Basic Science Review Research Articles

Bone Mineral Density, C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type I Collagen, and Osteocalcin as Monitoring Parameters of Bone Remodeling in CML Patients Undergoing Imatinib Therapy: A Basic Science and Clinical Review.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the most commonly found types of myeloproliferative neoplasms, characterized by increased proliferation of granulocytic cells without losing their differentiation ability. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), can be effectively used as therapy for CML. However, Imatinib can affect bone turnover thus having clinical implications on the bones of CML patients undergoing long-term Imatinib therapy. However, parameters that can accurately describe the bone condition in CML patients receiving Imatinib still need further study. A combination of imaging techniques such as bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover activity markers such as C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) and osteocalcin has the potential to be used as monitoring parameters for bone density abnormalities in CML patients receiving Imatinib. This article explains the rationale for using BMD, CTX-1, and osteocalcin as monitoring parameters of bone remodeling in CML patients receiving Imatinib. First, the physiological process of bone turnover will be explained. Then, we describe the role of tyrosine kinase in bone metabolism. Next, the impact of Imatinib on BMD, CTX-1, and osteocalcin will be explained. The assessment of bone health of CML patients on Imatinib should include both BMD tests and bone turnover marker assays such as CTX-1 and osteocalcin.

Efficacy and Safety of Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Diabetic Macular Edema: Practical Guidelines from Reference Center.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy. Treatment with intravitreal injections is effective in most cases but is associated with a high therapeutic burden for patients. This implies the need for long-term treatments, such as the fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant. A review of basic science, pharmacology, and clinical data was conducted to provide a state-of-the-art view of the FAc implant in 2024. Although generally well tolerated, the FAc implant has been associated with ocular hypertension and cataract, and caution should be advised to the patients in this regard. By synthesizing information across these domains, a comprehensive evaluation can be attained, facilitating informed decision-making regarding the use of the FAc implant in the management of DME. The main objective of this review is to provide clinicians with guidelines on how to introduce and use the FAc implant in a patient with DME.

Teaching framework of basic sciences in medical curriculum: A literature review

Objectives: The quantity, quantity, and timing of basic sciences teaching in the context of clinical learning have been a debatable issue for a long time. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate the teaching framework of basic sciences in undergraduate medical education. Materials and Methods: The publications were collected through online searches according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three reviewers analysed the data and arrived at a conclusion to select 90 publications. These publications were analysed thoroughly to classify them into ten categories of basic sciences teaching frameworks. Content analysis of these publications was done for comparison across publications. Results: The reviewer’s rate of agreement for their conclusions varied between 89 and 94% for different phases of analysis. The most common category was ‘Integration’ (29%), followed by ‘Problem-based/Case base learning’ (18%) and ‘Mixed-methods approach’ (14%). The strategies being used in basic sciences teaching were mostly learner centred (68.9%). Conclusion: The review of basic sciences teaching frameworks in our study indicates that various frameworks of basic sciences teaching are being used in various medical schools throughout the world. The pattern of these frameworks can contribute to effective policy-making for improving basic sciences teaching.

Very Small Embryonic Like Stem Cells: A Review of Basic Science, Applications,and Potential Use in Orthopedics.

Many cell types have been studied and applied in cell therapy and RM. In orthopedics, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) are used to regenerate and repair bone, cartilage, and tendons. Identified in 1955, [1,2]. MSCs were first isolated from rat BM by Frieden stein in 1970 and characterized as non-hematopoietic, multipotent, plastic adherent, and fibroblastic-like stem cells [3].

A Systematic Review of Acute Irreducible Shoulder Dislocations in the 21st Century.

