bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Science communication activities within the taught curriculum: “Science and Society” final year research projects
Authors: Lewis David Ian 
Published: June 2021

Many Life Sciences Departments are finding it difficult to provide wet, laboratory‐based final year projects for all their students. In addition, less than 20% of their graduates go into careers in scientific research. Our aim was to develop non laboratory‐based, alternative projects where students create and deliver science activities for local school children, evaluating and reporting on this exercise as their final year research project.Students design a teaching session, suitable for either elementary or high school students. They are free to choose the format of their sessions but it has to be interactive, support and enhance the National Curriculum. Topics selected included: “Spinal cord injuries”, “Creating super humans, the ethics of performance enhancement” and “Don't Bug me!”. Pupil and teacher feedback forms the results section of their dissertations which were written up in the same format as standard laboratory‐based research projects.These projects are an excellent means of engaging young people with science, a valuable tool in developing partnerships with local schools, promoting departments or faculties and encouraging school pupils to consider careers in science. For students delivering these sessions, they encourage them to be enterprising, innovative, enable the development of key employability skills and the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
Dissecting the genetic influence of the orofacial complex
Authors: Sherwood Richard James , Duren Dana L , Subedi Janardan , Williams‐Blangero Sarah 
Published: June 2021

Disorders of the orofacial complex are among the most common congenital defects. Studies of these disorders have been confounded by a high level of genetic heterogeneity with single gene defects producing a variety of dysmorphisms or, conversely, by a variety of gene defects independently producing a similar phenotype. The identification of normal phenotypic variation, and their genetic basis, is critical to understanding the epidemiology of craniofacial anomalies.To identify the genetic architecture influencing normal orofacial variation, we examined 15 quantitative traits describing the form of the upper and lower arcades taken from whole mouth dental casts of 447 healthy participants in the Jiri Dental Study from eastern Nepal. A variance components‐based linkage analysis method (SOLAR) was used to obtain estimates of heritability and multipoint LOD scores. All traits are significantly heritable with between 18% and 55% of the variation attributable to genetic factors. A measure of palate length (urmh) has an unambiguous significant linkage to chromosome 17 with a LOD score of 3.11. Interesting signals above 2 were found for seven other traits. Supported by DE018497, NIDCR.
Loss of Galectin‐9 from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a potent indicator of malignant transformation.
Authors: Steffl Martin , Fik Zdenek , Valach Jaroslav , Smetana Karel , Chovanec Martin , Kodet Ondrej , Gabius Hans Joachim , Plzak Jan 
Published: June 2021

Galectins are potent effectors of many cell actions. However there are galectines, which are fully studied, in particular Gal‐1, Gal‐3 and Gal‐7 were acknowledged in connection to squamous cell cancer In the context of these observation we focused on the tandem‐repeat‐type galectin‐9, specifically its presence in normal squamous epithelium of the head and neck, cancer resecates and their marginal zones., Normally galectin‐9 was present in cells of the basal layer of the epithelium. If observing Galectin‐9‐negative tissues, aberrant expression of keratins 14 and 19 was found. Furthermore some of the marginal zones of tumors showed mosaic‐like expression of Galectin‐9 and aberrant expression of keratins as well. All studied specimens of squamous cell carcinoma were negative for galectin‐9. We have found no significant reactivity of tissues for biotinylated Galectin‐9 or its N‐terminal domain, however treatement with Neuraminidase generated reactivity to the N‐domain.Summary we can say, that Galectin‐9 seems to be a marker of normal epithelium and its absence in squamous carcinomas could carry an information about radicality of cancer resection during surgery.Grant Funding Source: N/A
Involvement of Disabled‐2 in early myogenesis
Authors: Chan Wood Yee , Shang Na , Mok Samuel C. , Zhao Hui 
Published: June 2021

Dab2, one of the two mammalian homologues of the Drosophila Disabled gene product, is a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancerous cells and an adaptor protein involved in various signaling pathways, endocytosis, cell adhesion, apoptosis and differentiation. In this study, we showed that Dab2 was also involved in early myogenesis using Xenopus laevis embryos and mammalian C2C12 myoblasts as in vivo and in vitro models of myogenesis, respectively. We first cloned the XDab2 long and short isoforms and mapped their phylogenetic relationships with other vertebrate Dab2. In Xenopus embryos, XDab2 was expressed in somites and co‐localized with muscle marker genes XMyoD, XPax3, XMef2c and XMyoS. Morpholino‐mediated knockdown of XDab2 expression reduced expression of these muscle marker genes. In C2C12 myoblasts, Dab2 expression was induced during myotube formation, and up‐regulation of Dab2 expression by transfection with Dab2 expression plasmids resulted in enhanced myotube formation while knockdown of Dab2 expression by miRNAs reduced myotube formation. Lentivirus‐mediated Dab2 knockdown with shRNAs also reduced myotube formation, and re‐expression of Dab2 in Dab2‐deficient C2C12 myoblasts by transfection partially restored myotube formation. In conclusion, Dab2 was involved in early myogenesis as a positive regulator.This work was supported by the one‐line budget of School of Biomedical Sciences CUHK.
Two distinct stem cells in the human small and large intestine
Authors: Chandler Julie M , Lagasse Eric 
Published: June 2021

The epithelial layer of the small and large intestine is generated via self‐renewal and differentiation of tissue‐specific stem cells. Failure of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) to respond properly to proliferation and differentiation signals can lead to the formation of cancer, almost exclusively found in the large intestine. Due to the differences found between the small and large intestine, we hypothesize that there are distinct resident stem cells in the small versus large intestine leading to the increased frequency of human colon cancer.Primary human fetal small and large intestinal cells were isolated and expanded in vitro in a unique culture system that enriches for cells having stem cell markers, as shown by flow cytometry. A three‐dimensional in vitro differentiation assay allows for the formation of organoids with architecture and cellular hierarchy similar to that found in vivo. Immunostaining and real‐time PCR indicate that both small and large intestinal stem cells maintain multipotentiality, while responding quite differently to the same exogenous proliferation and differentiation cues.Normal large ISCs may be more susceptible to transformation, leading to colon cancer in humans. Identifying differences between normal small and large ISCs may reveal differential pathway regulation leading to the disparity in cancer frequency.
Histological validation of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease imaging biomarkers
Authors: Barzee Brigham , Hansen Megan , Salin Ashley , Stone Megan , Bridgewater James , Kavafyan Talar , Steed Kevin , Stark Elena , Dong Hongwei , Toga Arthur W. , Vinters Harry V. , Wisco Jonathan J. 
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze spatial co‐localizations between amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, and iron in postmortem brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) patients. Iron is readily visible in T2* magnetic resonance images (MRI), and has been shown to be spatially correlated with Aβ plaques in AD. Neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein are also associated with AD, and Aβ plaques are also found in the walls of the vessels in CVD. If iron co‐localizes with Aβ, then the location of the iron—parenchyma vs. sulci—as seen in MRI could reveal if the disease is possibly AD or CVD, respectively. Hence, MRI could be used in the future as a tool for earlier diagnosis of either disease. We have imaged stains of iron, Aβ, and tau in hippocampus sections of 8 different brains, and we are using Adobe Photoshop and OlyVia (image analysis software) to create digital images of iron's co‐localization with Aβ and tau. While CVD samples have yet to show a clear correlation, preliminary results indicate that iron does indeed co‐localize with both Aβ and tau aggregations in AD samples.Grant Funding Source: NIH/NIA 1 R21 AG037843‐02, NIH/NCRR P41 RR013642‐12S1, Translational Research Fund (UCLA), and the McGinty Family Foundation
Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) utilizes a novel strategy for translation initiation.
Authors: Sharma Sohani Das , Goss Dixie J 
Published: June 2021

Most commonly, gene expression in uncapped RNA viruses is regulated by either an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) or cap independent translation element (CITE), which are located mostly in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of viral mRNA. BYDV, which lacks both a cap and poly(A) tail, has a CITE (called BTE) present in its 3′UTR that is essential for efficient translation initiation at the 5′ proximal AUG. The mechanism of BYDV translation initiation is not understood.Using fluorescence anisotropy and gel mobility shift assays we demonstrated that the 40S ribosome has moderate binding affinity to the 3′ UTR (Kd~600nM) and has extremely low affinity for any other parts of mRNA. The binding affinity to 3′UTR increases nearly six fold (Kd~100nM) in the presence of the eIF4F‐4B‐4A‐ATP helicase complex. In order to identify the structural elements that interact with initiation factors or ribosomes, the secondary structure of both 3′ and 5′ UTR was probed using SHAPE technique. These results identified a very stable secondary structure for both 5′and 3′ UTRs. Primer extension inhibition (toe‐printing) was used to identify the initial 43S ribosome binding site. These results suggest a novel mechanism for 43S ribosome binding to the 3′BTE followed by subsequent transfer to the 5′end.
Analysis of the Replication Proteins and Satellites of the Turnip Crinkle Virus
Authors: Zinskie Jessica Anne , Myers Kenneth , Assiri Mohammed , Baumstark Tilman , Bruist Michael 
Published: June 2021

