The Emergence of Behavioral Testing of Fishes to Measure Toxicological Effects

Janie S. Brooks 한국독성학회 2009 Toxicological Research Vol.25 No.1

Historically, research in toxicology has utilized non-human mammalian species, particularly rats and mice, to study in vivo the effects of toxic exposure on physiology and behavior. However, ethical considerations and the overwhelming increase in the number of chemicals to be screened has led to a shift away from in vivo work. The decline in in vivo experimentation has been accompanied by an increase in alternative methods for detecting and predicting detrimental effects: in vitro experimentation and in silico modeling. Yet, these new methodologies can not replace the need for in vivo work on animal physiology and behavior. The development of new, non-mammalian model systems shows great promise in restoring our ability to use behavioral endpoints in toxicological testing. Of these systems, the zebrafish, Danio rerio, is the model organism for which we are accumulating enough knowledge in vivo, in vitro, and in silico to enable us to develop a comprehensive, highthroughput toxicology screening system.

ECOTOURISM AND ITS ECONOMIC LINKAGES TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Janie Liew-Tsonis 세계문화관광학회 2007 Conference Proceedings Vol.8 No.0

The debate over environmental protection is often about the balance between leaving areas in their natural state or exploiting them for economic development. This choice is often fraught with tension. A conservation strategy of growing importance and popularity is, no doubt, ecotourism. The ever increasing debate of involving local communities in the conservation of natural resources is an urgent and critical task. Ecotourism in its original concept is about environmentally responsible travel to and visitation of relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature and any accompanying features, both past and present that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1992). The term ecotourism is now being used beyond its original conception. This paper will address the question: Is it (eco) tourism for the sake of conservation or is it conservation for the sake of (eco) tourism? Different approaches to the valuation of goods and services can lead to an inconsistent reporting of outcomes. The trouble lies in the different approaches to the valuation of goods and services by the three fundamental stakeholders within the tourism industry; policy makers (Government direction and guidelines), industry (in the business of making money) and the local community (the victims or the beneficiaries?). In tourism ventures within protected areas, economic success and environmental impact are often negatively associated; therefore, protected area managers and tour operators must find a balance between the interest for nature and the impact of outside influence to these natural areas.

Impact of Surveillance Mammography Intervals Less Than One Year on Performance Measures in Women With a Personal History of Breast Cancer

Lee Janie M.,Ichikawa Laura E.,Wernli Karen J.,Bowles Erin J. A.,Specht Jennifer M.,Kerlikowske Karla,Miglioretti Diana L.,Lowry Kathryn P.,Tosteson Anna N. A.,Stout Natasha K.,Houssami Nehmat,Onega T 대한영상의학회 2023 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.24 No.8

Objective: When multiple surveillance mammograms are performed within an annual interval, the current guidance for oneyear follow-up to determine breast cancer status results in shared follow-up periods in which a single breast cancer diagnosis can be attributed to multiple preceding examinations, posing a challenge for standardized performance assessment. We assessed the impact of using follow-up periods that eliminate the artifactual inflation of second breast cancer diagnoses. Materials and Methods: We evaluated surveillance mammograms from 2007–2016 in women with treated breast cancer linked with tumor registry and pathology outcomes. Second breast cancers included ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer diagnosed during one-year follow-up. The cancer detection rate, interval cancer rate, sensitivity, and specificity were compared using different follow-up periods: standard one-year follow-up per the American College of Radiology versus follow-up that was shortened at the next surveillance mammogram if less than one year (truncated follow-up). Performance measures were calculated overall and by indication (screening, evaluation for breast problem, and short interval follow-up). Results: Of 117971 surveillance mammograms, 20% (n = 23533) were followed by another surveillance mammogram within one year. Standard follow-up identified 1597 mammograms that were associated with second breast cancers. With truncated follow-up, the breast cancer status of 179 mammograms (11.2%) was revised, resulting in 1418 mammograms associated with unique second breast cancers. The interval cancer rate decreased with truncated versus standard follow-up (3.6 versus 4.9 per 1000 mammograms, respectively), with a difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of -1.3 (-1.6, -1.1). The overall sensitivity increased to 70.4% from 63.7%, for the truncated versus standard follow-up, with a difference (95% CI) of 6.6% (5.6%, 7.7%). The specificity remained stable at 98.1%. Conclusion: Truncated follow-up, if less than one year to the next surveillance mammogram, enabled second breast cancers to be associated with a single preceding mammogram and resulted in more accurate estimates of diagnostic performance for national benchmarks.

