bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Summer Anatomy Enrichment Program for Rising Second Year Medical Students
Authors: Giannaris Eustathia Lela
Published: November 2023

The Summer Anatomy Enrichment Program (SAEP) was developed for rising second year medical students at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The goals of the SAEP are (1) to provide participants an advanced review of and further training in anatomy through human cadaveric dissection; and (2) to develop educational materials for the anatomy component of the interdisciplinary Development, Structure, and Function (DSF) course for first year medical students. This selective program is geared toward high achieving students in the anatomical sciences with a strong interest in anatomy and medical education. Under the direction of faculty, SAEP participants prepare prosected specimens and develop educational resources such as dissection videos, prosection guides and image‐based digital flash cards. These educational materials are made available to first year medical students enrolled in the DSF course through the online learning management system. In addition, prosected specimens and accompanying educational resources are utilized in self‐directed, hands‐on learning sessions. Informal feedback from first year medical students indicates that (1) the educational materials are useful study aides to review and consolidate material in preparation for exams; and (2) the self‐directed, hands‐on sessions with prosected specimens provide clear demonstrations of structures not fully appreciated previously and facilitate understanding of key spatial relationships. Subjective reports from SAEP participants suggest an increased confidence in understanding clinically relevant anatomical relationships, and a high level of satisfaction in both the opportunity to revisit anatomy and enhance the curriculum for future learners. Collection of additional student feedback will provide more information to improve the SAEP program to further support learning in both undergraduate and graduate medical curricula.

Support or Funding Information

Sponsored by the Department of Radiology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Using Assessment to Promote Deep and Active Learning in an Online Anatomy Course
Authors: Kolomitro Klodiana , MacKenzie Les W.
Published: November 2023

The assessment plan we have in place has a greater influence over student learning than any other aspect of the curriculum. Through assessment, we are communicating to students what knowledge, skills, and habits of mind are essential and enduring, and what they should be working towards in our course; therefore we have to think carefully about what it is that we value as instructors and make sure we communicate that through our assessment plan. Indeed, students view grading as a kind of “currency indicating what teachers value” (Boud, 1990, p. 103). Assessment influences how students approach learning, how they engage with us as instructors, how they engage with other students, and the material itself. Students will approach the material differently if, for example, the assessment is a multiple‐choice exam, an essay, or group presentation. In this session, we will share with the participants how we have revised our assessment plan to ensure that it directly supports the intended learning outcomes for this course, promotes active learning, and encourages a deep approach to learning anatomy. To ensure a more systematic approach to the curriculum, there has to be alignment among the design, delivery, and assessment of learning: “When there is alignment between what we want, how we teach and how we asses, teaching is likely to be much more effective” (Biggs 2003).

Our goal in teaching is to get students excited about anatomy, intrigued, and to want to know more. When students are engaged and find the content relevant, they are more likely to put effort into it and take a deep approach to learning. We will discuss in this session how we have implemented Jigsaw, Jeopardy, Scavenger Hunt and other assessment strategies in a first‐year online anatomy course to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning, develop transferrable skills, and grow as individuals.

Even though we capture student feedback throughout the course, we also sent a course evaluation to the students et the end of the term to specifically ask about the active learning components of anatomy. The project on evaluating this course has received ethics clearance, which means will be able to share that feedback with other educators at this conference along with some of the lessons learned and underlying principles to encourage deep learning in anatomy.
Impact of integrating interactive neuroanatomy e‐learning resources on novice student learning
Authors: Allen Lauren , Eagleson Roy , deRibaupierre Sandrine
Published: November 2023

Neuroanatomy is one of the most complex topics in anatomy with many novice students reporting they consider it to be the most difficult component in their anatomy curriculum. A main reason for the reported difficulties is the high spatial complexity that exists between structures. The development of interactive three‐dimensional (3D) models in neuroanatomy curricula may provide an effective solution for alleviating difficulties students encounter while learning with conventional two‐dimensional (2D) resources, however this has yet to be fully examined in the literature.

Interactive 3D and 2D e‐learning resources were developed to complement undergraduate neuroanatomy instruction. The 3D module provided students the opportunity to manipulate a dynamic 3D model in order to view structures from any desired angle, view deep cortical structures at high magnification, and add interactive structural labels.

One hundred forty‐four participants completed the study, which utilized a cross‐over design to separate participants into two groups. Each group initially completed an anatomy knowledge pretest, followed by access to either the 3D or 2D neuroanatomy e‐learning resource. Participants completed a first post‐module assessment prior to switching to the other e‐learning resource. A second post‐module assessment was administered following participants' exposure to the second learning resource. Data was also collected for the time spent by participants using each learning modality.

