bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical students perceptions of ultrasound use for Gross Anatomy teaching by clinicians and anatomists
Authors: Jurjus Rosalyn A , Dimorier Kathryn , Brown Kirsten , Slaby Frank , Calabrese Kathleen , Liu Yiju Teresa 
Published: June 2021

The utilization of bedside ultrasound by an increasing number of medical specialties has created the need for more ultrasound exposure and teaching at the medical student level. Although, there is a widespread support for more vertical integration of ultrasound teaching throughout the undergraduate curriculum, little is known about whether the quality of ultrasound teaching differs if performed by anatomists or clinicians. The purpose of this study is to evaluate medical students’ perceptions of ultrasound anatomy teaching by clinicians and anatomists.Hands‐on interactive ultrasound sessions were scheduled as part of the Gross Anatomy course following principles of adult learning and instructional design. Seven teachers (3 anatomists and 4 clinicians) taught in each session. Prior to each session, anatomists were trained in ultrasound by clinicians. Students were divided into groups, rotated teachers between sessions, and completed evaluations.Preliminary data demonstrates a slight, although non‐statistically significant preference of the students to the clinicians’ teaching, suggesting that with minimal training, anatomists are as facile at teaching ultrasound anatomy as clinicians. This study will allow medical educators to assess ultrasound teaching by both anatomists and clinicians, and encourage the assimilation of hands‐on ultrasound into human anatomy courses.Grant Funding Source: None
Combining E‐learning With Practical Anatomy ‐ A New Dissection Manual
Authors: Hirtler Lena , Zauleck Max , Streicher Johannes 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionBenefiting from the new technical possibilities concerning computer hard‐ and software and following the trend of e‐learning as well as blended‐learning, a new instruction manual for anatomical dissection courses was developed.Method and DesignThe documents were created with Adobe© InDesign© CS5.5 software. Each manual contains information on corresponding textbook chapters for reference as well as hyperlinks connecting dissectional photos and sketches to the text. In the photos, relevant structures were numbered. Moving the mouse over the number activates a “roll‐over”‐link revealing the correct name of the structure. In addition, together with the respective dissection protocol corresponding clinical learning objectives are listed and hyperlinks to dissection protocol‐corresponding clinical learning objectives as well as hyperlinks to videos of clinical procedures and visualizations of developmental key‐processes are provided.OutlookThis learning material follows the general trend of “blended learning”, which has also already demonstrated some benefits in teaching anatomy. By clinical connections and detailed photo‐documentation, the application will not be limited only to medical students, but could also provide for anatomical recapitulation in postgraduate training.Grant Funding Source: n/a
Multi modal Virtual Anatomy Learning Tools for Medical Education using recent advances in IT
Authors: Ponnampalam Gopalakrishnakone 
Published: June 2021

Computer‐aided learning (CAL) has great potential in facilitating learning. In medical education, several approaches using CAL have been used. In this paper, we present a software platform human anatomy which we designed to provide a virtual learning environment to support teaching and learning delivered on a workstation, mobile devices as well as multi touch screens. The virtual 3D environment is particularly useful for medical students to identify key anatomy structures and their complex spatial relationships.Modeling and direct volume rendering (DVR) technologies are applied to anonymized actual patients’ CT Data. The intuitive computer graphic interface and virtual reality 3D environment make learning interesting and engaging. The platform also allows instructors to easily customize the anatomy model by adding additional digital supplementary learning material, including hyperlinks, additional images, animation, audio, video and PowerPoint presentations which are all supported within the learning environment. To make use of online and mobile learning Function, the system provides interface to extend online and mobile learning. The prototype has been evaluated by medical students and teaching staff for further refinements.
The relationship between in‐class written exercise and exam performance in an allied health gross anatomy course
Authors: Warren Kelly M 
Published: June 2021

