Characterization of the immune cell landscape in CRC: Clinical implications of tumour-infiltrating leukocytes in early- and late-stage CRC.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Tumour-infiltrating leukocytes play an important role in cancers, including CRC. We therefore sought to characterize the impact of tumour-infiltrating leukocytes on CRC prognosis.

One Size Does Not Fit All in Remote Anatomy Teaching.

Anatomical knowledge is central to the advancement of biomedical research and clinical practice and provides the underpinning foundations for many clinical examinations and processes. Anatomy is a very practical and three-dimensional subject, requiring learners to be able to visualise structures within the body and how they interact with each other. Typically, this is taught through a combination of lectures and practical laboratories in which students can interact with human cadaveric material to gain an appreciation of real-life anatomy, often commenting on how these lab sessions really bring their lectures to life.

Increasing Collaborative Discussion in Case-Based Learning Improves Student Engagement and Knowledge Acquisition.

Background: In the transition from academic to clinical learning, the development of clinical reasoning skills and teamwork is essential, but not easily achieved by didactic teaching only. Case-based learning (CBL) was designed to stimulate discussions of genuine clinical cases and diagnoses but in our initial format (CBL'10) remained predominantly tutor-driven rather than student-directed. However, interactive teaching methods stimulate deep learning and consolidate taught material, and we therefore introduced a more collaborative CBL (cCBL), featuring a structured format with discussions in small breakout groups.

Comprehensive genomic and tumour immune profiling reveals potential therapeutic targets in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a poor overall survival with few treatment options. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) combined with the immune features of MPM offers the prospect of identifying changes that could inform future clinical trials.

Methods: We analysed somatic mutations from 229 MPM samples, including previously published data and 58 samples that had undergone WGS within this study.

Creation of a novel simple heat mapping method for curriculum mapping, using pathology teaching as the exemplar.

Background: The undergraduate five-year MBChB programme at the University of Glasgow has a high volume of pathology teaching integrated into the course. The ability to better understand what pathology is taught and when, so as to build a picture of the types and depth of pathology topics covered across the programme stages is crucial, especially in a spiral curriculum. A novel method of curriculum mapping, known as curriculum heat mapping, was developed as a way to visualise where and when topics are taught, in an easier to understand format.