bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel imaging of the implantation of left‐sided pacing leads within reanimated swine hearts
Authors: Eggum Julianne Hana , Iaizzo Paul 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo obtain unique images of left‐sided pacing lead implantations for the educational benefits of both physicians and medical device design engineers.MethodsWe employed Visible Heart® methodologies to obtain simultaneous videoscopic (internal and external) and flouroscopic footage of the device‐tissue interfaces during left‐sided pacing lead (Medtronic 4196 4F dual electrode lead) implantations within reanimated swine hearts. We targeted the lateral cardiac veins via delivery through the coronary sinus. We used an isolated cardiopleged heart from Yorkshire‐cross swines; the University of Minnesota's Animal Care and Use Committee approved all experimental protocols involved in this study.ResultsFigure 1 displays typical images obtained during the implantation of left‐sided leads: (1) fluoroscopic and videoscopic images of the initial cannulation of the coronary sinus; (2) fluoroscopic and fiberscopic images of the subselection of a target lateral vein; and (3) fluoroscopic, videoscopic, fiberscopic, and external images of a subsequently implanted left‐sided lead.ConclusionUsing Visible Heart ® methodologies, we were able to obtain novel footage of left‐sided lead implantations that are of educational value for students, patients, physicians, and left‐sided lead device design engineers.Research Support Source: The University of Minnesota's Institute for Engineering in Medicine and Medtronic Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)
Liver‐specific Deletion of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (PTP) 1B Improves Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Alterations Associated with Obesity in mice
Authors: Agouni Abdelali , Tual-Chalot Simon , Duluc Lucie , Martinez Carmen Maria , Mody Nimesh , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson , Delibegovic Mirela 
Published: June 2021

Obesity is tightly associated with insulin resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction. It is suggested that hepatic IR is sufficient to promote progression to cardiovascular disease. We showed recently that specific deletion of liver PTP1B (L‐PTP1B), a negative regulator of insulin receptor, improves whole body glucose and lipid homeostasis. Thus, we propose to investigate the impact of these improvements in L‐PTP1B−/− mice, on cardiovascular function in the context of diet‐induced obesity.We analyzed glucose tolerance, blood pressure, cardiac and vascular function, in L‐PTP1B−/− and control mice, fed a chow or high fat diet (HFD).Compared to control littermates, L‐PTP1B−/− mice had improved glucose and lipid homeostasis without changes in body mass. HFD feeding increased systolic blood pressure in both mouse groups; however, it was lower in L‐PTP1B−/− mice. Structure and function analysis of the left ventricle showed that HFD‐feeding decreased cardiac index in control mice, while L‐PTP1B−/− mice were fully protected. HFD feeding significantly impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine in aortas taken from control mice compared to chow diet‐fed mice, while L‐PTP1B−/− mice were protected.Altogether, these data indicate that targeting L‐PTP1B may be useful to reduce obesity‐associated cardiovascular risk in addition to diabetes.
BROADENING THE EDUCATION OF ANATOMY WITH ART
Authors: Babin Kathryn P. , Koba Alexandra M. 
Published: June 2021

A series of anatomical drawings were created in the framework of illustrating a book titled, “Art and Science of Anatomy: Special Dissections of the Head and Neck”. A survey of the undergraduate anatomy students proved the interpretation and construction of the visual material to be an effective method in improving the students comprehension, retention, and overall quality of the undergraduate anatomy education. Hand drawn illustrations are clear, beautiful, and appeal to the sense of intrigue, when shown the medical illustrations creative learners beg to know more. The drawings themselves were created in an effort to assist in teaching a regional approach to human anatomy, as well as to complement and enhance the material for both the visual right and left‐brain pre‐clinical thinkers.Grant Funding Source : GIAR, Grant in Aide of Research administered by Sigma‐Xi, The Scientific Research Society
An interactive 3D model of the cranial nerve and brainstem nuclei for enhanced learning of neuroanatomy
Authors: Pedersen Kelly Lynn , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Wilson Timothy D 
Published: June 2021