The Emergence of Behavioral Testing of Fishes to Measure Toxicological Effects

Brooks, Janie S. Korean Society of ToxicologyKorea Environmental Mu 2009 Toxicological Research Vol.26 No.1

Historically, research in toxicology has utilized non-human mammalian species, particularly rats and mice, to study in vivo the effects of toxic exposure on physiology and behavior. However, ethical considerations and the overwhelming increase in the number of chemicals to be screened has led to a shift away from in vivo work. The decline in in vivo experimentation has been accompanied by an increase in alternative methods for detecting and predicting detrimental effects: in vitro experimentation and in silico modeling. Yet, these new methodologies can not replace the need for in vivo work on animal physiology and behavior. The development of new, non-mammalian model systems shows great promise in restoring our ability to use behavioral endpoints in toxicological testing. Of these systems, the zebrafish, Danio rerio, is the model organism for which we are accumulating enough knowledge in vivo, in vitro, and in silico to enable us to develop a comprehensive, high-throughput toxicology screening system.

Barriers to participation in a worksite wellness program

Ashley Lynne Person,Sarah Elizabeth Colby,Jessica Ann Bulova,Janie Whitehurst Eubanks 한국영양학회 2010 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.4 No.2

The purpose of this research was to determine barriers that prevent participation in an employee wellness program, Wellness Wednesdays: “Eat & Meet” About Healthy Living, conducted at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina. All ECU ARAMARK employees (n = 481) over the age of 18 were eligible to participate in the wellness program. Weekly 30 minute classes, taught by a Registered Dietitian, on various nutrition- and health-related topics were conducted for 10-weeks. Five question knowledge quizzes were administered to participants at the end of each class to determine the comprehension of material presented. Qualitative interviews (n = 19) were conducted with employees (participants and non-participants) and the program organizer after the completion of the 10-week program to identify barriers to program participation. A total of 50 (10.4% of the total number of potential participants) ECU ARAMARK employees, managers, and leadership team directors attended Wellness Wednesdays at least once during the 10-week program. Employees, on average, scored 71-100% on the weekly knowledge quizzes administered at the end of each class. The most common barriers to participation reported included (most often to least often reported): insufficient incentives, inconvenient locations, time limitations, not interested in topics presented, undefined reasons, schedule, marketing, health beliefs, and not interested in the program. Results showed that employee wellness programs can be effective in increasing knowledge of employees on nutrition- and health-related topics. However, program planning that addresses identified barriers including insufficient incentives, inconvenient locations, and time limitations may facilitate higher participation in future worksite wellness opportunities.

Barriers to participation in a worksite wellness program

Person, Ashley Lynne,Colby, Sarah Elizabeth,Bulova, Jessica Ann,Eubanks, Janie Whitehurst The Korean Nutrition Society 2010 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.5 No.6

The purpose of this research was to determine barriers that prevent participation in an employee wellness program, Wellness Wednesdays: "Eat & Meet" About Healthy Living, conducted at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina. All ECU ARAMARK employees (n = 481) over the age of 18 were eligible to participate in the wellness program. Weekly 30 minute classes, taught by a Registered Dietitian, on various nutrition- and health-related topics were conducted for 10-weeks. Five question knowledge quizzes were administered to participants at the end of each class to determine the comprehension of material presented. Qualitative interviews (n = 19) were conducted with employees (participants and non-participants) and the program organizer after the completion of the 10-week program to identify barriers to program participation. A total of 50 (10.4% of the total number of potential participants) ECU ARAMARK employees, managers, and leadership team directors attended Wellness Wednesdays at least once during the 10-week program. Employees, on average, scored 71-100% on the weekly knowledge quizzes administered at the end of each class. The most common barriers to participation reported included (most often to least often reported): insufficient incentives, inconvenient locations, time limitations, not interested in topics presented, undefined reasons, schedule, marketing, health beliefs, and not interested in the program. Results showed that employee wellness programs can be effective in increasing knowledge of employees on nutrition- and health-related topics. However, program planning that addresses identified barriers including insufficient incentives, inconvenient locations, and time limitations may facilitate higher participation in future worksite wellness opportunities.

