bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student Peer Review and Self‐Reflection in the Gross Anatomy Laboratory: Identifying Student Perceived Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Authors: Edmondson Anna , Mackey John Evan , Shelley Robert , Nichols Carol 
Published: June 2021

Giving feedback is a skill health professionals need. While uncomfortable, the small group setting in anatomy lab provides an ideal environment for this in regards to professionalism & communication objectives. We examined perceived strengths & weaknesses of allied health students (physician assistant, occupational & physical therapy) in lab. Students provide feedback via evaluative ratings & comments for lab partners & themselves at the course end. Credit is given for completing it in a timely, professional manner & providing comments. Evaluation questions assess communication/collaboration & professionalism domains. Students scored themselves significantly lower than peers on several questions. Narrative comments were thorough, with more emphasis on strengths. For peers, 62% of positive comments were associated with themes involving professional/leadership skills, followed by personal behaviors (26%) & knowledge (12%). Similar results were seen in self‐reflections. Constructively critical comments were more closely distributed between professional/leadership skills (41%), personal behaviors (33%) & knowledge (26%). While similar results were seen in self‐reflections, more students recognized their own knowledge deficiencies. No difference was noted in student comments based on program. While allied health students may find giving peer feedback difficult, it is thorough & insightful.Grant Funding Source: N/A
Relationship between spatial abilities and three‐dimensional synthesis of structures
Authors: Langlois Jean , Dagenais Yvan , Lemieux Renald , Martin Marcel , Lecourtois Marc , Yetisir Elizabeth , Bergeron Germain , Hamstra Stanley , Wells George A. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe mental image of a three‐dimensional anatomical structure is a prerequisite to the performance in technical skills. The objective was to assess the relationship of spatial abilities to three‐dimensional synthesis of two‐dimensional views of structures using drawings.MethodsFourth‐year medical students (n = 49) were recruited in a prospective study. Spatial abilities were measured with a redrawn Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotations Test in two (MRTA) and three (MRTC) dimensions and the Surface Development Test (SDT). As part of a drawing course, participants had to build structures of increasing complexity from simple parts using two‐dimensional views of structures and then to draw isometric views of structures. The accuracy of the drawings was assessed as right or wrong. The maximum score was 24 for MRTA and MRTC, 60 for SDT and 25 for the drawings. The results were expressed as means ± standard deviation and the Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to compare the drawing score to MRTA, MRTC and SDT scores.ResultsThe drawing score (14.6 ± 3.7) was related to MRTA (13.5 ± 5.2), MRTC (9.7 ± 4.5) and SDT (43.4 ± 10.0) scores; with a correlation of 0.3728 (p = 0.0083), 0.4248 (p = 0.0023) and 0.5420 (p < 0.0001), respectively.ConclusionSpatial abilities were related to three‐dimensional synthesis of two‐dimensional views of structures using drawings.This study was supported by an internal grant from the Department of Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
Anatomical knowledge retention in third year medical students prior to OB/GYN and surgery rotations
Authors: Jurjus Rosalyn A , Krapf Jill , Ahle Samantha , Brown Kirsten , Butera Gisela , Goldman Ellen , Lee Juliet 
Published: June 2021

The literature indicates that surgical specialists have a low opinion of students’ anatomical knowledge in the clinical setting; quantification of this is lacking. Our multi‐disciplinary team aimed to identify baseline anatomical knowledge in third‐year medical students prior to surgical rotations and in advance of developing an integrated curriculum.During the first week of the Obstetrics and Gynecology and Surgical rotations, 120 consenting students completed a short multiple‐choice examination consisting of clinically‐ based anatomy questions. Examination scores were calculated for each anatomic category based upon 100% expected knowledge after preparing for the national board examination. Preliminary data indicate a significant anatomic knowledge gap between the preclinical and clinical years: a majority of students scored below 50% in vascular, abdominal, and inguinal anatomy, 11% in questions of lymphatic drainage of the pelvis, 45% in embryology, and 32% in neuroanatomy.This data will be used to create interactive modules, using principles of adult learning and instructional design, aimed at improving clinically‐relevant anatomic knowledge prior to inpatient surgical rotations. With these endeavors, we aim to show the benefits of longitudinal integration of anatomical modules before surgical specialties in our curriculum.Grant Funding Source: None
An Interprofessional Approach to Improve Gestational Outcomes
Authors: von Hagen Laura Jane , Penava Deborah , Johnson Marjorie , Mottola Michelle 
Published: June 2021

