Isotopological remeshing and statistical shape analysis: Enhancing premolar tooth wear classification and simulation with machine learning.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a combined approach based on an isotopological remeshing and statistical shape analysis (SSA) to capture key anatomical features of altered and intact premolars. Additionally, the study compares the capabilities of four Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in identifying or simulating tooth alterations. METHODS: 113 premolar surfaces from a multicenter database were analyzed. These surfaces were processed using an isotopological remeshing method, followed by a SSA. Mean Euclidean distances between the initial and remeshed STL files were calculated to assess deviation in anatomical landmark positioning. Seven anatomical features were extracted from each tooth, and their correlations with shape modes and morphological characteristics were explored. Four ML algorithms, validated through three-fold cross-validation, were assessed for their ability to classify tooth types and alterations. Additionally, twenty intact teeth were altered and then reconstructed to verify the method's accuracy. RESULTS: The first five modes encapsulated 76.1% of the total shape variability, with a mean landmark positioning deviation of 10.4 µm (±6.4). Significant correlations were found between shape modes and specific morphological features. The optimal ML algorithms demonstrated high accuracy (>83%) and precision (>86%). Simulations on intact teeth showed discrepancies in anatomical features below 3%. CONCLUSION: The combination of an isotopological remeshing with SSA showed good reliability in capturing key anatomical features of the tooth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The encouraging performance of ML algorithms suggests a promising direction for supporting practitioners in diagnosing and planning treatments for patients with altered teeth, ultimately improving preventive care.

Exploring the atlantic part of the vertebral artery in the South Indian Population and its implications in spine surgery.

Study Design: A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study of the atlantic part (V3) of the vertebral artery (VA). Purpose: This study aimed to bridge the research gap in the morphometry of the V3 segment of the VA in the South Indian population. Overview of Literature: The microsurgical anatomy of this segment of the VA has been explored in various populations, and a thorough understanding of the anatomy and course of the VA, particularly the V3 segment, is essential to prevent iatrogenic complications. Several computed tomography studies but a few cadaveric studies have explored the V3 segment of the VA in the South Indian population. Methods: This study examined 40 VAs from 20 embalmed cadavers that were obtained from the voluntary donation program, and Institutional Ethical Clearance was obtained before the study. The length, diameter, and angle of the vertical, horizontal, and exit parts of the V3 segment of the VA were documented after its exposure. Results: The mean lengths of the right and left VAs on each part were nearly similar, except for the mean length of the horizontal part (right: 38.937 mm, left: 40.237 mm) and total length of the V3 segment (right: 66.870 mm, left: 70.350 mm). Conclusions: These morphometric parameters are essential to spine surgeons who intend to operate on a small part (vertical, horizontal, or exit part) of the V3 segment of the VA. The mean values of the parameters obtained in this study give average measurements or safe limits to surgeons for safe surgical procedures such as the occipital condyle screw technique and C1 laminectomy.

Teaching Pterygopalatine Fossa Anatomy Using 3D Images and Physical Model: A Novel Teaching Strategy.

Medical students often struggle to appreciate the anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa. This is due to the difficulty in understanding the spatial orientation through textbook diagrams, as well as its deeper location and smaller size in cadaveric specimens. Research has proven that three-dimensional visualization enhances the spatial understanding of anatomy. However, studies have not compared the effectiveness of two different instructional designs that cater to 3D visualization. We conducted a mixed methodology (quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control design with additional qualitative components) study to compare the effectiveness of a physical model and a 3D image in small-group teaching. The students were divided into control and intervention groups based on their roll numbers. The control group utilized a series of 3D images delivered through Microsoft PowerPoint software on computers. The students in the intervention group used a physical model made of cardboard, with colored wires representing the neurovascular structures. We used 20 spatial anatomy-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to assess knowledge acquisition before and after the small group discussion. Additionally, we utilized a validated 10-item feedback questionnaire to evaluate participants' perception of the teaching sessions. There was no significant difference in the knowledge gain and perception scores between the control and intervention groups. These findings suggest that a well-designed 3D image can provide an equivalent learning outcome and level of satisfaction compared to a physical model. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02063-3.

