bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Isolation of Volatile Organic Compounds as Noninvasive Early Markers of Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity in Swine
Authors: Senese Angela , Cronin William , Mahon Richard , Regis David , Hall Aaron 
Published: June 2021

PurposePulmonary oxygen toxicity (PO2T) is a concern for any patient or warfighter exposed to oxygen enriched atmospheres for an extended amount of time. While current practice is to limit increased oxygen exposure; there are clinical and operational scenarios where higher oxygen levels must be used and PO2T becomes a concern. The purpose of the current study is to develop a non‐invasive breath exhalate based biomarker which can detect PO2T prior to clinical manifestations of the disease.MethodsMale Yorkshire swine (20‐30 kg) were placed into custom plexi‐glass runs and randomized to air (n=10) or 100% oxygen (n=10) for 72 hours. Breath exhalate samples, arterial blood gas samples, and vital signs were assessed every 12 hours. At the end of the 72 hour exposure animals were euthanized and the lungs were processed for histological injury and wet/dry ratios.ResultsSwine exposed to the oxygen enriched atmosphere developed a variable pulmonary injury consistent with PO2T. Histologically there was evidence of pulmonary lymphatic congestion, epithelial sloughing, and neutrophil transmigration. This evidence was supported by a trend of increased mean wet/dry ratio from 5.23g in the air group to 6.46g in the oxygen group (students t test, p=0.08). Also, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio trended to a decreased mean of 447 mm Hg in the air group to 377 mm Hg in the oxygen group (students t test, p=0.08). Breath exhalate sample analysis identified six Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that were predictive of PO2T.
Acute Activation of Carotid Chemoreceptors Increases Ventilatory Instability in Healthy Humans
Authors: Holbein Walter , Limberg Jacqueline , Curry Timothy , Joyner Michael 
Published: June 2021

Patients with sleep apnea exhibit ventilatory instability and increased carotid chemoreceptor activity. Whether ventilatory instability is directly related to altered chemoreceptor activity has not been examined in humans. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that acute activation of the carotid chemoreflex with hypoxia (10% O2) would increase breathing variability (assessed by coefficient of variation of tidal volume {%CV}) and blunting the peripheral chemoreflex with IV dopamine would attenuate the response. To test this hypothesis, nine healthy subjects (3 M/6 F) were studied on two separate study days: 1) saline or 2) low‐dose dopamine infusion. Individualized dopamine dose (1‐4 mg/kg/min), that maximally blunted chemoreflex sensitivity, was identified during a separate screening visit. Respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), end tidal CO2 (ETCO2)and O2 (ETO2) were measured. Baseline measures were similar between days. Saline infusion did not affect RR, TV, end tidal gases, or %CV. However, dopamine infusion significantly increased %CV (25 ± 5 to 32 ± 6 %; p<0.05) and ETCO2 (0.3 ± 0.1 %; p<0.0001) without affecting RR, or TV. Hypoxia increased %CV during saline infusion (18 ± 3 to 29 ± 3%; p<0.05), and this effect was blunted during dopamine infusion (31 ± 6 to 38 ± 6%; p>0.05). These data indicate hypoxia increases respiratory variability and this effect is mediated by the carotid chemoreceptors. Furthermore, the effect of increased chemoreceptor drive on ventilatory instability, such as that seen in sleep apnea, may be blunted by low‐dose dopamine in humans. These data provide a potential therapeutic target for improving ventilatory instability in human disease. Funding:NIH DK090541
AMP‐activated Protein Kinase is Necessary for Cardiorespiratory Adjustments during Hypoxia
Authors: Lewis Sophronia , Moral‐Sanz Javier , Evans A 
Published: June 2021

The AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been proposed to underpin appropriate cardiorespiratory adjustments during hypoxia (Evans et al., 2006), and has been identified as a mediator of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) (Evans et al., 2005). Our objective was to assess by non‐invasive Echo Doppler ultrasound, the effect(s) on HPV of deleting LKB1, CAMKK‐β or the AMPKα1 & α2 catalytic subunits. Our preliminary investigations on wild type and transgenic mice suggest that the LKB1‐AMPK signalling pathway, but not CAMKK‐β, are required for HPV. Moreover, deletion of AMPK catalytic subunit(s) blocked hypoxia‐induced inhibition of voltage‐gated potassium currents (Kv) in acutely isolated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. Therefore, AMPK underpins the regulation of pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia at the molecular, cellular and system level.Evans et al. (2005). J. Biol Chem., 280, 41505‐41511.Evans (2006). J. Physiol., 574, 113‐123.
Faculty And Student Perspectives On Formative Feedback And Its Role In Learning
Authors: LaBell Kirstin , Kibble Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

This study explored educators' and students' understanding of feedback and studied educators' implementation and students' utilization of feedback.This is a retrospective observational study that employed a qualitative, in‐depth, semi‐structured interview method. The study was conducted in the MD program at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. The participants included 11 full‐time faculty members and 13 students from the Class of 2016. Interview transcripts were subject to coding and thematic analysis. Standard end‐of‐course student evaluations were also analyzed for each of the 14 courses in the pre‐clerkship curriculum to gain insight into satisfaction about feedback.The majority of faculty and all student participants gave only basic definitions of feedback and lacked insight into the components of effective feedback. The most commonly listed form of feedback was weekly online formative quizzes. Online quizzes are a type of formative assessment and represent an opportunity for feedback but are not feedback in itself. The fact that participants identified opportunities for feedback as actual feedback indicated a possible misconception among both faculty and students. Eighty two percent of the faculty felt that they were unable to provide the desired level of feedback while 62% of students felt that they did not receive desired feedback. In end‐of‐course evaluations a summary question about level of feedback satisfaction scored lower than overall module satisfaction in all but one instance. Taking interview responses and end‐of‐course evaluation data, the study has identified a need for faculty and student education about what effective feedback is and how to better incorporate it in the education program.
The Use of Triggers During High Fidelity Patient Simulations (HFPS) in Medical Physiology to Develop Non‐cognitive Skills and Integrate Physiology
Authors: Reinemann Jaclyn , LaBell Kirsten , Harris David 
Published: June 2021

Non‐cognitive skills (NCS) have been shown to play an integral part in academic performance and development of NCS could lead to better patient safety and facilitate learning of physiology. It is a challenge to address NCS in medical education due to large academic loads and lack of assessment tools. Therefore, finding innovative ways to incorporate NCS into curriculum design is vital. Our hypothesis was that inserting “triggers” that promote NCS development into HFPS would improve teamwork and communication skills and help integrate physiology. METHODS: 120 students participated in 3 HFPS and observed 1. 2 months after the course, semi‐structure qualitative interviews with 16 1st year med students were completed. Open ended questions focused on what students learned in the 4 HFPS in Med Physio. Transcripts were made and thematic analysis was performed independently by 2 investigators. RESULTS: 2 of the 3 themes identified in the interviews related to development of NCS such as teamwork and communication skills, assessing strengths/weaknesses and identifying knowledge limitations. The other theme was related to the role of student observers. Students also stated how HFPS integrated and synthesized physio for them.ConclusionsThese data suggest that HFPS with “triggers” can aid in development of teamwork and communication skills in 1st year medical students and promote integration of physiology. Enhancement of NCS could lead to better academic performance in physio as well as improve patient safety by teaching these skills earlier in the curriculum.
The Use of POGIL Teaching Strategy Increases Student Learning of Basic Pharmacology Concepts
Authors: Soltis Robert 
Published: June 2021

