In Vitro Analysis of the Thyroid Hormone Receptor in Mitochondrial Transcription

The central dogma theory relates how DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNAs) and then translated into proteins. Since the nucleus contains the majority of the DNA in cells, research related to transcription and translation focuses on these processes within the nucleus and cytosol; however, these processes are also taking place within the mitochondrial organelle. Mitochondria are most widely known for their essential role in producing energy for the cell, but the organelle also contains its own small, circular genome. Transcription of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) follows similar mechanisms as does transcription of nuclear DNA. During this essential process, specific mitochondrial transcription factors, such as TFAM and TFB2M, regulate the attachment of the mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) to the promoter and initiation of transcription. With a fully functioning mitochondrial RNA polymerase, transcription is properly conducted, and transcripts can be translated to protein by the mitochondrial ribosome. Mitochondrial transcription is a major regulatory process within the organelle, and determining transcription factors involved in this control point is important for understanding mitochondrial function and many diseases relating to mitochondrial dysfunction. Numerous transcription factors are found both in the nucleus as well as in the mitochondria where their function is not well understood. One such transcription factor is the thyroid hormone receptor. Previous research suggests that when the hormone triiodothyronine (T3) is present and taken up in cells, mitochondrial transcription increases. The mechanism behind the T3 stimulation of transcription is thought to be a coordinated effect by interacting with both the mitochondrial and nuclear thyroid hormone receptor. Our aim is to analyze the level of interaction that the mitochondrial thyroid hormone receptor (mt-TRalpha1) has with the mitochondrial DNA and other core mitochondrial transcription factors in the presence and absence of the T3 hormone. With this information, we further understand another component of mitochondrial transcription that could have implications in mitochondrial dysfunction and disease

Role of preovulatory estradiol in uterine and luteal function

In beef heifers, expression of estrus at fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was associated with increased preovulatory circulating concentrations of estradiol (E2) and increased pregnancy rates compared to heifers that were not detected in estrus (Richardson et al., 2016). We hypothesized that increased preovulatory concentrations of estradiol would enhance conceptus elongation in beef heifers. To test the preceding hypothesis conceptus elongation on day 16 (day 0 = GnRH-induced ovulation) was examined in Angus heifers having low (5.0 [plus or minus] 0.6; pg/mL n=6) or high (10.2 [plus or minus] 1.0 pg/mL; n=6) preovulatory concentrations of E2 on day 0 (P 0.15) between heifers in the Low E2 (2.5 [plus or minus] 0.7; 7.1 [plus or minus] 1.7 cm) and High E2 (2.3 [plus or minus] 0.5; 5.2 [plus or minus] 1.3 cm) groups, respectively. Consequently, circulating concentrations of preovulatory E2 did not affect pre-implantation conceptus elongation. Therefore, a second experiment was conducted to examine embryonic loss in heifers exposed to low (3.7 [plus or minus] 0.3 pg/mL; n=19) or high (7.0 [plus or minus] 0.4 pg/mL; n=25) preovulatory concentrations of estradiol on day 0 (GnRH-induced ovulation) between days 7 (embryo transfer) and 36 spanning a critical period for implantation. Pregnancy was monitored using circulating progesterone concentrations (days 16 to 24), pregnancy associated glycoproteins (days 22 to 36), and ultrasonography (days 30 and 36). Pregnancy rate did not differ between the Low and High E2 groups on days 22, 24, 30, or 36. A potential explanation for why there was no difference in pregnancy rate between the Low and High E2 groups, is that preovulatory estradiol in the Low E2 group was not as low as in other studies in which a difference in pregnancy rate was detected.Includes bibliographical reference

Ergonomic Modification to Pipetting to Reduce Discomfort and Muscle Strain

Objective: This study examined the effects of two ergonomic arm supports on bilateral muscle activity of the upper trapezius during pipette work on laboratory workers and university faculty and students as well as participants’ perception of productivity and discomfort. Method: A repeated measures design was conducted at each individual’s workplace. Participants (N = 7) did an 8 minute predetermined pipette task using a static ergonomic arm support, a zero gravity dynamic arm support, and no arm support, sequenced at random. Electromyography (EMG) readings of bilateral upper trapezius, as well as perceptions of discomfort and productivity were collected for each trial condition. Results: The static condition had statistically significantly lower mean EMG muscle activity than both the control and dynamic conditions on the dominant side. The static condition also had statistically significantly lower mean EMG muscle activity than the dynamic condition on the nondominant side. The difference of the means between the dominant and nondominant sides was statistically significantly lower for the static condition than both the control and the dynamic conditions. There were no statistically significant differences for peak EMG muscle activity or for perceptions of discomfort or productivity. Conclusion: It was found that the use of a static arm support for pipette work can significantly decrease mean EMG muscle activity of the upper trapezius of the dominant side compared to the dynamic arm support or control condition. The static condition also offered more symmetry of EMG muscle activity during pipette work. Occupational therapists can adapt work environments to increase the efficiency of muscle activity in the shoulders of lab scientists

Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 362) Posters: The Interaction Between Stress and Boredom and Their Relationship With Emotional Eating

Students taking Research Methods in Psychology are tasked with generating a novel research question, designing a study to answer that question, and analyzing and interpreting data within the context of their original hypotheses. These posters represent the culmination of this semester-long project

Archeota, Spring 2019

This is the Spring 2019 issue of Archeota, the official publication of SJSU SAASC. Archeota is a platform for students to contribute to the archival conversation. It is written BY students, FOR students. It provides substantive content on archival concerns and issues, and promotes career development in the field of archival studies. Archeota upholds the core values of the archival profession. It is a semiannual publication of the Student Chapter of the Society of American Archivists at the San Jose State University School of Information.https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/saasc_archeota/1009/thumbnail.jp

Are Elevated Vancomycin Serum Trough Concentrations Achieved Within the First 7 Days of Therapy Associated with Acute Kidney Injury in Children?

