Learning Acetabular Fracture Classification using a Three-Dimensional Interactive Software: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acetabular fractures are a real challenge for junior doctors as well as experienced orthopedic surgeons. Correct fracture classification is crucial for appreciating the fracture type, surgical planning, and predicting prognosis. Although three-dimensional (3D) tutorial is believed to improve the understanding of the complex anatomy structure, there have been few applications and randomized controlled trials to confirm it in orthopedics. This study aims to develop a 3D interactive software system for teaching acetabular fracture classification and evaluate its efficacy. Participants were randomly but evenly allocated into either the experimental group (who learned the acetabular fracture classification using a 3D software) or the control group (who used a traditional two-dimensional [2D] tutorial). Both groups were then tasked to classify 10 acetabular fractures and complete a five-point Likert scale on their satisfaction of each learning modality. To calculate significance (P < 0.05), independent t-test was used for normally distributed data whereas Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data. The experimental group significantly outperformed the control group (t (28) = 2.526, P = 0.017) with identifying correct acetabular fracture classification. Moreover, Likert scale score in the experimental group was also significantly higher than in the control group (Z = 2.477, P = 0.013). This 3D classification software has objectively and subjectively showed an advantage over the traditional 2D tutorial, resulting in an improved classification accuracy and higher Likert scale score. The 3D software has the potential to improve both clinical knowledge as well as identifying correct patient management in orthopedics.     

A novel three-dimensional tool for teaching human neuroanatomy

Three‐dimensional (3D) visualization of neuroanatomy can be challenging for medical students. This knowledge is essential in order for students to correlate cross‐sectional neuroanatomy and whole brain specimens within neuroscience curricula and to interpret clinical and radiological information as clinicians or researchers. This study implemented and evaluated a new tool for teaching 3D neuroanatomy to first‐year medical students at Boston University School of Medicine. Students were randomized into experimental and control classrooms. All students were taught neuroanatomy according to traditional 2D methods. Then, during laboratory review, the experimental group constructed 3D color‐coded physical models of the periventricular structures, while the control group re‐examined 2D brain cross‐sections. At the end of the course, 2D and 3D spatial relationships of the brain and preferred learning styles were assessed in both groups. The overall quiz scores for the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (t(85) = 2.02, P < 0.05). However, when the questions were divided into those requiring either 2D or 3D visualization, only the scores for the 3D questions were significantly higher in the experimental group (F_1,85= 5.48, P = 0.02). When surveyed, 84% of students recommended repeating the 3D activity for future laboratories, and this preference was equally distributed across preferred learning styles (χ² = 0.14, n.s.). Our results suggest that our 3D physical modeling activity is an effective method for teaching spatial relationships of brain anatomy and will better prepare students for visualization of 3D neuroanatomy, a skill essential for higher education in neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery. Anat Sci Educ. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.     

Comparison of high order aberration after conventional and customized ablation in myopic LASIK in different eyes of the same patient

Purpose: To verify whether there exists any difference in higher order aberrations after undergoing myopic LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) with conventional ablation and customized ablation in different eyes of the same patient. Methods: This was a prospective randomized study of 54 myopic eyes (27 patients) that underwent LASIK using the Nidek EC-5000 ex-cimer laser system (Nidek, Gamagori, Japan). Topography-guided customized aspheric treatment zone (CATz) was used in the first eye of the patient (study group) and the other eye of the same patient was operated on with conventional ablation (control group). Higher order aberrations [root-mean-square (RMS) in the 5-mm zone] of both groups were observed with the Nidek OPD-Scan aberrometer before and 3 months after LASIK. Preoperative mean refractive error was similar between two eyes of the same patient (t=?0.577, P>0.05). Results: Preoperatively, higher order aberrations (RMS in the 5-mm zone) in the CATz ablation and conventional groups were (0.3600±0.0341) μm and (0.2680±0.1421) μm, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (t=1.292, P>0.05). Three months after LASIK, higher order aberrations (RMS in 5-mm zone) in the CATz ablation and conventional groups were (0.3627±0.1510) μm and (0.3991±0.1582) μm, respectively. No statistically significant difference was noted between pre- and postoperative higher order aberrations in the CATz group (t=?0.047, P>0.05). However, a statistically significant increase in higher order aberrations was observed after conventional ablation (t=?5.261, P<0.05). A statistically sig-nificant difference was noted in the increase of higher order aberrations after LASIK between groups (t=?2.050, P=0.045). Con-clusion: LASIK with conventional ablation and topography-guided CATz ablation resulted in the same BSCVA (best specta-cle-corrected visual acuity) 3 month after LASIK. Higher order aberrations were increased, but the increase of higher order ab-errations after customized ablation treatment was less than that after conventional ablation.     

