Curran Ismail (octavetaxi2)

Background Membrane potential (Vmem) changes accompany important events in embryonic development and organ regeneration. Recent studies have pointed to its function as a potent regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and tissue regeneration. We have previously reported that Vmem depolarization and hyperpolarization control the osteogenic (OS) differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Materials and Methods In this study, we sought to understand the mechanism(s) underlying voltage regulation of hMSC differentiation. We investigated the role of calcium and phosphate ion flux in the depolarization response of OS-differentiating hMSCs, as these ions are the two major inorganic components of the bone mineral matrix and are indicative of mature osteoblast function. Results Our results suggest that inorganic phosphate levels play a larger role than calcium flux in mediating hMSC response to depolarization and that the expression of stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), a protein that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis in osteoblasts, is functionally required for the depolarization response during the early stages of differentiation. Conclusion Depolarization alters hMSC differentiation through a phosphate signaling pathway involving STC1. This study enriches our mechanistic understanding of hMSC response to endogenous voltage cues. Copyright 2019, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.Background This study presents a label-free method of separating macrophages and fibroblasts, cell types critically associated with tumors. Materials and Methods Contactless dielectrophoresis (DEP) devices were used to separate fibroblasts from macrophages by selectively trapping one population. learn more An ImageJ macro was developed to determine the percentage of each population moving or stationary at a given point in time in a video. Results At 350Vrms, 20 kHz, and 1.25 μL/min, more than 90% of fibroblasts were trapped while less than 20% of macrophages were trapped. Conclusions Contactless DEP was used to study macrophage and fibroblast separation as a proof-of-concept study for separating cells in the tumor microenvironment. The associated ImageJ macro could be used in other microfluidic cell separation studies. Copyright 2019, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.Many autistic individuals are less fit and have more health problems than their nonautistic peers. These findings suggest a need to develop effective physical activity interventions. Motor skill deficits, lack of motivation, and limited opportunities for physical activity may restrict exercise participation. Peer mentors can help autistic college students increase their physical activity level and fitness. We developed a 10-week peer mentored physical activity program that affords autistic college students the opportunity to act in a self-determined manner in which students are encouraged to engage in preferred activities and self-directed instruction (autonomy), gain skills through access to expert instruction (competence), and engage socially with peers (relatedness). The ability to act with self-determination may increase students' motivation to participate in physical activity. From our pilot study, we learned that autistic college students could improve their cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, and u we did not have data from a comparison group of autistic students who did not participate in the program. Future studies should use a control and comparison group and gather data at multiple institutions.How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?There is limited information on interventions focused on physical activity for autistic college students; therefore, our work provides insight into a promising program. Regular physical activity can lead to positive health outcomes, skill acquisation, and participating in IFiT can potentially set the stage for lifelong physical activity. Copyright 2019, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., p