bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Accreditation Driving Our Teaching in The Right Direction?
Authors: Lufler Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

There are many approaches to teaching and learning in higher education settings, including traditional lecture, flipped classroom, and a hybrid of these learning models. Accrediting bodies are beginning to mandate active learning over passive learning environments, causing institutions to change from traditional lectures, yet there is limited evidence to support such changes. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a flipped classroom and a hybrid learning model used within a two semester Physician Assistant (PA) gross anatomy course.30 PA students (group A) experienced a flipped classroom model (students learn content on their own before class and utilize class time to apply content) and 40 PA students (group B) experienced a hybrid model (both lecture and flipped classroom techniques are used to learn content) during gross anatomy in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Quantitative data (mean exam scores, final grades, performance on exam questions) and qualitative data (course evaluations) were gathered for both models.70 students completed the course, 30 students in group A and 40 students in group B. Group B performed significantly higher than group A in the course during semester 1 (mean 94.89 and 91.27, p<0.001) and semester 2 (mean 95.08 and 90.93, p<0.001). Qualitative data showed that students prefered the hybrid learning model.Based on these preliminary results, 1st year PA students earned a higher final grade in a gross anatomy course under the hybrid learning model. Students' course evaluation comments also favored the hybrid learning over the flipped classroom model. These results will help improve and inform teaching approaches to be used in the course and help other courses adjust to accreditation standards.
Building Better Career Development Programs
Authors: Micoli Keith 
Published: June 2021

Recent reports and recommendations have drawn increasing attention to the difficulties of the job market for PhD scientists, particularly in the biomedical disciplines. Clearly, the current model fails to prepare trainees for the careers they will most likely pursue, whether or not the number of trainees is sustainable.A growing number of institutions now provide diverse training opportunities, bolstered by the NIH's establishment of the Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) Program. Now supporting 17 institutions, this program intends to change the culture of academic scientific training, and embraces the fact that most PhDs will not pursue faculty positions.This talk focuses on the program at New York University, which provides an enriched training environment aiming to expand the breadth of career development opportunities for trainees without lengthening the time spent in training. Our hypothesis is that trainees with a defined career plan will be more focused in their efforts, more satisfied with their experience, and ultimately find rewarding careers more quickly.Our program begins with career planning and exploration, develops broad professional skills, and culminates in career‐specific training and experience. We have established a rigorous evaluation model and tracking system that will determine what resources are most effective, where our trainees go after leaving NYU, and provide a deeper understanding of the needs of trainees and their ultimate employers.
Circadian Regulation of Intestinal Host‐Microbe Interactions
Authors: Hooper Lora , Yu Xiaofei , Ruhn Kelly , Stubblefield Jeremy , Green Carla , Kashiwada Masaki , Rothman Paul , Takahashi Joseph 
Published: June 2021

Twenty‐four hour cycles of day and night are a fundamental feature of life on earth. Virtually all life forms undergo physiological and behavioral changes on a ~24 hour cycle (known as a “circadian” cycle), in synchrony with the changes in natural light. Such processes are controlled by a network of transcription factors, collectively termed the “circadian clock”, which function together in individual cells, capturing light cues from the visual and nervous systems and using these cues to regulate gene expression. Despite the importance of circadian regulation for many aspects of physiology, little is known about how the circadian clock regulates immunity.We have unveiled a molecular link between the circadian clock circuitry and T cells that impacts immune interactions with the intestinal microbiota. Interleukin‐17‐producing T helper (Th17) cells are proinflammatory immune cells that regulate interactions with intestinal bacteria. We have found that the lineage specification of these cells varies diurnally and have unraveled a molecular mechanism that links Th17 cell lineage commitment to the circadian clock. We have further found that light cycle disruption elevates intestinal Th17 cell frequencies and increases susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. Our findings reveal direct circadian control of a key intestinal immune cell and show that this pathway is essential for homeostasis with the intestinal microbiota.
Genome‐Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of Estimated Fatty Acid Desaturase Activity in Serum and Adipose Tissue: Relationships with Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Marklund Matti , Gustafsson Stefan , Keildson Sarah , Morris Andrew , Ingelsson Erik , Lindgren Cecilia , Risérus Ulf 
Published: June 2021

