Art-based assignment in head and neck anatomical course, a dynamic experience.

In recent years, alternative uses of art within medical education have been explored and extended. We report here a method of art-based assignments in anatomy and histology, which we have incorporated into the head and neck course as a means of enlivening didactic lectures. One hundred and two first-year medical students at the Alborz University of Medical Sciences participated in a 15-week educational intervention, in which an art-based assignment method was employed. The learning module focuses on the human anatomy and histology of head and neck. In each session, after the teacher's lecture and practical work, students were given an assignment based on the topics of that session and based on the drawing. The learning outcome was evaluated twice, 1 week and 4 weeks after the course. Student's feedbacks were collected via an anonymous questionnaire at the end of the module. The data were analyzed by using the SPSS 20 software by paired and independent t-tests and the normality of data was evaluated by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Most of students (90%) had rated the new format as very informative. Exam scores were significantly higher at 4 weeks tests (P ≤ 0.05) and data showed significant difference in long-term retention of knowledge. The use of this module by medical students during their head and neck course improves their confidence through drawing. Teacher's feedback provides a step-wise approach that simplifies the learning of anatomy and histology. The strategy has appeal for visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic learners.

Anatomical Variations in the Branching Pattern of the Celiac Trunk, Number of Originating Arteries and Position of the Kidneys: A Cadaveric Dissection Report.

According to anatomical reference books, the celiac trunk (CT) is divided into three terminal branches, namely the common hepatic artery (CHA), left gastric artery (LGA), and splenic artery (SA). However, variations in the number and location of the CT branches are possible. The body of a 40-year-old deceased male was used for anatomization in the Anatomical Hall of Alborz University of Medical Sciences (Karaj, Iran). During the dissection, variations in the branching pattern of the CT, such as the orientation of the main celiac branches, the origin of the inferior phrenic artery, and the aberrant supplementary artery to supply the liver were observed. Furthermore, a variation in the location of the kidneys and renal arteries was observed. In addition to CHA, LGA, and SA, two additional branching patterns, namely the left inferior phrenic artery (LIPA), and right accessory hepatic artery (RAHA) were noticed. This variation is rarely observed in human anatomy. Therefore, awareness of the arterial anatomy and possible variations is essential during surgeries (e.g., biliary tract surgery, liver transplant) and radiological procedures. To the best of our knowledge, such variations in the branching pattern of the CT have not been reported or described in anatomical reference books. Hence, the present study aimed to highlight the existence of these variations to assist surgeons, radiologists, and anatomists.

Contribution of Extracellular Vesicles and Molecular Chaperones in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders of the CNS.

Many neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the abnormal aggregation of misfolded proteins that form amyloid deposits which possess prion-like behavior such as self-replication, intercellular transmission, and consequent induction of native forms of the same protein in surrounding cells. The distribution of the accumulated proteins and their correlated toxicity seem to be involved in the progression of nervous system degeneration. Molecular chaperones are known to maintain proteostasis, contribute to protein refolding to protect their function, and eliminate fatally misfolded proteins, prohibiting harmful effects. However, chaperone network efficiency declines during aging, prompting the onset and the development of neurological disorders. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membranous structures produced by a wide range of cells under physiological and pathological conditions, suggesting their significant role in fundamental processes particularly in cellular communication. They modulate the behavior of nearby and distant cells through their biological cargo. In the pathological context, EVs transport disease-causing entities, including prions, α-syn, and tau, helping to spread damage to non-affected areas and accelerating the progression of neurodegeneration. However, EVs are considered effective for delivering therapeutic factors to the nervous system, since they are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and are involved in the transportation of a variety of cellular entities. Here, we review the neurodegeneration process caused mainly by the inefficiency of chaperone systems as well as EV performance in neuropathies, their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and a promising EV-based therapeutic approach.

MDMA related neuro-inflammation and adenosine receptors.

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a world-wide abused psychostimulant, which has the neurotoxic effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in both rodents and non-human primates. Adenosine acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain through the activation of four specific G-protein-coupled receptors and it acts as a neuromodulator of dopamine neurotransmission. Recent studies suggest that stimulation of adenosine receptors oppose many behavioral effects of methamphetamines. This review summarizes the specific cellular mechanisms involved in MDMA neuroinflammatory effects, along with the protective effects of adenosine receptors.

Effects of chronic hypoxia on the expression of seladin-1/Tuj1 and the number of dark neurons of hippocampus.

BACKGROUND: There are evidences showing the relation between chronic hypoxia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a metabolic neurodegenerative disease. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic hypoxia on factors which characterized in AD to introduce a new model of AD-dementia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided in three groups: Control group (Co), Sham group (Sh), Hypoxia induction group (Hx, exposed to hypoxic chamber [oxygen 8% and nitrogen 92%] for 30 days, 4 h/day). Spatial learning and memory were analyzed using the Morris water maze task. At day 30 after hypoxia period, animals were sacrificed and serum was gathered for pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor) measurements and brains were used for molecular and histopathological investigations. RESULTS: According to behavioral studies, a significant impairment was seen in Hx group (P < 0.05). TNF-α and IL-1ß showed a significant enhanced in Hx group comparing with Co group and Sh group (P < 0.05). As well, the gene expression of seladin-1, Tuj1 and the number of seladin-1+, Tuj1+neurons significantly decreased and also the mean number of dark neurons significantly increased in CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a new model of AD was developed which showed the underlying mechanisms of AD and its relations with chronic hypoxia. Hypoxia for 30 days decreased seladin-1, Tuj1 expression, increased the number of dark neurons, and also induced memory impairment. These results indicated that chronic hypoxia mediated the dementia underlying AD and AD-related pathogenesis in rat.

Flaxseed Can Reduce Hypoxia-Induced Damages in Rat Testes.

BACHGROUND: Hypoxia causes detrimental effects on the structure and function of tissues through increased production of reactive oxygen species that are generated during the re-oxygenation phase of intermittent and continuous hypobaric hypoxia. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of flaxseed (Fx) in reducing the incidence of hypoxia in rat testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 24 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: i. Control group (Co) that received normal levels of oxygen and food, ii. Sham group (Sh) that were placed in hypoxia chamber but received normal oxygen and food, iii. Hypoxia induction group (Hx) that were placed in hypoxia chamber and treated with normal food, iv. Hypoxia induction group (Hx+Fx) that were placed in hypoxia chamber and treated with 10% flaxseed food. Both the Hx and Hx+Fx groups were kept in a hypoxic chamber for 30 days; during this period rats were exposed to reduced pressure (oxygen 8% and nitrogen 92%) for 4 hours/day. Then, all animal were sacrificed and their testes were removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were evaluated in the testis tissue. Tubular damages were examined using histological studies. Blood samples and sperm were collected to assess IL-18 level and measure sperms parameters, respectively. All data were analyzed using SPPSS-22 software. One way-ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant difference was recorded in the testicular mass/body weight ratio in Hx and Hx+Fx groups in comparison to the control (P=0.003 and 0.027, respectively) and Sh (P=0.001 and 0.009, respectively) groups. The sperm count and motility in Hx+Fx group were significantly different from those of the Hx group (P=0.0001 and 0.028, respectively) .Also sperm viability (P=0.0001) and abnormality (P=0.0001) in Hx+Fx group were significantly different from Hx group. CONCLUSION: This study therefore suggests that the oral administration of flaxseed can be useful for prevention from the detrimental effects of hypoxia on rat testes structure and sperm parameters.