Interactive teaching methods, such as in‐class written exercises, can be added to traditional lectures to assess and enhance student learning. The goal of this study was to determine if student performance on in‐class written exercises could be used to predict exam performance. A set of identical written exercises, consisting of 5–6 questions, was administered to 45 allied health graduate students immediately before (PRE) and after (POST) three review lectures in a gross anatomy course. Students were given the correct answers to the questions after completing the POST exercise. For all three blocks, student performance increased significantly between PRE and POST exercises, suggesting short term knowledge acquisition. PRE scores were positively correlated with block exam scores (1:r2=0.29, 2:r2=0.16, 3:r2=0.11; p<0.05), while POST scores only showed a significant positive correlation with the first and second block exam scores (1:r2=0.14, 2:r2=0.23; p<0.05). Student feedback indicated that exercises enhanced the learning experience and subject matter understanding. Our findings suggest that a moderate positive correlation exists between PRE/POST exercise and exam performance, although not uniform in nature. While in‐class exercise performance may not be a strong predictor for exam performance, exercises can be used to enhance student learning and self‐assessment in traditional lecture formats.Grant Funding Source: n/a
“Safe Harbor” Forum: Professionalism Reflection Sessions for First Year Medical Students in the Gross Anatomy Course
Authors: Spampinato Christine , Wittich Christopher , Pawlina Wojciech 
Published: June 2021

Use of reflection in medical education has been shown to enhance health care practitioner competency and enable a transformation from passive learning of theoretical constructs to a more active acquisition of core competences. Implementation of reflection in medical curriculum is a challenge, and a deficiency of reflective practice has been noted by residency directors. This highlights a need to develop reflective skills within the medical curriculum. In the anatomy course, reflection facilitates deeper learning and gives meaning to a student's dissection experience. During the 7 week gross anatomy course, we implemented four reflection sessions (“Safe Harbor”) aimed at fostering reflective capacity through encouraging student reflection on elements of professionalism including teamwork, ethics, and work‐life balance. Approximately two‐thirds of the class voluntarily participated in sessions lead by near‐peer facilitators. Reflection in professionalism index scores were analyzed at the beginning and end of the course. Preliminary results suggest first year students appreciate the “Safe Harbor” forum to reflect on anatomy course experience, professionalism, and personal challenges. Facilitators report positively on students personally adopting and integrating the reflection framework during Safe Harbor sessions, thereby suggesting an increased capacity to reflect on professionalism.Grant Funding Source: Dept of Anatomy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Evaluation of Oxidative DNA Damage, Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Status in Patients Undergoing Surgery with Sevoflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Braz Mariana Gobbo , Orosz José Eduardo B , Pierine Damiana T , Braz Leandro G , Ferreira Ana Lúcia A , Salvadori Daisy Maria F , Yeum Kyung‐Jin , Braz José Reinaldo C 
Published: June 2021

Genotoxicity of volatile anesthetics such as sevoflurane is still controversial. We evaluated the possible effects of sevoflurane on DNA damage, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in patients without comorbidities undergoing minimally invasive surgery with general anesthesia. Fifteen patients classified as physical status (ASA) I, aged 18–44 years old, of both genders, and scheduled for septoplasty or tympanoplasty, received anesthesia maintained with 2%–3% of sevoflurane. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia (T0), 15 min after anesthesia induction (T1), 120 min of anesthesia (T2) and on the first postoperative day (T3). DNA damage in lymphocytes was determined by the comet assay using specific enzymes to detect oxidized purines and pyrimidines. Plasma lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde ‐ MDA) as well as antioxidant capacity were evaluated by a fluorometry. There were no significant differences in DNA oxidized bases and antioxidant capacity (P>;0.05) among the four time points evaluated; however, MDA levels decreased during T2 (P=0.006) in relation to T3. In conclusion, the current study indicates that sevoflurane anesthesia does not induce oxidative stress in patients without comorbidities undergoing minor surgeries, suggesting the safety of this anesthetic regarding genotoxicity.Supported by FAPESP, Brazil #2009/51110–5
Identification of SCAL1, a novel long non‐coding RNA, induced by cigarette smoke and associated with lung cancer
Authors: Thai Philip , Statt Sarah , Liang Ellen , Campbell Caitlin , Wu Reen 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionLung cancer remains the largest cause of cancer related deaths. Despite numerous gene profiling studies on smoke induced injury in the airways. A novel type of regulatory RNA termed long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) have been identified in recent years by RNA sequencing. Thus far, limited studies have looked at lncRNAs and lung cancer.ObjectiveDetermine if specific lncRNAs are associated with lung cancer and can be used as a biomarker for early diagnosis.Methods and ResultsA non‐metastatic prone lung cancer cell line CL1–0 was compared to its derived invasive subtype CL1–5 by RNA sequencing. A specific lncRNA was identified that was highly expressed in the CL1–5 compared to CL1–0 cells. We have termed this gene SCAL1 and found it to be elevated in numerous other lung cancer cell lines compared to normal bronchial epithelial cells. Subsequent studies revealed this lncRNA is located on chromosome 5 and has 4 putative exons with evidence of evolutionary conservation. In normal bronchial epithelial cells, cigarette smoke extract can induce this lncRNA. Studies with siRNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) revealed that SCAL1's expression is NRF2 dependent. Current studies are underway to determine the functional role of this lncRNA in normal and cancer cells.ConclusionsSCAL1 is a lncRNA that may represent a novel biomarker of smoke induced lung cancer.Supported by NIH RO1HL096373–01A1 (RW).
Multiple changes in teaching procedures increase student engagement and success in gross anatomy during revision of a medical curriculum
Authors: Davies David Lewis , Akhter Noor , Benes Helen , Daniel Joseph C. , Garrett Judith E. , Hayes Helen R. , Kandavalli Naveen B. , Newton Bruce W. , Phelan Kevin D. , Syed Mohsin M. , Watson LaShundra N. 
Published: June 2021

To improve medical education and student performance, our institution is revamping its preclinical curriculum in two phases. The aim of the first phase is to increase active‐learning strategies and lessen contact hours; followed by a second phase during which discipline‐based courses will evolve into system‐based modules. Here we report the impact of changes in teaching procedures made in a gross anatomy course during the first transitional phase when contact hours were reduced by 25%. Multiple steps were taken to meet curricular goals and still increase student engagement, performance and morale. These included: a) reducing lecture time by 35% and organizing lectures on clinical themes, b) cutting scheduled lab time by 20%, c) increasing dissection team size, d) adding access to a whole body prosection, e) dedicating a lab area for the study of anatomical models and previously dissected regional specimens, f) starting a dissection inspection program, g) issuing team worksheets to document dissection findings and assess preparedness, h) incorporating aspects of team‐based instruction to reinforce or replace lectures, i) holding structured weekly lab reviews. Qualitative faculty assessment indicates that lecture and laboratory participation and performance on intramural examinations are improved, and morale is better.Supported by: UAMS Dept. of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences.
Translation attenuation via 3′ terminal codon usage in bovine csn1s2 is responsible for the difference in αs2‐ and β‐casein profile in milk
Authors: Kim Julie J , Yu Jaeju , Bakovic Marica , Cant John P 
Published: June 2021

αs2‐casein mRNA (csn1s2) is translated at 25% of the efficiency of β‐casein transcripts (csn2); however, the molecular mechanisms governing the difference are unknown. The main objective of this study was to identify molecular mechanisms that explain differential translational regulation between bovine β‐ and αs2‐ casein by assessing the role of putative translational regulatory factors in both cellular and cell‐free translation systems. Sequence analysis indicated that the two transcripts share similar primary and secondary structures around the coding region. Deleting and exchanging untranslated regions (UTRs) on the transcripts suggested that the 3′ UTR of csn2 and the 5′ UTR of csn1s2 exert stimulatory effects on translation yet their effectiveness depends on the upstream and downstream sequences with which they are associated. A stronger effect on translational efficiency was found in the coding region of csn1s2 which displays unfavourable codons at the 3′ terminus. Deletion of a 28‐codon fragment from the 3′ terminus of the csn1s2 coding region increased translation to a par with csn2. We conclude that the last 28 codons of csn1s2 is the main regulatory element that attenuates its expression and is responsible for the different translational expression of β‐ and αs2‐ casein mRNA.This research was supported by NSERC Canada.
Benefits Of Thermal Suturing Technology For Hemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Volchkova Irina Sergeevna , Mironyuk Igor 
Published: June 2021