Fatty acid desaturases (FADS) catalyze formation of mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) and have been related to insulin sensitivity (IS). FADS activities differ between tissues and are influenced by genetic factors that may affect the link to IS.The study aimed at identifying genetic variants influencing estimated FADS activity in serum cholesterol esters (CE) and adipose tissue (AT); and to evaluate if identified loci affect IS.GWAS of Δ9‐ (D9D), Δ6‐ (D6D), and Δ5‐desaturase (D5D) activities (estimated by product‐to‐precursor FA ratios analyzed by gas chromatography) in CE (n=1,453, 70% men) and AT (n=783, all men) were performed in two Swedish population‐based cohorts. Associated loci (P <5.0E‐8) were evaluated for associations with IS measured by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (n=554).Variants in one locus (FADS1) were strongly associated with D5D in CE (P=1.9E‐70) and AT (P=1.1E‐27). Variants in three loci were associated at a genome wide‐significant level with CE D6D (FADS2, P=3.0E‐67; PDXDCI, P= 4.8E‐8; and near MC4R, P=3.7E‐8) and one with AT D9D (PKDL1, P=2.2E‐19). After Bonferroni correction, one locus was significantly associated with IS (PDXDCI, P=0.030).FADS genes determined estimated FADS activity, although FA ratios in AT and CE represent FADS activities in separate tissues and are thus influenced by different genetic factors with potential effects on IS.The Wellcome Trust funded the study.
The Effects of Orange Polyphenols on Vascular and Cognitive Function
Authors: Saunders Caroline , Harkness Laura , Spencer Jeremy 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionEvidence suggests that polyphenols may beneficially influence vascular function and neurocognition. The aims of the current research was to determine the pharmacokinetics of the major polyphenols in oranges and to determine whether orange beverages, with different levels of polyphenols, can modulate vascular and cognitive function.MethodsIn men (n=6) we measured the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax) of hesperetin and naringenin following consumption of 3 different orange beverages. Subsequently we assessed flow mediated dilatation (FMD) at baseline and at 2, 5 and 7 hours in a randomized, double blind, cross over study in males with moderately raised lipids or BMI (n=37) following one of 4 treatments; water with sugar control (WSC), orange juice without pulp (OJWP), processed whole orange (PWO) or whole orange (WO). We also assessed cognitive performance at baseline and 2 and 5 hours following consumption of either the WSC or PWO.ResultsThe Cmax of hesperetin and naringenin were 0.25µm and 0.09µm respectively and the Tmax 6.8h and 6.7h. Compared to the control OJWP, PWO and WO attenuated a meal induced decrease in FMD (fig. 1). PWO attenuated a decline in subjective alertness, improved speed of processing and overall cognitive performance.imageConclusionThe effects on vascular and cognitive function correlated with the peak plasma concentration of flavonoid metabolites. The effects on cognition are likely due to changes in blood flow and improved delivery of metabolic substrates to neural tissue.These results suggest that polyphenol rich orange products can modify a biomarker associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and beneficially influence neurocognition.
INTACT β,β‐CAROTENE ‐9′,10′‐OXYGENASE 2 (BCO2) IS ESSENTIAL TO INTEGRITY OF HEPATIC MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN MICE
Authors: Wu Lei , Guo Xin , Hartson Steve , Clarke Stephen , Lucas Edralin , Smith Brenda , Lin Dingbo 
Published: June 2021

