Learning histology – dental and medical students' study strategies

PurposeHistology, the science of cells and tissues at the microscopic level, is an integral component of most dental and medical curricula and is often taught using both traditional and novel computer‐based didactic approaches. The purpose of this study was to analyse the strategies used by dental and medical students when studying this very visual and challenging subject.MethodsData were collected from 75 dental and 143 medical students, who had almost identical histology learning resources at their disposal.ResultsWhen compared with their medical counterparts, dental students view histology as a more difficult subject and as less relevant for their future career. Whereas dental students, who are required to attend class unlike medical students, made more use of in‐classroom learning opportunities, they did not take as much advantage of out‐of‐classroom resources. In addition, dental students reported a significantly higher tendency than medical students to work together, rather than to study alone.DiscussionSmall differences in the dental versus the medical learning environment associate with several observed differences in learning strategies that are adopted by dental and medical students.ConclusionsThese differences should be considered when teaching the subject of histology to dental or to medical students.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111121/1/eje12104.pd

Retrograde axonal transport in rat sciatic nerve after nerve crush injury

We investigated the quantitative alterations in retrograde transport of proteins following a nerve crush injury using the 3H N-succinimidyl propionate (3H NSP) method in rat sciatic nerve. After subepineurial injection of 3H NSP into the nerve the amount of radioactively labeled proteins accumulating in the cell bodies of the motor and sensory neurons was determined 1 day or 7 days later in nerves which had been crushed distal to the injection site 1, 3, 5, 7 or 33 days prior to 3H NSP labeling. One day accumulation in the DRG and spinal cord was not altered by nerve crush. Seven day accumulation in the DRG was initially sightly increased, then fell to 73% of control by 7 days, remaining reduced 33 days after crush. Seven day accumulation in the spinal cord was reduced to 25% of control 1 day after crush and remained at that low level except for 5 days post-crush when a normal amount of labeled protein was transported to the spinal cord. The time course of these changes suggests that quantitative alterations in retrograde transport may be involved in the long-term trophic interactions between the cell body and periphery, but are too slow to account for the earliest perikaryal responses to injury. In addition, the difference between the alterations of retrograde transport in motor and sensory neurons may reflect fundamental differences in the composition of retrograde transport in those different systems.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26644/1/0000186.pd

A quantitative study of retrograde axonal transport in motor and sensory neurons

We used 3H N-succinimidyl propionate to covalently label in vivo proteins of the rat sciatic nerve, and studied the accumulation of radioactively labeled proteins in the cell bodies of the ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion and ventral horn of spinal cord to assess retrograde axonal transport in sensory and motor neurons respectively. In each case the early accumulation of a small amount of radioactively labeled protein is followed by the later accumulation of a larger amount, which subsequently declines to lower levels. The differences between accumulation in the motor neuron and sensory neuron are discussed. Quantitative assessment of retrograde axonal transport will allow future determination of alterations in that transport after nerve injury and in toxic states, which will help elucidate the role of retrogradely transported proteins in neuronal cell biology.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26223/1/0000303.pd

Reduced levels of ALS gene DCTN1 induce motor defects in Drosophila

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease that has a strong genetic component. Deleterious variants in the DCTN1 gene are known to be a cause of ALS in diverse populations. DCTN1 encodes the p150 subunit of the molecular motor dynactin which is a key player in the bidirectional transport of cargos within cells. Whether DCTN1 mutations lead to the disease through either a gain or loss of function mechanism remains unresolved. Moreover, the contribution of non-neuronal cell types, especially muscle tissue, to ALS phenotypes in DCTN1 carriers is unknown. Here we show that gene silencing of Dctn1, the Drosophila main orthologue of DCTN1, either in neurons or muscles is sufficient to cause climbing and flight defects in adult flies. We also identify Dred, a protein with high homology to Drosophila Dctn1 and human DCTN1, that on loss of function also leads to motoric impairments. A global reduction of Dctn1 induced a significant reduction in the mobility of larvae and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) deficits prior to death at the pupal stage. RNA-seq and transcriptome profiling revealed splicing alterations in genes required for synapse organisation and function, which may explain the observed motor dysfunction and synaptic defects downstream of Dctn1 ablation. Our findings support the possibility that loss of DCTN1 function can lead to ALS and underscore an important requirement for DCTN1 in muscle in addition to neurons.peer-reviewe

14-3-3 Proteins Interact with a Hybrid Prenyl-Phosphorylation Motif to Inhibit G Proteins

