found recently to be markedly affected by nicotine. This effect might be related to the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) and subsequently inflammation, cytokine release and finally cell death. This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of nicotine on the exocrine pancreas of developing rats.Materials and methodsTen pregnant female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups (five rats each): group I, group II. Group I was considered as the control group; group II was treated with nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously from gestation day 4– 20. Male offspring of each group were sacrificed after 1 month postnatal. Specimens from the pancreas were processed for light and electron microscopic evaluation. Immunohistochemical evaluation of cleaved caspase 3 and smooth muscle actin was performed as well.ResultsIn NC treated groups, there were dilated blood capillaries, increase in interlobular connective tissue and infiltration of mononuclear cells. The serous acini (exocrine pancreas) were separated by wide spaces. Ultrastructurally, there were degeneration and decrease in the zymogen granules, disruption of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vacuolization in some cells of the acini. The immunohistochemical evaluation revealed an increase in staining of smooth muscle actin (a marker of PSC) as well as an increase in apoptosis of some acinar cells (cleaved caspase 3).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that prenatal nicotine administration resulted in marked structural changes and degeneration, activation of PSC as well as apoptosis. This could be responsible for the degenerative changes of the pancreas resulting from cigarette smoking in pregnant mothers.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Invitro insulinotropic actions of various extracts of Calosia argentea leaves
Authors: Ogunmodede Oluwaseyi Samson , Oseni Saheed Oluwasina , Adenmosun Olumide Olaseni , Mbagwu Smart Ikechukwu 
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the effects of Calosia argentea obtained by different extraction methods on the insulin‐release and cytotoxicity on clonal pancreatic beta cells. Pulverized Calosia argentea leaves were sequentially extracted with dichloromethane, acetone, ethylacetate and water. Clonal pancreatic beta cells, BRIN‐BD11, were grown in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air in RPMI‐1640. Insulin and LDH assays were carried out using Krebs Ringers Bicarbonate buffer. Insulin concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay and LDH release was assessed using a commercially available non‐radioactive assay kit (Promega, UK). Aqueous extraction of Calosia argentea produced the best yield (361 mg/20kg powder). Acute incubation of BRIN‐BD11 cells with different extracts of Calosia argentea produced a concentration‐dependent stimulation of insulin‐release at concentrations ≥10 μg/ml. The aqueous extract of Calosia argentea produced the best insulinotropic effect, with a maximum stimulation of 347% (P<0.001) of basal rate at 100μg/ml and the lowest stimulating concentration of 0.1 μg/ml. Dichloromethane and acetone extracts produced similar stimulatory effects (130% of basal rate, 100μg/ml, P<0.01). Insulin‐releasing effects of the four extract were not associated with beta cell cytotoxicity. The release of the cytosolic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), due to damaged plasma membrane was used as a marker of cytotoxicity in this study. Significant (P<0.001) release of the enzyme was observed in incubations involving DMSO (40% v/v). However, incubation with the different extracts of Calosia argentea produced no significant release of LDH. These results showed that extracts of Calosia argentea possess insulinotropic effects and encourage further studies to uncover the physiological mechanism involved.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
H2S Improves the Rate of Migration in Trophoblast Cells