Anatomical classification of canine congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts based on CT angiography: A SVSTS and VIRIES multi-institutional study in 1082 dogs.

Canine congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) morphologies have not been fully elucidated. The goal of this retrospective, multi-institutional study was to use CT angiography to create an anatomical-based nomenclature system for canine congenital EHPSS. These shunt morphologies were then evaluated to identify any significant association with patient age, sex, breed, weight, or subjective portal perfusion score. Data collected respectively from the SVSTS and VIRIES list-serves included patient DOB, sex, breed, weight, CT date, and reported diagnosis. A single author (C.W.) viewed all CT scans and classified shunts based on the shunt portal vessel(s) of origin, the shunt systemic vessel(s) of insertion, and any substantial portal vessels contributing to the shunt. Additionally, hepatic portal perfusion was subjectively scored between one (poor/none) and five (good/normal) based on the caliber of the intrahepatic portal veins. A total of 1182 CT scans were submitted from 13 different institutions. Due to exclusion criteria, 100 (8.5%) were removed, leaving 1082 CT scans to be included. Forty-five different EHPSS anatomies were identified with five classifications accounting for 85% of all shunts (left gastric-phrenic [27%], left gastric-azygos [19%], left gastric-caval [15%], aberrant left gastric-caval with right gastric vein [12%], and aberrant left gastric-caval with right gastric vein and short gastric vein [11%]). Shunt origin involved the left gastric vein in 95% of the described classifications. Significant differences were identified among the five most common shunt types with respect to age at the time of the CT scan (P < .001), sex (P = .009), breed (P < .001), weight (P < .001), and subjective portal perfusion score (P < .001). An anatomical classification system for canine EHPSS may enable improved understanding, treatment comparisons, and outcome prediction for these patients.

CAT: a computational anatomy toolbox for the analysis of structural MRI data.

A large range of sophisticated brain image analysis tools have been developed by the neuroscience community, greatly advancing the field of human brain mapping. Here we introduce the Computational Anatomy Toolbox (CAT)-a powerful suite of tools for brain morphometric analyses with an intuitive graphical user interface but also usable as a shell script. CAT is suitable for beginners, casual users, experts, and developers alike, providing a comprehensive set of analysis options, workflows, and integrated pipelines. The available analysis streams-illustrated on an example dataset-allow for voxel-based, surface-based, and region-based morphometric analyses. Notably, CAT incorporates multiple quality control options and covers the entire analysis workflow, including the preprocessing of cross-sectional and longitudinal data, statistical analysis, and the visualization of results. The overarching aim of this article is to provide a complete description and evaluation of CAT while offering a citable standard for the neuroscience community.

Diet and habitat as determinants of intestine length in fishes.

Fish biologists have long assumed a link between intestinal length and diet, and relative gut length or Zihler's index are often used to classify species into trophic groups. This has been done for specific fish taxa or specific ecosystems, but not for a global fish dataset. Here, we assess these relationships across a dataset of 468 fish species (254 marine, 191 freshwater, and 23 that occupy both habitats) in relation to body mass and fish length. Herbivores had significantly relatively stouter bodies and longer intestines than omni- and faunivores. Among faunivores, corallivores had longer intestines than invertivores, with piscivores having the shortest. There were no detectable differences between herbivore groups, possibly due to insufficient understanding of herbivorous fish diets. We propose that reasons for long intestines in fish include (i) difficult-to-digest items that require a symbiotic microbiome, and (ii) the dilution of easily digestible compounds with indigestible material (e.g., sand, wood, exoskeleton). Intestinal indices differed significantly between dietary groups, but there was substantial group overlap. Counter-intuitively, in the largest dataset, marine species had significantly shorter intestines than freshwater fish. These results put fish together with mammals as vertebrate taxa with clear convergence in intestine length in association with trophic level, in contrast to reptiles and birds, even if the peculiar feeding ecology of herbivorous fish is probably more varied than that of mammalian herbivores. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-024-09853-3.

