bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Temperature and Hypoxia‐Reoxygenation on Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity and Volume, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Onukwufor John , Stevens Don , Kibenge Fred , Kamunde Collins
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effects of temperature and hypoxia‐reoxygenation (H‐RO) on mitochondrial bioenergetics and volume regulation. Oxygen consumption rates in isolated rainbow trout liver mitochondria were measured at 5, 13 and 25 oC before and after exposure to varying durations (5, 15 and 30 min) of hypoxia and reoxygenation. Subsequently, exposure to 15 min of H‐RO at 13 oC was used to probe the involvement of mitochondrial potassium channels (mitoKATP) in H‐RO‐induced mitochondrial volume changes. Our results showed that the stimulatory effect of temperature on state 3 respiration was reduced by H‐RO. In contrast, H‐RO acted cooperatively with temperature to stimulate state 4 respiration. Interestingly, while H‐RO reduced the thermal sensitivity of state 3 at the low (5‐13 oC) temperature range, it increased that of state 4 at both the low and high (13‐25 oC) ranges. These disparate effects of H‐RO on both the rates of state 3 and 4 respiration and their thermal sensitivities markedly reduced the mitochondrial coupling efficiency. We also found that diazoxide, a mitoKATP opener, protected mitochondria against H‐RO‐induced mitochondrial swelling. Overall, our findings indicate that the effects of H‐RO on mitochondrial oxidative capacity are exacerbated by temperature and that mitoKATP mediate H‐RO‐induced mitochondrial volume changes.
Non‐transcriptional Role of HIF‐2α in Hypoxia‐Evoked hERG K+ Channel Trafficking
Authors: Nanduri Jayasri , khan Shakil , Wang Ning , Semenza Gregg , Prabhakar Nanduri
Published: June 2021

Human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related (hERG) K+ channel regulates cell excitability in a variety of cells. hERG protein is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as an immature core glycosylated protein (cg) which is exported to the Golgi apparatus for glycosylation and eventually transported to the plasma membrane as fully glycosylated mature protein (fg). Sustained hypoxia (SH) down regulates the fg form with accumulation of the cg form, resulting in defective trafficking. Systemic and cellular responses to SH require activation of hypoxia‐inducible factors 1 and 2 (HIF‐1 and HIF‐2), which are composed of HIF‐1α or HIF‐2α heterodimerized with HIF‐1β. In the present study, we examined the role of HIFs in SH‐induced hERG trafficking defect. Experiments were performed on SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells exposed to either 4 days of SH (1.5% O2) or normoxia (20% O2). Silencing HIF‐2α but not HIF‐1α by short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) blocked ER accumulation. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay revealed physical interaction of HIF‐2α with hERG cg form. Silencing HIF‐1β, which is required for HIF‐2 transcriptional activity, did not rescue the SH‐induced hERG trafficking defect, suggesting that HIF‐2α has a non‐transcriptional role in regulating hERG trafficking during hypoxia. Supported by NIH‐HL‐090554
The Effects of Dietary Capsaicin on Ventilation in Aging Mice
Authors: Le Angela , Ruby Sarah , Cunningham Caitlin , Benson Marisa , DeRuisseau Keith , DeRuisseau Lara
Published: June 2021

Capsaicin (CAP), the main pungent component of chili peppers, is a selective agonist for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Stimulation of TRPV1 receptors with low doses of CAP results in augmented ventilatory output in anesthetized mice (Wang, 2006 JAP). We tested the hypothesis that dietary intake of CAP in older mice would augment ventilation compared to a control diet. Male mice were tested using unrestrained barometric plethysmography to quantify ventilation before initiation of a specialized diet and after 4‐weeks of AIN‐93G diet (Harlan Teklad) enhanced with either CAP dissolved in lecithin (50 mg/kg food weight: CAP; n=13) or lecithin only (CON; n=12). Mice were acclimated to the chamber (30 min – 180 min) and a 10‐min baseline was collected with room air. Data were analyzed using a multi‐variate linear model and are presented as MEAN±SEM; p < 0.05. At 23‐mon, mice displayed a similar pattern of quiet breathing (data combined; Freq 124±4 bpm, tidal volume (TV) 0.33±0.01 mL/breath, minute ventilation (MV) 40.7±2.1 mL/min). Following 4 weeks of AIN‐93G diet, CON vs. CAP groups demonstrated no differences when exposed to room air for Freq (119±9 vs. 146±13 bpm), TV (0.34±0.02 vs. 0.32±0.01 mL/breath) or MV (39.3±2.6 vs. 47.1±4.7). These responses indicate that dietary CAP does not alter quiet breathing in aging mice. Both groups were exposed to acute hypoxia (15 minutes; 10% O2); these data may provide additional insight regarding the pattern of breathing following dietary CAP. Funding: LMC Student Research Committee; McDevitt Center Research Fellowships in Natural Science to AL and SR.
Mouth Occlusion Pressure (P0.1) Provides Valuable Information in the Clinical Assessment and Follow‐up of Ventilatory Drive in Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Disease
Authors: De La Zerda David , Rovira Yasmin
Published: June 2021

Ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia (VAH) includes a time‐dependent increase in minute ventilation with re‐setting of the arterial partial pressure of CO2 “set point” that results in persistent hyperventilation with concomitant changes in arterial oxygen levels. One of the methods used to evaluate the neuromuscular drive to breathe is the airway occlusion pressure (P0.1), which is the pressure generated at the airway opening 100 ms after the onset of occluded inspiratory effort. We hypothesized that P0.1 is a marker of disease that should be follow as a part of the treatment in patients with lung disease, we studied the correlation between P0.1 with FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC in patients with lung disease. We retrospectively studied 100 subjects that had PFTs and P0.1 done between September and October 2014. Mean age was 59.3 (range, 19‐89 years). In restrictive lung disease (39/100, 39%) P0.1 was correlated with the FVC and FEV1/FVC, in obstructive lung disease (61/100, 61%) P0.1 was correlated with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. In subjects with diagnosis of obstructive lung disease P0.1 had a significant correlation with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC (p=0.001 and 0.003), in restrictive lung disease, P0.1 had a significant correlation with FVC (p=0.001) but no significant correlation with FEV1/FVC (p=0.2). Our results showed that P0.1 has a significant correlation with disease severity in lung disease. Previous studies showed that ventilatory drive decreases as a consequence of treatment, and hypoxia correction, is likely that P0.1 is a good marker of disease progression and can help diagnose and guide treatment in both obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease, more studies are necessary to further evaluate the limitations of the P0.1 in different lung mechanics.
Renal angiotensin II content in neonates is influenced by the salt intake during pregnancy
Authors: Seravalli Priscila , Zago Breno , Oliveira Ivone , Veras Mariana , Heimann Joel
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aims to evaluate a possible influence of high‐ or low‐ salt intake during pregnancy on renal structure and renin‐angiotensin system in neonates in Wistar rats.

Methods

Pregnant rats were fed with normal, high or low‐salt diet (NR, HO and HR groups, respectively) from the first day of pregnancy until delivery. Kidneys of the newborns (6‐8/group) were collected in the first 24 hours of life. Total renalvolume (stereology) and kidney renin‐angiotensin system (indirect ELISA) were evaluated.

Results (mean±SEM, p<0.05)

HO
NR
HR
Statistical analysis

Dams weight (g)

351±23*
377±36
386±42
p<0.05 vs HR

Liter size (n)

14±0.82
14±0.65
14±0.53
NS

Newborns

Body weight (g)
male
5.37±0.09*
6.47±0.07
6.45±0.08
p<0.0001 vs NR and HR

female
5.13±0.07*
6.05±0.09
5.99±0.08
p<0.0001 vs NR and HR

kidney weight (g)
male
9.43±0.27
9.91±0.21
9.25±0.37
NS

female
10.22±0.32
9.99±0.22
9.66±0.22
NS

kidney volume (mm³)
male
7.04±0.47
7.44±0.22
8.20±0.46
NS

female
6.73±0.61
5.84±0.44
7.25±0.98
NS

ANG II (%)
male
75±6.33*
100
68.1±4.05*
p<0.05 vs NR

ACE (%)
male
95.4±13.5
100
82.5±6.68
NS

Conclusion

Low salt intake during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight. Renal angiotensin II content compared normal salt fed dams is lower in newborns from salt overloaded and restricted dams during pregnancy.
High fat diet alters hormone profiles and reproductive organs mass
Authors: Soares da Silva Cynthia , dos Santos Aline , Gaspar Reis Rejane , Nascimento‐Saba Celly Cristina
Published: June 2021

Amount of body fat stored is known to influence fertility, but the exact mechanism connecting these processes is still not fully known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high fat diet, containing soybean oil, on organs mass and body composition of male reproductive system of young rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with control (C) or high fat (HF) diet (7% and 19% of soybean oil, respectively) from weaning until 30 or 60 days of age. Food intake and body mass were monitored weekly. Body composition was evaluated by DEXA on the eve of euthanasia. Blood, liver, adipose tissue, testis and epidydimis were collected. Triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, insulin, leptin and testosterone were assessed. Qualitative characteristics of testis were evaluated by morphometry. Food intake, body mass gain and total fat mass did not differ between the groups at 30 and 60 days. At 30 days, testosterone increased in rats fed with HF (1.35±1.09 vs 10.89± 1.12). At 60 days, epididymal adipose tissue mass (2.90±0.07 vs 3.14±0.10), liver (8.40±0.14 vs 10.45±0.55) and epididymis (0.30±0.18 vs 0.41±0.02) were higher after HF ingestion. Leptin and testis mass were higher in HF group at 30 days (0.85±0.13 vs 1.45±0.16; 1.57±0.06 vs 2.53±0.18) and 60 days of age (0.37±0.03 vs 0.46±0.04; 1.55±0.03 vs 1.66±0.05), respectively. In regard to morphological analyses, at 60 days, testis area was increased (31.87±0.98 vs 37.17±1.97), while seminiferous tubules was decreased (102.7±5.29 vs 79.75±4.21) in Hf groups. In conclusion, some results suggest that HF diet promotes increase in epidydimis and testis, as well as, the results of testis morphometry in these young animals.
Understanding Intermolt Tracheal Changes Using Corrosion Casting
Authors: Ferrara Nicholas , Kirkton Scott
Published: June 2021