Sixty percent of obese women exceed the recommended criteria for gestational weight gain during pregnancy, potentially compromising optimal fetal growth. Pregnancy represents a unique period of time conducive to lifestyle modification during which we can provide patients with health advice and education; provision of information alone, however is insufficient for long‐term behavior changes. “My Clinic” is an Interprofessional clinic for pregnant women with BMI>;35 developed to improve health outcomes through lifestyle changes. Effective low cost behavior tools that promote healthy lifestyles are needed to focus clinical interventions. The purpose of this study is to assist pregnant women referred to “My Clinic” achieve a healthy pregnancy. Participants will be provided with a series of computer or paper‐based modules aimed at improving their physical activity levels and eating habits. Individually tailored modules include the following topics: time management, goal setting, action planning, self‐talk and overcoming barriers. We predict that participants undergoing specialized care and completing the modules will show increased self‐efficacy and action planning for physical activity and healthy eating, preventing excessive gestational weight gain compared to women receiving standard care in this novel study.Grant Funding Source: Departmental
Cadaver Lab, White Boards and Pedagogy: Uniting Teachers, Students and Anatomy
Authors: Harper Noah , Morton David A , Nielsen Mark T 
Published: June 2021

Human anatomy is not a prerequisite for admittance to medical school, thus matriculated students enter with a wide variety of anatomical backgrounds, many having no experience studying anatomy. Most medical gross anatomy courses take a regional approach to cadaveric dissection, which can leave students struggling to connect individual, regional structures to associated functional systems. Time constraints of rigorously scheduled, preclinical curricula leave little opportunity to create training sessions that address gaps in “big picture” knowledge. It is possible to address some of these issues by training instructors to incorporate brief anatomical stories and simple yet powerful illustrations that unite embryological, regional and systemic concepts while simultaneously highlighting elegant anatomical patterns of the body. Additionally, these novel stories and illustrations promote consistency in teaching approaches, especially when applied to impromptu “teachable moments” often encountered in laboratory settings. Illustrations that highlight the development and final form of ventral strap, subvertebral, four‐layer lateral wall, and epaxial musculature can be used to simplify trunk anatomy, including the neck where pharyngeal arch migration adds layers to a basic pattern. Moreover, the narrative can be further applied to connect and simplify patterns of innervation and vascularization.Grant Funding Source: Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
Patterns of morphological integration of the face in boys with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Aldridge Kristina , George Ian D. , Austin Jordan R. , Duan Ye , Miles Judith H. 
Published: June 2021

The neurodevelopmental model of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) suggests that changes in embryonic development result in the spectrum of ASD phenotypes, including distinct facial morphologies. We hypothesize that the facial phenotype in ASD results from differences in morphological integration (MI), the quantitative assessment of developmental relationships among anatomical regions of the face. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of ASD upon covariance patterns of facial measures to increase our understanding of how this disorder alters developmental mechanisms underlying the emergence of ASD phenotypes. We statistically compared patterns of MI of boys with ASD (N=70) with those of typically‐developing boys (N=31), aged 8–12 years using 3D landmark coordinate data collected from 3D digital stereophotogrammetric images. Our results demonstrate statistically increased MI in ASD, with the greatest differences observed in the upper face. These findings suggest differential effects of ASD on the various regions of the developing face, indicating alterations of formation and growth of the face during early development.Work supported in part by ASDRP W91ZSQ8006N604 and the Simons Foundation.
The role of microRNA‐208a in cardiac hypertrophy induced by aerobic physical training
Authors: Soci Ursula Paula Reno , Fernandes Tiago , Rosa Kaleizu T. , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Phillips M. Ian , de Oliveira Edilamar Menezes 
Published: June 2021

