Laboratory-based Research Research Articles

Cell-Cell Interaction-Mediated Signaling in the Testis Induces Reproductive Dysfunction-Lesson from the Toxicant/Pharmaceutical Models.

Emerging evidence has shown that cell-cell interactions between testicular cells, in particular at the Sertoli cell-cell and Sertoli-germ cell interface, are crucial to support spermatogenesis. The unique ultrastructures that support cell-cell interactions in the testis are the basal ES (ectoplasmic specialization) and the apical ES. The basal ES is found between adjacent Sertoli cells near the basement membrane that also constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The apical ES is restrictively expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid contact site in the apical (adluminal) compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. These ultrastructures are present in both rodent and human testes, but the majority of studies found in the literature were done in rodent testes. As such, our discussion herein, unless otherwise specified, is focused on studies in testes of adult rats. Studies have shown that the testicular cell-cell interactions crucial to support spermatogenesis are mediated through distinctive signaling proteins and pathways, most notably involving FAK, Akt1/2 and Cdc42 GTPase. Thus, manipulation of some of these signaling proteins, such as FAK, through the use of phosphomimetic mutants for overexpression in Sertoli cell epithelium in vitro or in the testis in vivo, making FAK either constitutively active or inactive, we can modify the outcome of spermatogenesis. For instance, using the toxicant-induced Sertoli cell or testis injury in rats as study models, we can either block or rescue toxicant-induced infertility through overexpression of p-FAK-Y397 or p-FAK-Y407 (and their mutants), including the use of specific activator(s) of the involved signaling proteins against pAkt1/2. These findings thus illustrate that a potential therapeutic approach can be developed to manage toxicant-induced male reproductive dysfunction. In this review, we critically evaluate these recent findings, highlighting the direction for future investigations by bringing the laboratory-based research through a translation path to clinical investigations.

Potential pitfalls on the scalability of laboratory-based research for hydrothermal carbonization

The present study investigates and discusses the role of sample pretreatment and reactor design during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of agro-waste. Results highlighted the role of sample pre-drying and reactor design as key factors determining the process reaction pathways and thus products distribution and properties. Pineapple, orange and tangerine peel waste, with or without drying pretreatment, were carbonized in a 50 (not stirred) and 500 (stirred) mL batch stainless steel reactors at three different operating temperatures (180, 220, 250 °C). HTC solid residues were characterized in terms of proximate and elemental analysis and higher heating values while liquid phases were characterized in terms of pH and total organic carbon content. When comparing wet to dried samples, the former showed a significant increase of gas yield (about 20 wt%), which has grown more rapidly with increasing reaction temperature. Pre-treated samples (subjected to drying and water content reintegration before reaction) showed an almost constant hydrochar mass yield with increasing reaction temperature and higher rate of decomposition at milder temperatures when compared to corresponding wet samples. Higher reactivity of “dry” samples and constant hydrochar mass yields with temperature were related to higher degree of secondary char production via condensation and re-polymerization reactions of organics from the liquid phase. Reactor stirring also significantly influenced the HTC residues distribution, leading to greater gas production and lower hydrochar mass yields, compared to 50 mL not stirred reactor.

Adapting for sustainability: Ensuring provision of research skills development for undergraduate medical students.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced undergraduate medical students and staff to adapt and adjust to new strategies for conducting research. The aim of this study was to investigate its impact on student research opportunities across Irish and UK medical schools and how these programmes have responded, both in terms of innovation and practical solutions. A 17-item online mixed methods survey was distributed to academic staff across 31 Irish and UK medical schools. Participants were asked about (a) the effect of the pandemic on undergraduate research teaching and project opportunities, (b) measures taken to mitigate pandemic effects on these curricular elements. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise quantitative data, and free-text responses were thematically grouped. We received a 66.74% (n = 21) response rate to our survey. Over 75% of respondents stated that the availability of clinical research, lab-based research, summer research programmes and QI/clinical audit projects was negatively impacted by Covid-19. Mitigation strategies included adaptation and adjustment in design of research projects; migration to online content delivery and collaborative platforms; virtualisation of research dissemination opportunities; increased workload for staff involved in delivery of research programmes; flexibility around assessment of research-based assignments; and importance of open communication. Covid-19 has affected traditional clinical research opportunities for medical students, particularly patient-facing projects, as well as laboratory-based research options. Mitigation strategies included the introduction of time- and cost-efficient virtual data collection methods. Some of these innovations have potential for ongoing and future development, but others are short-term responsive solutions that may prove less sustainable.