Participants who initially accessed the 3D e‐learning resource had a significantly greater increase in score between the pretest and the first post‐module assessments than the students who initially accessed the 2D e‐learning resource. Participants who viewed the 3D e‐learning resource following access to the 2D e‐learning resource significantly improved their scores between the first and second post‐module assessments. Total time spent using both e‐learning resources did not significantly differ between groups. Participants who initially accessed the 3D resource spent equivalent amounts of time using each resource, whereas participants who initially accessed the 2D resource spent significantly more time using the 3D resource than the 2D resource. Results of this study could be used to inform the effective development and implementation of 3D e‐learning resources to improve neuroanatomy instruction and student learning outcomes.

Support or Funding Information

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Using Interactive Online Learning Modules in Histology to Improve Long‐term Retention and Efficiency of Learning
Authors: Russell Rae L. , Luna Patty , Chico Diane E.
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

Anatomical sciences are integral to the first year of medical education. With decreasing medical school curricular hours devoted to the anatomical sciences, course directors utilize computer‐based modalities as ancillary resources that aim to achieve long‐term retention of material. There is high student demand for such online resources in medical education. The goal of this study is to provide self‐directed, interactive, and highly efficient online learning modules that will improve efficiency of curriculum delivery and increase retention of material by first year medical students.

METHODS

Research was conducted on examination answers submitted by historical controls: first year medical students attending Texas A&M in the fall of 2015. Four subjects in medical histology where historical controls scored low on examinations were: blood and hematopoiesis; digestive system; immune system; and male and female reproductive systems. A module on digestive system histology was created using Articulate Storyline 2 software (Articulate, New York, NY) and included narration, histological images, several interactive options, and practice questions. The module included a pre‐quiz, post‐quiz, and survey, to measure the effectiveness and to address the students' perceived value of the module, respectively. First year medical students taking Foundations of Medicine I in the fall of 2016 were offered the module as an optional study tool. The module was made available to the students 6 weeks after examination of the material, and 3 weeks prior to the customized National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) board exam. Results from the quizzes and survey were collected and stored on the learning management system, eCampus (Blackboard Inc., Washington D.C., USA).

RESULTS

Timing of module deployment matters; these students were given the module after attending 3 lectures and 2 laboratories on the subject. Therefore, the effectiveness of the module could not be determined from quiz score comparisons alone. The eCampus system allows for scores and results tracking, and reports content usage statistics. The outcome of student perceptions on the usefulness of the digestive system histology module is expected to be positive. First year medical students have commented that outline modules offer the opportunity to self‐assess their current knowledge base.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing an online learning module on digestive system histology could serve as a review tool for the customized NBME board exam. Familiarity with technology and flexibility of time, place, pace, and participation are some reasons why online modules are well received. Future directions of this project include testing the timing of module delivery and publishing more highly efficient modules that are available nation wide.
The Long‐Term Effectiveness of Online Learning Modules for the Study of Anatomy
Authors: Aziz Ben , Lee Vaughan
Published: November 2023

Education has been evolving in the past decade to accommodate the application of electronic devices. With the use of newer advances in technology in their personal lives, students anticipate the implementation of these same forms of media in their studies. Shorter videos that convey broad understanding have become the standard from Kaplan, USMLE Rx, and Pathoma. This project aims to further establish the effectiveness, and student satisfaction of course‐specific online learning modules for an entire medical school block at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine (TTUHSCSOM). Interactive online modules were developed using Adobe Captivate 8™, which included interactive images, captions, and questions. The modules covered every lecture and laboratory component throughout the anatomy block in the 1st year medical school curriculum and were limited to no more than 15 minutes per module. Students had access to all of the modules at the beginning of the block, with each one also posted with the corresponding lecture or laboratory. The quality of the modules was measured by comparing exam scores for the class of 2020 to the class of 2016 (years with similar course structure). A post‐block survey was also used to determine the usefulness of the modules via Likert scale. Upon comparing the exam grades between the class of 2016 and the class of 2020, there was no significant difference between the two. Class average was very high in both cohorts, with an 86.39 (13.84) and 86.25 (6.88). The final exam grades were also not significantly different, with an 89.13 (6.93) and 88.58 (8.31). Results from the post‐block survey completed by 53 students were overwhelmingly positive in total. Of the 29 survey questions, the lowest rated was a 4.28 out of 5. The majority of students viewed modules for 30 minutes to an hour. They also viewed each individual module on average of 2.45 times. We looked at the difference between the groups who viewed the modules for less than 30 minutes and those who viewed for more than 30 minutes. This revealed some statistical differences in categories involved with perceived level of difficulty, purpose, and how likely they would recommend these modules to others. We also looked at the differences between those who watched the modules just once, compared to those who watched 2 or more times, which showed some statistical differences in their understanding of the material, the design of the modules, and how likely they would recommend the modules. We concluded that the interactive modules were a significantly beneficial study resource for the students during anatomy. The perceived value of the modules was very high, although that didn't reflect in the grades compared to the class of 2016. In response to the positive feedback, modules are being created for the second block in the medical school curriculum at TTUHSC.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by the TTUHSC/SOM.
Morphological analysis of bronchial arteries and variants with computed tomography angiography, and its relevance in the treatment of massive hemoptysis
Authors: Omaña Rodrigo E Elizondo , Hernandez Claudia N Esparza , Gonzalez Juan Manuel Ramirez , Lozano Rolando Alberto Cuellar , Arocha Carla Sofia Gonzalez , Gonzalez Brenda Martínez , Razo Ricardo Pinales , Riojas Guillermo Elizondo , López Santos Guzmán
Published: November 2023