Effect of nitrogen fertilization and shading on morphogenesis, structure and leaf anatomy of Megathyrsus maximus genotypes.

The use of exotic grasses of African origin for pastures in Brazil has been a major advancement in livestock production, but little is known about the responses of these grasses to nitrogen fertilizers associated with shading. In this study, the morphogenetic, structural, and leaf anatomical characteristics of Megathyrsus maximus cultivars' Tamani and Quênia were investigated as a function of N dose and shade. Morphogenetic and structural characteristics and leaf anatomy were studied under three shading levels (0, 30, and 50 %) and four N doses (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha-1) to simulate growth in a silvopastoral system. When comparing the cultivars, Quênia was more efficient in terms of phyllochron up to fertilization with 100 kg N ha-1. The leaf senescence rate of Tamani was higher than that of Quênia at the 30 and 50 % shade levels. The total area (TA) occupied by leaf tissues decreased in Quênia as a function of the increase in N fertilization, whereas the TA of Tamani did not change. The thickness of the adaxial epidermis was greater in Quênia (0.68 µm) than in Tamani (0.50 µm) when not fertilized. The area occupied by the mesophyll was greater in both cultivars when they received fertilization equivalent to 300 kg N ha-1. Quênia grass has a smaller phyllochron than Tamani grass, due to the rapid reconstruction of its photosynthetic apparatus, especially when it receives higher levels of nitrogen fertilization. However, Tamani grass has a greater distribution of plant tissues. The mesophyll area is larger in Tamani grass due to the greater presence of chloroplasts, which facilitates digestion by animals. The Tamani modified the leaf anatomical tissues more significantly in relation to shading, whereas the Quênia modified them in relation to N fertilization, which reinforces the suggestion of a more appropriate use of Tamani in silvopastoral systems.

The role of precentral cerebellar vein in neurosurgery: An in-depth review of anatomy, implications, and risks.

Background: The Precentral Cerebellar Vein (PCV) plays a crucial role as an anatomical landmark in neurosurgery, and the possibility of its safe sacrifice is controversial. Understanding its anatomical nuances and clinical implications is fundamental in enhancing neurosurgical practice. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to consolidate literature on the PCV. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched using predefined criteria. Studies providing complete research texts in English, focusing on the PCV's surgical anatomy and neurosurgical implications were included. Results: Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria, exploring the PCV's anatomical variations, trajectory, dimensions, and connections. The PCV's utility in localizing posterior fossa tumors was underscored, aiding in surgical precision. However, sacrifices of the PCV or minor veins for access to quadrigeminal areas posed postoperative risks, emphasizing the need for careful preoperative planning. Additionally, the PCV's diagnostic value in venous malformations and developmental anomalies was highlighted. Conclusions: This comprehensive review accentuates the pivotal role of the PCV in neurosurgery. While serving as a vital guide in procedures, it poses potential risks when manipulated. Understanding its multifaceted significance, from anatomy to clinical implications, is paramount for informed decision-making and minimizing complications in neurosurgical interventions.

