bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student Use and Response to In‐House Cadaveric Dissection Videos
Authors: Vilburn Matthew J. , Simet Samantha M. 
Published: May 2022

During the initial COVID‐19 shutdown, in the spring of 2020, dissection videos were created to meet the ongoing needs of all our student populations. In total, thirty‐one dissection videos were created, corresponding to each laboratory dissection. Videos were linked to an online Interactive Dissecting Guide, which students could access through a secure network. Dissection videos were initially utilized for virtual laboratory sessions and as a supplementary resource for students. Upon the return of in‐person courses, the videos were then primarily used as supplemental resources. The purpose of this study was to retroactively determine student usage and feedback.MethodsAn anonymous survey was sent to students in the Colleges of Medicine, Allied Health, and Graduate Studies who had access to dissection videos during their gross anatomy courses. Data regarding video views was extracted from Echo360 and mapped to student populations covering the specific content at that time.ResultsInitial analysis showed that students tended to watch the videos more at the beginning of a unit and then tapered off toward the end of the unit. Additionally, videos that accompanied faculty lab demonstrations were viewed the least. Survey analysis of student feedback demonstrated that 77.6% of the respondents found the videos to be “very useful” and the remaining students ranked them as “somewhat useful.” Of the students that viewed the videos, 86.2% of them indicated that they viewed them frequently.ConclusionsStudents utilized and valued high quality dissection videos created specifically for their laboratory dissection content. Students had a tendency to utilize the videos in higher numbers at the beginning of each unit and less at the end of each unit.
Impact of team‐based virtual microscopy on student learning in histology
Authors: Potaliya Pushpa 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionHistology is a chief discipline in the basic medical science curriculum, and the practice of teaching it is based on theoretical didactic stratagem followed by practical training. Conventionally, students use to accomplish practical competence in this subject by learning optical microscopy. Nowadays, students can utilize latest information and communication technologies in the study of digital microscopic images. A virtual microscopy program was initiated at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India. In view of the fact that little pragmatic substantiation is there regarding the impact of virtual microscopy against optical microscopy on the acquisition of histology comprehension, this study was set up.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to:

Provide students with a core content resource that transcends the classroom.
To assess the students feedback and the impact of a set of measures deliberated to improve an experimental group's understanding of histology.
This study evaluate and compare overall laboratory averages and individual test scores along with a student appraisal to determine the effects of using virtual microscopy in place of optical microscopes in a large undergraduate human anatomy course.Material and MethodA pretest‐post test and cross‐over design was adopted. The students' reactions to the instructional measures were assessed by course evaluation data. In the first segment, the experiment yielded two groups in an entire census of 100 students, Group 1 performing the practical sessions with Optical Microscopy versus Group 2 performing the same sessions with Virtual Microscopy. In the second phase, the research subjects switched conditions. The prior knowledge level of all research subjects was assessed with a pretest. Knowledge acquisition was measured with a post test after each phase. Analysis of covariance was done to study the differential gain in knowledge at T1 and T2, considering the possible differences in prior knowledge at the start of the study. Quantitative assessment of students was based on laboratory quizzes.ResultBoth short and long term outcome of implementing such module will be discussed at time of conference. Along with that, discussion would emphasize on its role in the medical education system.ConclusionAlthough allowing students access to high‐quality digitized materials and boosting prerequisite skills are clearly not entirely sufficient to boost final competence. Instead, the solution may lie in making students externally accountable for their learning throughout their training. More importantly, data from assessment scores and evaluation surveys indicated that use of the virtual microscope may significantly improve student performance and learning efficiency. Procedures for successfully implementing this change shall be discussed.
A Cadaveric Analysis of Morphological Variations of Pectoral Girdle Muscles: Axillary Arch and Coexisting Pectoralis Muscle Variations
Authors: Anderson Hana , Tucker Richard P. , Weil Jennifer A. 