The Effect of Stereoscopic Augmented Reality Visualization on Learning Anatomy and the Modifying Effect of Visual-Spatial Abilities: A Double-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Monoscopically projected three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology may have significant disadvantages for students with lower visual-spatial abilities despite its overall effectiveness in teaching anatomy. Previous research suggests that stereopsis may facilitate a better comprehension of anatomical knowledge. This study evaluated the educational effectiveness of stereoscopic augmented reality (AR) visualization and the modifying effect of visual-spatial abilities on learning. In a double-center randomized controlled trial, first- and second-year (bio)medical undergraduates studied lower limb anatomy with stereoscopic 3D AR model (n = 20), monoscopic 3D desktop model (n = 20), or two-dimensional (2D) anatomical atlas (n = 18). Visual-spatial abilities were tested with Mental Rotation Test (MRT), Paper Folding Test (PFT), and Mechanical Reasoning (MR) Test. Anatomical knowledge was assessed by the validated 30-item paper posttest. The overall posttest scores in the stereoscopic 3D AR group (47.8%) were similar to those in the monoscopic 3D desktop group (38.5%; P = 0.240) and the 2D anatomical atlas group (50.9%; P = 1.00). When stratified by visual-spatial abilities test scores, students with lower MRT scores achieved higher posttest scores in the stereoscopic 3D AR group (49.2%) as compared to the monoscopic 3D desktop group (33.4%; P = 0.015) and similar to the scores in the 2D group (46.4%; P = 0.99). Participants with higher MRT scores performed equally well in all conditions. It is instrumental to consider an aptitude–treatment interaction caused by visual-spatial abilities when designing research into 3D learning. Further research is needed to identify contributing features and the most effective way of introducing this technology into current educational programs.     

受外部周期激励的弱阻尼受迫KdV方程的吸引子

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Distribution of<Emphasis Type="Italic">H. pylori</Emphasis> antigens in gastric mucosa and its significance

Objective: To investigate the distribution ofH. pylori antigens in the gastric mucosa in patients withH. pylori infection, and the relationship between the distribution and gastric cancer. Methods: Of 112 patients confirmed by pathological study to have chronic superficial gastritis, precancerous changes (chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia or atypical hyperplasia) and gastric cancer, 28 wereH. pylori negative and 84 wereH. pylori positive.H. pylori antigens in the gastric mucosa were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: TheH. pylori positive group, comprised 12 of 22 (50.0%) in the chronic superficial gastritis group, 22 of 25 (88.0%) in the precancerous changes group and 13 of 35 (37.1%) in the gastric cancer group. The positive rates ofH. pylori antigens in the cytoplasm progressively increased, respectively at 0.0% (0/12), 63.6% (14/22) and 84.6% (11/13) for the same groups (χ ²=19.76,P=0.000);H. pylori antigens were located in the mucus layer and above the neck of the mucosal gland in 9 of 12 (75.0%) cases with chronic superficial gastritis, at the neck of the mucosal gland and the isthmus in 12 of 22 (54.5%) cases with precancerous changes, below the isthmus in 9 of 13 (69.2%) cases with gastric cancer (χ ²=25.30,P=0.000). In theH. pylori negative group, noH. pylori antigen was observed. Conclusion: With the progression of chronic superficial gastritis→precancerous changes→gastric cancer,H. pylori antigens progressively migrated from the outer part to the inner part of the cell, and from the superficial to the deep gastric mucosa.     