Authors: GUPTA SUNIL KUMAR , MOCHAN SANKAT , SAXENA SHOBHIT , ARORA PALLAVI , RANI NEERJA , SK PALLAVI , SHARMA ARUNDAHTI , LUTHRA KALPANA , DWIVEDI SADANAND , BHATLA NEERJA , DHINGRA RENU 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThe migration of trophoblast cells during the first trimester of pregnancy is crucial to placentation process. Defective migration of trophoblastic cells may affect the remodelling (pseduovasculogenesis) of spiral arteries resulting in Hypoxia/Reoxygenation (H/R) episodes. These repeated H/R events can leads to oxidative stress and release of anti‐angiogenic, anti‐inflammatory and pro‐oxidant factors in maternal circulation causing endothelial dysfunction resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The anti‐inflammatory, pro‐angiogenic and pro‐migratory effect of H2S on endothelial cells have been documented in literature. So we hypothesized that H2S or its mimics (NaHS) may also affect the migration capacity of trophoblast cells during placentation.MethodsThe immortalized first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR‐8/SVneo) were given various treatments like 50μM NaHS, Hypoxia/Reoxygenation [H/R (one and two cycles)] and Hypoxia/Reoxygenation supplemented with 50μM NaHS. The cell migration was assessed using wound scratch assay following these various exposures. The percentage wound area covered was assessed in all groups. The difference in wound covered area was statistically analysed. [ten different zone in triplicate (i.e. thirty) were used for calculating the wound areas]ResultsThe percentage of wound covered area (rate of migration) increased in cells which received 50μM NaHS [control (32.8%), NaHS (67.5%)] whereas it reduced to 8.7% in Hypoxia/Reoxygenation one cycle exposed cells and more so (−18.9%) in the cells which received two cycles of Hypoxia/Reoxygenation. However the cells which received Hypoxia/Reoxygenation (one cycle and two cycles) and showed reduced migration, improved their rate of migration when supplemented with 50μM NaHS. [one cycle H/R (8.7%), one cycle H/R+NaHS (39.8) and two cycles H/R (−18.9%), two cycles H/R+NaHS (29.5%)]. The difference in wound covered area among various groups was statistically significant [(control vs NaHS; p<0.001, control vs one cycle H/R; p<0.001, control vs two cycle H/R; p<0.001, one cycle H/R vs one cycle H/R+NaHS; p <0.001, two cycle H/R vs two cycles H/R+NaHS; p<0.001 (one‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction)].ConclusionThese results imply that H2S may promote the migration of trophoblastic cells, which might then lead to adequate conversion of spiral arteries into wider diameter low resistance vessels having good placental perfusion. In future the role of H2S on cellular and molecular factors responsible for cell migration needs to explored.IESC/T‐467/23.12.2014Support or Funding InformationF.8‐397/A‐397/2015/RsThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Oral Administration of Olive Oil may Exacerbate Imiquimod‐Induced Skin Inflammation in Mice
Authors: ROMANA‐SOUZA BRUNA , DONATO‐TRANCOSO ALINE , MONTE‐ALTO‐COSTA ANDRÉA 
Published: June 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by thick and erythematosus cutaneous plates, which leads to patient disfiguration and incapacitation and does not have cure. Oral administration of functional foods with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory proprieties, as olive oil, could have beneficial effects in development of psoriasis. Thus, our hypothesis is that olive oil may attenuate inflammatory response and oxidative damage induced by psoriasis decreasing the development of psoriasiform plates. This study investigated if oral administration of olive oil could attenuate imiquimod‐induced skin inflammation in mice. Experiments with animals were approved by the Ethical Committee for Animal Use of State University of Rio de Janeiro (CEUA/045‐046/2016). To induce the psoriasis, dorsum skin of adult male BALB/c mice was topically treated with cream containing 5% of imiquimod for 6 days. The dorsum skin of control animals was treated with vaseline. The imiquimod‐induced skin inflammation is macroscopically, microscopically and molecularly to resemble psoriasiform plates in human. Concomitant to imiquimod or vaseline administration, some imiquimod or control‐treated animals were orally treated with 1.5g/kg of olive oil or water. The formation of erythema, scales and thickness in psoriasiform plates was macroscopically evaluated during all experiment. After 7 days of the beginning of imiquimod administration, animals' dorsum was collected and formalin‐fixed, and sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin to measure the thickness of epidermis. Olive oil did not alter macroscopically the formation of scattered red and scaly plaques induced by imiquimod in skin dorsum of mice compared to control (vaseline+water) after 7 days. However, olive oil potentiated the increase in the epidermis thickness induced by imiquimod when compared to control (vaseline+water) after 7 days. In conclusion, oral administration of olive oil may exacerbate the development of imiquimod‐induced skin inflammation in mice.Support or Funding InformationCNPq (402582/2016‐0) and FAPERJ (E‐26/203.192/2017)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Intermittent systemic hypoxia – A possible way to improved regeneration
