Recruiting and cultivating future leaders in laboratory science.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Technological in-vitro fertilization (IVF) advancements originate in the embryology laboratory, and are accompanied by increased regulatory oversight and risk management. Stakes have never been higher or the need greater for the recruitment and cultivation of leaders in laboratory science to navigate the direction of IVF. Current thought leaders in state-of-the-art laboratories must prioritize this mission to optimize and preserve the future of IVF. RECENT FINDINGS: Leaders in laboratory science must be able to speak to patients, the lay public, business leaders, scientific colleagues and clinical embryologists. While technically gifted, laboratory leaders may benefit from leadership training. Recruitment of scientists into IVF is currently challenging due to a lack of branding and no clear pipeline for new scientists to enter the field. Once recruited however, cultivation of new leaders requires coaching and skill acquisition over time, in order to create multifaceted laboratory leadership. SUMMARY: Laboratory leaders are typically recruited based on education and experience to lead teams of embryologists. These leaders will adopt new technologies in the laboratory. Therefore, laboratory leaders play a powerful role in IVF requiring leadership skills ultimately driving patient outcomes. These laboratory directors must possess innate leadership abilities or learn how to lead their teams.

Comparing the performance of artificial intelligence learning models to medical students in solving histology and embryology multiple choice questions.

INTRODUCTION: The appearance of artificial intelligence language models (AI LMs) in the form of chatbots has gained a lot of popularity worldwide, potentially interfering with different aspects of education, including medical education as well. The present study aims to assess the accuracy and consistency of different AI LMs regarding the histology and embryology knowledge obtained during the 1st year of medical studies. METHODS: Five different chatbots (ChatGPT, Bing AI, Bard AI, Perplexity AI, and ChatSonic) were given two sets of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). AI LMs test results were compared to the same test results obtained from 1st year medical students. Chatbots were instructed to use revised Bloom's taxonomy when classifying questions depending on hierarchical cognitive domains. Simultaneously, two histology teachers independently rated the questions applying the same criteria, followed by the comparison between chatbots' and teachers' question classification. The consistency of chatbots' answers was explored by giving the chatbots the same tests two months apart. RESULTS: AI LMs successfully and correctly solved MCQs regarding histology and embryology material. All five chatbots showed better results than the 1st year medical students on both histology and embryology tests. Chatbots showed poor results when asked to classify the questions according to revised Bloom's cognitive taxonomy compared to teachers. There was an inverse correlation between the difficulty of questions and their correct classification by the chatbots. Retesting the chatbots after two months showed a lack of consistency concerning both MCQs answers and question classification according to revised Bloom's taxonomy learning stage. CONCLUSION: Despite the ability of certain chatbots to provide correct answers to the majority of diverse and heterogeneous questions, a lack of consistency in answers over time warrants their careful use as a medical education tool.

Percepción de la Virtualización de la Asignatura de Anatomía Humana Normal y Embriología en Pandemia / Perception of the Virtualization of the Subject of Normal Human Anatomy and Embriology in a Pandemic

Debido a la pandemia y las restricciones en cuanto a la presencialidad, diferentes metodologías de aprendizaje debieron ser exploradas e implementadas para virtualizar los contenidos en la asignatura de Anatomía. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la percepción de los docentes y alumnos con respecto a las metodologías utilizadas en la virtualización de dicha asignatura. Estudio observacional- descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo. La población de estudio correspondió a una muestra por conveniencia constituida por 57 alumnos y 4 docentes pertenecientes a la asignatura de Anatomía Humana Normal y Embriología de la carrera de Odontología, Universidad Andrés Bello, sede Viña del Mar, dictada el año 2021. Dichos participantes contestaron un cuestionario validado que contemplaba preguntas cerradas con escala de Likert de 5 niveles, considerando las dimensiones de aprendizaje, motivación y rendimiento, y preguntas de calificación para conocer la percepción sobre las estrategias y recursos utilizados. Los alumnos perciben positivamente todos los recursos digitales, destacando el Manual de Anatomía Humana Normal, siendo el aprendizaje, la dimensión mejor evaluada. La estrategia activa mejor percibida en cuanto a las 3 dimensiones corresponde a método de casos. Por el contrario, las clases invertidas fueron percibidas negativamente en todas las dimensiones. En relación a los docentes, el recurso digital mejor percibido fue videos y cápsulas, destacando la dimensión motivación. Las estrategias activas mejor evaluadas fueron método de casos y clases invertidas. Pese a haber una percepción positiva con respecto a la virtualización, no hay concordancia entre las estrategias activas y recursos digitales mejor evaluados entre docentes y alumnos.