The Effectiveness of an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display in Learning Skull Anatomy at a Community College

Despite an increase in the use of technology in undergraduate anatomy education, and the rising popularity of online anatomy courses at community colleges in the United States, there have been no reports on the efficacy of augmented reality on anatomy education in this population. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that augmented reality is an effective and engaging tool for learning anatomy in community college students. Participants recruited from Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland, OH) studied skull anatomy using either traditional tools (i.e., textbook and plastic skull model) or an augmented reality head-mounted display with an interactive virtual skull application. Comparison of knowledge before and following the study period revealed that augmented reality was an effective tool for learning skull anatomy: pre-quiz = 32.7% (± 25.2); mean (± SD), post-quiz = 61.8% (± 19.5); n = 15; t₍₂₈₎ = 3.53; P = 0.001. The traditional tools were equally effective: pre-quiz = 44.9 % (± 18.6), post-quiz = 67.9 % (± 17.3); n = 17; t₍₃₂₎ = 3.73; P = 0.0007. Students rated the augmented reality device as 9.6 (± 1.0); mean (± SD) when asked if it fit the statement “fun to use” on a semantic differential scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent). In conclusion, this study found that augmented reality is an effective and engaging tool for the instruction of skull anatomy at a community college.     

Regular-singular crossings on nonlinear systems with turning point

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Effect of binocular disparity on learning anatomy with stereoscopic augmented reality visualization: A double center randomized controlled trial

Binocular disparity provides one of the important depth cues within stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology. However, there is limited research on its effect on learning within a 3D augmented reality (AR) environment. This study evaluated the effect of binocular disparity on the acquisition of anatomical knowledge and perceived cognitive load in relation to visual-spatial abilities. In a double-center randomized controlled trial, first-year (bio)medical undergraduates studied lower extremity anatomy in an interactive 3D AR environment either with a stereoscopic 3D view (n = 32) or monoscopic 3D view (n = 34). Visual-spatial abilities were tested with a mental rotation test. Anatomical knowledge was assessed by a validated 30-item written test and 30-item specimen test. Cognitive load was measured by the NASA-TLX questionnaire. Students in the stereoscopic 3D and monoscopic 3D groups performed equally well in terms of percentage correct answers (written test: 47.9 ± 15.8 vs. 49.1 ± 18.3; P = 0.635; specimen test: 43.0 ± 17.9 vs. 46.3 ± 15.1; P = 0.429), and perceived cognitive load scores (6.2 ± 1.0 vs. 6.2 ± 1.3; P = 0.992). Regardless of intervention, visual-spatial abilities were positively associated with the specimen test scores (η² = 0.13, P = 0.003), perceived representativeness of the anatomy test questions (P = 0.010) and subjective improvement in anatomy knowledge (P < 0.001). In conclusion, binocular disparity does not improve learning anatomy. Motion parallax should be considered as another important depth cue that contributes to depth perception during learning in a stereoscopic 3D AR environment.     

Relationship between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome

Objective: To investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia. Methods: A total of 2 374 subjects who received health examination in our hospital from Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2006 were enrolled in our study. Hyperuricemia is defined as ≥7 mg/dl (in men) or ≥6.0 mg/dl (in women). Metabolic syndrome was defined using AHA/NHLBI (American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) criteria. Results: (1) The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 13.10%. The condition was more common in men than in women (19.07% vs 3.42%). (2) Among men, uric acid concentration is statistically significantly positively correlated with waist circumference, blood pressure, and triglyceride. Uric acid is negatively correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Uric acid concentration is most strongly correlated with serum triglyceride (r=0.379) and waist circumference (r=0.297). Among women, statistically significant positive correlations were noted for the serum uric acid concentrations with waist circumference, triglyceride and fasting plasma glucose. Serum triglyceride (r=0.329) and waist circumference (r=0.234) are most strongly correlated with uric acid concentrations. (3) Men with hyperuricemia had a 1.634-fold increased risk of metabolic syndrome as compared with those without hyperuricemia odds ratio (OR)=1.634, P=0.000. Women with hyperuricemia had a 1.626-fold increased risk of metabolic syndrome (OR=1.626, P=0.000) as compared with those without hyperuricemia. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia is prevalent among Chinese population. Additionally, serum uric acid is positively associated with metabolic syndrome.     

