Teaching Cellular Architecture: The Global Status of Histology Education.

Histology or microanatomy is the science of the structure and function of tissues and organs in metazoic organisms at the cellular level. By definition, histology is dependent on a variety of microscope techniques, usually light or more recently virtual, as well as electron microscopy. Since its inception more than two centuries ago, histology has been an integral component of biomedical education, specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary students. Traditionally, histology has been taught in two sequential phases, first a didactic transfer of information to learners and secondly a laboratory segment in which students develop the skill of analyzing micrographic images. In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of how histology is currently taught in different global regions. This overview also outlines which educational strategies and technologies are used, and how the local and cultural environment influences the histology education of medical and other students in different countries and continents. Also discussed are current trends that change the teaching of this basic science subject.

Virtual Microscopy Goes Global: The Images Are Virtual and the Problems Are Real.

For the last two centuries, the scholarly education of histology and pathology has been based on technology, initially on the availability of low-cost, high-quality light microscopes, and more recently on the introduction of computers and e-learning approaches to biomedical education. Consequently, virtual microscopy (VM) is replacing glass slides and the traditional light microscope as the main instruments of instruction in histology and pathology laboratories. However, as with most educational changes, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with a new technology. The use of VM for the teaching of histology and pathology requires an extensive infrastructure and the availability of computing devices to all learners, both posing a considerable financial strain on schools and students. Furthermore, there may be valid reasons for practicing healthcare professionals to maintain competency in using light microscopes. In addition, some educators may be reluctant to embrace new technologies. These are some of the reasons why the introduction of VM as an integral part of histology and pathology instruction has been globally uneven. This paper compares the teaching of histology and pathology using traditional or VM in five different countries and their adjacent regions, representing developed, as well as developing areas of the globe. We identify general and local roadblocks to the introduction of this still-emerging didactic technology and outline solutions for overcoming these barriers.

Quantitative evaluation of very early cartilage damage in experimental osteoarthritis using scanning electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe parametric changes observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in very early stages in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) models in mice. METHODS: Mice (5/group) had their knees subjected to anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), ACLT plus meniscectomy (MNCT) or sham surgery, sacrificed after 3, 7 or 14 days, had the articular cartilage evaluated under optical microscopy using Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) parameters as well as cartilage thickness, roughness, and a damage index using SEM. RESULTS: Alterations of the cartilage under optical microscopy were not significantly relevant among groups. SEM analysis revealed reduction of femoral and tibial cartilage thickness in ACLT and MNCT groups at 7 and 14 days, with increased cartilage roughness in MNCT group as early as 3 days postsurgery, being sustained up to 14 days. Articular damage index was significantly higher at 14 days post surgery in ACLT and MNCT vs control groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first demonstration of very early quantitative changes in the cartilage of mice subjected to posttraumatic experimental OA using SEM, revealing increased roughness and thickness as early as 3 days post surgery. These changes may be used as early surrogates for later joint damage in experimental OA.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Contexts of Brazilian and International University Students Regarding the Use of Dental Services.

This article characterizes the different socioeconomic and demographic contexts regarding the use and access to dental services by Brazilian and African students at a Brazilian university of international nature. This is a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study with a quantitative approach, with data produced by 350 students from a public university in the state of Ceará. Sociodemographic and economic factors, participation in educational activities, self-perception of oral health, and use of dental services by academics were analyzed. The results obtained indicated that of the university students participating in the study, 74.0% had already used dental services, of which 57.43% were Brazilian and 42.57% international. There was a significant association between being a Brazilian academic and having already used dental services, having an income less than or equal to the minimum wage, and having used the public dental service. The determination of the prevalence of use of dental services and the different contexts of university students can assist in planning future actions in oral health that prioritize groups of university students with greater difficulties in the use and access of these services.

Strontium ranelate analgesia in arthritis models is associated to decreased cytokine release and opioid-dependent mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of strontium ranelate (SR) in arthritis models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats received 1 mg zymosan (Zy) or saline intra-articularly. Other groups were subjected to anterior cruciate ligament transection in the right knee, as an osteoarthritis (OA) model, or a sham procedure. Joint pain was assessed using the articular incapacitation and paw-pressure tests. Cell influx and cytokines were measured in joint exudates. TREATMENT: Groups received either SR (30-300 mg/kg per os) or saline. RESULTS: SR dose-dependently and significantly inhibited joint pain in both Zy and OA models, while not altering cell influx. Naloxone administration significantly reversed SR analgesia. SR significantly reduced levels of Interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α in Zy arthritis, whereas those of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 were not altered. CONCLUSIONS: SR provides analgesia in arthritis that is associated to inhibition of the release of inflammatory cytokines into inflamed joints. This effect is abrogated by administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone.