Size and Density of Upside-Down Jellyfish, \u3ci\u3eCassiopea\u3c/i\u3e sp., and Their Impact on Benthic Fluxes in a Caribbean Lagoon

Anthropogenic disturbances may be increasing jellyfish populations globally. Epibenthic jellyfish are ideal organisms for studying this phenomenon due to their sessile lifestyle, broad geographic distribution, and prevalence in near-shore coastal environments. There are few studies, however, that have documented epibenthic jellyfish abundance and measured their impact on ecological processes in tropical ecosystems. In this study, the density and size of the upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea spp.) were measured in Codrington Lagoon, Barbuda. A sediment core incubation study, with and without Cassiopea, also was performed to determine their impact on benthic oxygen and nutrient fluxes. Densities of Cassiopea were 24–168 m−2, among the highest reported values in the literature. Under illuminated conditions, Cassiopea increased oxygen production \u3e300% compared to sediment alone, and they changed sediments from net heterotrophy to net autotrophy. Cassiopea increased benthic ammonium uptake, but reduced nitrate uptake, suggesting they can significantly alter nitrogen cycling. Future studies should quantify the abundance of Cassiopea and measure their impacts on ecosystem processes, in order to further determine how anthropogenic-related changes may be altering the function of tropical coastal ecosystems

Growth cone MKK7 mRNA targeting regulates MAP1b-dependent microtubule bundling to control neurite elongation

Local mRNA translation in neurons has been mostly studied during axon guidance and synapse formation but not during initial neurite outgrowth. We performed a genome-wide screen for neurite-enriched mRNAs and identified an mRNA that encodes mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7), a MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK) for Jun kinase (JNK). We show that MKK7 mRNA localizes to the growth cone where it has the potential to be translated. MKK7 is then specifically phosphorylated in the neurite shaft, where it is part of a MAP kinase signaling module consisting of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK), MKK7, and JNK1. This triggers Map1b phosphorylation to regulate microtubule bundling leading to neurite elongation. We propose a model in which MKK7 mRNA localization and translation in the growth cone allows for a mechanism to position JNK signaling in the neurite shaft and to specifically link it to regulation of microtubule bundling. At the same time, this uncouples activated JNK from its functions relevant to nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation

Pharmacy Student Perceptions of Teaching Award Recipients and Teaching Excellence

Objectives: To evaluate how students select 1) teaching award recipients and 2) perceive teaching excellence. Method: A convenience sample of pharmacy schools (N = 12) were identified using referrals from committee members; representatives from each school were asked to forward a survey to professional students. The 19-item online survey instrument, developed from a review of the literature, contained questions regarding demographic information (9 items), considerations and criteria when voting for a teaching award recipient, and criteria that should be considered important when voting. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were performed using SPSS v. 22.0. Results: Student respondents (N = 582) were evenly distributed across school year terms (P1 = 24%, P2 = 22%, P3 = 29%, P4 = 24%) and were representative in terms of gender (69% female) and type of school (53% private). The top-ranked characteristics considered when selecting an instructor for an award were: demonstrating compassion and caring for students (N = 131), creating an engaging classroom environment (N = 113), and being knowledgeable about the subject matter (N = 89). Criteria considered very important when selecting an instructor included: effective communication skills (N = 371), enthusiasm toward teaching and learning (N = 345), knowledgeable (N = 325), good role model/mentor (N = 306), and helps students understand how subject relates to profession (N = 304). Criteria that should be considered and were ranked as very important did not differ from initial top 5 characteristics identified. Implications: Students select teaching award recipients who are compassionate, engaging and knowledgeable. These results can help faculty understand student perceptions regarding teaching excellence. Students may need additional information regarding other criteria important for teaching excellence, such as the scholarship of teaching and learning

Evaluation of Criteria Utilized in the Recognition of Teaching Excellence Awards

Objective: To (1) identify and evaluate the evidence, process, and criteria used to select recipients of teaching awards and (2) report perceptions of best practices in selecting recipients of teaching awards. Methods: A specific sample of AACP members and pharmacy students were invited to complete an online survey regarding the process for nominating and selecting teaching award recipients as well as perceptions on best practices. Results: Most institutions (84.5%, n = 49) recognized teaching excellence. Evidence currently used to support a nomination included: nomination letters (31%) and student evaluations (31%). The most important criteria for students (N = 575) included effective communication skills (n = 371), enthusiasm (n = 345), and knowledge (n = 325). Conclusions: Demonstration of teaching excellence has focused on student evaluations of teaching and nomination letters; however, respondents believed other aspects (e.g., educational scholarship) should be included. By expanding current criteria, schools could better inform the selection process, as well as promote evidence-based teaching practices, scholarship, and innovations in education

β3 Relaxant Effect in Human Bladder Involves Cystathionine γ-Lyase-Derived Urothelial Hydrogen Sulfide

It is now well established that the urothelium does not act as a passive barrier but contributes to bladder homeostasis by releasing several signaling molecules in response to physiological and chemical stimuli. Here, we investigated the potential contribution of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway in regulating human urothelium function in β3 adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation. The relaxant effect of BRL 37344 (0.1-300 µM), a selective β3 adrenoceptor agonist, was evaluated in isolated human bladder strips in the presence or absence of the urothelium. The relaxant effect of BRL 37344 was significantly reduced by urothelium removal. The inhibition of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), but not cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), significantly reduced the BRL 37344 relaxing effect to the same extent as that given by urothelium removal, suggesting a role for CSE-derived H2S. β3 adrenoceptor stimulation in the human urothelium or in T24 urothelial cells markedly increased H2S and cAMP levels that were reverted by a blockade of CSE and β3 adrenoceptor antagonism. These findings demonstrate a key role for urothelium CSE-derived H2S in the β3 effect on the human bladder through the modulation of cAMP levels. Therefore, the study establishes the relevance of urothelial β3 adrenoceptors in the regulation of bladder tone, supporting the use of β3 agonists in patients affected by an overactive bladder

Cofilin is a cAMP effector in mediating actin cytoskeleton reorganization and steroidogenesis in mouse and human adrenocortical tumor cells

cAMP pathway plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenomas (CPA). cAMP-induced steroidogenesis is preceded by actin cytoskeleton reorganization, a process regulated by cofilin activity. In this study we investigated cofilin role in mediating cAMP effects on cell morphology and steroidogenesis in adrenocortical tumor cells. We demonstrated that forskolin induced cell rounding and strongly reduced phosphorylated (P)-cofilin/total cofilin ratio in Y1 (-52 ± 16%, p < 0.001) and human CPA cells (-53 ± 18%, p < 0.05). Cofilin silencing significantly reduced both forskolin-induced morphological changes and progesterone production (1.3-fold vs 1.8-fold in controls, p < 0.05), whereas transfection of wild-type or S3A (active), but not S3D (inactive) cofilin, potentiated forskolin effects on cell rounding and increased 3-fold progesterone synthesis with respect to control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cofilin dephosphorylation by a ROCK inhibitor potentiated forskolin-induced cell rounding and steroidogenesis (2-fold increase vs forskolin alone). Finally, we found a reduced P-cofilin/total cofilin ratio and increased cofilin expression in CPA vs endocrine inactive adenomas by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Overall, these results identified cofilin as a mediator of cAMP effects on both morphological changes and steroidogenesis in mouse and human adrenocortical tumor cells