Clinical applications of 3D printing in colorectal surgery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of three-dimensional printing has grown rapidly within the field of surgery over recent years. Within the subspecialty of colorectal surgery, the technology has been used to create personalized anatomical models for preoperative planning, models for surgical training, and occasionally customized implantable devices and surgical instruments. We aim to provide a systematic review of the current literature discussing clinical applications of three-dimensional printing in colorectal surgery. METHODS: Full-text studies published in English which described the application of 3D printing in pre-surgical planning, advanced surgical planning, and patient education within the field of colorectal surgery were included. Exclusion criteria were duplicate articles, review papers, studies exclusively dealing with surgical training and/or education, studies which used only virtual models, and studies which described colorectal cancer only as it pertained to other organs. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this review. There were two randomized controlled trials, one retrospective outcomes study, five case reports/series, one animal model, and nine technical notes/feasibility studies. There were three studies on advanced surgical planning/device manufacturing, six on pre-surgical planning, two on pelvic anatomy modeling, eight on various types of anatomy modeling, and one on patient education. CONCLUSIONS: While more studies with a higher level of evidence are needed, the findings of this review suggest many promising applications of three-dimensional printing within the field of colorectal surgery with the potential to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

Anatomical study of pericardioperitoneal canal in immature beluga (Huso huso) with ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: One of the special anatomical structures in sturgeons is the pericardioperitoneal canal (PPC), which has not been studied much. Considering that the presence and absence of this channel and its morphometry have not been investigated in this type of fish, this study was conducted. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of present study was to obtain a complete understanding about anatomical features and ultrasonography of PPC in the heart of immature beluga species in order to provide standard approaches for performing sonography and echocardiography on this sturgeon species. METHODS: Ten immature belugas (Huso huso) were used to perform ultrasonography with Sonosite MicroMaxx ultrasonography machine of ventral approach between two pectoral fins. After performing the steps of ultrasonographic study, gross anatomical studies were also performed, and the morphometric measurement of the canal was also performed. RESULTS: A small PPC was observed, which communicated between the pericardial cavity, and the peritoneal (coelomic) cavity. The cranial part of this channel, which was located immediately after the transverse septum, was on the midline of the body and was seen in midsagittal ultrasonograms. On average, the length of this canal was 3.23 ± 0.05 cm, and its diameter (cranial part) was 0.24 ± 0.04 cm. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study on immature beluga, it was observed that the canal is located behind the sinus venosus and is caudoventral to it, though behind the transverse septum. It has been mentioned that this PPC establishes a connection between the pericardial cavity and the peritoneal cavity, so this connection is between the peritoneal cavity and the space between the two layers of the pericardium and has no connection with the pericardial sac (the space where the heart is located). In this study, the anatomical structure and morphometry of the PPC in immature beluga were investigated, and some approaches were presented to observe the canal in ultrasonography.

Transmogrifying Anatomy Learning by Kaizen Strategies and Game-Based Education.

INTRODUCTION: The study explores the significance of continuous improvement through Kaizen in the evolving landscape of anatomy education. In this study, our objectives were twofold: 1) to assess the effectiveness of incorporating games in the first-year medical curriculum for reinforcing anatomy knowledge, and 2) to explore whether game-based sessions elicit improved student responses in the learning of anatomy. METHODOLOGY: A total of 100 first-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bibinagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, were exposed to game-based learning which involved six rounds: acronym mnemonics (Redolent), jigsaw puzzle solving (Dumbfound), Filling gaps in concept maps (Blogging), Connecting images (Kinship), case scenario creation (Penman), and rapid-fire round (Rattling). RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, a test was taken and feedback was obtained from all the participants using a prevalidated questionnaire prepared based on a 5-point Likert scale. Questionnaire responses were subjected to descriptive analysis, and reliability analysis (Cronbach's α) was performed to evaluate the internal consistencies of items. A paired t-test indicated that there was a significantly large difference between before (mean (M) = 17.2, standard deviation (SD) = 9.1) and after (M = 25.9, SD = 8), t(99) = 18.4, p < .001, signifying that the performance of the students was far better with game-based learning approaches than conventional learning. CONCLUSION: Combining game-based education with Kaizen principles in anatomy education not only prepares students for success in their academic pursuits but also empowers them to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape with confidence and proficiency.

Comparative Study of the Flipped Classroom and Traditional Lecture Methods in Anatomy Teaching.