Authors: Larsen Mikkel Christian , Elmengaard Brian , Pedersen Michael , Foldager Casper Bindzus 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHypoxia affects the transcription of genes which controls and regulates cytokines with secondary promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation; a prerequisite tissue regeneration. We hypothesize that a prolonged exposure to intermittent systemic hypoxia (ISH) can initiate a systemic response, including release of proangiogenic factors, that will accelerate and improve bone‐tendon regeneration. In this study, the hypothesis is challenged in a rotator cuff rat model. This model was chosen because the rotator cuff surgeries pose orthopedic issues with a high frequency of undesirable outcome, making it relevant for investigation.Materials and methodsForty‐two 17‐week old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into an ISH group and a control group. All rats received unilateral supraspinatus surgery, which is a well‐established animal model. The ISH group was exposed to air containing 13.5% oxygen for one hour every morning and every night (responding to ISH) for 2 weeks. The controls were not exposed to hypoxia (21% oxygen). The rats were euthanized and evaluated though blood samples and histology after 2 and 4 weeks.ResultsPreliminary histology data indicates an improved regeneration in the ISH group.After the two‐weeks of ISH exposure the test group shows significantly increased EPO levels compared to the controls (p=0.007). No significant differences were observed at 4 weeks postoperatively. TNF‐alfa levels were highest in the ISH group after 2 weeks (p= 0.026) but lowest after 4 weeks (p=0.028).Cytokine array data showed multiple other significant difference at both time‐points. No difference in weight development was observed after 2 and 4 weeks.ConclusionAt present, no final conclusion regarding primary outcome (histology: Tendon integrity) can be made. Preliminary data indicates an improved regeneration in the ISH group. ISH creates a systemic response altering the expression of EPO, TNF‐alfa and multiple other cytokines. Data from histology describing tendon integrity are in progress and are expected to reveal whether the proven systemic response is resulting in an improved regeneration as hypothesized.Support or Funding InformationThe study was funded by an AUFF NOVA grant. There are no financial interestsin the project.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
3D Analysis of Primate Neck Anatomy using Contrast‐Enhanced CT Imaging, Fascicle‐Tracking Algorithms, and Muscle Mechanics
Authors: McGechie Faye , Sullivan Samuel , Middleton Kevin M , Holliday Casey M , Nalley Thierra K , Grider‐Potter Neysa , Ward Carol V 
Published: June 2021

The functional anatomy of the neck is a major component of an animal's postural and locomotor repertoire, yet remains poorly understood in part due to the anatomical complexity of the cervical musculoskeletal system. Here we use a new methodology to visualize and quantify aspects of muscle architecture, as well as to explore 3D muscle mechanics of the head and neck of a Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta). First, the specimen was contrast stained and microCT‐scanned (0.043mm3 voxels). From these data, individual neck muscles were segmented using Avizo software. We tracked individual muscle fascicles based on grayscale values and fascicle diameter in Avizo Xfiber. Outputs from Xfiber (fascicle length, pennation angle, and muscle volume) were used to calculate estimates of physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) in the intrinsic epaxial neck muscles. We combined PCSA values with resultant muscle force vectors to estimate muscle moments about joints for flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation about each cervical intervertebral joint. Results demonstrate that the moment arms for muscles used in head and neck rotation like obliquus capitis inferior are larger in the tarsier relative to body size when compared to humans. This implies that an increase in rotational movements in this species is accomplished by modifying lines of action instead of increasing muscle force. This workflow provides a more comprehensive characterization of musculoskeletal functional capacity in a complex system. Not only does it provide novel insight into the neck of this unusual primate, but provides the basis to compare primates with different positional behaviors.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Superficial Neck Vasculature of the American Black Bear and its Implications for Intramuscular Tranquilization
Authors: Reed James A , Kilham Benjamin , McNutt Ellison J , Crosswait Alexandra G. , Voegele Georgina M. 
