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Jody Cockroft

University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Anatomy and Neurobiology, Research Specialist

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Jody L. Cockroft, AA, BS, CCRP is a Research Specialist at the University of Memphis (UoM) in the Psychology Department with the Institute for Intelligent Systems where she has been for the past five-plus years. She has over thirty years of experience in scientific research and has worked on both the bench and on various clinical studies. She has been an integral part of the Army Research Laboratory Cooperative agreement, the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative ADL-A project and the Advanced Learning Theories, Technologies and Impacts (ALTTAI) Consortium for the past several years while at the UoM. She has authored or co-authored over twenty articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as countless abstracts and posters. She is the treasurer of the Adaptive Instructional Systems (AIS) Working Group IEEE P2247.1. Her research interests include the standardization of adaptive instructional systems and improving human learning.

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Papers by Jody Cockroft

Progestin enhances vasoconstrictor responses in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement therapy

Menopause, Nov 1, 2018

Utility of Induced Sputum in Assessing Bacterial Etiology for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Apr 1, 2022

Background Diagnostic testing for bacterial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is ins... more Background Diagnostic testing for bacterial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is insensitive. Induced sputum (IS) is an attractive option for the evaluation of the lower respiratory tract. Methods Children aged 0-18 years with CAP were enrolled in the Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community (EPIC) study between 2010 and 2012. Blood and respiratory specimens were assessed by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The radiographic CAP was determined by a study radiologist. Sputum was induced with hypertonic saline. IS specimen was high quality (HQ) if Gram stain showed &gt;25 white blood and &lt;10 epithelial cells per low-powered field; all others were low quality (LQ). We compared IS pathogen prevalence between HQ and LQ IS, and by radiographic pneumonia. Pathogen concordance with EPIC etiology was assessed. Length of stay (LOS) was compared by receipt of IS pathogen-concordant antibiotics. Results Out of 977 children, 916 (94%) children enrolled in Memphis, Tennessee, produced IS; 794 (87%) had radiographic CAP and 174 (19%) were HQ. HQ IS yielded pathogenic bacteria more often than LQ (64% vs 44%; P &lt; .01); however, pathogens were isolated at similar rates in HQ IS in patients with and without radiographic CAP (64% vs. 63%; P = .6). Pathogens from study specimens matched an IS pathogen in only 9/42 (21%) patients with radiographic CAP. Median LOS was similar among patients with radiographic CAP regardless of receipt of IS pathogen-concordant antibiotics (3.1 days), non-pathogen-concordant antibiotics (2.7 days), or no antibiotics (3.2 days; P = .5). Conclusions Bacterial pathogens were isolated from most IS cultures regardless of radiographic CAP and quality of IS. IS cultures infrequently corresponded with sterile site cultures. Isolation of pathogens from pediatric IS reflects oropharyngeal carriage and is insufficient to determine bacterial etiology of CAP.

Exploring the Individual Differences in Multidimensional Evolution of Knowledge States of Learners

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2023

Unresponsiveness of forearm hemodynamics to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and asprin

Prostaglandins, Mar 1, 1990

Prostaglandin synthesis has been reported to change with aspirin ingestion via cyclooxygenase enz... more Prostaglandin synthesis has been reported to change with aspirin ingestion via cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition and with marine oil supplementation via an increase in the metabolism of 3-series eicosanoids. This study investigated the effects of pharmacological manipulations of prostaglandin metabolism on forearm hemodynamics and blood pressure. The agents studied were omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin. In the omega-3 fatty acid study, two groups of normal volunteers (N = 10/group) supplemented their diets with either marine oil capsules or placebo. Hemodynamic variables (Mercury-in-Silastic forearm plethysmography) were measured initially and weekly for 4 weeks. There were no significant differences between the two groups in blood pressure, forearm blood flow, venous capacitance, or forearm vascular resistance. Parallel changes occurred for forearm blood flow and venous capacitance. Six normal volunteers took daily dosages of aspirin, increasing from 162 to 2600 mg. Hemodynamic measurements, ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and serum salicylate levels were obtained daily. Maximum inhibition of platelet aggregation occurred after 162 mg. (serum salicylate = 17.7 +/- 6.4 mg/l). Though serum salicylate levels rose to 165.0 +/- 20.0 mg/l, no significant changes occurred in blood pressure or forearm blood flow. Even at aspirin levels 16-fold greater than those required to impair platelet aggregation, the changes in forearm vascular resistance were not found to be significant. These results suggest that under resting conditions in normotensive males, neither pharmacological inhibition nor stimulation of vascular prostaglandin metabolism alters forearm vascular resistance or arterial blood pressure.