Massive hemoptysis is a life‐threatening clinical event. Its main etiology is secondary to rupture of the bronchial arteries and rarely from other systemic arteries or the pulmonary artery. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of anatomical variants of bronchial arteries using computed tomographic angiography in a population of northeastern Mexico.

Materials and Methods

An observational, transversal, descriptive, comparative, retrospective study was performed using 139 imaging studies of Mexican patients in which we evaluated the following parameters from the left and right bronchial arteries: artery origin, branching pattern, arterial ostium, vertebral level of origin, diameter, and mediastinal trajectory.

Results

The anatomy of the bronchial arteries was similar in both genders, except distribution for vertebral origin level (p 0.006) and the diameter (p 0.013). Left and right arteries were similar, except for the mediastinal trajectory in reference to the esophagus (p <0.001) as well as the arterial diameter (p <0.001).

Conclusion

Our study is the first to assess comprehensively by computed angiotomography the anatomy of the bronchial arteries, common trunks and intercostobronquiales trunks in the same population. We are the first to report all branching patterns found and perform statistical analysis for all parameters according to gender and side.
Geometric Morphometric Comparison of Retinal Veins between Healthy Individuals and Individuals Diagnosed with Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Koons Aaron W , Zdilla Matthew J
Published: November 2023

Segmentation algorithms have been investigated for the identification of ophthalmic diseases via fundus images; however, patterns of vasculature in the retina have not been assessed via geometric morphometric techniques to differentiate normal and pathologic fundus images. This study utilized the High‐Resolution Fundus Image Database to compare 15 images of healthy patients, 15 images of patients with diabetic retinopathy, and 15 images of glaucomatous patients. Retinal veins were selected for pattern analysis due to the ease of identification. Segments from the most prominent inferior and superior retinal veins traveling from the edge of the optic disk to a vertical line drawn through center of the fovea were selected for analysis. Canonical variate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the shapes of retinal vein patterns in healthy eyes, eyes with glaucoma, and eyes with diabetic retinopathy. Geometric morphometric analysis may be a useful tool in the identification of diseases from anatomical differences of blood vessels identified in fundus images.

Support or Funding Information

WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.14.13]
Anatomy of the aortic arctic branches and visceral collars of the abdominal aorta of the Night Monkey (Aotus sp)
Authors: Silva Carolina Freitas , Sena Elizeu Farias , Júnior Sérgio Seigi Moringa , Bortolini Cristiane Soares Ferreira , Bortolini Miguel Junior Sordi , Carvalho Yuri Karaccas , Silva Romeu Paulo Martins
Published: November 2023

The Brazilian territory has the largest diversity of primates in the world. There are 120 species and subspecies, of which 70% are in the Brazilian Amazon. The Aotus sp, usually called the “Night Monkey” are the only current anthropoids of nocturnal habits. On the other hand, even knowing the great importance of this species it is noted that there is a shortage of anatomical information, including about its circulatory system. The objective of this study was to describe the aortic arctic branches and visceral collateral branches of the abdominal aorta of Night Monkey. The proposed study was carried out at the Federal University of Acre, near the Anatomy laboratory, located in Cruzeiro do Sul/Brazil. For the present study, 05 Night Monkeys, adult natural death, was donated by ICMBio (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade). The macroscopic analysis was performed with accuracy and richly photo documented. The information pertinent to the morphology was described according to the International Comitee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature. From the aortic arch we noticed the direct emergence of the left and right subclavian arteries. The left and right subclavian arteries give rise to the branches: vertebral artery; Internal thoracic artery and costocervical trunk, being later called the left and right axillary arteries, respectively. It was found that the abdominal aorta of Night Monkey originated just below the diaphragm, anterior to the vertebral column, emerging in the abdominal cavity after crossing the aortic hiatus, accompanying the spinal column and closely correlated with the inferior vena cava. Starting from upper to lower, the following blood vessels were found, namely: Artery Celiac; Upper Mesenteric Artery; Arteries Renais; Lower Mesenteric Artery; External Iliac Arteries; Internal Iliac Arteries and Medial Sacral Artery. Based on the findings found, there are great similarities with the vascular arrangement of humans.