SUMMARY: As a result of the pandemic and the restrictions regarding in person attendance, different learning methodologies had to be explored and implemented to virtualize the contents in the Anatomy subject. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of teachers and students regarding the methodologies used in the virtualization of this subject. An observational-descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out. The study population was a convenience sample made up of 57 students and 4 teachers of the Normal Human Anatomy and Embryology subject of the Dentistry degree, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar campus during 2021. These participants answered a validated questionnaire that included closed questions with a 5-level Likert scale, considering learning dimensions, motivation and performance, and qualifying questions to find out the perception of the strategies and resources used. Students positively perceive all digital resources, highlighting the Normal Human Anatomy Manual, with learning being the best evaluated dimension. The best perceived active strategy in terms of the 3 dimensions corresponds to the case method. In contrast, the inverted classes were perceived negatively in all dimensions. In relation to teachers, the best perceived digital resource was videos and capsules, highlighting the motivation dimension. The best evaluated active strategies were the case method and inverted classes. Despite having a positive perception regarding virtualization, there is no agreement between the best evaluated active strategies and digital resources among teachers and students.

Implementing a multi-colour genetic marker analysis technique for embryology education.

Embryology belongs to the basic sciences and is usually an integral part of the anatomy. The subject is traditionally taught by visual inspection of embryonic tissue slides stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to expose the dynamics of tissue histology as development proceeds. While combining in situ hybridization for gene expression analysis and immunostaining for protein expression analysis is an established technique for embryology research, the implementation of this tool in embryology teaching has not been described. The present study was conducted to assess the use of an online multi-colour gene expression analysis technique, alongside histological sections and diagrams, to improve students' understanding of embryology. The participants of this study were bachelor's students of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Khartoum. The method was also evaluated by distributing questionnaire items to Veterinary students via Google forms; subsequently, their responses were analysed qualitatively. The majority of students stated that the new technique was beneficial for their learning of embryology. The multi-colour images proved a more effective means for learning embryology than the traditional H&E image. Results from the students strengthen the belief in applying the multi-colour technique for better embryology course learning.

Evaluation of the usage of YouTube videos about Histology and Embryology as an educational material.

The use of YouTube videos for educational purposes has been increasingly popular. The quality and accuracy of the information level of these videos should be checked by expert trainers. This study aims to evaluate the content, quality and functionality of YouTube videos on Histology and Embryology and to measure their educational usefulness. In the study, searches were performed using the keywords "Histology" and "Embryology" in the YouTube search tab. Quality and content were evaluated using the Video Power Index (VPI), modified DISCERN scale, JAMA and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Videos were categorized by educational usefulness. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. A statistically significant high correlation was observed between modified DISCERN scores and JAMA scores (r = 0.757, p < 0.001) and between modified DISCERN scores and GQS scores (r = 0.743, p < 0.001). A statistically significant high correlation was also determined between JAMA and GQS scores (r = 0.632, p < 0.001). GQS scores were weakly, negatively and significantly correlated with the number of comments (r = -0.302, p < 0.05) and dislikes (r = -0.325, p < 0.05). Based on GQS, the useful and non-useful videos differed significantly in terms of views, likes, dislikes, comments counts and days since upload (p < 0.05). Modified DISCERN and JAMA scores also differed significantly between the useful and non-useful videos (p < 0.001). Educational videos published for Histology and Embryology education on the internet will be more beneficial if they are prepared by expert educators from reliable information sources, by the current literature, and by scoring systems such as DISCERN, JAMA and GQS.

The use of active methodologies for the teaching of human embryology: A systematic review.

