Effectiveness of the digital image library cases in human anatomy studies

In several education technologies and options for teaching and studies one of the alternatives is the Anatomage 3D virtual dissection table with included Digital Image Library. The aim of this study was to observe the effectiveness of the Digital Image Library cases in Human Anatomy studies at Rīga Stradiņš University(RSU). In 2017 it was used every second week during the autumn`s practical classes on several occasions to show variety of interesting and many unique human anatomy cases, abnormalities, diseases and detailed sectional scans. As methods for collecting data were used discussions between students groups and survays. The sample included 100 students and 1 Human Anatomy tutor. The findings suggest that the Digital Image Library cases are very interactive and effective tools of the teaching and studies in HumanAnatomy at RSU. This is a new form of the communication between students, tutor, virtual reality of the body systems and it provides a lot of digital materials that develop relationships between basic and clinical study subjects.publishersversionPeer reviewe

New Solution for Human Anatomy Remote Teaching to Medical Students : An Implementation of a Demo Class in Study Course

In searching for new and fast solutions in response to the Covid-19 period, medical tutors transformed a lot of methods and materials into online formats and digital platforms. A special solution for Human Anatomy remote teaching was found in the organization of practical classes for all groups of students at the same time. Weekly “live” and all semesters demonstrations or Demo classes were started in the study course from 2020. The present study aimed to extract and summarize tutors’ general experience in the implementation of a Demo class in the Human Anatomy course. In the academic years 2020-2022, Zoom and Panopto platforms allowed the tutors to teach Demo classes remotely for the 1st year and the 2nd year students of the Faculty of Medicine. Over 2.5 years, there were organized 252 online anatomical Demo classes. Every Demo class (two academic hours in length) was related to the special anatomical topics and their contents. The data of this study were collected using open-ended questions to find out tutors’ experiences with the implementation of a Demo class in the study course. The answers were coded and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Before every demonstration, most of the tutors studied, how to organize and deliver a class. During online sessions all students received information at the same time and could follow the tutors’ explanations of the topic step by step. At the end of each Demo class, tutors liked to get any feedback from students about the presented content and displayed several questions and answers in the “live” chat. All Demo classes were recorded by tutors and afterward reviewed, optimized, linked, uploaded onto e-studies and accessible to students or other tutors of the study course. This experience gives further development and next transformation of teaching methods in the study course with implemented Demo class.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Evaluation of innervation in cleft affected oral mucosa

Orofacial clefts are one of the most common pathologies present at birth. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of PGP 9.5, substance P, VIP, CGRP, myelin and NFG in cleft affected mucosa of alveolar process, soft and hard palate, vomer and lip. Methods. Orofacial cleft affected mucosa tissue samples were obtained during surgical cleft correction from 21 children aged from 2 months to 9 years and 10 months. Prepared tissue sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for PGP 9.5, substance P, VIP, CGRP, myelin and NGF. The intensity of staining was graded semiquantitatively. Results. Mostly moderate number and numerous PGP 9.5, substance P, VIP, CGRP, myelin and NGF-containing nerve fibres and nerve fibre bundles and CGRP and NGF positive keratinocytes were detected. The most immunoreactive for PGP 9.5, myelin and NGF were nerve fibres, nerve fibre bundles and keratinocytes in lip mucosa tissue samples. Typically, PGP 9.5-containing nerve fibres were detected in subepithelium close to basal lamina, near blood vessels; thin PGP 9.5 positive nerve fibres were also observed between keratinocytes. Immunoreactivity of CGRP was higher than of substance P in nerve fibres and nerve fibre bundles. Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between all markers in subepithelium of all tissue samples. Conclusions. The proved statistically significant strong inter-correlation and the number of general neuropeptide-containing innervation (PGP 9.5), sensory nerves (CGRP and substance P), and parasympathetic nerves (VIP) is similar in orofacial cleft affected oral mucosa to such described in scientific literature healthy oral mucosa, except the alveolar process covering mucosa where the above innervation varies. Very strong and strong statistically significant positive correlations between the number of PGP 9.5, substance P, CGRP and VIP positive structures on the one hand, and NGF and myelin, on the other hand, indicate a connection between quality markers and common neuropeptide-containing, sensory and parasympathetic innervation in cleft affected oral tissue. The number of PGP 9.5, NGF and myelin immunoreactive neuronal structures in lip mucosa is higher than in the alveolar process, soft and hard palate and vomer mucosa, suggesting the significance of qualitative common innervation in this organ even in the cleft affected case.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Evaluation of TGF-β1 and EGFR in Cleft Affected Lip Mucosa

Funding Information: Funding: The present study was funded by Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) Project Nb. 5-1/384/2020 (dated 10.09.2020). Professor I. Akota is highly acknowledged for the providing of material. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 Olga Rimdenoka, Māra Pilmane. Published by Vilnius University Press. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Background. The morphopathogenesis of orofacial cleft development is only partly understood; therefore, it is important to identify factors, which possibly could be involved in it. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of TGF-β1 and EGFR-containing cells in cleft affected lip mucosa. Materials and Methods. The study group included lip mucosa tissue samples from 14 patients with oro-facial cleft. The control group contained 11 healthy oral mucosa tissue samples. The tissue sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for TGF-β1 and EGFR. The expression of positive structures was graded semiquantitatively. IBM SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis, Spearman`s rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed.Results.Mostly few to moderate number (+/++) of TGF-β1-containing cells was found in epithelium, also the same number of fibroblasts and macrophages was seen in the lamina propria of cleft affected lip mucosa. Meanwhile, healthy oral mucosa on average demonstrated a moderate number (++) of TGF-β1-containing epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages. A variable, mostly indistinct number of EGFR-containing cells was seen in the epithelium of cleft affected lip mucosa, meanwhile, mostly no (0) EGFR positive cells were found in the epithelium of healthy mucosa. Statistically significantly less TGF-β1-containing cells were found in the epithelium of cleft affected lip mucosa than in the healthy mucosa (U=33.000; p=0.015). Also, the lamina propria of cleft affected lip mucosa showed statistically significantly less TGF-β1 immunoreactive fi-broblasts and macrophages than the healthy mucosa (U=28.500; p=0.006). Conclusions. The decreased number of TGF-β1-containing epithelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages in cleft affected lip mucosa proves the role of problematic tissue remodelation in the cleft pathogenesis. The distribution of EGFR in cleft affected and healthy mucosa is similar and possibly does not play a role in the cleft development of humans.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Detection of TGF-β1, HGF, IGF-1 and IGF-1R in cleft affected mucosa of the lip

Publisher Copyright: © 2017 Sidhom and Pilmane.Background: Orofacial clefts are one of the most common birth defects with multifactorial and only partly understood morphopathogenesis. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of TGF-β1, HGF, IGF-1 and IGF-1R in cleft affected mucosa of the lip. Methods: Lip mucosa tissue samples were obtained during surgical cleft correction from seven 2 to 6 months old children. Prepared tissue sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for TGF-β1, HGF, IGF-1 and IGF-1R. The intensity of staining was graded semiquantitatively. Results: We found numerous TGF-β1 and HGF-containing epithelial and connective tissue cells, moderate number of IGF-1 immunoreactive cells and even less pronounced presence of IGF-1R-positive cells. Conclusion: TGF-β1 and HGF are present in defective epithelia and soft tissue in cleft affected lip. Expressions of IGF-1 and IGF-1R show significant differences, and both factors play a role in the morphopathogenesis of clefts.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Remote Practical Anatomy Classes New Challenges and Directions for Tutors

Human Anatomy tutors had to adapt to Covid-19 reality by restructuring their methods by teaching in spring – autumn in 2020 at the Department of Morphology. The aims of this study were to identify and understand the variety of solutions being utilized by tutors and to clarify new challenges and directions. The open-ended interviews were used to collect data from 15 Anatomy tutors. Thematic analysis, used to analyze the qualitative data, emphasized the tutors’ perceptions of remote practical anatomy classes’ efficiency. Tutors developed their action plans for online teaching and highlighted the preparation of new materials, adoption of new technologies and skills. Based on the results of the transition from face-to-face to online anatomy teaching, there were detected five thematic items that were related to tutors’challenges. It was concluded that challenges that need to become a priority for tutors in online education concern mainly the special training courses, design of new models, video and/or online lectures, demonstration labs, practical classes, collegial contacts, technicians, IT-staff and colleagues support, consultation hours and communication. Future directions for tutors must be effective not only for increasing the quality of the Human Anatomy study process but also for the evolution of anatomy education.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Expression of MUC-2, MUC-6, NAPE-PLD, IL-6 and IL-13 in healthy and metaplastic bronchial epithelium

Background: The normal tissue structure of the respiratory system is necessary to provide adequate protection of the airways and lungs. Prolonged exposure to trigger factors can result in adaptive mechanism activation and lead to the development of chronic pulmonary diseases or even dysplastic changes. Materials and methods: Respiratory system material with a pseudostratified ciliated epithelium was obtained from 12 patients (aged 16 to 95), and material with a stratified squamosa epithelium was obtained from six patients (aged 23 to 93). Routine staining was performed, and an immunohistochemistry was conducted for MUC‐2, MUC‐6, NAPE‐PLD, IL‐6 and IL‐13. Results: Inflammatory processes were not detected in any of the specimens. A number of correlations were identified, with the most important being a strong positive correlation for IL‐13 between the alveolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages and a strong positive correlation for IL‐6 between the alveolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages in the stratified squamous epithelium group. We also detected a statistically significant difference in IL‐6 in alveolar macrophages. Conclusion: There were no signs of dysplastic changes in either group. Increased secretion of IL‐13 in the stratified squamous epithelium group shows its involvement in metaplastic changes in the bronchial epithelium. The secretion of atypical factors by hyaline cartilage demonstrates its plasticity and adaptability.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Growth factors, genes, bone proteins and apoptosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of children with ankylosis and during disease recurrence

AIM OF STUDY was complex detection of appearance and distribution of growth factors, facial bone growth stimulating genes, ground substance proteins and apoptosis in bone of ankylotic TMJ in primary and repeatedly operated children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ankylotic tissue was obtained during the arthroplastic surgery from two 6 years old children (boy and girl) with osseous type of disease. The girl underwent the repeated surgery in TMJ due to the same diagnosis in age of 12 years. Ankylotic tissue was proceeded for detection of BMP2/4, TGFβ, Msx2, osteopontin, osteocalcin immunohistochemically, and apoptosis. RESULTS demonstrated massive bone formation intermixed by neochondrogenesis the lack of BMP 2/4, but abundant number of TGFβ-containing cells in bone of all tested cases. Despite rich osteopontin positive structures in bone obtained from both - primary and repeated surgery, osteocalcin demonstrated variable appearance in 6 years aged children, but was abundant in joint 5 years later during disease recurrence. Expression of Msx2 varied widely before, but with tendency to decrease stabilized until few positive cells in bone of 12 years old girl. Apoptosis practically was not detected in primarily operated TMJ, but massively affected the supportive tissue in girl with recurrent ankylosis. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of BMP2/4 expression in ankylotic bone proves the disorders in cellular differentiation with simultaneous compensatory intensification of cellular proliferation and/or growth by rich expression of TGFβ leading to the remodelling of TMJ. Mainly rich distribution of osteocalcin and osteopontin indicate the intensive mineralization processes of ankylotic bone. Persistent Msx2 expression is characteristic for the supportive tissue of recurrent ankylosis of TMJ and indicates the persistent stimulation of bone growth compensatory limitated by massive increase of programmed cell death.publishersversionPeer reviewe

3D dissection tools in Anatomage supported interactive human anatomy teaching and learning

The main aim of this study is to present the usage and importance of 3D dissection tools in the teaching and learning of Anatomy and to describe and explain our experience with Anatomage Table in Human Anatomy studies at Rīga Stradiņš University. In 2017–2018 two 3D dissection tools (scalpels) were used every week in work with Anatomage Table during the practical classes. As methods for collecting data were used discussions between students and teachers. Together 200 students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry were involved in this study. It was possible to create incisions and cuts in order to remove and uncover different layers of organic tissues, to move deep inside step by step and find out which structures it was necessary to look for. Afterwards students showed that they were able to place the organs back and reattach the bones, muscles, blood vessels in the body and put the skin back on. Students enjoyed virtual tools in the practical classes and learned the material better. Virtual tools helped students and tutors to easily understand and memorize different anatomy structures. 3D scalpels were useful for different education activities, but the learning experience may be suitable further for the study of real materials.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Relation between serum enzymes and liver histopathology in mink with hepatitis

The dystrophy of the mink liver is widely distributed in mink farms of Latvia. However, clinical diagnostics of the liver dystrophy is quite difficult. The hypothesis of this study was to clarify the indicators of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) as the criteria in the early diagnostics of the mink liver injury. The goal of this study was to determine the potential correlation between the expressed functional indicators and the histopathology of the liver. Blood samples were obtained from ten minks, seropositive against the Aleutian disease. Liver injury was assessed histologically. Through application of the biotin-streptavidine immunohistochemical method, the presence of the hepatocyte growth factor, as well as the basal membrane components was established in the mink liver tissue, but liver apoptosis was determined by TUNEL. For the assessment of cytokines, a semi-quantitative counting method was used. The results showed the apoptosis of the hepatocytes in the whole area of the liver parenchyma. The correlation between the apoptosis and the expression of inflammation cells in the mink liver was non-existent. Constitutive release of cytokines (Hsp 70 and HGF) was detected in the liver hepatocytes centrilobular or around the periportal area. We established that have the mean correlation existed between the moderate steatosis and the weak HGF expression. Hsp 70 expression in hepatocytes was higher when moderate and numerous apoptotic cells were seen. The ALT level of the experimental mink in 40% cases was incresed above the standart. Interconnection between the degree of gravity of steatosis and the increasing of ALP and ALT levels was not found. We concluded that the simultaneous presence of the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the moderate expression of HGF detect the still maintained regeneration ability of liver despite the persisting inflammation. The increased activity of liver enzymes (ALT and ALP) does not directly depend on the damaged mink liver disorders and can be suggested only as a common indicators for the liver disfunctioning of mink with the Aleutian disease.publishersversionPeer reviewe