Neuroanatomy is a complex sub‐discipline of anatomy that requires abstract thinking and strong spatial reasoning. Traditional methods of learning include dissection, diagrams, and histology. This pedagogical approach requires students to formulate three‐dimensional (3D) mental images from two‐dimensional (2D) cross‐sections. Previous studies demonstrate students with lower spatial abilities have difficulty learning the anatomy of the brainstem nuclei partly due to their inability to conceptualize topography. The purpose of this study was to design and implement a 3D model of the cranial nerve and brainstem nuclei into an online learning tool that highlights their spatial relationships. The second purpose was to test the learning tool against traditional methods. This tool was compared to a classical approach using a randomized, cross‐over design. It is hypothesized that while subject to the same learning objectives, students learning with the 3D tool demonstrate enhanced knowledge of the spatial relationships of the nuclei compared to the students who learned through the classical approach. A standardized test and an open‐ended questionnaire were used to measure efficacy and student preferences. Information from this study will help guide the formation of new e‐learning tools that are becoming pervasive in anatomical sciences.Grant Funding Source: none
The Educational Value of Virtual 3D Skeletal Model Rendered from CAT Scan in Anatomy Education
Authors: Balzano Vincent Mario , Lee Lisa MJ 
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study was to evaluate the educational value of a 3D virtual model of the human skeletal system, rendered from a CAT scan of a cadaver. With the current trend of decreasing student‐instructor contact hours in basic science curricula in professional schools, ancillary resources are becoming increasingly important. As dissection of the cadaver involves a superficial to deep approach with emphasis on soft tissues, anatomy of the skeletal system is often taught using disarticulated bones or complete skeletal models which are scarce in most institutions. Limited study of skeleton also affects students’ understanding of soft tissue structures. To compensate for deficiencies, an interactive 3D virtual skeletal model of the human torso was created from a series of DICOM images of a cadaver and was made available to the first‐year dental students in a human anatomy course at The Ohio State University. Pre‐ and post‐quizzes were conducted to evaluate whether learning took place from the simple interaction with the virtual model. A survey was conducted to evaluate students’ perception of the resource with respect to its educational value and students’ preference of using such a resource in the future.Grant Funding Source: N/A
To Implement and determine the effectiveness of a multi‐modal teaching strategy in a Caribbean Medical School
Authors: singh keerti , Richardson Priscilla , Hennis Heather , Branday Joseph Michael 
Published: June 2021

Objectives1) To introduce and implement a web based multi‐modal module in Embryology based on student learning preference 2) To assess student retention of embryology using multimedia imaging approaches in short and long term.Design and methodsA plan for organising teaching strategies based on topics in embryology will be rolled out with the assistance of a curriculum specialist. These will include web‐based videos and 3‐D animations, as well as didactic and lab exercises. Students will be presented with surveys and questionnaires to assess their perception of learning strategies strengths and weaknesses. We propose to do this study for the current cohort and compare it with students in the next academic year. The course includes 6 lectures in all, three will be taught with the conventional methods and three lectures will be taught incorporating videos and animations in the lectures. Quizzes ( 20–25 mins) will be uploaded on the moodle course website on the same evening after the lecture. Each quiz will comprise with equal number of questions from lectures, slides, models and videos. Students scores will be evaluated and compared from the day of the lecture, mid term and end of term exams. Students will be asked to complete a questionnaire and give their feedback on their perceived learning. A statistical analysis of the data will be done. This will give an insight whether the multi‐modal teaching aid benefits lerners on a long term or a short term basis and finally developing a web based module for the same.ConclusionsImplementing a web‐based strategy in embryology will fulfill the faculty's education goal of utilizing technology more effectively, and align our curriculum with international best standards in medical education. Thereby impact student learning positively in both the short and long termGrant Funding Source: University of West Indies
NPM1 and APE1: nucleolar teamwork in controlling base excision DNA repair
Authors: Lirussi Lisa , Antoniali Giulia , Vascotto Carlo , DˈAmbrosio Chiara , Poletto Mattia , Romanello Milena , Marasco Daniela , Demple Bruce , Bhakat Kishor , Colombo Emanuela , Scaloni Andrea , Tell Gianluca 
Published: June 2021