Capturing AIS Behavior Using xAPI-like Statements

In this paper, we consider a minimalistic and behavioristic view of AIS to enable a standardizabl... more In this paper, we consider a minimalistic and behavioristic view of AIS to enable a standardizable mapping of both the behavior of the system and of the learner. In this model, the learners interact with the learning resources in a given learning environment following preset steps of learning processes. From this foundation, we make several subsequent arguments. (1) All intelligent digital resources such as intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) need to be well-documented with standardized metadata scheme. We propose a learning science extension of IEEE learning object metadata (LOM). specifically, we need to consider cognitive learning principles that have been used in creating the intelligent digital resources. (2) We need to consider AIS as whole when we record system behavior. Specifically, we need to record all four components delineated above (the learners, the resources, the environments, and the processes). We point to selected learning principles from the literature as examples...

Standardizing Unstructured Interaction Data in Adaptive Instructional Systems

Standardization of unstructured information such as freely generated verbal responses in adaptive... more Standardization of unstructured information such as freely generated verbal responses in adaptive instructional systems poses many challenges. For instance, free responses have no clear delimitation of knowledge components, i.e., basic learning units (BLU), and therefore identifying the BLUs in such responses automatically is a challenge. We will review and exemplify major challenges and solutions and make recommendations for standardization of such unstructured information. Our work will inform student models that rely on student free responses, domain models that are derived from textual sources such as textbooks or general resources such as Wikipedia, the interoperability of adaptive instructional systems with free text inputs, and learning record stores.

Sensor-Based Adaptive Instructional Systems in Live Simulation Training

Sensor-based, mobile behavioral analytics have much potential for adaptive human-machine interact... more Sensor-based, mobile behavioral analytics have much potential for adaptive human-machine interactivity in team- and multiteam-based, live simulation training. This paper will explore a human-technology adaptive system where real-time data is generated from multiple sensor systems to inform multiteam-based training. Examples from first responder law enforcement training contexts will be discussed as well as the future potential of these sensor-based technologies to iteratively and adaptively inform both the smart technology system and the human system in a reciprocal learning cycle.

Genetic mapping of vocalization to a series of increasing acute footshocks using B6. A consomic and B6. D2 congenic mouse strains

by Jody Cockroft and Melloni Cook

Footshock response is used to study a variety of biological functions in mammals including drug s... more Footshock response is used to study a variety of biological functions in mammals including drug self-administration, learning and memory and nociception. However, the genetics underlying variability in footshock sensitivity are not well understood. In the current studies, a panel of B6.A consomic mouse strains, two B6.D2 genome-tagged mouse lines, and the progenitor strains were screened for footshock sensitivity as measured by audible vocalization. It was found that A/J (A) mice and C57BL/6J (B6) mice with an A Chromosome 1 (Chr 1) were less sensitive to footshock compared to B6 animals. Furthermore, the offspring of Chr 1 consomic mice crossed with B6 mice had vocalization levels that were intermediate to A/J and B6 animals. A F2 mapping panel revealed two significant QTLs for footshock vocalization centered around D1Mit490 and D1Mit206 on Chr 1. The role of these Chr 1 loci in footshock sensitivity was confirmed in B6.D2 genome-tagged mouse lines.

