bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Regeneration through Tissue Engineering
Authors: Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana 
Published: June 2021

The overall goal of cardiac tissue engineering is to re‐establish the structure and function of infarcted myocardial tissue. Interdisciplinary research at the interface of stem cells and bioengineering holds promise that functional cardiac tissue grafts can be generated in vitro, and used for implantation as well as models to study cardiac development and disease. In all cases, the notion is that the biological potential of cardiovascular cells can be mobilized by providing controllable environments that regulate cell differentiation and assembly by factors present during native development. Key requirements for cardiac regeneration include an appropriate cardiac tissue matrix, electromechanical cell coupling, and functional vascularization. This talk will discuss some recent and ongoing work towards meeting these requirements. We will also discuss the important interactions between the engineered tissue grafts and the inflammatory environment of the infarct bed that largely determine the functional outcomes of tissue engineered heart repair.Funding: NIH (HL076485, EB002520, RR026244), Helmsley, NYSTEM
TorsinA – unlocking the mysteries of an AAA+ ATPase in the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope
Authors: Hanson Phyllis I. , Heyden Abigail Vander , Naismith Teresa V. 
Published: June 2021

TorsinA is an AAA+ ATPase in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nuclear envelope (NE) lumen that is mutated in dominantly inherited early onset DYT1 dystonia. TorsinA is an essential protein in mice, but its cellular function and the basis for disease are not well understood. We have previously shown that localization and activity of torsinA within the ER and NE are dynamically regulated by an interacting transmembrane protein, LULL1 (TOR1AIP2). To understand how torsinA responds to LULL1, we now identify features in both proteins responsible for controlling torsinA localization. We find that distinct regions mediate binding and torsinA re‐targeting, and establish among other things that the extreme N‐terminus of LULL1 must be present for torsinA to be directed to the NE. The N‐terminus of LULL1 is cytosolic, while its torsinA‐binding domain is lumenal, raising the intriguing possibility that control of torsinA localization involves communication between the cytosol and the ER lumen. When retargeted to the NE, torsinA displaces a subset of linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex proteins and may thereby modify NE structure and nuclear positioning. The disease causative torsinA mutant also responds to LULL1, but only weakly displaces LINC proteins.These findings identify a mechanism for regulating torsinA localization and activity via LULL1, and suggest that activity at the NE is perturbed by the disease‐causative mutation. Changes in torsinA activity at the NE may contribute to DYT1 dystonia.
Liver Morphologic Changes Induced by Semicarbazide
Authors: Da Costa Miguel Mendes , Duarte Ana Rute , Capela-Silva Fernando , Farinha Rodrigo , Cabrita António Silvério 
Published: June 2021

This study evaluates the liver morphologic changes associated with the ingestion of semicarbazide contaminated food.Two groups of 10 Wistar rats were studied. Group 1 was submitted to no manipulation and group 2 was submitted to the administration of food contaminated with semicarbazide at a concentration of .6g/Kg. All animals were sacrificed after four weeks and a complete necropsy was performed. The slides of liver stained by HE were evaluated for morphologic lesions.In group 1 no significant morphologic changes were found. In group 2 some morphologic lesions were found such as sinusoidal congestion, small focal haemorrhages, cellular hyaline infiltration and oedema, macrovesicular steatosis, bile duct hyperplasia and flooding of cell's cytoplasm. Anisocariose was observed in all cases, from which pyknosis and nucleoli increased by angular nuclei were the most evident. The most marked lesions observed in the liver were hyaline infiltration, bile duct hyperplasia and flooding of cell's cytoplasm. Also some inflammatory tissue was found in the organ with the presence of lymphocytes and macrophages.We may conclude that ingestion of semicarbazide at high doses in short period of time is hepatotoxic.
Integrating statistical analysis and experimental design into life science curricula with secondary teachers
Authors: Clase Kari Lynn , Adedokun Omolola , Charles Andrea , Fatum Leslie , Ha Soo , Janowiak Kirk , Parker Loran , Pelaez Nancy , Solis Elvia 
Published: June 2021

