Objectives: 

NeuroDEI is a distributed computing system for the quantification and modeling of biological phenomena. It uses mathematical algorithms to define circuits between "neuron" elements with different levels of complexity. Moreover, it can be used for real-time simulations and to explore certain emerging properties of the system.

NeuroDEI software reproduces the profile of neurons, including the soma, the myelinated or demyelinated axon, and excitatory or inhibitory synaptic connectivity, each identified by color codes.

Our aims were: 1) to analyze the usability of both the device and process simulation and 2) to quantify teaching and learning parameters of efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction

Materials: 

At the single neuron level, the simulator quantifies membrane potential changes over time after different stimulating pulses: Sinusoid, Square, Saw tooth, Continuous or Custom (a train of pulses with varying amplitude and frequency). NeuroDEI can simultaneously simulate 10 neurons. If several PCs are available, NeuroDEI can simulate more complex circuits using one PC as "arbitrator node". Every single network element is visualized and recorded in real-time with the following data output: 1.Resting membrane potential; 2.Latency period; 3.Potential threshold; 4.Action potential profile (amplitude, frequency, duration, hyperpolarization potential, inversion potential); 5.Na+ and K+ extra- and intracellular concentration; 6. Stimulus: Nature and Intensity; 7. Refractory period; 8. Nerve conduction velocity.

Results: 

Our analysis included virtual learning environment surveys answered by 240 undergraduate students (Pharmacy and Medicine) at La Laguna University. To date, the users have expressed a satisfaction level of 71%.

Conclusions: 

In summary, we have developed an innovative system (NeuroDEI simulator) that allows undergraduate students to reach and surpass the reasoning threshold level required to understand and consolidate the high degree of integration underlying neuronal responses.