Quantifying the kinematic features of dexterous finger movements in nonhuman primates with markerless tracking.

Research using nonhuman primate models for human disease frequently requires behavioral observational techniques to quantify functional outcomes. The ability to assess reaching and grasping patterns is of particular interest in clinical conditions that affect the motor system (e.g., spinal cord injury, SCI). Here we explored the use of DeepLabCut, an open-source deep learning toolset, in combination with a standard behavioral task (Brinkman Board) to quantify nonhuman primate performance in precision grasping. We examined one male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) in the task which involved retrieving rewards from variously-oriented shallow wells. Simultaneous recordings were made using GoPro Hero7 Black cameras (resolution 1920 x 1080 at 120 fps) from two different angles (from the side and top of the hand motion). The task/device design necessitates use of the right hand to complete the task. Two neural networks (corresponding to the top and side view cameras) were trained using 400 manually annotated images, tracking 19 unique landmarks each. Based on previous reports, this produced sufficient tracking (Side: trained pixel error of 2.15, test pixel error of 11.25; Top: trained pixel error of 2.06, test pixel error of 30.31) so that landmarks could be tracked on the remaining frames. Landmarks included in the tracking were the spatial location of the knuckles and the fingernails of each digit, and three different behavioral measures were quantified for assessment of hand movement (finger separation, middle digit extension and preshaping distance). Together, our preliminary results suggest that this markerless approach is a possible method to examine specific kinematic features of dexterous function.Clinical Relevance- The methodology presented below allows for the markerless tracking of kinematic features of dexterous finger movement by non-human primates. This method could allow for direct comparisons between human patients and non-human primate models of clinical conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury). This would provide objective quantitative metrics and crucial information for assessing movement impairments across populations and the potential translation of treatments, interventions and their outcomes.

Peripatetic teaching: what can medical education learn from ancient Greece?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peripatetic teaching originated in the Aristotelian school of ancient Greece and refers to the action of walking, discussion and deep learning. A pilot study was carried out to evaluate the educational impact of peripatetic teaching in clinical medical education. There has been no previous evaluation of this form of teaching within medical education. METHODS: A pilot study was carried out to evaluate small group clinical sessions encompassing peripatetic teaching. RESULTS: A total of 56 post teaching questionnaires were completed and evaluated (return rate ~95%). High levels of satisfaction (n~4.7/5) were reported from this method of teaching. On average, a total of 1420 steps were taken during each teaching session, identifying additional exercise benefits for all. CONCLUSIONS: This article identifies educational and health benefits to peripatetic teaching. The authors present a simple framework to structure each teaching session using the mnemonic FIRM - Feedback, dIscussion, Reflection and Mentorship. From this pilot study, the authors conclude that there are perceived benefits for teacher and learner from this teaching method.

Dental core training - a five-year review of career intentions and outcomes of trainees working at a large teaching hospital.

We reviewed five cohorts of dental core trainees over a five-year period in a single unit (2013-2018). We identify specific motivators for undertaking dental core training and common career paths. We suggest how mentorship and educational supervision is an important part of the overall experience. We suggest 'taster days' could allow trainees an introduction to the different specialties, helping to improve recruitment.

Cervical epidural abscess presenting as giant cell arteritis.

Maxillofacial surgeons may be involved in the initial investigation and management of temporal arteritis. We present a case of a cervical epidural abscess with clinical features of temporal arteritis.

ASA grade and disease-free mortality in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study.

Complex surgery with curative intent as part of the care of patients with head and neck cancer, who also have serious coexisting conditions is sometimes viewed critically as being unduly, optimistic. We have used American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) grading by a single anaesthetist prospectively as a baseline to investigate a possible link between coexisiting conditions and disease-free survival in 114 patients with head and neck cancer patients treated by the same anaesthetist and surgical team, and found that the ASA grade is not a reliable predictor of disease-free survival. There was no significant association between ASA grade and overall mortality, but there was a significant association between ASA grade and mortality associated with metastatic disease. However, the test for trend was not significant, which suggested that deaths from metastatic disease did not increase in line with ASA grading. All patients in ASA grades II and III were alive 2 years after their initial operation and the risk of mortality after 2 years may increase by up to 10%.