bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What motivates medical students to learn anatomy?
Authors: Selby Keegan , Singh Supriya , Ratner Shemer , Johnson Marjorie 
Published: June 2021

Independent e‐learning modules (IL's) using sound pedagogy and cognitive learning theories are often used to replace the lost lecture or lab hours once given to anatomy. This change should reflect the documented characteristics of the “net” generation. However, participation in and/or completion of the IL's is low. Our initial hypothesis is that motivation to learn is not tied solely to formal evaluation or comfort with e‐learning. An adjunct to learning anatomy through IL's was offered for Years 1 and 2 medical students. The students organized a surgical oriented anatomy club (SOA) to help them understand the relevant anatomy in a clinical context. This study compares the motivation of students to participate in anatomy taught through the surgery club with that of IL's. The SOA club arranged for surgeons to demonstrate several common surgical procedures. After the demonstration students were asked to review the relevant anatomy on cadavers with the assistance of an anatomist and the surgeon. Participation for the events was voluntary and was full beyond capacity within minutes of posting the session information. Participation rates will be compared to that of IL's. In addition, survey data will gauge student motivation for attending the SOA sessions or completing IL modules. Preliminary results suggest more student initiatives designed with clinical relevancy should be considered part of future medical curricula.Grant Funding Source : None
Undergraduate study approaches to anatomy, using surface or deep approaches
Authors: Dunham Stacey , Notebaert Andrew J 
Published: June 2021

Anatomy courses require students to learn many new terms and structures and so they may approach learning anatomy in a style contrary to how they approach learning in other courses. The purpose of this study was to examine how undergraduate anatomy students approach learning in anatomy and how their learning approach affects course grades. Students enrolled in an undergraduate anatomy course completed an initial survey which asked for demographics, GPA, and exam sores up to the midterm. Students also completed a modified study process questionnaire resulting in a deep approach score (likely to study for understanding) and surface approach score (likely to use rote memorization). Initial surveys were completed by 105 students. Average age was 20.0 years and average GPA was 3.39/4.00. On average, deep approach score was 31.0 ± 6.4 and surface approach score was 24.7 ± 5.9. Current class percentage averaged 77.9% ± 19.94. Correlations between both approach scores and grade were not significant (deep approach and current grade r=.005, p=.967 and surface approach and current grade r=.107, p=.340). Initial results find that students trend toward deeper approaches to learning, but current analysis indicates low correlations between study styles and midterm grades. This may indicate that approaches to learning do not account for the variance in course achievement. This study was not funded.Grant Funding Source : N/A
Medical Students in the Microscopic Anatomy Course: Active Learning as an Evolving Response to the Adult Learner's Needs
Authors: Jurjus Rosalyn A , Krum Janette , Goldman Ellen 
Published: June 2021

The microscopic anatomy lab experience in the U. S. is evolving from using light microscopes to employing virtual microscopy using digital technology. There is a view that active learning principles and laboratory‐acquired skills have also been marginalized. However, we believe this actually provides a better opportunity for active learning because computer monitors can be readily shared. Accordingly we developed lab sessions that apply principles of adult learning and instructional design. These include linking, hooking, engagement, transfer and teaching to different learning styles and preferences. We will test the hypothesis that these principles will improve the medical students’ performance and satisfaction. Preliminary data based on student surveys of lab activity shows positive responses.This is a comparative study with a quasi‐control group. Two years of student performance and course evaluation data will be compared. Student exam scores, course evaluations, surveys of lab activity and faculty surveys of students’ participation will be collected. The survey data will be analyzed by tabulating the ratings for each question and survey written comments will be analyzed for themes. This approach also favors development of teamwork skills that will not be directly assessed in this study, but could be implied from comments of participants.Grant Funding Source: Pending ‐ SMHS Medical Education Grant
A qualitative exploration of how students self‐assess anatomy performance
Authors: Finn Gabrielle Maria , Sawdon Marina A 
Published: June 2021

