Browsing by Author "Reeves, Rustin"
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Item A Cadaveric Investigation of the Dorsal Scapular Nerve(Hindawi, 2016-08-15) Nguyen, Vuvi H.; Liu, Howe; Rosales, Armando; Reeves, RustinCompression of the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) is associated with pain in the upper extremity and back. Even though entrapment of the DSN within the middle scalene muscle is typically the primary cause of pain, it is still easily missed during diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to document the DSN's anatomy and measure the oblique course it takes with regard to the middle scalene muscle. From 20 embalmed adult cadavers, 23 DSNs were documented regarding the nerve's spinal root origin, anatomical route, and muscular innervations. A transverse plane through the laryngeal prominence was established to measure the distance of the DSN from this plane as it enters, crosses, and exits the middle scalene muscle. Approximately 70% of the DSNs originated from C5, with 74% piercing the middle scalene muscle. About 48% of the DSNs supplied the levator scapulae muscle only and 52% innervated both the levator scapulae and rhomboid muscles. The average distances from a transverse plane at the laryngeal prominence where the DSN entered, crossed, and exited the middle scalene muscle were 1.50 cm, 1.79 cm, and 2.08 cm, respectively. Our goal is to help improve clinicians' ability to locate the site of DSN entrapment so that appropriate management can be implemented.Item A Cadaveric Investigation of the Long Thoracic Nerve(2021) Liu, Howe; Bradley, Libby; Quiben, Myla; Reeves, RustinIntroduction: Entrapment of the long thoracic nerve (LTN) is associated with pain in the thorax and back. Entrapment can occur at many places along the pathway of the LTN, including the cervical spine and the scalene muscles, which can make it hard to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to document the LTN's anatomy and measure the course it takes with regard to the serratus anterior muscle. Method: From 4 previously dissected, adult cadavers, 8 LTNs were documented regarding the nerve's anatomical route and muscular innervation. A transverse plane through the cricothyroid membrane was established and a t-pin was pierced into the nerve at that plane and measurements were taken using Vernier calipers. Results: The average length from the spinal origin of LTN to the insertion into the serratus anterior muscle was the width of 10.3 thumb interphalangeal joint (IPJ) on the right side and 9.75 IPJ on the left side. The average length from the origin to the cricothyroid membrane was 5.15 IPJ on the right side and 4.4 IPJ on the left side. The average length from the cricothyroid membrane to the serratus anterior insertion on the right side was 5.15 IPJ and 5.35 IPJ on the left side. Conclusion: Knowing the average lengths of the LTN can better help treat the entrapment with manual therapy, topical injections, or even surgery. The results will assist to help improve clinicians' ability to locate the site of LTN entrapment so appropriate management can be implemented.Item A Systematic Screen of the Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Deletion Mutant Collection for Novel Genes Required for DNA Damage-Induced Mutagenesis(2008-07-01) Gong, Jinjun; Siede, Wolfram; Sheedlo, Harold; Reeves, RustinA Systematic Screen of the Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Deletion Mutant Collection for Novel Genes required for DNA Damage-Induced Mutagenesis. Jinjun Gong Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107. Summary. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage is common in a cell’s lifetime. DNA can be damaged by endogenous factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or exogenous agents such as ultraviolet (UV) or industrial chemicals. DNA damage will trigger cell responses including cell cycle arrest, transcription activation, DNA repair or apoptosis. In addition to various DNA repair mechanisms including damage reversal, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining, translesion DNA synthesis is an important DNA damage tolerance pathway that can bypass the lesion on template DNA to finish the replication for cell survival but at the risk of potential mutation in the daughter cells. Accumulation of mutation may lead to cancer occurrence. Translesion DNA synthesis components are highly conserved from yeast to humans. Important players in trans-lesion synthesis pathway such as Rev1, Rev3 and Rev7 were first discovered in budding yeast. Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Homologues were found later in human cells. I used the Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion mutant collection to do a systematic screen to search for novel genes required for DNA damage induced mutagenesis in yeast. After CAN1 forward mutation assay for the systematic screen and reverse mutation assay for further confirmation, two candidate genes SWI6 and DOA4 were detected. Deletion of SWI6 and DOA4 decreases mutagenesis of cells. At the molecular level, Swi6, a transcription cofactor, is involved in mutagenesis by regulating expression of REV7 at the mRNA and protein levels. Rev7 is a regulatory subunit of DNA polymerase zeta, which is essential for DNA damage induced mutagenesis as well as spontaneous mutagenesis. Rev7 is not UV inducible or cell cycle regulated. The regulation of Rev7 at the transcriptional level by Swi6 is essential. Future experimental approaches are planned to address the mechanism by which DOA4 is involved in mutagenesis.Item An analysis of an aberrant circumflex artery originating from the right aortic sinus and its clinical implications.(2019-03-05) Mobeen, Misha; Mathew, Ezek; Reeves, Rustin; Nguyen, Minh-Triet (Michael)During routine cadaver dissection, a coronary vessel abnormality was discovered in a 71-year old female cadaver. The circumflex artery (CxA), normally a branch from the left coronary artery (LCA), took its origin from the root of the right coronary artery (RCA) instead. It appears to exit the right aortic sinus sharing the same coronary ostium as the RCA. The vessel veered left, taking a retroaortic course between the aorta and left ventricle towards the left side of the heart. Although the female donor’s death was due to chronic hypoxemia and respiratory failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there was no medical history evidence of pathological conditions due to the variant coronary vessel. The aberrant CxA is rare due to its origin from the RCA. In addition, the normal perfusion area for the CxA appears markedly reduced in this case, possibly due to constriction as it loops posterior to the aorta. Preliminary measurement of the CxA indicated some possible sites of constriction, and overall the diameter of the vessel was small. Furthermore, the RCA and LCA perfusion areas appeared to compensate for the reduction. Surgical case reports implicate the significance of a CxA arising from the right coronary sinus. One such clinical significance for this variant would be an increased difficulty with aortic valve replacement due to the origination site of the CxA.Item An Analysis of Student Satisfaction with Active Learning Techniques in an Online Graduate Anatomy Course: Consideration of Demographics and Previous Course Enrollment(2023) Bradley, Libby; Meyer, Kim; Robertson, Taylor; Kerr, Marcel; Maddux, Scott D.; Heck, Amber; Reeves, Rustin; Handler, EmmaPurpose: Online learning has become an essential part of mainstream higher education, allowing greater access for students. With the increase in online course enrollment, specifically that of anatomy, understanding online teaching best practices is critical. Active learning has previously shown many benefits in face-to-face anatomy courses, including increases in student satisfaction. Currently, no research has measured the satisfaction of several active learning techniques implemented in an asynchronous, online graduate anatomy course. Methods: This study compared the student satisfaction achieved by four active learning techniques with consideration of demographics and previous course enrollment. Survey questions consisted of multiple-choice and Likert-style that asked students to indicate their level of satisfaction with the active learning techniques. One hundred seventy (170) students completed the online anatomy course and surveys. Results: Students were more satisfied with question constructing and jigsaw than with concept mapping and team-learning module. Additionally, historically excluded student groups (underrepresented racial minorities) were more satisfied with active learning than White students. Age, gender, previous anatomy experience and/or online course experience did not influence the satisfaction of the active learning techniques. However, students with higher GPAs and those who had no graduate degree were more satisfied with the active learning techniques than students who had lower GPAs and those with a graduate degree. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that students enrolled in an online graduate anatomy course were satisfied with the active learning techniques, dependent on the specific technique, demographics, and previous course enrollment. Results provide anatomy educators with a better understanding of which techniques work best in an online anatomy course. Currently, there is a lack of research comparing active learning techniques in an online learning environment. These findings provide online anatomy educators with evidence that active learning techniques improve satisfaction, with consideration of student demographics and previous course enrollment.Item Anatomical observation of the dorsal scapular nerve- A series of cadaver study.