bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Student Perceived Difficulties in Learning Organ Systems in an Undergraduate Human Anatomy Course
Authors: Shaffer Justin , Lieu Rebekah , Gutierrez Andrew 
Published: November 2023

Undergraduate human anatomy courses are often taught with a systems approach by teaching one system at a time, often starting with the skeletal system, then the muscular system, then the nervous system, and so on. When learning about systems sequentially, students will likely perceive certain systems to be more or less difficult than others for various reasons which may contribute to their actual learning of each system. Having an understanding of why students find certain organ systems to be more or less challenging can inform instruction in order to help students learn about organ systems more effectively. The objectives of this study were to determine how students perceived each organ system in terms of difficulty and to determine why students thought certain organ systems were more or less challenging. Student survey data were analyzed from two sections of a large enrollment (~125 students) undergraduate human anatomy course at a large research university in the western United States. A pre‐post survey was used to assess changes in student confidence regarding their knowledge of organ systems and qualitative methods based on grounded theory were used to analyze student written data from a post‐survey that asked students to explain why they thought certain organ systems were difficult to learn. Results showed that while students reported significantly increased confidence in all organ systems by the end of the course, the gains were lowest for the central and peripheral nervous systems. At the end of the course, students perceived the central and peripheral nervous systems to be most difficult organ systems to learn (reported by students in written comments to be largely due to the complexity of the structure‐function relationships within these systems). Students also perceived the cardiovascular system to be least difficult to learn (because of their familiarity with the system from prior courses). These results suggest that undergraduate human anatomy students perceive organ systems as more or less challenging for a variety of reasons ranging from properties inherent to each system (e.g. complexity of systems and structure‐function relationships, quantity of structures, etc) to logistical factors regarding each system (e.g. exposure through pre‐requisites, time spent on a system, etc). These findings have practical implications in that anatomy instructors may choose to alter their course curriculum or design pedagogical activities that specifically address the reasons why students perceive organ systems as more or less challenging in order to improve student learning.Support or Funding InformationN/A
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF MEDICAL EDUCATION – A PILOT STUDY USING A SHARED DIGITAL DISSECTOR AND EARLY PEER‐TO‐PEER STUDENT INTERACTION IN AMERICAN AND GERMAN CLINICAL GROSS ANATOMY COURSES
Authors: Wu Anette , Goelkel Camilla , Chiuzan Codruta , Duong Jimmy , Kielstein Heike , Bernd Paulette 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundInternationalization of medical education is important at a time of globalization and population migration. It can occur on several levels.The purpose of this pilot study was to address internationalization of medical education in the Clinical Gross Anatomy course in two areas ‐ on the student level via early peer‐to‐peer communication and on the teacher level via international exchange of teaching material.Material and MethodsIn the current pilot study we a) applied real‐time videoconferencing during the Clinical Gross Anatomy course to connect junior medical students from Germany and the United States and b) tested a US written digital iPad operated Anatomy dissector at a medical school in Germany. Questionnaires were sent to the students to get feedback on their experience with their international counterparts. Checklists were collected in order to get objective measures for successful adaption of the dissector into the German curriculum. Questionnaires were sent to the users of the iPad dissector.Resultsa) the majority of the students liked the international experience and asked for more sessions, as well as more structured interactions; b) the US written iPad operated dissector was liked by the users and easily adapted into a German Anatomy curriculum and resulted in equal if not better dissection results.ConclusionInternationalization of medical education on the student level and teacher level is possible and welcomed by students. Starting peer‐to‐peer interaction early in the Anatomy course can give Anatomy courses a new role in international medical education.Support or Funding InformationGrant of the Virgina Apgar Academy of Medical Educators, Columbia University
Anatomical Connections: Linking High Schools to the UVM College of Medicine with Anatomy
Authors: McCarthy Sarah A , Flynn Sean P , Merrill Liana 
Published: November 2023

The University of Vermont, as the largest post‐secondary school and home of the only medical school in the state, has a strong commitment to community outreach and education. The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont has a strong history of outreach that we aimed to expand by designing an anatomy‐based program connecting educators and students at UVM with their peers in local high schools. Many high schools in Vermont do not have the resources to offer anatomy and physiology courses despite the fact that many of their students are interested in the biomedical field. The purpose of our work was to build strong working relationships with local high school teachers in the Champlain Valley area of Vermont in an effort to begin a mentoring program between high school students and UVM students. Our outreach event occurred over two days: one focused on building relationships with high school teachers and the second focused on high school students. Nine high school science teachers attended the first day, which included a visit to the gross anatomy laboratory to view available resources for future collaboration. Teachers then attended a lunch seminar focused on effective mentoring. Finally, there was a session on developing and designing an anatomy and physiology course for high school students. Surprisingly, the greatest benefit of the teacher day was the opportunity for other high school teachers to meet and discuss their anatomy and physiology courses. Twenty high school sophomore and junior students attended the second portion of the program. It started with a session in the gross anatomy laboratory viewing anatomical specimens led by medical and graduate students. Following morning anatomy demonstrations, we invited everyone to stay for a lunch lecture focused on getting the most out of mentoring relationships. After lunch, we broke the high school students into small groups led by graduate and medical students based on their interests in topics such as college applications, interviews, and post high school opportunities. Each session was evaluated by the participants to determine the effectiveness of the program and whether future sessions would be beneficial for the students. The students were very enthusiastic about meeting students in higher education and having the opportunity to discuss their future with them. Based on our pilot year, we hope to grow our program into a formal mentoring network between medical/graduate students and high school students that will expand beyond one day. We will continue to foster our relationships with local high school teachers to ensure the growth of such a program.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by a Outreach Grant from the American Association of Anatomists.