ABO blood group and rhesus factor association with inpatient COVID-19 mortality and severity: a two-year retrospective review

Alexander T. Phan,Ari A. Ucar,Aldin Malkoc,Janie Hu,Luke Buxton,Alan W. Tseng,Fanglong Dong,Julie P.T. Nguyễn,Arnav P. Modi,Ojas Deshpande,Johnson Lay,Andrew Ku,Dotun Ogunyemi,Sarkis Arabian 대한혈액학회 2023 Blood Research Vol.58 No.3

Background Early reports have indicated a relationship between ABO and rhesus blood group types and infection with SARS-CoV-2. We aim to examine blood group type associations with COVID-19 mortality and disease severity. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of patients ages 18 years or older admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome was COVID-19 mortality with respect to ABO blood group type. The secondary outcomes were 1. Severity of COVID-19 with respect to ABO blood group type, and 2. Rhesus factor association with COVID-19 mortality and disease severity. Disease severity was defined by degree of supplemental oxygen requirements (ambient air, low-flow, high-flow, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation). Results The blood type was collected on 596 patients with more than half (54%, N=322) being O+. The ABO blood type alone was not statistically associated with mortality (P=0.405), while the RH blood type was statistically associated with mortality (P <0.001). There was statistically significant association between combined ABO and RH blood type and mortality (P =0.014). Out of the mortality group, the O+ group had the highest mortality (52.3%), followed by A+ (22.8%). The combined ABO and RH blood type was statistically significantly associated with degree of supplemental oxygen requirements (P =0.005). The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that Rh- patients had increased mortality. Conclusion ABO blood type is not associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Rhesus factor status is associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Rhesus negative patients were associated with increased mortality risk.

Optimized Methods for the Isolation of Arabidopsis Female Central Cells and Their Nuclei

Park, Kyunghyuk,Frost, Jennifer M.,Adair, Adam James,Kim, Dong Min,Yun, Hyein,Brooks, Janie S.,Fischer, Robert L.,Choi, Yeonhee Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.10

The Arabidopsis female gametophyte contains seven cells with eight haploid nuclei buried within layers of sporophytic tissue. Following double fertilization, the egg and central cells of the gametophyte develop into the embryo and endosperm of the seed, respectively. The epigenetic status of the central cell has long presented an enigma due both to its inaccessibility, and the fascinating epigenome of the endosperm, thought to have been inherited from the central cell following activity of the DEMETER demethylase enzyme, prior to fertilization. Here, we present for the first time, a method to isolate pure populations of Arabidopsis central cell nuclei. Utilizing a protocol designed to isolate leaf mesophyll protoplasts, we systematically optimized each step in order to efficiently separate central cells from the female gametophyte. We use initial manual pistil dissection followed by the derivation of central cell protoplasts, during which process the central cell emerges from the micropylar pole of the embryo sac. Then, we use a modified version of the Isolation of Nuclei TAgged in specific Cell Types (INTACT) protocol to purify central cell nuclei, resulting in a purity of 75-90% and a yield sufficient to undertake downstream molecular analyses. We find that the process is highly dependent on the health of the original plant tissue used, and the efficiency of protoplasting solution infiltration into the gametophyte. By isolating pure central cell populations, we have enabled elucidation of the physiology of this rare cell type, which in the future will provide novel insights into Arabidopsis reproduction.

Optimized Methods for the Isolation of Arabidopsis Female Central Cells and Their Nuclei

Yeonhee Choi,Kyunghyuk Park,Jennifer M. Frost,Adam James Adair,Dong Min Kim,Hyein Yun,Janie S. Brooks,Robert L. Fischer 한국분자세포생물학회 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.10

The Arabidopsis female gametophyte contains seven cells with eight haploid nuclei buried within layers of sporophytic tissue. Following double fertilization, the egg and central cells of the gametophyte develop into the embryo and endosperm of the seed, respectively. The epigenetic status of the central cell has long presented an enigma due both to its inaccessibility, and the fascinating epigenome of the endosperm, thought to have been inherited from the central cell following activity of the DEMETER demethylase enzyme, prior to fertilization. Here, we present for the first time, a method to isolate pure populations of Arabidopsis central cell nuclei. Utilizing a protocol designed to isolate leaf mesophyll protoplasts, we systematically optimized each step in order to efficiently separate central cells from the female gametophyte. We use initial manual pistil dis-section followed by the derivation of central cell proto-plasts, during which process the central cell emerges from the micropylar pole of the embryo sac. Then, we use a modified version of the Isolation of Nuclei TAgged in specific Cell Types (INTACT) protocol to purify central cell nuclei, resulting in a purity of 75-90% and a yield sufficient to undertake downstream molecular analyses. We find that the process is highly dependent on the health of the original plant tissue used, and the efficiency of protoplasting solution infiltration into the gametophyte. By isolating pure central cell populations, we have enabled elucidation of the physiology of this rare cell type, which in the future will provide novel insights into Arabidopsis reproduction.

Nucleoporin MOS7/Nup88 is required for mitosis in gametogenesis and seed development in <i>Arabidopsis</i>

Park, Guen Tae,Frost, Jennifer M.,Park, Jin-Sup,Kim, Tae Ho,Lee, Jong Seob,Oh, Sung Aeong,Twell, David,Brooks, Janie Sue,Fischer, Robert L.,Choi, Yeonhee National Academy of Sciences 2014 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF Vol.111 No.51

<P><B>Significance</B></P><P>During plant reproduction, meiosis generates haploid spores that undergo mitoses, forming gametophytes, in male and female parts of the flower. Haploid cells within gametophytes differentiate into sperm and eggs, which form the next generation. We discovered that the <I>MOS7</I> (Modifier of Snc1,7) gene plays a critical role in microtubule organization and dynamics during mitosis in <I>Arabidopsis</I> sexual reproduction. MOS7 absence results in impaired gametogenesis, failure of ovule and pollen development, and seed abortion. Although mitoses during gamete formation are unique to plants, the regulation of mitosis itself is highly conserved between plants and vertebrates. Notably, we find that MOS7 protein primarily produced prior to meiosis is inherited by gametophytes, and, only if there is sufficient MOS7 protein, will mitosis correctly occur during gametogenesis.</P><P>Angiosperm reproduction is characterized by alternate diploid sporophytic and haploid gametophytic generations. Gametogenesis shares similarities with that of animals except for the formation of the gametophyte, whereby haploid cells undergo several rounds of postmeiotic mitosis to form gametes and the accessory cells required for successful reproduction. The mechanisms regulating gametophyte development in angiosperms are incompletely understood. Here, we show that the nucleoporin Nup88-homolog MOS7 (Modifier of Snc1,7) plays a crucial role in mitosis during both male and female gametophyte formation in <I>Arabidopsis thaliana</I>. Using a mutagenesis screen, we identify the <I>mos7-5</I> mutant allele, which causes ovule and pollen abortion in <I>MOS7/mos7-5</I> heterozygous plants, and preglobular stage embryonic lethality in homozygous <I>mos7-5</I> seeds. During interphase, we show that MOS7 is localized to the nuclear membrane but, like many nucleoporins, is associated with the spindle apparatus during mitosis. We detect interactions between MOS7 and several nucleoporins known to control spindle dynamics, and find that in pollen from <I>MOS7</I>/<I>mos7-5</I> heterozygotes, abortion is accompanied by a failure of spindle formation, cell fate specification, and phragmoplast activity. Most intriguingly, we show that following gamete formation by <I>MOS7/mos7-5</I> heterozygous spores, inheritance of either the <I>MOS7</I> or the <I>mos7-5</I> allele by a given gamete does not correlate with its respective survival or abortion. Instead, we suggest a model whereby MOS7, which is highly expressed in the Pollen- and Megaspore Mother Cells, enacts a dosage-limiting effect on the gametes to enable their progression through subsequent mitoses.</P>