PURPOSE:Tendinous muscle-bone interfaces (entheses) are well characterized histologically, but fleshy attachments, where skeletal muscle anchors to bone without a macroscopic tendon, remain poorly defined. This exploratory study described the histology of fleshy attachments, compared them directly with tendinous entheses processed identically, and tested whether a reproducible morphometric framework was feasible. METHODS:Muscle-bone blocks from seven sites were taken from six formalin-fixed elderly male donors, spanning tendon-to-prominence entheses (biceps brachii, tendocalcaneus), linear fleshy attachments (external intercostal, brachioradialis, external oblique) and broad fleshy attachments (infraspinatus, brachialis). One block per site was decalcified, sectioned at 8μm, stained with hematoxylin-eosin or Masson trichrome and examined by light microscopy. Qualitative zonal description was the primary aim; pilot automated morphometry was a feasibility exercise. RESULTS:Entheses showed the classical four-zone fibrocartilaginous gradient (dense tendon, uncalcified and calcified fibrocartilage, lamellar bone) separated by a serrated tidemark. Fleshy attachments showed a three-zone fibrous pattern (muscle, dense connective tissue, bone) without fibrocartilage; collagen bundles met bone at acute angles through Sharpey-fiber-like interdigitations, and the external oblique was mixed. Pilot morphometry showed cell/lacuna-like void density rising from cell-sparse entheses to cell-dense fleshy attachments. CONCLUSION:Across fibrocartilaginous entheses, fleshy fibrous attachments and transitional forms, the findings support a provisional three-pattern framework in which fleshy attachments transfer force through a specialized periosteal continuum rather than fibrocartilage. Given the small single-sex cohort and pilot morphometry, the results are hypothesis-generating and need confirmatory validation.
BACKGROUND:A thorough understanding of root canal anatomy is essential for achieving predictable endodontic outcomes, particularly in maxillary molars, which are anatomically complex. The presence of additional canals, especially in the mesiobuccal root, remains a frequent cause of missed anatomy and treatment failure. Despite the growing use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), population-specific data using contemporary classification systems remain limited. AIM:The present study aimed to assess the root and canal configurations of permanent maxillary molars in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using CBCT and the classification system of Ahmed et al. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective CBCT-based study evaluated 703 permanent maxillary molars from 206 patients in a Saudi Arabian subpopulation. Root and canal morphology were assessed using the Ahmed et al. classification system. The influence of tooth type, age, and gender on canal configuration was analysed using chi-square tests (P<0.05). RESULT:Three-rooted morphology was predominant, with the most common configuration being 3TN MB1 DB1 P1 (38.83%). Configurations involving a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2 and MB2-1) collectively accounted for more than 50% of all maxillary molars examined. Canal configuration was significantly associated with tooth type, age, and gender (P<0.001). Greater anatomical complexity was observed in maxillary first molars, younger individuals, and male patients. CONCLUSION:The predominant morphology of maxillary molars in this Saudi subpopulation was a three-rooted configuration, with considerable variation in the mesiobuccal canal system. Additional canals, particularly MB2 configurations, were frequently observed and should be carefully assessed during endodontic treatment. Tooth type, age, and gender were significantly associated with canal morphology. The Ahmed et al. classification system provided a comprehensive framework for describing these anatomical variations. Future studies should investigate the relationship between canal morphology and treatment outcomes and explore AI-assisted CBCT analysis for automated detection of complex canal anatomy.
BACKGROUND:Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) encompasses severe neurodevelopmental anomalies, however the impact of infection during early gestation - a critical window for neural tube closure - remains poorly understood. This study investigated some acute effects of Zika virus (ZIKV) inoculation during early gestation (gestational day 9, G9) on the hippocampus of neonate rats (postnatal day 1, PND1), focusing on volumetric changes and microglial morphology with emphasis on sex-specific differences. METHODS:Pregnant Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with ZIKV (1×106 PFU) or vehicle control, and offspring brains were analyzed using stereology for total encephalic, hippocampal, and dentate gyrus (DG) volumes, alongside immunofluorescence for IBA1-positive microglia in CA1, CA3, and DG subregions. RESULTS:Results revealed sexually dimorphic impact: male pup rats had hippocampal atrophy without affecting DG or total brain volume, accompanied by microglial simplification (reduced branches, junctions, and endpoints) in CA1 and CA3, indicative of neuroinflammation. In contrast, females showed no volumetric or morphological alterations. CONCLUSIONS:These findings highlight male vulnerability to ZIKV-induced early neurodevelopmental damage, underscoring sex as a key variable in Congenital Zika Syndrome pathogenesis and suggesting protective mechanisms in females, such as modulated microglial responses.
OBJECTIVE:Burns are preventable injuries that can arise from a variety of noxious stimuli, primarily thermal. One of the natural medicinal extracts that have been utilized in pharmaceuticals is cinnamon essential oil, which is primarily made up of the aromatic compounds aldehyde and eugenol. It has many biological properties that are proven to be effective antimicrobials and antivirals. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cinnamon essential oil in treating burn wounds in rats through histological examination and using serum VEGF concentrations as an indicator of treatment outcomes. METHODS:A total number of 36 albino rats with a body weight of 300-350g and aging from 7 to 8months were divided into two main groups; each group was subdivided into three subgroups (6 rats in each) based on the healing period (5, 7, and 14days). A thermal burn induced with a sterile metal dental tool was placed against a shaved, disinfected area of the cheek for ten seconds with minimal pressure to create a skin burn; the experimental group was treated with a topical application of one drop of cinnamon oil. RESULTS:Histologically, this study shows the role of cinnamon oil in progression and a clear difference in the stages of the healing process for the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, the ELISA test indicated that there is a peak in VEGF levels at 5days, which then starts to decline with a highly significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:Cinnamon oil accelerates wound healing by upregulating VEGF expression and increasing re-epithelialization and granulation tissues with collagen fiber synthesis and cell multiplication ratio.
PURPOSE:To describe the morphological variability of the pectinate muscles (PM) and crista terminalis (CT) in the right atrium, to evaluate the presence of a taenia sagittalis (TS), and to propose a simplified anatomical classification. METHODS:Forty-five adult human hearts without major macroscopic abnormalities were dissected following a standardized protocol exposing the CT and PM. Each specimen was documented with high-resolution photographs and independently analyzed by two cardiac surgeons. The orientation of muscular fibers, the presence and number of TS, and the degree of cross-over between bundles were recorded. RESULTS:The CT was identified in all specimens. Three morphological patterns of PM organization were distinguished: type I (parallel fibers without TS), type II (parallel fibers with one or more TS), and type III (disorganized fibers with multiple cross-overs). Their respective frequencies were 33.3%, 46.7%, and 20.0%. A single TS was the most frequent configuration. CONCLUSIONS:The PM of the right atrium show marked anatomical variability. The proposed three-type classification provides a simplified and reproducible framework for describing their organization. Beyond anatomical description, it may offer practical relevance for imaging interpretation, electrophysiological procedures, and open cardiac surgery, while providing a basis for future studies exploring the relationship between right atrial architecture and atrial arrhythmogenesis.
Thoracolumbar spinal cord perfusion depends on a discontinuous and highly variable pattern of segmental arterial reinforcement, particularly through anterior radiculomedullary arteries such as the artery of Adamkiewicz. Although the artery of Adamkiewicz is classically regarded as the principal anterior radiculomedullary contributor to the lower thoracic cord and lumbosacral enlargement, ischemic risk during thoracolumbar surgery cannot be explained by single-vessel anatomy alone. Rather, spinal cord perfusion is maintained through an integrated collateral network in which vulnerability is shaped by the number, distribution, laterality, and timing of segmental arterial interruption. This narrative review synthesizes the clinical anatomy of thoracolumbar radiculomedullary and radiculopial arteries and their relevance to surgical risk. We also examine the collateral network concept, the limitations of the single-artery paradigm, and the role of preoperative vascular localization using computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. Particular attention is given to high-risk surgical scenarios, including anterior or lateral thoracolumbar approaches, multilevel segmental artery ligation, corpectomy, deformity correction, and oncologic resection. By translating anatomical variability into practical surgical risk zones, this review provides a clinically oriented framework for preoperative planning, approach selection, and intraoperative vascular management in thoracolumbar spine surgery.
The effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) in anatomy and histology education remains variable across literature, suggesting strong dependence on pedagogical context, learner characteristics, and conditions of use. ARanatomy was developed as a mobile AR-learning environment to support spatial understanding of anatomical structures across multiple levels of organization, from macroscopic to histological, and required contextualized evaluation under authentic curricular conditions. This multicentric study involved 2,031 students across five cohorts from three institutions across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Three successive versions of the application were deployed, differing in ergonomic maturity and level of usage instrumentation. Collected data included student perceptions (WBLT framework), motivation (Self-Determination Theory), objective usage traces, and performance outcomes when available. Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses were conducted, and usage profiles were identified using K-means clustering (k=3). Perceptions of learning and design varied markedly across cohorts. Engagement differences between users and non-users were limited. Instrumented analyses showed that intensive and diversified use was associated with higher visuospatial performance, whereas no effect was observed on immediate disciplinary performance. Usage intensity correlated positively with intrinsic motivation and positive emotions and negatively with amotivation. These findings indicate that the educational value of ARanatomy depends primarily on its pedagogical integration, ergonomic maturity, and depth of use. AR was associated with higher visuospatial performance than with short-term academic performance, although no causal relationship could be established. Taking together, these results highlight the importance of analytics-informed and pedagogically aligned implementation in anatomy education.
Certain bone lesions originate from metastases caused by specific types of cancer. Prostate cancer is a malignant neoplasm whose metastases are typically osteoblastic lesions, often resembling a “sunburst” pattern. The study of human skeletal remains, particularly in forensic contexts, can reveal fundamental aspects, such as the probable cause of death. The objective of this study was to analyze and identify individualizing characteristics, specifically osteoblastic lesions, in skeletons from the osteological collection of the Forensic Anthropology and Osteology Laboratory (LAOF) at the Federal University of Pernambuco. The study was conducted at the LAOF, where two skeletons, whose cause of death was prostate cancer, were selected. The lesions present in the skeletons were meticulously analyzed, mapping the main focus points of these lesions. In the first skeleton, aged 55 at death, macroporosities predominated in the femur, fibulae, tibiae, and some ribs. Although a transfixing foramen was observed in the frontal bone and coronal suture, few cranial lesions were found compared to the rest of the skeleton, suggesting a delayed metastasis to this area. The sternum was one of the most affected bones, with lesions clearly evident across its surface. Macro-osteoblastic lesions were prominent in the vertebrae, especially in the thoracic region. The ribs were completely affected by both macro and microlesions, with some showing increased shaft diameter. In the second skeleton, aged 76 at death, lesions were observed in the skull, facial bones, and mandible. Microlesions were present in long bones, vertebrae, and ribs. The left femur showed a microlesion on the articular surface of the distal epiphysis, indicating atypical lesion behavior. Both skeletons presented osteoblastic lesions with a sunburst appearance, mainly in the axial skeleton bones. The axial skeleton was clearly the most affected region in both skeletons, with macroporosities being more frequent and the most prominent osteoblastic lesions occurring in the pelvis, ribs, and vertebrae. These findings are important for forensic professionals, providing greater understanding of the differentiation of bone lesion types and their associations with preexisting diseases.
Introduction In practical anatomical examinations, Spotters are used for real-time assessment. This method involves predissected specimens with structures pinned or tied. While it is suitable for small groups, it is challenging for large groups. To address this, we propose using “Technology-Enhanced Anatomy Spotters”, i.e., “Image-Based Spotters”, for formative assessments. Objectives To explore students’ and faculty’ perceptions of the “Technology-Enhanced Anatomy Spotters” approach and identify challenges in its conduct. Methods An image-based spotter session was organized for 250 first-year medical undergraduate students. The session involved the use of images of dissected specimens, histology slides, embryological models, and radiographic films. The PowerPoint presentation was prepared with one question per slide, with timed slide transitions. The response sheets were provided online via Microsoft Forms. The students’ and faculty members’ feedback was collected through a semistructured questionnaire and analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Qualitative data were analysed across three domains: session usefulness, difficulties/challenges encountered, and potential for further improvement. Results A high level of satisfaction was observed, with 79% of the students and 77% of the faculty reporting that the ‘Image-based Spotters’ were conducted smoothly. However, only 16% of the students perceived it as a viable alternative to traditional real-time spotters. All faculty members (100%) reported evaluating online response sheets easier than hard copy submissions. Conclusion The use of “image-based spotters” for assessing practical anatomy was well received by students and could prove to be a potentially useful method for formative assessments in practical anatomy for large groups. Furthermore, it can be of great use in instances of distant education and pandemic situations. However, careful consideration of technical issues such as virtual hindrances and logistics is necessary.
BACKGROUND:Age estimation is vital in forensic odontology, with exfoliative cytology and cytomorphometry emerging as promising non-invasive techniques. This study evaluates the accuracy of cytomorphometric parameters like nuclear perimeter (NP), cell perimeter (CP), and NP:CP ratio, in estimating age and gender across various age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study involved 120 participants (60 males and 60 females) divided into six age groups (10-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, ≥61 years). Exfoliative cytology was performed to collect buccal mucosal cells, stained with Papanicolaou stain and analyzed for NP, CP, and NP:CP ratio in 50 cells per smear at 400×magnification. Statistical analysis was conducted. RESULTS:A significant decline in mean NP and CP values was observed with increasing age, while NP:CP ratio showed a slight increase in those aged ≥61 years. On intergroup comparisons, notable differences were seen between juvenile/early adulthood and middle/older adulthood groups. Regression analysis showed CP had the highest age prediction accuracy (31.7%), with a combined model improving accuracy to only 35.8%. Logistic regression using NP and CP achieved 90% predictive accuracy in distinguishing juvenile from older adulthood, with CP as the primary predictor. No significant gender differences were found, except for NCR, which was higher in females. CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates that the cytomorphometric evaluation (NP, CP, NP:CP ratio) of exfoliated buccal mucosal cells is not a potent tool for age estimation due to its moderate predictive accuracy. While it excels in distinguishing between distinctly separated age groups, its precision falters in closely adjacent groups, rendering it of limited forensic relevance.
Dental hard tissues have a unique property to retain traces in susceptible conditions, making them valuable for forensic investigation due to their resistance to physical, chemical, and biological degradation. This three-fold study explored the potential of analysing dental tissues for the detection of substances and trace elements, including a scoping review on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science; a global JISC e-survey sent to relevant professionals; and the development of 3D digital models. Three-quarters of the scientific publications that met the criteria were experimental and used molars and premolars. Studies focused mainly on drug detection using gas or liquid chromatography, combined with mass spectrometry. Experiments using acids were more popularly studied, followed by morphine, codeine, and cocaine, but only half included visual representation. A total of 160 respondents from 37 countries shared information on substance-related dental alterations; only 35.6% had formal education on substance-related dental changes, 14.4% felt confident handling such cases, and 8.1% correctly identified all five conditions in image-based survey questions. Images of generalised fluorosis and tobacco stains were more correctly identified than methamphetamine. Three 3D models (licit drugs, illicit drugs, chemicals/elements) were developed using Blender 3D, ZBrush, and Adobe Substance Painter and are accessible via the Sketchfab 3D viewer and a dedicated website for education and consultancy. These findings highlight limited familiarity and training among professionals in recognising substance-induced dental changes, alongside poor access to visual and educational resources, particularly on illicit drugs. The 3D digital models have been created to address this gap, enhance awareness and support forensic practitioners in interpreting substance-related dental evidence in casework.