Maternal and Paternal Age Effects on Male Antler Flies: A Field Experiment.

AbstractIn many species, parental age at reproduction can influence offspring performance and life span, but the direction of these effects and the traits affected vary among studies. Data on parental age effects are still scarce in noncaptive populations, especially insects, despite species such as fruit flies being models in laboratory-based aging research. We performed a biologically relevant experimental manipulation of maternal and paternal age at reproduction of antler flies (Protopiophila litigata) in the laboratory and tracked the adult life span and reproductive success of their male offspring released in the wild. Increased paternal, but not maternal, age somewhat increased sons' adult life span, while parental ages did not influence sons' mating rate or reproductive senescence. Our results indicate that while parental age effects do exist in an insect in the field, they may be beneficial in such a short-lived animal, in contrast to results from most wild vertebrates and laboratory invertebrates.

Joint engagement in the home environment is frequent, multimodal, timely, and structured.

Infants develop in a social context, surrounded by knowledgeable caregivers who scaffold learning through shared engagement with objects. However, researchers have typically examined joint engagement in structured tasks, where caregivers sit near infants and display frequent, prompt, and multimodal behaviors around the objects of infant action. Which features of joint engagement generalize to the real-world? Despite the importance of joint engagement for infant learning, critical assumptions around joint engagement in everyday interaction remain unexamined. We investigated behavioral and temporal features of joint engagement in the home environment, where objects for play abound and dyad proximity fluctuates. Infant manual actions, mother manual and verbal behaviors, and dyad proximity were coded frame-by-frame from 2-h naturalistic recordings of 13- to 23-month-old infants and their mothers (N=38). Infants experienced rich, highly structured, multimodal mother input around the objects of their actions. Specifically, joint engagement occurred within seconds of infant action and was amplified in the context of interpersonal proximity. Findings validate laboratory-based research on characteristics of joint engagement while highlighting unique properties around the role of mother-infant proximity and temporal structuring of caregiver input over extended time frames. Implications for the social contexts that support infant learning and development are discussed.

The Evolution of a Mediated Systematic Review Search Service

ABSTRACT Librarian contribution to systematic reviews and other evidence summaries is well-documented. Many libraries offer sophisticated support, including mediated search services. Tiered services are beginning to emerge, but few libraries offer fee-for-service models. This paper updates an earlier mediated search pilot delivered by the Health team at Deakin University library. The service has evolved to an expanded multi-tier model with a fee-for-service top tier. The tiers consist of online self-help and consultations through to proof-reading of searches, mediated search design and search translation. This new model was trialled and operationalised during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a time with greater researcher focus on reviews than on field or lab-based research due to lockdown restrictions. This increased demand contributed to service development. The multi-tier model provided opportunity for librarian skill development including peer upskilling and co-authorship. Recognition of librarian contribution is important in mediated searching. The multi-tier service will continue to evolve. There is currently appetite amongst researchers for fee-for-service mediated search. Deakin librarians have also been working with researchers in emerging automation and living reviews and these technologies are likely to impact future directions of the services. Growth in other disciplines may also influence service expansion.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF BRAKE FRICTION LININGS WITH FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

A comparative analysis of the performance of various brake friction linings with functional properties. Friction brake linings of the code TIIR and JSC AZ URAL produced in the Russian Federation and TRIBO produced in the Ukraine, which are widely used in the brakes of Ural vehicles, were subjected to bench tests. A comparative analysis of the performance of these materials and asbestos-free friction composites patented in Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation with functional properties of the Bastenite type, created in the basic research laboratory “Tribology” of National Polytechnic University of Armenia, was carried out. As a result of bench tests on the operational simulated operating parameters of drum brakes of dual-purpose vehicles "Ural", it was found that in terms of braking efficiency, braking efficiency loss and recoverability parameters, the material of the Bastenit-9 type provides the necessary performance and meets the requirements of the international standard SAE J 661 201211. In terms of wear resistance, the material of the Bastenit-9 type is superior to its analogues. To organize the production of friction materials of the Bastenit type in Republic of Armenia, it is proposed to conduct joint road tests with interested organizations of the Russian Federation and Republic of Armenia.

Detecting retinal cell stress and apoptosis with DARC: Progression from lab to clinic.

DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells) is a retinal imaging technology that has been developed within the last 2 decades from basic laboratory science to Phase 2 clinical trials. It uses ANX776 (fluorescently labelled Annexin A5) to identify stressed and apoptotic cells in the living eye. During its development, DARC has undergone biochemistry optimisation, scale-up and GMP manufacture and extensive preclinical evaluation. Initially tested in preclinical glaucoma and optic neuropathy models, it has also been investigated in AMD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Diabetic models, and used to assess efficacy of therapies. Progression to clinical trials has not been speedy. Intravenous ANX776 has to date been found to be safe and well-tolerated in 129 patients, including 16 from Phase 1 and 113 from Phase 2. Results on glaucoma and AMD patients have been recently published, and suggest DARC with an AI-aided algorithm can be used to predict disease activity. New analyses of DARC in GA (Geographic Atrophy) prediction are reported here. Although further studies are needed to validate these findings, it appears there is potential for the technology to be used as a biomarker. Much larger clinical studies will be needed before it can be considered as a diagnostic, although the relatively non-invasive nature of the nasal as opposed to intravenous administration would widen its acceptability in the future as a screening tool. This review describes DARC development and its progression into Phase 2 clinical trials from lab-based research. It discusses hypotheses, potential challenges, and regulatory hurdles in translating technology.

Social remembering in the digital age: Implications for virtual study, work, and social engagement

AbstractTechnology has transformed how people interact with one another. According to two recent Pew Research Center surveys (2021a; 2021b), 97 per cent of United States adults have a cell phone, 85 per cent have a smartphone, 93 per cent use the Internet, and 77 per cent have broadband Internet access at home. The Internet has opened countless doors by providing unprecedented access to information and connecting people. While we know from laboratory research that context and collaboration can influence memory, little is known about how virtual collaboration affects memory and whether in-person studies generalise to virtual contexts. In this article, we discuss the challenges, value, and broader relevance of extending laboratory-based memory research to online platforms. In doing so, we report avirtual collaborative memory paradigm, where we examine individual and social remembering in a fully online, chat-based setting, and present data from two completely virtual experiments. In Experiment 1, online participants studied a word list and, in a chatroom, recalled the words either alone (as controls) or with two other participants. Surprisingly, collaborative inhibition – the robust finding of lower recall in collaborative groups than controls – disappeared. This outcome occurred because participants who worked alone recalled less than what we see in in-person studies. In Experiment 2, where instructions were modified and an experimenter was present, individual performance improved, resulting in collaborative inhibition. We reflect on the contextualised nature of this effect in online settings, for both collaborative and individual remembering, and on the implications for the study of memory in the digital age.

Optimized method for the extraction of contaminant-free IgY antibodies from egg yolk using PEG 6000

Hens are oviparous vertebrates and produce IgY antibodies, which is the main type of immunoglobulin in the egg yolk, and high concentrations can be obtained by using a simple method that does not require sophisticated equipment and reagents. The Polyethylene Glycol 6000 method allows the removal of lipids and the precipitation of IgY in two days with an approximated purity of around 80%, however during the original protocol other contaminant proteins can be precipitated. To overcome the issue of contamination with other proteins and extraction time, we optimized the previously method described by Pauly et al. (2011) by adding some changes that improved the aforementioned problems.• Our protocol is customized by the addition of one more filtration step or one more step with PEG 6000 at 3.5% to avoid the contamination with lipids.• Additionally, the changes in the type of agitation, centrifugation and the skip of dialysis make the method more accessible for all the laboratories.• In summary, these modifications serve to enhance the purity, reduce the time for IgY extraction from egg yolk and make it more accessible for every basic research laboratory.