The miRNA‐208 regulates gene expression of slow myosin heavy chain(MHC)in heart. We investigated the role of miRNA‐208 and its target Thyroid Hormone Receptor Associated Protein 1 (THRAP1) in aerobic training (AT) induced cardiac hypertrophy (CH). Female Wistar Rats(n=21)into 3 groups: sedentary (S), Trained 1(T1): swimming sessions of 60′, 5 days/week (10 weeks). Trained 2(T2): similar to T1 until 8th week, on the 9th week the rats swan twice/day and on the 10th week 3 times/day. Were assessed: heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) by direct measurement, VO2max by ergoespirometry, soleus citrate synthase (CS) activity by spectrophotometer, ventricular function and CH by echocardiography (EGC), CH by LV/BW ratio (mg/g) and cardiomyocyte diameter (CD), gene expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), skeletal α‐actin, α‐MHC and β‐MHC and miR‐208 by Real‐time PCR and protein content of α and β‐MHC and THRAP1 by Western Blott. AT decreased HR and increased VO2max (11%/T1 and 15%/T2) and CS (47%/T1 and 105%/T2). LV/BW ratio increased 13%/T1 and 28%/T2 and CD increased 20%/T1 and 30%/T2. Gene expression of skeletal α‐actin decreased 53%/T2. The E/A ratio increased and isovolumetric relaxation time and myocardial performance index decreased. MiR‐208 expression decreased 62%/T2 with a decrease of β‐MHC and an increase of α‐MHC gene expression(β/‐71%,α/+37%) and protein content(β/−45 % α/+72%) in T2. THRAP1 protein increased 40%/T2 compared with S. APT induced physiological CH and improved diastolic function. MiR‐208a and β‐MHC expression decreased and THRAP‐1 increased. The decrease of miR‐208 was opposite to disease and can be a therapeutic strategy in pathological CH.Support: FAPESP/CAPES/NIH
Yuja extract ameliorates DSS‐induced colitis and induces colon cancer cell death by reducing COX‐2 expressions
Authors: Hwang Jin Taek , Sung Mi Jeong 
Published: June 2021

In this study, we first evaluated the inhibitory effect of 70% ethanol extract of Yuja (Citrus Junos Tanaka) on colitis and colorectal cancer cells. Yuja extract abolished the LPS‐induced secretions of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and interleukin‐6 in RAW264.7 macrophages. We further investigated these anti‐inflammatory effects using experimental colitis models. Colitis was induced by 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in BALB/c mice. Oral administration of Yuja extract reduced the colon shortening induced by DSS. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression was also decreased in colon tissue after Yuja extract administration. Next we also evaluated whether Yuja extract exerts an anti‐tumor activity in colorectal cancer cells, because ulcerative colitis has been believed to be a risk factor of colorectal cancer. Yuja extract also accelerated cell death and apoptotic body appearance in HT‐29 colorectal cancer cells. This antitumor activity was accompanied by reducing iNOS and COX‐2 expressions. Taken together, Yuja extract may be useful for preventing colitis and colorectal cancer by reducing COX‐2 expressions.This work was supported by the Yuja Food Cluster Co., Ltd.
Heart rate, PR‐interval and QT‐interval responses to 24hrs hyperoxia in Bmp2 and Bmp4 heterozygous mice
Authors: Howden Reuben , Cooley Ian , Van Dodewaard Caitlin , Arthur Susan , Cividanes Samantha , McCann Kelly , Gladwell Wes , Martin Jessica , Scott Gregory , Ray Manas , Mishina Yuji 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundProlonged hyperoxia (96hrs) leads to adverse murine cardiac responses, but clinical therapy with high O2 levels is often short‐term. Therefore, understanding susceptibility to short‐term hyperoxia exposure is clinically important. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) 2 and 4 are important in cardiac development and may influence cardiac responses to hyperoxia. We investigated cardiac responses to 24hrs hyperoxia in Bmp2+/− and Bmp4+/− mice.MethodsBmp2+/−, Bmp4+/− and WT littermates were exposed to 24hrs hyperoxia (100% O2). ECG was recorded before and during exposure.ResultsNo differences in baseline HR, QTcB, QRS, ST‐I, PR‐I, P‐wave duration (P‐d) or PR‐I/P‐d were found (P >;0.05). After ~18hrs hyperoxia, significant decreases in HR and increases in PR‐I and P‐d were found in Bmp4+/− mice only. Also, there were reductions in QTcB in the WT, but not in Bmp2+/− or Bmp4+/− mice after 17hrs hyperoxia (P <0.05).DiscussionResults suggest that developmental effects of Bmp2 or Bmp4 disruption did not affect basal cardiac function or were not detectable by ECG. During hyperoxia, Bmp4+/− mice were susceptible in terms of HR and atrioventricular conduction responses, which may have important implications for patients treated with O2 who also harbor Bmp4 mutations. Conversely, QTcB in Bmp2+/− or Bmp4+/− mice was not affected by hyperoxia, unlike WT mice, suggesting a protective effect in these genotypes.
β‐amyloid peptide disturbs hypothalamic glucoregulation and induces hepatic insulin resistance
Authors: Isabel Arrieta‐Cruz , Gutiérrez‐Juárez Roger 
Published: June 2021