Objectiveβ,β‐carotene‐9′, 10′‐dioxygenase 2 (BCO2) is a carotenoid cleavage enzyme in the inner membrane of mitochondria. However, BCO2 is inactivated in human macula where xanthophylls are preferentially accumulated. The purpose of this study is to determine whether intact BCO2 protein impacts integrity of hepatic mitochondrial function in mice.MethodsMale BCO2 knockout (KO) and the genetic background wild type (WT) mice, at 6 weeks of age, were used. Isolated hepatic mitochondria with and/or without zeaxanthin treatments were subjected to mitochondrial proteome profiling (by LC‐MS/MS) and functional integrity assay (by the assay of coupling and electron flow). Liver tissue metabolomics was also explored.ResultsThe basal respiratory rate and the proton leak were both significantly elevated in the BCO2 KO liver, though the maximum respiratory capacity remained similar between both WT and KO mice. The oxygen consumption rate of the electron transport chain (ETC) complex IV was significantly greater in KO mice than that in the WT. The alteration was more deleterious by application of zeaxanthin in KO but not WT. Mitochondrial proteomic profiling results indicated alterations of enzymes and proteins involved in fatty acid β–oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, ETC/oxidative phosphorylation, and the metabolism of carotenoids. The global metabolic profiles of BCO2 KO liver confirmed oxidative stress and mitochondrial stress resulting from the loss of BCO2.ConclusionsThe functional and ‐omics data suggest that BCO2 contributes to normal mitochondrial function in the liver of mice.
Changes in Vertebral Morphology with Increasing Aquatic Adaptation in Crocodylomorphs
Authors: Molnar Julia , Pierce Stephanie , Hutchinson John 
Published: June 2021

The lineage leading to modern crocodylians has undergone dramatic evolutionary changes in both morphology and locomotion over the past 200 million years. Our objective was to estimate changes in osteological range of motion (RoM) and intervertebral joint (IVJ) compliance of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae with increasing aquatic adaptation in crocodylomorphs. Using 3D virtual models and morphometrics, we compared the modern crocodile Crocodylus to four extinct crocodylomorphs, Terrestrisuchus, Protosuchus, Pelagosaurus, and Metriorhynchus, which span the spectrum from fully terrestrial to fully aquatic. In Crocodylus, we also experimentally measured changes in trunk flexibility with sequential removal of osteoderms and soft tissues. Our results showed that both IVJ compliance and RoM increased with adaptation to aquatic locomotion, as expected, but this trend seems to have reversed somewhat in aquatic specialists. The IVJs of modern crocodylians had the greatest osteological RoM, but their morphometrics suggested reduced IVJ compliance, lending support to the idea that the trunks of early crocodylomorphs primarily were stabilized by their extensive osteodermal shields rather than IVJs. The most important structures for determining RoM and compliance of the trunk in Crocodylus were different in dorsoventral versus mediolateral bending, suggesting that changes in osteoderm and rib morphology over crocodylomorph evolution would have affected movements in some directions more than others.
Following Lipid Signaling in Intact Cells
Authors: Schultz Carsten 
Published: June 2021

Following lipids in cells is usually achieved by expressing fluorescently tagged lipid binding domains or proteins. A location change of these fluorescent constructs is indicative of changes in lipid concentrations. One application is based on the extremely fast switch‐off of PIP3 biosynthesis and the quantitative determination of its metabolism in intact cells. Alternatively, we look at lipid‐protein interactions by using photo‐crosslinkable lipid derivatives equipped with a clickable alkyne group. After illumination, click chemistry permits visualizing the lipids in fixed cells directly by fluorescent tagging. Alternatively, we click biotin on the crosslinked lipid‐protein conjugates and purify the latter for mass spectrometry analysis. Recently, we employed caged lipids that are crosslinkable and clickable to prevent the rapid lipid metabolism and to produce cleaner proteomic results.Caged lipids are exquisite tools for studying the effects of changes in lipid concentrations in a live cell context. Here we introduce caged sphingosine and caged lysophosphatidic acid and demonstrate some unexpected signaling functions of these lipid.Haberkant et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 52, 4033‐4038 (2013)Feng et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 53, 6720‐6723 (2014).
Relationship between Transferrin Receptor and Two Acute Phase Proteins in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Addo O.Yaw , Ashour Fayrouz , Namaste Sorrel , Sullivan Kevin , Suchdev Parminder , Mei Zuguo , Rohner Fabian , Northrop‐Clewes Christine , Flores‐Ayala Rafael , Raiten Daniel 
Published: June 2021

Transferrin receptor (TfR) is a biomarker for iron reported to be less affected by inflammation compared to ferritin. We examined the associations between two acute phase proteins (APP), α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), with TfR. A multi‐national database of 8,410 non‐pregnant women aged 15‐49 y from 6 countries (USA, Laos, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Papua New Guinea) as part of the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutrition Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project was analyzed. Elevated TfR was defined as >8.3 mg/L, elevated CRP >5 mg/L, and elevated AGP >1 g/L.Prevalence of elevated TfR was 20.0%, ranging from 5.7% in Laos to 33.8% in Cameroon. Correlations between APP and TfR ranged from 0.01 – 0.27. Based on preliminary analyses, women with elevated AGP had a higher prevalence of elevated TfR [overall prevalence odds ratio (POR) 2.0 (95%CI: 1.6–2.5), with the strongest association in Laos where the POR was 3.1(1.5–6.7). Elevated CRP was not associated with elevated TfR in any country, except USA. When modeling both AGP and CRP as predictors, the POR for elevated TfR was higher for AGP but it remained non‐significant for CRP. Inflammation, as measured by elevated AGP but not CRP, is associated with TfR in women of reproductive age and thus may overestimate the prevalence of elevated TfR. In this presentation various approaches to account for inflammation in their relationship with TfR will be presented. Funding:Gates Foundation, CDC, GAIN, NICHD.
Extracellular RNA Induces Complement Factor B in Macrophages via MyD88
Authors: Zou Lin , Xu Ganqiong , Feng Yan , Chao Wei 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveWe have recently found that complement factor B (cfB) contributes to cardiac dysfunction and mortality in a mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis. However, the upstream signaling that leads to cfB production is still poorly known. During sepsis, RNAs are released into extracellular space from host necrotic cells and from pathogens. However, the biological function of the extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) during sepsis remains largely unknown. We hypothesize that exRNAs induce cfB production through Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) signaling pathway.MethodsPolymicrobial sepsis was created by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Three mg RNase was injected i.p. 1 h before and 12 h after surgery. Complement mRNA was determined by qRT‐PCR. RNA was extracted using Trizol. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (MΦ) from WT or MyD88‐/‐ mice were stimulated with 10 μg/ml of RNA in the presence of lipofectamine for 24 h. Medium cfB was analyzed by Western blot.ResultsIn vivo, 24 h after surgery, CLP led to a significant cfB up‐regulation in the heart but had no impact on other complements tested such as C3, C4, C5. RNase administration led to a 46% reduction, suggesting that RNA may play a role in cardiac cfB production during sepsis. In vitro, there was a significant increase in cfB protein in the medium collected from WT MΦ cultures that had been treated with 10 μg/ml of spleen‐derived RNA for 24 h. Deficiency in MyD88, the adaptor for TLR7/8 (the sensor for single‐stranded RNA), almost completely blocked the cfB increase induced by exRNA.ConclusionWe demonstrate that polymicrobial infection leads to specific cardiac cfB gene expression and RNase partially reduces the increase. In vitro, exRNA induces cfB expression in MΦ through a MyD88‐dependent mechanism.
Assessing Medical Student's Perspective on Mobile Devices and Apps in an Integrated Curriculum
Authors: Harmon Derek , Burgoon Jennifer 
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTIONSince 2007, 590 million iPhones and 237 million iPads have been sold, while 85 billion mobile apps have been downloaded from Apple's iTunes store. From accessing patient medical records and CAT scans to utilizing a digital dissection guide and pharmacological references, the medical field has been at the forefront of technology utilization within practice and education. Since the fall of 2013, The Ohio State University College of Medicine has provided Apple iPads to incoming first year students. The students use the iPads to take practical examinations, watch e‐module lectures and download mobile apps they determine to be beneficial.OBJECTIVEConduct focus groups with second year medical students to assess mobile device and mobile app usage during the first two years of an integrated medical curriculum.METHODSFocus group sessions ranging from single student groups, to groups of ten students were conducted. Medical students were asked to answer seven questions and discuss their answers related to personal use of mobile devices and mobile apps.RESULTSAlthough analyses of the results are ongoing, initial indications are that medical students are highly comfortable with mobile device usage; continually use mobile apps within each medical learning block and students demand integrated educational mobile apps.CONCLUSIONSBased on the focus group responses, medical students consider interactive, intuitive and high quality educational mobile apps to be the most beneficial. Creation of mobile educational resources must be a high priority for future medical education.
Differential Regulation of CCN1 During Valve Remodeling in TGFβ isoform Activation, Collagen production through Integrin Signaling.
Authors: Ghatak Shibnath , Misra Suniti , Moreno Rodriguez Ricardo , Sugi Yukiko , Hascall Vincent , Markwald Roger 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThe failure of CCN1 null mice to form an atrioventricular (AV) septum has provided us with a unique opportunity to test mechanistic hypotheses to explain the role of CCN1 in valvular cushion development.Methods and ResultsWe tested the hypothesis that CCN1 is a secreted signaling molecule that activates integrin dependent intracellular kinases generally associated with such phenomena as cell adhesion, DNA synthesis, and/or secretion of extracellular matrix, including hyaluronan (HA). Next, we found that, CCN1 does not induce cell proliferation on its own but enhances DNA synthesis induced by other mitogens, including bFGF and PDGF, and also induced by low MW HA (LMWHA; 150 kD, and 500 kD). Further, we found that CCN1 regulates HA synthase2 and hence stimulates synthesis of HA . Further,<em style=“mso‐bidi‐font‐style: normal;”> CCN1 binding to β‐3 integrin activated p‐Erk and p‐Fak kinases that were required to increase activated MMP‐1 (collagenase), indicating that CCN1 and HA induced by CCN1 combine to activate MMP‐1 through Erk pathway. In contrast to LMWHA, CCN1 with native HA (HMWHA) induced TGFβ3, not TGFβ1, and collagen III, not collagen I, expression.ConclusionIn summary,this study provides direct evidence that endocardially secreted CCN1 can stimulate cushion development and maturation into valve leaflets and that effect of CCN1 can be influenced by HAResearch Support:2R01 HL033756‐24A2, 1R03 CA167722‐01.
The Timing of In Utero Caffeine Exposure Influences the Morphological, Functional, and Trans‐generational Effects on Adult Hearts
Authors: Wendler Christopher , Poulsen Ryan , Fang Xiefan 
Published: June 2021