Application of behavioral technology to small group discussion with university students

Tokens were given to university students in two separate experiments for participation in small group discussions. In the first experiment a multiple baseline design was used with two small groups in an educational psychology class. In the second, 10 small groups were assessed on group participation without and with a token condition. Results of the first experiment were inconclusive though favorable; the second experiment resulted in a significant difference (t=15.41; P<.001, df=77) in group participation when tokens were delivered contingent upon group participation. The results indicate that token technology can be an effective technique to increase small group participation when a variety of back-up reinforcers is offered. The results are discussed in terms of possible applications of token technology within a university setting.     

Protective effects of Salvia miltiorrhizae on the hearts of rats with severe acute pancreatits or obstructive jaundice

Objective  To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Salvia miltiorrhizae (Danshen) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)- or obstructive jaundice (OJ)-induced heart injury. Methods  A total of 288 rats were used for SAP- (n=108) and OJ-associated (n=180) experiments. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model control, and Salvia miltiorrhizae-treated groups. According to the difference of time points after operation, SAP rats in each group were subdivided into 3, 6 and 12 h subgroups (n=12), whereas OJ rats were subdivided into 7, 14, 21, and 28 d subgroups (n=15). At the corresponding time points after operation, the mortality rates of the rats, the contents of endotoxin and phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) in blood, and pathological changes of the hearts were investigated. Results  The numbers of dead SAP and OJ rats in the treated groups declined as compared with those in the model control group, but not significantly (P>0.05). The contents of endotoxin (at 6 and 12 h in SAP rats and on 7, 14, 21, and 28 d in OJ rats, respectively) and PLA₂ (at 6 and 12 h in SAP rats and on 28 d in OJ rats, respectively) in the treated group were significantly lower than those in the model control group (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). Besides, myocardial pathological injuries were mitigated in SAP and OJ rats. Conclusion  In this study, we found that Salvia miltiorrhizae improved myocardial pathological changes, reduced the content of PLA₂ in blood, and decreased the mortality rates of SAP and OJ rats, exerting protective effects on the hearts of the rats. Projected supported by the Technological Foundation Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang Province (Nos. 2003C130 and 2004C142), the Grave Foundation Project for Technological and Development of Hangzhou City (No. 2003123B19), and the Intensive Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou City (No. 2004Z006), China     

Effect of pretreatment with aspirin and ticlopidine on the change of platelet aggregability after radiofrequency catheter ablation

Eighty-two patients with supraventricular tachycardia undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) were studied to observe the inhibition effect of aspirin and ticlopidine on platelet aggregability (PAG) and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) of the blood samples. Patients were divided into aspirin group A, ticlopidine group B, aspirin + ticlopidine group C and control group D. PAG and TXB₂ were increased clearly after RFCA in all groups (P<0.001). Treatment with aspirin or ticopidine before operation could reduce the platelet aggregability caused by RFCA and the joint effect of two drugs (change rate of group A: 52.51±12.51%; group B: 54.78±11.27%; group C: 30.51±10.59%; group D: 91.75±21.43%;P<0.05) was studied. The much decreased platelet aggregability after antiplatelet therapy was evidence of the potential benefit of the treatment in preventing thromboembolism after ablation. Pretreatment with aspirin and ticlopidine together is a good way to decrease palatelet aggregability after RFCA.     

An Alternative Method for Anatomy Training: Immersive Virtual Reality

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of immersive three-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual reality (VR) on anatomy training in undergraduate physical therapy students. A total of 72 students were included in the study. The students were randomized into control (n = 36) and VR (n = 36) group according to the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, sex, and Purdue Spatial Visualization Test Rotations (PSVT-R). Each student completed a pre-intervention and post-intervention test, consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, Kolb Learning Style Inventory distribution, and the PSVT-R (P > 0.05). The post-test scores were significantly higher compared to pre-test scores in both the VR group (P < 0.001) and the control group (P < 0.001). The difference between the pre-test and post-test results was found to be significantly higher in favor of the VR group (P < 0.001). In this study, anatomy training with a 3D immersive VR system was found to be beneficial. These results suggest that VR systems can be used as an alternative method to the conventional anatomy training approach for health students.     