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), the main abasic endonuclease in base excision repair (BER) acting on oxidative and alkylation DNA lesions, is a promising target for anticancer therapy. In nucleoli, APE1 interacts through N‐terminal lysine residues with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1). We used a reconstitution strategy to address the impact of the NPM1‐APE1 interaction on resistance to genotoxic damage. Lysine‐mutated APE1 proteins were expressed while endogenous APE1 was silenced by siRNA to address the role of APE1 acetylation during cell response to DNA damage and a NPM1 knock‐out system to determine its role in modulating APE1 in BER pathway. We demonstrated that APE1 acetylation at lysines 27, 31, 32 and 35, enhanced by genotoxic stress, inhibited binding to NPM1 and promoted re‐localization of APE1 from nucleoli to the nucleoplasm. Interestingly, NPM1 stimulated APE1 BER activity in vivo, since cells lacking NPM1 were more sensitive to bleomycin or alkylating agents and displayed impaired DNA repair. These results highlight an unexpected role for NPM1 and the nucleolus in coordinating APE1 and BER pathways, and point to acetylation at critical lysine residues for controlling subnuclear protein trafficking during DNA repair.This work is supported by grants from AIRC and FIRB.
Curcumin analogue as a novel 11βHSD1 modulator to treat glucocorticoid excess diseases
Authors: Xiao Jian , Zhang Hongyu , Wang Zhouguang , Shi Hongxue , Wu Fenzan , Lin Beibei , Li Xiaokun 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundGlucocorticoid (GC) excess is associated with metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism. 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11βHSD1) regulates intracellular GC concentration thus being a therapeutic target.MethodsA new curcumin analogue, (1E,4E)‐1,5‐bis(2‐bromophenyl)penta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐one (GL63) was synthesized, and we compared the effect of GL63 and curcumin in 11β‐HSD1 oxidase activity and reductase activity in primary rat Leydig cells, CHOP cell lines transfected human 11βHSD1 gene in vitro, and in vivo effects in GC‐excessive model: acute stress and high fat diet (HFD) model.ResultsThe IC50 of inhibiting 11βHSD1 reductase activity was 3 ± 0.2 μM and 100 nM, and the EC50 of stimulating oxidase activity was 2.04 ± 0.2 μM and 86 ± 0.2 nM by curcumin and GL63, respectively, in rat Leydig cells. Curcumin inhibited 11βHSD2 with IC50 of 13 μM for rat kidney, while GL63 did not. Oral administration of curcumin (100 to 200 mg/kg/day) or GL63 (1–4 mg/kg/day) for 3 d completely prevented the decreases of serum testosterone levels induced by restraint stress in male rats, and oral administration of curcumin (200 mg/kg/day) and GL63 (2 and 4 mg/kg/day) for 2 months improved lipid profiles induced by HFD.ConclusionA novel 11β‐HSD1 modulator, GL63, has been developed and effectively prevented GC excess diseases such as stress‐induced hypogonadism or HFD‐induced fatty liver.
Structural studies of the regulatory domain of bovine soluble guanylate cyclase
Authors: Garcin Elsa D , Rassouli-Taylor Leida 
Published: June 2021

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) converts GTP to cGMP to promote vasodilation. The β subunit contains a heme nitric oxide/oxygen‐binding (HNOX) regulatory domain, an HNOX‐associated (HNOXA) and coiled‐coil dimerization domain, and a catalytic guanylate cyclase domain. Nitric oxide (NO) binds to the heme and allosterically stimulates the cyclase activity. We aim to determine the mechanism of NO‐induced activation of sGC. Ultimately, our results will facilitate the development of novel sGC activators to treat cardiovascular diseases.We focused on two truncated constructs encompassing either the HNOX domain or both HNOX‐HNOXA domains. We used site‐directed mutagenesis to generate proteins that would be highly expressed and soluble in E. coli. From the 18 constructs generated, only 5 were expressed and soluble. Our preliminary results suggest that the HNOXA domain plays a role in proper folding of the HNOX domain and/or stability of the heme, in contrast to what was shown for bacterial HNOX homologs. Crystals of HNOX‐sGC diffracted poorly at the synchrotron, but to our knowledge, these are the first mammalian HNOX crystals. We are now working to improve the diffraction quality of these crystals.Funding: American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant and UMBC DRIF.
Whole‐genome expression patterns in LTP knockdown Arabidopsis plants
Authors: Homayoun Yasmin , Femrite Chase , Vellanoweth Robert , Gracey Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOur lab studies the aging process in plants, using the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana. Arabidopsis’ small size and rapid life cycle make it an attractive model to study plant senescence. Previous research in our laboratory suggests that as Arabidopsis undergoes the developmental transition from vegetative growth to flowering, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity that is responsible for scavenging H2
O2 is repressed and 13‐lipoxygenase (LOX) is activated. LOX catalyzes the first reaction in oxylipin‐signaling pathways, which generate a multitude of lipid signaling molecules. We specifically focus on the possibility that lipid transfer proteins may carry signals during the aging process of the plant. Lipid transfer proteins are small, basic proteins present in the plant cell wall. Other data from our lab showed an up‐regulation of two lipid transfer proteins as the plant transitions from the vegetative to flowering stage. These data suggest that oxylipins may be involved as a signal between meristems and leaves during the vegetative to flowering transition in Arabidopsis. The purpose of this study is to compare gene expression patterns of Arabidopsis in wild type and LTP RNAi knockdown mutants, in meristems and flowers during different developmental stages and determine how gene expression patterns are altered in RNAi knockdowns. Our current RNAi knockdown mutants in Arabidopsis show uncontrolled growth producing an abundant number of flowers and seeds and live six times longer than an average wild type plant. Based on our knockdown phenotypes, we predict that downregulation of these genes may play a major role in the inhibition of meristem arrest.
Identification and characterization of novel factors regulating kinesin‐1 activation and mitochondria dynamics
Authors: Cho Kyoungin , Patil Hemangi , Ferreira Paulo 
Published: June 2021

The Ran‐binding protein 2 (RanBP2) is a mosaic and pleiotropic protein, which associates in vitro and in vivo with the conventional microtubule‐based motor and kinesin‐1 isoforms, KIF5B/KIF5C. We showed previously that the kinesin‐binding domain (KBD) together with the flanking Ran‐binding domains 2 and 3 (RBD2, RBD3) of RanBP2 directly jump‐start and boost the ATPase motor activity of kinesin‐1, a motor implicated in mitochondria transport. The goal of this study is to define the roles of RBD2 and RBD3 of RanBP2 and Ran GTPase in kinesin‐1 activation in vitro and multiple biophysical parameters of mitochondria motility in live cells. We show that the activation of kinesin‐1 by RBD2‐KBDRBD3 is Ran GTPase independent; yet mutations in RBD2‐KBDRBD3 and abolishing its interaction with Ran GTPase suppress the Michaelis‐Menton and partially affect the allosteric activation phases of kinesin‐1. These effects lead to a ~20% reduction of kinesin‐1 activity (kcat). In live cells, KBD alone stimulates the motility, displacement, frequency of change in direction, motility persistence and anterograde velocity of mitochondria, whereas a mutant KBD construct has no effect. In contrast, RBD2‐KBDRBD3 of RanBP2, but not mutant constructs, suppress all these biophysical parameters of mitochondria motility. Further, there is stereochemical specificity between RBD2 and RBD3 in certain parameters of regulation of mitochondria motility. These studies uncover novel Ran GTPase‐independent functions of RBD2, RBD3 and KBD of RanBP2 in kinesin‐1 activation and regulation of mitochondria motility.NIH support GM083165 & EY019492 and RPB
A novel mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fusion
Authors: Benischke Anne-Sophie , Hemion Charles , Neutzner Melanie , Norris Kristi , Frank Stefan , Youle Richard , Karbowski Mariusz , Neutzner Albert 
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial protein quality control is one of the mechanisms that protect mitochondrial integrity. Recognition of terminally misfolded proteins is achieved through outer mitochondrial membrane‐associated degradation (OMMAD). Misfolded proteins are ubiquitinated, retrotranslocated by the AAA‐ATPase p97 and then degraded by the proteasome. OMMAD ubiquitin ligases such as MARCH5, Parkin and IBRDC2 are key proteins in the control of mitochondrial fission, mitophagy and apoptosis, respectively. We describe an ubiquitin‐ligase (RTM9) which is localized on the outer mitochondrial membrane. RTM9 consists of transmembrane domains and a RING finger domain, exposed to the cytosol. In an ubiquitination assay RTM9 shows E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. RTM9 is a novel regulator of mitochondrial fusion: while expression of wildtype RTM9 had no effect on mitochondrial morphology, expression of RTM9RING‐ resulted in the fragmentation of the mitochondrial network. In addition, RTM9 interacts with both mitofusins, Mfn1 and Mfn2, suggesting a role for RTM9 in the regulation of mitochondrial fusion.Taken together, RTM9 is a novel mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fusion potentially playing a critical role during mitochondrial quality control.
A mutant of Leishmania donovani deficient in elongating mannosylphosphoryl transferase activity
Authors: Phillips Megan R. , Turco Salvatore J. 
Published: June 2021