Support or Funding Information

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Acre
Quantification of Structural Heterogeneities within the Human Left Atrium Throughout the Lifespan
Authors: Sakowski Jonna A , Hurley Mary I , Olivieri Marion P , Gervasi Megan E , Swartz Michael F
Published: November 2023

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia requiring chronic anticoagulation to reduce the risk of stroke and thrombo‐embolism. Previous studies have suggested that structural heterogeneities (fibrosis, fatty infiltration) as well as changes to the atrial myocardium (myocyte hypertrophy), may be associated with the maintenance of AF. However, an understanding of what these left atrial changes are in adults without cardiac disease is not well defined. Biopsies from the left atrial appendage were obtained from during organ donation from patients without a history of cardiac disease. The absence of cardiac disease was confirmed following review of the electrocardiogram as well as echocardiogram. Specimens were divided in half, and placed in either RNA later, or immersed in paraffin. Fixed specimens were sectioned at 6 um, and stained with Hemotoxylin and Eosin to identify the percentage of fatty infiltration and the myocyte dimensions, and with picrosirius red to quantify the percentage of fibrosis within each sample. In addition, from specimens placed in RNA later, the RNA was extracted using an RNA easy kit, and primers for collagen I and collagen III were designed to flank the intron for the respective transcript. RT‐PCR was conducted in duplicate for all samples, and all transcripts were normalized to GAPDH. Potential implications of this work include understanding the expected structural heterogeneities within the left atrium of patients without cardiac disease.

Support or Funding Information

Work supported by the Department of Biology and Mathematics, D'Youville College.
Quantification of Potassium Ion Channel Transcripts within the Human Left Atrium Throughout the Lifespan
Authors: Coello Joseph A. , Hurley Mary I. , Olivieri Marion P. , Gervasi Megan E. , Swartz Michael F.
Published: November 2023

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia requiring chronic anticoagulation to reduce the risk of stroke and thrombo‐embolism. The most common risk factor for the development of AF, is advanced age. Previous studies have suggested that changes in the expression of potassium (K+) ion channel transcripts such as Kir 2.1 and 2.3 which govern IK1, an inwardly rectifying K+ current which allows cardiac muscle to be stimulated sooner because of lower refractory periods, thus sustaining AF. In addition, changes to Kir 3.1 and 3.4 which govern IKACH, may stabilize AF sources within the left atrium. However, an understanding of what the expected changes to left atrial potassium transcripts throughout the human lifespan is not well defined. Biopsies from the left atrial appendage were obtained from patients requiring cardiac surgery, and from samples derived during organ donation. Specimens were placed in RNA later, and the RNA extracted using a RNA easy kit. Primers were designed to flank the intron for the respective transcript. RT‐PCR was conducted in duplicate for all samples, and all transcripts were normalized to GAPDH. Potential implications of this work include understanding the expected K channel transcript changes to the left atrium throughout the lifespan as well as developing a standard for which AF patients could be compared.

Support or Funding Information

Work supported by the Department of Biology and Mathematics, D'Youville College.
A comparison of atherosclerotic lesion severity in the carotid bulb versus coronary arteries
Authors: Lawson Adam B , Newman William P , Rae Guenevere
Published: November 2023

With recent advances in medical imaging technology, it is becoming possible to detect atherosclerotic lesions in carotid vessels with predictable certainty. The purpose of this study was to grossly compare, in the same individual, the severity of atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid sinuses to lesions of the coronary arteries. Fifty embalmed cadavers were screened for atherosclerotic lesions of the common carotid arteries, the carotid sinus, the right coronary artery, the left coronary artery and the anterior atrioventricular coronary artery. Specimens with grossly identifiable atherosclerotic lesions were then prepared for histopathologic evaluation by standard paraffin embedding techniques. After processing, they were sectioned by microtome at five micrometers and then stained with Hemotoxylin and Eosin. Lesions were evaluated histologically and classified by both an expert histologist and a board certified pathologist using the American Heart Association plaque type classification system. A phi‐correlation was performed to detect correlations between plaque severities in multiple anatomic sites. 74% of cadavers (n=37) had detectable plaques within their carotid vessels. Statistical results suggest that plaque classification varies by region and may be predictable by individual factors.
Rare Variant of the Great Cardiac Vein. A Case Report
Authors: Dăescu Ecaterina , Enache Alexandra , Sztika Dorina , Zahoi Delia Elena
Published: November 2023