Microcalorimetry studies on the antibacterial effect of crude monkshood polysaccharide

In this paper, crude monkshood polysaccharide was isolated from Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata. The effects of crude monkshood polysaccharide on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated by microcalorimetry. The power-time curves of the bacterial growth at various concentrations (c) of crude monkshood polysaccharide were plotted with a TAM air isothermal microcalorimeter at 37 °C. The growth rate constant (μ), inhibitory ratio (I), peak-height (P _m), and peak-time (t _m) were calculated. From the data, the relationship between μ and c also was established. The growth rate constant μ decreased with the increasing concentrations of crude monkshood polysaccharide. Moreover, P _m reduced and t _m increased with increasing concentrations. The experimental results revealed that crude monkshood polysaccharide had inhibitory activity towards S. aureus and E. coli. Results obtained from our study strongly suggest that microcalorimetry is a fast, simple, and more sensitive technology that can be easily performed to study the effect of drugs on bacteria.     

A Three-Dimensional Print Model of the Pterygopalatine Fossa Significantly Enhances the Learning Experience

The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a bilateral space deep within the skull that serves as a major neurovascular junction. However, its small volume and poor accessibility make it a difficult space to comprehend using two-dimensional illustrations and cadaveric dissections. A three-dimensional (3D) printed model of the PPF was developed as a visual and kinesthetic learning tool for completely visualizing the fossa, its boundaries, its communicating channels, and its neurovascular structures. The model was evaluated by analyzing student performance on pre- and post-quizzes and a student satisfaction survey based on the five-point Likert scale. The first cohort comprised of 88 students who had never before studied the PPF. The second cohort consisted of 30 students who were previously taught the PPF. Each cohort was randomly divided into a control group who were provided with a half skull and an intervention group that were provided with the 3D printed model. The intervention group performed significantly better on the post-quiz as compared to the control group in cohort I (P = 0.001); while not significant, it also improved learning in cohort II students (P = 0.124). Satisfaction surveys indicated that the intervention group found the 3D printed model to be significantly more useful (P < 0.05) as compared to the half skull used by the control group. Importantly, the effect sizes for cohorts I and II (0.504 and 0.581, respectively) validated the statistical results. Together, this study highlights the importance of 3D printed models as teaching tools in anatomy education.     

Expression and significance of cyclin D1, p27kip1 protein in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between expression of cell cycle-related protein cyclin D1, p27kipl and the pathogenesis of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and the value of prediction of prognosis. Methods: Cyclin D 1 and p27kip 1 protein were detected by immunohistochemical En Vision method in 43 BACs. Results: The positivity of cyclin D 1 in BAC was 65.1% (28/43), which was significantly higher than that in normal pulmonary tissue (0/13), P＜0.01. No statistically significant association was found between cyclin D1 expression data and sex, age, tobacco-use history, histologic subtype (mucinous vs nonmucinous), stromal fibrosis, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage or postoperative survival period (P＞0.05), while cyclin D1 expression was found to be negatively correlated with tumor size (P＜0.05). The positivity of p27kipl in BACs was 51.2% (22/43), significantly lower than that in normal pulmonary tissue (12/13), P＜0.01. p27kipl expression level was not associated with sex, age, tobacco-use history, tumor size or histologic subtype (P＞0.05), but was negatively correlated with stromal fibrosis, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (P＜0.05); and positively associated with postoperative survival period (P＜0.01). The survival rate of p27kipl positive group was significantly higher than that of p27kipl negative group (P＜0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found between cyclin D 1 and p27kipl expression. Conclusions: Increased cyclin D1 expression and decreased p27kip 1 expression are related to the pathogenesis of BAC;decreased p27kipl expression is associated with metastasis progression; immunodetection ofp27kip 1 is useful for assessment of prognosis.     

