APS Publications Podcast

Omics and Submaximal Work Capacity and Trainability

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we feature Monalisa Hota of Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore highlighting the recently published research “Omics-driven investigation of the biology underlying intrinsic submaximal working capacity and its trainability.”

 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Multi-omics and in silico explorations of the genes and underlying biology of submaximal exercise capacity and its response to 20 wk of endurance training were undertaken. Prioritized genes were identified: 13 genes for variation in submaximal exercise capacity in the sedentary state and 5 genes for the response level to endurance training, with no overlap between them. Genes and pathways associated with submaximal exercise capacity in the sedentary state are different from those underlying trainability.

 

Omics-driven investigation of the biology underlying intrinsic submaximal working capacity and its trainability

Monalisa Hota, Jacob L. Barber, Jonathan J. Ruiz-Ramie, Charles S. Schwartz, Do Thuy Uyen Ha Lam, Prashant Rao, Michael Y. Mi, Daniel H. Katz, Jeremy M. Robbins, Clary B. Clish, Robert E. Gerszten, Mark A. Sarzynski, Sujoy Ghosh, and Claude Bouchard

Physiological Genomics 2023 55:11, 517-543

What is the Uterine Secretory Cycle, and why is it important?

In this podcast  Kasey M. Schalich and Vimal Selvaraj (both of Cornell University) discuss the recently published research titled “The uterine secretory cycle: recurring physiology of endometrial outputs that setup the uterine luminal microenvironment.”

 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study unravels the recurring sequence of changes within the uterus that supports vital functions (sperm transit and development of preimplantation embryonic stages) during the reproductive cycle in female Ruminantia. These data present new systems knowledge in uterine reproductive physiology crucial for setting up in vitro biomimicry and artificial environments for assisted reproduction technologies for a range of mammalian species.

 

Article Citation:

The uterine secretory cycle: recurring physiology of endometrial outputs that setup the uterine luminal microenvironment

Kasey M. Schalich, Prasanthi P. Koganti, Juan M. Castillo, Olivia M. Reiff, Soon Hon Cheong, and Vimal Selvaraj

Physiological Genomics 2024 56:1, 74-97

Remote Compared to Face to Face Pathophysiology Teaching

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Dr. Roberto Zatz (University of São Paulo) summarizing the recent study by Haydar et al. The authors were able to make a rare direct comparison of face-to-face and remote strategies for the teaching of undergraduate medical students in renal pathophysiology. Unexpectedly, students who attended the remote course had significantly higher grades than those who had mostly in-person classes. To find out more, listen now.

 

Ahmed Haydar, Itamar Souza Santos, Luis Carlos Arcon, Mílton de Arruda Martins, Patricia Zen Tempski, and Roberto Zatz Remote vs. face-to-face activities in the teaching of renal pathophysiology in the context of social isolation during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic Advances in Physiology Education, published September 25, 2023. DOI: 10.1152/advan.00257.2022

Reasoning Level and Item Context Affect Student Language

In this new episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we spotlight Dr. Megan Shiroda (CREATE for STEM, Michigan State University) about Education Research by Shiroda et al. published in the Call for Papers on Physiology Core Concepts. This article builds on previous research to quantitatively examine student language in written explanations of mass balance across six contexts using constructed response assessments. These results present an evaluation of student mass balance language and provide researchers and practitioners with tools to assist students in constructing scientific mass balance reasoning explanations. Listen to find out more.

 

Megan Shiroda, Jennifer H. Doherty, Emily E. Scott, and Kevin C. Haudek Covariational reasoning and item context affect language in undergraduate mass balance written explanations Advances in Physiology Education, published September 25, 2023. DOI: doi.org/10.1152/advan.00156.2022

Physical Activity for Freshmen on Academic Probation

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we feature Dr. Brian Leary, Dr. Miriam Leary, and Dr. Daniel Bonner (all at West Virginia University) discussing their Illuminations article published recently in Advances in Physiology Education. By fostering social integration, improving mood and mental well-being, and increasing university retention rates, this pilot project confirmed the feasibility of using upperclassmen as success coaches for a physical activity intervention for academic probation freshmen. To learn more, listen now.

 

Miriam Leary, Lindsay DiDio, Daniel Bonner, Randy Bryner, and Brian K. Leary Peer-supported physical activity intervention for academic probation freshmen in a physiology-related major: a feasibility study Advances in Physiology Education, published August 10, 2023. DOI: 10.1152/advan.00021.2023

GI Vagus and Hypertension

In this episode, authors Elliott W. Dirr (University of Toledo), Christopher J. Martyniuk (University of Florida), Kevin J. Otto (University of Florida), and Jasenka Zubcevic (University of Toledo) discuss their recently published paper titled “Subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve stimulation attenuates the development of hypertension and alters nucleus of the solitary tract transcriptional networks in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.”

 

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Elliott W. Dirr et al. show that stimulation of the ventral subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve branch may be a promising potential approach to treating hypertension. The data are especially encouraging given that rodents received only 30 min per day of intermittent stimulation therapy and in view of the potential of long-term blood pressure effects that are not stimulus-locked.

 

Article Citation:

Subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve stimulation attenuates the development of hypertension and alters nucleus of the solitary tract transcriptional networks in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Elliott W. Dirr, Ladan G. Jiracek, David M. Baekey, Christopher J. Martyniuk, Kevin J. Otto, and Jasenka Zubcevic

Physiological Genomics 2023 55:12, 606-617

Critical Thinking in Anatomy and Physiology

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we feature Dr. Erik P. Silldorff, and Dr. Gerald D. Robinson (both at Towson University) discussing their recently published Personal View of critical thinking skills as essential to the effective performance of many careers, particularly those involving healthcare. To aid the development of these skills in physiology, the formation of logical cognitive frameworks needs to be supported via instruction that emphasizes the context of physiological functions (the “why”), as well as the causality of their sequential actions. Within such frameworks, students become capable of cognitive reasoning required to reach intuitive conclusions after system perturbations. Hear more from the authors by listening now.

 

Erik P. Silldorff, and Gerald D. Robinson Development of critical thinking skills in human anatomy and physiology Advances in Physiology Education, published October 17, 2023. DOI: 10.1152/advan.00131.2023

First-Gen Freshmen Perceived Academic Preparation

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we highlight Education Research published by Leary et al. In this study, the authors proposed several potential avenues by which to support first-generation freshmen’s academic success in physiology programs, including early identification of at-risk students, setting realistic expectations, educating students early and often about evidence-based strategies, and developing academic recovery strategies as needed. Listen to hear Dr. Brian Leary and Dr. Miriam Leary (both at West Virginia University) discuss how their study. This qualitative investigation of first-generation college freshmens’ perceptions of academic preparedness informs the development of potential avenues by which to support first-generation freshmen in physiology programs.

 

Miriam Leary, David A. Donley, Skylar Watson, Landyn Hewitt, Randy Bryner, Brian K. Leary Perceptions of academic preparedness of first-gen freshmen in a physiology major inform recommendations for program-level academic development initiatives Advances in Physiology Education, published March 1, 2023. DOI: 10.1152/advan.00152.2022