Role of pHyde novel gene product as an intrinsic factor for apoptotic pathway in prostate cancer

Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy

Induction of apoptotic cell death mechanism can be regulated by internal factor(s), such as by ge... more Induction of apoptotic cell death mechanism can be regulated by internal factor(s), such as by gene product(s) that directly upregulate the apoptosis pathway or indirectly by down-regulating the anti-apoptosis gene. This homeostasis is a normal phenomenon in a biological system disturbed by cancer. It is thus important to find any gene functioning as an upregulator for the apoptosis pathway that may have a potential application in the context of cancer gene therapy. We have cloned a novel rat gene, denoted as pHyde, that fulfilled this objective. Internally, this pHyde gene product renders the stable transfectant of rat prostatic cancer cell lines more susceptible to apoptosis even without any external inducer. By using an external agent, such as 5-fluoro-2&#39;-deoxyuridine (FdUr), apoptotic responses of the stable transfectants are even higher, suggesting that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors work synergistically. The pHyde gene product was termed an intrinsic factor, whereas FdUr was considered an extrinsic factor for the apoptosis in rat prostate cancer model.

Hemodynamic effects of aerobic vs resistance exercise

Journal of Human Hypertension

Previous studies suggest that aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure (BP), while isometric exerci... more Previous studies suggest that aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure (BP), while isometric exercise increases BP, at least transiently. The purpose of this study was to examine the hemodynamic effect of a 6-week training period of aerobic exercise or weight training. Twenty deconditioned healthy males ages 18-36, self-selected a training regimen. The aerobic group exercised 30 min/day, 4 times each week to achieve 60-80% maximal heart rate. The resistance group lifted weights at 65-80% maximal voluntary contraction; 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions; 3 day/week using large muscle groups. Hemodynamic measurements of heart rate, BP, venous capacitance, forearm blood flow, and vascular resistance were made at baseline and week 6 by plethysmography and analyzed by 2-way ANOVA. The groups showed no differences in baseline characteristics. A training effect was confirmed by a decrease in resting heart rate in the aerobic group (71.5 +/- 4.4 to 64.5 +/- 3.7, beats per minute, P = 0.004), and an increase in total work capacity in the weight lifting group (6231 vs 7508, P = 0.01). Forearm blood flow increased similarly in both groups, averaging 17% (3.5 +/- 0.2 vs 4.2 +/- 0.2 ml 100 g/min, P = 0.03), while forearm vascular resistance fell 19% (28.8 +/- 1.7 vs 24.3 +/- 1.7 mm Hg/ml/min 100 g, P = 0.08). The main differences between the groups after training was found in their response to isometric stress (1/3 maximal handgrip). The weight-lifting group had a greater increase of forearm blood flow and venous capacitance, less increase in systolic BP (SBP) and a greater fall of forearm vascular resistance, (P &lt; 0.05) while the aerobic group had less increase in SBP and heart rate (P &lt; 0.04) but no significant change of forearm hemodynamics. We conclude that both aerobic and repetitive weight programs have short term favorable effects on resting forearm BP and resistance. The exercise programs differ in altering the individual&#39;s physiologic response to subsequent isometric stress. However, exercise training of longer duration or greater intensity or frequency could alter these results.

Adenovirus p16 gene therapy for prostate cancer

World Journal of Urology, 2000

Surgery, radiation, or hormone deprivation alone does not adequately affect local control of clin... more Surgery, radiation, or hormone deprivation alone does not adequately affect local control of clinical or pathologic stage T3 prostate cancer. Lack of local cancer control ultimately leads to a higher incidence of morbidity, distant metastasis, and decreased survival, with patients having disease-specific mortality exceeding 75%. Other novel therapies against this devastating and common disease are needed for the achievement of long-term local cancer control. For this purpose, therapeutic interventions should target prostate-cancer cells at the molecular and cellular level in ways not possible by current modalities of cancer treatment. Any strategy that can modify the biologic behavior of these cells may potentially have the most significant clinical impact. As prostate cancer represents an accumulation of genetic mutations that causes a prostate cell to lose the ability to control its growth, one new approach against prostate cancer may be gene therapy. Identification of key missing or mutated tumor-suppressor genes that, when replaced, may inhibit or destroy prostate-cancer cells may have the best chance of clinical success. One such gene appears to be tumor-suppressor gene p16 (also known as MTS1, INK4A, and CDKN2). Tumor-suppressor gene p16 is an important negative cell-cycle regulator whose functional loss may significantly contribute to malignant transformation and progression. Alterations in the p16 gene and its protein expression often occur in prostate cancer. An adenoviral vector containing wild-type p16 (Adp16) had a high transduction efficiency in prostate-cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, prostate tumors injected with Adp16 expressed p16 and the adenoviral vector expressed the transgene for up to 14 days. Wild-type p16 inhibited prostate-cancer proliferation in vitro and markedly suppressed tumors in vivo. Pathologic evaluation of the Adp16-treated tumors showed dose-dependent necrosis and fibrosis. Although the mechanism of p16 inhibition in cancer remains to be elucidated, senescence and apoptosis may both be important; however, the data suggest that p16-induced growth inhibition can function independently of the retinoblastoma gene product.