Published: May 2022

Muscles that demarcate the axilla function as critical landmarks of the region, therefore awareness of anatomical variations of these muscles allows more effective decision making in clinical procedures performed at a location within the axilla. One of the well‐known anatomical variations of this category is the axillary arch. The axillary arch, also referred to as Langer’s axillary arch and Achselbogen (among many other terms used in literature), is a muscular‐tendinous slip crossing the axilla anteriorly. Typically, the axillary arch originates from the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi near the base of the axilla and inserts onto the deep tendon of the pectoralis major, as well as to the coracoid process and the muscular and tendinous structures found in the upper part of the humerus. In itself the axillary arch is considered a common variant, as indicated by a recent meta‐analysis report describing its prevalence as 5.3%; however, occurrence of bilateral axillary arches as well as additional thoracic muscle variations accompanying the axillary arch are less common.In the current study we report the identification of axillary arch variations in 4 out of 48 donors (8.3%) in the ethnically diverse whole‐body donation population in Northern California in 2020 and 2021. Two cases were accompanied with additional pectoral muscle variations. In one, bilateral axillary arches and a left pectoralis quartus were present. In this individual the proximal ends of the left axillary arch and pectoralis quartus formed a common aponeurosis and inserted onto the deep tendon of the pectoralis major. In the other, two supernumerary fascicles deep to the pectoralis major on both sides and a right axillary arch were present. The pectoral fascicles originated from the surface of the ribs and joined to the deep surface of the pectoralis major. The right axillary arch separately inserted onto the deep tendon of the pectoralis major.Embryologically, the two pectoral girdle muscles associated with the variations described above (pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi) originate from the ventrolateral lip of the dermomyotome and develop through the “In‐Out” mechanism; that is, their myogenic precursors first migrate into the forelimb bud, but then return to the thorax to form these muscles. This complex migration pattern of the precursors would increase the likelihood of accessory muscles arising in this region. Since the axillary arch and pectoralis quartus in humans are considered as vestigial remnants of the panniculus carnosus (cutaneous skeletal muscle sheets found in many mammals and some primates), the migrating precursors may occasionally reactivate a limited fraction of the panniculus carnosus developmental program, leading to the development of the accessory muscles.
Gentiopicroside ameliorates acute inflammatory kidney injury in a mouse model induced by LPS through hampering NF‐κB, AP‐1 and IRF3 pathways
Authors: Shareef Saja M. , Kathem Sarmed H. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most critical care conditions with various etiologies and high mortality. LPS induces AKI by activation of renal inflammatory cascade, promotes the release of numerous pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and ultimately results in kidney damage. Gentiopicroside, a natural secoiridoid glycoside extracted from Gentiana lutea with gastroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, the renoprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects of gentiopicroside were investigated in a mouse model of LPS‐induced acute kidney injury.MethodAKI induced in mice by LPS 10mg/kg/day intraperitoneally and euthanized 24 hrs later. Mice in the treatment groups received either 40mg or 80mg/kg/day of oral gentiopicroside for 5 consecutive days prior to LPS injection.ResultsThe renoprotective effect of gentiopicroside (40mg/kg/day) resulted from the significant reduction of kidney injury marker (KIM‐1) mRNA expression level in kidney tissue (5.23±1.06 vs. 25.46±2.32) compared to nontreated mice. An interested dose dependent renoprotective effect observed with further significant reduction of KIM‐1 mRNA level when 80mg/kg/day were used (2.42±0.65 vs. 25.46±2.32) compared to nontreated mice. Pretreatment with Gentiopicroside 40 and 80 mg/kg/day revealed strong and dose dependent anti‐inflammatory effect as observed from the significant attenuation of the inflammatory markers IL‐1β (21.66±2.17 and 7.13±1.50 vs. 49.08±5.23) and iNOS (9.73±1.85 and 3.98±1.44 vs. 40.87±5.59) mRNA expression levels in kidney tissue compared to nontreated mice. Further investigation of the upstream mediators revealed that gentiopicroside exerted strong hampering effects on NF‐κB (0.42±0.07 and 0.21±0.12 vs. 7.66±1.39), AP‐1 (1.59±0.60 and 0.71±0.21 vs. 15.27±1.66) and IRF3 (4.89±0.76 and 4.16±1.015 vs. 19.21±3.06) mRNA expression level in kidney tissue compared to nontreated mice significantly.ConclusionThis study clearly revealed that gentiopicroside exerted a dose dependent anti‐inflammatory and kidney protective effects in LPS‐induced acute kidney injury. The observed effects were resulted through hampering of NF‐κB, AP‐1 and IRF3 pathways.