Although it is known that the relative investment in tracheal volume increases with the size of grasshoppers, S. americana 6th instars are not able to maintain their mass‐specific metabolic rate during the intermolt period. Previous work using x‐ray synchrotron imaging has shown that tracheal volumes in the abdomen and metathoracic femur are reduced during the intermolt period. While x‐ray synchrotron imaging allows live specimens to be analyzed, there are drawbacks to this method: small tracheae are hard to visualize and 3D analysis is complicated. To overcome these problems we used PU4ii [vasQtec, Switzerland], a low viscosity polymer resin, to create corrosion casts of the femoral tracheal system in female 6th instar grasshoppers of varying age. After the resin was injected and allowed to polymerize, tissues were chemically digested, leaving only the tracheal cast. Tracheae in four categories were compared across early, middle, and late stage 6th instars. The categories were: primary tracheae running along the proximodistal axis; secondary tracheae on the dorsoventral axis in a chevron pattern; tertiary tracheae descending from the chevrons into the muscle cavity; and air sacs located at the hip and knee joints. Casts were photographed using light microscopy; approximate tracheae volumes were calculated using Leica Application Suite software. We hypothesize that the relative volume of the tracheal system, as measured by select tracheae and air sac volumes, decreases during the 6th instar stage. Preliminary results show that during the intermolt period, the cross‐sectional area of primary tracheae decreases by 61.8% and air sac volumes decrease by 4.7%. Previous work suggests that growing non‐respiratory tissue compresses the tracheal system against the rigid cuticular exoskeleton. Funding has been provided by Union College.
Girth to Height Ratio (GHR) is Inversely Correlated to Plasma Glucose to Insulin Ratio (GIR), a Measurement of Insulin Resistance, in Horses
Authors: McCannon Dillon , Luedke Chelsea , Jones Karen , Johnson Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Insulin resistance, most often caused by obesity and associated with increased age, occurs when insulin‐dependent tissues have a diminished sensitivity to the effects of insulin. In horses, insulin resistance increases the risk for developing a severe lameness condition, laminitis. The aim of this study was to determine if accessible external measurements of obesity could facilitate detection of insulin resistance in horses, possibly preventing the onset of laminitis through early intervention. We hypothesized that the progression of insulin resistance would directly correlate with quantitative assessment of physical parameters of obesity, such as body condition score (BCS), girth to height ratio (GHR), and neck circumference to height ratio (NCHR). Insulin resistance was determined by fasting plasma glucose to insulin ratio (GIR) in horses (n=23) of varying body conditions. GIR was inversely correlated to age (p = 0.003) and GHR (p = 0.048). There was no relationship between GIR and BCS or NCHR. As the quantitative measurement of GIR is inversely correlated to insulin resistance, these results indicate that older horses and those with greater GHR were more likely to be insulin resistant. In conclusion, GHR predicts insulin resistance as determined by GIR, but other physical parameters of obesity, such as the subjective assessment of BCS and the objective measurement of NCHR, are not reliable predictors of insulin resistance. Therefore, GHR could be used as a parameter to indicate if further assessment of insulin resistance should be conducted in individual horses.
Changes in Grasshopper Jumping Muscle During Intermolt Development
Authors: Olson Matthew , Kirkton Scott
Published: June 2021

During the sixth instar, the American locust (Schistocerca americana) doubles in mass, but its body size remains relatively constant throughout the instar due to its rigid exoskeleton. Previous work has shown that tracheal air sac size is reduced at the end of the intermolt period. For late stage grasshoppers, this change in the tracheal function correlates with reduced jump performance and their inability to maintain resting metabolic rates in hypoxia. We hypothesized that if late stage grasshoppers had a potential reduction in oxygen delivery, their jumping muscle would rely more on anaerobic metabolism. Early sixth instar (day 2) and late sixth instar (day 8) female grasshoppers were randomly assigned into five jumping groups (0, 30, 60, 120, or 300 seconds; n=10). During repeated jumping, the number of jumps was recorded for each animal. Immediately after jumping, grasshoppers were frozen in liquid nitrogen. A fluorometric assay was developed to measure lactate in the jumping muscle. After 30 seconds of jumping, femoral muscle lactate levels increased 12‐fold in the day 2 animals and 23‐fold in the day 8 animals. Regardless of time spent jumping, day 8 grasshopper jumping muscle had 20‐25% more lactate than day 2 jumping muscles. We also measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and citrate synthase (CS) activity levels in separate day 2 and day 8 sixth instar female grasshoppers (n=12). While jumping muscle CS activity did not vary during the instar, day 8 grasshoppers had a 28% increase in jumping muscle LDH activity. Therefore, we conclude that decreases in the tracheal volume during the intermolt period correlate with an increased reliance on anaerobic metabolism in the jumping muscle, which leads to greater lactate production and higher rates of fatigue during repeated jumping.
Murine Pulmonary Slowly‐Adapting Receptors (SARs): Putative links to Neuroepithelial Body (NEB) hypoxia chemoreception and the Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR)
Authors: Domnik Nicolle , Vincent Sandra , MacLeod R John , Cutz Ernest , Fisher John
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary SARs are mechanosensitive vagal afferents, which Adriaensen (J Appl Physiol, 2006) proposed to be functionally linked to morphologically‐defined, hypoxia‐sensitive NEBs (Youngson et al. 1993, Nature). Post‐natal NEBs express CaSR (Lembrechts et al. 2013, J Cell Sci), and vagal NEB innervation expresses P2X2 and P2X3 ATP receptors (Brouns et al. 2009, Histochem Cell Biol). We tested in vivo murine SAR responses to quasi‐static inflation (0‐20 cmH2O) in: 1) hypoxia (10% O2) 2) absence of CaSR (CaSR / parathyroid hormone double‐knockout mouse, KO) and 3) P2 purinergic receptor blockade (Suramin: 50 mg/kg). SAR mechanosensitivity was defined as action potential frequency (f) at tracheal pressures of 5, 10, 15, and 20 cmH2O. Hypoxia caused a small but statistically significant increase in f (9.6±2.8% at 20cmH2O; P = 0.002, mean±SEM). Loss of CaSR significantly reduced f at all pressures (‐34.9% and ‐39.5% at 15cmH2O in hyper‐ and hypoxia, respectively; P < 0.001) with no impact of hypoxia within each genotype. Suramin caused a small but significant reduction in f (‐10.6±1.5% at 20cmH2O; P = 0.01). These data suggest that CaSR significantly impacts SAR mechanosensitivity, while purinergic signaling and hypoxia exert modest effects with as yet to be determined physiologic roles.

Supported by CIHR MOP81211 (JTF), Spear Endowment for Respiratory Research (Queen's University JTF and RJM), NSERC PostGrad Scholarship (NJD).
Control of Breathing and Adaptation to High‐altitude Hypoxia in Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Authors: Ivy Catherine , Scott Graham
Published: June 2021

High‐altitude environments pose multiple challenges, such as cold temperatures and low partial pressures of oxygen. This study compared the control of breathing and pulmonary gas exchange in populations of deer mice with highland and lowland ancestry to determine the physiological specializations important for living in high‐altitude environments. The hypoxic ventilatory response was measured using whole‐body plethysmography in response to step‐wise decreases in inspired oxygen fraction, from 21% to 8%, in mice acclimated to normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia (simulating the hypoxia at ~4300 m elevation). Total ventilation was similar between populations, but highland mice acclimated to normoxia had a more effective breathing pattern than lowland mice acclimated to normoxia, characterized by deeper less frequent breaths at a given total ventilation. Hypoxia acclimation had no effect on breathing pattern in highland mice, but it increased tidal volume and decreased breathing frequency in lowland mice. Highland ancestry and hypoxia acclimation also affected respiratory water loss and thermoregulatory responses to hypoxia. Therefore, both highland ancestry and hypoxia acclimation influence the control of breathing and pulmonary gas exchange in deer mice. Supported by NSERC of Canada.
Thyroid Gland Remains Responsive to Thyroid Stimulating Hormone With Fasting Duration
Authors: Martinez Bridget , Soñanez‐Organis Jose , MacKenzie Duncan , Crocker Daniel , Ortiz Rudy
Published: June 2021

Food deprivation in mammals is associated with reduced thyroid hormone (TH) to suppress metabolism. However, in prolonged‐fasted, elephant seal pups, cellular thyroid hormone‐mediated proteins are up‐regulated with fasting duration. The functional relevance of this apparent paradox is unknown. To address our hypothesis that the elephant seal thyroid gland remains active during fasting, we infused early and late fasted pups with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and measured the concentration/expression of total thyroxine, (tT4), total tri‐iodothyronine, (tT3), DI1, and THrβ1. During the early fast, concentrations of tT4 and tT3 increased, with levels peaking at 120 minutes, 158 ±9%, and 154 ±6%, respectively. In the late fast, concentrations of tT4 and tT3 also increased, with levels peaking at 120 minutes, 156 ±10%, and 160 ±9%, respectively; levels remained 215% and 242% elevated in tT4 and tT3, respectively after 24 hours in the late fast. Similarly, expression of THrβ1 increased 196 ±23% at 120 minutes in adipose tissue, with levels increasing 421 ±56 % in muscle at only 60 minutes in the late fast. Lastly, the mRNA expression of DI1 increased 415 ±49 % at 120 minutes in adipose, with levels increasing 263 ±28 % at only 60 minutes in muscle during the late fast. The data suggest that the regulation and function of the thyroid gland and of cellular thyroid hormone mediated activity of the northern elephant seal is atypical.
High Fidelity Patient Simulations (HFPS) in Medical Physiology Improve Non‐Cognitive Skills in First Year Medical Students
Authors: Harris David , Bellew Christine , Asmar Abdo , Cendan Juan , Johnson Teresa
Published: June 2021

Non‐cognitive skills (NCS) play a vital role in academic performance, yet they are often undervalued due to large content loads in medical education. Targeting time in a curriculum for students to learn NCS is crucial. Our hypothesis was that HFPS could be used to learn physiology and improve NCS.

METHODS

120 1st yr med students participated in 3 HFPS. Students were rated by two faculty (1 live, 1 video) using a validated Likert like eval tool (1‐9 from unsatisfactory to outstanding)with 8 categories focusing on TeamSTEPPS principles about patient safety. After each HFPS, all students received a 10 min faculty debrief on physio content. Then 1/2 of the students had student led (SL) debriefs and 1/2 had faculty led (FL) debriefs about NCS. Feedback regarding simulation was also obtained following the module.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in rating scores on 6 of 7 categories on the eval tool, with 1 category eliminated due to missing scores. There was no significant difference between SL and FL debriefs in 6 of 7 categories.

TeamSTEPPS principle
Student Led Debrief Sim 1
Student Led Debrief Sim 3
Faculty Led Debrief Sim 1
Faculty Led Debrief Sim 3

Team is assembled and established
4.0±0.6
5.3±0.3*
4.5±0.8
6.2±0.5*

Delegation of Roles and Responsibilities
3.7±0.5
5.5±0.3*
4.0±0.8
6.3±0.3*

Aware of Environment
4.2±0.4
5.5±0.3*
4.8±0.6
6.3±0.3*

Re‐evaluation and Summarizing
4.5±0.4
5.4±0.3
5.4±0.3
6.6±0.1* &

Shared Mental Model of Patient
4.4±0.4
5.9±0.3*
5.3±0.2
6.4±0.3*

Clear Messages were Provided by Leader
4.0±0.4
5.4±0.2*
5.1±0.6
5.5±0.3

Teams used Closed Loop Communication
3.4±0.5
5.6±0.3*
3.4±0.4
5.3±0.4*

* =P <.05 Sim1 vs Sim 3
& = P<.05 student led vs faculty led

Anonymous student feedback and qualitative interviews indicated that students perceived improved team skills and better integration of physio.

Conclusions

These data suggest that HFPS can facilitate NCS development in med students in the context of learning physio. Additionally, these data suggest that SL and FL debriefs are equally effective at promoting NCS development which may allow limited faculty resources to be utilized more efficiently. Overall, these data suggest that HFPS may be an alternative for NCS development similar to PBL and TBL curricula. Ultimately, improved NCS could help students learn better and increase patient safety.
Ahead of Its Time: An Innovative Obstetric Simulator in 18th Century France
Authors: Witt Trudy
Published: June 2021

The use of obstetric simulators is common practice in contemporary health care education. However, they are not a recent innovation. In the late 1700s a French midwife, Madame du Coudray, invented an obstetric simulator which she used to teach midwifery to more than 4,000 peasant women. Appointed in August 1767 by King Louis XV to teach midwifery “throughout the whole extent of the Realm,” she faced the challenge of teaching a complex scientific process to science‐illiterate students. This inspired her invention which received the endorsement of the French Surgical Academy. Using the simulator and her midwifery manual, describing the manipulations necessary to deliver an infant, she taught midwifery throughout France for 20 years. Each community where she taught was required to purchase a simulator for the local surgeons to use after she left, to train more midwives. Although she produced hundreds of them, only one exists today and is housed in Rouen, France. Made of cloth, leather, and bone, it resembles a pregnant woman from waist to knees. It includes a small baby (doll) which can be manipulated through the birth canal. How realistic is her simulator? Is it possible that she used active brain‐based learning in the 18th century? This study evaluates the simulator for fidelity (how realistic it is) and its potential for active learning. Photographs of the simulator were compared with thirty‐five quotes from the manual describing manipulations performed during delivery. Raters, with medical training, were asked to rate how feasible, on a scale from 0 to 4, it would be to conduct the manipulations on the simulator. The average rating ranged from 2.5 to 4. The interrater reliability was 94%. This study showed that the simulator has good fidelity, and could be used for active learning. No funding was received for this study.
Modeling Enzyme Activity
Authors: Hay Jordan
Published: June 2021

Quantitative models provide a way for systems‐level integration of metabolism. As an alternative to extreme reductionism, model building puts together parts provided by reductionist analysis and shows how they work together. This systems biology paradigm was explored in the context of an introductory biology enzyme activity laboratory. Catecholase activity in a crude extract of potato (Solanum tuberosum) was characterized using standard spectrophotometric methods. Based on measured time courses of product accumulation, enzyme kinetic parameters were estimated using the software application COPASI (COmplex PAthway SImulator). Simulated kinetics were in reasonably good agreement with measurements. Quantitative analysis, mathematical modeling, and software application proficiency are discussed in relation to technology‐enhanced learning.
Optimizing Nutrition Education in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Authors: Greenblatt Yael , Gomez Sofia , Alleman Gayle , Rico Karen , McDonald Daniel , Hingle Melanie
Published: June 2021

Research has demonstrated that nutrition education leads to healthier food choices in low‐income populations. WIC provides compulsory nutrition education to clients; however, the most effective way to deliver education remains unclear. The study objective was to explore staff and clients' perceptions of WIC nutrition education. Participants were recruited to focus group discussions from community‐based locations in Tucson, Arizona. Guided by a semi‐structured script, trained interviewers led discussions that were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Ten focus groups were conducted: 4 with current WIC clients (n=21 participants), 2 with previous clients (n=8), and 4 with staff members (n=25). Results suggested WIC staff struggled to discern clients' nutritional interests within limited time. Both clients and staff thought emotion‐based educational tools and handouts were time‐consuming and lengthy. Clients desired brief lists of toddler‐friendly foods; staff and clients suggested updated nutrition education formats (e.g., videos) with proposed topics including food preparation and child eating practices. Implementing the suggested strategies might enhance effectiveness of WIC nutrition education. These findings will be shared with WIC partners to inform changes to nutrition education.

