bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student Perception of the Value of Previous Anatomy Coursework on Medical Gross Anatomy
Authors: Robertson Ellen , Thompson Kenneth , Notebaert Andrew 
Published: November 2023

Medical schools in the United States generally do not require the taking of Anatomy as a prerequisite course. Previous studies have shown that approximately half of incoming medical students have had some exposure to Gross Anatomy prior to beginning. In our previous look at medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) we found that the half of the students that do have anatomy prior to medical school perform better on the Medical Gross Anatomy course in the first semester. The purpose of this research is to better understand the relationship with pre‐requisite courses and their corresponding coursework in professional programs. From this we hope to determine what elements of this prior coursework contributes the most to student success.An initial survey was given at the start of the UMMC Gross Anatomy course that collected both quantitative data (demographics and previous anatomy course grades) and qualitative data through questions regarding the students' perceptions of how their previous coursework would assist them in the course. Responses were analyzed using a constant comparative method which analyzed responses in one survey, proceeding to subsequent surveys looking for differences and revisiting prior surveys as necessary. Twenty‐nine Initial codes were created from student responses. These codes were then analyzed into predominant themes regarding each questions. Grade prediction data were analyzed with a Chi square test with previous anatomy exposure to examine any trends. The survey was completed by 143 students out of 148 enrolled, and 97 (66% of the class) reported having previous anatomy coursework. In response to questions about the value of previous anatomy, responses were coded into six main themes: content, learning strategies & time management, anatomical terminology & language, deeper understanding, dissection & techniques, and no perceived benefit. The previous anatomy experience for these students included high school level courses, undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and summer pre‐medical intensives. The predominant themes of the responses point to the importance of anatomy vocabulary, exposure to the content, and a strong feeling that many previous courses do not provide a benefit. Student responses for grade prediction illustrated that students who have previously had anatomy coursework predicted a grade of “A” 20% more often than those who had not had any experience. Looking forward, these responses can guide how educators design the initial class sessions in an anatomy course to facilitate meeting the students where they perceive they are in terms of preparation. Future directions for the research are to complete post course surveys and subsequent grade analysis to better understand the impact and perceived benefits of the previous coursework through comparison of responses after course completion and course grades.
PERCEPTION OF BODY DONATION AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Werede Ayoda , Thompson Brent 
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTIONThe use of cadavers for anatomical studies has long been an important component of medical education. To supply the needed cadavers, most medical schools rely on people donating their bodies upon death. Very few studies examining the demographics of body donors exist and they indicate that the majority of donors tend to be Caucasian males, leading to a lack of racial diversity among cadavers in the anatomy lab. The goal of this study is to understand why minorities, more specifically African Americans, do not participate in whole body donation programs. Understanding factors or obstacles that play a role in influencing willingness to partake in body donation may aid in developing interventions that facilitate involvement amongst this demographic.METHODSOngoing studies are examining attitudes, knowledge and cultural beliefs that may influence willingness of African Americans to participate in whole body donation programs. Ten focus groups, each consisting of 5 to 7 people, will be conducted at local Optimist Clubs in the Metro Detroit Area. At each meeting, demographic data regarding gender, age group, education level, income level, marital status, and number of dependents will be gathered prior to researcher‐led discussions on views about body donation.ANTICIPATED RESULTSWe hypothesize that the low participation rates of African Americans in whole body donation programs are due a combination of factors including a mistrust of the medical profession, lack of awareness of donation programs, and religious or cultural beliefs surrounding death and the disposition of the body.CONCLUSIONThe results are expected to help us understand African American beliefs surrounding whole body donation.Support or Funding InformationOakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Inside Dinosaurs: A Broader Impacts Program for Research, Teaching and Public Education Through Dinosaur Biology, Physics and Evolution
Authors: Holliday Casey M , Hill Cheryl A , Davis Julian L , Witmer Lawrence M , Middleton Kevin M 
Published: November 2023