The Role of the Graduate Student in Inclusive Undergraduate Research Experiences

Abstract The authors present a lab-based research model that engages graduate students in undergraduate research mentorship positions that are mutually beneficial for graduate students, undergraduates, and faculty. They show how this model can be scaled up and adapted across the range of English disciplines. The authors share examples of the different types of research that they have engaged in for linguistics, literary archival studies, creative writing, and writing pedagogy. These examples illustrate how undergraduate research mentorship can prepare graduate students to teach and mentor students using effective methods in various institutional contexts.

PEMBUATAN VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) DENGAN ENZIM PAPAIN

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) has a major role for the body, including reducing fat deposits in the body, reducing the formation of blood clots, controlling free radicals in cells, lowering blood and liver cholesterol levels, increasing antioxidant reserves in cells, and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the VCO produced by the papain enzyme. This research is a laboratory-based experimental research. The research was conducted at the Aufa Royhan University pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory in Padangsidimpuan City in November – December 2021. The main ingredient used is old coconut. The results showed that the VCO had a normal color and odor. The yield of the addition of 0% papain enzyme was 21.68%, 10% papain enzyme was 22.87%, 20% papain enzyme was 34.39%. Water content with the addition of 0% papain enzyme is 0.27%, 10% papain enzyme is 0.29%, 20% papain enzyme is 0.32%. The free fatty acid content with the addition of 0% papain enzyme was 2.93%, 10% papain enzyme was 3.04%, 20% papain enzyme was 3.706%. The conclusion of this study is that based on the yield of VCO, the more papain enzymes are used, the more VCO will be obtained. Meanwhile, the water content and free fatty acid content of the resulting VCO did not meet the SNI 2008 standard.

Daya Hambat Antibakteri Ekstrak Akar Rumput Bambu (Lophatherum gracile) terhadap Bakteri Streptococcus sp Secara In Vitro

This study aimed to analyze the antibacterial activity of the root extract of the Suku Anak Dalam bamboo grass (Lophatherum gracile) against cough-causing bacteria (Streptococcus sp). The method used is laboratory-based experimental research with analytical descriptive type to test the root extract of bamboo grassroots on Streptococcus sp. Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitatively by subtracting the diameter of the inhibition zone formed from the diameter of the disc that had been soaked with Lophatherum gracile extract. The treatments used consisted of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% and positive control using amoxicillin. The results showed that at a concentration of 20%, the average inhibition zone formed was 2.03 mm, 40% concentration was 2.27 mm, 60% concentration was 2.61 mm, 80% concentration was 2.72 mm, 100% by 3.1 mm and positive control by 12 mm. In conclusion, bamboo grass root has a weak antibacterial ability and needs to be combined with other ingredients if you want to use it as cough medicine.
 Keywords: Antibacterial, Bamboo Grassroot, Cough, Anak Dalam Tribe, Streptococcus

An investigation of mechanisms underlying mouse blastocyst hatching: a ribonucleic acid sequencing study