Can prostate-specific antigen reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction be used as a prospective test to diagnose prostate cancer?

World Journal of Urology, 1997

Effect of prostate biopsy on the results of the PSA RT-PCR test

Urology, 1998

A mouse model of Waardenburg syndrome type IV resulting from an ENU-induced mutation in endothelin 3

Pigment Cell Research, 2007

Analysis of mutation rates in the SMCY/SMCX genes shows that mammalian evolution is male driven

Mammalian Genome, 1997

Mammalian evolution is believed to be male driven because the greater number of germ cell divisio... more Mammalian evolution is believed to be male driven because the greater number of germ cell divisions per generation in males increases the opportunity for errors in DNA replication. Since the Y Chromosome (Chr) replicates exclusively in males, its genes should also evolve faster than X or autosomal genes. In addition, estimating the overall male-to-female mutation ratio (alpha m) is of great importance as a large alpha m implies that replication-independent mutagenic events play a relatively small role in evolution. A small alpha m suggests that the impact of these factors may, in fact, be significant. In order to address this problem, we have analyzed the rates of evolution in the homologous X-Y common SMCX/SMCY genes from three different species--mouse, human, and horse. The SMC genes were chosen because the X and Y copies are highly homologous, well conserved in evolution, and in all probability functionally interchangeable. Sequence comparisons and analysis of synonymous substitutions in approximately 1kb of the 5&#39; coding region of the SMC genes reveal that the Y-linked copies are evolving approximately 1.8 times faster than their X homologs. The male-to-female mutation ratio alpha m was estimated to be 3. These data support the hypothesis that mammalian evolution is male driven. However, the ratio value is far smaller than suggested in earlier works, implying significance of replication-independent mutagenic events in evolution.

The origin and loss of the ubiquitin activating enzyme gene on the mammalian Y chromosome

Human Molecular Genetics, 1998

A novel X gene with a widely transcribed Y-linked homologue escapes X-inactivation in mouse and human

Human Molecular Genetics, 1994

A new gene, designated Smcx, was cloned from the mouse X chromosome by its homology to the Y loca... more A new gene, designated Smcx, was cloned from the mouse X chromosome by its homology to the Y located gene Smcy. Using direct in situ hybridisation Smcx was mapped to the distal end of the mouse X chromosome (XF2-XF4) and its human homologue, SMCX, was mapped to proximal Xp (Xp11.1-Xp11.2). Further meiotic mapping in the mouse placed Smcx in the Plp-Pdha1 interval. As Smcx/SMCX have widely expressed homologues on the Y chromosome, they appeared good candidates for genes that escape X-inactivation. In the human we show this to be the case as SMCX is expressed in hamster-human hybrids containing either an active or inactive human X chromosome. Two alleles of Smcx were found to be expressed in T(16;X)16H female mice despite the intact X chromosome being inactive in all cells. This indicates that Smcx is also not subject to X-inactivation and provides the first example of a gene that is expressed from inactive and active X chromosomes in the mouse.

A mouse Y chromosome gene encoded by a region essential for spermatogenesis and expression of male-specific minor histocompatibility antigens

by Jody Cockroft and Diane Woods

Human Molecular Genetics, 1994

... Alexander I.Agulnik&amp;amp;amp;#x27;, Michael J.Mitchell1^, Jody L.Lernei-i, Diane R.Woo... more ... Alexander I.Agulnik&amp;amp;amp;#x27;, Michael J.Mitchell1^, Jody L.Lernei-i, Diane R.Woods&amp;amp;amp;#x27; and Colin E.Bishop&amp;amp;amp;#x27;.* * &amp;amp;amp;#x27;Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and ... 6 3. Koopman, P., Gubbay, J., Vivian, N., Goodfellow, P. and Lovell-Badge, R. (1991) Nature 351, 117-121 ...

Transrectal gene therapy of the prostate in the canine model

Cancer Gene Therapy, 2002

Adenoviral vector containing wild-type p16 suppresses prostate cancer growth and prolongs survival by inducing cell senescence

Cancer Gene Therapy, 2000

Progestin enhances vasoconstrictor responses in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement therapy

Menopause, Nov 1, 2018

Utility of Induced Sputum in Assessing Bacterial Etiology for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children

Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Apr 1, 2022

Background Diagnostic testing for bacterial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is ins... more Background Diagnostic testing for bacterial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is insensitive. Induced sputum (IS) is an attractive option for the evaluation of the lower respiratory tract. Methods Children aged 0-18 years with CAP were enrolled in the Etiology of Pneumonia in the Community (EPIC) study between 2010 and 2012. Blood and respiratory specimens were assessed by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The radiographic CAP was determined by a study radiologist. Sputum was induced with hypertonic saline. IS specimen was high quality (HQ) if Gram stain showed &gt;25 white blood and &lt;10 epithelial cells per low-powered field; all others were low quality (LQ). We compared IS pathogen prevalence between HQ and LQ IS, and by radiographic pneumonia. Pathogen concordance with EPIC etiology was assessed. Length of stay (LOS) was compared by receipt of IS pathogen-concordant antibiotics. Results Out of 977 children, 916 (94%) children enrolled in Memphis, Tennessee, produced IS; 794 (87%) had radiographic CAP and 174 (19%) were HQ. HQ IS yielded pathogenic bacteria more often than LQ (64% vs 44%; P &lt; .01); however, pathogens were isolated at similar rates in HQ IS in patients with and without radiographic CAP (64% vs. 63%; P = .6). Pathogens from study specimens matched an IS pathogen in only 9/42 (21%) patients with radiographic CAP. Median LOS was similar among patients with radiographic CAP regardless of receipt of IS pathogen-concordant antibiotics (3.1 days), non-pathogen-concordant antibiotics (2.7 days), or no antibiotics (3.2 days; P = .5). Conclusions Bacterial pathogens were isolated from most IS cultures regardless of radiographic CAP and quality of IS. IS cultures infrequently corresponded with sterile site cultures. Isolation of pathogens from pediatric IS reflects oropharyngeal carriage and is insufficient to determine bacterial etiology of CAP.

Exploring the Individual Differences in Multidimensional Evolution of Knowledge States of Learners

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2023

Unresponsiveness of forearm hemodynamics to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and asprin

Prostaglandins, Mar 1, 1990

Prostaglandin synthesis has been reported to change with aspirin ingestion via cyclooxygenase enz... more Prostaglandin synthesis has been reported to change with aspirin ingestion via cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition and with marine oil supplementation via an increase in the metabolism of 3-series eicosanoids. This study investigated the effects of pharmacological manipulations of prostaglandin metabolism on forearm hemodynamics and blood pressure. The agents studied were omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin. In the omega-3 fatty acid study, two groups of normal volunteers (N = 10/group) supplemented their diets with either marine oil capsules or placebo. Hemodynamic variables (Mercury-in-Silastic forearm plethysmography) were measured initially and weekly for 4 weeks. There were no significant differences between the two groups in blood pressure, forearm blood flow, venous capacitance, or forearm vascular resistance. Parallel changes occurred for forearm blood flow and venous capacitance. Six normal volunteers took daily dosages of aspirin, increasing from 162 to 2600 mg. Hemodynamic measurements, ADP-induced platelet aggregation, and serum salicylate levels were obtained daily. Maximum inhibition of platelet aggregation occurred after 162 mg. (serum salicylate = 17.7 +/- 6.4 mg/l). Though serum salicylate levels rose to 165.0 +/- 20.0 mg/l, no significant changes occurred in blood pressure or forearm blood flow. Even at aspirin levels 16-fold greater than those required to impair platelet aggregation, the changes in forearm vascular resistance were not found to be significant. These results suggest that under resting conditions in normotensive males, neither pharmacological inhibition nor stimulation of vascular prostaglandin metabolism alters forearm vascular resistance or arterial blood pressure.