Background In 2008, the empiric vancomycin dosing recommendation in children at our institution was changed from 40 to 60 mg/kg per day. Subsequently, an increased incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving vancomycin was suspected. The objective of this study was to evaluate AKI in children receiving vancomycin and to determine risk factors for AKI development. Methods Medical records of patients aged 30 days through 17 years who received vancomycin for at least 72 hours between January and December 2007 (40 mg/kg per day) and January and December 2010 (60 mg/kg per day) were reviewed. Patients with cystic fibrosis, an elevated baseline serum creatinine, or without a serum creatinine concentration obtained after receipt of vancomycin were excluded. Acute kidney injury was defined using adapted pediatric RIFLE criteria as an increase in serum creatinine from baseline of 50% or more. Results Acute kidney injury occurred in 19.4% of the 859 children included, with no difference between the 2007 and 2010 periods (18.8% vs 20%, respectively; P = .636). Intensive care unit admission (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–2.94) and an initial vancomycin trough concentration ≥15 mg/L (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.21–3.92) were determined to be significantly associated with AKI. Conclusions These results suggest an initial vancomycin serum trough concentration of ≥15 mg/L and intensive care unit admission are predictors of AKI in this pediatric population

Enteric Duplication Cyst in a Patient with Suspected Milk-Protein Allergic Proctocolitis

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations that are typically discovered by routine prenatal ultrasound. These cysts can arise anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract but are most commonly found in the small intestine. Presenting symptoms vary, but often include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or distention, obstruction, or a palpable mass. CASE DESCRIPTION: An exclusively breastfed eight-month-old female presented to the children’s hospital with severe microcytic anemia (hemoglobin concentration of 3.2 g/dL). Past medical history was significant for a six-month history of emesis and intermittent hematochezia. Around two months of age, she presented to the pediatrician due to intermittent loose, bloody stools, which were attributed to milk protein-induced proctocolitis. Dairy was removed from the mother’s diet, which reportedly provided some improvement. Iron deficiency anemia was diagnosed at four months of age when hemoglobin concentration was 8 g/dL and improved to 10.6 g/dL at six months after the initiation of iron therapy. Follow-up labs at eight months revealed severe microcytic anemia and prompted admission to the children’s hospital. Notably, medical history included a prenatal ultrasound concerning for bilateral ovarian cysts. Repeated postnatal images revealed decreased size of the cysts, and they were deemed insignificant. Upon admission, the patient was pale and tachycardic, but otherwise well appearing with a soft, non-tender, non-distended abdomen, normal bowel sounds, no palpable masses or hepatosplenomegaly. Ultrasound and CT of the abdomen showed bilateral abdominal mesenteric masses favoring mesenteric cysts. Exploratory laparotomy identified a ten cm bilobed retroperitoneal cystic mass and 80 cm of mesenteric duplication at the distal jejunum and proximal ileum closely adherent to native tissues with surrounding mucosal necrosis, ulceration, and hemorrhage. The native bowel could not be salvaged so resection and jejunoileostomy were performed. Hematochezia and anemia resolved after surgical recovery. DISCUSSION: This case demonstrates hematochezia, a relatively common pediatric complaint, which was suspected to be due to milk protein allergic proctocolitis and resulted in the missed diagnosis of a congenital enteric lesion. Unlike most cases of mesenteric duplication cysts, this patient had no palpable masses or abdominal distension. These lesions were detected by prenatal ultrasound but were dismissed postnatally. Severe microcytic anemia was the only sign of the severity of her illness and the need for prompt surgical management. Anatomic abnormalities discovered prenatally should be surveilled into infancy until they are resolved, corrected, or determined to be benign. Gastrointestinal duplication cyst(s) should be included in differential diagnoses for pediatric patients with unexplained hematochezia refractory to treatment.N

Jellyfish and Fish Solve the Challenges of Turning Dynamics Similarly to Achieve High Maneuverability

Turning maneuvers by aquatic animals are essential for fundamental life functions such as finding food or mates while avoiding predation. However, turning requires resolution of a fundamental dilemma based in rotational mechanics: the force powering a turn (torque) is favored by an expanded body configuration that maximizes lever arm length, yet minimizing the resistance to a turn (the moment of inertia) is favored by a contracted body configuration. How do animals balance these opposing demands? Here, we directly measure instantaneous forces along the bodies of two animal models—the radially symmetric Aurelia aurita jellyfish, and the bilaterally symmetric Danio rerio zebrafish—to evaluate their turning dynamics. Both began turns with a small, rapid shift in body kinematics that preceded major axial rotation. Although small in absolute magnitude, the high fluid accelerations achieved by these initial motions generated powerful pressure gradients that maximized torque at the start of a turn. This pattern allows these animals to initially maximize torque production before major body curvature changes. Both animals then subsequently minimized the moment of inertia, and hence resistance to axial rotation, by body bending. This sequential solution provides insight into the advantages of re-arranging mass by bending during routine swimming turns