β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) is the main component of amyloid plaques, an established hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), responsible in part for the progressive deterioration of cognitive and behavioral functions in AD. Available evidence suggests that hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, two hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), are factors that contribute to accelerating the appearance of AD through the impairment in the modulation of Aβ production and degradation. The mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) has emerged as a center directly involved in the control of insulin action, glucose homeostasis and energy balance. Although a number of in vivo neurotoxic actions of Aβ have been described, a central, direct effect of Aβ on insulin action has not yet been reported. Here we examined the hypothesis that Aβ exerts an acute neurotoxic effect in the MBH resulting in the impairment of insulin action. Thus, we performed central (MBH) infusions of Aβ in normal young Sprague‐Dawley male rats during basal pancreatic insulin clamps to assess insulin action and glucose kinetics. Our results indicate that the acute infusion of Aβ, but not a scrambled‐control (SCR) peptide, decreased hepatic insulin sensitivity indicated by a failure of insulin to efficiently suppress hepatic glucose production (GP), without modifying glucose disposal. The % inhibition of GP was 9.8 ± 2.7% Aβ group vs. 28 ± 4.6% SCR group, while GP was 11.2 ± 0.6 vs 9 ± 0.3 mg/kg/min, respectively. These studies reveal a deleterious action of Aβ in the MBH that impairs insulin action, a novel neurotoxic effect of Aβ.Funding: NIDDK DK45024 to R. G.‐J.
Identification of phenotypic adaptations to exercise training across mouse strains classified as high and low responders
Authors: Avila Joshua James , Kim Seung Kyum , Massett Michael P. 
Published: June 2021

Exercise training responses vary across inbred strains of mice. The purpose of this study was to identify phenotypic adaptions to exercise training across mouse strains classified as high and low responders. Male mice from two inbred strains, a high responding strain, SJL/J, and a low responding strain, C57BL/6J, were assigned to one of the following groups (n ≈ 6/group): sedentary, low ‐ or high‐intensity exercise training for 4 or 8 wks. High intensity training consisted of treadmill running at 85% max. Low intensity training was performed at 65% max. Changes in time and work during a graded exercise test (GXT) were used to determine training responses. C57BL/6J exhibited a significant main effect for training intensity, but not training duration for changes in time and work. SJL/J showed no significant main effect for duration or intensity for change in work. For the change in time in the SJL/J mice, there was a significant effect of training intensity and a significant intensity*duration interaction. Protein analysis for PGC‐1alpha on hindlimb muscle from C57BL/6J indicate that PGC‐1alpha levels were highest in mice that performed four weeks high‐intensity exercise followed by four weeks low‐intensity with the lowest levels being in eight week hi‐intensity mice. These data suggests that intensity has the biggest influence over training capacity.Supported by NIH grant HL085918 to MPM, William Townsend Porter Pre‐doctoral Fellowship from the American Physiological Society to JJA, Student Research Grant from the Sydney and JL Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance to JJA.
RENAL ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INDUCED CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY: CONTRIBUTION OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX ON CARDIAC REMODELING
Authors: Silva Rogerio Cirino , Sonoda Mayra Trentin , Ramos Marcela Sorelli Carneiro 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesCardiac fibroblasts play a crucial role in cardiac function that is directly linked to extracellular matrix production. The focus of this study was to investigate the modulation of the extracellular matrix during cardiac hypertrophy induced by renal ischemic reperfusion.MethodsC57bl/6J mice were subjected to unilateral 60 min kidney ischemia, followed by reperfusion of 5, 8, 12, 15 and 20 days. Levels of urea were measured to confirm renal failure, real time PCR, western blotting and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra Red) were used to molecular analysis.ResultsUrea levels were increased in groups 5, 15 and 20 days (P<0.05). The group 15 days showed a significant increase in heart weight/body weight ratio when compared to sham group. MMP2 levels showed increased at 12 days of reperfusion (p<0.05), but Collagen levels were not altered in this cardiac hypertrophy model.ConclusionFirst, the results indicate that renal ischemia/reperfusion model is able to induce a transient cardiac hypertrophy in mice. This hypertrophy was not accompanied to modulation on collagen levels. Financial Support: FAPESP, CNPq and UFABC.
Integrating Anatomical Education into a Residency Curriculum of a Surgical Specialty
Authors: Cundiff Geoffrey 
Published: June 2021

