A constructivist approach to teach neuroanatomy lab: Students' perceptions of an active learning environment.

BACKGROUND: A recent trend in medical education is developing a more dynamic and integrated curriculum. Team-based learning (TBL) increases students' engagement and the active construction of anatomical knowledge. This initial study aimed to empirically observe medical students' perceptions of their achievement of learning outcomes and the construction of their neuroanatomy knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving using an interactive whiteboard (IWB) as a teaching strategy. METHODS: An independent neuroanatomy lab survey collected students' perceptions and comments about their learning experiences using the IWB on a questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Student participants felt that using the IWB has facilitated their learning experience. 94.2% of student participants endorsed feelings that new technology has helped them achieve their learning outcomes, helped them integrate both their basic science and clinical science/skills knowledge (90.4%), enhanced their problem-solving skills (92.3%), facilitated their interaction with the neuroanatomy faculty (96.2%) and increase their critical thinking (88.4%). CONCLUSION: Collecting such empirical data about students' perceptions and their learning environment should help neurosciences faculty in medical schools better outline their activities to faculty at other medical institutions. Applying these methods may enhance the learning process, save time during neuroanatomy lab, and it could also help overcome the shortage of qualified neuroanatomy educators.

Preconditioning with atorvastatin against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in nondiabetic versus diabetic rats.

Acute renal failure complicates renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) owing to reactive oxygen species production. Atorvastatin (ATO) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The current study investigated whether ATO alleviated damage induced by renal I/R injury in nondiabetic versus diabetic rat models. Thirty-six rats were equally divided into 6 groups: group A1 (nondiabetic sham), group A2 (nondiabetic I/R), group A3 (nondiabetic ATO + I/R), group B1 (diabetic sham), group B2 (diabetic I/R), and group B3 (diabetic ATO + I/R). All groups experienced 45 min of bilateral renal ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Groups A3 and B3 were treated with single intraperitoneal doses of ATO (10 mg/kg) 30 min before ischemia. Histological analysis of kidney tissues, kidney function tests, and analyses of caspase-3 and CD44 expression and oxidative stress markers were performed to assess tubular injury. Histological analysis revealed marked tubular damage in groups A2 and B2 but improvement in groups A3 and B3. Improvements were also found in groups A3 and B3 for caspase-3 and CD44 expression, kidney function tests, and oxidative stress markers. Our results suggest ATO may ameliorate renal I/R injury differently between nondiabetic and diabetic rats.

Synergistic actions of vitamin D and metformin on skeletal muscles and insulin resistance of type 2 diabetic rats.

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic generalized disorder due to insulin insufficiency or resistance. Skeletal muscles represent one of the most important target organs that is affected by insulin signaling. The aim of the current work was to investigate the effect of metformin versus vitamin D (and also simultaneous administration) therapy in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats on the state of the muscle and insulin sensitivity. Thirty six male rats constituted the animal model and have been divided into five groups: control, Diabetic, Diabetic + Metformin, Diabetic + Vitamin D, Diabetic + Metformin + Vitamin D. Blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements of serum calcium, interleukin-6 (IL-6), Triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, and calculation of HOMA-IR, and then rats were sacrificed, dissected for removal of gastrocnemius muscle that is used for both biochemical, histopathological and electron microscopy examination. Oral administration of vitamin D alone or in combination with metformin improved insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles, and sustained the metabolic complications along with muscle atrophy and inflammation in T2D rats. We demonstrated super-beneficial action on insulin resistance of additional vitamin D therapy in T2DM rats that were insufficiently controlled by metformin alone.

Possible protective role of silybin against polymyxin E-induced toxic effect in rat kidneys: A biochemical approach.

AIMS: Polymyxin E was used for treating gram-negative bacterial infections but not recently for fear of its nephrotoxicity. Silybin has potential to counteract nephrotoxicity; however, few studies have investigated its protective effect on the kidney in an animal model. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether silybin could decrease elevated urine and serum renal biochemical markers induced by polymyxin E in rat kidney. METHODS: Forty rats were divided randomly into four groups of 10 rats: control (I), vehicle (II), treatment (III, using polymyxin E), and protection (IV, using silybin and polymyxin E). Urine was collected daily for 7 days to test for N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). Serum was collected after euthanizing the rats on day 7 to test kidney functions. RESULTS Group III had significant increases in NAG (all P < 0.001) compared with the other groups, but no differences were found between the other groups. Significant differences in kidney functions were found between Group III and Groups I and II, and between Group IV and Groups I and II (all P < 0.001). No differences were found between Groups III and IV. CONCLUSIONS: Group III results suggested an affection of the renal glomeruli and tubules, and Group IV results suggested a possible protective effect of silybin against polymyxin E-induced nephrotoxicity. Additional studies are recommended that use different doses of silybin for Groups III and IV to test for statistical differences for kidney functions and that test the protective effect of silybin against nephrotoxicity induced by polymyxin E in humans.