Background The National Medical Commission (NMC), the regulatory body for medical education in India introduced competency-based medical education (CBME) in 2019. It is an outcome-based learner-centric approach. To implement it, active and innovative learning strategies are being introduced. A flipped classroom (FC) is one such teaching method in which learners are provided learning materials before class with active discussion during teaching sessions. This promotes critical thinking, better retention, and future clinical applicability. This study aimed to compare FC and traditional teaching methods for first-phase medical learners for the anatomy curriculum. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of FC viz-a viz traditional lecture method for certain topics of clinical relevance from the anatomy curriculum and assess students' perception of the FC method.  Methodology The study was conducted on 96 phase-one medical learners after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. After obtaining informed consent, a simple random sampling method was used to group the students into two groups. For the same topic, one group was taught with the FC method, while the other group was taught using the didactic lecture (DL) method. A crossover was done for another topic. Students were assessed by pre- and post-tests. Students' perceptions' were recorded by a pre-validated questionnaire quantified on a Likert scale. Results The difference in posttest scores for the topics taught between the two groups was found to be statistically significant. Perception regarding various aspects of the FC method was affirmative. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that FC is advantageous for students. It improves learner engagement and performance, and students' perception of the method was positive. Effective execution of this method requires detailed planning, constant motivation, and consistent efforts. Therefore, this method should be used more often for the benefit of students.

Maternal exposure to low-dose bisphenol A and its potential neurotoxic impact on male pups: A histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study.

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used chemical with a harmful effect on animal and human. The neonatal and juvenile period is a highly risky neurodevelopmental period. AIM: This study aimed to determine how male albino rat pups' cerebral cortex was altered by low doses of BPA given to mothers and the role of the oxidative stress. METHODS: Thirty pregnant rats were randomly split into three equal groups, negative control, and positive control: received 1 cc of corn oil once a day through gastric tube and BPA treated: a dose of 200 µg/kg/day (dissolved in 1 cc corn oil). The male rat pups of each group were sacrificed at 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks. The cerebra were then separated from the brain for histological and biochemical studies. RESULTS: Rats administered BPA had raised levels of lipid peroxidation marker (MDA), lower levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD and CAT) with decreased body, cerebral weights, and decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidant defense (GSH). Histo-pathologically, shrunken pyramidal cells with congested blood vessels appeared. GFAP displayed increased number of positive immune-reactive astrocytes with high statistically significant increase in the area % in BPA treated group when compared to the control groups, on contrary to MBP. Semi-thin and ultra-thin BPA-sections revealed degenerative changes in myelinated axons with tiny nucleus and broken nuclear membranes. Lysosomes, dilated endoplasmic reticulum cisternae with noticeable increase in unmyelinated nerve fibers were also observed. CONCLUSION: The structure of the developing cerebral cortex is negatively impacted by BPA due to oxidative stress.

The Importance of Topographical Recognition of Pulmonary Arteries in Diagnostics and Treatment of CTEPH, Based on an Analysis of a Dissected Case Model-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the anatomy of pulmonary arteries is essential in many invasive procedures concerning pulmonary circulation. In the diagnosis and treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), two-dimensional (2D) pulmonary angiography is used. Recognizing the topographic course of the pulmonary arteries and understanding the status in three dimensions (3D) is paramount. This study aimed to evaluate and describe the branching variant of pulmonary arteries in a single case, as well as morphological parameters of the segmental arteries, like length, diameter and branching angles. METHODS: One pair of embalmed human cadaver lungs was dissected by a scalpel and surgical forceps and was measured up to the subsegmental arteries. RESULTS: The diameters (ranging from 3.04 to 9.29 mm) and lengths (ranging from 9.09 to 53.91 mm) of the pulmonary segmental arteries varied. The proximal branching angles were wide and close to perpendicular, while distally, the angles between the segmental and subsegmental arteries were narrower (30-45°). Upon evaluating the branching, rare variations were identified and delineated, notably in the lower lobes of both lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing knowledge and data in clinical settings is instrumental for effectively diagnosing and treating CTEPH. Further research is required to explore the complications in invasive procedures related to various anatomical variations.