The great cardiac vein, the longest coronary vein, opens into the coronary sinus in most cases, with very few exceptions documented in the literature. During a routine dissection of a 63‐year old male cadaver within our Department of Anatomy and Embryology, a rare morphological variation of the great cardiac vein was observed. In this particular case, the vein started at the mid‐level of the anterior interventricular sulcus. From this origin point, it ascended alongside and on the right of the anterior descending branch. At the point where the circumflex artery originated from the left coronary artery, the great cardiac vein crossed over the anterior descending branch and underneath the circumflex artery towards the transverse pericardial sinus. After crossing the sinus, the great cardiac vein opened directly into the superior vena cava. The coronary sinus, formed of the middle cardiac vein, the posterior cardiac vein and the small cardiac vein, opened into the vena cava separately, by the right atrium. Familiarity with such morphological variations is becoming increasingly important, as invasive procedures through coronary catheterization are becoming more commonplace.

Support or Funding Information

N/A
Double Superior Vena Cava: a Cadaveric Case Report
Authors: McGuinness Michael P
Published: November 2023

The heart and mediastinum of a 92 year old male cadaver with a double superior vena cava was dissected and examined in detail. In most individuals the left internal jugular and subclavian veins join to form the left brachiocephalic vein. The right brachiocephalic vein forms at the junction of the right internal jugular and subclavian veins. The right and left brachiocephalic veins join to form a single superior vena cava which drains into the right atrium of the heart. Typically, the superior vena cava develops during embryological weeks 4 and 5. Persistence of the left anterior cardinal vein and failure of the left brachiocephalic vein to form leads to a double superior vena cava. This anomaly occurs in approximately 0.3% of the population. The individual in this case had a normal right brachiocephalic vein/superior vena cava opening into the right atrium. In contrast, the left brachiocephalic vein was absent. The left subclavian and internal jugular veins joined to from a left superior vena cava which drained directly into the right atrium. The accessory hemiazygous vein and 3 superior intercostal veins drained into the left superior vena cava. The opening for the coronary sinus was within the wall of the left superior vena cava. A separate opening was present in the atrial wall that drained the middle and small cardiac veins. From the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins to the point of entry into the right atrium the right superior vena cava was 8.8 cm in length while the left was 13.5 cm long. Both superior venae cavae were removed and opened along the long axis to measure the circumference and calculate the diameter. The diameter of the left superior vena cava was slightly larger with a range of 0.9 cm to 1.4 cm compared 0.7 to 1.0 cm on the right. The average diameter from measurements taken from 4 normal superior venae cavae was 1.3 cm. Therefore, it is unlikely that this individual experienced any complications related to the volume of blood returning to the right atrium. In addition to this venous anomaly the individual's left vertebral artery arose directly from the aorta. The development of the aortic arches and cardinal veins are independent pathways and this variation of the origin of the vertebral artery is likely an independent event. All other major branches from the aorta and the veins draining into the inferior vena cava appeared normal. The individual died of shock while being treated for congestive heart failure. Surgeries included a bypass of the right coronary and anterior interventricular arteries. An aneurysm at the level of the aortic arch was also repaired. A second aneurysm in the aorta at the level of the inferior mesenteric artery was also present. There was no evidence that these pathologies were related to the developmental anomaly. The opportunity to dissect the heart and mediastinum of an individual with double superior vena cava provided additional insight into this vascular anomaly.
CABG in a Cadaver: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gardner Seth
Published: November 2023

Routine dissection was carried out on an 89‐year‐old female cadaver and new cardiac vasculature was identified and photographed. Dissection showed new vessels were anastomosing about the coronary circulation. The left internal thoracic artery (internal mammary) was harvested for the CABG procedure. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains one of the most common procedures worldwide, and remains the gold standard therapy for symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) that involves the left main coronary artery. The review will focus on current advances in conduit harvest and use.

Support or Funding Information

This dissection opportunity was provided by Firelands Regional Medical Center, South Campus. Sandusky, Ohio 44839
Cautery Injury Response in the Zebrafish Heart
Authors: Hockaden Natasha , Pillai Neil , Lafontant Pascal J
Published: November 2023

Using cauterization of the ventricular myocardium, previous studies in our lab have shown evidence of matrix remodeling as well as robust cardiac regeneration in the giant danio, a species closely related to the zebrafish. Various approaches to ventricular injury, including resection, cryoinjury, and genetic ablation have been used in zebrafish, resulting in differential responses in cardiac remodeling, the initiation and the rate of progression of cardiac regeneration. To date, responses to cardiac cautery injury have not been studied in the zebrafish heart. Hence, we aimed to characterize the ventricular myocardium response to this particular approach to heart injury. Using light and electron microscopy, in conjunction with myeloperoxidase staining, Edu incorporation in cardiac myocytes, Masson's Trichome and picrosirius red/fast green staining, we studied the repair of cauterized zebrafish hearts from 3 to 90 days post‐surgery. We found that cauterization results in regional tissue necrosis that was followed by marked infiltration of inflammatory cells, subsequent accumulation and resorption of connective tissue, and a gradual regenerative response. In addition, we used wheat germ agglutinin staining to document the progressive reconstruction of the damaged compact/cortical myocardium. Our study shows that ventricular cauterization is a simple and reproducible alternative approach to create myocardial necrosis, and to elicit matrix remodeling and cardiac regenerative responses in the zebrafish heart.