Capturing AIS Behavior Using xAPI-like Statements

In this paper, we consider a minimalistic and behavioristic view of AIS to enable a standardizabl... more In this paper, we consider a minimalistic and behavioristic view of AIS to enable a standardizable mapping of both the behavior of the system and of the learner. In this model, the learners interact with the learning resources in a given learning environment following preset steps of learning processes. From this foundation, we make several subsequent arguments. (1) All intelligent digital resources such as intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) need to be well-documented with standardized metadata scheme. We propose a learning science extension of IEEE learning object metadata (LOM). specifically, we need to consider cognitive learning principles that have been used in creating the intelligent digital resources. (2) We need to consider AIS as whole when we record system behavior. Specifically, we need to record all four components delineated above (the learners, the resources, the environments, and the processes). We point to selected learning principles from the literature as examples...

Standardizing Unstructured Interaction Data in Adaptive Instructional Systems

Standardization of unstructured information such as freely generated verbal responses in adaptive... more Standardization of unstructured information such as freely generated verbal responses in adaptive instructional systems poses many challenges. For instance, free responses have no clear delimitation of knowledge components, i.e., basic learning units (BLU), and therefore identifying the BLUs in such responses automatically is a challenge. We will review and exemplify major challenges and solutions and make recommendations for standardization of such unstructured information. Our work will inform student models that rely on student free responses, domain models that are derived from textual sources such as textbooks or general resources such as Wikipedia, the interoperability of adaptive instructional systems with free text inputs, and learning record stores.

Sensor-Based Adaptive Instructional Systems in Live Simulation Training

Sensor-based, mobile behavioral analytics have much potential for adaptive human-machine interact... more Sensor-based, mobile behavioral analytics have much potential for adaptive human-machine interactivity in team- and multiteam-based, live simulation training. This paper will explore a human-technology adaptive system where real-time data is generated from multiple sensor systems to inform multiteam-based training. Examples from first responder law enforcement training contexts will be discussed as well as the future potential of these sensor-based technologies to iteratively and adaptively inform both the smart technology system and the human system in a reciprocal learning cycle.

Genetic mapping of vocalization to a series of increasing acute footshocks using B6. A consomic and B6. D2 congenic mouse strains

by Jody Cockroft and Melloni Cook

Footshock response is used to study a variety of biological functions in mammals including drug s... more Footshock response is used to study a variety of biological functions in mammals including drug self-administration, learning and memory and nociception. However, the genetics underlying variability in footshock sensitivity are not well understood. In the current studies, a panel of B6.A consomic mouse strains, two B6.D2 genome-tagged mouse lines, and the progenitor strains were screened for footshock sensitivity as measured by audible vocalization. It was found that A/J (A) mice and C57BL/6J (B6) mice with an A Chromosome 1 (Chr 1) were less sensitive to footshock compared to B6 animals. Furthermore, the offspring of Chr 1 consomic mice crossed with B6 mice had vocalization levels that were intermediate to A/J and B6 animals. A F2 mapping panel revealed two significant QTLs for footshock vocalization centered around D1Mit490 and D1Mit206 on Chr 1. The role of these Chr 1 loci in footshock sensitivity was confirmed in B6.D2 genome-tagged mouse lines.

Role of pHyde novel gene product as an intrinsic factor for apoptotic pathway in prostate cancer

Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy

Induction of apoptotic cell death mechanism can be regulated by internal factor(s), such as by ge... more Induction of apoptotic cell death mechanism can be regulated by internal factor(s), such as by gene product(s) that directly upregulate the apoptosis pathway or indirectly by down-regulating the anti-apoptosis gene. This homeostasis is a normal phenomenon in a biological system disturbed by cancer. It is thus important to find any gene functioning as an upregulator for the apoptosis pathway that may have a potential application in the context of cancer gene therapy. We have cloned a novel rat gene, denoted as pHyde, that fulfilled this objective. Internally, this pHyde gene product renders the stable transfectant of rat prostatic cancer cell lines more susceptible to apoptosis even without any external inducer. By using an external agent, such as 5-fluoro-2&#39;-deoxyuridine (FdUr), apoptotic responses of the stable transfectants are even higher, suggesting that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors work synergistically. The pHyde gene product was termed an intrinsic factor, whereas FdUr was considered an extrinsic factor for the apoptosis in rat prostate cancer model.