Examining the Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Success of an Embodied Learning Activity in the Study of Hand Anatomy for Clinical Application

A student's own body provides an often disregarded site of knowledge production and corporeal wisdom. Learning via cognitive processes anchored in physical movement and body awareness, known as embodied learning, may aid students to visualize structures and understand their functions and clinical relevance. Working from an embodied learning perspective, the current article evaluates the use of an offline physical learning tool (Anatomical Glove Learning System; AGLS) for teaching hand anatomy for clinical application in medical students. Two student samples (N₁ = 105; N₂ = 94) used the AGLS in two different ways. In the first sample, the AGLS was compared to a traditional approach using hand bones, models and prosected specimens. Secondly, the AGLS and traditional approach were combined. The evaluation consisted of three outcomes: short-term learning (post-test), medium-term applications (mock-objective structured clinical examination, MOSCE), and longer-term assessment (objective structured clinical examination, OSCE). Findings from the first sample indicated no significant differences between the AGLS and traditional laboratory groups on short- (F_(1,78) = 0.036, P = 0.849), medium- (F_(1,50) = 0.743, P = 0.393), or longer-term (F_(1,82) = 0.997, P = 0.321) outcomes. In the second sample using the AGLS in combination with a traditional approach was associated with significantly better short-term post-test scores (F_(2,174) = 5.98, P = 0.003) than using the AGLS alone, but demonstrated no effect for long-term OSCE scores. These results suggest an embodied learning experience alone does not appear to be advantageous to student learning, but when combined with other methods for studying anatomy there are learning gains.     

Relationship between post-operative cognitive dysfunction and regional cerebral oxygen saturation and β-amyloid protein

Objective: To investigate the relationship between post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) and β-amyloid protein (Aβ) in patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy received five groups of neuropsychological tests 1 d pre-operatively and 7 d post-operatively, with continuous monitoring of rSO₂ intra-operatively. Before anesthesia induction (t ₀), at the beginning of laparoscopy (t ₁), and at the time of pneumoperitoneum 120 min (t ₂), pneumoperitoneum 240 min (t ₃), pneumoperitoneum 480 min (t ₄), the end of pneumoperitoneum (t ₅), and 24 h after surgery, jugular venous blood was drawn respectively for the measurement of Aβ by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Twenty-one cases of the fifty patients suffered from POCD after operation. We found that the maximum percentage drop in rSO₂ (rSO_{2, %max}) was significantly higher in the POCD group than in the non-POCD group. The rSO_{2, %max} value of over 10.2% might be a potential predictor of neurocognitive injury for those patients. In the POCD group, the plasma Aβ levels after 24 h were significantly higher than those of pre-operative values (P<0.01). After 24 h, levels of plasma Aβ in the POCD group were significantly higher than those in the non-POCD group (P<0.01). Conclusions: The development of POCD in patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with alterations of rSO₂ and Aβ. Monitoring of rSO₂ might be useful in the prediction of POCD, and Aβ might be used as a sensitive biochemical marker to predict the occurrence of POCD.     

Spatial Visualization of Human Anatomy through Art Using Technical Drawing Exercises

Spatial visualization, the ability to mentally rotate three-dimensional (3D) images, plays a significant role in anatomy education. This study examines the impact of technical drawing exercises on the improvement of spatial visualization and anatomy education in a Neuroscience course. First-year medical students (n = 84) were randomly allocated into a control group (n = 41) or art-training group (n = 43). Variables including self-reported artistic drawing ability, previous technical drawing experience, or previous anatomy laboratory exposure were gathered. Participants who self-identified as artistic individuals were equally distributed between the two groups. Students in the art-training group attended four 1-hour sessions to solve technical drawing worksheets. All participants completed two Mental Rotations Tests (MRT), which were used to assess spatial visualization. Data were also collected from two neuroscience written examinations and an anatomical “tag test” practical examination. Participants in the art-training and control groups improved on the MRT. The mean of written examination two was significantly higher (P = 0.007) in the art-training group (12.95) than the control group (11.48), and higher (P = 0.027) in those without technical drawing experience (12.44) than those with (11.00). The mean of the anatomical practical was significantly higher (P = 0.010) in those without artistic ability (46.24) than those with (42.00). These results suggest that completing technical drawing worksheets may aid in solving anatomy-based written examination questions on complex brain regions, but further research is needed to determine its implication on anatomy practical scores. These results propose a simple method of improving spatial visualization in anatomy education.