Support or Funding Information

P.J.L. is supported by NIH 1 R15 HD084262‐01, Donald E. Town Faculty Fellowship, and Faculty Development Funds at DePauw University
Loss of lnx1 impairs vascular development mediated by reduction of VEGF/ERK and BMP signalings
Authors: Chen Zih‐ying , Wu Chang‐Yi
Published: November 2023

Using zebrafish as a model organism to study vascular development have been intensively identified many molecules that control artery‐vein identity, intersegmental vessel (ISV) patterning and caudal vein plexus (CVP) formation. However, molecular mechanisms of ISV patterning and CVP formation are not fully discovered. We previous identified nr2f1b controls vein, ISV and CVP growth. We further investigated the potential regulated targets of nr2f1b by microarray strategy, and identified ligand of numb‐protein X1 (lnx1) as a potential target that may mediate vascular development. Amino acid sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that lnx1 is highly conserved in vertebrates and we showed that lnx1 mRNA is expressed in developing vessels.

Morpholino knockdown of lnx1 impairs the growth of ISV and CVP, suggesting the role of lnx1 in promoting ISV and CVP growth. We further observed the edema and circulation defects associated with the vessel impairment. We next demonstrated the reduction of ISV cells and decrease of CVP endothelial cells sprouting in lnx1 morphants is due to a decrease of cell proliferation and migration, but not results from cell death in non‐endothelial cells. Consistent with the vascular defects in lnx1 morphants, the expression of vascular markers was decreased. To test the specificity of lnx1 morpholino knockdown, we performed the 2nd MO interfere block splicing site and knockdown efficiently by probing lnx1 expression products. Meanwhile, know down of lnx1 by 2 different morpholinos led to similar defects of vasculature and reduced expression of vascular markers; we also performed mRNA rescue experiments. Finally, we examined the interaction between signaling pathways and lnx1. We found inactivation of VEGF and BMP signals reduced the expression of lnx1, and knockdown of lnx1 caused reductions in vegfaa and ERK expression. Together, we conclude that the loss of lnx1 impairs vascular development, which is mediated by VEGF‐ERK and BMP signals.
The Morphological Mapping of Mesenteric Lymphatic Network
Authors: Nizamutdinova Irina Tsoy , Davis Caleb A , Moreno Michael R , Zawieja David C
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The lymphatic system provides routes for lymph flow in the body systems and is tightly involved in the maintenance of fluid and macromolecule homeostasis, as well as transport of newly absorbed dietary lipids and immune cells. In contrast to advancements in the biology of the blood vasculature, knowledge of the basic principles of lymphatic function, especially related to the mechanisms of lymph flow, is still poorly understood. In this study, we are developing multiscale lymphatic network flow models combining theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. Important parameters for LV network morphology, including typical diameters, vessel lengths, branching characteristics are not readily available in the literature. Therefore, we conducted studies to quantitatively map lymphatic vessel morphology in the rat mesentery.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. The vessels at the root of the mesentery were tied off to minimize bleeding and preserve more blood in the vessels, distinguishing them from lymphatics by their red color. Each loop of the small intestine was spread and pinned for imaging. The images of the vascular bundles were taken using a digital camera mounted on a dissecting microscope. Images were taken starting at the central nodal tissue and following each vascular bundle to the edge of the gut wall. The images were stitched together into montages using Hugin Photo Stitcher software. Microscopic images of calibration slides were taken for scaling. Additionally, unmagnified photographs of the entire gut loops were taken for referencing overall vessel location. The patterns and morphometric information of the lymphatic networks (branching pattern, vessel order, and length) were obtained from all the collected images through analysis with ImageJ software.

Conclusion

This study provided valuable morphological data to be incorporated into lymphatic network models, e.g., the average number of branching and average length of vessels of each order. Due to limitations of the imaging, some of the smallest lymphatics may be missed. Thus network characterization of the higher‐order lymphatics near the gut wall will require higher resolution/contrast imaging to better identify them. In the future, these techniques can also be adapted to identify individual lymphangions and measure lymphatic vessel radius for use in the multiscale modeling of the lymphatic network. This data will form the basis of improved multiscale lymphatic network models, greatly increasing our ability to investigate the complex behavior of the lymphatic system in health and disease.