Embryology is a basic science, of the medical curriculum and of the health area, it serves as a foundation for the understanding of the phenomena that occur in normal development and its alterations. Over the years, active methodologies have been increasingly used as innovative tools in the academic training of health professionals. In this work we aim, through an integrative review, to search for the active methodologies used in the teaching of embryology. The PICo strategy was used to form the guiding question, the results were presented through the Prisma Flow diagram. The databases consulted were PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Medline, Scielo and LILACS, searching for articles until the year 2021. Our results show that embryology is a science still to be explored in the field of methodologies active, few works were found, most using TBL or digital platforms; however, the authors agree that active methodologies are valuable tools in the teaching of embryology, capable of improving student motivation and engagement.

Exploring Visualisation for Embryology Education: A Twenty-First-Century Perspective.

Embryology and congenital malformations play a key role in multiple medical specialties including obstetrics and paediatrics. The process of learning clinical embryology involves two basic principles; firstly, understanding time-sensitive morphological changes that happen in the developing embryo and, secondly, appreciating the clinical implications of congenital conditions when development varies from the norm. Visualising the sequence of dynamic events in embryonic development is likely to be challenging for students, as these processes occur not only in three dimensions but also in the fourth dimensions of time. Consequently, features identified at any one timepoint can subsequently undergo morphological transitions into distinct structures or may degenerate and disappear. When studying embryology, learners face significant challenges in understanding complex, multiple and simultaneous events which are likely to increase student cognitive load. Moreover, the embryology content is very nonlinear. This nonlinear content presentation makes embryology teaching challenging for educators. Embryology is typically taught in large groups, via didactic lecture presentations that incorporate two-dimensional diagrams or foetal ultrasound images. This approach is limited by incomplete or insufficient visualisation and lack of interactivity.It is recommended that the focus of embryology teaching should instill an understanding of embryological processes and emphasise conceptualising the potential congenital conditions that can occur, linking pre-clinical and clinical disciplines together. A variety of teaching methods within case-based and problem-based curricula are commonly used to teach embryology. Additional and supplementary resources including animations and videos are also typically utilised to demonstrate complex embryological processes such as septation, rotation and folding.We propose that there is a need for embryology teaching in the twenty-first century to evolve. This is particularly required in terms of appropriate visualisation resources and teaching methodologies which can ensure embryology learning is relevant to real-world scenarios. Here we explore embryology teaching resources and methodologies and review existing evidence-based studies on their implementation and impact on student learning. In doing so, we aim to inform and support the practice of embryology educators and the learning of their students.

Utilización de instagram como una herramienta pedagógica para la enseñanza de morfología en tiempos de COVID-19 / Use of instagram as a pedagogical tool for teaching morphology in times of COVID-19

RESUMEN: El año 2020 se declaró a la COVID-19 como pandemia, afectando a Chile en sus actividades comerciales, sociales y de educación, haciendo imposible la interacción presencial estudiante-docente en todas las universidades del país. Lo anterior, sumado al difícil momento económico y social que los estudiantes atraviesan, se torna necesario la búsqueda de estrategias que lo acerquen al docente para brindarles de manera más sencilla y rápida el material de estudio. Instagram resulta ser una herramienta de fácil uso y acceso para todos. El objetivo fue utilizar la plataforma de redes sociales Instagram como una herramienta útil de acercamiento a contenidos de Histología y Embriología, para estudiantes de la Universidad de Talca, Chile. Como metodología, se utilizó la plataforma Instagram, con una cuenta diseñada para entregar material docente a estudiantes de primer y segundo año de la Universidad de Talca, en las carreras de las Ciencias de la Salud, en las áreas de Histología y Embriología, consistentes en preguntas teóricas y prácticas, figuras rotuladas, caricaturas y esquemas diseñados y confeccionados de manera propia. Dicho material fue puesto diariamente en la plataforma según las materias que el estudiantado debería ver por calendario en los distintos módulos. Luego de transcurrido el primer semestre del se procedió a realizar una encuesta con el fin de evaluar el impacto de la iniciativa en los estudiantes. Éstos percibieron la iniciativa docente de manera positiva, con metodologías que incentivaron la participación e interacción académico-estudiante. Resaltaron la calidad del material y el acceso más rápido y en todo momento desde sus teléfonos móviles. Instagram viene a ser una buena herramienta coadyuvante a otras metodologías de entrega de material docente por vías formales institucionales, permitiendo a los estudiantes un fácil acceso, rápido y de bajo costo.