Preparing students for careers in biological sciences will require proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis and reasoning that students currently lack. To address this problem, a collaborative project aims to integrate statistical analysis (SA) and experimental design (ED) into the life science curricula at both high school and university levels. The project is developing cohorts of “teacher scientists” who both reform their own curricula and disseminate lessons learned to other secondary teachers through regional workshops. To assess the effectiveness of these workshops, a post‐participation survey was administered.Responses were obtained from 21 science educators in the first workshop. Preliminary analyses indicate that the workshop was effective at teaching participants about laboratory techniques for teaching statistics concepts concurrently with biology content. Teachers indicated that they were likely to adopt a curriculum that integrates biology and statistics using the techniques from the workshop. Additionally, the teachers were interested in continuing discussions with their peers and university faculty for support integrating ED and SA into high school curricula.This project was funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Deviating from the Standard: Integrating Statistical Analysis and Experimental Design into Life Science Education)
Physiology with the singing greeting card beeper
Authors: Belusic Gregor , Zupancic Gregor 
Published: June 2021

The singing greeting card beeper is a great mechanoelectrical transducer, usable in a number of different physiological experiments at no cost. It is an AC‐coupled sensor with a time constant of ca. 30 ms and a linear response up to at least 5 N, delivering relatively large voltage upon slightest deformation. If implemented as a human finger pulse sensor, it performs equally well as commercial‐grade sensors. It can also serve as a force transducer for sensing limb displacement in testing the reflexes such as the patellar reflex. If attached to a hammer, it can be used to report the moment of mechanical stimulation of the leg muscles. In testing the reaction times, it can serve as a microphone to report the moment of acoustical stimulation. We developed a range of experiments suitable for secondary school and undergraduate level. The implementation of the sensor into the curriculum has been accepted very well on the national as well as on the international scale. The idea was awarded the ADInstruments Macknight award in 2011.The development of the sensor and experiments has been supported by the European Social Funds, operative program of human resources development 2007–2013.
Nexilin is a dynamic protein at Listeria monocytogenes comet tails and enteropathogenic E. coli pedestals
Authors: Law H T , Bonazzi Matteo , Jackson Jeremy , Cossart Pascale , Guttman Julian A. 
Published: June 2021

The extracellular pathogen enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) control the actin cytoskeletal machinery during their infections as part of their disease processes. Through the subversion of this cytoskeletal system, motile actin‐rich structures (EPEC pedestals and Listeria comet tails) are generated. Nexilin, an actin‐binding protein, is thought to facilitate actin‐based cell motility. Consequently, we tested the hypothesis that nexilin is recruited to EPEC pedestals as well as Listeria comet tails and is needed for proper functioning of those structures. Using a combination of immunolocalization, RNA interference and time‐lapse imaging, we demonstrate that nexilin co‐localizes with actin in EPEC pedestals and Listeria comet tails. As stationary EPEC and Listeria becomes motile, nexilin focuses distally in these long actin‐rich structures. When nexilin expression was perturbed, EPEC pedestals remain unaltered, however Listeria comet tails had aberrant morphologies. Our data suggests that nexilin is redistributed to the dissociating end of actin filaments where it may act as a platform for bacterial propulsion when infecting host cells.Grant Funding Source: CIHR, NSERC, Institut Pasteur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, European Research Council, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
3‐D Arthroscopy: A New Frontier in Surgical Visualization
Authors: Roach Victoria A , Mistry Manisha R , LeBel Marie-Eve , Wilson Tim D 
Published: June 2021

At present, support of 3‐D visualization for laparoscopic surgical procedures is growing. This is likely due to the ability to interpret anatomical structures during the 3‐D visualization previously impossible in 2‐D endoscopic procedures. With the ability to interpret depth cues accurately, surgeons better orient themselves in body cavities with greater ease and fewer movements, ultimately correlating to reduced patient morbidity. Considering the validated success of 3‐D in endoscopy, it is surprising that this technology has not been applied to arthroscopy; the endoscopy of joints. At present, millions of arthroscopic surgeries are performed using primitive 2‐D scope technology on the 3‐D anatomy of the joint cavity, posing a significant conceptual roadblock for novice orthopedic surgeons. This study aims to apply technology used in 3‐D laparoscopes to build a 3‐D arthroscope prototype to enhance operative precision via accurate visualization of the joint. This study also aims to test the efficacy of a prototype for skill acquisition via the Global Ratings Scale for surgical skills, completion time measurements, and instances of perceptual depth errors. It is hypothesized that testing surgical applications of this 3‐D visualization in trainees will result in reduced training time, fewer perceptual errors, increased operative precision and decreased burden of cognitive load in the user.Grant Funding Source : Departmental
Shear Stress‐Activated Angiopoeitin‐2 Modulates Endothelial Cell Repairs and Vasculogenesis via Wnt/β‐catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yu Fei , Takabe Wakako , Harrison Michael , Li Rongsong , Gu Jie , Chi Neil , Lien Ching-Ling , Hsiai Tzung 
Published: June 2021

Fluid shear stress is intimately involved in vascular endothelial cell repairs. It is recognized that pulsatile shear stress up‐regulated Angiopoetin‐2 expression (Ang‐2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). We hypothesized that Ang‐2 was implicated in HUVEC repairs and vasculogenesis via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Knock‐down of Ang‐2 expression with siRNA resulted in an impaired HUVEC migration and tube formation. Wnt3a, a Wnt activator, up‐regulated Ang‐2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05 vs. no addition, n = 3), whereas DKK‐1, a Wnt inhibitor, inhibited Ang‐2 expression (p < 0.05 vs. PBS treated, n = 3), leading to impaired migration and tubule formation. We further demonstrated that subintestinal vessels (SIVs) were absent in heat shock inducible DKK‐1:gfp zebrafish at 72 hpf. Knock‐down of Ang‐2 with morpholino oligomers in the transgenic zebrafish embryo (TG(flk1:GFP)) at 1‐cell stage resulted in impaired vasculogenesis to the entire vasculature at 48 hpf. Treatment with ionomycine, a Calcium (Ca2+) ionophore, also resulted in both impaired HUVEC repairs and suppression of SIV formation in TG(flk1:GFP) lines at 72 hpf as evidenced by down‐regulation of Ang‐2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05 vs. DMSO treatment, n = 3). Taken together, our findings suggest that shear stress‐activated Ang‐2 is implicated in endothelial cell repairs and vasculogenesis via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.Grant Funding Source : NIH
Deposition of collagen perivascular by Angiotensin II action in the aorta independent of hemodynamic effects
Authors: da Silva Viegas Katia Ap. , Souza-Oliveira Thais Cristina , Rabechi Nara Baptistella , Paiva Aline , Alves Izabel , Machado Raquel Cristina Campos , de Jesus Piva Camila , Martins Alvaro Batista , Lacchini Silvia 
Published: June 2021

The vascular lesions through trophic stimulation of your wall are an important mechanism of action of Angiotensin II (AngII) in extracellular matrix (ECM) by modulation of synthesis x degradation collagen. The aim was to assess whether AngII can act in the ECM by modifying the deposition perivascular collagen (COL) without hemodynamic effects. Mice were treated for 7 and 14 days with subpressor doses of AngII(100ng/kg/min); Losartan(LOS)‐AT1 receptor blocker(20mg/kg/day); Los+Ang; Control (CONT). Measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) by tail plethysmography. Histological sections of aorta were stained with picrosirius to quantify the perivascular COL analyzed in brightfield and polarized light. Results were compared by 2‐way ANOVA p≤0.05. No changes in SBP and HR between groups and nor significant differences of perivascular COL fibers thick (type I‐polarized light) in treated for 7 days but there was a slight increase these in 14 days with AngII(0.56±0.13au) and Los+AngII (0.55±0.14au) compared to CONT(0.49±0.13au) and LOS(0.38±0.04au) significantly reduced the presence of these fibers. In thin COL fibers (type III) there was no difference. The results suggest that the AngII can act on deposition of perivascular COL fibers thick acting in ECM independent of hemodynamic factor through the activation of the AT1 receptor and through other ways for combined treatment.Grant Funding Source : FAPESP ‐ Research Foundation of the State of Sao Paulo
Phenanthrene affects cardiovascular function in the developing African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)
Authors: Hausken Krist N. , Layman Kimberly A. , Whittemore Susan L. 
Published: June 2021