Support or Funding Information

Acknowledgements: Funding provided by NIH U01 HL123420.
A multiweek tyrosinase inhibitor synthesis and analysis project: a capstone experiment for the undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course
Authors: Mertz Pamela S. , Streu Craig N. , Reif Randall D. , Neiles Kelly Y. , Schech Amanda J.
Published: November 2023

Drug synthesis and analysis are topics that tend to be of high interest to biochemistry students as many of them have an interest in pursuing careers in healthcare or the pharmaceutical industry. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Concept Inventory Project has identified specific foundational and technical skills critical for biochemistry students. Specific foundational skills include experimental design, data analysis, and communication of science. Technical skills include accurate pipetting, solution preparation and proper use of instrumentation. To merge student interest in drug design with these foundational competencies, a multi‐week laboratory exercise where students synthesize, analyze, and test the potency of azostilbenoid tyrosinase inhibitors was designed and carried out over multiple years at two primarily undergraduate institutions. This project is a capstone experiment as it draws on content and techniques from other chemistry courses as well as biochemistry. This presentation will outline experimental design, results, practical considerations, and student learning outcomes of this novel drug synthesis and analysis experiment for the biochemistry laboratory.
Teaching Cell Signaling Through Research: The Freshman Research Initiative at The University of Texas at Austin
Authors: Clark Greg , Rodenbusch Stacia , Roux Stanley
Published: November 2023

At large research institutions, undergraduate students typically first encounter faculty research as upper‐division students. The Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) at UT‐Austin is a faculty‐initiated reinvention of our undergraduate research paradigm, recruiting over 800 freshmen each year into an integrated three‐semester research‐based course sequence that increases the number and diversity of students engaged in research, and significantly impacts student success and engagement in science. Each year, freshmen are recruited into an eighteen‐month set of courses that promote critical thinking, interaction with faculty, hands‐on experimentation, data interpretation, student presentation, publication, and peer mentoring. One of the 28 different research areas offered to students in the FRI program is the Cell Signaling Lab. Student involvement in the execution and design of original research is the cornerstone of this lab class. The objectives of this lab for freshman students are: to carry out novel experiments and discover new findings on a question of significant current interest in plant biology; to learn methods of experimental design, data gathering, data interpretation, and data presentation; to develop skills of devising alternative hypotheses to interpret experimental results; to learn, through experimentation and data interpretation, basic principles of stimulus‐response coupling in plants. The Cell Signaling class is addressing the question of what signaling steps mediate the effects of extracellular ATP and ADP on the polarized growth of single‐celled root hairs. We will present details about the impact of the FRI program on the academic performance of participating students and discuss the feasibility of having students in a lab class work on a specific question important to the faculty members' research program.

Support or Funding Information

This work is funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and the the Freshman Research Initiative (FRI).
Northwest Biosciences Consortium RCN‐UBE: Organization and Development of a Faculty Network Leadership Team
Authors: Kruchten Anne , Baumgartner Erin , Beadles‐Bohling Amy , Brown Jeffrey , Duncan Jason , Kayes Lori , Kiser Stacey , Seidel Shannon , Shriner Walter , Stavrianeas Stasinos , Tillberg Chad
Published: November 2023

The Northwest Biosciences Consortium (NWBC) is a group of two‐year and four‐year college faculty at both public and private institutions in the State of Oregon. Funded by an NSF RCN‐UBE grant, this group is working towards creating modern, student‐centered, integrated, and investigative introductory biology experiences for all students aligned with the Vision and Change: A Call to Action mandate. The NWBC has held three successful faculty development workshops for faculty in biology education throughout the Pacific Northwest, with our most recent February 2017 workshop focusing on non‐majors biology education. In our fourth year of the grant we now report on the building of our leadership network of faculty at public four year colleges, public two year colleges, and private four year colleges. The network is primarily centered in the state of Oregon, but due to increasing interest among regional institutions and movement of faculty in both tenured and non‐tenured positions, we have learned to coordinate our network beyond the state and even the Pacific Northwest. We report here on the origination of the network, the development of the leadership team in the first two years, growing pains and challenges faced by the team, and recent self‐reflection of the leadership team using Theory of Change models and evaluative interviews conducted by external evaluators. We believe that the story of the leadership team can serve as a model for the development of other leadership teams interested in developing regional faculty networks to reform biology education.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the National Science Foundation RCN‐UBE grant (DBI‐1248121).
How Four Research Scientists Integrate Methods, Mechanisms, Context, Analogies, and Theory to Communicate Explanations about Protein Folding and Dynamics
Authors: Jeffery Kathleen A , Pelaez Nancy , Anderson Trevor R.
Published: November 2023