This qualitative study explores how students self‐assess their performance on anatomy examinations. 84 first and second year medical students completed an online questionnaire following summative anatomy examinations. Students entered a numerical predication of their grades for the anatomy practical exam and written exam. In addition, students provided free‐text justifications for their predications. Justifications were analysed using a grounded‐theory based approach. When self‐assessing, students employ a multi‐faceted approach. The major considerations offered by our students included; their exam technique, their knowledge of course content and the standards required to pass, their performance in relation to that of their peers’ and their previous experience, education and exam performance. Further analysis is underway to determine whether the strategies employed differ across students’ self‐assessment abilities and demographics. Our data provides a unique insight into how students’ self‐assessments are complex and often informed by their experiences prior to medical school. This presents a challenge for faculty as factors out with the immediate learning context appear to impact on students’ ability to reflect on their performance. Further insight into students’ self‐assessment techniques will enable faculty to provide targeted support, particularly within anatomy.Grant Funding Source: Internal funding
Creating Integrated Histology Flash Cards with Clinical Correlations in Teaching Histology
Authors: Cui Dongmei , Daley William P , Yang Gongchao 
Published: June 2021

Well designed histology flash cards are a useful tool for learning histology. Integrating pathological images and clinical cases makes flash cards especially helpful in enhancing students’ understanding of how the normal tissue could develop into abnormal tissue, and what pathological condition and clinical disease may be associated with this change. The integrated flash cards provide students a good platform to maximize their exposure to clinical information in their early stage of medical training. Because of the portability of the flash cards, they serve as convenient learning tools for quick review, self‐assessment, and preparation for exams. We created customized histology flash cards at four levels: (1) Introductory cards that help students to quickly review basic organization of the materials; (2) Cards with normal and pathological images to help students to appreciate their differences; (3) Cards with key point information to strengthen their knowledge base, and (4) Cards with practical questions and clinical vignette in USMLE style for students to prepare for various exams. In brief, Histology Flash Cards with Clinical Correlations serve as an efficient, convenient and flexible tool for students to learn histology, as well as strengthen their ability to integrate histology and related clinical information.Grant Funding Source: University of Mississippi Medical Center
Human skeletal muscle histone modifications in response to six weeks of endurance training
Authors: Ydfors Mia , Lindholm Maléne , Sundberg Carl Johan 
Published: June 2021

Differences in training responsiveness between individuals can to a large degree be explained by genetic differences. Whether epigenetic modifications, which are known to change over the life span and to be partly related to physical activity levels, are altered with training has been studied sparsely. The differences in responsiveness to training could, among other things, be due to the pre‐existing epigenetic pattern or to epigenetic changes with training.PurposeTo investigate the histone modification pattern following a period of endurance training.MethodsSedentary males (n=16) performed 6 weeks of endurance training. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after the training period. One high‐responder (n=8) and one low‐responder (n=8) group were identified on the basis of their improvement in physiological parameters. Protein content was analyzed with Western blot.ResultsThere was no significant change in histone modification pattern (H3ac, H3K9ac, H3K9me1 and H3K9me3) with training in either of the groups or when pooling the groups. There was a tendency (p=0.09) of increased mono‐methylated lysine 9 in histone H3 (H3K9me1) after training in the high‐responder group.ConclusionH3K9me1 is associated with transcriptional repression and the tendency to higher H3K9me1 may implicate a role in down‐regulation of genes following exercise.
Transcriptomic and Epigenomic Characterization of Mouse Models Simulating Features of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Muhie Seid , Hammamieh Rasha , Miller Stacy-Ann , Chakraborty Nabarun , Jett Marti 
Published: June 2021

Social defeat mouse models were used to simulate human post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). C57B6 and BALB/c mice exposed to SJL aggressor mice exhibited behaviors accepted as PTSD‐in‐mouse phenotype. Transcripts in hemi‐brain, blood and heart of mice were assayed using Agilent's genome‐wide arrays, and meta‐analyzed with human PTSD data from gene expression omnibus (GEO). DNA methylation changes in hemi‐brains of mice were assessed using Agilent's tiling arrays, and compared with human DNA methylation data from GEO.About 200 transcripts were differentially regulated in both mice and human data. Induced transcripts were involved in axonogenesis, neuroblast proliferation, response to steroid hormone, apoptosis, inflammation, histone modification and nucleotide biosynthesis. Suppressed transcripts were involved in adaptive immunity, dopamine signaling, DNA methylation, synapse organization, matrix adhesion, nerve impulse transmission, T cell commitment and neural crest cell migration. Hypo‐ & hyper‐methylated genes were associated with immune response, neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, anxiety, and chromatin and protein modifications.Integrative analyses of (mice and human) transcriptomic and DNA methylation data were indicative of validity of social defeat mice as human PTSD models in search of biomarkers of PTSD that are accessible in human blood.Funding: Office of Army Surgeon General
Effect of chronic hypoxia on pregnancy‐mediated transcriptional regulation of ERα in ovine uterine arteries
Authors: DASGUPTA CHIRANJIB , Zhang Haitao , Chen Man , Zhang Lubo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveChronic hypoxia attenuates pregnancy‐induced increase in uterine artery blood flow. Previous studies demonstrated that ERα was downregulated in uterine arteries by chronic hypoxia during gestation, leading to heightened uterine arterial myogenic tone. This study examined transcriptional mechanisms of ERα promoter in ovine uterine arteries.MethodsWe cloned a 2 kb ovine ERα promoter region, which is about 97% homologous to bovine ERα promoter.ResultsThe ERα promoter contains SP1, PR‐AB, and a non‐canonical USF binding sites, each having CpG dinucleotides. Authenticity of the transcription factors recognizing these sites were confirmed by EMSA and super shift experiments. Deletion of each site significantly attenuated ERα promoter reporter gene activity. SP1, but not USF and PR‐AB, sites, were hypomethylated in pregnant as compared with nonpregnant uterine arteries. In contrast, chronic hypoxia during gestation resulted in hypermethylation of SP1 and USF, but not PR‐AB, binding sites in the uterine arteries. Additionally, CpG methylation inhibited the binding of transcription factors to ERα promoter.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate a novel mechanism of promoter methylation in transcriptional regulation of ERα gene expression patterns in the uterine arteries in response to pregnancy and hypoxia.(Supported in part by NIH grants HL89012 and HL110125)
Enhanced apoptosis and altered DNA repair underlie improved outcomes in HPV‐positive head and neck cancer
Authors: Kimple Randall J , Torres Alexandra D , Blitzer Grace C , Smith Molly A , Armstrong Eric A , Lambert Paul F , Harari Paul M 
Published: June 2021

PURPOSETo investigate molecular mechanisms underlying improved clinical outcome in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive head and neck cancers (HNC).METHODSRadiation (RT) and chemotherapy response was assessed by clonogenic survival and proliferation assays. Cell line xenografts were used to assess response to chemoradiation with either cisplatin or cetuximab. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and DNA damage response were assessed by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and western blot.RESULTSHPV‐positive cells showed greater sensitivity to RT than HPV‐negative cells (mean SF2: 0.27 vs. 0.64, p<0.0001), but similar sensitivity to chemotherapy. Compared to RT alone (mean time to quadruple = 19 d), the concurrent use of either cisplatin (33 d, p=0.0011) or cetuximab (83 d, p<0.0001) induced a significant delay in tumor xenograft growth. RT induced a greater G2 arrest in HPV‐positive compared with HPV‐negative cells (mean increase 36% vs. 15%, p=0.0035). Following RT, p53 expression was increased and significant induction of apoptosis was seen at 24 and 48 hours. Between 4 and 24 hours post‐RT, significantly more γ‐H2AX foci were observed (42% vs. 80%, p=0.017).CONCLUSIONSImproved tumor response of HPV‐positive HNC may reflect increased sensitivity to radiation and chemoradiation mediated through G2 arrest, apoptosis, and altered DNA repair kinetics.
Either Intravenous or Inhaled Anesthetic for Elective Otorhinological Surgery Does Not Induce Oxidative Stress
Authors: Braz Mariana Gobbo , Braz Leandro Gobbo , Fecchio Denise , dos Anjos Ferreira Ana Lucia , Braz Jose Reinaldo Cerqueira , Tang Guangwen , Yeum Kyung-Jin , Salvadori Daisy Maria Favero 
Published: June 2021

Oxidative status of patients undergoing surgery with either intravenous or inhaled anesthetics was studied. Thirty adult patients classified as physical status I, who were scheduled for otorhinological surgery, were randomized to receive propofol (n=15) or isoflurane (n=15) anesthesia. Blood samples were drawn before (T1) and 2 h after the beginning of anesthesia (T2) and on the following day of surgery (T3). Plasma pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 cytokine and apoptosis evaluated in T helper cells were detected by flow cytometry; oxidative DNA damage in lymphocyte by the comet assay; and antioxidant performance by fluorometry. IL‐6 increased in T3 for both groups. While propofol decreased oxidized purines in T2 compared to T1 (p=0.01), isoflurane did not induce oxidative DNA damage. Both anesthetics tend to increase antioxidant performance in T2 (p=0.06 for propofol and p=0.1 for isoflurane). Propofol decreased the frequency of apoptotic cells in T2 and T3 compared to T1. The current study indicates that both anesthetics did not induce oxidative stress in patients undergoing elective surgery and that propofol might exert antioxidant protection.Supported by FAPESP, Brazil #2006/59625‐6; 2010/05611‐0
Anthocyanins of Black Soybean (cv. Cheongja 3) Induce Autophagy via AMPK Activation in U2OS cells
Authors: Choe Yun-Jeong , Ha Tae Joung , Ko Kyoung-Won , Lee Sun-Young , Kim Ho-Shik 
Published: June 2021

Anthocyanins (ATC) were reported to be able to induce autophagy, but the mechanism of which remains still to be clarified. In U2OS cells, ATC extracted from black soybean (cv. Cheongja 3) induced hallmarks of autophagy such as LC3's punctuate pattern formation and the conversion of LC3‐I to LC3‐II. The induction of autophay was accompanied with phosphorylation of multiple protein kinases including Erk1/2, p38MAPK, JNK, AKT, and AMP‐dependent protein kinase (AMPK). While anthocyanins‐induced autophagy was inhibited by none of each inhibitor of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK, and AKT, suppression of AMPK by compound C as well as knockdown of AMPK using AMPK siRNA reduced anthocyaninsi‐nduced autophagy. Activation of AMPK by AICAR treatment also induced autophagy. Notably, reduction of autophagy via inhibition of AMPK enhanced anthocyanins‐induced apoptosis. Therefore, it can be suggested that anthocyanins induce autophagy by activation of AMPK, and autophagy may inhibit anthocyanins‐induced apoptosis.This research has been supported by the Biogreen 21 Program (Code#PJ007186), Rural Development Administration Korea.
Separation of proinsulin conversion intermediates
Authors: Mackin Robert Brian 
Published: June 2021

The processing of proinsulin (PI) to its final product, insulin, involves three different proteases (proprotein convertase 1 (PC1), PC2 and carboxypeptidase E) and a number of possible cleavage intermediates. The two major intermediates, des‐(31,32)‐PI and des‐(64,65)‐PI are of interest as potential biomarkers for predicting diabetes and as substrates for examining the specificity of prohormone processing. Unfortunately, these intermediates are not commercially available and they are extremely difficult to purify because they differ from the precursor by the absence of two basic amino acids, and from each other only in the identity of the two missing residues.We have combined trypsin/carboxypeptidase B digestion to generate the intermediates, with anion‐exchange chromatography to separate the reaction products. We were able to obtain three peaks of PI‐related material. Each of these peaks was characterized by performing reduction and alkylation of the peptides, followed by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. Peak 1 contains only the substrate, PI; peak 2 contains only the final products, insulin and C peptide; and peak 3 contains only the two cleavage intermediates, des‐(31,32)‐PI and des‐(64,65)‐PI. While we are continuing our efforts to separate the intermediates from each another, we are currently using the combined intermediates to examine the specificity of PC1 and PC2.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) activation and actin dynamics within force sensing anchors are required to stabilize VLA‐4 integrin‐mediated leukocyte adhesion
Authors: Rullo Jacob , Becker Henry , Hyduk Sharon , Cybulsky Myron 
Published: June 2021

During inflammation, leukocytes modulate α4β1 (VLA‐4) integrin avidity in order to rapidly form stable nascent adhesive contacts to VCAM‐1‐expressing endothelial cells and resist detachment forces imparted by the flowing blood. Linkage to the actin cytoskeleton is critical for integrin function, yet the exact role of the actin cytoskeleton in leukocyte adhesion stabilization under conditions of fluid forces remains poorly understood. We report that mechanical forces imparted by flow induce formation of upstream tension‐bearing anchors attached to the VCAM‐1‐coated surface and Rac, but not Cdc42, small GTPase‐dependent polymerization of F‐actin within these structures. These structures are critical for adhesion stabilization, since disruption of actin polymerization dramatically inhibits VLA‐4‐dependent resistance to detachment, but does not affect VLA‐4 expression, affinity modulation, clustering or constitutive linkage to F‐actin. A key mediator of force‐induced Rac activation and actin polymerization is PI3K. Live cell imaging revealed accumulation of PIP3 within tension‐bearing anchors and blockade of PI3K or deficiency of PI3Kgamma isoform reproduced the adhesion defect produced by inhibition of actin polymerization. Our results implicate a novel mechanism in the leukocyte adhesion cascade necessary for stabilization of nascent adhesive contacts.Research supported by a CGS CIHR Doctoral Award.
Effect of an added spacer on the ‘double lockdown’ inhibition of kinesin‐1 by tail domains
Authors: Hackney David Daniel , Yeo Young Woon 
Published: June 2021

Kinesin‐1 is a motor protein that produces processive movement along microtubules using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. Under physiological conditions, kinesin‐1 is autoinhibited by folding at a central hinge to allow the tail domains to bind to the head (motor) domains. Even though both the tails and heads are dimeric, inhibition is produced by binding of only one tail domain to a dimer of heads. The recent determination of the structure of a head‐tail complex by X‐ray crystallography (Kaan, et al., Science 333, 832 (2011)) indicated that a single tail domain formed a bridge between two head domains, effectively cross‐linking them. This suggested a ‘double lockdown’ mechanism in which ADP release is inhibited because the coupled undocking of the neck linker cannot occur while maintaining both the cross link between heads at the coiled‐coil neck and the new cross link provided by the tail domain. Insertion of flexible spacers at the start of the coiled‐coil domain should allow greater relative movement of the two head domains and make it more difficult for tails to tie them down with an additional cross link. We have tested a series of single amino acid substitutions and inserts and deletions and find only small differences in the affinity of tails. Long spacers of 6 and 12 amino acids, however, decrease affinity of heads for tails by 13 and 34‐fold respectively.Supported by NIH grant 1R01NS058848.
Potassium channels as operators of alveolar epithelial repair
Authors: Girault alban , Privé Anik , Trinh Nguyen Thu Ngan , Bardou Olivier , Maillé Emilie , Brochiero Emmanuelle 
Published: June 2021

A common feature of inflammatory lung diseases such as acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is extensive damage and remodeling of alveolar epithelium. A better understanding of determinants of alveolar regeneration is thus necessary to develop strategies able to restore alveolar integrity. Recent studies have shown that K+ channels (KCh) are key components of cell proliferation and migration processes, necessary for tissues repair. We therefore postulated that KCh play a role in respiratory epithelial repair.Using a wound‐healing assay, we first showed that glibenclamide and clofilium, inhibitors of KATP and KvLQT1 channels, decrease repair rates of A549 and primary alveolar ATII cell monolayers and their inhibitory effects are additive. The role of KvLQT1 and KATP was then confirmed by a molecular approach using specific siRNAs. On the contrary, KvLQT1 and KATP activators significantly stimulate the wound repair. We also evaluated the influence of KCh on cell growth and we showed that clofilium dose‐dependently inhibits alveolar cell growth and induces an accumulation of cells arrested in G0/G1 phase.In conclusion, we demonstrated that KCh, particularly KvLQT1 and KATP, are involved in epithelial repair processes and should be identify as novel targets to promote alveolar repair necessary to ARDS resolution.Project funded by Canadian Institute of Health Research.