Functional importance of αIle-346 and αIle-348 in the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli ATP synthase.

We studied the functional role of highly conserved VISIT-DG sequence residues αIle-346 and αIle-348 in the catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1Fo ATP synthase. αIle-346 is in close proximity, 2.98 and 3.63 Å, to the two known phosphate binding residues αR376 and ßR182; αIle-348 is situated within 3.66 Å from ßR182. Single or double mutants of both αI346 and αI348 resulted in a variable loss of oxidative phosphorylation and ATPase activity. Azide, fluoroaluminate, and fluoroscandium caused insignificant to significant inhibition of mutants. Whereas the wild-type enzyme was completely inhibited by NBD-Cl (7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1, 3-diazole), a variable extent of inhibition was observed for αI346 and αI348 mutants. MgPi protection against NBD-Cl induced inhibition of wild-type, αI346, and αI348 demonstrated that, although strongly conserved, αI346 and αI348 have no direct role in phosphate binding. Insertion of Arginine in the form of αI346R/ßR182A, αI346R/αR376A, or αI348R/ßR182A was able to compensate for the absence of known phosphate-binding Arginine residues ßR182 and αR376. Results also suggest that αIle-346 and αIle-348 seem to have functional importance in upholding the phosphate-binding subdomain and transition state stabilization in the catalytic sites of E. coli ATP synthase.

Morphological changes in the salivary acini after in vivo cholinergic stimulation.

AIMS: Overactive bladder syndrome treated by muscarinic receptor antagonists may be complicated by reduced salivation. Cholinergic agonists may reverse this effect. The aim of the present study was to determine the antagonizing effect of a cholinergic agonist (carbachol) on a muscarinic receptor antagonist (oxybutynin) in the submandibular acini in a rat model. METHODS: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Group I (control), Group II (vehicle), and Group III (treatment). Group III was subdivided so Group IIIa was treated with a muscarinic receptor antagonist (oxybutynin) for 1 week, Group IIIb was treated with oxybutynin for 3 weeks, and Group IIIc was treated with oxybutynin for 1 week and oxybutynin and a cholinergic agonist (carbachol) for 2 weeks. Histological and ultrastructural studies were performed on submandibular glands. RESULTS: Group IIIa showed moderate atrophic changes in the serous acini and ducts. Group IIIb showed serous acini with distorted wall, widening of the inter-lobar space, and deposition of mononuclear cells in the connective tissue. Group IIIc had serous acini similar to Group I, with mildly dilated inter-lobar ducts, but some serous acini revealed double nuclei and the inter-lobar duct showed luminal vacuolations. Ultrastructural studies confirmed histological results. CONCLUSIONS: Muscarinic receptor antagonist administration led to changes in the submandibular gland of rats, while concomitant administration of cholinergic agonists seemed to counteract these atrophic changes. Additional studies should assess carbachol as a cholinergic agonist in treating dry mouth in patients with overactive bladder syndrome who are taking the muscarinic receptor. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:574-581, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Perceptions of Schoolteachers About Teledentistry Use in Makkah City.

OBJECTIVES: Teledentistry is a combination of communication technology and dentistry. Teledentistry is an alternative and useful way to remotely provide advisory, preventive, and emergency services in places with poor access to dental care. Few studies in Saudi have investigated the implementation of teledentistry at schools or assessed the perceptions of school personnel. This research aimed to evaluate teachers' perceptions about the use of teledentistry to examine schoolchildren in Makkah city. METHODS:  The study was conducted on 20 intermediate schools randomly selected from different regions of Makkah city using a multistage cluster sampling method. Two data collectors visited the schools to administer the study questionnaire, exploring teachers' perceptions of teledentistry. The questionnaire was adapted from a validated survey based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to compare the mean differences in participants' perceptions of teledentistry based on their demographics. RESULTS:  A total of 241 teachers completed the survey, 131 of whom were females (54.4%), and the mean age of participants was 42.5±7 years. Over 80% of participants taught ≥16 classes a week, and their experience ranged from less than a year to more than 31 years. Sixty participants (25%) knew teledentistry before watching the study video. The results revealed a significant difference between male and female teachers regarding perceptions of teledentistry. Female participants had higher scores in TAM dimensions than males. CONCLUSION:  This survey revealed a generally favorable attitude toward teledentistry utilization in schools. Including non-dental employees, such as teachers to provide such a service will assist in alleviating the shortage or unavailability of dentists at schools. This goes in line with the government's plans to promote telehealth as part of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Impact of Unsolicited Negative Feedback in Academic Settings.