Hemodynamic effects of aerobic vs resistance exercise

Journal of Human Hypertension

Previous studies suggest that aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure (BP), while isometric exerci... more Previous studies suggest that aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure (BP), while isometric exercise increases BP, at least transiently. The purpose of this study was to examine the hemodynamic effect of a 6-week training period of aerobic exercise or weight training. Twenty deconditioned healthy males ages 18-36, self-selected a training regimen. The aerobic group exercised 30 min/day, 4 times each week to achieve 60-80% maximal heart rate. The resistance group lifted weights at 65-80% maximal voluntary contraction; 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions; 3 day/week using large muscle groups. Hemodynamic measurements of heart rate, BP, venous capacitance, forearm blood flow, and vascular resistance were made at baseline and week 6 by plethysmography and analyzed by 2-way ANOVA. The groups showed no differences in baseline characteristics. A training effect was confirmed by a decrease in resting heart rate in the aerobic group (71.5 +/- 4.4 to 64.5 +/- 3.7, beats per minute, P = 0.004), and an increase in total work capacity in the weight lifting group (6231 vs 7508, P = 0.01). Forearm blood flow increased similarly in both groups, averaging 17% (3.5 +/- 0.2 vs 4.2 +/- 0.2 ml 100 g/min, P = 0.03), while forearm vascular resistance fell 19% (28.8 +/- 1.7 vs 24.3 +/- 1.7 mm Hg/ml/min 100 g, P = 0.08). The main differences between the groups after training was found in their response to isometric stress (1/3 maximal handgrip). The weight-lifting group had a greater increase of forearm blood flow and venous capacitance, less increase in systolic BP (SBP) and a greater fall of forearm vascular resistance, (P &lt; 0.05) while the aerobic group had less increase in SBP and heart rate (P &lt; 0.04) but no significant change of forearm hemodynamics. We conclude that both aerobic and repetitive weight programs have short term favorable effects on resting forearm BP and resistance. The exercise programs differ in altering the individual&#39;s physiologic response to subsequent isometric stress. However, exercise training of longer duration or greater intensity or frequency could alter these results.

Adenovirus p16 gene therapy for prostate cancer

World Journal of Urology, 2000

Surgery, radiation, or hormone deprivation alone does not adequately affect local control of clin... more Surgery, radiation, or hormone deprivation alone does not adequately affect local control of clinical or pathologic stage T3 prostate cancer. Lack of local cancer control ultimately leads to a higher incidence of morbidity, distant metastasis, and decreased survival, with patients having disease-specific mortality exceeding 75%. Other novel therapies against this devastating and common disease are needed for the achievement of long-term local cancer control. For this purpose, therapeutic interventions should target prostate-cancer cells at the molecular and cellular level in ways not possible by current modalities of cancer treatment. Any strategy that can modify the biologic behavior of these cells may potentially have the most significant clinical impact. As prostate cancer represents an accumulation of genetic mutations that causes a prostate cell to lose the ability to control its growth, one new approach against prostate cancer may be gene therapy. Identification of key missing or mutated tumor-suppressor genes that, when replaced, may inhibit or destroy prostate-cancer cells may have the best chance of clinical success. One such gene appears to be tumor-suppressor gene p16 (also known as MTS1, INK4A, and CDKN2). Tumor-suppressor gene p16 is an important negative cell-cycle regulator whose functional loss may significantly contribute to malignant transformation and progression. Alterations in the p16 gene and its protein expression often occur in prostate cancer. An adenoviral vector containing wild-type p16 (Adp16) had a high transduction efficiency in prostate-cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, prostate tumors injected with Adp16 expressed p16 and the adenoviral vector expressed the transgene for up to 14 days. Wild-type p16 inhibited prostate-cancer proliferation in vitro and markedly suppressed tumors in vivo. Pathologic evaluation of the Adp16-treated tumors showed dose-dependent necrosis and fibrosis. Although the mechanism of p16 inhibition in cancer remains to be elucidated, senescence and apoptosis may both be important; however, the data suggest that p16-induced growth inhibition can function independently of the retinoblastoma gene product.

Can prostate-specific antigen reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction be used as a prospective test to diagnose prostate cancer?

World Journal of Urology, 1997

Effect of prostate biopsy on the results of the PSA RT-PCR test

Urology, 1998

A mouse model of Waardenburg syndrome type IV resulting from an ENU-induced mutation in endothelin 3

Pigment Cell Research, 2007

Analysis of mutation rates in the SMCY/SMCX genes shows that mammalian evolution is male driven

Mammalian Genome, 1997

Mammalian evolution is believed to be male driven because the greater number of germ cell divisio... more Mammalian evolution is believed to be male driven because the greater number of germ cell divisions per generation in males increases the opportunity for errors in DNA replication. Since the Y Chromosome (Chr) replicates exclusively in males, its genes should also evolve faster than X or autosomal genes. In addition, estimating the overall male-to-female mutation ratio (alpha m) is of great importance as a large alpha m implies that replication-independent mutagenic events play a relatively small role in evolution. A small alpha m suggests that the impact of these factors may, in fact, be significant. In order to address this problem, we have analyzed the rates of evolution in the homologous X-Y common SMCX/SMCY genes from three different species--mouse, human, and horse. The SMC genes were chosen because the X and Y copies are highly homologous, well conserved in evolution, and in all probability functionally interchangeable. Sequence comparisons and analysis of synonymous substitutions in approximately 1kb of the 5&#39; coding region of the SMC genes reveal that the Y-linked copies are evolving approximately 1.8 times faster than their X homologs. The male-to-female mutation ratio alpha m was estimated to be 3. These data support the hypothesis that mammalian evolution is male driven. However, the ratio value is far smaller than suggested in earlier works, implying significance of replication-independent mutagenic events in evolution.

The origin and loss of the ubiquitin activating enzyme gene on the mammalian Y chromosome

Human Molecular Genetics, 1998

A novel X gene with a widely transcribed Y-linked homologue escapes X-inactivation in mouse and human

Human Molecular Genetics, 1994

A new gene, designated Smcx, was cloned from the mouse X chromosome by its homology to the Y loca... more A new gene, designated Smcx, was cloned from the mouse X chromosome by its homology to the Y located gene Smcy. Using direct in situ hybridisation Smcx was mapped to the distal end of the mouse X chromosome (XF2-XF4) and its human homologue, SMCX, was mapped to proximal Xp (Xp11.1-Xp11.2). Further meiotic mapping in the mouse placed Smcx in the Plp-Pdha1 interval. As Smcx/SMCX have widely expressed homologues on the Y chromosome, they appeared good candidates for genes that escape X-inactivation. In the human we show this to be the case as SMCX is expressed in hamster-human hybrids containing either an active or inactive human X chromosome. Two alleles of Smcx were found to be expressed in T(16;X)16H female mice despite the intact X chromosome being inactive in all cells. This indicates that Smcx is also not subject to X-inactivation and provides the first example of a gene that is expressed from inactive and active X chromosomes in the mouse.

A mouse Y chromosome gene encoded by a region essential for spermatogenesis and expression of male-specific minor histocompatibility antigens

by Jody Cockroft and Diane Woods

Human Molecular Genetics, 1994

... Alexander I.Agulnik&amp;amp;amp;#x27;, Michael J.Mitchell1^, Jody L.Lernei-i, Diane R.Woo... more ... Alexander I.Agulnik&amp;amp;amp;#x27;, Michael J.Mitchell1^, Jody L.Lernei-i, Diane R.Woods&amp;amp;amp;#x27; and Colin E.Bishop&amp;amp;amp;#x27;.* * &amp;amp;amp;#x27;Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and ... 6 3. Koopman, P., Gubbay, J., Vivian, N., Goodfellow, P. and Lovell-Badge, R. (1991) Nature 351, 117-121 ...

Transrectal gene therapy of the prostate in the canine model

Cancer Gene Therapy, 2002

Adenoviral vector containing wild-type p16 suppresses prostate cancer growth and prolongs survival by inducing cell senescence

Cancer Gene Therapy, 2000