Clinical Anatomy最新文献

The knockout mouse has been a valuable tool for geneticists to discern the role of a gene in embryonic development and in normal physiological homeostasis. The development of transgenic technologies in mice has allowed the study of the consequences of genetic alterations on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. This historical review article summarizes the first literature evidence concerning the use of transgenic models to study the most important factors involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

Intussusceptive microvascular growth (IMG) is a process of capillary network expansion where tissue pillars grow into the lumen of existing capillaries, splitting them and increasing the surface area of the vascular network without new endothelial cell proliferation or sprouting from existing vessels. This mechanism contributes to organ development, growth, and tumor angiogenesis, leading to the formation of a denser, more complex network of capillaries.

Anatomical photographs are essential in medical education and research as they document fine details of human anatomy. which may support visualization of dissection material. This study investigated the feasibility of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based image enhancement system for anatomical dissection photographs and explored whether subtle visual differences could be detected under magnification. A dataset of 50 anatomical photographs taken between 2001 and 2024 with four different digital cameras was processed using Upscayl (v2.11.5) with the preset "16× REAL-ESRGAN." Processing was performed on a Casper Excalibur G770 laptop, requiring approximately 3-5 min per image. Original and enhanced images were compared at magnifications of 1×, 5×, 10×, 15×, and 20× on a 55-in. Full HD display. Forty experts, including neuroanatomists and neurosurgeons, qualitatively assessed the images with respect to anatomical accuracy, noise reduction, edge definition, and training value. The visual differences between the original and enhanced images were generally subtle. However, subtle improvements in edge definition and noise reduction became more apparent in deep anatomical regions, such as ventricular cavities, particularly at higher magnification levels. High-resolution images showed limited observable differences, whereas lower-resolution images exhibited slightly more noticeable changes under magnification. The enhancement process did not introduce distortions of anatomical structures. A key limitation was the substantial increase in file size after enhancement. AI-based image enhancement appears feasible for anatomical dissection photographs and may provide modest visual benefits in selected settings, especially for older or lower-resolution images viewed at higher magnification. Further optimization is required to reduce file size and processing time before routine educational or publication use.

The General Medical Council (GMC) and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Undergraduate Radiology Curriculum emphasize the need for medical graduates to use anatomical knowledge when interpreting imaging studies. This study evaluated a model in which Clinical Teaching Fellows (CTFs) were upskilled to deliver radiologist-designed tutorials using computed tomography (CT) imaging to facilitate the identification of key anatomical landmarks on chest and abdominal X-rays. Two tutorials, aligned with our institution's pre-clinical curriculum, were developed by radiology residents and anatomy faculty for 430 first-year and 420 s-year medical students. CTFs were trained using structured pre-learning resources and then facilitated small-group sessions where students interacted with CT scans and correlated the anatomy with X-rays. Feedback was collected from students and tutors. Response rates were high (76% first year; 88% second year). Most students (87%) reported feeling prepared, 94% found sessions enjoyable, and nearly all (99.9%) found CT imaging useful for learning X-ray anatomy. Among tutors (n = 11), confidence in teaching with CT imaging rose significantly, with those reporting themselves as quite or very confident increasing from 28% to 91%. Tutors also reported improved confidence in viewing CT scans in their own clinical practice. Radiological anatomy teaching can therefore be delivered sustainably through the upskilling of non-radiologist educators. This model enhances student understanding of clinically relevant anatomy, aligns with national guidance, and provides professional development benefits for tutors. It offers a pragmatic strategy to integrate radiology into undergraduate curricula at scale.

Meticulous determination of the time since death (TSD) is critical in certain criminal investigations. This study aimed to identify optimal markers for TSD estimation and develop a mathematical model applicable under varying conditions. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and β-Actin (ACTB) mRNA levels were analyzed in 10 human skeletal muscle samples using real-time quantitative PCR at eight time intervals (6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 h) within 48 h postmortem at 25°C. Among the candidate markers, GAPDH demonstrated the strongest correlation with times since death. At the same time, ACTB expression remained comparatively stable across all samples and time points as identified by RefFinder (reference gene analysis tool). Mathematical equations were developed using the C_t values for GAPDH, ACTB, and ΔC_t (GAPDH-ACTB) and the cubic model gave the highest determination of coefficient while the error rates were low in the quadratic model. The findings indicate that ACTB is an optimal marker for estimating TSD within the 30 to 36-h postmortem interval, while GAPDH is more suitable for the 36 to 48-h period.

