bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐Reality and the HTC Vive: Virtually No Match for the Physical Model in Anatomical Education
Authors: Pukas Giancarlo , Wolak Liliana , Mohanraj Sylvia , Lamb Jason , Norman Geoffrey , Wainman Bruce 
Published: June 2021

Recent advancements in computer technology have resulted in the rise of X‐reality (XR) systems. Some institutions have begun to use XR systems as an alternative to cadaveric specimens and physical models. This transition has been carried out despite a lack of evidence about the efficacy of XR. In our earliest study, we compared the physical model to 3D, interactive projections on a 2D screen and found participants that learned from the physical model performed significantly better in nominal measures. Following this study, we explored the efficacy of more refined XR systems and established that participants who learned from the physical model performed significantly better in both nominal and functional measures of anatomical knowledge compared to those who learned from the Microsoft HoloLens, which is a mixed‐reality (MR) device. In our current study, we explored the efficacy of the HTC Vive, a pure virtual‐reality (VR) device, in comparison to the physical model in anatomical education. We hypothesized that given the enthusiasm surrounding this XR system, the VR model should perform at least as well as the physical model. We first conducted a preliminary qualitative study with 20 participants to develop an optimal learning environment for the VR model. Following this preliminary analysis, we recruited 20 McMaster University students with no prior formal anatomy education. Participants were allotted 10 minutes to learn 20 anatomical structures from a pelvic model on the VR headset. Participants were then given a 25‐question test on a female, cadaveric pelvis with no time limit. The test questions were either nominal or functional. The nominal questions involved identifying the structures labelled on the cadaver and the functional questions involved interpreting the function of a structure based on its location and form. We compared the results of the VR participants to the 20 participants who learned on the physical model and the 20 participants who learned on the MR model from our HoloLens study. Our analysis demonstrated that participants learning on the physical model performed significantly better than the VR model when comparing total testing scores (56.4% vs 45.0%, respectively; p = 0.034). Furthermore, the VR model participants performed better than the MR model participants in terms of total testing score, although these results were not statistically significant (45.0% vs 37.6%, respectively; p = 0.267). In conclusion, these findings provide further evidence to support the superiority of the physical model over XR systems. Our future directions involve testing with other, more complex anatomical structures and exploring the factors that contribute to the superiority of the physical model, such as the role of stereopsis.Support or Funding InformationSelf‐fundedThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Incorporation of Clinically‐Based Ultrasound Workshops in a 1st Year Medical Anatomy Course
Authors: Nydam Randall , Patel Akash , Finch Charles 
Published: June 2021

Ultrasound (US) is quickly becoming an increasingly common tool in point‐of‐care medical practice (commonly called “the new stethoscope”). To better prepare our students for this environment, the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) has developed and is implementing a 4‐year, longitudinal, integrated, US curricular experience. The initial phase (1st year courses) includes a major US component in gross anatomy. The gross anatomy series is two regional, dissection‐based courses with eight exam units (four per course) over two quarters. The US component to the gross courses includes increased use of US images in lectures as well as eight, clinically‐based, hands‐on US workshops; one for each exam unit. Modifications in the lecture schedule made inclusions of the workshops credit‐hour neutral. The exam units and associated US workshops (in italics) are: Back/Scapular—lumbar puncture; Upper Extremity—carpal tunnel syndrome; Thorax—4‐view cardiac assessment; Abdominal—biliary colic; Posterior Abdominal wall/Pelvis/Perineum—AAA, FAST; Lower Extremity—plantar fasciitis, calcaneal tendonitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome; Head and Neck I—ocular and thyroid exams; Head and Neck II—carotid stenosis. The US workshops are designed for students to visualize the relevant anatomy of a common, point‐of‐care clinical scenario on living subjects. Student assessment is in the form of oral “check‐out” quizzes in the workshops and US‐based questions in the written and practical portions of the unit exams. Overall performance on US questions in the first four exams was below the exam averages (77% v. 83%), but with a marked upward trajectory of the US question performance (69%, 62%, 76%, 89%). Practical exam questions showed a similar trajectory, but with lower averages. A Likert scale survey—first of a series as part of an ongoing four‐year study—was given at the end of the first quarter (4 exam units) to assess student opinions regarding US in the anatomy course. The non‐incentivized response rate was 146/279. Students overwhelmingly (90+%) feel US training is an important part of the curriculum that should begin as early as possible. For each workshop a strong majority agreed that it improved their comprehension of both the anatomy of the region scanned (87%, 92, 91, 92) and the regional clinical concerns (91%, 94, 93, 93). A majority of students also agreed that the US workshops led them to do some form of further research of the clinical concerns (65%, 64%, 74%, 71%). These preliminary results are very encouraging. Another survey will be taken at the end of the winter quarter, but current indications are that the utilization of US workshops in the AZCOM gross anatomy course has been a valuable addition.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Neural Basis of Spatial Ability and Anatomical Concepts: An fMRI pilot study
Authors: Smith Theodore C. , O'Loughlin Valerie , Newman Sharlene 
Published: June 2021