(2015-03) Nguyen, Vuvi H.; Liu, Howe; Rosales, Armando; Reeves, RustinPurpose: The impingement of the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) often leads to shoulder weakness and scapular pain radiating to the upper limb. This nerve originates from a branch of the root of C5 in the brachial plexus and typically pierces the middle scalene muscle to innervate the levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and rhomboid major muscles. Due to its anatomical location, the DSN is difficult to dissect and thus, is not often shown to medical students in lab. The purpose of this study is to show and educate medical students on the variable anatomy of the DSN. Materials and Methods: Studies were conducted on 3 embalmed adult Caucasian cadavers in which the origin, anatomical route, and muscular innervations of the DSN were dissected and documented. Results: It was found that the DSN originated from C5 spinal nerve root in two cadavers whereas in one cadaver, the DSN branches from C4. The route of the DSN varies either by passing anteriorly to the scalene muscles or piercing through the middle scalene muscle in order to travel posteroinferiorly to its targeted muscles. The DSN innervated only the rhomboid muscles in one cadaver and in the other two cadavers, this nerve innervated the rhomboid muscles as well as the levator scapulae muscle. Conclusions: The variations of the DSN spinal contribution, route, and muscle innervations are identified in this study. Such variations will help clinicians become better aware of its anatomy in order to make the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan to patients with pain related to DSN impingement.Item Biosafety measures to address challenges in expanding an anatomical laboratory(2020) Nair, Maya; Reeves, Rustin; Yellott, Claudia; Tolulope Orimoloye, HelenIntroduction Laboratory work requires the use of potentially hazardous materials, sophisticated equipment, technical operations, and procedures to enhance discoveries. Health and biosafety considerations are made when designing laboratories, or when labs are renovated to accommodate more storage or research. The question then arises for the need of further biosafety requirements for a lab expansion. The anatomy laboratory at UNTHSC recently expanded their storage facilities to accommodate more donors to the Willed Body Program. Biosafety practices are crucial to prevent exposures to chemical and biological agents. There is a gap in knowledge about the biosafety challenges involved with the expansion of an anatomy lab. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the biosafety requirements and challenges for anatomical lab expansion. Methods Current regulations and recommendations for biosafety practices in anatomical laboratories from the State Anatomical Board of Texas will be reviewed to ensure compliance. A risk assessment of the laboratory will be performed to determine the potential hazards and the engineering requirements of safety protocols that will be needed during expansion. Materials and waste management, as well as air handling procedures will be reviewed, as well as the training procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The biosafety officer will ensure that the SOPs must cover hazard communication, accident and incident reporting system, personal protective equipment use, post-exposure and prophylaxis plan, transfer of equipment, and entry and exit procedures. Conclusion Our goal is to ensure the biosafety measures will help reduce the challenges in expanding the anatomical laboratory at UNTHSC.Item Diagnostic Validation of Dynamic Ultrasound Evaluation of Supination-External Rotation Ankle Injuries(2018-03-14) Fisher, Cara; Johnson, Katelyn; Reeves, Rustin; Wood, Addison; Rabbani, TebyanAbstract Purpose: Definitive diagnosis of syndesmosis injuries can be made with plain film radiographs if the injury is severe enough, but often is missed when severity or image quality is low. Ultrasound diagnosis may circumvent many of these disadvantages by being inexpensive, efficient, and able to detect subtle injuries without radiation exposure. This study evaluates the ability of ultrasound to detect subtle SER ankle syndesmosis injuries with a dynamic external rotational stress test. Methods: Nine male fresh frozen specimens were secured to an ankle rig and stress tested to 10 Nm of external rotational torque with ultrasound monitoring at the tibiofibular clear space. The ankles were subjected to syndesmosis ligament sectioning and repeat stress measurements of the tibiofibular clear space at peak torque. Ankle States Examined: 1. Intact State 2. 75% of AITFL Cut 3. 100% of AITFL Cut 4. Fibula Fx - Cut 8 cm proximal 5. 75% PITFL Cut 6. 100% PITFL Cut Results: Dynamic external rotation stress evaluation using ultrasound was able to detect a significant difference between the uninjured ankle tibiofibular clear space of 4.5 mm and the injured ankle with 100% of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament cut 6.0 mm (P=.017). Additionally, this method was able to detect significant differences between the uninjured ankle and the injured states. Conclusion: Dynamic external rotational stress evaluation using ultrasound was able to detect stage 1 Lauge-Hansen SER injuries with statistical significance and corroborates criteria for diagnosing a syndesmosis injury at ≥ 6.0 mm of tibiofibular clear space widening.Item Impact of gross anatomy review on ultrasound learning in first-year medical