Leishmania parasites manipulate essential interactions with its sand fly vector and vertebrate host by expressing developmentally‐regulated forms of its surface lipophosphoglycan (LPG). LPG is a GPI‐anchored polysaccharide consisting of repeating 6Galβ1,4Manα1‐PO4 units. The number of repeat units varies depending on the stage of the life cycle: n~15 in procyclic and n~30 in metacyclic promastigotes; and n=0 in the intracellular amastigote forms.Our work focuses on the family of mannosyl‐phosphate transferases involved in LPG formation. At least two mannosylphosphoryltransferases (MPTs) have been implicated in repeat unit assembly: an “initiation” specific MPT (iMPT) which uses the LPG core as acceptor and an “elongation” specific MPT (eMPT) which uses repeat units as acceptor. We previously identified a chemical mutant of L. donovani that we showed to have only one Gal‐Man‐P unit in its LPG by being deficient in eMPT activity. We are currently examining the mutant for its potential in elucidating further molecular information regarding the critical eMPT that is essential in determining the length of the LPG phosphoglycan.The funding source for this research is NIH grant is RO1‐AI31078 awarded to Salvatore J. Turco.
Identifying Nutrition Education Deficits that Affect Food Purchasing by Low‐Income Families with Young Children
Authors: Calloway Eric Elyett , Sweitzer Sara J , Briley Margaret E , Romo Maria , McInnis Katie , Mcallaster Micheal 
Published: June 2021

Participants (n=34) were low‐income parents with preschool‐aged children, 72% Hispanic, 91% female, and 75% with total family incomes under $40,000. Parents completed questionnaires concerning knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding family food purchasing habits, and returned food‐purchasing receipts representing one month. Although 88% of parents agreed that consuming diets high in fruits, vegetables and fiber, and low in fat and added sugar can decrease risk for heart disease and diabetes, the knowledge to apply this to their food‐purchasing selections was lacking. Participants could identify foods high in added sugar, but were unable to consistently identify foods high in fat or high in fiber. Out of 98 responses, 60% (n=59) misidentified pasta, bread, or soda as being high in fat. For four items low in dietary fiber (corn flakes, white rice, red meat, and chicken), over 1/3 (n=44) of 130 responses misidentified them as high in dietary fiber and 12% (n=15) indicated “don't know.” Total family food‐expenditure devoted to fruits, vegetables, high‐fiber and low fat food items accounted for only 31% of money spent for food purchases. Though parents agreed healthy diets reduce disease risk, they lacked the knowledge to apply this to food purchasing which presents a significant public health risk and need for nutrition education in vulnerable populations. Funding provided by Little Dudes child care centers.Grant Funding Source : Little Dudes Child Care Centers
Eating behavior traits during weight loss and weight loss maintenance in premenopausal women
Authors: Zack Melissa K , Shlisky Julie D , Durward Carrie M , Nickols-Richardson Sharon M 
Published: June 2021

Changes in body weight (BW), energy intake (EI) and eating behavior (EB) during 12 wks of BW loss and 12 wks of BW loss maintenance were examined. Overweight/obese women (n=56; BMI: 29.8±2.9 kg/m2; age: 35.5±7.2 y) were randomized to 1 of 2 diet plans. BW, EI and EB were measured at wks 0, 12 and 24. In this secondary data analysis, women were grouped by baseline EB as: high restraint/disinhibition (HR/HD); high restraint/low disinhibition (HR/LD); low restraint/high disinhibition (LR/HD); low restraint/disinhibition (LR/LD). Changes in BW, EI and EB were analyzed using repeated measures MANCOVA with pairwise comparisons to detect differences between groups and over time. There was significant BW (kg) loss (p<.001), with no difference between diet groups (p=.89). Over time, energy density (kcal/g) decreased (p<.05), restraint increased (p=.05), and there were interactions between EB group and time for energy (kcal, p<.05), BW (p<.05), BMI (p<.05) and restraint (p<.05). There were differences between EB groups in energy [main effect p<.05, LR/HD>HR/HD p<.05], BW [main effect p<.01, LR/HD>LR/LD p=.01, LR/HD>HR/LD p<.05], BMI [main effect p<.01, LR/HD>LR/LD p<.01] and hunger [main effect p=.001, HR/HD>LR/LD p=.001, HR/HD>HR/LD p<.01]. The influence of EB on EI and BW should be considered during BW loss and BW loss maintenance.Funded by The Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills Inc., Minneapolis, MN.