An Innovative 3 Dimensional Model of Middle Ear
Authors: Dixit Shilpi Gupta , Dixit Abhinav , Ghatak Surajit 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe study of anatomy is generally related to identifying various structures and their spatial relationships with respect to each other. Physical models are particularly useful in demonstrating complex topics or those ones that are difficult to access when seen in the textbook or cadaver. One such topic is middle ear. Aim of the present study was to introduce a muticoloured cardboard model of middle ear to provide ease in understanding of its anatomical structure.MethodsIt was a qualitative research study. The participants were 2nd semester medical undergraduate class of 78 students. They were exposed to a cuboidal multicolored model (made from cardboard box) with 6 walls that could be opened to see the details of structures related to them. Student feedback was taken through a structured Questionnaire based on Likert Scale (5 to 1).ResultsMore than 80% of students (n=78) felt that this model was a good tool for visualizing complex anatomy of middle ear in small groups and it reduced the time needed for self‐study. This model provided multifaceted feedback with active participation from students. A low fidelity middle ear model proved to be a practical low cost tool for use in both didactic and small group teaching.ConclusionA strong foundation of understanding anatomy requires appreciation of complex 3D spatial relationships and mutual 3D visualization skills. Low fidelity models continue to have a place in anatomy and can be integrated in the current curriculum.Support or Funding InformationNo funding was needed
The Promise of Mixed Reality in Anatomy Education
Authors: Romaniuk Michael , Lamb Jason , Mitchell Josh , Bayer Ilana , Wainman Bruce 
Published: November 2023

We have previously demonstrated that when anatomy is learned from traditional 3D computer models (i.e., those projected on flat screens) or using pictures and diagrams of specimens, test scores are approximately 30% less than when the anatomy is learned from solid models when students are tested on cadavers. We have shown that these traditional, computer generated 3D images are perceived as 2D images due to our use of 2D‐displays. Our current goal is to utilize technology that allow our learners to perceive these computer objects as true 3D models i.e., as solid objects. Recent developments in technology, like the Microsoft HoloLens, allow us to generate convincing, interactive, 3D models in real space. These mixed‐reality anatomic objects have the potential to be as efficient as our solid models in learning anatomy and thus may replace the traditional tools of anatomic teaching. This presentation will demonstrate anatomic specimens in all formats, including mixed reality applications in an interactive setting to emphasize the benefits and problems of each form of learning object.Support or Funding InformationEducation Services, Faculty of Health Sciences and MacPherson Institute, McMaster University.
The Use Of Nigrosin Staining To Increase Brain Slice Contrast For Neuroanatomy Teaching
Authors: Saraco Anthony N. , MacPhee Neil , Ball Alexander K. , Wainman Bruce C. 
Published: November 2023

Although plastic models and electronic resources play an important role in demonstrating concepts in neuroanatomy, the study of human cadaver brain remains important where it is necessary to illustrate detail, spatial relationships, or in clinical teaching. The most difficult structures to visualize in embalmed brains are the deep cerebral and cerebellar nuclei due to the muted contrast after embalming. Many contrast enhancing staining protocols have several drawbacks including vague published protocols, variability of staining, the need for counter‐stains, or the length of the staining process. The purpose of our study was to evaluate several simple stains and protocols that would be effective in increasing grey matter contrast in brain slices.Whole brains were extracted from cadavers fixed with 65% ethanol, 10% propylene glycol, 4% phenol, 4% Dettol and 2% formalin after 10–12 months. Brains were postfixed with 10% formalin for 2–3 weeks before use. Two Plexiglas frames were constructed with horizontal (transverse) or vertical (coronal) slits spaced 1 cm apart to facilitate the cutting of serial sections. Serial transverse or coronal slices of brains were washed in tap water for 1 min prior to staining. Brain slices were stained in various dilutions of aqueous toluidine blue, cresyl violet, or Nigrosin. The contrast between grey and white matter was measured with a standardized camera and image analysis was performed on 8‐bit images using Image‐J. Overstained or understained sections were obtained with all protocols except Nigrosin. The most successful staining was obtained on sections stained with 0.5% aqueous Nigrosin for 15 min followed by clearing in a series of water and ethanol rinses. Sections were stored on a stainless steel tray covered with a moist cloth for various times before quantitative analyses was performed. The depth of staining was evaluated in sections cut tangential to the stained surface. The robustness of the staining was evaluated in sections stored in water, 2% aqueous glycerol, 100% ethanol, or 100% acetone for various times up to 4 wks.We conclude that the staining of brain sections with Nigrosin provides high contrast differentiation of grey and white matter. Interestingly, details of white matter tracts became visible but certain deep brain nuclei were consistently unstained. There was minimal fading of the staining after storage in organic and inorganic solvents indicating that the method may be useful for long term storage as both wet or plastinated specimens. Nigrosin staining of brain slices serves as a simple method to increase the visibility of brain structures for the study of neuroanatomy.Support or Funding InformationEducation Program in Anatomy, McMaster University
Mitochondria Adjacent to Ribbon Synapses in Vestibular Hair Cells Are Not Polarized Toward the Synapse
Authors: Jayakumar Ashik , Ghatalah Laila , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria are generally known as “the powerhouses of the cell”. In our research, 3D models of mitochondria in vestibular hair cells were constructed from electron microscope (EM) tomograms to understand the structural role of their internal cristae in support of neuronal activity at ribbon synapses. The mitochondrial inner compartment is made up of the, 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). Mitochondrial cristae are the location of most of the enzymes and is responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production, and therefore play an essential role in cellular activities. A ribbon synapse is known to be a ‘high capacity docking site’ of synaptic vesicles that provide the fusion sites for ‘active zones’ and they are known to have a large supply of “immobile synaptic vesicles rapidly available for exocytosis” (Schmitz et al. 1996). The vesicles are powered by ATP produced by mitochondria. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis of whether the distance of a mitochondrion from a synapse would have an influence on the number of cristae junctions(CJs) on the mitochondrion. Our hypothesis is that cristae that are present in the mitochondrion, are oriented perpendicular to the ribbon and would be expected to demonstrate a higher number of CJs on the side of the mitochondrion facing the ribbon synapse. Using our reconstructions, the number of CJs present in a mitochondrion is counted. In our tomograms, we observed that the ratio of CJs towards the ribbon to the CJs away from the ribbon synapse is close to 1:1 regardless of the distance from the ribbon synapse. From this we can conclude, despite the cristae being oriented perpendicular to the ribbon synapse, distance from the synapse apparently does not affect whether CJs are more prevalent on the side adjacent to the synaptic ribbon in vestibular hair cells.Support or Funding InformationNIH R21‐DC013181 and P41‐RR004050
Assessing the Asymmetrical Distribution of Crista Junctions in Tubular Mitochondria Located Adjacent to a Post‐Synaptic Density of a Vestibular Hair Cell Ribbon Synapse
Authors: Vazirian Saeed , Babu Vidya , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria are energy processing organelles in most cell types, essential for maintaining major cellular functions by ATP production, such as the cell‐to‐cell signaling of neurons in the mammalian nervous system. Inner ear hair cells, like all cells, use the mitochondrial machinery for their normal functioning (Song et al., 2013). The structure of these organelles, consequently, has implications for the healthy function of inner ear hair cells and impairments are the cause of certain forms of deafness and imbalance. As a double‐membraned organelle, the inner membranes of mitochondria includes the inner mitochondrial membrane and the cristae. Electron microscopic tomography (EMT) reveal that these two inner portions of mitochondria articulate with each other via narrow tubular‐shaped openings known as crista junctions (CJs) (Song et al., 2013). These structures are probably dynamic, with CJs forming and disintegrating in response to environmental changes, mitochondrial shape changes, inner membrane surface area variations or nutrient transport to the mitochondrion (Perkins and Ellisman, 2007). For this study, we predicted an asymmetrical distribution of crista junctions in mitochondria with tubular cristae located in the calyxplasm of a vestibular calyx ending adjacent to a post‐synaptic density at a ribbon synapse in a vestibular hair cell. Synaptic ribbons are the form that synapses take in retinal photoreceptors and inner ear hair cells, consisting of synaptic vesicles and an electron‐dense “ribbon” or docking site, and they are the location of vesicle fusion during active neurotransmitter release (Schmitz et al., 1996). Using the EM tomograms and 3‐D imaging software called IMOD, qualitative and computational data can be obtained on these mitochondria including their tubular cristae and CJ numbers, shape, distribution and even the density of the matrix (Tasel et al., 2016). With these tools, we hypothesized that a statistically significantly larger number of CJs will appear on the sides of mitochondria near the ribbon synapse, as opposed to away from it. Furthermore, we expect metabolic activity at the synapse to also be higher, as ATP is required for signaling activity of the ribbon synapse provided by the tubular cristae (Perkins and Ellisman, 2007). Calculations, with the help of the IMOD software has helped us bear out these assumptions, using information on the number, total volume and other details on CJs of vestibular hair cells (Tasel et al., 2016) (Song et al., 2013).Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC013181 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME).
ENERGY OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFERENT BOUTON MITOCHONDRIA OF THE INNER EAR
Authors: Kambalyal Anuj Channu , Sobkiv Sofia , Perkins Guy , Lysakowski Anna 
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria produce ATP to power many functions in cells throughout the body. The current depiction of a mitochondrion, containing an inner membrane (IM), outer membrane and cristae that increase the surface area of the IM, has been the universally accepted model for decades. Although the basic function and structure of mitochondria have been studied for many years, recent analyses based upon data gathered from electron microscopy (EM) has led to further investigations of mitochondria (Rabl et al., 2009; Zick et al., 2009). We have been using IMOD software (Univ. of Colorado, Boulder) to reconstruct mitochondria located near different high energy‐demanding intracellular components and have obtained new quantitative data. In efferent boutons coming from the brainstem to contact vestibular calyx endings in the inner ear, we have observed tubular crista morphology, thought to be a lower‐energy form of mitochondria compared to the lamellar morphology found in most neurons. We have used the values obtained for total crista surface area in our 3D reconstructions to calculate both the rate of ATP production (Song et al., 2013) and the amount of energy produced by this type of mitochondrion. Our values are 250–350 zeptomoles of ATP/sec and 8–10 femtojoules of energy, compared to roughly 1000 zeptomoles of ATP/sec and 25–50 femtojoules of energy for more typical lamellar cristae. Thus, we can confirm that tubular cristae in efferent boutons contacting vestibular calyx endings in the inner ear do indeed produce less ATP and less energy. The implications of this level of ATP production or energy output on hair cell or afferent function are unknown at this time, but will be the subject of future research.Support or Funding InformationSupported by NIH R21‐DC013181 (AL) and P41‐RR004050 (GP, ME)
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Hepatic Progenitor Cell Niche in Liver Fibrosis of Elderly Cadavers
Authors: Mak Ki Mark , Chiu Sophia 
Published: November 2023

Human hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) normally reside in a quiescent state in the canals of Hering (COH) located at the interface between the portal tract and periportal parenchyma of the liver lobule. In chronic liver injury, HPC become activated and differentiate into cholangiocytes and hepatocytes, contributing to hepatic regeneration. HPC activation, termed ductular reaction or hepatic response, is accompanied by development of a HPC niche composed principally of laminin matrix, myofibroblasts and macrophages. The composition of the niche is likely to be a determinant of HPC behavior. Preliminary studies found activation of HPC in the periportal parenchyma and occurrence of HPC deep in the liver lobule of elderly cadavers with progressive stages of liver fibrosis (FASEB 2006; 30:1044.4; 1044.5). The present study assessed the composition of the niche proteins and fibrogenic cells in liver fibrosis of elderly cadavers by immunohistochemistry. HPC are ~ 8 μm in size showing an oval to cuboidal morphology with scant cytoplasm and express cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK19 or epithelial cell adhesion molecule. Immunostaining showed that the COH were marked by a basement membrane positive for collagen IV and laminin. The niche surrounding the COH contained a rich collagenous matrix, revealed by Sirius red stain for collagens. Moreover, the matrix displayed an array of fibrillar collagen I, III and V and filamentous collagen VI. Hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts labeled by a‐smooth muscle actin were present in the collagenous matrix surrounding the COH. In the periportal parenchyma where ductular reaction occurred in response to fibrogenesis, reactive ductules composed of strings of HPC were marked by collagen IV and laminin and surrounded by a collagenous matrix containing collagen fibers and fibrogenic cells. Similarly, collagens and fibrogenic cells were observed in the matrix associated with isolated HPC in the deeper part of the lobule, as well as in the HPC‐containing ductules in the developing fibrous septa and bridging septa.Conclusions/implicationsThe HPC niche contains collagen IV and laminin that provide a basement membrane supporting the COH and HPC. The laminin matrix supports HPC in an undifferentiated phenotype and suppresses hepatocye differentiation. The collagen fibers confer strength on the matrix scaffolds of the HPC niche. Moreover, while collagen V regulates fibrillogenesis of collagen I, collagen VI, a connecting protein, links fibrillar collagens to the niche matrix. Collagen V and VI also bind cytokines, growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases, regulating their availability to HPC. Hepatic stellate cells/myofibroblasts contribute to remodeling of the HPC niche matrix. The composition of the niche matrix likely influences the HPC fate in the aged liver.