The incomplete combustion of fossil fuels results in deposition of the tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene into air, soil, and water. This common and persistent contaminant is also present in tobacco smoke, coal tar sealant, and weathered crude oil. Surprisingly, little is known about its toxicity. To gain a better understanding of potential risks to humans, we characterized the effects of phenanthrene exposure using embryos of X. laevis, an important model for vertebrate development. Heart rates and evidence of arrhythmia were recorded during various stages of heart development using an inverted dissecting microscope, Leica™ camera, and the video recording and editing software Camtasia.™ In stage 42 embryos, phenanthrene exposure (5 ppm, 28.5 μM) led to bradycardia with a decrease to 79% of control values at 6 hrs followed by a further reduction to 69% by 10 hrs. After 5 hrs of depuration, heart rates returned to control levels. Arrhythmia was also evident in phenanthrene‐exposed embryos. A 42% increase in interbeat variability was observed following a 10‐hr exposure to 5 ppm. These phenanthrene‐induced effects may be stage‐specific as cardiac function in stage 47 animals, with a mature morphology, and in stage 37 animals was less affected. These findings underscore the need for further characterization of the cardiotoxic effects of this common pollutant.(Supported by NH‐INBRE grant 1P20RR030360‐01)
Structural Composition of Myocardial Infarction Scar Does Not Differ Between Male and Female Middle‐Aged Rats
Authors: Bogatyryov Yevgen , Kelly Molly , Christensen Lance P. , Tomanek Robert J. , Dedkov Eduard I. 
Published: June 2021

A number of studies indicate that females have a better reparative response in earlier stages of myocardial infarction (MI) compared to males. Nevertheless, little is known concerning the sex‐related differences in a later stage of MI healing (i.e. scar formation). Accordingly, we designed our study to determine whether the composition of the scar is affected by the biological sex of post‐MI animals. A large MI was induced in 12‐month‐old male (M‐MI) and female (F‐MI) Sprague‐Dawley rats by ligation of the left coronary artery. Four weeks after the MI, rats with transmural infarctions, greater than 50% of the left ventricular free wall, were evaluated. The fractional volume of fibrillar collagen (FC), cardiac myocytes (CM), myofibroblasts (MF) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was determined in each scar. The mean scar size and thickness were comparable between F‐MI and M‐MI rats (61.3±3.9% vs. 63.8±2.5% and 0.66±0.04mm vs. 0.73±0.05mm, respectively). Although, there was a great degree of heterogeneity in spatial distribution of the analyzed structural components within each scar, their mean content showed no significant differences between F‐MI and M‐MI rats (FC: 53.3±6.6% vs. 61.6±4.5%; CM: 3.1±0.4% vs. 3.3±0.4%; MF: 9.6±1.2% vs. 9.6±1.7%; VSMC: 3.4±0.5 vs. 2.3±0.5%). Our data are the first to demonstrate that biological sex does not influence the structural composition of the MI scar in middle‐aged rats.Grant Funding Source: Internal Award from the NYCOM Office of Research (E.I. Dedkov) and NIH RO1‐HL62587 (R.J. Tomanek)
Undergraduate Dissection Techniques: Unique Views of Internal Structures
Authors: Coniglio Lacy Nichole , Saenz Zoe Marie 
Published: June 2021

Cadaver dissection is the most efficient means of disseminating anatomical knowledge, inviting anatomy educators to expand and simplify dissections in order to maximize the student experience. Undergraduates rarely have the opportunity to produce meaningful dissections of the human head and neck, prompting our group to streamline techniques and methods for head and neck dissection. Incorporation of an in class sagittal section of the head and neck, or hemi‐section, proved invaluable to students in improving their understanding of the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems (A. Koba 2010). In order to improve dissection technique and the dissemination of anatomical knowledge, coronal and sagittal sections were made by various techniques, and assessed for ease of integration and educational value. The hemi‐section was produced by the classic method and compared to a hemi‐section made by removing a supero‐lateral quadrant from the neurocranium, addressing concerns of simplicity and time management. The coronal section of the head and neck was made posterior to the foramen magnum, preserving the brain stem and provided new perspectives of intact structures. This research simplified advanced dissection techniques in a cost effective manner, engaging students in their learning.Grant Funding Source : n/a
Dissection of a female perineum: a colored anatomical model in plaster (Sciences e Pedagogie, Paris) of the middle of the 20th century
Authors: Le Floch-Prigent Patrice Pierre 
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to analyze the anatomical veracity of an anatomical model of the dissection of a female perineum, realized in plaster by the factory: “Sciences and Medecine”, in Paris, in the middle of the 20th century. It was a colored representation of a dissection which was different on each side. The teaching model belonged to the collections of the department of anatomy, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris 6ème. We determined its technics of presentation and fabrication. The sample was observed after cleaning and measuring. At least we performed photographies with a numerical camera under several angles of view. The anatomical veracity was good and this types of teaching models could be still useful in the departments of anatomy.Grant Funding Source: DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY
The Use of Medical Images in Teaching Human Anatomy
Authors: Rae Guenevere , Skelton Michele , Bevers Emma 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of medical images increases student performance in learning human anatomy. 36 undergraduate students enrolled in basic human anatomy and physiology course were recruited and divided into two groups. A pretest was given to both groups to assess knowledge base on the human skeletal system prior to beginning the study. The control group was taught the anatomy of the skeletal system by lecture using cadaveric images, models, and artistic illustrations. The experimental group was taught the same material using medical images, cadaveric images, models and artistic illustrations. The lecture time and content were standardized. The study consisted of three sessions on the following topics: the general anatomy of the human skeleton; the bone markers of the axial skeleton; the bone markers of the appendicular skeleton. Student performance was assessed via a posttest after each learning session. After conclusion of the study, a survey was given asking students to rate how well each material (cadaveric images, medical images, artistic illustrations, and models) helped them learn and enjoy the lessons. Results of the study indicate that no differences exist between group posttest scores, even though differences do exist between the student opinions of the materials’ contribution. Medical imaging appeared to lower student satisfaction in the lesson, regardless of the lack of difference between posttest scores.Grant Funding Source : N/A
The Use of 3‐D Stereoscopic and 2‐D Videos as Pre‐Lab Tool for Anatomy Dissection
Authors: Alkhalili Sereen Mahmoud , Hannon Kevin , Coppoc Gordon L 
Published: June 2021

The hypothesis was that viewing a 2‐D or 3‐D stereoscopic pre‐lab video containing interspersed instructions and short multiple‐choice questions would improve students’ ability to efficiently perform dissections and more quickly identify required structures. First‐year D.V.M. class was divided into 21 dissection teams of four students each. Teams were randomly assigned to one of three groups, A, B and C. Preparation for all groups included reading the lab manual. Video groups interacted with a 30‐minute video. All groups were allowed 45 minutes to dissect the thorax of a dog and find a list of assigned structures followed by a quiz.Preliminary results are as follows: There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the groups on the post‐dissection quiz nor on the number of structures the groups identified during the dissection period (p > 0.05).In conclusion, the first phase of this cross‐over design experiment that will include dissection of abdomen and pelvis did not support the hypothesis that video pre‐dissection laboratory preparation would lead to greater speed in identifying required anatomical structures or performance on a post‐dissection quiz. However, for aspects that might reflect on the need for laboratory teaching assistance, there was a trend that supported the hypothesis that video preparation would be superior to lab manual preparation.Grant Funding Source: School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University,