SUMMARY: In 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, affecting our country both in commercial, social and educational activities; making student-teacher interaction impossible in all the country's universities. This, added to the difficult economic and social times that our students are going through, make it increasingly necessary to search for strategies that bring us closer to providing them with study material in a simpler way. This is why Instagram turns out to be a tool that is accessible and easy to use. The objective was to describe the social media platform Instagram as a useful tool for accessing Histology and Embryology content, for students at the Universidad de Talca, Chile. As a methodology, the Instagram platform was used, with an account designed to deliver teaching material to first and second year students of the Universidad de Talca, in the Health Sciences degree programs, in areas of Histology and Embryology, consisting of theoretical and practical questions, labeled figures, cartoons and diagrams designed and created themselves. This material was posted on the platform daily according to the subjects that the students should see according to the calendar in the different modules. After the first semester of this year, a survey was taken in order to evaluate the impact of the initiative on students. The students perceived the teaching initiative in a positive way, with methodologies that encouraged academic-student participation and interaction. They highlighted the quality of the material and the quicker access at all times from their mobile phones. Instagram becomes a good tool to help other methodologies to delivery of teaching material through formal institutional channels, allowing students to access faster and at a low cost of navigation.

Ruptura del paradigma: estudio macroscópico del desarrollo embrionario de aves (Gallus gallus domesticus) realizado por métodos complementarios / Paradigm break: macroscopic study of embryonic development of birds (Gallus gallus domesticus) carried out by complementary methods

RESUMEN: El uso de plataformas virtuales se muestra como un nuevo recurso didáctico que posibilita el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de forma dinámica. A grandes rasgos, permite el acceso a imágenes digitales en alta resolución mediante el uso de computadores, smartphones y/o tabletas. Portanto, este trabajo presenta nuestra metodología en el campo de la embriología de aves domésticas y la experiencia adquirida en el desarrollo de recursos para la enseñanza por medio de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación, de gran utilidad hoy en día en medio de la pandemia ocasionada por el nuevo coronavirus.

SUMMARY: Online platforms are a new didactic resource that enable an active teaching-learning process. In general, they allows access to high resolution digital images through the use of computers, smartphones and / or tablets. Therefore, this study presents our methodology in the field of domestic bird embryology and the experience acquired in the development of teaching resources through information and communication technologies, which are very useful nowadays, particularly in the midst of the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus.

eLearning and Embryology: Designing an Application to Improve 3D Comprehension of Embryological Structures.

Embryology and histology are subjects that are viewed as particularly challenging by students in higher education. This negative perception is the result of many factors such as restricted access to lab facilities, lack of allocated time to these labs, and the complexity of the subject itself. One main factor that influences this viewpoint is the difficulty of grasping 3D orientation of sectioned tissues, especially regarding embryology. Attempts have been made previously to create alternative teaching methods to help alleviate these issues, but few have explored 3D visualisation. We aimed to address these issues by creating 3D embryological reconstructions from serial histology sections of a sheep embryo. These were deployed in a mobile application that allowed the user to explore the original sections in sequence, alongside the counterpart 3D model. The application was tested against a currently available eHistology programme on a cohort of life sciences graduates (n = 14) through qualitative surveys and quantitative testing through labelling and orientation-based tests. The results suggest that using a 3D modality such as the one described here significantly improves student comprehension of orientation of slides compared to current methods (p = 0.042). Furthermore, the developed application was deemed more interesting, useful, and usable than current eHistology tools (p < 0.05). Modalities such as that developed here could therefore provide a more effective approach to learning these challenging subjects potentially increasing student engagement with embryology and histology.

Biological basis of child health 2: introduction to fertilisation, prenatal development and birth.

