The Crossing Motor Ulnar Nerve Branch at Elbow.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve entrapment, and understanding the anatomy is crucial for the success of the nerve release. During ulnar nerve release for cubital tunnel syndrome, a motor branch is frequently encountered crossing anteriorly over the ulnar nerve from its medial/ulnar side proximally to the lateral/radial side distally. Little has been noted about this crossing branch in the literature. In this anatomic study, we sought to characterize this branch further and discuss its potential significance in cubital tunnel release. METHODS: We performed a cadaveric dissection of 48 elbow specimens as if performing a cubital tunnel release. We assessed for the presence of the crossing motor branch of the ulnar nerve and measured the distance from the medial epicondyle to the branch takeoff and to its target of innervation. RESULTS: Of our 48 specimens, 34 (71%) were noted to have a crossing motor branch at the area of compression by the deep flexor carpi ulnaris muscle fascia (common aponeurosis). On average, the distance from the medial epicondyle to the branch origin from the ulnar nerve was 18.2 mm and to the target muscle innervation was 28.4 mm. CONCLUSION: Identifying this branch is important for performing a cubital tunnel release, and awareness of this anatomy during ulnar nerve decompression procedures may help avoid injury to this motor branch.

Developing 3D models using photogrammetry for virtual reality training in anatomy.

Virtual reality (VR) is an increasingly available resource with numerous applications to medical education, and as a teaching tool has been widely validated in the literature. Photogrammetry, the process of overlapping two-dimensional (2D) photographic images of three-dimensional (3D) objects to create a 3D image or "model," can be used in conjunction with VR to create pedagogically sound learning modules for anatomy education. However, to date, there has not been a detailed description of the process of developing and implementing an in-house VR tool to supplement anatomy instruction. In this article, we examine the methods, benefits, and challenges of using photogrammetry to implement a VR classroom that capitalizes on the strengths of a traditional body donor-based course and the unique strengths of VR. Using off-the-shelf equipment, developing VR content and a VR curriculum is both feasible and approachable for medical educators.

Medical Student Perception of a Virtual Reality Training Module for Anatomy Education.

Human anatomy education has been traditionally taught using methods such as lecture and cadaveric dissection. Modern technologies that enhance 3-dimensional (3D) visualization, such as virtual reality (VR), are currently being implemented as adjuncts. VR technology provides a level of 3D visualization and interactivity that allows users to explore structures in ways that are often unattainable by direct cadaveric dissection. For example, users can experience simulations in which they can teleport themselves to structures inside of a virtual human body, resize and observe objects from any visual perspective, and draw in a 3D space to test their understanding. In the following study, the utility of VR in anatomy education was assessed and compared with traditional teaching methods including lecture and cadaveric dissection. A VR platform was created in which first-year medical students identified anatomical structures on a virtual cadaveric specimen and then drew these structures on a virtual skeleton using a 3D drawing tool. After completing these tasks, subjects answered survey questions that assessed the usefulness of the virtual platform for learning the names and locations of anatomical structures and understanding 3D anatomical relationships. The survey was also used to evaluate the perceived educational value of VR relative to lectures and cadaveric dissection. The results of our study showed strong subject support for VR technology, suggesting VR is a helpful tool for learning human anatomy and a useful adjunct to lecture and cadaveric dissection.

Effects of Seeding Rates and Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Density on Damage in Two Medium Grain Varieties of Rice.

Rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel) is a common pest of rice production in the United States whose larvae cause yield loss by feeding on the roots. We conducted studies from 2011­2013 on M-202 and M-206, two commonly grown California medium grain rice varieties, to determine if M-206 demonstrated tolerance to rice water weevil damage. Observations from field studies suggested the possibility of a level of tolerance in M-206 that was more prevalent at high seeding rates. We did this study using two different experimental units, open and ring plots. In both units, we quantified grain yields across four levels, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg/ha, of seeding rates to detect potential yield recovery by M-206. In the open plots, we used naturally occurring weevil populations compared with controls that reduced the populations with insecticides. In the ring plots, we tested three levels of weevil infestation, none, low, and high, to look at the weevil density effects on yield and scarred plants. Our studies showed that M-206 and M-202 had generally similar densities of immature weevils and yield. Compensation for yield loss did not occur at higher seeding rates. These results suggest that M-206 does not have the ability to tolerate rice water weevil damage better than M-202. There was weak evidence that the number of scarred plants increased as plant density was reduced. The results are discussed in relation to the utility of this study to grower choices of varieties for long-term rice water weevil management.

Building a low-cost gross anatomy laboratory: a big step for a small university.

This article illustrates details of the planning, building, and improvement phases of a cost-efficient, full-dissection gross anatomy laboratory on a campus of an historically design-centric university. Special considerations were given throughout the project to the nature of hosting cadavers in a building shared amongst all undergraduate majors. The article addresses these needs along with discussion of relevant furnishings and infrastructure that went into the creation of a fully outfitted gross anatomy laboratory (ten cadavers) completed within a significantly constrained timeline and $210,000 budget.

Generating electricity while walking with loads.

We have developed the suspended-load backpack, which converts mechanical energy from the vertical movement of carried loads (weighing 20 to 38 kilograms) to electricity during normal walking [generating up to 7.4 watts, or a 300-fold increase over previous shoe devices (20 milliwatts)]. Unexpectedly, little extra metabolic energy (as compared to that expended carrying a rigid backpack) is required during electricity generation. This is probably due to a compensatory change in gait or loading regime, which reduces the metabolic power required for walking. This electricity generation can help give field scientists, explorers, and disaster-relief workers freedom from the heavy weight of replacement batteries and thereby extend their ability to operate in remote areas.