The Romero Dental Modification System offers a standardised framework for classifying intentional dental modifications, with its theoretical and classificatory structure derived largely from Mesoamerican archaeological contexts. This study evaluated visual representations of the Romero dental modification system (1970) and proposed an updated contemporary illustration approach in the form of 3D digital models. Twenty-three studies applying the Romero classification system were reviewed. Modification types, frequency distributions, affected teeth, and visual documentation practices were extracted and synthesised. A total of 80 modification occurrences representing 35 distinct types (59.3% of the 59-type system) were identified. The class I contour modifications were most frequent (67.5%), followed by class II inlays (20.0%) and class III combined modifications (12.5%). Anatomically, modifications were strongly concentrated in anterior teeth, particularly upper incisors, with no molar modifications documented. Visual documentation practices were inconsistent: 26.1% of studies provided no imagery, and many relied on low-resolution or schematic representations, although recent studies increasingly used colour photography and combined imaging methods. This study provides the first comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) digital documentation of the Romero system (1970), with 67.8% coverage across all types and a complete representation of types A and E.
Intentional dental modifications are valuable tools in human identification and profiling, helping to determine the cultural, ethnic, or regional origins of human remains. In the Hindu-Balinese tradition, a tooth-filing ceremony called Metatah, involving the six maxillary anterior teeth, is known. This study aimed to explore its prevalence and discuss the potential use in the analysis of dentition for human identification and profiling. An anonymous eleven-question e-survey (Google Forms, 2025) was conducted among Balinese individuals, and responses were quantitatively analysed using Microsoft Excel (2025, version 16.97.2, USA). Of the 55 participants, 49 (89.1%) reported having undergone the ritual. Among them, 28 (50.9%) stated that filing was performed until the incisal edges were smooth and the canines were reshaped to reduce sharpness. The reported reasons for the ritual included the elimination of Sad Ripu, the six enemies of the mind (60%), and as a rite of passage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood (25%). In 30 cases (54.5%), the ritual was performed by a sangging, a traditional Balinese ritual specialist. Most participants described the experience as not painful, while 26.5% reported moderate pain. This study confirms that Metatah in Bali yields characteristic dental modifications relevant to human identification and profiling. Incorporating knowledge of such practices alongside physiological and pathological tooth wear of anterior teeth enhances the accuracy of dental and anthropological assessments.
BACKGROUND:The greater palatine groove (GPG), crest, and bridge show different forms; to avoid problems during dental implant and periodontal surgeries, it is important to know how they change their forms. It is the first time to be inspected in the Iraqi population. METHODS:Two hundred patients (100 males and 100 females), ranging from 18 to 86 years old, had their CBCT scans retrospectively analysed. The first (M6) and second molar (M7) areas were examined for the presence and frequency of GPGs, crests, and bridges. Using Chi-square and t-tests with a significance level of 0.05, the data was analysed using SPSS v23. RESULTS:The GPG was more often seen in the M7 area and in male cases. Three grooves were found, which had not been reported before. The M6 region mostly had flat grooves (93%), but the M7 region had shallow (35%) and deep (10%) grooves. Crests and bridges were also more common in males, with 6 M6 cases and 25 M7 cases showing bridges. CONCLUSION:The morphology of GPG exhibits significant anatomical variability. Acknowledgement of these variations is crucial to mitigate neurovascular injury risks during implant placement and local anaesthesia. This is the first time that these structures have been evaluated using CBCT in the Iraqi population. It provides dentists with useful information about their anatomy.