To investigate the regulatory mechanisms and signaling molecules underlying hatching in mouse embryos. Experimental laboratory study using a mouse embryo model. University-based basic scientific research laboratory. A total of 40 B6C3F1 × B6D2F1 mouse embryos were used in this study. Frozen/thawed mouse embryos, at the 8-cell stage, were cultured invitro for 2 days. The resulting hatching and prehatching blastocysts were then used for complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library preparation and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing analysis (n = 8 for each group). Differentially expressed genes were then used for downstream functional analysis. In addition, a list of genes related to developmental progression in humans was used to identify genes that were potentially related to the hatching of human embryos. Differentially expressed genes, enriched Gene Ontology terms and canonical pathways, clustered gene networks, activated upstream regulators, and common genes between a gene list of hatching-related genes in mice and a gene list associated with developmental progression in humans. A total 275 differentially expressed genes were identified between hatching and prehatching blastocysts: 230 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that blastocyst hatching invitro is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent process that involves protein biosynthesis and organization of the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, by regulating cell motility, the RhoA signaling pathway (including Arpc2, Cfl1, Gsn, Pfn1, Tpi1, Grb2, Tmsb10, Enah, and Rnd3 genes) may be a crucial signaling pathway during hatching. We also identified a cluster of genes (Krt8, Krt7, Cldn4, and Aqp3) that exerted functional roles in cell-cell junctions and water homeostasis during hatching. Moreover, some growth factors (angiotensinogen and fibroblast growth factor 2) and endocrine factors (estrogen receptor and prolactin) were predicted to be involved in the regulation of embryo hatching. In addition, we identified 81 potential genes that are potentially involved in the hatching process in human embryos. Our analysis identified potential genes and molecular regulatory pathways involved in the blastocyst hatching process in mice; we also identified genes that may potentially regulate hatching in human embryos. Our findings enhance our knowledge of embryo development and provide useful information for further exploring the mechanisms underlying embryo hatching.

Inclusion of Older Adults Who Experience Homelessness in Laboratory-Based Audiology Research: a Feasibility Study.

The objective of this study was to recruit older adults who experience homelessness into a feasibility study on laboratory-based audiology research. Using best practices for recruiting individuals who experience homelessness into research, we aimed to recruit 25 participants over the course of six months. The protocol included hearing health history and hearing test. Individuals were also referred to services if needed and requested. Among the 11 study participants recruited, almost half of the individuals did not meet the inclusion criteria due to severe hearing loss, neurological disorders, and difficulty staying alert. We identified a few barriers to including older adults who experience homelessness in laboratory-based audiology research and discussed potential strategies. Our findings provide lessons for future audiology research on including a population of individuals who may be vulnerable to health disparity and often omitted from research.

Linking Emotion Regulation Capacity and the Frequency of Daily Stressors in Old and Very Old Age

Lifespan theories and lab-based research both suggest that the ability to downregulate negative emotions is often well preserved into old age, but becomes increasingly fragile in very old age. However, little is known about factors that may alleviate such age differences. Here, we ask whether exposure to daily stressors helps very old adults to maintain effective emotion regulation skills. We used data from 130 young-old (65-69 years, 48% women) and 59 very-old adults (83-89 years, 58% women) who watched negative emotion evoking film clips in the lab under emotion regulation instructions and also reported stress situations they experienced in everyday life (42 occasions across seven days). Initial results indicate that very-old adults were indeed less successful in regulating sadness than young-old adults, but those very-old adults who reported many daily stressful situations were as capable of emotion regulation as young-old adults. We discuss possible factors contributing to our age-differential findings.

Bringing the laboratory into the home: A protocol for remote biobehavioral data collection in pregnant women with emotion dysregulation and their infants.

Pregnant women struggling with emotion dysregulation may be more likely to engage in a wide range of health risk behaviors. This protocol describes a study on intergenerational transmission of emotion dysregulation from the third trimester of pregnancy to 18 months postpartum. Biobehavioral markers of emotion dysregulation are typically measured in laboratory settings which was prohibited by many universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe how markers of emotion dysregulation (e.g. maternal, fetal, and infant heart rate variability) are collected remotely. We detail how data collection can be augmented to reach diverse populations who may not otherwise participate in laboratory-based research.

Strategies for improving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: From active materials to CO2 emissions

Abstract The recent past witnessed rapid strides in the development of lithium-based rechargeable batteries. Here, some key technological developments in intercalation, conversion, and alloy-type anode and cathode materials are reviewed. Beyond the active electrode materials, we also discuss strategies for improving electrolytes and current collectors. An outlook with remarks on easily misleading battery characteristics reported in the literature, impending challenges, and future directions in lithium-based rechargeable batteries is provided. Lastly, the authors also emphasize the need for lab-based research at the pouch cell level with practical energy densities, in addition to discussing scalability and economic viability of different battery materials and their architectures.

Corneal dendritic cells and the subbasal nerve plexus following neurotoxic treatment with oxaliplatin or paclitaxel

Immune cell infiltration has been implicated in neurotoxic chemotherapy for cancer treatment. However, our understanding of immune processes is still incomplete and current methods of observing immune cells are time consuming or invasive. Corneal dendritic cells are potent antigen-presenting cells and can be imaged with in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Corneal dendritic cell densities and nerve parameters in patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy were investigated. Patients treated for cancer with oxaliplatin (n = 39) or paclitaxel (n = 48), 3 to 24 months prior to assessment were recruited along with 40 healthy controls. Immature (ImDC), mature (MDC) and total dendritic cell densities (TotalDC), and corneal nerve parameters were analyzed from in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy images. ImDC was increased in the oxaliplatin group (Median, Md = 22.7 cells/mm2) compared to healthy controls (Md = 10.1 cells/mm2, p = 0.001), but not in the paclitaxel group (Md = 10.6 cells/mm2). ImDC was also associated with higher oxaliplatin cumulative dose (r = 0.33, p = 0.04) and treatment cycles (r = 0.40, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in MDC between the three groups (p > 0.05). Corneal nerve parameters were reduced in both oxaliplatin and paclitaxel groups compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). There is evidence of elevation of corneal ImDC in oxaliplatin-treated patients. Further investigation is required to explore this potential link through longitudinal studies and animal or laboratory-based immunohistochemical research.

Self-deployable drag sail folded nine times

• Folding method for 9 folds of the Highly Flexible Frames and the ability to deploy. • Experiments with the HFF in the pocket reviled the need for heat treating the steel. • Uncoiling of the HFF accrued, this was redeemed with a tight pocket depth. Increased focus on space debris push regulations by the UN and thereby the demand for debris removal systems to be implemented in future spacecraft. This research focuses on debris removal of post-mission satellites in LEO using drag augmented deorbit into the earth's atmosphere. By using gossamer sails (drag sails), aerodynamic breaking can effectively be achieved in LEO up to 700 km. The presented work supplements the research performed in the H2020 project Technologies for Self-Removal of Spacecraft (TeSeR), in which the Self-Deployable Deorbiting Space Structure (SDSS) has been further developed. It is devised how to obtain a self-deployable drag sail folded nine times for use in debris removal for a 6U CubeSat, i.e. an SDSS/9. Achieving nine folds of Highly Flexible Frame (HFF) is essential to maximize the drag sail area when it is unfolded and hereby increasing drag force. The nine times folded HFF has been modeled in computer simulations and demonstrated in a lab. From lab-based research, several issues have been identified when folding the HFF nine times. Of these, two main issues are addressed in this paper, i.e. relaxation and uncoiling. When folded nine times, the von Mises stresses computed by FEM reach 1857 MPa. Combined with residual stresses, this is causing yield and relaxation in the HFF and reducing the deployability. A minimum drag sail diameter is identified for this setup, and the high-strength stainless steel should be heat treated to relieve residual stresses before folding. A side-mounted design is chosen for the configuration of the SDSS. This reduces friction during the release and deployment of the drag sail. From thorough testing, it is observed that the uncoiling of the HFF during storage in the pocket significantly reduces the deployability of the SDSS. To mitigate both radial and axial uncoiling of the HFF in the pocket, the pocket diameter and height should be designed with an exact fit to the folded diameter and height of the ideally folded HFF with the drag sail included. Based on this research, a new design of the SDSS/9 for CubeSats is devised, and preliminary testing indicates good consistencies more test is necessary to determine the reliability of the side mounted SDSS. Hence, from the research, it is concluded that SDSS/9 is a feasible solution for a low-cost add-on debris removal system. Furthermore, the side-mounted design allows integration with additional collision protection of the spacecraft.