Background:Rarely, closed reduction cannot be achieved in patients with acute shoulder dislocation, necessitating open management. A paucity of literature exists regarding these cases.Purpose:To perform a systematic review on the mechanism, management, and outcome data of acute irreducible shoulder dislocations.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and MEDLINE between 2000 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were as follows: human participants, acute irreducible shoulder dislocation requiring open management, English language, and publication within the past 20 years. We excluded basic science articles, technique articles, reviews, editorials, and studies of chronic shoulder dislocations or dislocations with ipsilateral humeral shaft fractures.Results:Twelve articles fit the inclusion criteria and were considered for review. All studies were single case reports (level 4 evidence). Ten of the 12 studies were of male patients. The direction of dislocation included 7 anterior/anteroinferior, 2 posterior, 1 inferior, 1 bilateral inferior, and 1 superolateral. Most dislocations were irreducible owing to a mechanical block to reduction. The most common type of block was an incarcerated long head of the biceps tendon, followed by interposition of 1 of the rotator cuff tendons. The axillary and musculocutaneous nerves, displaced fracture fragments, and Hill-Sachs and bony Bankart lesions were other causes of blocks to reduction. Eleven patients were treated with open surgery, while 1 patient was treated arthroscopically. Procedures performed were dependent on concurrent pathology. Final follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 2 years, with no repeat dislocation episodes reported. Complications after open reduction included 1 case of brachial plexopathy (posterior cord) and 1 case of musculocutaneous nerve palsy.Conclusion:There is a paucity of literature on the management of irreducible acute shoulder dislocations. The most common irreducible dislocation found in this systematic review was anterior with a mechanical block attributed to interposition of the long head of the biceps tendon. When patients were treated with an open or arthroscopic procedure, recurrence was low, with none reporting recurrent dislocation in limited follow-up.

Acetabular fixation in total hip arthroplasty in the previously irradiated pelvis: a review of basic science and clinical outcomes.

Radiation therapy is a common primary, adjuvant, or palliative treatment for many intrapelvic tumors, including primary gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and hematopoietic tumors, as well as metastatic disease to bone. Radiation has well documented microbiologic and clinical effects on bone ranging from radiation osteitis to early degenerative changes of the hip joint and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Conventional total hip arthroplasty methods have demonstrated high rates of failure in this population, with historical data describing aseptic loosening rates as high as 44-52%, as radiation have been shown to preferentially diminish osteoblast and osteocyte number and function and limit capacity for both cement interdigitation and biologic bony ingrowth. A review of the clinical literature suggests that patients with prior pelvic irradiation are at higher risk for both septic and aseptic loosening of acetabular components, as well as lower postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) when compared to historical controls. With limited evidence, trabecular metal shells with multi-screw fixation and cemented polyethene liners, as well as cemented cup-cage constructs both appear to be durable acetabular fixation options, though the indications for each remains elusive. Further prospective data are needed to better characterize this difficult clinical problem.

Glycaemic Control in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: What Is the Role for the Novel Antidiabetic Agents? A Comprehensive Review of Basic Science and Clinical Data.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and revascularization through percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) significantly improves survival. In this setting, poor glycaemic control, regardless of diabetes, has been associated with increased incidence of peri-procedural and long-term complications and worse prognosis. Novel antidiabetic agents have represented a paradigm shift in managing patients with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited data are reported so far in patients undergoing coronary stenting. This review intends to provide an overview of the biological mechanisms underlying hyperglycaemia-induced vascular damage and the contrasting actions of new antidiabetic drugs. We summarize existing evidence on the effects of these drugs in the setting of PCI, addressing pre-clinical and clinical studies and drug-drug interactions with antiplatelet agents, thus highlighting new opportunities for optimal long-term management of these patients.

Modulation of the kappa and mu opioid axis for the treatment of chronic pruritus: A review of basic science and clinical implications

IntroductionTreating chronic pruritus is challenging for dermatologists due to the lack of therapeutic options. We review the effects of κ-opioid receptor (KOR) and μ-opioid receptor (MOR) in the modulation of itch, summarize evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of opioid receptor–targeting agents in chronic pruritus, and address clinical considerations.ResultsPreclinical studies have found neural pathways underlying detection, transmission, and modulation of itch signaling and spotlighted the importance of neuronal KOR and MOR in itch perception. Clinical reports suggest that opioid axis modulation may be the basis for the successful treatment of chronic itch. Several agents (MOR antagonist naltrexone; KOR agonists nalfurafine and difelikefalin; dual-acting KOR agonists/MOR antagonists butorphanol and nalbuphine) have been evaluated for treating chronic pruritus in case series, small studies, and clinical trials; nalbuphine has progressed through preliminary (phase II/III) studies in uremic pruritus and prurigo nodularis. The antipruritic efficacy of these agents has been observed across multiple disorders with disparate etiologies, suggesting the potential utility of this class to provide a unified approach to chronic pruritus treatment.ConclusionsThe relative safety of these agents, including a reduced potential for dependence versus MOR-agonist analgesics, should help overcome resistance to the use of opioid receptor–targeting agents in chronic pruritus treatment.