students: A pilot study(2024-03-21) Robertson, Taylor; Reeves, Rustin; Meyer, Kimberly; Satsky Kerr, Marcel; Handler, EmmaIntroduction: Ultrasound (US) integration in undergraduate medical education (UME) has been a popular topic for the past decade. Current literature indicates ultrasound inclusion in UME is commonly integrated in gross anatomy instruction or clinical skills courses. US inclusion in gross anatomy focuses on overall anatomy understanding, whereas US in clinical skills courses focuses on the diagnostic application of medical imaging. Although there is plenty of literature demonstrating the benefits of US inclusion in gross anatomy, there is little research looking at the use of gross anatomy reviews prior to learning clinical ultrasound. Further, there is little research investigating how transferable gross anatomy identification is to ultrasound anatomy identification. Therefore, this study's purpose is to assess the effects of gross anatomy review prior to learning clinical ultrasound. Methods: 22 first year medical students interested in joining the ultrasound interest group (USIG), an extracurricular student group, participated in the study in the spring semester of 2023. There were four ultrasound imaging modules taught during the semester: cardiopulmonary, liver/biliary, E-fast, and musculoskeletal. Students were divided into two groups where they were required to participate in a pre-module quiz, attend the ultrasound instruction, then complete a post-module quiz and survey after the ultrasound instruction. The EXP group had to participate in an additional anatomy review prior to the ultrasound instruction session. Pre- and post-module quizzes contained gross anatomy structures of the relevant anatomy for the module, along with paired ultrasound images of that anatomical structure. The quizzes for each module were identical to each other allowing repeated measures. This allows for tracking students ability to transfer knowledge from gross anatomy identification to ultrasound anatomy identification. Groups switched treatments for each module, allowing equal exposure to both treatments. Quiz scores were compared within and between groups, setting significance level at p<0.05. Results: Both CON and EXP groups significantly improved in their performance from pre-quiz to post-quiz in all four sub-scores for Module 1 (p<.001 for overall; d=1.3, US; d=1.16 and transfer; d=1.34, p<.05 for anatomy; d=.51) and Module 4 (p<.001 for overall; d=1.1,and transfer; d=.74, p<.01 for anatomy; d=.67, and US; d=1.47). Significant increases were seen in three sub-scores for module 2 (p<.01 for overall; d=.77, and US; d=.65, p<.05 for transfer; d=.46). There were no significant increases in performance from pre-quiz to post-quiz in module 3. Looking at self-improvement between groups, the EXP group did show higher mean gains than the CON group and mild to moderate effect sizes, although these comparisons were not significant. The EXP group showed higher mean scores on post-quiz assessments for most sub-scores, including mild to moderate effect sizes, although none of these were significant. Conclusion: Ultrasound is a valuable tool in all areas of medicine, especially in anatomy learning. This study shows that a gross anatomy review does have a positive impact on student performance when learning US. Medical students learning US may receive benefit from a gross anatomy review to reintroduce previously learned material and further reinforce US instruction.Item Incorporating ultrasound imaging in graduate gross anatomy labs improves learning(2023) Robertson, Taylor; Meyer, Kim; Kerr, Marcel; Reeves, Rustin; Handler, EmmaPurpose: Teaching ultrasound imaging is on the rise in both undergraduate and medical anatomy education. Despite the vast literature surrounding these areas, there is little research exploring the use of ultrasound in preparatory graduate programs, which emphasize credential enhancement for professional school applications. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of ultrasound imaging inclusion in a graduate gross anatomy course. Methods:Students in the Master of Medical Sciences program enrolled in the gross anatomy course, a prosection-based cadaver lab that included pinned cadaver stations and an ultrasound station. Using ultrasound, teaching assistants imaged live human volunteers to demonstrate anatomical structures that students previously learned at the cadaver stations. To assess learning, students were given one ultrasound image question on each lab practical exam. Students also completed a pre- and post-course survey regarding perceptions of ultrasound inclusion in the course. Student lab practical scores and final course grades from the 2019 cohort were used as a historical control. Students in the 2022 cohort’s lab practical grades, final course grades, and survey data were used in statistical analysis. Classes disrupted by Covid-19 were excluded (2020 & 2021 cohorts). Results: 205 students from the 2019 cohort and 167 students from the 2022 cohort participated in this study, with 29 students from the 2022 cohort responding to the surveys. Students in the 2022 cohort had significantly higher lab practical scores in practicals 2 (p<.001, d=.361), 3 (p<0.001, d=1.038), 4 (p<.001< d=.487) and 5 (p<.001, d= .412). Survey data revealed that there was a significant increase (p<.001, d=1.203) in learning outcome achievement from pre-survey to post-survey. Students who correctly answered the ultrasound question performed significantly better on practicals 3 (p=.005) and 4 (p=.005) than those who missed the ultrasound question. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ultrasound imaging in a gross cadaver lab is beneficial to masters' students’ learning and understanding of gross anatomy and structural relationships. The utilization of ultrasound during cadaveric anatomy courses improves learning and outcome achievement in these graduate students. This hands-on instructional procedure would likely have the same effect on other cadaveric anatomy courses such as those in health sciences and medical curricula.Item MASSIVE RIGHT-SIDED HIATAL HERNIA VARIATION: A Case Report(2018-03-14) Dhume, Mahima; Fisher, Cara; Reeves, Rustin; Farrell, MollyBackground: A hiatal hernia describes a herniation of abdominal contents, typically the stomach, through the esophageal hiatus into the mediastinum. The majority of reported paraesophageal hernias (PEH) are left-sided; although, right-sided hiatal hernias have a better prognosis, there is little mention of them in current literature. Case Information: During a routine cadaver dissection for academic purposes, a massive hiatal hernia was identified in an 84-year-old female. This anatomic variant case presents with the abdominal contents of the entire stomach, pyloric sphincter, and portions of the greater and lesser omentums displaced into the right thoracic cavity. Such hernias can have acute symptoms, chronic symptoms, or present as asymptomatic. In this case report, the donor was thought to have no significant functional abnormalities, although there were reports of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions: We believe this case to be a rare variant due to two factors: the size of the hiatus, and the displacement of the hernia into the right side of the mediastinum. The hiatal surface area (HSA) in this case report was calculated to be 17.41cm2, which is almost three times the established average HSA in normal patients. This case report attempts to add to the body of literature detailing right-sided hiatal hernias. Looking forward, we believe that there is great scope for future research specific to right-sided hiatal hernias and improvement in the quality of life for those who undergo elective PEH repair.Item Million Veteran Program(2015-03) Bhat, Nikhil U.; Rastogi, Padmashri; Reeves, RustinPurpose: The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national, voluntary research study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research & Development. It is collaboration between the VA and veterans, whose goal is to illuminate potential links between genetic heterogeneity and disease. This is an important step in our scientific understanding about how genetic, as well as epigenetic makeup impinges upon disease characteristics and drug efficacy. Methods: Veterans who are treated in Veteran Affairs are eligible to participate. Those who provide consent are contacted by one of the researcher in the group. Veteran fills the survey related to their health and consent to give a blood sample. Central MVP biorepository saves the sample. Each sample is coded and so is their corresponding health information. Neither the person in the lab nor in the analysis knows the identity of the veteran. The key to the code is known to only a few personnel who are highly trained in research ethics thus safeguarding the privacy of the veterans. Results: Though the collection of data is ongoing, based on the analysis done so far, the correlation found between genetic and phenotypic pattern is helping to improve current treatment for certain cancers. Strong links that will very likely be found in this study, due to the large number of participating veterans (1 million), will be used to generate testable hypotheses for future study, such as if a particular gene polymorphism or epigenetic mark leads to a particular disease trait. This will enhance our understanding about how to better prevent and treat various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusions: Our site has contributed actively in the recruitment of veterans for this study by enrolling approximately 5000 veterans till now. With the help of research program, at our institution, we continue to work towards achieving our target. All over US, more than 250,000 patients have been enrolled in MVP. The research on the 250,000 samples has helped us discover a couple of useful drugs for cancer and schizophrenia. MVP aims to establish the largest of its kind database in the United States.Item Million Veteran Program (MVP)(2016-03-23) Rastogi, Padmashri; Reeves, Rustin; Bhat, Nikhil U.Purpose: The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national, voluntary