LMIC Research Centers' Experiences Hosting U.S. and LMIC Trainees: Evaluation of the Fogarty Global Health Fellows and Scholars Program, 2012 to 2020.

In this mixed-methods study, we explore themes that emerged from a survey assessing the programmatic experiences of mentors and administrators at institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hosting trainees supported by the Fogarty International Center's Global Health Program for Fellows and Scholars. A total of 89 of 170 potential respondents representing 31 countries completed the survey (response rate, 52.4%).

Building Physician-Scientist Skills in R Programming:A Short Workshop Report.

Introduction: Statistical analysis programs require coding experience and a basic understanding of programming, skills which are not taught as part of medical school or residency curricula.

Methods: We conducted a five-day course for early-career Nigerian physician-scientists interested in learning common statistical tests and acquiring R programming skills. The workshop included didactic presentations, small group learning activities, and interactive discussions.

Delivery of Cas9 Protein into Mouse Zygotes through a Series of Electroporation Dramatically Increases the Efficiency of Model Creation.

Previously we established Zygote Electroporation of Nucleases (ZEN) technology as an efficient and high-throughput way to generate genetically modified mouse models. However, there were significant variations of the targeting efficiency among different genomic loci using our previously published protocol. In this study, we improved the ZEN technology by delivering Cas9 protein into mouse zygotes through a series of electroporation.

Expression of Potential Regulatory Genes in Abdominal Adipose Tissue of Broiler Chickens during Early Development.

The identities of genes that underlie population variation in adipose tissue development in farm animals are poorly understood. Previous studies in our laboratory have suggested that increased fat tissue involves the expression modulation of an array of genes in broiler chickens. Of special interest are eight genes, FGFR3, EPHB2, IGFBP2, GREM1, TNC, COL3A1, ACBD7, and SCD.

Copy Number Variation in Chickens: A Review and Future Prospects.

DNA sequence variations include nucleotide substitution, deletion, insertion, translocation and inversion. Deletion or insertion of a large DNA segment in the genome, referred to as copy number variation (CNV), has caught the attention of many researchers recently. It is believed that CNVs contribute significantly to genome variability, and thus contribute to phenotypic variability.

The perfect host: a mouse host embryo facilitating more efficient germ line transmission of genetically modified embryonic stem cells.

There is a continual need to improve efficiency in creating precise genetic modifications in mice using embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We describe a novel approach resulting in 100% germline transmission from competent injected ESCs. We developed an F1 mouse host embryo (Perfect Host, PH) that selectively ablates its own germ cells via tissue-specific induction of diphtheria toxin.

Mouse estrous cycle identification tool and images.

The efficiency of producing timed pregnant or pseudopregnant mice can be increased by identifying those in proestrus or estrus. Visual observation of the vagina is the quickest method, requires no special equipment, and is best used when only proestrus or estrus stages need to be identified. Strain to strain differences, especially in coat color can make it difficult to determine the stage of the estrous cycle accurately by visual observation.

Surgical oocyte retrieval (SOR): a method for collecting mature mouse oocytes without euthanasia.

A novel surgical method for collecting oocytes from unique and irreplaceable mice is described. This method, surgical oocyte retrieval (SOR), facilitates the collection of ovulated oocytes, does not require euthanasia, and preserves reproductive potential. The surgery involves a small incision in the ampulla region of the oviduct, through which the cumulus oocyte mass is removed with a gel-loading pipette.

Allelic variance between GRM6 mutants, Grm6nob3 and Grm6nob4 results in differences in retinal ganglion cell visual responses.

An electroretinogram (ERG) screen identified a mouse with a normal a-wave but lacking a b-wave, and as such it was designated no b-wave3 (nob3). The nob3 phenotype mapped to chromosome 11 in a region containing the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 gene (Grm6). Sequence analyses of cDNA identified a splicing error in Grm6, introducing an insertion and an early stop codon into the mRNA of affected mice (designated Grm6(nob3)).

Performance of ten inbred mouse strains following assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).

Superovulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo cryopreservation, and embryo transfer are assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) widely used in laboratory mice. Inbred strains of mice have inherent genetic differences that cause them to respond differently to these technologies. Knowing how common inbred strains will perform when used for ARTs will ensure the most efficient use of mice, time, and resources.