bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced Cerebellar Volume in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ellenberger Laura E , Christ Shawn E , Aldridge Kristina 
Published: June 2021

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 59 children in the U.S., and considerable efforts are being made to understand specific effects on the brain. The cerebellum has a complex role in cognition, behavior, language, and motor function, with these functions being affected in many individuals with ASD. Recent studies of the cerebellum in ASD have conflicting results, potentially based on variation in age, gender, and method of study. Importantly, boys are four times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls. The purpose of this study is to determine whether cerebellar volume in adolescent and young adult males with ASD differs from typically‐developing individuals.We obtained magnetic resonance images (MRI) from male subjects with ASD (N=19) and age‐matched, typically‐developing controls (N=12) recruited through the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Columbia, MO (mean age 15.3 years). We manually segmented whole cerebellar volume from the MRIs using Amira©. Measures of inter‐rater error showed differences of less than 2%. We then compared the two groups using ANCOVA, with age and whole brain volume as covariates. All data collection and recruitment protocols followed IRB approval.Total cerebellar volume is reduced in the males with ASD, by approximately 7% on average, with a strong trend toward statistical significance (p=0.071). These results lend support to the hypothesis that symptoms in some individuals with ASD may be due to cerebellar effects. Given the involvement of the cerebellum in motor coordination and cognitive aspects of language and other behaviors, it logically follows that these functions are affected in many individuals with ASD.Future work will address this hypothesis directly through assessment of the relationship between these structural measures and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Ultimately, our findings may be used as biomarkers for future risk‐factor analysis of co‐morbidities for those with an ASD diagnosis, allowing for early intervention and preventative care.Support or Funding InformationThis project was supported by funding from the IMSD EXPRESS program (NIH R25GM056901), the MU Department of Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, and the Autism Speaks Foundation.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 Secrets in the Leaves: Memory Retention in C. elegans
Authors: Cook Dominique , McKinnon Ashton , Posey Kyle , Falcone Joe , Cathcart Heather 
Published: June 2021

A mutant strain of Caenorhabditis elegans overexpresses a protein, amyloid precursor‐like protein (APL‐1), that is similar to the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) linked to early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by amyloid plaques which accumulate and contribute to the progressive neurodegeneration. The mutant strain of C. elegans (ynIs‐79) overexpresses APL‐1 specifically in neurons. Overexpression in C. elegans causes molting issues, motor dysfunction, and disrupts morphogenesis in the nematode. Ginkgo biloba (GB) extract is a popular herbal supplement which may delay or improve the memory problems associated with AD. We hypothesize that individual flavonoids, like quercetin, are likely to be the positive contributing factors because of known protective roles in preventing oxidative stress. After purifying an extract from GB leaves, we determined the concentration of quercetin using HPLC analysis and then using a standard analytical grade solution of quercetin we applied a similar concentration to both the mutant and wild type C. elegans strains. Anterior and posterior tap habituation was used to determine the ability of each stain to recognize a nonthreatening stimulus. We expected that exposing the mutant nematodes to quercetin would decrease the number of taps needed for habituation, and our results show a significant decrease, suggesting increased memory retention and rescue of neurodegenerative dysfunction for the ynIs‐79 strain.Support or Funding InformationGail Dillard Faculty Development FundThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Taurine: A Rescuer of Neurodegenerative Dysfunction?
Authors: McKinnon Ashton , Cook Dominique , Posey Kyle , Cathcart Heather 
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD), is characterized by an accumulation of amyloid plaques that contribute to neurodegeneration. Taurine is a very essential amino acid in the nervous system, but is one of a few not used to synthesize proteins. It is found in fish, eggs, and organ meat; however, taurine is better known as a supplement in energy drinks with the purpose of depressing nervous system function. Taurine has been shown in previous studies to increase memory retention in mice. Our project aims to determine the impact of taurine on a mutant strain of C. elegans, ynIs‐79, which overexpresses the APL‐1 protein in the nervous system. We expect that supplementing the mutant nematodes' diet with taurine will positively influence the nervous system by rescuing the observed dysfunction. We tested anterior and posterior habituation following taurine exposure by tapping the worms with a sterilized eyelash until they recognized that the taps were a non‐threatening stimulus. Our hypothesis is that feeding nematodes taurine will result in a decrease in the number of taps required for the mutant nematodes to determine that it is not a harmful stimulus, suggesting an improvement in neurodegenerative dysfunction. Current results show a significant decrease in the number taps required for habituation in the ynIs‐79 strain when compared to controls.Support or Funding InformationGail Dillard Faculty Development FundingThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
The Subpubic Contour is Sexually Dimorphic in Adult Pelves regardless of Subpubic Angle: A Radiographic Analysis
Authors: McGowan Branigan , Zdilla Matthew 
Published: June 2021

The subpubic angle is a well‐established sexually dimorphic trait. Though the subpubic angle has been well‐studied, there has been little research regarding its contour shape. Therefore, this study analyzed the subpubic contour from AP pelvis radiographs in 366 individuals (732 hips). The shape of the full contour (i.e., both hips as one contour) was sexually dimorphic as expected from myriad subpubic angle studies (Mahalanobis distance = 6.03; T‐square = 2353.4; p < 0.0001). However, the unilateral contour of the subpubic margin, regardless of the subpubic angle, was also dimorphic between sexes (Mahalanobis distance = 2.25; T‐square = 328.4; p < 0.0001). Therefore, just as the subpubic angle is dimorphic, the results of this study demonstrate the subpubic contour, whether unilateral (without consideration of angle) or bilateral, is sexually dimorphic.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Osteocytes in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Wang Qian , Kondru Vijaya , Elsey Ruth M , Jing Yan , Feng Jerry 
Published: June 2021

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are a large crocodilian living in the southeastern United States of America. Compared to mammals, they have an extended growth period after reaching adulthood. Evolutionarily, they are also one of few vertebrates that have survived long geological periods with conservative morphology. Thus among many aspects related to the growth, development, and physiological adaptions of this long surviving species, the bone biology is interesting in terms of extended bone growth and maintenance, and especially the morphology and behavior of the osteons, the fundamental functional unit in the cortical bone. In this study, alligator bones were analyzed to visualize reptilian osteocytes and compare them to those of mice, the most commonly used mammalian model in bone biology and pharmaceutical studies. In the femora of a one‐year‐old alligator, the osteon structure of the cortical bone was studied to reveal the density and structure of osteons, as well as the morphology of osteocytes, using confocal imaging by Fluorescein Iso‐Thio‐Cyanate sample preparation and staining, and osteocyte morphology was visualized using acid‐etch SEM. Results demonstrated that in this relatively fast growing individual, there were few osteon‐like structures lined along the periosteum and endosteum, indicating a slow rate of bone remodeling. Compared to osteocytes in mice, osteocytes in the alligator specimen were irregular in shape and less evenly distributed, and had fewer dendrites. This study demonstrated the morphology of alligator osteocytes for the first time. The findings indicate that there are significant differences in bone morphology and physiology at the microstructural level between reptiles and mammals; the implications in our understanding of bone biology is yet to be fully understood. This study also suggests that American alligators will be an idea model for studying bone development, adaptation, and evolution at the pre‐mammalian stage.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
COL2A1 Gene is Associated with Dentofacial Deformities Phenotypes
Authors: Scariot Rafaela , Cavalcante Rafael Correa , Gerber Jennifer Tsi , Sebastiani Aline M , Signorini Luciana , Costa Delson J , Baratto‐Filho Flares , Deliberador Tatiana M , Kuchler Erika C 
Published: June 2021

The etiology of the dentofacial deformities are still uncertain, with genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors involved. COL2A1 gene is involved in the expression of type II collagen and is candidate gene for dentofacial deformities phenotypes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms in COL2A1 and dentofacial deformities phenotypes. A total of 144 patients with dentofacial deformities, which were submitted to orthognathic surgery, were included. Pre‐surgery lateral cephalometric radiographs of those patients were traced using the program Dolphin. The dentofacial deformity phenotypes was classified according to ANB angle (Class I between 0 and 4°; Class II > 4°; Class III < 0°). SNA (horizontal position of the maxilla relative to the cranial base) and SNB (horizontal position of the mandible relative to the cranial base) angles were also traced. To genetic evaluation, cells from oral mucosa were collected in order to DNA extraction. The polymorphisms rs2276454 and rs1793953 were genotyped using real‐time PCR. Data obtained were submitted to a statistical analysis. Qui‐square and linear regression analysis were used. The established alpha was p < 0.05. There was an association dentofacial deformity phenotypes and the recessive model of COL2A1 (rs1793953) gene (p = 0.028). In addition, in linear regression model, individuals with TT genotype in rs2276454 presented lower SNA values compared to the CC genotype (p = 0.049; b coefficient = 0.069). Also, individuals with TT (p = 0.040; b coefficient = 0.51) and CT (p = 0.029; b coefficient = 0.03) genotype presented lower SNB values when compared to CC genotypes. Genetic polymorphisms in collagenase are associated with maxilla and mandible phenotypes in a brazilian population with dentofacial deformities.Support or Funding InformationThere is no Support or Funding InformationThis 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 Ratio is not different between Sexes despite Differences in all Phalanxes: An Analysis of Phalanxes via Radiographic Measurement
Authors: Hilliard Kaylee Brooke , Zdilla Matthew J 
Published: June 2021