research study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research & Development. It is collaboration between the VA and veterans, whose goal is to illuminate potential links between genetic heterogeneity and disease. This is an important step in our scientific understanding about how genetic, as well as epigenetic makeup impinges upon disease characteristics and drug efficacy. Methods: Veterans who are treated in Veteran Affairs are eligible to participate. Those who provide consent are contacted by one of the researcher in the group. Veteran fills the survey related to their health and consent to give a blood sample. Central MVP biorepository saves the sample. Each sample is coded and so is their corresponding health information. Neither the person in the lab nor in the analysis knows the identity of the veteran. The key to the code is known to only a few personnel who are highly trained in research ethics thus safeguarding the privacy of the veterans. Results: Though the collection of data is ongoing, based on the analysis done so far, the correlation found between genetic and phenotypic pattern is helping to improve current treatment for certain cancers. Strong links that will very likely be found in this study, due to the large number of participating veterans (1 million), will be used to generate testable hypotheses for future study, such as if a particular gene polymorphism or epigenetic mark leads to a particular disease trait. This will enhance our understanding about how to better prevent and treat various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusions: Our site has contributed actively in the recruitment of veterans for this study by enrolling approximately 7000 veterans till now. With the help of research program, at our institution, we continue to work towards achieving our target. All over US, more than 450,000 patients have been enrolled in MVP. The research on the 400,000 samples has helped us discover a couple of useful drugs for cancer and schizophrenia. MVP aims to establish the largest of its kind database in the United States.Item Muscular Architecture of the Posterior Knee and the Basic Science Implications(2016-03-23) Wood, Addison; Wagner, Russell; Reeves, Rustin; Smith, MorganIntroduction: Musculoskeletal modelling plays an integral role in estimating clinically relevant muscle and joint contact forces which rely upon cadaveric experimentation. The muscular architecture of the posterior knee is often overlooked; yet can play an important role in knee mechanics and balancing. In this sense, the contribution of the popliteus muscle to a well-functioning total knee arthroplasty is often debated in the literature and requires further clarification. Furthermore, prior literature involved smaller sample sizes and did not look for differences in muscle architecture between males and females. Methods: 12 embalmed cadaver specimens were dissected to reveal the origin and insertion of the gastrocnemius, semimembranosus, and popliteus muscles. The orientation of these muscles and the breadth of the insertion of the popliteus muscle were recorded in relation to the long axis of the tibia using a goniometer. Muscle volume was assessed via water displacement can and graduated cylinder. Muscle fiber length and pennation angle were determined under a dissecting scope using a ruler and goniometer. Fiber length was determined via dissection and measurement from 3 separate areas and averaged for each muscle. Using these data, physiological cross sectional area (PCSA) was calculated by multiplying each muscle’s volume by the cos of the pennation angle and then dividing by it’s fiber length. Results were initially analyzed using descriptive statistics. Comparison between groups was performed via ANOVA with a post hoc Tukey test for multiple comparisons. Results: Mean muscle volumes for females: popliteus 12.6 ml, gastrocnemius 108.1 ml, and semimembranosus 81.9 ml (n=7). Mean muscle volumes for males: popliteus 20.5 ml, gastrocnemius 195.6 ml, and semimembranosus 174.3 ml (n=5). Significant differences between males and females were found in all three volumes (p=.001, p=.002, and p=.010 respectively). Significant differences between males and females were also found in PCSA for the popliteus and semimembranosus muscles (p=.008, p=.003 respectively). There were no significant differences found between males and females in fiber length, overall muscle length (excludes tendon), or orientation (Table 1,2,3). The mean orientations of the popliteus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius with respect to the long axis of the tibia were 145.3 degrees, 163.8 degrees, and 162.4 degrees respectively. The tibial attachment site of the popliteus muscle spanned between 38.3 degrees and 25.5 degrees in relation to the long axis of the tibia. Several data points were unable to be adequately collected due to incidents occurring during dissection (represented by the letter x in the tables). Results were compared to prior literature when possible and were found to be similar. Discussion and Conclusion: Currently, few musculoskeletal models include the popliteus muscle for kinematic and kinetic studies of the knee. The role of the popliteus muscle in knee mechanics and balancing should not be underestimated and merits inclusion into computational knee models and joint simulations. The ratio of popliteus PCSA to semimembranosus PCSA was 1:2.35 in females and 1:3.03 in males with an overall ratio of 1:2.69 irrespective of sex. These ratios, combined with the orientation of the popliteus, infer that the muscle plays a significant role in force generation across the knee joint. These findings also illustrate the need for subject-specific PCSA to be calculated for more reliable modelling due to the wide degree of muscular variation being present.Item Secondary Science Curriculum: Developing a Browser-Based Constructive Ecosystem(2004-08-01) Barrier, Ame R.; Reeves, Rustin; Shores, Jay H.; Rudick, Victoria L.Barrier, Ame R., Secondary Science Curriculum: Developing a Browser-Based Constructivist Ecosystem. Master of Science Education (Biomedical Sciences), August, 2004, 46pp, 1 software program, bibliography, 33 titles. The internship practicum report explores current research on the plausibility of incorporating technology based on guided inquiry into K-12 classrooms to increase student science achievement. Part of the practicum report is browser-based software designed for teaching an ecosystems unit and includes the materials for use in a guided inquiry classroom. Can browser-based science instruction designed along a guided inquiry approach increase student achievement in science education and be quantified when compared to didactic classroom methods? The practicum report and the materials developed are designed to provide a means for the eventual testing of technology infused guided inquiry against traditional didactic teaching in the K-12 science classroom and begin to answer this question.Item The Cephalic Vein: Anatomical Study and Evaluation of the Coracoid Process as a Topographical Bony Landmark(2020) Olivencia-Yurvati, Albert; Rosales, Armando; Reeves, Rustin; Abraham, Alfred; Beyer, Adam; Sweeney, JonathanPurpose: Clinicians require accurate anatomical information when gaining central venous access. Despite the cephalic vein (CV) cut-down procedure being described as a superior choice to other methods (Cavallaro 2014), the CV's documented anatomical variations can make it difficult to find. The CV is commonly found in the deltopectoral groove (Loukas 2008, Yeri 2009). However, the deltopectoral groove spans the entire shoulder region, from the clavicle superiorly, to the axilla inferiorly. We asked if the coracoid process (CP) could be utilized as an accurate topographical landmark to locate the CV during ventral venous access procedures. We hypothesized that the CV would be located within 1 cm of the CP with statistical significance. Methods: We used 42 cadaver donors and conducted bilateral dissections on the shoulder region to determine the location of the CV in relation to the CP. Measurements were taken from the center of the CP, as determined by palpation through the muscle to the center of the CV. Distances were measured horizontally, vertically and directly from the CP to the CV. This method was chosen so that clinicians could use our data to locate the cephalic vein by palpating the CP on their patients. Results: The CV was found to be located less than or equal to 1 cm from the CP with a P-value of 0.000134446. Conclusions: Based on this study, we show that the CV can be located within 1 cm of the CP, making the CP an accurate topographical landmark for clinicians.Item Tolerating DNA Damage: Translesion Polymerase ETA (η) and its regulation in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae(2008-05-01) Pabla, Ritu; Siede, Wolfram; Alvarez, Rafael; Reeves, RustinPabla, Ritu., Tolerating DNA damage: Translesion polymerase eta (η) and its regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Doctor of Philosophy (Cell Biology and Genetics), May 2008, 137 pp., 21 illustrations, bibliography, 151 titles. RAD30 gene encoded DNA polymerase eta (Polη) is the only eukaryotic polymerase that can bypass UV-induced thymine-thymine (T-T) dimers in a predominantly error-free manner. The unique ability of reading bulky and geometrically distorted bases in the template makes the polymerase low-fidelity and error-prone for an undamaged template. The purpose of this study is to delineate the mechanism(s) by which activity of Polη is regulated. The increase in RAD30 transcript after UV damage is not reflected at the protein levels. Instead, Polη is monoubiquitinated constitutively. This posttranslational modification is upregulated in G1 phase and downregulated on entry into S phase of the cell-cycle. This downregulation is further accelerated in response to UV induced DNA damage. A missense mutation (L577Q) of the ubiquitin binding domain (UBZ) results in reduced degree of ubiquitination of the mutant protein outside of G1 and a complete failure to stably interact with ubiquitinated substrates. This mutation renders the strain more