Inside Dinosaurs is a NSF‐funded, multi‐pronged broader impacts program that immerses undergraduate research interns, secondary‐school science teachers, and the public in evolution, biomechanics and avian origins through a series of parallel and complementary activities. It incorporates STEM disciplines and offers opportunities for graduate and undergraduate lab members to interact with the local public and grade 6–12 teachers through science communication and outreach activities. Besides annual REU lines for University of Missouri undergraduates, we host two undergraduates from other institutions each summer to learn new experimental, modeling and anatomical techniques. Additionally, we recruit a local teacher each summer who, while embedded in the lab, conducts research and helps translate our discoveries into secondary school‐ level learning activities that fit within the Next Generation Science Standards. Together, the PIs, students, and teachers are developing and testing new classroom activities that are disseminated to interested Missouri teachers through a series of workshops. Besides these intense, lab‐based interactions, Inside Dinosaurs sponsors the Dinosaurs and Cavemen Science Expo, a pop‐up natural history museum exhibit that hosts two dozen activities put on by over thirty faculty and students and experiences crowds from 500–1000 people each year. These synergistic activities among faculty, teachers and visiting students help design and develop more specific learning activities to help bring paleontology, biomechanics, and anatomy to Central Missouri and the rest of the country.Support or Funding InformationNSF IOS 1457319
Anterior Components Separation (ACS) by Endoscopic Pathway: Alternative Pathway to Approach the Abdominal Wall
Authors: Barros Mirna Duarte , Roll Sergio , Nishio Ricardo Tadashi , Silva Rodrigo Altenfelder , Ayres Neto Daniel P. , Mendes Carlos José Lazzarini 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe abdominal wall hernias constitute a great challenge to the surgeon. The Giant, classified with a hernia orifice greater than or equal to 10cm, and the Complex, associated with diseases, infection, digestive or urinary ostomies present complications in the reconstruction of the abdominal wall. Primary closings with sutures, relaxing incisions in aponeuroses, positioning of supraponeurotic, bridge, subaponeurotic and intraperitoneal prosthetics, in addition to the shifting of the wall muscles, by open surgery or laporoscopy (robotic or not), are part of the alternatives for restitutio ad integrum of the wall. Knowledge of the stratigraphy of the wall allowed for the sectioning of muscles and aponeuroses, now called components. The Anterior Components Separation (ACS), described in 1990, is the sectioning of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, parallel to the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle, in the craniocaudal direction, which is detached from the internal oblique muscle. For adequate execution of this technique, the lateral detachment of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is extensive, to the point of damaging the perforating vessels and paraumbilical branches of the lower epigastric artery, with ischemia and necrosis of the scar and umbilical region. The advent of video‐assisted procedures promoted access to these anatomical repairs. The objective of this study was to verify the viability of using a cadaver fixed in modified Larsen solution to perform ACS for teaching and training.MethodThe sectioning of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle was performed by means of a transverse incision of 12mm in the left iliac fossa, followed by divulsion by digitoclasy of the space between the internal oblique muscle and aponeurosis of the external, positioning the metal dilator, 10mm in diameter, in this space, promoting blunt dissection in the caudocranial direction to the left costal margin. Next came the insertion of 10‐mm optics at a 30‐degree angle, so as to visualize the aponeurosis and section it with Metzembaum scissors. To verify the efficacy of the procedure, two transversal flaps 25mm in depth were confectioned in order to demonstrate if the aponeurosis had been adequately sectioned or not (Figure 1).ResultsThe external oblique muscle aponeurosis was adequately sectioned.Discussion and conclusionThe ACS, perfectly performed by the video‐assisted method, diminished the quantity of detached and dissected tissue. We believe the procedure to be anatomically safe and that it effectively attends to the sectioning and shifting of the denominated components. The use of a cadaver fixed in modified Larsen solution presents a safe and reliable alternative for the teaching of video‐assisted anatomy and for the training of the resident surgeon.
Classification of Vallate Papillae Based upon Morphology and Other Associated Anatomical Features
Authors: Holmes J. Scott , Rickards Allen A. , Russell Michelle L , Bliss Kaitlyn N , Lynch Hannah L , Ganoe Maria R , Zdilla Matthew J. , Lambert H. Wayne 
Published: November 2023

The vallate papillae, commonly referred to as circumvallate papillae, are lingual papillae located at the posterior dorsum of the tongue, which form a V‐shaped row immediately anterior to the sulcus terminalis. As the name suggests, vallate papillae are normally surrounded by a vallum, a small mound of tissues, which creates a sulcus (or trench) around the papilla. The inner surface of the vallum houses approximately half of the taste buds located within the tongue. Therefore, vallate papillae are important anatomical structures in gustation; however, little data exists regarding the gross morphology of the vallate papillae. In this study, 103 human cadaveric tongues were dissected at West Virginia University, with approval of the West Virginia Anatomical Board, to identify and photograph individual vallate papillae. A total of 1,069 individual vallate papillae were identified and characterized into thirteen separate categories, based upon their morphology and associated anatomical features. Categorization was largely based upon the presence of a vallum (691 of 1069; 64.6%), and whether the vallum fully encompassed the papilla or partly encompassed the papilla. Other categorization included whether the papilla itself was fully formed or segmented. The results of this study demonstrate a wide variety of morphological categories of vallate papillae. Because vallate papillae are important in gustation, the anatomical differences may partly explain physiological differences in taste function.Support or Funding InformationResearch by Holmes JS and Rickards AA funded by the WVU Initiation to Research Opportunities (INTRO) Summer Research program. Research by Russell ML, Bliss KN, Lynch HL, and Ganoe MR funded by WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.14.13].
FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFERENT BOUTON MITOCHONDRIA OF THE INNER EAR
Authors: Sobkiv Sofia , Kambalyal Anuj , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria are important organelles found in every cell of the body. The accepted structure of a mitochondrion consists of an outer and inner membrane (IM), the later folding in on itself forming structures known as cristae. The structure of the crista maximizes the membrane surface area over which cellular respiration occurs. Careful analysis of recent data gathered from electron microscopy has led to further investigation of structurally and functionally different subpopulations of mitochondria in the inner ear (Rabl et al., 2009; Zick et al., 2009). Further investigation suggests the presence of three different mitochondrial subpopulations: large mitochondria, medium‐sized mitochondria and small mitochondria, which are found in efferent boutons. The main focus of this study was the subpopulation in the efferent boutons, which are found contacting Type I and Type II hair cells of the inner ear. Utilizing IMOD software to obtain three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions of efferent mitochondria in close proximity to high energy‐demanding structures, the morphological and functional characteristics of this subpopulation were studied. In a recent study (Perkins et al. 2010), it was discovered that cristae interact with the IM at specific points, termed cristae junctions (CJs). They also found that there were more CJs on the sides of mitochondria adjacent to synapses than on the opposite side, thus mitochondria appeared to be polarized. This suggests that Ca2+ and ATP are directed towards the synapse. Qualitative information gathered from our 3D reconstructions suggests that cristae are polarized towards similar high‐energy‐demanding structures such as the dense‐core vesicles, synapses and adjacent mitochondria found in efferent boutons contacting afferent calyces. In addition, the tubular form of cristae observed in efferent mitochondria are a lower‐energy form due to a lower capacity for dense ATP synthase molecule packing. Quantitative data included crista and IM surface areas, their respective volumes, and cristae junction counts. Key differences between efferent mitochondria and other subpopulations include the presence of tubular lower‐energy form of cristae, smaller average surface area and volume, and smaller quantities of ATP synthase molecular packing. The exact correlation between CJ count and the high‐energy‐demanding structures remains to be determined. Nonetheless, our 3D reconstructions suggest a unique relationship between such structures, as well as the CJs between neighboring mitochondria.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC013181 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME)
MITOCHONDRIA NEAR RIBBON SYNAPSES IN INNER EAR HAIR CELLS
Authors: Ali Laila , Jayakumar Ashik , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria, generally referred to as the “powerhouses” of a cell, sustain life in eukaryotes by producing ATP. These structures, once thought to be bacterial symbionts, are now considered one of the most crucial organelles in the cell (van der Giezen, 2011). The mitochondrial inner compartment consists of two components, the inner membrane and the cristae. Recent EM tomography studies have shown us that these two membrane domains are connected by small tubular structures known as crista junctions (CJs). CJs “have been proposed to regulate the dynamic distribution of proteins, lipids, and soluble metabolites between mitochondrial subcompartments” (Zick et al. 2009). In our research, 3D models of mitochondria from vestibular hair cells were constructed from EM tomograms to understand the structural role of the cristae in neuronal activity at ribbon synapses. The cristae in the mitochondria serve as a site for a majority of the enzymes responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production, therefore playing an essential role in cellular activities, such as transmitting neuronal signals. A ribbon synapse is known to be a “‘high capacity docking site’ of synaptic vesicles that provide the fusion sites for ‘active zones’” (Schmitz et al. 1996). Synaptic ribbons are found in all hair cells. These synapses and the vesicles associated with them rapidly release neurotransmitters that carry messages between cells. These vesicles must be powered by an energy source such as ATP in order for them to transport and release neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that ribbon synapses require a large amount of energy to provide the power to transmit signals across synapses and that this energy is provided by mitochondria, which produce and contain large amounts of ATP. Cristae present in the mitochondrion, especially those in close proximity to synaptic ribbons, are oriented perpendicular to the ribbon and polarized towards the ribbon and its associated synaptic vesicles. By creating a 3D model of mitochondria near the synaptic ribbon, we have observed that multiple cristae in a single cell can provide the necessary energy. From our model, it is inconclusive about whether CJs are more prevalent on the side adjacent to the synaptic ribbon in vestibular hair cells.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC01381 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME).