The second‐to‐fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has gained ground as a surrogate measurement for intrauterine steroid exposure. That is, studies have demonstrated (mainly via measurements from flexion creases to finger tips) that females tend to have a longer second digit relative to fourth digit whereas, in males, the opposite is true. This study aimed to assess the 2D:4D via photogrammetric analysis of PA right‐side dominant hand radiographs. A total of 984 phalanxes from 164 hands were measured for length (804 phalanxes from 134 female hands; 180 phalanxes from 30 male hands) by a researcher blinded to sex. The proximal, middle, and distal phalanx lengths from both the second and fourth digits were all significantly different between sexes (2D: p=0.001, p=0.003, p=0.0002; 4D: p=0.0007, p=0.0005, p=0.00004). The 2D:4D averaged 0.93±0.09 (Mean±SD) for females and 0.92±0.17 for males. There was no statistically significant difference in 2D:4D ratio between sexes (p=0.228). The results of this study, suggest that phalanx length may be beneficial in, for example, forensic or anthropological identification of remains via phalanxes. This study also suggests that results of 2D:4D ratio studies should be re‐evaluated.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Arteries of the skin. Two‐steps study of arterial topography in amputated ischemic limbs: Angio CT in hybrid room and anatomical dissection
Authors: Settembre Nicla , Bouziane Zakariyae , Shabi Hossam , Labrousse Marc , Braun Marc , Malikov Sergueï 
Published: June 2021

The arterial anatomy of the skin is known since 1936 when Salmon performed his dissection associated with radiography on cadavers. However, this innovative technique at the time presented some shortcomings with lack of informations.Many anatomical factors influence limb perfusion in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and the principal arteries of the leg are no more the only accountable to ensure the foot perfusion.Our hypothesis is that: perfusion of the foot in CLI is also depending on the status of the perforating arteries, perineural arteries and the presence of a different developments of skin network.The conventional angiography (in vivo) performed in patients with CLI allows to visualize the arteries below the knee but it presents some limits: lack of hemodynamic factors, the amount of contrast agent and radiation hazard and the inability to precisely visualize the perforanting and perineural arteries and skin network.In order to assess the arterial distribution of legs and feet of patients with CLI, we performed a prospective study on amputated limbs: APIA (NCT03618615).After amputation surgery, limbs of consented patients were transported to hybrid operating theatre (Siemens Zeego®) and specimens were prepared for the APIA study.A barium sulfate suspension (Micropaque®) with colored liquid latex (25%: 75%) was injected under low pressure through the popliteal artery.A 3D‐CT was performed on the specimens and the images where treated with the Siemens program for 3D vascular analysis. Afterwards, the specimens were conserved in low temperature room (−4°C) in laboratory of Anatomy of Lorraine University.As a second step, we dissected the arteries guided by the CT images following the perforating and perineural arteries and skin network.This protocol, applied on 5 specimens, is feasible and allows having much important informations about ischemic legs that can help vascular surgeons in therapeutic decisions.Support or Funding InformationNo funding.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Covariance of the Tibial Plateau and the Femoral Condyles
Authors: Bodnar Sarah Elizabeth , Nestor Nicholas S , Zdilla Matthew J 
Published: June 2021

The knee is a complex joint that is subject to varied pathologies, many due to aberrant mechanical forces transmitted between the tibia and femur. Though cartilage, joint space, and alignment (i.e., tibial femoral angle) have been emphasized with regard to the assessment of the knee joint, little is known about the relationship between the native contours of the tibial plateau and the femoral condyles. Therefore, this study assessed 367 coronal T1 FLASH MRIs of right‐sided knees from 376 individuals. Two block partial least squares analysis revealed that the first two partial least squares axes demonstrated 77.85% and 14.73% of total covariation, respectively. Further, PLS1 blocks and PLS2 blocks had significant correlations of 0.59 and 0.49, respectively, both with p < 0.0001. The results of this study identify that the contours of the tibial plateau and femoral condyles are correlated, regardless of cartilage, joint space, and knee alignment.Support or Funding InformationFunding: WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06]This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Preliminary Definitions for Sacroiliac Joint Pathologies in the OMERACT Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis MRI Score (OMERACT JAMRIS‐SIJ)
Authors: Otobo Tarimobo Michael , Tolend Mirkamal , Maksymowych Walter P , Conaghan Philip G , van der Heijd Desiree , Weiss Pamela , Sudol‐Szopinska Iwona , Herregods Nele , Jaremko Jacob L , Jans Lennart , Meyer Arthur B , Rumsey Dax Rumsey , Inarejos Emilio C , Kirkhus Eva , Thorpe Kevin , van Rossum Marion A J , Perez Manuela , Tzaribachev Nikolay , Sandhya Pulukool , Tse Shirley , Simone Appenzeller , Swami Vimarsha G , Touma Zahi , Lambert Robert G , Doria Andrea S 
Published: June 2021

PurposeClinical assessment of the Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) has limitations due to the location and anatomy of the joint. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a sensitive, non‐invasive tool in detecting early SIJ inflammatory changes and structural damage in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The quantification of interval change of pediatric SIJs using an MRI based scoring methods will serve as an important objective outcome measure for the assessment disease severity and treatment effectiveness in JIA.MethodsThe OMERACT consensus‐driven methodology consisting of iterative surveys and focus group meetings within an international group of pediatric rheumatologists and radiologist was utilized to decide the measurement construct, items, and definitions. Consensus was deemed to have been achieved if greater than 70% agreement was reached among voting attendees at the session in the absence of greater than 15% present or more in strong disagreement.ResultsTwenty‐eight international multidisciplinary experts from North America, Europe, South Asia, and South America participated in the study. Two domains, inflammation and structural, were identified. Definitions for bone marrow edema, joint space inflammation, capsulitis, and enthesitis were derived for joint inflammation; sclerosis, erosion, fatty lesion and ankylosis were defined for assessing structural joint changes.ConclusionPreliminary consensus‐driven definitions for inflammation and structural elements have been derived, underpinning the ongoing development of the Juvenile arthritis SIJ MRI scoring system (JAMRIS‐SIJ).Support or Funding InformationHospital for SickKids Research Trainee Fund (RESTRACOMP)This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Developing resources to support CURE projects investigating protein‐protein interactions, post translational modification and gene regulation for the MDH CURE Community (MCC)
Authors: Huisinga Kathryn L , Christian Laura M , Kuhn Misty L , Parente Amy D , Peterson Celeste N , Provost Joseph J 
Published: June 2021

Course‐based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are an effective approach to integrating a research experience into the teaching laboratory to enhance student learning gains. Expanding the availability of CUREs provides greater access to this high‐impact practice and can create a community for mentored undergraduate research. We are preparing resources to support the adoption of CUREs as part of the Malate Dehydrogenase CURE Community (MCC), an NSF‐funded project to create a collaborative community of faculty at all higher education institution types and expand the availability of protein‐based CUREs for the biochemistry and molecular biology community. Resources supporting faculty to use CUREs include support from core modules (hypothesis development, proposal preparation and bioinformatics) and scientifically themed clusters. Here we present resources to enable faculty to create and design CUREs involving cellular biochemistry in the form of protein‐protein interactions, post‐translational modification, and gene regulation. We are creating learning goals, assessment rubrics, background reading, experimental support and other research modules for each area. We will present the supporting materials for this cellular biochemistry cluster and encourage the biochemistry and molecular biology community to provide feedback and evaluation of additional components needed for widespread adoption.Support or Funding InformationFunded by NSF IUSE 1726932This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
A Toxic Tragedy: The Molecular Story of the Toxin YafQ's Regulation of Protein Translation
Authors: Kerska Denika , Berg Heather , Dennis Joshua , Guenther Tabitha , Mosier Savannah , Rients Tucker , Rivera Sonia , Smith Kendall , Terrell Cassidy R 
Published: June 2021

As part of the CREST3 (Connecting Researchers, Educators and STudents) program, undergraduate students from the University of Minnesota Rochester's ASBMB student chapter designed a novel three‐dimensional physical model representing the molecular story of how the protein toxin YafQ regulates protein translation. During times of cellular stress, Escherichia coli uses YafQ, an mRNA interferase, to prevent protein translation. Here, the cell activates the toxin by degrading an antitoxin protein (DinJ), which is normally bound to the toxin when no cellular stress is present. After dissociation of DinJ, YafQ is able to bind to the entrance site of the ribosome and catalyze hydrolysis of the mRNA strand which effectively degrades the mRNA strand and halts transcription. Based on this information, we designed a physical model demonstrating how the mRNA is able to bind to YafQ once DinJ dissociates. In order to ensure the proper orientation and proximity of the mRNA within our model, we utilized AutoDock Vina to dock an mRNA analog AAA (Ligand ID: 25A) to YafQ (PDB ID: 4Q2U). In this presentation we will demonstrate how to design and use a physical model to tell a molecular story based on biochemical data from the literature.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.