UV sensitive and mutagenic, a phenotype resembling a complete RAD30 deletion. In other words, UBZ motif and its interaction with ubiquitinated PCNA is critical for Polη function in vivo. In addition to nucleus, the polymerase localizes in mitochondria suggesting its role in damage tolerance in mitochondria. No drastic changes in the localization of polymerase are observed during cell-cycle progression and after UV damage.Item Variation of Posterior Deltoid Muscle(2018-03-14) Fisher, Cara; Reeves, Rustin; Baillio, MichaelBackground: Shoulder anatomy develops into a complex structure with some of the widest ranges of motion displayed on the human body. Held together entirely by ligaments and muscles, the shoulder a relatively weak joint with many clinical presentations. An overlooked attribute is the anatomic variability within the shoulder region. During a routine dissection, bilateral posterior variants of the deltoid muscle, with an interesting orientation of muscle fibers, were discovered on a 78-year-old female cadaver. These variants show an almost perpendicular orientation to the expected direction of deltoid muscle fibers and are not consistent with any other expected muscle bellies in the region. Case Information: While performing a routine dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory, aberrant deltoid muscle straps were observed bilaterally on a 78-year-old female cadaver. These fibers, seen in the figures below, extend superficially from the lateral aspect of the overlying deltoid and lateral triceps brachii fascias. These fibers then lay on top of the infraspinatus muscle belly. Directionally they run at a perpendicular angle to the posterior deltoid fibers and are contained within a separate fascial sheath lying superficially over the existing muscle bellies. An additional, albeit rather small, set of fibers run from the same deep deltoid and triceps brachii fascias to then lay over the scapular spine origin of the posterior deltoid. Although these fibers are contained within a separate fascial sheath, there appears to be no change in the neurovascular anatomy associated with the posterior shoulder. A separate neurovascular bundle was not noted to accompany either of the variant muscle straps. Conclusions: Aberrant straps of muscle in the deltoid region have been described on several occasions. The shoulder joint is an unstable joint with one of the widest ranges of motion of any joint in the body. Its mobility is derived from the construction of the capsule, which is composed of a network of tendon and connective tissue. Consequently, this joint is the source of a great number of acute and chronic pain cases. Perhaps a portion of these cases may be attributed to the presence of variant muscles influencing the shoulder joint. In addition to pain, the shoulder is a frequent location for a variety of surgical procedures. Effective clinical management of patients with concerning shoulder issues should include consideration of atypical structures, whether intra-operatively or not.Item Variation of Sternalis Muscle: A Case Report(2015-03) Liu, Hao (Howe); Holmes, Victor L.; Kirchhoff, Claire A.; Reeves, RustinPurpose: The sternalis muscle was first documented in the 19th century and since has been shown to have variations in its origins, insertions, direction, extra muscle slips, and nerve innervations. This case report describes anomalous features not previously reported in the medical literature. Methods: During routine gross anatomy dissection of the anterior chest wall of an 100-year old woman who died of “natural causes” at UNTHSC, obvious anomalies in the bilateral appearance of the sternalis muscle were observed and documented. Results: The left sternalis originated from the clavicular origin of the left sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, while the right emerged from the sternal origin of the right SCM muscle. Both the left and right original tendons of the sternalis’ were separated but wrapped in a tight connective tissue band. The fleshy muscle bellies of each sternalis travelled down inferolaterally to insert on the aponeurosis of the left and right external oblique muscles, respectively. The innervation to the muscle could be traced to the 4th, 5th, and 6th anterior intercostal nerves. Conclusions: Several anomalies found here have not been previously reported in the literature including (1) the sternalis muscles originating from the clavicular head of the SCM muscle, (2) the tendinous band suspended over and slightly left of the sternal angle with only a loose connection to the underlying sternal angle, and (3) the inferolateral and nearly symmetrical 30 degree angle traveled by the sternalis to the sternum. Awareness of the location of the sternalis will help radiologists and reconstructive surgeons avoid misdiagnosis during mammography or misjudgment during breast surgery. Because of its superior attachment to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, therapists may need to be aware that a person with such an anomaly may have an automatic accessory inspiration with head rotation.