Sami Zaqout

Objective: Concept maps are valuable tools in anatomy education, helping students organize complex information visually. With the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), tools like large language models (LLMs) and large action models (LAMs) offer new opportunities to automate concept map creation. However, their effectiveness compared with human-generated maps remains unclear. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 74 medical students at Qatar University evaluated three concept maps – one generated by a LLM, one by a LAM, and one by a human expert. Students rated each map on clarity, structure, and scientific accuracy using Likert-scale items and selected their preferred map based on explanation, engagement, and future use. Data were analyzed using non-parametric and categorical tests. Results: Human-generated maps demonstrated the highest ratings for contribution to understanding, while clarity ratings were comparable between the human-generated and LLM maps. Maps generated by the action-based model received lower ratings overall. Students consistently preferred the human-generated map across all categories, including explanation, engagement, and future use. While overall differences in categorical preferences were not statistically significant consistently, the selected pairwise comparisons showed significant differences favoring the human-generated map. Conclusions: Human-generated concept maps remain the most effective and preferred learning tool in anatomy education. AI models, particularly LLMs, show promising potential as supportive tools but do not yet surpass expert-designed materials.

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Gemini are increasingly used to generate educational content in medical education, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), but their effectiveness compared to expert-written questions remains underexplored, particularly in anatomy. We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study involving Year 2-4 medical students at Qatar University, where participants completed and evaluated three anonymized MCQ sets-authored by ChatGPT, Google-Gemini, and a clinical anatomist-across 17 quality criteria. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were performed, and optional feedback was reviewed thematically. Among 48 participants, most rated the three MCQ sources as equally effective, although ChatGPT was more often preferred for helping students identify and confront their knowledge gaps through challenging distractors and diagnostic insight, while expert-written questions were rated highest for deeper analytical thinking. A significant variation in preferences was observed across sources (χ² (64) = 688.79, p < .001). Qualitative feedback emphasized the need for better difficulty calibration and clearer distractors in some AI-generated items. Overall, LLM-generated anatomy MCQs can closely match expert-authored ones in learner-perceived value and may support deeper engagement, but expert review remains critical to ensure clarity and alignment with curricular goals. A hybrid AI-human workflow may provide a promising path for scalable, high-quality assessment design in medical education.

In aging cells and animal models of premature aging, heterochromatin loss coincides with transcriptional disruption including the activation of normally silenced endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Here we show that loss of heterochromatin maintenance and de-repression of ERVs result in a chronic inflammatory environment characterized by neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in mice. We identify distinct roles for HP1 proteins to ERV silencing where HP1γ is necessary and sufficient for H4K20me3 deposition and HP1β deficiency causes aberrant DNA methylation. Combined loss of HP1β and HP1γ results in loss of DNA methylation at ERVK elements. Progressive ERV de-repression in HP1β/γ DKO mice is followed by stimulation of the integrated stress response, an increase of Complement 3+ reactive astrocytes and phagocytic microglia. This chronic inflammatory state coincides with age-dependent reductions in dendrite complexity and cognition. Our results demonstrate the importance of preventing loss of epigenetic maintenance that is necessary for protection of postmitotic neuronal genomes.

Background: The dynamic landscape of medical education demands innovative teaching methods. This study introduces virtual reality (VR) technology to anatomy courses at Qatar University, aiming to assess students’ receptiveness to virtual anatomy dissection and its potential transformative impact. Methods: The study utilized a comprehensive survey and the 3D-Organon VR anatomy software to explore students’ perceptions and acceptance of VR in comparison with traditional anatomy learning tools during practical sessions. Fisher’s exact test for independence was performed to gauge shifts in students’ attitudes and preferences towards different educational modalities. Results: The findings reveal a generally positive reception towards VR, with many students indicating a preference for VR over traditional methods. The study noted significant improvements in understanding and memorization attributed to the use of VR. Exposure to a variety of educational modalities led to notable shifts in student perceptions, particularly an increase in positive perceptions regarding the understanding of anatomy lectures and a heightened preference for VR as a learning method. Conclusions: The study underscores the evolving and adaptable attitudes of students towards VR, emphasizing the significant role that diverse learning experiences play in shaping their receptiveness. It provides valuable insights into how medical education can be reshaped through a blended approach that integrates technological innovation with traditional learning methods. These findings advocate for the strategic incorporation of VR in anatomy courses to enhance learning outcomes.

Caudate nucleus (CN) neurons in camels and humans were examined using modified Golgi impregnation methods. Neurons were classified based on soma morphology, dendritic characteristics, and spine distribution. Three primary neuron types were identified in both species: rich‐spiny (Type I), sparsely‐spiny (Type II), and aspiny (Type III), each comprising subtypes with specific features. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in soma size, dendritic morphology, and spine distribution between camels and humans. The study contributes to our understanding of structural diversity in CN neurons and provides insights into evolutionary neural adaptations.

Neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of a camel were morphologically studied by the Golgi impregnation method. The neurons were classified based on the size and shape of their cell bodies, the density of their dendritic trees, and the morphology and distribution of their appendages. At least 12 morphological types of neurons were found in the camel spinal trigeminal nucleus, including the following: stalked, islets, octopus-like, lobulated, boat-like, pyramidal, multipolar, round, oval, and elongated neurons. These neurons exhibited large numbers of various forms of appendages that arise not only from their dendrites but also from their cell bodies. Moreover, neurons with unique large dilatations especially at their dendritic branching points were also reported. The neurons reported in this study displayed an array of different sizes and shapes and featured various forms of appendages arising from cell bodies and dendrites. Such morphologically distinctive neuronal cell types might indicate an evolutionary adaptation to pain and temperature processing pathways at the level of the spinal trigeminal nucleus in camels, which traditionally live in a very harsh climatic environment and are frequently exposed to painful stimuli.

Microcephaly or reduced head circumference results from a multitude of abnormal developmental processes affecting brain growth and/or leading to brain atrophy. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is the prototype of isolated primary (congenital) microcephaly, affecting predominantly the cerebral cortex. For MCPH, an accelerating number of mutated genes emerge annually, and they are involved in crucial steps of neurogenesis. In this review article, we provide a deeper look into the microcephalic MCPH brain. We explore cytoarchitecture focusing on the cerebral cortex and discuss diverse processes occurring at the level of neural progenitors, early generated and mature neurons, and glial cells. We aim to thereby give an overview of current knowledge in MCPH phenotype and normal brain growth.

Neurons in the cerebellar cortex of camels were studied using modified Golgi impregnation methods. Neurons were classified according to their position, morphology of their soma, density and distribution of dendrites, and the course of their axons. Accordingly, eight types of neurons were identified. Three types were found in the molecular layer: upper and lower stellate cells and basket cells, and four types were found in the granular layer: granule cells, Golgi Type II cells, Lugaro cells, and unipolar brush cells. Only the somata of Purkinje cells were found in the Purkinje cell layer. The molecular layer is characterized by the presence of more dendrites, dendritic spines, and transverse fibers. Golgi cells also show extensive dendritic branching and spines. The results illustrate the neuronal features of the camel cerebellum as a large mammal living in harsh environmental conditions. These findings should contribute to advancing our understanding of species‐comparative anatomy in achieving better coordination of motor activity.

The anterior ventral nucleus neurons in of the camel brain were morphologically studied by Golgi impregnation method. Two neuronal types of were found in the camel anterior ventral thalamic nucleus, namely, Golgi‐type I neurons and Golgi‐type II neurons. Those neurons were generally similar to their counterparts in the human thalamus. The Golgi‐type I neurons exhibited medium to large cell body (mean diameter = 25 μm) which was either multipolar or triangular in shape. They had from 3 to 10 primary dendrites with many branches but with no spines or appendages. The Golgi‐type II neurons had small to medium size (somatic mean diameter = 17.5 μm), their cell bodies were variable in shape, some were round, and others were multipolar or fusiform. These cells bodies had two to six primary dendrites with few branches that may have spines and/or grape‐like appendages. Our findings shed some light on the anterior ventral thalamic nucleus structure of the camel as one of the strongest adaptive mammals to the hard climatic conditions.

Immunofluorescence staining is the most frequently applied technique to detect and visualize various molecules in biological samples. Many protocols can be found in the literature and the websites of commercial antibody producers. This can result in a time-consuming and costly methodical work to establish “simple” antibody staining. We here summarize in a stepwise manner an easy-to-follow immunofluorescence staining protocol with an improved specific fluorescent signal and a reduced background and non-specific binding signal. This will help scientists to save time, effort, and antibody costs during the application of such a valuable technique.