INTRODUCTION: Appropriate feedback is crucial for quality improvement, productivity, and growth. There is a scarcity of information on the effect of unsolicited negative feedback (USNF). Our current study aimed to investigate the impact of USNF on motivation, performance, and mental well-being. METHODS: Data was collected on a 5-point Likert scale by a survey of 10 validated questions asking the impact of USNF around three themes: 1. "Mental Health," 2. "Motivation," and 3. "Performance." The rationale of the questions was to investigate the negative emotional state and its impact on confidence, motivation, and performance of similar activities after getting USNF. Additionally, it impacts the mental state of anger, sadness, and self-criticism. RESULTS: A total of 38 participants completed the questionnaire. The agreement after USNF was 57.8% to develop harsh or critical self-talk, 76.3% for mood changes, 57.8% helps to learn, and 63% helps to fix things received on positive feedback. A total of 86.8% need time to reflect, 76.3% need time to process, 65.78% try to avoid USNF, 31.57% start to avoid people who give USNF, and 23.68% try to prove themselves to those who give USNF. The results showed a strong correlation between a person's need for time to process emotions and demand for space to process emotions and forecasting memories after the USNF. CONCLUSION: The psychological implications of USNF can be profound, leading to long-term negative effects on mental health, motivation, and performance. Training individuals to deliver negative feedback in a more constructive and positive manner is essential to mitigate these detrimental consequences.

Development of a Machine Learning-Based Model for Accurate Detection and Classification of Cervical Spine Fractures Using CT Imaging.

Cervical spine fractures represent a significant healthcare challenge, necessitating accurate detection for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based model utilizing a computed tomography (CT) image dataset to detect and classify cervical spine fractures. Leveraging a large dataset of 4,050 CT images obtained from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Cervical Spine Fracture dataset, we evaluate the potential of machine learning and deep learning algorithms in achieving accurate and reliable cervical spine fracture detection. The model demonstrates outstanding performance, achieving an average precision of 1 and 100% precision, recall, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values. These exceptional results highlight the potential of machine learning algorithms to enhance clinical decision-making and facilitate prompt treatment initiation for cervical spine fractures. However, further research and validation efforts are warranted to assess the model's generalizability across diverse populations and real-world clinical settings, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes in cervical spine fracture cases.

Retrospective assessment of metabolic syndrome components in early adult life on vegetarian dietary status.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses several clinical presentations that include truncal obesity and insulin resistance at its core. MetS afflicts 23% of the adult US population, increasing their risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Many studies have indicated the importance of a vegetarian diet in improving overall health and more specifically MetS components. Unfortunately, these findings have been inconsistent and cannot be extended to examine effects on MetS incidence in the younger adult population. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a retrospective analysis of a vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian dietary status in young adults (age 18-24) based on MetS components in later adulthood (age 20-30). This study focuses on elucidating any relationship between a vegetarian diet and MetS components of central obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Methods: Waves 3 and 4 data were acquired from AddHealth. One-to-one propensity score matched vegetarians to non-vegetarians in a cohort of 535 women and 159 men. Logistical regression assessed the relationship between vegetarian status and MetS components, including truncal obesity (cm), hypertension (normal, pre-HT, HT1, and HT2), and hyperlipidemia (high and low). Results MetS components from ages 20 to 30 are not associated with vegetarian dietary status. Truncal obesity [N = 694; M = 92.82 cm; OR 0.999; p = 0.893; 95% CI (0.980, 1.017)]; hypertension [N = 694; OR 0.949; p = 0.638; 95% CI (0.764, 1.179)]; hyperlipidemia [N = 694; OR 0.840; p = 0.581; 95% CI (0.453, 1.559)]. Conclusion: Current study results were consistent with previous findings suggesting that consumption of a vegetarian diet cannot be directly linked to MetS outcomes. However, further investigation should be completed as MetS is a risk factor for several chronic diseases.

Distribution of Cytokeratin 17 in the Parenchymal Elements of Rat's Submandibular Glands Subjected to Fractionated Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to study the intensity of cytokeratin 17 (CK17) in the parenchymal elements of rat's submandibular salivary glands subjected to fractionated radiotherapy regimen that used for treatment of head and neck malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male albino rats were divided into two equal groups (normal and irradiated). The irradiated group received a radiation dose of 5 Grays daily for 5 days using therapeutic X-ray beam. Six months later, submandibular gland was dissected out and prepared for both histological and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS: Submandibular gland of irradiated group showed two different types of histological alterations. The first alteration showed severe gland atrophy replaced by either fibrous or fatty tissues. In some sections, the gland exhibited proliferating activity in the form of profuse amounts of mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical examination of control glands displayed a mild cytoplasmic expression of CK17 of duct cells as well as serous acini. The staining pattern was either diffused or concentrated at the basal part of the cell with negative expression at its apical part. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Expression of CK17 in submandibular gland of irradiated group displayed a highly significant differences (P < 0.001) in both intercalated and striated ducts. Many serous acini displayed a highly significant differences (P < 0.001) whereas, mucous acini were negatively stained. CONCLUSIONS: The intensity and diffusion of CK17 expression in our results foretell the pathological effect of radiotherapy on the intermediate filaments of salivary gland parenchyma that interfered with production and/or secretion of saliva leading to xerostomia.

Hippocampal and Cerebellar Changes in Acute Restraint Stress and the Impact of Pretreatment with Ceftriaxone.

Acute restraint stress (ARS) is an unavoidable stress situation and may be encountered in different clinical situations. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of ARS on the hippocampus and cerebellum, assess the impact of these effects on the behavior and cognitive function, and determine whether pretreatment with ceftriaxone would attenuate the damages produced by ARS on the hippocampus and cerebellum. Four groups of male mice were included in this study: The control group, ARS group, ceftriaxone group, and ARS + ceftriaxone group. Tail suspension test, Y-maze task, and open field tests were used to assess depression, working spatial memory, and anxiety. The biochemical analyses included measurements of serum cortisol, tumor necrotic factor (TNF), interleukin-6, hippocampal expression of bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9), lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1), heat shock protein 90, cerebellar expression of S100 protein, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and carbon anhydrase. Histopathological examination of the brain sections was conducted on the hippocampus and cerebellum by hematoxylin and eosin stains in addition to ultrastructure evaluation using electron microscopy. Our results suggested that ceftriaxone had neuroprotective properties by attenuating the effects of ARS on the hippocampus and cerebellum in mice. This effect was demonstrated by the improvement in the cognitive and behavioral tests as well as by the preservation of the hippocampal and cerebellar architecture.

Effect of prenatal tramadol on postnatal cerebellar development: Role of oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The adverse neurological effects of tramadol have recently raised attention. The literature pertaining to studying postnatal cerebellar changes induced by prenatal tramadol is very scanty, thus the current study has been designed to improve understanding of the cerebellar oxidative stress-related alterations associated with tramadol administration during pregnancy in this critical period of neuronal differentiation and synaptic development, thereby highlighting the importance of controlling prenatal prescription of opioids and optimizing care for opioid-dependent pregnant women and their infants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty pregnant female rats of Sprague Dawley strains were used in the study. Their offspring were divided into two groups: group I (control group) offspring of mothers given saline; group II offspring of mothers given tramadol from the 10th day (D10) of gestation till D21. The pups were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th and 21st postnatal days. Cerebellar specimens were processed for histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic assessment and were evaluated for various oxidative stress parameters. RESULTS: Tramadol administration during pregnancy caused profound structural abnormalities on the post-natal cerebellar cortex and was associated with oxidative stress evidenced by elevation of lipid peroxidation products and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities.

A Therapeutic Connection between Dietary Phytochemicals and ATP Synthase.

For centuries, phytochemicals have been used to prevent and cure multiple health ailments. Phytochemicals have been reported to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitussive, antiparasitic, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Generally, the therapeutic use of phytochemicals is based on tradition or word of mouth with few evidence-based studies. Moreover, molecular level interactions or molecular targets for the majority of phytochemicals are unknown. In recent years, antibiotic resistance by microbes has become a major healthcare concern. As such, the use of phytochemicals with antimicrobial properties has become pertinent. Natural compounds from plants, vegetables, herbs, and spices with strong antimicrobial properties present an excellent opportunity for preventing and combating antibiotic resistant microbial infections. ATP synthase is the fundamental means of cellular energy. Inhibition of ATP synthase may deprive cells of required energy leading to cell death, and a variety of dietary phytochemicals are known to inhibit ATP synthase. Structural modifications of phytochemicals have been shown to increase the inhibitory potency and extent of inhibition. Sitedirected mutagenic analysis has elucidated the binding site(s) for some phytochemicals on ATP synthase. Amino acid variations in and around the phytochemical binding sites can result in selective binding and inhibition of microbial ATP synthase. In this review, the therapeutic connection between dietary phytochemicals and ATP synthase is summarized based on the inhibition of ATP synthase by dietary phytochemicals. Research suggests selective targeting of ATP synthase is a valuable alternative molecular level approach to combat antibiotic resistant microbial infections.

Differential biological effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) between mouse (B16F10) and human melanoma (BLM) cell lines.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a weak androgen and had been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory effects on mouse and other rodent models, but not on humans, suggesting a systemic level difference between mouse and human. Our previous study on DHEA biological functions involving a variety of cell lines, suggested that the functional differences between mouse and human existed even at the cellular level. Hence, using mouse and human melanoma cell models, in-vitro effects of DHEA on cell growth, mechanism of cell death and mechanism of DHEA action were studied. Results indicated a differential biological effects of DHEA between mouse and human melanoma cell lines. These in-vitro studies also suggested that the differential biological effects observed between these two cell lines could be due to the difference in the way DHEA was processed or metabolized inside the cell.