This work was supported by a UA Canyon Ranch Center for Prevention & Health Promotion Faculty Seed Grant awarded to Dr. Hingle in 2013.
Use of a Learning Management System and Related Technology to Improve Physiology Classroom Teaching
Authors: Mulroney Susan , Whitney Jennifer , Myers Adam
Published: June 2021

Reinforcing complex physiologic concepts is a daunting task as medical and graduate courses increase content while decreasing class lecture time. Our objective is to incorporate technology (lecture capture, short podcasts, Adobe Captivate workshops and tutorials, progressive disclosure cases) into the BlackBoard (Bb) learning management system to decompress lectures while providing formative feedback through online exercises, allowing flipped learning sessions during class. We used four strategies: Bb based podcasts of difficult cardiovascular concepts; Adobe Captivate on Bb for a workshop on bile; a Bb based workshop on acid‐base physiology; and a progressive disclosure case through Bb that allows interactive clinical session in class. Each session includes on‐line questions with answers, to provide immediate formative feedback to the students, as well as in class iClicker questions to assess retention of material and provide more formative feedback. We have developed Bb templates that provide objectives for each session, as well as syllabus, slides, and interactive workshops/podcasts. Evaluation of these on‐line resources and the flipped class sessions has been extremely positive, with >85% of GUMC medical and graduate students reporting that they feel the resources improved the learning environment. Tracking of student utilization of online resources revealed that student use of required exercises approached 100%; student use of non‐required resouces (podcasts and Echo 360 lecture captures) was variable but in most cases these resources were used by the majority of students and feedback in student evaluations was positive. We are currently working on incorporating more of these resources into other physiologic systems.

Funded by GU ITEL
Do Spatial Skills Affect Performance in Health Professional Schools?
Authors: Peterson Dana , Holliday Janet
Published: June 2021

Spatial skills have been shown to be correlated with performance in scientific fields. These skills may be particularly important for high achievement in medical school, where the extrapolation of 2‐dimensional images to 3‐dimensional patients is increasingly important for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring. Subsets of students, like females, have been shown to score lower on specific tests for spatial skills. In our student sample, females scored significantly lower than males in both spatial skills and anatomy practical exam scores.

Our experimental questions included 1) are baseline spatial skills correlated with performance in first year medical/pharmacy school classes, 2) can students who score low in spatial skills improve these skills and class performance with a short, directed schedule of spatial training not related to anatomical study and 3) are improvements in spatial skills correlated with improved performance on assessments in classes in subsequent years.

220 participants took a pre‐test of rotational skills (Peters, et al., 1995) at the beginning of their first year of medical and pharmacy training. Participants who were identified as low scoring spatial rotators were compared with participants who were adept spatial rotators throughout their first year of professional school assessments. No significant correlations were found between spatial skills and the first anatomy exam. A participant sub‐group of the low scorers undertook a well‐defined training program to improve spatial skills. This subgroup scored significantly better on their first anatomy practical than students with similar starting spatial scores but no spatial skills training.
Is There A Perfect Assessment For Undergraduate Medical Student Including Anatomy Examination?
Authors: Mustafa Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The purpose is to produce a systematic review on the examination methods for medical students. Conclusions will be drawn regarding the best

assessment method, and make recommendations based on the analysis results in order to produce a proposal of the perfect test reliability formula.

Methods

The first search made for the literature review, based on a computerised search of the following electronic databases: MIDLINE, PsycINFO, Pubmed and Google scholar from 1989 to 2014. 131 published studies were analysed. The second search focused on assessments in anatomical science education, which conducted using the “Anatomical Science Education” at the Wiley online database. There are 25 suitable articles. Then, Two studies were focused fully on assessments in anatomy; both included the average reliability coefficient.

Results

The first search, MCQ dominated, with 45 published articles out of the 131 articles, which represents 30%of the relevant literature. This was followed by 25 on OSCE, 21 on Spotter, 9 on EMQ, 8 on Essay, 8 on True/False, 7 on SBA, 5 on Viva and two SAQ. The average reliability tests were 0.8, 0.65, CI‐95% (0.85 – 0.75), (0.7 – 0.6), MCQ and OSCE, respectively. P‐value is 0.023, which shows a significant difference between the average of the reliability test for MCQ versus OSCE.

The second search showed, 33 relevant articles which included anatomy assessment, thirteen (38%) of those articles focused on practical examinations.

Conclusions

MCQ and OSCE were found to be dominant in the medical assessment literature, and showed high values for the reliability alpha Cronbach's coefficient. Unlike anatomical assessments, which were dominated by the spotter in the literature, but reliability for this was low.
Problem‐Based Learning Curriculum and Assessment of Anatomical Knowledge: Kuwait University Experience
Authors: Khan Khalid , Al‐Hussaini Heba , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Sound knowledge of the structure and function of the human body is an indispensable requisite for safe and efficient clinical practice. Since the dramatic expansion of the body of scientific knowledge, it has become practically impossible to design an all‐inclusive undergraduate medical curriculum. Thus curricular reformists citing the cliché “what students learn today will be outdated tomorrow” made drastic reductions in Anatomy content, arguing that it was merely rote learning of excessive factual details. Therefore, going along with curricular reform, Kuwait University Faculty of Medicine adopted the Problem‐Based Learning (PBL) as the main instructional strategy. This curricular change led to modifications in the assessment strategy as well. Students are no longer required to demonstrate their competency in Anatomy as anatomy questions are included in a multidisciplinary MCQ‐based end‐of‐module examinations and Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE). Our data indicate that poor performance in Anatomy including OSPE does not lead to failure in the multidisciplinary examination. We have also noted that student knowledge of Anatomy depends on the number of questions in an exam. Also if there are fewer Anatomy questions in an end‐of‐module examination, students ignore Anatomy. We think that this is a major flaw in the multidisciplinary MCQ‐based end‐of‐module examination and it is affecting their performance during clinical training. We suggest that in order to better prepare students for clinical training, it must be mandatory for them to demonstrate their competency in all basic sciences in a subject‐based examination.
Student Performance in Gross Anatomy is Correlated with Dissection Exposure
Authors: Pizzimenti Marc , Pantazis Nicholas , Sandra Alexander , Hoffmann Darren , Lenoch Susan , Ferguson Kristi
Published: June 2021