Signaling through G proteins normally involves conformational switching between GTP- and GDP-bound states. Several Rho GTPases are also regulated by RhoGDI binding and sequestering in the cytosol. Rnd proteins are atypical constitutively GTP-bound Rho proteins, whose regulation remains elusive. Here, we report a high-affinity 14-3-3-binding site at the C terminus of Rnd3 consisting of both the Cys241-farnesyl moiety and a Rho-associated coiled coil containing protein kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ser240 phosphorylation site. 14-3-3 binding to Rnd3 also involves phosphorylation of Ser218 by ROCK and/or Ser210 by protein kinase C (PKC). The crystal structure of a phosphorylated, farnesylated Rnd3 peptide with 14-3-3 reveals a hydrophobic groove in 14-3-3 proteins accommodating the farnesyl moiety. Functionally, 14-3-3 inhibits Rnd3-induced cell rounding by translocating it from the plasma membrane to the cytosol. Rnd1, Rnd2, and geranylgeranylated Rap1A interact similarly with 14-3-3. In contrast to the canonical GTP/GDP switch that regulates most Ras superfamily members, our results reveal an unprecedented mechanism for G protein inhibition by 14-3-3 proteins

The clinically led worforcE and activity redesign (CLEAR) programme: a novel data-driven healthcare improvement methodology

Background: The NHS is facing substantial pressures to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Optimising workforce modelling is a fundamental component of the recovery plan. The Clinically Lead workforcE and Activity Redesign (CLEAR) programme is a unique methodology that trains clinicians to redesign services, building intrinsic capacity and capability, optimising patient care and minimising the need for costly external consultancy. This paper describes the CLEAR methodology and the evaluation of previous CLEAR projects, including the return on investment. Methods: CLEAR is a work-based learning programme that combines qualitative techniques with data analytics to build innovations and new models of care. It has four unique stages: (1) Clinical engagement- used to gather rich insights from stakeholders and clinicians. (2) Data interrogation- utilising clinical and workforce data for cohort analysis. (3) Innovation- using structured innovation methods to develop new models of care. (4) Recommendations- report writing, impact assessment and presentation of key findings to executive boards. A mixed-methods formative evaluation was carried out on completed projects, which included semi-structured interviews and surveys with CLEAR associates and stakeholders, and a health economic logic model that was developed to link the inputs, processes, outputs and the outcome of CLEAR as well as the potential impacts of the changes identified from the projects. Results: CLEAR provides a more cost-effective delivery of complex change programmes than the alternatives – resulting in a cost saving of £1.90 for every £1 spent independent of implementation success. Results suggest that CLEAR recommendations are more likely to be implemented compared to other complex healthcare interventions because of the levels of clinical engagement and have a potential return on investment of up to £14 over 5 years for every £1 invested. CLEAR appears to have a positive impact on staff retention and wellbeing, the cost of a CLEAR project is covered if one medical consultant remains in post for a year. Conclusions: The unique CLEAR methodology is a clinically effective and cost-effective complex healthcare innovation that optimises workforce and activity design, as well as improving staff retention. Embedding CLEAR methodology in the NHS could have substantial impact on patient care, staff well-being and service provision

Patrimonio, turismo y territorio en la Sierra de las Nieves

El libro al que pertenece este capítulo ha sido financiado por la Universidad de Málaga y la BUMA dispone de un ejemplar del mismo, depositado en la Biblioteca de Arquitectura y Bellas Artes.Este documento refleja el enfoque de la asignatura "Patrimonio, Turismo y Territorio" en la Escuela de Arquitectura de Málaga. Tras exponer su contexto y su metodogía docente teórica y práctica, el texto se centra en el ejercicio desarrollado por los alumnos, durante el curso 2015-16, en la red de municipios que conforman la Sierra de las Nieves. Los trabajos de estos estudiantes de quinto curso constaron de una parte de investigación y otra de propuesta de intervención y fueron tutorizados por seis profesores pertenecientes a diferentes Áreas de Conocimiento del Departamento Arte y Arquitectura. Esto permite realizar una crítica y autoevaluación de los resultados obtenidos y demostrar el gran valor que la exposición de estos proyectos a los representantes políticos supuso para establecer líneas de investigación y transferencias futuras entre la Universidad y dicha Mancomunidad. Gracias a lo cual, se plantea la creación de un laboratorio de estudio permanente, ubicado en el propio territorio y conformado por estudiantes, profesores de la asignatura y representantes locales