Differential Gene Expression in Cell Types of the Human Skeletal Muscle: A Bioinformatics-Based Meta-Review

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the differences in the expression of genes frequently analyzed in the field of exercise science between the skeletal muscle tissue and various cell types that comprise the skeletal muscle tissue.METHODS: We summarized the genes and proteins expressed in the skeletal muscle that were published in “Exercise Science” journal from 2015 to present. Thereafter, we selected 15 genes and proteins that were the most analyzed genes and proteins in the skeletal muscle. These genes and proteins were horizontally compared for expression differences in skeletal muscle components and cultured cells based on NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus DataSets.RESULTS: The most analyzed genes (encoding analyzed proteins) in skeletal muscle tissues in “Exercise Science” were PPARGC1A, PPARD, MTOR, MAP1LC3A, MAP1LC3B, PRKAA1, AKT1, SLC2A4, MAPK1, COX4I1, MAPK14, MEF2A, MAPK8, RPS6KB1, and SOD1. Among them, PPARGC1A, AKT1, SLC2A4, MAPK1, and COX4I1 were specifically expressed in the skeletal muscle. However, expression of other genes was found to be significantly affected in other cell types of the skeletal muscle tissue.CONCLUSIONS: Genes such as PPARGC1A, which are specifically expressed in the skeletal muscle, may be analyzed without pretreating (such as perfusion) the skeletal muscle tissue. However, expression of other genes may depend on the skeletal muscle cell type. Thus, in such instances, pretreatment, such as perfusion and isolation, should be considered.

Describing pre-professional identity in higher education: A case study of exercise science students

Pre-professional identity (PPI) is an understanding of the skills, qualities, conduct, culture and ideology of a students’ intended profession. Understanding PPI is valuable for students and higher-education providers to provide insight into motivation for- and to promote engagement in- learning. Describing PPI is challenging, particularly for evolving health professions. This paper describes a process undertaken to understand PPI, using exercise science (ES), a new and evolving health profession, as a case study. Mixed methods were used to describe three aspects of PPI: 1) student cohort characteristics; 2) personal factors influencing PPI; and 3) perceived career direction. Final year ES students participated in an online survey and a focus group (n=305; 59% male; 75% age range of 20-24 years). Factors contributing to the development of PPI included the desire to help others; interest and experience in sports/exercise. Students had the strongest understanding of the PI domains of affiliation, money and structure and limited understanding of the role of scientist and researcher. Two outcomes were derived from the study findings to advance the theoretical understanding of PPI: 1) a 3-item framework that describes factors specific to students’ PPI; and 2) a worked case study demonstrating how this framework was applied to gain a nuanced understanding of PPI in ES. Our framework can be applied to increase student and higher education providers understanding of PPI and the motivations underpinning student decision-making in higher education.

Satisfaction Levels of Sport Sciences University Students in Online Workshops for Substituting Practice-Oriented Activities during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Laboratory teaching in sport and exercise sciences universities is of fundamental importance as it provides students with the necessary hands-on skills that are indispensable to future kinesiologists. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in lockdown missed the opportunity to acquire laboratory skills. Here we report the solutions adopted by a blended exercise science Master’s degree program of an online Italian university to ensure didactic continuity in the practice-oriented activities during the period of the COVID-19 lockdown. In order to mitigate this issue, laboratory sessions were replaced with online workshops and students’ satisfaction levels in this regard were investigated in the present study using an online survey conducted on 101 students during lockdown. The survey consisted of 7-point Likert scale items focusing on computer usage (CU), learning satisfaction (LS), social interaction (SI), and perceived value (PV). The analysis of the results revealed a good level of learning satisfaction of the students. Conversely, students perceived a moderate level of social interaction and had a moderate perception that online workshops can enhance their learning abilities. In conclusion, the results of the present study seem to indicate that online workshops can be considered a good and acceptable compromise during an emergency, although face-to-face activities remain the preferable learning delivery modality when dealing with the acquisition of hands-on skills.

Policy proposal on development of research topics of graduate students at the Faculty of Education, Naresuan University

This research paper is a policy summary for developing af research topics of graduate students. The selection of 12 proposals were sampled by purposive sampling. The framework in policy proposal on development consisted of 1) Department of Education, 2) Department of Education Administration and Development, 3) Department of Educational Technology and Communications, and 4) Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science. The results showed that the plicy proposal is an appropriate and feasibilily.