Educational strategies should promote student learning and provide opportunities for multiple levels of engagement. Here we demonstrate enhanced student exam performance that is correlated with learning through the dissection process. The current study examined data collected from multiple classes (692 students). When students performed two of five dissections, their average score on lab exam questions related to their dissections (86.9%) was significantly higher than their average score from those items where they learned using previously dissected specimens that were led by their peers (82.3%, p < .01). Moreover, written exam scores were influenced by the number of dissections performed. Students in the upper quartile (UQS) benefited when they had dissected once (92.9%) or twice (92.4%), and these scores were significantly higher than those from material taught by peers (90.3%, p < .01). Students in the lower quartile of class performance (LQS) benefited most from the additional dissection experiences, where exam performance was better (77.8%) when these students learned material from their peers (73.7%, p < 0.01). Moreover, written exam performance for LQS followed the same trend (72.2% vs 75.0%, p < .01). Although UQS benefited from dissection experiences, LQS benefited in both the practical and written examinations areas related to their dissections. For LQS, these experiences may provide the necessary structure and guidance for promoting learning to a level that appears limited when they have not participated in the dissection. This suggests that dissection is an effective strategy for engagement in active and self‐regulated learning.
Analysis of Written Exam Items with or without Reference Pictures
Authors: Notebaert Andrew
Published: June 2021

A retrospective analysis was done on an undergraduate human anatomy multiple choice exam to determine whether including a reference picture helped students answer a text‐based question. Exams of two classes covering the same unit were analyzed: one summer class (n=75 students) and one spring class (n=207 students). Each exam covered the same basic material, was taught by the same instructor using the same teaching strategies and was composed of 45 multiple‐choice questions. The summer exam contained 12 questions with a reference picture while the spring exam had 13 such questions. Fourteen of the 45 questions contained identical stems and answer choices on both exams although reference pictures may or may not have been included. Initial analysis indicated that the summer section performed better overall (80.1% average ±13.7%) when compared to the spring (70.8%±15.3%); a similar difference was also seen in final course grades. Analysis of average item discrimination showed no difference between the two exams. When analyzing the effect of a reference picture, there was no difference found for both item difficulty (percent getting the item correct) and item discrimination. Overall, including a reference picture did not affect the average item statistics. Finally, examination of eight questions that were identical in text but did not have a picture on one of the exams showed that there was a trend towards increased item discrimination when a reference picture was included. Further analyses is warranted to determine if this difference is statistically significant. This type of analysis is helpful for instructors to determine whether reference material is beneficial on examination items and thus improve assessment questions.
The Effect of Image Quality on Anatomy Learning
Authors: Mackinnon Chelsea , Fenesi Barbara , Cheng Lucia , Lucibello Kristen , Kim Joseph , Wainman Bruce
Published: June 2021

Illustrations are critical learning tools in anatomy education. However, evaluation of anatomy image quality is entirely subjective and images display an immense variance in complexity and clarity.

The objective of the current study is to determine whether image quality impacts learnability of human anatomy. Undergraduate students with no previous anatomy and physiology background undergo a learning phase where they review two paper‐based instructional modules on independent anatomical material (human hand and eye). There are two versions of each module that vary in image quality, but contain identical text. One version contains low‐quality images the other high‐quality images. The high‐quality images had enhanced visual contrast, label clarity, colour‐coding and consistency in style and anatomical view across images. Immediately following the learning phase, participants are tested on their comprehension of the modules using either 2‐dimensional illustrations or anatomical specimens. Two delayed comprehension assessments are completed 24 and 48 hours later to determine long‐term learning outcomes. We predict higher comprehension scores when material is presented using high‐quality images on both immediate and delayed tests, and on both illustration‐based and specimen tests. Higher quality images will reduce any cognitive demands geared towards identifying and processing critical visual features and structures. As a result, more cognitive resources can be dedicated to consolidating presented information and integrating this new knowledge with pre‐existing information for stable, long‐term learning. This study will help guide medical illustrators to create educational material that maximizes learning.
Simulation‐based training improves non‐technical skills of general surgery residents: a pilot study
Authors: Nguyen Ngan , Elliott John , Watson William , Dominguez Edward
Published: June 2021

Background

Failures in non‐technical skills (NTS) rather than technical expertise are frequently at the root of medical errors in the operating room (OR). NTS are the cognitive (decision making and situation awareness) and interpersonal (communication and teamwork) skills that are recognized, but not formally addressed in surgical training.

Purpose

To examine the effect of simulation‐based training (SBT) on NTS performance of surgical residents during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Setting

The study was carried out in a simulated OR that was arranged with standard equipment for LC, a high‐fidelity patient simulator and a real OR team.

Design

11 surgery residents completed 2 identical SBT Sessions. For each Session, the resident was briefed on the LC case, completed the case in the simulated OR and debriefed his/her videotaped performance with a content expert.

Assessment

4 raters, blinded to the residents' PGY level and the order of the videotaped Sessions, reviewed the recordings and scored the residents' NTS using a perioperative Time Out checklist and Intraoperative LC checklist.

Results

Scores on both checklists improved from Session 1 to Session 2, p<0.05, suggesting that SBT is effective for improving the NTS that underpin surgical proficiency.