To evaluate the results of hemorrhoidectomy using thermal suturing technology. We used an electrosurgical device made by «FOTEK». The unit has a “THERMAL SUTURING” mode. In contrast to traditional bipolar coagulation in the “THERMAL SUTURING” when the power supply to tissue under automatic control while compression the vascular wall proteins formed a solid homogeneous absorbable seals (collagenate). We analyzed the results of the 100 cases of the hemorrhoidectomy. In 70 cases, was used thermal suturing (group 1), and in 30 cases – the traditional Milligan‐Morgan's method (group 2). The mean operative time in the first group was 19,7 ± 3,7 minutes, in the second group ‐ 32,9 ± 5,4 minutes. The level of postoperative pain (at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours after the operation) was significantly lower in the first group. No one case of urinary retention and the problems with the first defecation of patients of the first group. Average duration of hospitalization in the first group was 5,7 ± 0,7 days, in the second group ‐ 5,7 ± 0,7 days.1. Features of the thermal suturing provide quality hemostasis, absence of suture material in the wound, minimal pain and faster healing. 2. The cases of using thermal suturing marked decrease in the average duration of the operation (by 1.6 times), and reduce the length of hospital stay.
Calpain‐1 inhibitor prevent loss of dystrophin in experimental septic cardiomyopathy induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)
Authors: Freitas Ana C.S. , Figueiredo Maria J , Ferezin Patricia , Campos Erica C. , Rossi Marcos A. , Celes Mara R 
Published: June 2021

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that N‐Acetyl‐Lleucyl‐L‐leucyl‐L‐norleucinal (ALLN), calpain‐1 inhibitor, could attenuate dystrophin disruption and cardiac contractile proteins loss/reduction in experimental sepsis induced by CLP. Male C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to sham and severe septic injury (SSI) induced by CLP. Half of animals from each group were treated with ALLN (3mg/kg, SSI+ALLN; SH+ALLN) 4hs after surgery. In SSI+ALLN mice reduced amounts of myocardial calpain‐1 were associated with increased actin/myosin expression as compared to SSI mice. Additionally, ALLN treatment of septic mice significantly prevented loss of dystrophin and â‐dystroglycan as compared to SSI mice. Concurrently, SSI+ALLN mice presented an increased survival rate.Calpain inhibitor, ALLN, suppressed the increased calpain‐1 expression and prevented myocardial structural injury caused by experimental severe sepsis. These observations reinforce the concept that calpain‐1 activation represents a key target in dystrophin disruption behind cardiac dysfunction in severe sepsis/septic shock. Further studies are needed to elucidate this mechanism that may provide new interventional pathways to prevent septic cardiomyopathy.
Chronic intermittent hypoxia induces endothelial dysfunction in mice fed a high fat diet but not in mice fed a normal diet
Authors: Badran Mohammad , Laher Ismail , Golbidi Saeid , Ayas Najib 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH). OSA is prevalent in obese subjects, and is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders. We evaluated whether the effects of IH could be modulated by diet.MethodsAdult (8–10 wk) male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: IH or intermittent air (IA) and fed either a high‐fat (HF) or regular chow (RC) diet for 6 weeks. Endothelial dependent vasodilatation of the aorta was assessed using a wire myograph. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were also measured.ResultsEndothelial function was impaired in the HFIH group (Emax: 78.0 ±2.4% of induced tone) compared to the other three groups (P<0.0001). Basal NO activity was also reduced in HFIH when compared to HFIA group as measured by Emax constriction before and after L‐NAME (Emax: 145.6±9.9% vs. 183.7±7.7%P<0.01). MDA and CRP levels were elevated in IH (MDA: 0.67±0.05 vs. 0.42±0.04 μM, P<0.05)(CRP: 10.39±0.38 vs. 8.7±0.22 μg/ml, P<0.01), and were more pronounced in the HFIH (MDA: 0.83±0.08 μM ‐ CRP: 11.87±0.32 μg/ml).ConclusionIH causes endothelial dysfunction in mice fed high fat diet but not normal chow. Inflammation and oxidative stress are increased in IH and is exacerbated by a high fat diet. (CIHR Team Grant)
Moderate exercise prevents chronic stress induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by promoting hypoxia inducible factor‐1α expression
Authors: Luo Beibei , Nieman David C. , Xiang Dao , Chen Peijie 
Published: June 2021

Chronic stress induces intestinal barrier dysfunction and impairs mucosal defenses against luminal bacteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate exercise on intestinal barrier function during chronic stress in a mouse model. Balb/c mice (6 week) were randomized into 5 groups (n=6/group): group C functioned as controls; group R was subjected to 6‐hour per day repeated restraint stress (RRS) for 10 consecutive days; group S received 30 min of swimming prior to RRS; group D was injected with hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) stabilizer dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) before RRS; group P was injected with saline before RRS as a placebo control. Intestinal tissue was biopsied after the first treatment for analysis of HIF‐1α gene and protein expression. Bacterial translocation was determined by 16s rRNA based fluorescence in situ hybridization. FITC‐dextran was used as a measure of intestinal permeability. Thirty minutes of swimming or DMOG injection before RRS prevented bacterial translocation and maintained intestinal permeability (P<.01). HIF‐1α gene and protein expression were significantly increased after swimming and DMOG treatment (P<.05). In conclusion, moderate exercise prevented chronic stress‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice, in part due to promoting the expression of transcription factor HIF‐1α.Supported by Grant yjscx2012007 and xsxr2012045
The effects of aqueous extraction Rosmarinus officinalis L. on rat bladder contractions in vitro
Authors: Çelebi Fikret , Pengül Emin , Gelen Volkan 
Published: June 2021

Objective. To evaluate the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L (Labiatae ), an effective and herbal reputed plant for the treatment of urinary ailments, on rat bladder contractilityMethodAnimal experiments were performed in accordance with the national guidelines for use and care of laboratory animals and approved by the local animal care committee of Ataturk University. Urinary bladders were removed from adult male Sprague ‐ Dawley rats. Strips were cut from the bladder body and placed in organ baths containing Krebs solution. The effects of four different doses (150, 300, 600 and 1200 μg/ml) of Rosmarinus officinalis L were investigated on rat bladder contractility induced by 60 mmol/L KCl and 10−4 mol acetylcholine.ResultsContractile tensions were normalized by using the percentage contraction induced by 60 mmol/L KCl and 10−4 mol acetylcholine. The effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L on the urinary bladder contractility induced Ach and KCl. There is no statistical difference between groups (n=6, P>;0.05)ConclusionAny effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L was not observed on the contractions of the urinary bladder of rat that are induced by both Ach and KCl. It can be expressed that Rosmarinus officinalis L which is used in the herbal treatment of some urinary disease does not affect the activity of smooth muscles of urinary bladder.This study was supported by Ataturk University Research Foundation
Enteral Obestatin influences on Intestinal Contractility in Neonatal Wistar Rats ‐ in vitro Studies
Authors: Woliński Jarosław , Słupecka Monika 
Published: June 2021

Obestatin is a 23‐amino acid peptide encoded by the ghrelin gene. Substantial amount of this peptide has been found in colostrum and milk. We have investigated the intestinal contractility of neonatal rats enterally treated with obestatin (125nmol/kg b.wt. LO; 250 nmol/kg b.wt, HO) or saline (C), (n=12 for each group), for 7 days. Duodenal and middle jejunum whole‐thickness preparations from 21 day old rats were studied in an organ bath, for isometric recording under treatment with acetylocholine (ACh), atropine and tetradotoxin (TTX). The electrical field stimulation (EFS) was performed (90 V, duration 10 sec) at three frequencies: 0.5, 5 and 50Hz with 1 min intervals. Significant decrease in amplitude was observed after treatment with higher doses of obestatin (HO) for EFS–stimulated as well as spontaneous contractile activity in both studied intestinal segments. In the lower dose (LO) obestatin treatment resulted in decrease in amplitude both for EFS ‐ stimulated as well as spontaneous contractility but only in the middle jejunum. In obestatin treated animals injection of atropine did not result in a significant decrease of amplitude of spontaneous contractility of both intestinal segments. In all experimental groups the amplitude of EFS –stimulated off‐contractions and spontaneous contractility was sensitive to treatment with TTX. These results indicate the importance of peripheral obestatin in the programming of intestinal contractility in rats during suckling period. Moreover this effect is dose dependent and independent of cholinergic pathways.Project of Polish National Science Centre 2011/03/D/NZ9/03697