Clinical and basic science review of Alzheimer's disease

The purpose of this study is to provide a brief overview of Alzheimer's disease and a definition of moderate disability that includes (MCI). This paper focuses on the medical and cardiovascular properties of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. This article also covers the recent advances in the use of biomarkers to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, as well as existing efforts to find new therapies. Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, affects 50 lakh Indians aged 65 and over, or one in nine. A Clinical and Research Science Review of Alzheimer's Disease. There has been significant progress in identifying pre-dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease, such as MCI, as well as developing diagnosis and therapeutic procedures for treating Alzheimer's disease. Our ability to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease will be determined by our ability to find the right genetic markers for early diagnosis and clinical intervention in patients at risk, as well as a greater understanding of the cellular and molecular processes that go wrong. After the National Institutes of Health (NIA) recognised urgent need to develop clinically useful neuroimaging and other biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) was established in 2004.

Anterior and Posterior Cruciate Ligaments Mechanoreceptors: A Review of Basic Science.

Proprioception is a specialized sensory modality encompassing the movement of the joint and its position in space, and it involves the conversion of mechanical deformation of tissues into neural signals. Mechanoreceptors are specialized nerve structures able to transmit mechanical deformation through electrical signals to dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons and are abundant in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the knee joint. They are believed to play an important role in knee proprioception and dynamic knee stability. Proprioception should always be taken into consideration for successful reconstruction of the cruciate-deficient knee and for pain and function management in the arthritic knee. Advances in histological methods of detection are numerous and continue to highlight the presence and role of mechanoreceptors after ligament reconstruction, depending on choice of graft. In this review, we present the current knowledge of anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and grafts mechanoreceptors, and their role in proprioception of knee joint, focusing on each type of mechanoreceptors.

American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement: Principles for the Responsible Use of Regenerative Medicine in Sports Medicine.

Many sports medicine physicians are currently considering introducing regenerative medicine into their practice. Regenerative medicine and the subclassification of orthobiologics are a complicated topic and have produced widely varying opinions. Although there is concern by government regulators, clinicians, scientists, patient advocacy organizations, and the media regarding the use of regenerative medicine products, there is also excitement about the potential benefits with growing evidence that certain regenerative medicine products are safe and potentially efficacious in treating musculoskeletal conditions. Sports medicine physicians would benefit from decision-making guidance about whether to introduce orthobiologics into their practice and how to do it responsibly. The purpose of this position statement is to provide sports medicine physicians with information regarding regenerative medicine terminology, a brief review of basic science and clinical studies within the subclassification of orthobiologics, regulatory considerations, and best practices for introducing regenerative medicine into clinical practice. This information will help sports medicine physicians make informed and responsible decisions about the role of regenerative medicine and orthobiologics in their practice.

Alzheimer’s disease: Causes, treatment & basic science review

Alzheimer’s disease is that the most common cause of dementia in older, individuals and a major public health concern. The goal of this critical evaluation is to provide a short overview of Alzheimer’s disease. The study concentrates on the biochemical aspects of AD and MCI. It is the fourth most common cause of mortality in the United States, and it is spreading to other nations. With Alzheimer's disease, the total size of the brain decreases as the tissue loses nerve cells and connections. The loss of brain cells that occurs as a result of insanity cannot be stopped or reversed. The set up's aims include measurements for gift interventions in addition to an aim to improve research on interference and therapy. Although there are no disease-modifying medications available for Alzheimer's disease, certain options may help to reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life, therefore assisting patients to some extent. In addition, the paper discusses current attempts to create innovative treatments and improvements in the use of biomarkers for diagnosing SD.

Frey's syndrome: A review of the physiology and possible role of neurotrophic factors.