The Turnip Crinkle Virus (TCV) is a single‐stranded, positivesense RNA plant virus that serves as a model organism for related human and animal RNA viruses, such as the West Nile, SARS‐CoV and Hepatitis C viruses. All positive‐sense RNA viruses replicate through asymmetrical replication; understanding the detailed biochemistry of this process should lead to potential drug targets for intervening in RNA viral infections.TCV provides an attractive model because satellite RNAs can accompany TCV infection. These satellite RNAs are minimal replicons that contain all cis‐acting RNA sequences required for replication. The goal of this research is to develop a model of replication of TCV satellites in the non‐host Saccharomyces cerevisiae, baker's yeast. Yeast provides numerous biochemical and genetic techniques not available in turnips.The key RNA replication proteins are p28 and p88. Their genes have been cloned into yeast shuttle vectors for expression in yeast and E. coli. The membrane binding protein, p28, has been visualized at its target membrane in yeast using fluorescence microscopy. Two natural satellites and a chimera of these two have also been cloned. The satellite constructs are bounded by self‐cleaving ribozymes that should generate active ends in vivo and in vitro for the replication system. An in vitro system for RNA recognition and eventually full replication will be established.
Exploring the substrate profile of CFTR Inhibitory Factor
Authors: Hvorecny Kelli L , Bahl Christopher D , Morisseau Christophe H , Bomberger Jennifer M , Stanton Bruce A , Hammock Bruce D , Madden Dean R 
Published: June 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the US, results in poor mucociliary clearance and increased lung colonization by opportunistic pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). Previous work has shown that the ion channel CFTR, which regulates the fluid balance at the air‐liquid interface of the lungs, is downregulated in the presence of PA, through the secretion of an epoxide hydrolase virulence factor, CFTR Inhibitory Factor (Cif). Further, the Cif protein alone elicits a decrease in apical CFTR. Studies on other epoxide hydrolases, like the human soluble epoxide hydrolase, demonstrate that these enzymes act as regulators of signaling pathways. Cif's hydrolysis activity, therefore, may function in Cif's ability to alter CFTR regulation. In order to develop a better understanding of Cif's method of action in vivo, we have delineated a hydrolysis profile for xenobiotic substrates of Cif. Our enzymatic assays indicate that Cif has clear substrate preferences in terms of enantiomeric and substituent specificity and processivity. Using X‐ray crystallography, we are also able to describe how Cif accommodates various substrates. We hypothesize that these preferences contribute to Cif's ability to disrupt normal CFTR regulation.Funding from the NIH and the CFF.
Screening for obesity genotypes from a set of established T2D associated SNPs in a Saudi population
Authors: Al‐Daghri Nasser , Albagha Omar , Alkharfy Khalid , Alokail Majed , Al‐Attas Omar , Krishnaswamy Soundararajan 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo explore for any positive association between 36 type 2 diabetes (T2D) associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and BMI in a population of Saudi subjects.MethodsStudy consisted of 72 obese and 78 control Saudi subjects. DNA samples from obese and controls subjects were genotyped for 36 T2D linked SNPs using the KASPar method. The mean BMIs corresponding to each of the individual genotypes were compared.ResultsFour of the 36 T2D related SNPs, rs10923931, rs6795735, rs11642841 and rs4430796, located in or near NOTCH2, ADAMTS9, FTO and HNF1B genes, respectively, were found to be associated with BMI even after adjusting the data for age. The allelic variants rs6795735‐C and rs4430796‐A showed significant association with BMI in both males and females even after adjusting the data for age. However, rs10923931‐T allele was associated to age adjusted BMI data only in females. Some of the 36 SNP variants were found to be significantly associated with obesity related disease markers like systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels but not with BMI.ConclusionWe identified positive association between allelic variants of 4 of the 36 T2D related SNPs and BMI in a Saudi population and the significance of which persisted even after adjusting the data for sex and age.
Electrode implantation trauma (EIT) initiates fibrosis by over‐expression of TGF‐β1 and activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in an in vitro model of cochlear implantation
Authors: Infante Esperanza Bas , Gupta Chhavi , Goldstein Bradley , Van De Water Thomas R. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe insertion of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode array can be associated with an inflammatory response that induces loss of auditory hair cells and growth of fibrotic tissue around the electrode array. From previous work we know that trauma to the cochlea induces expression of TGF‐β. We hypothesize that TGF‐β1 co‐operates with the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway to elicit fibrosis. TGF‐β is known to activate the PI3K pathway, which can stabilize β‐catenin.MethodsCochleae from 3 days rat pups were divided into: 1) Control untreated; 2) TGF‐β1; 3) TGF‐β3; 4) LY294002 (LY); 5) EIT; 6) EIT+ TGF‐β1; 7) EIT+ TGF‐β3; 8) EIT+ LY. mRNA levels of Axin2; Wnt4, Wnt5b and CTGF were measured. Confocal studies for α‐SMA), presence of stress fibers, and expression of SOX2 were carried out in organ of Corti (oC) explants and lateral wall tissues (LW) after 96h of incubation.ResultsEIT upregulated CTGF expression in oC and LW tissues. Axin2 mRNA levels were increased in oC explants treated with TGF‐β1 or 3. EIT downregulated Wnt5b expression in oC explants. Increase of SOX2 levels ocurred near the wound area and in LY treated explants. EIT induced expression of α‐SMA and actin stress fibers in oC explants. TGF‐β1 induced expression of α‐SMA. LY treatment reduced α‐SMA levels and the presence of stress fibers, however many apoptotic bodies were present in these explants.ConclusionInduction of EIT in the cochlea triggers a fibrogenic response as part of the wound healing process, in which TGF‐βs assume a key role. oC and LW cells respond differently to a mechanical trauma induced by an electrode. Our results suggest increased activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway by EIT in oC explants, exacerbated by TGF‐β1 treatment, which leads to cell growth and differentiation. Wnt pathways do not appear to participate in the fibrotic response initiated in the LW tissues.
Vitamin D deficiency in tropical country, not related to adipocyte status
Authors: Sari Dina Keumala , Al Rasyid Harun 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundLow circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum may increase risk of morbidity and mortality, especially in obese women and vitamin D deficiency are considered new markers for obesity and diabetes mellitus.ObjectiveWe investigated whether deficiency vitamin D occur in normoweight and overweight‐obese women who lived in abundant sunlight exposures area such IndonesiaDesignThis was a cross‐sectional study, we include healthy normoweight women subjects (n=41) and overweight‐obese women with no other disease subjects (n=41), we investigated by ethnicity, age, sunlight exposure, way of dressed, using sunscreen, whitening, and nutrient intake. We included other parameters such systolic and diastolic pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, fat distribution, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and calcium serum.ResultsThere are no different between two group in ethnicity, sunlight exposure, sunscreen and whitening using, and nutrient intake, but there are significant different in systolic (p=0.0012) and diastolic pressure (p=0.019), BMI (p=0.000), waist circumference (p=0.000), and fat distribution (p=0.000) between two group. Interestingly, there are no significant different in 25‐ hydroxyvitamin D (p=0.140) and calcium serum (p=0.464) between two group.ConclusionsThe results indicate that vitamin D deficiency can be found in tropical countries and there is no different between non‐obese and obese women, and it is important to decide the requirement for different population. Many factors can influenced the deficiency such vitamin D intake and lifestyle to not avoid sunlight exposure to much. This should be attention in preventing diabetes mellitus.
Profiles from assessment of amount, source, and cost of egg consumption by low‐income women inform nutrition education intervention planning
Authors: Wei Cheng‐Hsin , Lohse Barbara 
Published: June 2021

Egg intake of females (n=155; 85% 18 – 50 y; 55% white; 59% SNAP) in federally funded nutrition education was examined for amount, source and cost based on findings from 3‐day telephone diet recalls. Mean egg intake for the 81% reporting any intake was 27.6 ± 25.5 g; range: 0.2–108.6 g. Four egg intake categories were identified: egg alone (25%), egg white alone (4%), visual egg (17%), hidden egg (54%). Ranked prices (n=224) were highest for visual and hidden egg sources; visual egg consumers had most kcal (p=.005), fat (p=.001), and sodium (p=.003). Food security was not associated with price rank or other egg intake factors. Egg intake was positively associated with kcal (p<0.001), protein (p<0.001), fat (P<0.001) even when age (which was inversely associated with kcals and fat) was controlled. Eating competence (EC) was associated (P=.049) with lower consumption of visual egg dishes, which are higher in fat and kcals and cost more. Two‐step cluster analysis revealed 2 clusters differentiated by education level, SNAP participation, food security and EC. The cluster with lower income, education, food security, and eating competence consumed more eggs (P=.05) and more visual egg dishes (P=0.039); but not when kcals were controlled. Results suggest nutrition education intervention focus on transitioning egg intake from visual to whole egg sources and suggest a benefit to including EC concepts. Funded by American Egg Board.Grant Funding Source: American Egg Board
The role of the temporal environment in shaping Dominican women's food routines in New York City and the Santo Domingo, D.R.
Authors: Weisberg Pamela , Devine Carol 
Published: June 2021

In the US, foreign born individuals adopt food behaviors that are associated with higher risk of chronic disease. However, the mechanism of change in food behaviors is not well understood. The purpose of this research was to explore food behaviors in Dominican women living in New York City (NYC) and Santo Domingo (SD) in order to better understand the process of change. Qualitative interviews addressed social, cultural, environmental and personal influences on food behavior in twelve Dominican women. Study findings revealed that women constructed food routines that characterized the way in which they procured, prepared and consumed food. Household temporal environment, which is the perceived time available to procure, prepare and consume food, shaped food routines. In SD, the day was structured around the main meal, allowing for a leisurely food routine. In NYC, temporal environment varied and women developed a range of food routines including, a) maintenance of home cooked family meals, b) reliance on fast food and maintenance of family meals c) abandonment of cooking and family meals. While Latino neighborhoods may provide access to traditional foods, the temporal environment may necessitate dietary change. It is important for health professionals to consider the temporal environment when planning policies and interventions. Supported by Cornell University DNS, LALSP, GSGrant Funding Source: Cornell University DNS, LALSP, Grad School
Common fSNP variants of fourteen Bardet‐Biedl syndrome genes and adult body mass
Authors: Birk Ruth Z , Ermakov Sergey , Livshits Gregory 
Published: June 2021

Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare monogenic multi‐systemic disorder manifesting with marked obesity. Fourteen BBS genes have been identified to date and additional loci are expected. Mutations of several BBS genes were shown to affect fat cell differentiation. To date, association between common polymorphisms in all 14 genes as a group and body weight has not been tested.Study objective and methodWe investigated association between tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) of 14 BBS genes, and body weight and fat in 2462 adult women from the UK Twins study. Significant results were further tested in a confirmation sample of 2003 women from the same cohort and additionally in the GIANT consortium population (n=123,865).Results105 SNPs in 14 BBS genes were selected and tested in the first cohort for association with body weight and fat phenotypes, i.e. weight, BMI, total body fat (assessed by DEXA), total fat/height2, and total fat/weight. We used principal component (PC) derived using the latter five traits as a primary phenotype for this study. Of the 105 SNPs, 3 variants in BBS9 and BBS11 showed evidence of nominally significant association with elevated body weight and fat. However, none of the associations survived multiple‐testing correction.ConclusionThe results suggest that common variation in 14 BBS genes are unlikely to have a substantial effect on body weight and fat in the European population