Kobe J. Kisling, Myka D. Masters, Jiyoung Yun
Majors: Biology (Kobe, Myka), Biochemistry (Jiyoung)
Health Sciences Category
Bio
Kobe Kisling is currently a senior majoring in biology with plans to attend medical school at the University of Missouri School of Medicine following graduation. He is an active member of the MSSU Wildlife Society and Caduceus Club. Outside of school, he works full-time as a certified nurse’s assistant at Sarcoxie Nursing Center.
Myka Masters is currently a senior majoring in Pre-professional Medicine and plans to attend graduate school immediately after graduation to pursue a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. She is an active member of the Caduceus Club, MSSU Society of Physics Students/Chemistry Club, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma, Wildlife Society, and Women in Science. She has served as President of the Chemistry Club, currently serves as secretary for the MSSU Society of Physics Students/Chemistry club, and will serve as an Associate Zone Councilor for the Society of Physics Students National Council in the 2021-2022 school year. Outside of school she enjoys playing piano and volunteering at the local homeless shelter, Soul’s Harbor.
Jiyoung Yun graduated with a degree in Biochemistry in the Fall of 2019 but is currently enrolled as a student to take additional courses to prepare for pharmacy school. Jiyoung is interested in sciences, specifically the field of health care. Becoming a pharmacist and helping others who are in need are part of her future plans.
Abstract
The superior ophthalmic veins (SOV) are the main veins draining the orbit, including the eyes. Its dilation has been drawing physicians’ attention due to its significance in the early diagnosis of diseases affecting brain vessels. Our research focuses on developing objective criteria for the recognition of the dilated vein as early as possible. By selecting cadavers without risk factors for SOV dilation, we were able to narrow a broad range of SOV diameter reported previously. Fourteen orbits of seven formalin-preserved human cadavers (age 80.8±18) were dissected to expose SOV. The branching pattern and length of the veins were documented. Samples from multiple SOV segments were obtained for H&E staining and qualitative and quantitative analysis using a Stereo Microscope, image J, and R statistics software. Unreported variation of SOV branching at its exit point was discovered. A linear association between average diameter measured from gross and histological veins’ images (p=0.00338, r2=0.3874, n=20) was observed. The equation of the line could help determine morphometrical parameters based on histological data. The mean SOV diameter (2.063 mm ± 0.712) obtained in this research could serve as a diagnostic tool to recognize the SOV dilation. An unreported SOV variation may have implications in neurosurgery using this vein to operate on essential brain structures such as the cavernous sinus.