The difficulties experienced in accessing cadavers worldwide are increasing the demand for technology-supported solutions. Virtual cadavers can ensure continuity of education by providing students with the opportunity to explore and examine realistic anatomical structures in detail without any geographical or physical restrictions. In this context, the development of alternative methods such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) tools is of great importance for students to continue their education. In the current study, the effectiveness of a medical education model enriched through metaverse-supported virtual cadavers was examined in order to contribute to the seamless learning experience of students. Consistent with the aim of the study, the effects of this model on students' academic achievement, attitudes towards the course, and academic motivation were evaluated. The study adopted a mixed methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative techniques. An achievement test, anatomy attitude scale, and academic motivation scale were employed as data collection instrument in the study. In addition, interviews were conducted with the students in the experimental group to examine their experiences with virtual cadavers in the metaverse environment in depth. This study was conducted with the participation of 110 first-year medical students studying at a state university in Türkiye. Within the scope of the study, the students were divided into two groups as experimental and control groups. Although the control group followed the traditional anatomy curriculum, the experimental group performed some activities on virtual cadaver models in the metaverse environment in addition to the curriculum. The research results revealed that the academic achievement, motivation and attitude levels of the students in the experimental group increased more than those in the control group. The students emphasized that metaverse-supported virtual cadaver activities have the potential to increase students' course success, attitudes towards the course and motivation. The findings show that more comprehensive and in-depth research is needed on the potential effects of metaverse-supported virtual cadaver applications in education. This is an important step to increase the efficiency of metaverse applications in education.

Radiology education is critical for medical students' anatomical competence and clinical readiness. However, it remains insufficiently integrated in medical curricula as residency program directors describe interns' basic image interpretation as unsatisfactory. This review aims to assess the efficacy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray in facilitating the learning of anatomy among medical students. Following PRISMA guidelines, 983 articles were screened, and 52 studies published between 2000 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria by comparing radiology-integrated anatomy education with traditional methods such as cadaver and atlas use. Data extraction covered study design, radiology modalities, and effect sizes. Both integrated and traditional methods consisted of medical student cohorts assessed on objective knowledge and skills with recorded quantitative outcomes. Included studies showed knowledge gains on multiple choice assessments (pooled Cohen's d = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.34-1.65) but with high heterogeneity among studies (I² = 99.5%). Controlled designs were used in 21% of studies. Other investigations (68% of studies) used attitudinal surveys that revealed strong student preference for radiology-integrated learning. Of the modalities present, ultrasound was predominant (85% of studies), with other modalities (CT: 15%; MRI/X-ray: < 5%) substantially underrepresented despite clinical relevance. Radiology integration was shown to enhance anatomy education and clinical preparedness. The incorporation of radiology, specifically ultrasound, into anatomical education leads to a significant and substantial improvement in student learning outcomes. Future investigations can standardize assessments, expand multimodal research, and address global curricular disparities.

Whole-body dissection is a cornerstone of anatomy education. During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to infectious agents and other risks of dissection were highlighted. To identify potential risks, one must have the data outlining these risks in specific situations. However, information regarding the risks of encountering an infectious pathogen in donors is not readily available for educators and anatomical programs and there are presently no universal guidelines for lowering the risk of exposure to such pathogens. Therefore, this scoping review aims to provide information regarding infectious pathogens that one may encounter in the anatomy lab when engaging in dissection of both humans and animals, including zoonoses (e.g., rabies), blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, HPV), and pathogens that pose a relatively less serious risk to the health of dissectors (e.g., fungal infections). A systematic and comprehensive search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC databases without date restrictions was performed. When data were available, the prevalence of these pathogens within the worldwide population, viability in cadavers and the surrounding laboratory environment, and effects of formaldehyde fixation on pathogen infectivity are provided. This review also provides examples of mitigation methods and their effectiveness in reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens in the anatomy laboratory as published in the literature. A summary of potential toxicological hazards encountered in the lab is also included. Overall, this scoping review charts existing literature to provide information that anatomy programs worldwide can utilize to identify potential risks and identify mitigation methods to reduce such risks while dissecting.

Anatomical descriptions of left-sided oblique coronary branches remain inconsistent, hindering imaging interpretation and surgical planning. To quantify the prevalence, branching patterns and morphometry of the ramus intermedius (RI) and diagonal branches, and propose a unified nomenclature. Following PRISMA guidelines, a PubMed search up to 12 June 2025 yielded 623 records. Forty-six studies involving 25,602 hearts were included, and random-effects meta-analysis was applied to pool prevalence and continuous outcomes. Overall, an additional left-main branch (RI) was present in 25.2% (95% CI: 8.7-54.5). Trifurcation dominated (22.7%), whereas quadrifurcation and pentafurcation occurred in 3.7% and 1.3% respectively. The pooled RI/diagonal diameter averaged 2.21 mm (95% CI 2.02-2.39), and mean branch length was 49.1 mm (95% CI 37.8-60.5). Methodological heterogeneity was high but consistent patterns emerged across cadaveric and imaging modalities. An oblique "diagonal artery", whether arising from the left main (RI) or anterior interventricular artery, is present in roughly 25% of hearts, averages 2.2 mm in caliber and extends to 49 mm. Recognizing this vessel family and standardizing the term "diagonal arteries" will improve coronary imaging reporting and guide revascularization strategies.