Process‐oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) is an active learning, team‐based teaching strategy that has been used in college chemistry courses to promote deeper understanding and develop higher‐order thinking skills. The use and evaluation of the POGIL strategy in pharmacology courses has not been reported. Our hypothesis is the use of the POGIL strategy will increase student overall exam performance, specifically exam questions requiring higher level thinking skills.Data were collected over a three‐year period from a first professional year pharmacy course. In 2011, content was presented using a lecture‐based format and then, in 2012 and 2013 the same content was covered using the POGIL strategy. Comparisons included overall performance on exams and on question sets classified as requiring either lower order thinking skills (knowledge, comprehension) or higher order thinking skills (application, analysis). Statistical comparisons made using one way analysis of variance. Data are reported as means + standard errors.Overall exam scores improved significantly when moving from a lecture‐based course (80.0%+0.8) in 2011 (N=112) to using the POGIL strategy (84.0%+0.8 and 83.2%+0.8) in 2012 (N=111) and 2013 (N=111), respectively (p<0.01). On those questions classified as requiring higher order thinking skills, student performance significantly increased from 75.8%+1.0 in 2011 to 83.1%+1.1 and 82.5 %+1.2 in 2012 and 2013 when the POGIL strategy was used (p<0.01). Performance on lower order thinking skills was unchanged (92.0%+0.9, 91.6%+1.0, and 91.3%+1.1 p=0.70).The use of the POGIL teaching strategy increased student performance on questions requiring higher order thinking skills, suggesting the strategy is effective in promoting deeper learning and problem solving skills.
The Foramen Magnum as a Determinant of Sex in a Series of Jamaican Crania
Authors: Garvey‐Ramocan Kimberly , Gardner Michael 
Published: June 2021

One of the most vital tasks of a forensic anthropologist is sex determination utilizing the available bone. The need for methods to estimate sex from cranial fragments is manifested when only a part of the skull is brought for human identification. The foramen magnum is an important feature of the base of the cranium. In this present study, the morphometric measurements taken on foramen magnum from a well‐preserved collection of dry Jamaican skulls were analysed using standard osteometric techniques. The focus of this research was to determine the utility of the foramen magnum as a seminal factor of sex determination in Jamaican crania.A literature search revealed that there was no data available on the morphology and morphometry of the Foramen magnum in Jamaican Skulls, skulls of the Caribbean nor African‐Based Diaspora. Twenty human adult cadaver dry skulls of known sex which were available, were randomly selected from the collection of the Anatomy Section Section of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies, Mona. and analysed in the present study. The foramen magnum shapes were determined as an oval shape 40%, round shape in 30% of cases, 25% tetragonal and 5% irregular. Using a digital caliper, spreading caliper and metrically aligned uniform string, three consecutive measurements were made for each craniometric measurement. The antero‐posterior and transverse diameters were measured and the average foraminal index was calculated. Data obtained may be useful to the neurosurgeon in analyzing the morphological anatomy of the Craniovertebral junction. The findings are also informative to Anatomists, Anthropologists, Archaeologists, Forensic Scientists and other medical fields.
Anatomical study of the “Three in one” pectoral block. A new analgesia method for breast surgery
Authors: LABROUSSE Marc , BOZIER Eric , ROBERT Jordan , RENARD Yohann , AVISSE Claude , LUDOT Hugues 
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain. Novel techniques improving postoperative analgesia have been recently described such as pectoral nerves blocks (Pecs types I and II). The purpose of this study is to describe a new pectoral block targeting the whole breast region nerves and spaces.Ten women fresh cadavers were dissected. An unique puncture was realized at the medioclavicular line level, 3 cm under the clavicle. The orientation of the needle was medio‐lateral and oblique, tangential to costal plane. Under ultrasound control the first injection was at the serrato‐costal plane level between anterior serratus deep fascia and exothoracic fascia. The second injection was in the serrato‐pectoral plane, localized between anterior serratus superficial fascia and clavipectoral deep fascia. The third injection was more superficial in the interfascial plane between pectoralis major and minor muscles. A last subcutaneous injection is performed at the puncture point.After dissection of the two sides of each cadaver, serrato‐costal plane injections blocked thoracic intercostal nerves anterior divisions, serrato‐pectoral plane injections targeted long thoracic and thoracic intercostal nerves lateral division, and interpectoral plane dissections blocked lateral and medial pectoral nerves. The supraclavicular nerve is blocked with the subcutaneous injection at the puncture point.This « three in one » pectoral block realized the analgesia of whole breast region nerves. To our knowledge it's the first time that such a block with an unique puncture is described.
Genetic Effects of Low‐Dose Ionizing Radiation on the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) in Chernobyl
Authors: Owens Michael , Bonisoli‐Alquati Andrea , Møller Anders , Mousseau Timothy 
Published: June 2021

The meltdown of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 resulted in numerous deleterious ecological effects on the area's wildlife. Currently, a 30‐km radius area around the disaster site (known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, CEZ) remains contaminated with low‐dose ionizing radiation at a level that is orders of magnitude higher than surrounding areas. Studies have indicated that the avian populations of the CEZ have higher incidence of partial albinism, abnormal sperm motility, and decreased brain size, among other effects.Previous investigations have probed the genetic effects of the Chernobyl disaster using gene expression microarrays. These studies (conducted using the common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs) identified a large number of genes whose expression levels differed between contaminated and clean individuals. To investigate the cause of these abnormal expression levels, we tested for copy number variation in a number of chaffinch genes using quantitative real‐time PCR, using DNA samples from birds within and outside the CEZ. Two gene pairs were selected, along with another single gene, and copy numbers were compared to β‐actin. Each pair consisted of one gene whose expression levels were raised and one gene whose expression levels were decreased. Pairs were selected based on proposed interactions between the two genes in question, as found during a literature review. Preliminary findings suggest that the expression patters of these genes are not correlated with their copy number. This indicates that the molecular effects of the Chernobyl disaster are not mediated at the pre‐transcriptional level for these genes.
New Insights into DNA Binding and Dimerization Dynamics of E. Coli Histone Like Protein HU.
Authors: Arora Kanika , Guptasarma Purnananda 
Published: June 2021

Histone like protein HU is the major nuceoid‐associated protein that plays important role in the architecture and dynamic compaction of bacterial chromosome. In E. coli, HU exists as 2 isoforms, HUα and HUβ. It forms homo‐dimers (HUα2, HUβ2) and hetero‐dimer (HUαβ) during different phases of growth. Mechanism and regulation of chain switching between HUα2and HUβ2 forming HUαβ is not known. Absence of Trp and Tyr residues in HU, makes it difficult to study both dimerization properties and DNA‐protein interactions using highly sensitive fluorescence spectroscopy methods. For in vitro experiments, a purification method was developed to purify HU without genomic DNA contamination. Three single Trp mutants were created by replacing Phe residues at positions 47, 51 and 79. Of three mutants, two showed similar structural (secondary structure and stability) and functional properties (DNA binding) like wild type HU. Difference in fluorescence properties of the mutants gives insights into local environment of the Trp residue in these mutants. On DNA binding these mutants showed significant changes in the Trp fluorescence and anisotropy. To look at the kinetics of hetero‐dimerization, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer studies between the two subunits were carried out, showing that hetero‐dimerization is a spontaneous process. Dimerization dynamics was also studied by looking at the differences between thermodynamic properties of homo‐dimers and the hetero‐dimer indicating that hetero‐dimer is more stable than homo‐dimers. Our studies indicate that hetero‐dimerization in E. coli HU is a thermodynamically and kinetically favorable process giving some insights into chain switching mechanism.Research support: CPSDE‐MHRD, IISER Mohali.
The Developmentally Important RNA‐binding Protein, Zygote arrest (Zar), Regulates mRNA Translation
Authors: Cook Jonathan , Charlesworth Amanda 
Published: June 2021

Zygote arrest (Zar) proteins, Zar1 and Zar2, are required for successful fertilization and embryogenesis. Zar proteins bind mRNA sequence specifically, via the Translation Control Sequence (TCS), a cis‐element in the 3′UTR of mRNAs that regulates translation during early development. The TCS represses translation in the immature egg and activates translation and cytoplasmic polyadenylation in the maturing egg. Our objective is to show that Zar proteins are bona fide translation factors and are candidates for mediating translational regulation by the TCS. A dual‐luciferase reporter tethered assay was used to measure the effect on translation by Zar proteins. RNA ligation‐coupled RT‐PCR was used to evaluate Zar‐mediated cytoplasmic polyadenylation. GST affinity purification and mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins that interact with Zar and interactions were verified by co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP). We show that when tethered to mRNA reporters, both Zar proteins repressed translation up to 50% and this repression was relieved during egg maturation, although no translational activation and no polyadenylation of the mRNA reporters were observed. Zar1 required a polyA tail to repress translation, whereas Zar2 did not. Zar1 and Zar2 interacted with overlapping but distinct sets of proteins and some interactions changed during egg maturation. Proteins recovered from co‐IPs included many known translation factors, such as: CPEB, Rap55, DDX6, and embryonic polyA‐binding protein. Together, these data suggest Zar proteins have a role as translation regulators and they may mediate repression by the TCS, but are not likely to mediate translation activation and cytoplasmic polyadenylation. They also suggest mechanistic differences between Zar1 and Zar2.
Rnp1p Plays a Role In P‐body Assembly in S. cerevisiae
Authors: Mackay Katherine , Segal Scott 
Published: June 2021

Control of translation is an important response to physiological stress. Upon physiological stress, mRNA becomes unbound by ribosomes and shifts to cytoplasmic structures such as P‐bodies or stress granules (SG). P‐bodies and SG differ in that P‐bodies are thought to be sites of mRNA degradation, whereas SG are sites where mRNA are stored. In yeast, Pat1p, Dhh1p, and Sbp1p, nucleolin‐like factor are implicated in translational repression. Sbp1p also localizes to both P‐bodies and SG.Interestingly, SBP1 has a paralog, RNP1, whose function is not fully known. Sbp1p and Rnp1p both have two RRMs, but Rnp1 lacks the RRG box found in Sbp1p. Given the similarities between the two proteins, we determined whether Rnp1p plays a role in translational repression or P‐body/SG assembly. To determine Rnp1p role in these processes, rnp1Δ cells were stressed at high OD and P‐body assembly was ascertained. High OD exposure resulted in markedly reduced P‐body assembly as compared to control. Overexpression of Rnp1p in unstressed cells increased P‐body assembly. These results implicate Rnp1p in driving P‐body assembly or translational repression. To discern between these possibilities, further work will be done to localize Rnp1p, directly look at the translation of Rnp1p, and furthermore look at SG assembly.
Wide‐angle X‐ray Solution Scattering Studies of Slow Correlated Motions in Proteins
Authors: Makowski Lee , Zhou Hao 
Published: June 2021

Slow correlated motions in the submicrosecond to second range are particularly important for protein function but remain challenging to study. Wide‐angle x‐ray solution scattering (WAXS) generates information about the length scale of intramolecular motions difficult to obtain by other methods; is highly sensitive to these motions, being able to detect changes due to single amino acid replacements, ligand binding or alterations in solution conditions; and is sufficiently fast as to make practical the screening of hundreds of conditions/ligands/mutations to identify those that impact protein motions.Direct comparison of the results of WAXS and molecular dynamics (MD) is accomplished through introduction of the sigma‐r plot, a plot of the standard deviation of interatomic vector lengths as a function of that length ‐ derivable from WAXS data and MD trajectories. MD simulations generate extraordinary detail about protein trajectories; WAXS provides experimental measures of length scale of protein motion under a large number of conditions. Direct comparison of WAXS with MD will enable detailed molecular interpretations of WAXS data using the power of MD; while making possible the extrapolation of MD results to understand molecular behavior of a large number of mutants in multiple ligation states and solution conditions. Application of this approach to HIV protease provides new insights into the role of protein dynamics in its enzymatic function.