Biochemistry textbooks often provide a disconnected, highly mathematical, and de‐contextualized treatment of thermodynamics and kinetics. However, science students must be prepared to address real‐world research problems, such as neurodegenerative diseases and the development of protein drugs, where an integrated explanation of the energetics and kinetics behind protein folding and dynamics is critical. There is a paucity of research regarding student ideas about these concepts in biochemistry, and research has also shown that constructing scientific explanations is difficult for students given the complex and abstract nature of many phenomena. Therefore, in order to prepare students to engage in explanatory practices like experts, we must explicitly understand what the explanatory practices are, and how they occur. Previous research into expert biologists' explanations of molecular mechanisms led to the development of the MACH model in which experts integrate research methods and data (M), use analogies (A), provide social or biological context (C), and discuss the activities and organization of entities (H) in their explanations. The present research uses the MACH model as a guiding framework to explore how four expert scientists explain and use representations to communicate models of protein folding and dynamics in their research. The following two research questions were addressed: how do experts apply conceptual knowledge to their methods, data, and representations to generate explanations? (RQ1); and how does experts' conceptual knowledge relate to the practical methods they use in their research process? (RQ2). Interviews informed by the MACH model were conducted with four researchers, selected for their research focus on protein folding and dynamics. Interview transcripts were used to develop ‘expert research profiles.’ A constant comparison method combined with MACH coding was used to analyze excerpts of the four experts' explanations. We found a common pattern of integration and fluid movement between components in the explanations (RQ1); that external and mathematical representations were consistently connected to physical meaning (RQ1/RQ2); and that the explanation of abstract concepts was closely aligned with experts' research methods (RQ2). The results of this study indicate that abstract concepts, as well as mathematical equations, of protein folding and dynamics can be explained in multiple ways. Future research will investigate the ways in which these experts reason with external representations during their explanations. In the long term, the goal is to use these findings to inform the design of educational materials to scaffold the development of students' explanatory skills in this cutting‐edge area of biochemistry.
Computational Studies of the Nudix Hydrolase Superfamily and Nitrophenyl Phosphatase Subfamily of the Had Superfamily
Authors: O'Donovan Kevin , Nulsen Jacob , Craig Paul , O'Handley Suzanne
Published: November 2023

The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) was an effort by consortiums to solve as many unique protein structures as possible; the Protein Data Bank contains a number of enzymes whose structures have been solved, but for which no enzymatic activity has been determined. The Enzyme Function Initiative (EFI) is an effort to determine as many unique enzyme functions as possible. There are a number of putative NUDIX Hydrolase and Haloacid Dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily members whose structures have been solved, but for which no enzymatic activity has been determined. We have catalogued the structurally‐determined enzymes within the NUDIX Hydrolase superfamily and the nitrophenyl phosphatase subfamily of the HAD superfamily using BLAST, Dali, and SCOP. We are now beginning to characterize these enzymes in the biochemistry teaching laboratory.

Computational programs, such as ProMOL, aid in annotating uncharacterized enzymes. ProMOL works by aligning the relative spatial arrangement of the catalytic residues of a reference enzyme with query searches. We have used ProMOL to design catalytic motifs for the NUDIX hydrolase superfamily and the nitrophenyl phosphatase subfamily of the HAD superfamily, which then can be used to uncover family members whose structures have been solved. Likewise, we have used the docking program PyRx to predict substrate specificity. Through this process, we have discovered the strengths and limitations of these programs. Bioinformatics tools, including databases and computational programs, are good starting points for determining protein function; however, the only way to definitively determine protein function is through experimentally determining activity.

Support or Funding Information

NSF DUE‐IUSE 1503811
A Framework for Assessing Molecular Visualization Skills and Competencies
Authors: Dries Daniel R. , Craig Paul A. , Dean Diane , Jakubowski Henry V. , Novak Walter R. P. , Roca Alberto I. , Terrell Cassidy R. , Franzen Margaret A.
Published: November 2023

Biochemistry education relies on visual representations to make the abstract concrete. Yet despite the heavy use of images in biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) education, instructors have few resources that enable them to assess the impact of their instruction in visual literacy. Here we describe the recently‐published framework for three‐dimensional visual literacy to include learning goals and objectives at three levels of proficiency: novice (first year life science students), amateur (upper division undergraduates) and expert (graduate students or professionals in the field). We invite BMB educators to join our expanding group as we develop competencies and instruments for assessing students' visual literacy of biomolecules. These competencies and assessment instruments will be curated and catalogued within our online framework found at http://cbm.msoe.edu/crest/molviz/. We encourage the BMB community to use this framework for designing lessons, courses, and curriculum in accordance with Vision & Change and the ASBMB recommended curriculum.

Support or Funding Information

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under award number DUE1323414. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.