Conclusion

It could be reasonably argued that improved NTS of surgeons would reduce medical errors and improve patient safety in the OR.
Exposing the Gaps: A Review of Anatomy Education Literature
Authors: Traser Courtney , Hoffman Leslie , Brokaw James , Wilson Adam
Published: June 2021

Background & Purpose

This review investigated the thematic nature of articles most commonly published in Anatomical Sciences Education (ASE) so as to propose a research agenda that identifies underrepresented anatomy education research topics.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched for all ASE published articles between January 2008 and October 2014. Articles listed as either “Research Reports” or “Descriptive Articles” were included in the analysis. Frequencies of article prevalence were tallied after categorizing articles according to their title and study aims.

Results

Of the 301 articles analyzed, 75% had a focus in gross anatomy and more than half (57%) were from institutions outside of the U.S. The three principal areas of research focus included ‘development and/or evaluation of anatomy education resources' (28% of articles), ‘teaching methods and approaches' (25% of articles), and ‘body donation/dissection’ (14% of articles). Technology‐oriented studies were also common and a number of research topics, such as virtual microscopy, recurred more than five times.

Conclusion

The preliminary findings of this study suggest a greater need for systematic reviews and focused meta‐analyses. This review assimilated 6+ years of research and proposes topics for future study in anatomy education.
Obstetrical Implications of Sexual Dimorphism in Hominoid Os Coxae
Authors: Costa Stephanie , Lewton Kristi
Published: June 2021

Many studies have examined pelvic sexual dimorphism and its functional implications in linear analyses, but few have used three‐dimensional (3D) methods, which are ideal for complex structures such as the pelvis. This study examines human and ape os coxae using 3D geometric morphometrics (GM) to determine if patterns of sexual dimorphism relate to obstetrical and/or biomechanical requirements. Twenty‐five 3D landmarks were collected on 35 human and 116 hominoid os coxae. Generalized Procrustes and principal component analyses were performed on combined and sex‐specific species samples. Tests of male and female human os coxae demonstrate dimorphism in several pelvic traits related to increasing birth canal dimensions in females; females have a wider subpubic angle and greater sciatic notch than males, as well as a short ischial spine. Hominoids, however, did not exhibit sexual dimorphism in pelvic shape. These results confirm previous studies showing that human pelvic shape dimorphism is related to the obstetrical requirements of birthing a large fetus, rather than sexual dimorphism in locomotor biomechanics. Future 3D GM research on other primate species that have large neonates relative to maternal size may determine whether the primate pelvis exhibits similar patterns of response to obstetrical selection pressures as in humans.
Inbred Background Effects On Craniofacial Shape Dysmorphology In Mice With Spry Deletions
Authors: Percival Christopher , Mushegyan Vagan , Tran Dong‐Kha , Klein Ophir , Hallgrímsson Benedikt
Published: June 2021

A mutation's effect on craniofacial phenotype is modulated by genetic background, but associated developmental interactions are not well understood. Our objective was to quantify the influence of three inbred backgrounds (FVB, 129, BL6) on the expression of craniofacial dysmorphology associated with Sprouty (Spry) 1, 2, and 4 deletions in mice. We quantified adult morphology with landmarks placed on micro‐computed tomography derived surfaces of heterozygote and homozygote knockouts, and unaffected littermates of each background. Within a background strain, mice with two deletions differ strongly from controls, including a visually identifiable rounded cranium and shortened face in Spry 2 homozygotes. Although not as extreme, heterozygotes significantly differ in shape from controls in many cases. Deletion effects are significantly different between background strains after correcting for shape differences in background controls, including a larger reduction of the nasal aperture associated with Spry1 deletion on 129 background versus FVB. Spry 4 deletion on FVB results in a more projected upper face associated with diastema teeth, while the effect of it on C57 is minimal. There are significant background effects on expression of craniofacial dysmorphology associated with Spry deletions, patterns of which can help illuminate how modifier genes can influence the effects of major genetic perturbations.

Grant Funding Source: NIH (1R01‐DE021708, DP2‐OD007191, RO1‐DE021420, F30‐DE022482); NSERC (238992‐12); CIHR fellowship through ACHRI to CJP
A Case Report of Bilateral Carotico‐clinoid Foramina and a Unilateral Accessory Optic Canal: Implications for Anterior Clinoidectomy
Authors: Cyrus Leah , Laslo Jillian , Lambert H Wayne , Zdilla Matthew
Published: June 2021

The lesser wing of the sphenoid has important anatomical relationships with both the ophthalmic artery (OphA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Irregularly, the carotico‐clinoid ligament, a ligament connecting the anterior and middle clinoid processes, ossifies to create the carotico‐clinoid foramen (CCF) through which the ICA travels. The presence of the CCF has been reported to occur at a frequency ranging from 4.25% to 35.67%. Likewise, another variant, the accessory optic canal (AOC) will transmit the OphA instead of the optic canal. The AOC is present in approximately 1% of individuals. This study documents a bilateral CCF and a unilateral AOC occurring simultaneously. During anterior clinoidectomy procedures, both the CCF and AOC can create surgical complications. Knowledge of the unique combination of anatomical variants presented in this report may prevent adverse surgical events during anterior clinoidectomy procedures including hemorrhage of the ophthalmic artery or internal carotid artery and subsequent vision loss or death. Research was supported by funding from the WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.14.13].