ObjectivesFrey's syndrome (FS) describes the phenomenon of gustatory sweating and is a cause of significant social embarrassment for sufferers. It has been attributed to aberrant growth of parasympathetic salivatory fibers in the auriculotemporal nerve toward overlying sweat glands. However, the exact mechanism behind this growth is unknown. This review aims to expand and elucidate the theory of aberrant regeneration in FS.MethodsA review of the recent literature on nerve regeneration was conducted in order develop further insights into the etiology of both adult onset and pediatric FS.ResultsNeurturin, a neurotrophic factor released by both salivary and sweat glands, was identified as a possible key player in the etiology of FS.ConclusionFurther research into the role of neurturin could help to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the condition and might reveal neurturin to be a potential target for pharmacological intervention.Level of EvidenceNA (Basic Science Review).

Osteolysis: A Literature Review of Basic Science and Potential Computer-Based Image Processing Detection Methods.

Osteolysis is one of the most prominent reasons of revision surgeries in total joint arthroplasty. This biological phenomenon is induced by wear particles and corrosion products that stimulate inflammatory biological response of surrounding tissues. The eventual responses of osteolysis are the activation of macrophages leading to bone resorption and prosthesis failure. Various factors are involved in the initiation of osteolysis from biological issues, design, material specifications, and model of the prosthesis to the health condition of the patient. Nevertheless, the factors leading to osteolysis are sometimes preventable. Changes in implant design and polyethylene manufacturing are striving to improve overall wear. Osteolysis is clinically asymptomatic and can be diagnosed and analyzed during follow-up sessions through various imaging modalities and methods, such as serial radiographic, CT scan, MRI, and image processing-based methods, especially with the use of artificial neural network algorithms. Deep learning algorithms with a variety of neural network structures such as CNN, U-Net, and Seg-UNet have proved to be efficient algorithms for medical image processing specifically in the field of orthopedics for the detection and segmentation of tumors. These deep learning algorithms can effectively detect and analyze osteolytic lesions well in advance during follow-up sessions in order to administer proper treatments before reaching a critical point. Osteolysis can be treated surgically or nonsurgically with medications. However, revision surgeries are the only solution for the progressive osteolysis. In this literature review, the underlying causes, mechanisms, and treatments of osteolysis are discussed with the main focus on the possible computer-based methods and algorithms that can be effectively employed for the detection of osteolysis.

Postoperative Work and Activity Restrictions After Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to assess what is known about convalescence following abdominal surgery. Through a review of the basic science and clinical literature, we explored the effect of physical activity on the healing fascia and the optimal timing for postoperative activity. Abdominal surgery confers a 30% risk of incisional hernia development. To mitigate this, surgeons often impose postoperative activity restrictions. However, it is unclear whether this is effective or potentially harmful in preventing hernias. We conducted 2 separate systematic reviews using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The first assessed available basic science literature on fascial healing. The second assessed available clinical literature on activity after abdominal surgery. Seven articles met inclusion criteria for the basic science review and 22 for the clinical studies review. The basic science data demonstrated variability in maximal tensile strength and time for fascial healing, in part due to differences in layer of abdominal wall measured. Some animal studies indicated a positive effect of physical activity on the healing wound. Most clinical studies were qualitative, with only 3 randomized controlled trials on this topic. Variability was reported on clinician recommendations, time to return to activity, and factors that influence return to activity. Interventions designed to shorten convalescence demonstrated improvements only in patient-reported symptoms. None reported an association between activity and complications, such as incisional hernia. This systematic review identified gaps in our understanding of what is best for patients recovering from abdominal surgery. Randomized controlled trials are crucial in safely optimizing the recovery period.

A Systematic Review of Basic Science and Animal Studies on the Use of Doxycycline to Reduce the Risk of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture/Transection

Background: Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is common. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of basic science and animal studies to determine the effect of doxycycline treatment on the prevention of PTOA after ACL rupture/transection. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify basic science and animal studies evaluating the effect of doxycycline treatment on the prevention of PTOA of the knee joint after ACL/cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. The search phrase used was “doxycycline cruciate ligament.” Inclusion criteria were basic science and animal studies evaluating the effect of oral administration of doxycycline in ACL/CCL-deficient animals with or without a control group. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Five studies were performed in dogs, 1 in rabbits, and 1 in mice. Overall, the effects of doxycycline treatment on the prevention of PTOA after ACL/CCL rupture/transection were mixed. In dogs, no significant effects of doxycycline treatment were found in terms of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, while a mouse study found significantly lower MMP-13 expression on the tibia in doxycycline-treated animals, suggesting that doxycycline may protect against proteoglycan loss and decrease osteoarthritis progression. Cartilage nitric oxide concentrations were lower in doxycycline-treated dogs compared with untreated dogs, suggesting decreased cartilage degradation among doxycycline-treated dogs, although there were no significant effects on cartilage stromelysin levels with no significant effects in terms of physiological remodeling or catabolism of cartilage. Bone formation or resorption was not found to be affected by doxycycline treatment. One study demonstrated a substantial beneficial effect of doxycycline on gross morphology of the medial femoral condyle. Doxycycline was found to conserve bone strain energy density and appeared to limit subchondral bone loss in 1 study. Conclusion: Based on the limited available animal studies, doxycycline appears to demonstrate some benefits in the prevention of PTOA after ACL/CCL rupture/transection. Additional studies are needed to further characterize the potential benefits, side effects, dosage, and duration of this treatment after ACL injury in human patients.

Retracted articles in the obstetrics literature: lessons from the past to change the future

The publication of invalid scientific findings may have profound implications on medical practice. As the incidence of article retractions has increased over the last 2 decades, organizations have formed, including Retraction Watch, to improve the transparency of scientific publishing. At present, the incidence of article retraction in the obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine literature is unclear. This study aimed to determine the number of retracted articles within the obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine literature from the PubMed and Retraction Watch databases and examine reasons for retraction. A retrospective review of the PubMed and Retraction Watch databases was performed to identify retracted articles in the obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine literature from indexation through December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was defined as the number of identified articles and reason for retraction. Within PubMed, articles were identified using a medical subheading search for articles categorized as withdrawn or retracted. In addition, the Retraction Watch database was queried and nonobstetrical articles were excluded. The reason for retraction was classified according to the categories listed in Retraction Watch. The subject matter was classified on the basis of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine criteria. Data were collected from retracted articles for author name, country, journal name and impact factor, year of publication and retraction, study type, and response of the publishing journal. Descriptive statistics were performed. Of the 519 obstetrics and gynecology articles in Retraction Watch, 122 (23.5%) were specific to the obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine specialties. In addition, 39 (32.0%) were identified from PubMed, all of which were included in Retraction Watch. There was a median time to retraction of 1 (range, 0-17) year, with a median of 3 citations per article (range, 0-145). In addition, the median journal impact factor was 2.2 (range, 0.1-27.6), with median first and senior author Hirsch index values of 6.0 and 13.5, respectively. Most articles were original research (n=80; 65.6%), specifically retrospective studies (n=11; 9.0%), case reports (n=19; 15.6%), prospective studies (n=18; 14.8%), randomized controlled trials (n=11; 9%), basic science (n=18; 14.8%), and systematic review or meta-analysis (n=3; 2.5%). Of eligible articles, 32 (26.2%) were published in journals with an impact factor ≥4, and 21 articles (17.2%) were published in the top 10 leading impact factor obstetrics and gynecology journals. Most retractions were for content-related issues (n=87; 71.3%), including 21.3% (n=26) for article duplication, 18.9% (n=23) for plagiarism, and 16.4% (n=20) for errors in results or methods. Additional reasons included author misconduct (n=12; 9.8%), nonreproducible results (n=11; 9.0%), and falsification (n=8; 6.6%). The most common journal response was an issued statement of retraction (n=82; 67.2%). Lack of retraction notice and limited to no information provided by the publishing journal occurred in 19 retracted articles (15.6%). In the obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine literature, retraction of scientific articles is increasing and is most often related to scientific misconduct, including article duplication and plagiarism. Improved prevention and detection are warranted by journals and healthcare institutions to ensure that invalid findings are not perpetuated in the medical literature, thereby avoiding adverse consequences for maternal and perinatal care.

Fibroblast Heterogeneity in and Its Implications for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Basic Science Review.

Summary:Fibroblasts’ integral role in tissue development, maintenance, and disease represents a fast-growing field of basic science research. Although fibroblasts were long thought to be a homogeneous cell population, recent research has illuminated the unforeseen complexity of these cells, giving rise to the rapidly expanding research field of “fibroblast heterogeneity.” Fibroblasts play a critical role in states of tissue fibrosis such as skin scarring, which affects hundreds of millions of patients annually and causes severe aesthetic, developmental, and functional morbidity. Beyond scarring, major organ fibrosis is an enormous public health concern responsible for nearly half of all deaths in the United States. Because fibrosis is a conserved response to tissue damage in all organs, the study of fibroblasts throughout the body may help us to understand their role in the conditions most relevant to plastic and reconstructive surgery—for instance, skin scarring (eg, from burns, traumatic lacerations, or surgical incisions), “pathological” scarring (hypertrophic scars, keloids), and capsular contracture. Here, we present a basic science review of fibroblast heterogeneity in wound healing, cancer, organ fibrosis, and human dermal architecture. The field of fibroblast heterogeneity is young, and many of the insights discussed have yet to be translated clinically. However, plastic surgeons stand in a unique position to bridge these discoveries into clinical realities. We hope this information can spur readers to consider both what questions in plastic surgery can be studied from the lens of fibroblast heterogeneity, and how these preclinical insights can be translated to improving care of our patients.

The Implementation of Peer‐led Anatomy Review Sessions for USMLE Step 1 Examination Preparation

Medical residency programs place significant emphasis on USMLE Step 1 scores when determining which students to invite for interviews and when ranking candidates for residency positions. While Brody School of Medicine (BSOM) students have historically scored at or above the national Step 1 average, discipline‐specific data revealed that the same students consistently performed below the national average in the area of gross anatomy and embryology (GAE). This below average performance may be attributed to the time lapse between completion of GAE coursework in the first year of medical school and when students sit for the USMLE Step 1 examination prior to the start the third year of medical school. To bridge the time gap, peer‐led GAE review sessions were created for second‐year medical students preparing to take the USMLE Step 1. These sessions focused on high‐yield, clinically correlated GAE topics, specifically in the upper and lower extremities, including nerve lesions and musculoskeletal injuries. Pilot study data were used to optimize session logistics prior to deployment in spring 2019. This study describes the implementation of these revised peer‐led GAE laboratory review sessions, assesses effectiveness of session on GAE knowledge acquisition, and evaluates student perceptions of the review sessions. Two, 60‐minute, peer‐led gross anatomy laboratory review sessions were offered to all BSOM second‐year medical students. Session 1 and 2 reviewed high‐yield upper extremity and lower extremity gross and clinical anatomy topics, respectively. Both sessions were offered in six time blocks and limited to 8 students (n= 33) per time block. Of the 33 participants, 30 took part in both sessions. Each session included a pre‐session knowledge assessment, a clinically‐focused interactive chalk‐talk, hands‐on prosection laboratory stations, and a post‐session knowledge assessment. Each session was facilitated by the same near‐peer teacher for consistency in delivery. The pre‐ and post‐session knowledge assessments consisted of 4–6 multiple‐choice, board‐style examination questions focused on content delivered during the session. Participants were asked to complete a survey, designed to assess learner perceptions of the review, both immediately after the review session and after completion of USMLE Step 1—approximately two months after the sessions. Average knowledge assessment scores improved by 57.1% and 68.4% following the upper and lower extremity review sessions, respectively. Participants perceived the review sessions positively, with 77.7% reporting improved confidence with musculoskeletal content. Additionally, 88.8% reported increased comfort answering anatomy board‐style questions, and that the sessions were an efficient use of study time. Results suggest that near‐peer‐led review sessions improved medical student knowledge, confidence and comfort with the presented content. Future studies will examine the effect of participation on discipline‐specific performance on Step 1. Improved scores could support the development and delivery of additional peer‐led basic science review sessions during dedicated Step 1 study time.

Respiratory Failure – Review of Basic Sciences and Application in COVID-19

Respiratory Failure – Review of Basic Sciences and Application in COVID-19