Transvenous embolization of cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas: A comprehensive technical video guide.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistulas necessitate a comprehensive understanding of spinal venous anatomy for successful embolization.1 This video details the essential technical and anatomical nuances of CSF-venous fistula embolization at various spinal levels, including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Precise microcatheter navigation, guided by a detailed understanding of spinal venous anatomy, is crucial for reaching the fistula site and successful treatment. Embolization typically focuses on the foraminal vein, paraspinal vein, and lateral epidural plexus, aiming to create a comprehensive liquid embolic plug.2 As experience with this procedure grows, continued refinement of techniques and exploration of optimal access routes will further enhance success rates.

Tribulus (Zygophyllaceae) as a case study for the evolution of C2 and C4 photosynthesis.

C2 photosynthesis is a photosynthetic pathway in which photorespiratory CO2 release and refixation are enhanced in leaf bundle sheath (BS) tissues. The evolution of C2 photosynthesis has been hypothesized to be a major step in the origin of C4 photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of studying C2 evolution. In this study, physiological, anatomical, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical properties of leaf photosynthetic tissues were investigated in six non-C4 Tribulus species and four C4 Tribulus species. At 42°C, T. cristatus exhibited a photosynthetic CO2 compensation point in the absence of respiration (C*) of 21 µmol mol-1, below the C3 mean C* of 73 µmol mol-1. Tribulus astrocarpus had a C* value at 42°C of 55 µmol mol-1, intermediate between the C3 species and the C2 T. cristatus. Glycine decarboxylase (GDC) allocation to BS tissues was associated with lower C*. Tribulus cristatus and T. astrocarpus allocated 86% and 30% of their GDC to the BS tissues, respectively, well above the C3 mean of 11%. Tribulus astrocarpus thus exhibits a weaker C2 (termed sub-C2) phenotype. Increased allocation of mitochondria to the BS and decreased length-to-width ratios of BS cells, were present in non-C4 species, indicating a potential role in C2 and C4 evolution.

[Fostering young talents for surgery : Laparoscopy in preclinical education-Too early or exactly right?] / Nachwuchsförderung in der Chirurgie : Laparoskopie in der Vorklinik ­ zu früh oder genau richtig?

BACKGROUND: Due to the declining interest among medical students in pursuing a surgical career, the impact of demographic changes and the technical challenges, there is an increasing need to attract medical students to the surgical profession. Against this backdrop, a teaching project was developed to familiarize medical students with minimally invasive surgical techniques early in the preclinical education, thereby increasing the interest in surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of the regular anatomical dissection course the following modules on laparoscopic surgery were integrated: (1) clinical lecture on the technique and application of laparoscopy, (2) exploratory live laparoscopy on a body donor and (3) practical exercises on laparoscopic trainers. The impact of this teaching project on the interest in a surgical career and on the clinical anatomical understanding was evaluated among 295 participating medical students. RESULTS: The evaluation revealed a pronounced gender-independent interest in learning surgical skills early in the preclinical study phase. The teaching project led to a significantly increased interest in pursuing a surgical career. Moreover, the incorporation of laparoscopic teaching modules into the preclinical anatomy course enhanced the learning motivation and understanding of clinically relevant topographic anatomy. CONCLUSION: The integration of practical surgical content into preclinical anatomical education can increase the attractiveness of surgical disciplines and simultaneously optimize teaching of anatomy. Longitudinal studies are required to examine the sustainability of these clinical teaching modules in career decisions of medical students.

Gaze cueing improves pattern recognition of histology learners.