Surface Mapping and Functional Interactions of GPx4, a Cytoprotective Peripheral Membrane Protein
Authors: Labrecque Courtney L. , Nolan Aubree L. , Fuglestad Brian L. 
Published: May 2022

The study of peripheral membrane proteins (PMPs) has long been fraught with difficulty due to the need for reliable and robust membrane models. Many PMPs are soluble in an inactive state and recruited to the membrane to perform their respective function. This is the source of difficulty: the small size of the proteins and their inherent dynamic interactions with membranes and specific lipids make them incredibly challenging to characterize using X‐ray crystallography or cryo‐EM. Using protein NMR and better optimized membrane mimics, a robust study of PMPs may proceed.Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) is a PMP with the unique function of protection of membranes from lipid hydroperoxidation. This enzyme prevents cell death from ferroptosis by engaging the membrane and reducing lipid hydroperoxides. GPx4 has emerged as a high‐profile therapeutic target due to the ability of inhibitors to leverage ferroptosis against certain types of cancer cells.We utilize a wide variety of membrane models and native substrates to map the binding interaction of the GPx4 with the membrane and substrate lipids. Electrostatic interactions of the cationic patch are also found to be important in the moonlighting function of GPx4 as a cross‐linker of DNA‐bound protamines. Finally, our experimentally determined membrane interface using DPC micelles to formulate and confirm a novel DLPC:DPC reverse micelle system that can act as a membrane model for future PMP studies. The novel DLPC:DPC formulation is the first step in developing reverse micelles as more biologically accurate membrane models that can be tuned depending on membrane chemistry.
HuR Mediates Thermogenic Metabolism in Brown Adipose Tissue Through Control of Sarco‐Endoplasmic Calcium Cycling
Authors: Guarnieri Adrienne R. , Anthony Sarah , Tranter Michael 
Published: May 2022

Obesity is classified by the World Health Organization as one of eight principle causes of preventable chronic disease and is directly associated with decreased life expectancy due to increased risk of associated comorbidities. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenically active, endocrine organ regulating both glucose homeostasis and heat production, and the ability to induce BAT‐mediated energy expending represents a potential therapeutic avenue to reduce obesity.We recently showed that the RNA‐binding protein HuR (Human antigen R) plays a functional role in BAT‐mediated thermogenic metabolism. RNA sequencing analysis from mice with an adipocyte‐specific deletion of HuR (Adipo‐HuR‐/‐) revealed a BAT‐specific decrease in the expression of many genes responsible for sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum (SER) calcium cycling, including SERCA1a, RyR1, RyR2, and additional RyR complex proteins such as triadin, junctin, and CASR. Canonical thermogenesis in BAT occurs through uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). However, several UCP1‐independent energy expending cycles, including intracellular calcium transport, have also been shown to regulate thermogenesis. SER calcium cycling has recently been established as a thermogenic mechanism in beige adipose tissue, but its functional contributions to thermogenesis in BAT have not yet been fully elucidated.To determine if the HuR‐dependent changes in SER calcium cycles manifest as a functional change in SER loading/cycling in BAT, we show that decreased cytosolic intracellular calcium levels in BAT isolated from Adipo‐HuR‐/‐mice. Additionally, we show that HuR is activated acutely downstream of beta‐adrenergic stimulation in BAT, and deletion of HuR blunts adrenergic‐induced increases in intracellular calcium. Furthermore, HuR directly binds RyR2 mRNA in brown adipocytes and regulates RyR2 expression through RNA stabilization. Taken together, this growing body of work suggests an important role for HuR in mediating thermogenesis through modulation of SER calcium cycling in brown adipose tissue.
Locomotor Training Enhances Respiratory Plasticity in a Pre‐clinical Model of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Schardien Kayla A. , Randelman Margo L. , Fortino Tara A. , Wilkinson Tucker , Capello Tyler , Cusimano Marissa A. , Hall Adam A. , Zholudeva Lyandysha V. , Bezdudnaya Tatiana , Lane Michael A. 
Published: May 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and irreversible injury that impacts thousands of people each year. Most injuries occur at cervical levels, compromising the phrenic motor network, resulting in life‐threatening respiratory deficits. While there is mounting clinical and pre‐clinical evidence for spontaneous plasticity, it is limited, and life‐threatening deficits persist. One strategy for therapeutically enhancing plasticity is the use of activity‐based therapies, such as respiratory and locomotor training. Clinical studies using treadmill training have shown improved respiratory function for individuals with SCI. Therefore, the present work reverse translates these promising clinical findings back to animal models of mid‐cervical SCI to assess the effects of treadmill training on anatomical and functional respiratory plasticity after injury.Adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats (~200g) received a lateralized C3/4 contusive injury. One week post injury, the animals were blindly divided into two groups: untrained or treadmill trained (30 min, once a day, 5 days a week) for 4 weeks. Breathing behavior was measured each week using whole‐body plethysmography. After training completion, all animals were anatomically traced with retrograde and transsynaptic pseudorabies virus (PRV) to the left hemidiaphragm to label the phrenic motor network, ipsilateral to injury. Three days later, animals were anesthetized and diaphragm electromyography (dEMG) was performed to observe ipsilateral diaphragm deficits and respiratory recovery, and animals were perfused for histology. Immunohistological assessment was used to quantify interneuronal connectivity and density of descending serotonergic input to the phrenic motor network. Preliminary data demonstrated increased interneuronal connectivity with injured phrenic motor network, and increased serotonergic input to spinal networks caudal to injury. Electrophysiological assessment of diaphragm function revealed increased diaphragm activity ipsilateral to injury, after 4 weeks of training. Ongoing analyses will further elucidate the therapeutic effects of locomotor training for improving breathing post‐SCI.
Targeted Nanoparticles to Mitigate Radiation‐Induced Blood‐Brain Barrier Disruption and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lindsey Nathanial R. , Witwatchaitawee Kanawat , Leng Linette , Salem Aliasger , Grumbach Isabella M. , Ait‐Aissa Karima 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundUp to 90% of brain cancer survivors develop radiation‐induced cognitive dysfunction following treatment. Damage to neurovascular endothelium contributes to cognitive decline through increased blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability. In our preliminary studies of endothelial cells (ECs) and mice, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), inducing heightened mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and release as cell‐free DNA are detected following irradiation (IR). This cell‐free mtDNA is known to activate Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9), triggering an immune response and further ROS. These endothelial responses are prevented with TLR9 inhibition and mtROS scavenging, suggesting a key role for TLR9 in sustained IR‐induced endothelial damage and dysfunction.Here, we posit that specific inhibition of TLR9 in cerebral ECs during radiation treatment will prevent subsequent BBB permeability and cognitive decline. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the role of TLR9 in IR‐induced cognitive decline using TLR‐specific loaded nanoparticles (NP).Methods and ResultsTo target TLR9 in irradiated ECs, poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐based NP coated with cyclic Arg‐Gly‐Asp (cRGD)‐peptide were designed and loaded with TLR9 inhibitor (ODN‐2088, 2.23ug/mg particle). cRGD‐peptide is a ligand for integrin αvβ3, which is highly expressed in ECs post‐IR. cRGD‐NP loaded with coumarin‐6 were used to first evaluate specificity in vitro and in vivo. ECs 24h post‐IR (4 Gy) displayed higher fluorescence than non‐IR, indicating selective uptake. Moreover, in C57Bl6 mice 24h post unilateral cerebral IR (12Gy) with cRGD‐NP, uptake accumulated in endothelium of the IR hemisphere.Mice were administered NP‐ODN‐2088 or empty NP (3mg injection) and subjected to IR as described above. 30 days post‐IR, they were tested for memory and learning ability using the Novel Object Recognition test. IR induced a significant impairment in the memory ability of empty NP treated mice compared to NP‐ODN‐2088. BBB permeability was analyzed in the same mice 30 days post‐IR with immunohistochemistry using anti‐mouse IgG. Significant BBB permeability was detected in the IR hemisphere of empty NP mice compared to the non‐IR hemisphere. However, the IR hemisphere of NP‐ODN‐2088 mice showed attenuated permeability compared to empty NP treated mice.ConclusionInhibition of TLR9 in irradiated ECs was observed to protect against BBB disruption and cognitive decline. These data support a pathway of radiation‐induced endotheliopathy through which TLR9 activation links vascular mitochondrial injury to neuropathology. Currently there are no pharmacological options for treating radiation‐induced normal tissue injury and targeting TLR9 poses a promising strategy.
The Effect of Pregnancy Status on Rat Main Uterine Artery and Radial Uterine Artery Structure and Function
Authors: Dunlap Jazmin N. , Wagner Katherine L. , Gusek Brikena , Jones Carleton (. , Eckman Delrae M. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundHealthy pregnancy is associated with remodeling of the maternal uterine vasculature to meet the metabolic demands of the developing fetus. In contrast to the systemic circulation during pregnancy, it has been suggested that pregnancy decreases radial uterine artery (RUA) distensibility, potentially persisting throughout the postpartum period. The intent of this study is to compare RUA and main uterine artery (MUA) during late pregnancy and the postpartum period to determine whether pregnancy‐related changes in distensibility is similar in both large and small uterine vessels.MethodsMUAs and RUAs from NP (n=7‐9), LP (gestational age: 21±1 d, n=6‐8), and 30±1 days postpartum (PP30; n=4‐6) Sprague‐Dawley rats were isolated, cleaned of connective tissue, cut into 8mm segments, and cannulated in an arteriograph chamber to assess vascular reactivity to the addition of 60 mM KCl and phenylephrine (PE, 1 µM). In addition, passive mechanical properties such as lumen diameter, wall thickness, distensibility and arterial stress/strain were assessed at intraluminal pressures ranging from 10mm Hg to 140mm Hg. Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA or two‐way ANOVA. Data were considered significant at P<0.05.ResultsK+‐ induced constriction was similar in RUAs and MUAs from NP, LP, and PP30 rats. PE‐induced constrictions were similar at all pregnancy states in RUAs. In contrast, PE‐induced constriction in LP MUA was greater than NP MUA (P<0.05) and PP30 MUA (P<0.01). Passive LP RUA lumen diameter was greater than PP30 RUA (P<0.05) and trended toward significance in NP RUA (P<0.07). Passive NP MUA lumen diameters were smaller than MUA diameters from LP (P<0.05) and PP30 (P<0.05) rats. There was no difference in arterial wall thickness between NP, LP and PP30 MUAs (P=NS) and NP, LP and PP30 RUAs (P=NS). Distensibility in NP RUA was greater than PP30 RUAs (P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference in distensibility between LP RUA and PP30 RUAs. There was no difference in distensibility in MUAs at all pregnancy states. Stress/strain relationships unmasked vascular remodeling in both RUAs and MUAs. There was a significantly greater leftward shift in stress/strain values in RUAs from PP30 rats than RUAs from LP (P<0.05) and NP (P<0.05) rats. Furthermore, stress/strain values from LP RUAs were different than RUAs from PP30 (P<0.05) and NP (P<0.05) animals. Similar to RUA, the leftward shift in stress/strain values from PP30 MUA were statistically greater than MUA from LP and NP animals.ConclusionsThese preliminary data suggest that significant vascular remodeling occurs with pregnancy which persists 30 days post parturition. Additional studies need to be completed to determine how multiple pregnancies may alter RUA and MUA structure and function.