Published: June 2021

Many ursid management protocols list the neck region as a target site for intramuscular (IM) delivery of tranquilizer; due to the large muscle mass and relatively thin subcutaneous fat layer. However, the superficial neck vasculature in American black bears has not been well studied. We find that the vasculature resembles that of the giant panda (Davis, 1964). The occurrence of several, potentially tranquilizer dosage related, fatalities in local bears prompted a further exploration of the region. Three bears were dissected with the permission of the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game: one adult male, one adult female, and one juvenile female. Dissection revealed a large external jugular vein on the anterior surface of the neck, running superficial to the musculature; in the middle of the prescribed tranquilization site. This is contrary to available information of the region, cautioning to avoid only the inferior portion of the neck to avoid the carotid sheath and subclavian vessels. The presence of this vessel creates inherent danger in using this area as a site for the delivery of IM tranquilization, as the dosage would rapidly lower blood pressure and respiratory rate if accidentally delivered intravenously, and should be avoided if possible. This study identified safe boundaries for IM tranquilization to update animal management practices in New England.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
New Imaging Approaches Enable Visualization of 3D Musculoskeletal Anatomy of African White‐bellied Pangolin
Authors: Verhulst Conner , Aitken‐Palmer Copper , Holliday Casey 
Published: June 2021

Pangolins are critically endangered mammals whose anatomy and life history present numerous challenges to veterinary and conservation efforts. Among their unique features is their elongated tongue and associated skeletal tissues which extend from the mediastinum into the right flank of the abdominal cavity. Although some basic radiological and internal anatomy of the pangolin hyolingual apparatus is known, new details on the tongue, throat and head are needed to better guide surgical approaches and new imaging data in general are needed to better understand the morphology of these species and their functional and evolutionary biology. Using a combination of diffusible iodine contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), 3D modeling, and 3D muscle tractography approaches we investigated the muscle architecture of the hyolingual apparatus of one specimen of white‐bellied pangolins (Phataginis tricuspis). We show that the tongues of pangolins are composed of bony xiphisternal rods that support a large tongue enshrouded by helically‐oriented muscle fibers and stiffened by a dense, partially‐calcified lyssa. The orientation of these muscles suggest they propel the tongue while curling the xiphisternal elements rostrally followed by retraction through hypothesized elastic mechanisms. In addition, we provide a 3D model of pangolin skeletal anatomy and other anatomical resources. Using 3D muscle tractography and other imaging and computational tools, we can better understand the muscle architecture and morphology that contributes to these animals' feeding functions, behavior and our understanding of their biology.Support or Funding InformationNSF IOS 1457319, NSF EAR 163 1684, Missouri Research Council, 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.
CT Imaging of the Internal Anatomy of Sloth Claws
Authors: Grass Andy 
Published: June 2021

One of the most immediately noticeable peculiarities about sloths, among many, are their large, curved claws. Indeed, the name Megalonyx, a giant ground sloth from North America named by Thomas Jefferson, means “great claw.” Sloths have used their claws for a variety of purposes, including suspension from tree branches in modern sloths, hooking branches to pull food closer while eating, to gigantic burrows that have been attributed to some genera of ground sloths. Large claws may also have contributed to the evolution of the pedolateral foot orientation in some ground sloths, where the fifth metatarsal is the primary weight bearing bone, and the dorsal surface of the foot faces laterally. As such, a sloth's claws are and were integral to their existence.For this study sloth claws were scanned in a Micro CT at the American Museum of Natural History, and these scans were segmented to view their internal anatomy. Both manus and pes claws from both genera of modern sloths, Bradypus and Choloepus, were scanned, as well as manus and pes unguals from the ground sloths Megalonyx jeffersonii and Paramylodon harlani, including specimens from the Tarkio Valley M. jeffersonii from the University of Iowa. Two of the ground sloth claws were broken on the ends, which revealed holes on the distal surface. It was unclear if these holes were natural, or the result of taphonomy or tools. The CT scan revealed that these holes are in fact passages for blood vessels, and lead to discrete canals in the interior of the claw. These canals originate from external foramina on the lateral sides of the claws, which are next to very clear external vessel impressions. These two lateral canals come together to form one central canal, which then branches again more distally. Bradypus is considered to be basal to all other sloths, including the other modern sloth, Choloepus. Despite this phylogenetic distance, all of the sloths showed similar patterns of vascular canal branching. There tended to be more vessels on the volar side of the claws, perhaps to supply areas that are more used for touch and pressure sensation. It will be interesting to see if anteaters and armadillos, which also have large claws but use them for more strenuous digging activities than modern sloths, also show similar vasculature patterns and structure.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.