Experts perceive and evaluate domain-specific visual information with high accuracy. In doing so, they exhibit eye movements referred to as "expert gaze" to rapidly focus on task-relevant areas. Using eye tracking, it is possible to record these implicit gaze patterns and present them to histology novice learners during training. This article presents a comprehensive evaluation of such expert gaze cueing on pattern recognition of medical students in histology. For this purpose, 53 students were randomized into two groups over eight histology sessions. The control group was presented with an instructional histology video featuring voice commentary. The gaze cueing group was presented the same video, but with an additional overlay of a live recording of the expert's eye movements. Afterward, students' pattern recognition was assessed through 20 image-based tasks (5 retention, 15 transfer) and their cognitive load with the Paas scale. Results showed that gaze cueing significantly outperformed the control group (p = 0.007; d = 0.40). This effect was evident for both, retention (p = 0.003) and transfer tasks (p = 0.046), and generalized across different histological contexts. The cognitive load was similar in both groups. In conclusion, gaze cueing helps histology novice learners to develop their pattern recognition skills, offering a promising method for histology education. Histology educators could benefit from this instructional strategy to provide new forms of attentional guidance to learners in visually complex learning environments.

Applying 3D surface scanning technology to create photorealistic three-dimensional printed replicas of human anatomy.

Aim: To describe advances in 3D data capture and printing that allow photorealistic replicas of human anatomical specimens for education and research, and discuss advantages of current generation printing for replica design and manufacture. Materials & methods: We combine surface scanning and computerized tomography datasets that maximize precise color and geometric capture with ultra violet (UV) curable resin printing to replicate human anatomical specimens. Results: We describe the process for color control, print design and translation of photorealistic 3D meshes into 3D prints in durable resins. Conclusion: Current technologies allow previously unachievable ability to capture and reproduce anatomical specimens, and provide a platform for a new generation of 3D printed teaching materials to be designed and used in anatomy education environments.

The teaching of human anatomy has undergone significant change in the last 30­40 years, especially in respect to the technologies available to augment or replace traditional teaching using dissection of human bodies. This has included plastic models, software teaching packages, digital visualization tables and virtual/augmented reality. Our group initially developed a range of 3D printed replicas (Series 1) of human anatomy dissections. Our method involved computed tomography scanning a dissected specimen to capture the geometry and then digitally coloring the model with a standardized color palette to 'false color' the resulting 3D prints (e.g., yellow for nerves and red for arteries). This present report details how advances in full-color, high-resolution surface scanning can create a true colored photorealistic model of preserved human anatomical specimens. When these surface scanned models are 3D printed with the current generation of UV curable resin-based printers, it is possible to achieve photographic quality replicas comparable to the original anatomy specimens. This new generation of 3D printed replicas resembling traditional anatomy specimens (Series 1.1), while simultaneously still allowing color augmentation to further enhance their educational value. These replicas have an advantage over plastinated cadaver specimens as they can be utilized in any teaching environment such as peripheral or rural medical school locations, teaching hospitals and clinical environments.

The arterial blood supply of the ovaries: a comprehensive review.

The ovaries, resembling almonds in shape and size, are vital organs that serve as the female gonads where oocytes, or female gametes, undergo development and where various reproductive hormones are produced. The ovaries receive their arterial blood supply predominately from the ovarian artery but also from the ascending branches of the uterine artery. The arterial anatomy of the ovaries is highly significant in any gynecological surgical procedure, as hemorrhagic complications may be fatal. Therefore, the main objective of the present review is to comprehensively describe the complete anatomy of the arterial blood supply of the ovaries. The arterial blood supply to the ovaries is facilitated by a complex network of arteries, frequently characterized by diverse anastomoses. Notably, the ovarian artery and uterine artery exhibit significant variability, presenting challenges for physicians performing gynecological and endovascular procedures. This study showcased comprehensive and detailed insights into the arterial blood supply of the ovaries, serving as a valuable resource for practitioners navigating the complexities of these procedures. By offering clear and detailed information, the present study aimed to enhance the effectiveness and safety of medical interventions involving the ovaries.