Anatomy is a cornerstone of modern medical education yet there is a continuing trend toward decreasing the time devoted to cadaveric dissection during medical school. Has the decrease in its use negatively impacted student's anatomical foundation? This is an especially relevant question for postgraduate education in surgical specialties, where an understanding of the pertinent anatomy is vital.Medical students entering residency training in obstetrics and gynecology often do not have an adequate understanding of pelvic anatomy. In fact, the recent growth in professional development courses employing cadaveric dissections is a testament to practicing gynaecologists recognition of inadequate teaching of pelvic anatomy. Designing a program to address this knowledge deficit is a worthwhile aim, especially if it includes elements that will maximize the utility of anatomical knowledge in surgical practice. Learners need a three‐dimensional understanding of pelvic anatomy that is transferable to pelvic surgery. Such a program should have clinical correlations, and develop production sets that are foundational to gynaecologic procedures. Lastly, repetition is essential to knowledge retention.A multimodality approach to teaching surgical anatomy is the most practical means to achieve these pedagogical goals. Clay modeling is a three‐dimensional technique that serves as an adjunct to lectures to refresh anatomy knowledge in residents entering an Obstetrics and Gynaecology program. The objective of the clay‐modeling session is to allow residents to conceptualize and build the anatomic structures of the pelvis in 3 dimensions using pre‐cut clay structures and a bony pelvis. While the lectures and supplementary teaching methods, are useful to build on the foundation provided by the clay‐modeling lab, the value of cadaveric dissection cannot be overstated. For Gynaecology, both vaginal and laparoscopic cadaver labs should be included, and can be achieved in sequence on the same cadaver. Repetition is the key to sustaining long‐term learning. Perhaps the best way to achieve this is by creating a clinical learning environment that highlights the importance of anatomical considerations and creates opportunities for cognitive reinforcement. Ultimately, the most important approach is to define it as a core competency required for advancement, and to develop discriminating means to test for it. As postgraduate accreditation bodies increasingly adopt competency‐based curricula, the need for valid methods of assessing anatomical competency becomes more pressing.
Inhibition of hydrogen peroxide prevents the development of VEGF‐induced angiogenesis in portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Duan Ming , Qin Jun , He Yue , Luo Meng , Huang An 
Published: June 2021

AimsTo determine specific effects of inhibiting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on splanchnic hemodynamics and angiogenesis in portal hypertension of rats.Methods: Portal hypertensive models were induced by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). The rats then, received either polyethylene glycol‐catalase (H2O2 inhibitor; PPVL‐PEG) or vehicle (PPVL‐Veh) for 8 days. The hemodynamic studies were performed using colored microsphere technique. Intestinal expressions of VEGF/VEGF‐2 and CD31 (angiogenesis markers) was determined by western blotting, and levels of H2O2 were measured by the Hydrogen Peroxide Assay Kit.Results: Portal pressure was significantly higher, associated with lower splanchnic arteriolar resistance in PPVL group (14.4±0.9 and 11.2±1.1mmHg) than those of normal rats (6.1±0.4 and 35.1±4.0 mmHg). Upregulation of VEGF/VEGF‐2 and CD31 in the intestine/mesentery of PPVL group was indicative of angiogenesis, which consequentially, initiated great collateral vessel formation, leading to the development of splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation. Moreover, levels of H2O2 in the intestine and mesentery of PPVL group of rats were significantly higher than those of normal rats. These alterations were significantly alleviated after treatment of portal hypertensive rats with PEG‐catalase, suggesting a key role of H2O2 in the responses.ConclusionsH2O2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension, characterized as the potentiation of splanchnic neovascularisation and development of splanchnic hyperdynamic circulation.