This article is the second in a series called the biological basis of child health. It considers the period of development from fertilisation to birth, outlining the three stages of prenatal development - the germinal, embryonic and fetal stages. The article details how tissues and organs typically develop at each stage, and explains how and when deviations in development and congenital anomalies are likely to occur. It also describes some of the common congenital anomalies, their potential effects and their detection before or after birth. Information is also provided about the delivery of full-term infants, including the stages of labour.

Histology and Embryology Education in China: The Current Situation and Changes Over the Past 20 Years.

In mainland China, histology and embryology (HE) are taught in one course as an essential component of medical curricula. The effectiveness of HE courses directly affects the quality of medical students. To determine the present situation and changes in HE teaching in Chinese medical schools, a nationwide survey was conducted among the HE departmental leaders. In total, 66 responses were included in the study, representing prominent Chinese mainland medical schools. The results revealed that most HE teachers have medical educational backgrounds; an increasing number of teaching staff with PhDs have joined the teaching staffs. A range of 71 to 90 HE curriculum contact hours is predominant. The ratio of theory to practice for HE contact hours is 1:1 at half of the surveyed medical schools. The numbers of students in each laboratory are less than 30 and from 31 to 60 at 23 and 36 medical schools, respectively. Virtual microscopy is employed in 40% of the surveyed medical schools. Didactic teaching is the most common strategy, although new teaching approaches are being employed gradually. During the past 20 years, both the total number of HE teachers and the number of HE teachers with medical educational backgrounds have been reduced in at least half of the surveyed schools. A total of 83.33% of the surveyed schools have reduced their HE contact hours. Almost half of the Chinese medical schools remained unchanged in both their ratio of theory to practice and the number of students in each laboratory. The data derived from this study help to understand the development of the HE discipline at Chinese medical schools.

Preservation of Childbearing Potential in Cancer Survivors: a Survey of Gynecologists' and Embryologists' Current Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice.

Cancer is one of the life-threatening diseases, and cancer therapy may produce severe side effects such as impaired fertility. Saving childbearing potential after cancer treatment is of high importance to cancer survivors. This study assessed gynecologists' and embryologists' current practice, knowledge, and attitude concerning fertility preservation (FP) in cancer survivors. This current survey was performed on a convenience sample of 277 gynecologists and embryologists who attended large international congresses held across Iran. A 23-item self-administered questionnaire that included questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practice was used. Questions had either yes/no responses, or were answered based on a 4-point (1 to 4) Likert scored scale. Total mean score for knowledge of all FP options was 2.97 ± 0.62. Total mean scores for knowledge of all FP options in gynecologists and embryologists were 3.03 ± 0.65 and 2.95 ± 0.61, respectively (p = 0.33). These scores were above the median value of 2.5 obtained using the 4-point Likert scale. Participants regarded the patient age as the most important reason for discussing FP with patients (mean scores 3.74 ± 0.71 and 3.73 ± 0.52 for gynecologists and embryologists, respectively; p = 0.93). The majority of the participants (i.e., 95.2% (79 gynecologists) and 92.2% (166 embryologists)) referred cancer patients to centers providing FP services (p = 0.15). This sample of Iranian gynecologists and embryologists had considerable information on FP methods to develop appropriate attitudes and practices in relation to FP for cancer patients in order to prevent loss of fertility.

The impact of using three-dimensional digital models of human embryos in the biomedical curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of embryonic development is essential to understand the positioning of organs in the human body. Unfortunately, (bio)medical students have to struggle with textbooks that use static, two-dimensional (2D) schematics to grasp the intricate three-dimensional (3D) morphogenesis of the developing human body. To facilitate embryology education on an understandable and scientific level, a 3D Atlas of Human Embryology (3D Atlas) was created (Science, 2016), encompassing 14 interactive 3D-PDFs of various stages of human embryonic development (freely available from http://www.3datlasofhumanembryology.com). This study examined whether the use of the 3D atlas has added educational value and improves the students learning experience. METHODS: The 3D atlas was introduced and integrated in lectures and practical classes of an existing embryology course at our university for first year biomedical students. By means of a questionnaire the use of the 3D atlas was evaluated. The outcomes in written examinations was compared between cohorts that followed the course before and after integration of the 3D atlas. RESULTS: Our results showed that the 3D Atlas significantly improves students' understanding of human embryology, reflected in significant higher test scores for new students. Furthermore, the 3D atlas also significantly improved repeaters' test scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the3D Atlas of Human Embryology facilitates students' learning experience as a resource to support embryology lectures. Students appreciated the use of the 3D atlas in practical classes and liked its interactive aspect. Interestingly, the students also appreciated the physical hand-painted embryological models that were used in addition to the digital 3D atlas during practical classes. The 3D Atlas of Human Embryology has proven to be a valuable resource in addition to the existing resources to teach the intricate developmental processes of human embryology, especially in a blended learning curriculum.

Evaluation of an embryology and genetic testing patient counseling education intervention for reproductive endocrinology nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of an educational program on the knowledge base of reproductive endocrinology nurses on embryology and genetics topics to determine both improvement in knowledge and confidence in the nurses' ability to counsel patients on such topics. DESIGN: Interventional study. SETTING: Clinics. PATIENT(S): None; subjects were reproductive endocrinology nurses. INTERVENTION(S): Preintervention knowledge self-efficacy test, educational exposure, and 2-week follow-up testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Knowledge test scores, self-efficacy scores. RESULT(S): Nurses, regardless of educational attainment, demonstrated statistically significant increases in knowledge of both embryology and genetics, which was retained at least 2 weeks after the educational intervention. Furthermore, nurse self-efficacy increased after intervention, and qualitative data support the desire for increased educational opportunities. CONCLUSION(S): Nurses benefit from focused educational efforts, resulting in improved knowledge in embryology and genetics. This improved knowledge base resulted in improved nurse confidence in patient education.

The anatomical society core embryology syllabus for undergraduate medicine.

A modified Delphi methodology was used to develop a consensus regarding a series of learning outcome statements to act as the foundation of an undergraduate medical core embryology syllabus. A Delphi panel was formed by recruiting stakeholders with experience in leading undergraduate teaching of medical students. The panel (n = 18), including anatomists, embryologists and practising clinicians, were nominated by members of Council and/or the Education Committee of the Anatomical Society. Following development of an a priori set of learning outcome statements (n = 62) by the authors, panel members were asked in the first of a two-stage process to 'accept', 'reject' or 'modify' each learning outcome, to propose additional outcomes if desired. In the second stage, the panel was asked to either accept or reject 16 statements which had either been modified, or had failed to reach consensus, during the first Delphi round. Overall, 61 of 62 learning outcome statements, each linked to examples of clinical conditions to provide context, achieved an 80% level of agreement following the modified Delphi process and were therefore deemed accepted for inclusion within the syllabus. The proposed syllabus allows for flexibility within individual curricula, while still prioritising and focusing on the core level of knowledge of embryological processes by presenting the essential elements to all newly qualified doctors, regardless of their subsequent chosen specialty.

Videos for embryology teaching, power and weakness of an innovative tool.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Difficulties are encountered in embryology learning such as imagining embryo modifications in three-dimensions and time. We provided an experimentation to evaluate if short videos during magisterial lecture could increase the quality and the efficiency of embryology teaching. METHODS: The study was conducted amongst students in first year of medical studies in France. It is an intense and highly competitive year at the end of which students can engage in medical or paramedical specialties depending on their rank. In a first step, pre-implantation embryo development and microscopic videos of in vitro Fertilization were presented during a course of medical ethics. Three months later, students gave their opinion on this presentation in a satisfaction survey using a Likert scale. In a second step (the two following years), similar videos were integrated in the regular embryology lectures and the results of the subsequent embryology test were analyzed. RESULTS: In the first step, students declared that movies could increase their interest in embryology and significantly help to the comprehension and memorization of embryologic processes. In the second step, we found that students answered better to the video-related questions of the test even if globally in the first year, results were weaker compared to previous years. DISCUSSION: The effects of movies in pedagogy are discussed, especially the accelerated rhythm imposed by this medium. Adverse consequences could be balanced by traditional drawing. CONCLUSIONS: The association of complementary pedagogic methods like movies and drawing could allow an optimization of embryo teaching.