First‐time anatomy students struggle with organizing massive amounts of material, as well as demonstrating the necessary spatial ability skills to be successful. Instruction of undergraduate students can be quite challenging due to students' lack of metacognition and unfamiliarity with anatomical concepts. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can bypass this lack of metacognition and examine students' neural organization of anatomical knowledge and their neural basis of spatial ability. In this project, a group of undergraduate anatomy students (n= 53) completed a series of cognitive tasks. A simple linear regression was then performed to predict final course grade based on students' scores on cognitive tasks as well as examine the similarities between common cognitive tasks. Gender was not a predictor of mental rotation score (F(1, 51)= 3.230, p = .078), with an R2 of .06. A second cohort of undergraduate students (n=2) and graduate students (n=2) completed a Shepard‐Metzler (1971) Mental Rotation task and an anatomical concepts task under fMRI. The undergraduate and graduate cohorts' cortical activation during the tasks was compared using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). This work demonstrates the importance of spatial ability in the undergraduate anatomy setting and builds a neural foundation for understanding how anatomy learners organize anatomical concepts. This works also illustrates how the collaboration of educational researchers, cognitive scientists, imaging specialists and anatomical educators can provide diverse techniques and data for the betterment of anatomical and medical education.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
EphB Kinases expressed in osteoblastic stem cell niches regulate bone growth
Authors: Kamath Rajay A. D. , Benson M Douglas 
Published: June 2021

Substantial evidence indicates that the membrane‐bound ephrins and their Eph tyrosine kinase receptors regulate bone growth and homeostasis. Yet, little is known about which ligand/receptor pairs are involved or their mechanistic roles in bone biology. We observed expression of the EphB2 and EphB3 kinases in calvarial sutures and of EphB3 in the proliferative zones of long bone metaphases. As both of these sites are reported niches for osteoblastic stem cells, we hypothesized that ablation of these Ephs would result in dysregulated bone growth. We examined EphB1/2/3 triple knockout mice and wild type controls at 10–12 weeks of age for phenotypes associated with loss of these receptors, using plain x‐ray and three‐dimensional micro‐CT analyses. EphB1 was included because it was observed in the periosteum, a known source of osteoblasts. X‐rays of triple knockout mice showed increased cortical thickness in long bones with fewer metaphyseal trabeculae compared to wild type controls, especially in the tibiae. Triple mutant calvariae appeared normally patterned, but had markedly increased radiolucency in the frontal bones, suggesting hypomineralization in that area. Micro‐CT analysis of triple mutant femora confirmed their increased cortical bone volume compared to controls, as well as increased cortical density and an increase in metaphyseal trabecular thickness. Despite the plain x‐ray presentation of the frontal bones, triple mutant calvariae showed an overall increased bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) ratio compared to control calvariae. These data indicate that Ephs B1, B2, and B3 regulate bone growth. Ongoing studies will identify the contribution of each individual EphB to bone development and healing.Support or Funding InformationNIH/NIDCR R01DE022804This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Quantitative Characterization of Cadaveric Pronator Muscles Using 3D Modeling
Authors: Salmon Ciara , Anderson Jena , Lewis Christina 
Published: June 2021

The pronator muscles of the upper limb, pronator teres (PT) and pronator quadratus (PQ), work together to rotate the radius around the ulna along an axis parallel to the central bands of the interosseous membrane while stabilizing the involved joints. Anatomical variations that affect the rotational efficiency of the PT have been described. Previously, we have described an aberrant PQ with a possible flexor function, and also defined 4 types of anatomical variations in PQ, based on the number of bellies present, and whether it occurred unilaterally or bilaterally, suggesting that PQ is more variable than appreciated. The PT typically has 2 distinct heads of origin (ulnar and humeral) and inserts onto the lateral radius. However, several anatomical variations have been reported, including the number of heads, locations of origin and insertion points, anomalous fiber orientations, and the presence of fibrous bridges and/or arches. In the current study, we sought to determine if there are patterns of anatomical variations in the PT, and whether any such variations occurred in relationship to those of the PQ. Sixteen forearms from 8 embalmed cadavers (4F,4M ages 64–93, mean 82) were dissected, and the PT and PQ muscles observed for muscle shape, fascicle orientation, and attachment points. PT and PQ heads was described, and PT tendon length, width, and distance from the radial head and styloid process measured. Our data revealed that the PT existed as only a single muscle head (humeral), bilaterally, in 25% of the cadavers examined, while exhibiting the traditional two muscle heads (humeral, ulnar) bilaterally in 75% of cadavers. Interestingly, the PT variant with a single humeral head occurred in conjunction with Type II PQ muscles bilaterally (i.e., the presence of 2 muscle bellies). Of the six cadavers with both humeral and ulnar heads of PT, 33.3% had an occurred with Type I PQ (1 head, bilateral), 33.3% with Type II PQ (2 heads, unilateral), and 33.3% with Type III PQ (2–3 heads, bilaterally). Our data suggests that there may be a relationship between the patterns of anatomical variations between PT and PQ muscles, which may provide new insight into the biomechanical relationship between these 2 muscles. The inclusion of additional cadaveric specimens, as well as quantitative comparisons between PT and PQ muscles, including cross sectional area, volume, and line of action, will help to elucidate the potential relationship between PT and PQ muscles.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Hind Limb Myology of the Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
Authors: Walker Allison M. , Ahrens Heather E. 
Published: June 2021

Kinkajous (Carnivora: Procyonidae) spend most of their time in the canopy, exhibiting highly arboreal and frugivorous behaviors. Associated with navigating their arboreal environment, kinkajous possess complete hind‐foot reversal. A limited number of studies present detailed examination of the musculature in mammals capable of hind‐foot reversal. We describe and present muscle maps of the hind limb of a fresh‐frozen male Potos flavus. P. flavus resembles the arboreal red panda (Ailurus fulgens), sharing similar gluteal and caudal leg muscle morphology and attachments. Additional observations include a shared proximal tendon for the m. biceps femoris and m. abductor cruris caudalis, presence of the m. femorococcygeus inserting on the distal half of the caudal femur, presence of a femoral head of m. semimembranosus, and fusion of m. fibularis longus with brevis midway along their length. Comparison of the myology of the kinkajou with descriptions of A. fulgens and other members of Procyonidae indicate that the hind limb musculature is generally conserved across taxa.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Type IV Collagenase Inhibitor, BiPS, Alters Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression in Sulfur Mustard Exposed Mouse Skin
Authors: Chang Yoke‐Chen , Hahn Rita A. , Svoboda Kathy K. , Gordon Marion K. , Gerecke Donald R. 
Published: June 2021

Sulfur mustard (bis‐2‐chloroethylsulfide, SM), is a chemical warfare agent that penetrates the skin rapidly causing extensive blisters and constitutes a potentially serious threat to military and civilian populations. While its mechanisms of toxic action are yet poorly defined, animal models demonstrate disruption of the skin architecture at the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ). Collagen degradation in the basement membrane zone by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) further exacerbates vesication post SM exposure. The type IV collagenase (MMP9 and MMP2) may mediate the disruption of type IV collagen (Col IV), a main component of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) in skin wounds post SM exposure. N‐hydroxy‐3‐phenyl‐2‐(4‐phenylbenzenesulfonamido) propanamide (BiPS) was tested as a highly selective MMP2/MMP9 inhibitor. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of topically delivered BiPS to protect against SM induced skin injury. We performed a time course study (24, 72, and 168 hrs post‐SM exposure) and a compound evaluation study (BiPS as a single pretreatment using the same time points post SM exposure) on mouse ear skin to determine improvement using histopathologic changes, MMP9 gene expression, and basement membrane protein expression as markers. SM induced characteristic skin structural damage including edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and epidermal hyperplasia. MMP9 mRNA expression increased with time. Dual immunofluorescent studies using Col IV α1 and MMP9 antibodies showed BMZ breakdown of Col IV in the basement membrane and apparent MMP9 expression in the epidermis and the adjacent dermal matrix of the SM injured skin. In the compound evaluation study, the BiPS pretreatment group demonstrated significant reduction in edema and improvement in overall tissue structure by 72 hr post‐SM exposure. mRNA expression of MMP9 was significantly downregulated in the BiPS treated group by 168 hr post exposure. Immunofluorescent studies showed that significant reduction of MMP9 expression in the skin sections for all time points; the basement membrane appeared improved as indicated by a continuous (without disruption) expression of Col IV in the BMZ; which was similar to the unexposed control skin. These results suggest that BiPS may modulate MMP9 expression which may in turn improve basement membrane integrity after skin exposure to SM. BiPS, the MMP2/MMP9 inhibitor II, may present as a potential therapeutic countermeasure against SM induced skin injury.Support or Funding InformationES005022, T32ES007148, and NIAMS U54AR055073This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Characterizing PTGER4 as a Target Gene of Autism Protein E6AP
Authors: Amadei Celeste , Alessandri Michael , Nawaz Zafar 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been found to be associated with duplication or triplication of the UBE3A gene, which encodes for E6‐associated protein (E6AP, an E3 ubiquitin ligase and transcriptional coactivator). Mice with three copies of UBE3A exhibit core ASD features and humans with Dup15q share many symptoms with ASD. However, the few E6AP ubiquitination substrates found do not explain ASD pathology. Our lab has identified and characterized E6AP as a coactivator of steroid hormone receptor signaling. Estrogens (E2) affect learning, memory and many other brain processes via estrogen receptors, which are transcription factors.ObjectivesThis study tests the hypothesis that deregulation of E6AP‐mediated steroid hormone receptor transcriptional signaling in the brain leads to the development of ASD. The project aims are to identify steroid hormone‐dependent E6AP target genes in neurons and to study the role of these target genes in the pathogenesis of ASD. Identification of new molecular pathways that are transcriptionally regulated by E6AP will broaden our understanding of ASD.MethodsPotential E6AP target genes were identified by microarray of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Cells from the mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2a cell line were cultured. Cells were transfected with E6AP or had E6AP knocked down by siRNA and then were treated with physiologically relevant doses of estrogen, the estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen, or vehicle. Assays included western blot, co‐immunoprecipitation, qRT‐PCR, and microscopy.Results1) E6‐AP and ER colocalize in mouse HPC neurons. 2) E6‐AP and ERα translocate to the nucleus of Neuro2a (N2a) cells upon E2 treatment. 3) E6‐AP and ERα complex in N2a. 4) The learning and memory gene for prostaglandin E receptor 4, PTGER4, is an E6AP‐dependent target gene that is downregulated in the presence of E6AP or estrogen.ConclusionsWe have identified a memory and learning gene that is regulated by E6AP and E2‐dependent: PTGER4. This is evidence that PTGER4 may be altered in ASD, leading to learning and memory symptoms. PTGER4 allows phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). GSK3 has a large role in apoptosis and has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and bipolar disorder. Given that GSK3 is amyloidogenic and ASD patients exhibit increased beta amyloid deposition, increased E6AP leading to decreased PTGER4 may lead to decreased inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3. In a case study, the GSK3 inhibitor ketamine actually improved an adult ASD patient's symptoms, supporting this theory. Further experiments will be necessary to confirm these promising findings.Support or Funding InformationUniversity of Miami
Regulation of OPN expression in MDA‐MB‐435: role of genistein
Authors: Das Bidyadhar , Khongsti Kitboklang 
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer‐related mortality in women worldwide and metastatic spread is the leading cause of breast cancer deaths. Osteopontin (OPN) plays a functional role in normal mammary gland development, progression of breast cancer and in malignancy of breast cancer. High expression of OPN is observed in high‐grade metastatic malignant human gliomas and in the highly invasive and metastatic human breast cancer cell lines (e.g. MDA‐MB‐435). Soy isoflavone genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and agonist of estrogen receptor‐β (ERβ), is known to have antitumoural properties and also induce apoptotic cell death of ERα‐negative breast cancer cells via p53‐dependent pathway. The isoflavone has been reported to exert antiproliferative activity in some breast cancer cell lines; however, its role with respect to OPN expression is not well understood. Therefore, to address this, the expression level of OPN was investigated upon genistein treatment in MDA‐MB‐435. The cells were treated with different concentrations of genistein for different time intervals; the expression of OPN, the signaling pathways and the promoter regions involved in the regulation of OPN were studied. Genistein displayed an inhibitory effect on OPN protein and mRNA levels in a dose dependent manner and treatment with 50 μM genistein for 24 h showed to be promising. Analysis of the signaling pathways showed no activation of Akt/PKB pathway, no alteration in p‐MEK½ expression whilst an increase in the expression of p‐ERK½ was observed in genistein treated group. These results indicate that genistein acts as an anti‐metastatic agent by inhibiting OPN expression through the activation of p‐ERK½ in MDA‐MB‐435 cells. The transcription factors responsible for this event are being studied in details.Support or Funding InformationDBT (GoI) No. BT/253/NE/TBP/2011 dated May 07, 2012This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.