It is recognized that the disruption of the intrauterine environment by nutritional or chemical factors may influence the developing fetus, resulting in long‐term adverse effects in adulthood and subsequent generations. Previously, we demonstrated that in utero caffeine exposure in mice leads to altered cardiac function and morphology in adult offspring, which is accompanied by changes in DNA methylation and cardiac gene expression. We next hypothesized that the timing of in utero caffeine exposure influences which generation is affected, either the exposed embryo (F1) or subsequent generations (F2, exposed gametes, or F3 unexposed). To test this hypothesis, we treated pregnant CD‐1 dams with 20 mg/kg of caffeine daily from E6.5‐9.5, to target DNA re‐methylation in the embryo, or from E10.5‐13.5, to target DNA de‐methylation occurring during gametogenesis. In the F1 generation, early caffeine exposure from E6.5‐9.5 increased LV internal diameter (LVID) and volume, decreased LV posterior wall (LVPW) thickness and decreased % fractional shortening (FS) at 1 year of age, which is consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy. Adult cardiac gene expression was also affected including increased Myh7 expression. For late caffeine exposure from E10.5‐13.5, no effects on cardiac morphology or function were observed at either 12 weeks or 1 year in the F1 generation. However, in the late caffeine exposed F2 generation, we observed increased LVPW thickness, decreased LV volume and increased %FS, which is consistent with concentric cardiac hypertrophy.ConclusionIn utero caffeine exposure leads to changes in adult cardiac morphology and function. The timing of caffeine exposure not only influence which generation is affected but also the cardiac phenotype.