OBJECTIVES:To compare gestational-age estimation from pars basilaris maximal width (MW) and maximal length (ML) and from femur length (FL) measured on fetal CT, against first-trimester crown-rump length (CRL) as reference, in fetuses with isolated short femur; and to assess the frequency and correlates of "decoupling" (discordance between biometric growth and physiological maturation). MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed all fetal CT scans performed between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2023 in the public hospitals of Marseille for isolated short femur detected on antenatal ultrasonography. CT examinations were re-read, a standardized measurement protocol was defined, and intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were assessed. RESULTS:One hundred twenty-nine fetal CTs were included. Median maternal age was 30 years, and median gestational age at CT was 30 weeks. In decoupling situations, ML (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.3-31.1 weeks) and MW (95% CI, 29.3-31.0 weeks) dated gestation more accurately than FL (95% CI, 28.0-30.0 weeks). Pearson correlation coefficients with CRL-based gestational age were 0.867 for the mean of ML and MW, 0.856 for MW alone, and 0.851 for ML alone; FL showed the lowest correlation (0.798; all P<0.001). CONCLUSION:Pars basilaris-based dating (MW/ML) appears robust and clinically relevant in fetuses with isolated short femur, particularly when decoupling from FL is present.
INTRODUCTION:Piriformis syndrome remains underdiagnosed, particularly due to the anatomical complexity of the gluteal region. The aim of this study is to identify the anatomical variations most at risk for piriformis syndrome. METHODS:A systematic search was conducted in English in PubMed and Scopus between November 2024 and December 2025. The search covered various types of studies reporting extractable data on the anatomical aspects of piriformis syndrome. The selection process for this study was conducted by a single reviewer in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS:A total of 16 studies were selected. Data analysis showed that anatomical variations of types A, B, C, D, and F according to the Beaton and Anson classification appear to be the most common. However, only types C and D of this classification, as well as the morphological variant of type A of the piriformis muscle, were clearly identified as the etiology of piriformis syndrome. CONCLUSION:Anatomical variations of the piriformis muscle and its relationship with the sciatic nerve are not uncommon and must be taken into account in the etiology of piriformis syndrome. Incorporating this anatomical data into an algorithm could enable earlier diagnosis and optimised treatment.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer often added to restaurant foods, canned vegetables, soups, deli meats and other foods. The toxic effects of monosodium glutamate on the male reproductive system have been recognized. This study aimed to investigate the impact of in utero exposure to a high-dose of MSG on the testicular morphometry and physical findings of Wistar rat offspring exposed intra-uterine. Forty (40) adult pregnant Wistar rats (150-200g) were randomly selected and divided into four groups. Group 1 (control) received distilled water, while groups 2, 3 and 4 received 1g/kg, 2g/kg, 4g/kg as 1mL body weight of MSG orally throughout pregnancy respectively. The pups were examined at delivery and allowed to grow for 4 weeks. The animals were sacrificed on the 28th day after delivery. The testes were harvested and weighed. Histomorphometric analysis of the testis were carried out and the morphometric parameters: diameter of seminiferous tubules, cross-sectional area (A) of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium thickness, the numerical density, seminiferous tubule numerical density and seminiferous volume were measured using photomicrograph and image J software. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α 0.05. The MSG-treated groups compared to the control group had higher body weights and alteration in the morphology of the testicular tissue. There was also a decrease in the diameter of the seminiferous tubule of the testis with an increasing dose of MSG, a dose-dependent decrease in the cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the testis germinal epithelia of the testis. Maternal exposure to high doses of monosodium glutamate adversely affected testicular morphometry and exacerbated testicular tissue alterations.
A preliminary diagnosis of thrombocytopenia was made in a 79-year-old woman based on the results of a complete blood count. During the analysis of a peripheral blood film, platelet satellitism was noted. Platelet satellitism can result in pseudothrombocytopenia or a spurious neutrophil count in automated analyzers.