Cristae in Inner Ear Hair Cells Mitochondria are Polarized Toward Cuticular Plate
Authors: Arias Kevin Daniel , Price Steve D , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

The goal of this research is to study the structure and the functionality of mitochondria located in inner ear hair cells. According to size, mitochondria can be divided into three different sub‐types: large, medium, and small. In this particular scenario, our focus rests upon a single large mitochondrion with lamellar cristae (the high energy form of cristae) located in very close proximity to the cuticular plate (CP) in a vestibular Type 1 hair cell. One criterion we have been analyzing is the number of cristae junctions (CJs) facing the CP in comparison with the amount of CJs located on the other side facing away from the CP. CJs are tubular connections promoting a direct interaction between the mitochondrial cristae and the mitochondrial inner membrane (Rabl et al. 2009). We hypothesized that the number of CJs facing the CP is higher compared to the opposite side. This would suggest a polarization of CJs on one side, such that ATP and Ca2+ can be fed to points of interest, such as stereociliar rootlets and the CP (Perkins et al. 2010). In order to identify the desired structures, we have been using IMOD, a 3d reconstruction program developed by the Univ. of Colorado. First, we examined the mitochondrion tomogram section by section and using the software, we traced individual cristae. Doing this for every crista along with the mitochondria membranes, we then meshed it and get a 3D representation of the entire mitochondria in the tomogram. We have taken these data and constructed a short video to enable us to visualize both sides. In addition, IMOD is a tool to obtain accurate topographical data, such as crista surface area, from which we can compute energy production output. This large mitochondrion can produce about 4500 zeptomoles of ATP/sec, much larger than the average amount we have observed in other mitochondria with lamellar cristae, which is about 1000 zeptomoles/sec. This ATP, in turn, produces about 140 femtojoules of energy. After this large mitochondrion was fully reconstructed, we proceeded to analyze the number of CJs. We observed twice as many CJs facing the CP as away from the CP. In conclusion, the data obtained support our hypothesis that CJs are observed in greater amount in sites requiring more ATP.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC013181 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME)
Cristae Align Across Mitochondrial Membranes in Vestibular Hair Cells to Possibly Increase ATP Output
Authors: Patel Meet H , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this research is to study mitochondria in inner ear hair cells from a functional and structural perspective. Mitochondria are divided into three different sub‐types, according to size: large, medium, and small. Our focus is mitochondria near the cuticular plate (CP) in vestibular Type 1 hair cells. Since these mitochondria are adjacent to the CP, we also see stereociliar rootlets (SRs) in close proximity. In addition, we hypothesized that the side facing the CP has a significantly larger amount of cristae junctions (CJs) compared to the opposite side in order to satisfy energy demand of rapidly regenerating SRs. This suggests a polarization of CJs towards one side, so that they can transport ATP and Ca2+ to points of interest, such as SRs and the CP (Perkins et al. 2010). Using IMOD software created by Univ. of Colorado, we examined and accurately traced individual contours that, when meshed, gave a very detailed structure of the mitochondria. By counting CJs on either side of the mitochondria, we can determine their density relative to the CP. Using the “Get info” feature of IMOD we obtained accurate surface area measurements. Interestingly, lamellar cristae in one mitochondrion were seen to curve in the direction of the stereociliar rootlets and three mitochondria were observed to form a type of “super‐mitochondrion” by alignment of their CJs and tethering of the outer mitochondrial membranes. Stereocilia are known to construct their actin from tip to base using myosin and rate‐regulating proteins (Naoz et al. 2008). We hypothesize that mitochondria provide ATP for reconstitution of actin filaments and for maintaining the structure of the cuticular plate. The alignment of cristae between mitochondria may be able to increase ATP production. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that CJs are asymmetrically distributed in favor of structures of interest that require more ATP.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC013181 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME).
Energy output of mitochondria located near synaptic ribbons in inner ear hair cells
Authors: Babu Vidya , Vazirian Saeed , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

The mitochondrion plays an essential role in every cell. ATP, the primary energy source in the body, is produced by ATP synthase molecules located in the cristae of the mitochondria. In this study, we utilized EM tomography to create 3D models of mitochondrial cristae from hair cells in the vestibular nervous system. Analyzing these models provided insight into the role of these cristae in activity near ribbon synapses and synaptic vesicles. When action potentials reach nerve terminals, synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane, releasing neurotransmitters. After this, the vesicles are quickly reinternalized and refilled with neurotransmitters through endocytosis, which requires ATP (Guatimosim and von Gersdorff, 2002). In this study, we wanted to determine whether ribbon synapses and their vesicles utilized large amounts of energy from adjacent mitochondria to transmit signals. Our calculations of energy output in this mitochondrion with lamellar‐shaped cristae yielded estimates of ATP production of about 1000 zeptomoles/sec and energy production at 25–30 femtojoules, consistent with other hair cell mitochondria of similar size. Using the 3D models that we constructed, we also counted the number of crista junctions (CJs), the locations where the crista meets the inner membrane of the mitochondria, and observed that the ratio of CJs facing the ribbon synapse to those facing away was approximately 1:1. We concluded that there was no relationship between the location of the crista junctions and that of the ribbon synapse.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC013181 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME).