With rising numbers of unidentified bodies in South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) requires effective skeletal identification techniques. While the skull and pelvis are highly dimorphic, taphonomic fragmentation often renders them unavailable at forensic scenes. The sacrum is frequently well-preserved and exhibits population specific sexual dimorphism. This study aimed to evaluate the dimensions and three-dimensional (3D) shape of the ventral sacrum in a contemporary South African sample. Retrospective Computer Tomography (CT) scans of 51 black South African adults (26 females, 25 males) were obtained from Steve Biko Academic hospital. Utilising MeVisLab © (v.3.0.2), the sacra were isolated via threshold-based segmentation, and 3D landmarks were placed on the ventral sacral surface. Linear dimensions were calculated and evaluated using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis (DFA), while shape variations were assessed using a multivariate analysis and a two-group permutation test. Black South African males exhibited a significantly greater sacral height than females (p=0.004). The permutation test confirmed significant sex-based variation in overall ventral sacral shape (p= 0.005). DFA models predicted sex with a moderate 72.55% accuracy based on linear dimensions, but achieved an exceptional 94.12% accuracy utilising 3D shape coordinates. ROC analysis substantiated the predictive value of the ventral linear metrics (AUC = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60 – 0.85; p = 0.004) for sacral height, yielding an optimal cut-off value of 103.41 mm (Sensitivity: 76 %, Specificity: 65.38 %). Sexual dimorphism significantly influences both the metrics and morphology of the ventral sacrum of black South Africans. Due to these distinct variations, the ventral sacral surface, particularly its 3D shape, provides a highly reliable alternative for accurate forensic sex estimation.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is considered one of the metabolic conditions which may lead to degeneration of the central nervous system. The blood brain barrier (BBB) is recently recognized as a target that might be compromised in T2D. The pericyte and tight junction proteins, are major components of the BBB, that might be affected by diabetes. This may result in hyperpermeability of the BBB to toxic or hazardous substances, and this might affect its integrity. The current study addresses the effect of T2D on the BBB dysfunction and the role of caffeine to improve this condition. A rat model of T2D was used by feeding the rats with high calorie diet and injecting them with a single lower dose of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were given caffeine orally for 5 weeks. At the end of the experiment (8 weeks), the rats were sacrificed, and their brains were processed for general histology and immunohistochemistry. The following markers were used: α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), occludin (tight junction protein) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). There were degenerative changes in the cytoarchitecture of the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry revealed decrease in immunostaining of α-SMA and occludin and increase in TGF-β1 immunostaining, in diabetic rats. Caffeine intake resulted in improvement of the degenerative changes and reversal of the expression of the immunohistochemical markers. This study investigated the structural changes of the BBB in T2D, manifested by disruption of pericytes and tight junctions, with improvement of these findings after administration of caffeine.
During routine cadaveric dissection for undergraduate medical students, a variant of the great saphenous vein (GSV) was revealed. Its peculiarity resides in the relationship with the deep aponeurotic fascia in the thigh (i.e. fascia lata). Particularly, the GSV duplicated in two vessels at knee level: a “superficial” vein ran in the saphenous compartment (between superficial and deep aponeurotic fasciae), while the other deepened below the fascia lata. Given the clinical importance of the GSV and its frequent anatomical variations, this case report gave us the cue for reviewing the normal anatomy of GSV and for a critical revision of the nomenclature of its anatomical variations. GSV variants can be divided into two main patterns: i) the presence of a parallel accessory vein, and ii) vein duplication. The main features to distinguish these two variations reside in the caliber of the vein and its position with respect to the saphenous compartment. When compared to variants reported in scientific literature, our case seemed not to completely fit neither with the definition of a duplicated vessel or of an accessory vein. Remarkably, the presence of GSV variant may have key clinical implications. In particular, the relationship with fascial layers could influence the development of vein dilation and varicosity. Therefore, the understanding of GSV anatomy and its accurate study by ultrasound seem to be essential to support clinical and surgical practices relating to the superficial venous drainage of the lower limb.
Anatomical variations in pulmonary circulation, especially in the number and drainage patterns of pulmonary veins, have significant clinical implications. The typical anatomy includes four pulmonary veins, which transport oxygenated blood to the left atrium through distinct ostia. However, variations have been reported in up to 36% of cases, a discovery facilitated by advances in imaging and cadaveric dissection. This study presents the anatomical findings of supernumerary pulmonary veins observed during routine thoracic dissection of a 75-year-old female cadaver. The implications of such variations are critical in cardiothoracic and pulmonary surgery, where unrecognized anatomical differences may lead to complications, including intraoperative bleeding and incomplete resections. Knowledge of these variations is also pivotal to radiological interpretation, as misinterpretation can lead to diagnostic errors. This study emphasizes the need for clinicians to be aware of pulmonary venous variability to enhance surgical planning, reduce procedural risks, and improve patient outcomes.
Professional musicians often develop playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) from prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, and chronic biomechanical overload. However, the link between instrumental practice, postural awareness, and sensorimotor control lacks objective, multidimensional investigation. This preliminary study explored these relationships in 28 professional orchestral musicians divided into wind, bowed, and string instrument groups. Participants completed a structured questionnaire investigating musical practice habits, musculoskeletal symptoms, and postural awareness through the validated Postural Awareness Scale (PAS). Functional assessment included flexibility and core endurance tests, while sensorimotor control was quantitatively assessed, for the first time in this target, using the Libra biofeedback-based proprioceptive system. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort were found to be highly prevalent across all groups, mainly involving the shoulder and spinal anatomical districts. Bowed instrument players showed significantly lower PAS scores than the other groups, suggesting reduced postural awareness associated with sustained asymmetric playing positions. Libra assessments revealed generally poor postural stability, particularly during eyes-closed conditions, indicating increased reliance on visual input for balance regulation and possible proprioceptive deficits. Functional tests also highlighted suboptimal core endurance and flexibility throughout the sample. Overall, findings support the hypothesis that PRMDs result from a complex interaction between cumulative biomechanical overload, reduced postural awareness, and altered sensorimotor control. In this context, specialized kinesiologists might play a pivotal role in prevention and management through tailored proprioceptive training, postural re-education, and adapted conditioning programs integrated into routine musical practice, thereby promoting long-term health, functional efficiency, and performance sustainability in this target population.
A solid knowledge of neuroanatomy is essential given the rapidly increasing use of neuroimaging in clinical practice. As a result, developing innovative and engaging methods to support students throughout the learning process has become a central topic of interest. Implementing digital tools and interactive approaches represents an elegant and promising solution. At our University, the international degree program in Medicine and Surgery (IMS)—taught entirely in English and welcoming students from all over the world—was established in the 2017–2018 academic year. IMS follows a specific framework for teaching human anatomy: during the first year, students attend a course entitled Fundamentals of Human Morphology, which provides the foundational knowledge needed for their training. In subsequent years, anatomy is revisited through the so‑called vertical tracks, in which it is presented from a clinically oriented perspective. Moreover, the number of IMS students is smaller than in the Italian course (n < 50), making IMS an ideal environment in which to introduce and implement innovative strategies relying heavily on virtual dissections, gamification, and flipped‑classroom approaches in a pilot and feasibility phase. In this paper, we describe the implementation of the advanced neuroanatomy course, designed to achieve a seamless integration of frontal lectures and interactive teaching methods. Survey results from 30 voluntary participants demonstrated high satisfaction, with median scores of 9.5/10 for the use of the virtual dissection table compared to textbooks, and 10/10 for the gamification tournament. Knowledge retention improved from a mean baseline score of 64% correct answers in the pre-test to over 85% of students answering all questions correctly in the post-test, confirming the feasibility and potential efficacy of this interactive curriculum.
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing cancer that leads to the accumulation of immature blasts in the bone marrow (BM). The BM niche, in particular mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), supports and protects AML cells, leading to resistance to treatment and relapses. AML blasts actively interact with mesenchymal MSCs, reshaping the niche and engaging in direct cytoplasmic exchange through tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs). Using cocultures of MOLM‑13 AML cells and MS‑5 stromal cells labelled with distinct vital dyes, we observed the rapid formation of TNTs‑like protrusions within the first hours of contact. Phalloidin staining confirmed their continuous F‑actin structure, consistent with canonical TNT morphology. Notably, TNT frequency increased following treatment, indicating that therapeutic stress enhances AML–MSC crosstalk. These findings show that AML establishes fast, dynamic physical interactions with MSCs and that TNT formation is further stimulated by treatment, highlighting TNT‑mediated crosstalk as a potential target to weaken stromal protection and improve therapeutic response.
Reports in the literature suggest that the variations in branching patterns of the upper limb arteries and their prevalence may be influenced by sex and population affinity. A comprehensive investigation of branching patterns of the brachial artery and its branches is lacking in South Africans, with many reports focusing on the axillary artery. Therefore the current study aimed to record the incidence of the variations of the brachial, radial and ulnar arteries in a sample of the South African population. One hundred and eighty (180) upper limbs of 90 South African cadavers from the Department of Anatomy at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University were dissected. Normal anatomy according to standard anatomy textbooks and variant branching patterns of the brachial, radial and ulnar arteries were identified and recorded. SPSS software was used to establish the differences in variant branching patterns between side and sex. Upper limb arterial variations appeared in all the dissected cadavers. The recorded variations ranged from abnormal origin of the deep brachial artery, high division of the brachial artery into the ulnar and radial arteries, tortuous brachial and radial arteries, and superficial course of radial and ulnar arteries. The prevalence of brachial, ulnar and radial artery variations in the current study is comparable to that of previous studies. However, the superficial radial artery is more prevalent in males than in females in South Africans. The results of the current study provide crucial information for planning surgical procedures and interpretation of angiograms.
Ferroptosis is a form of cellular death involved in the origin, progression, but also regulation of several human diseases. Its regulatory role in the gut-liver-brain axis (GLBA) has not been clarified. Therefore, we sought to summarize the possible correlations between ferroptosis and the GLBA. In this review, we first introduce the phenotype and the main mechanisms of this relatively newly described form of regulated cell death. Then, we analyse the anatomy of the GLBA, describing the connections between the gut and the liver, followed by the anatomical pathways from the gut to the brain and from the liver to the brain. After the morphological aspects, we summarize the main biological modulators of the GLBA, highlighting their physiological and pathological roles. In the end, we discuss in detail the regulatory role of ferroptosis on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress along GLBA, highlighting the key aspects that could be of significant clinical importance as future diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Background: The research takes inspiration from field trips at the Uffizi Gallery organized by the Department of Medicine of the University of Florence, in which professors encourage students to discuss medical aspects of artworks, and the participation of an art historian fosters interdisciplinary dialogue. Methods: The research started with the historical contextualisation and stylistic and iconographic analysis of the painting. Then, it dealt with the evaluation of Renaissance medical sources and the bibliography about the painting. Lastly, it compared the painting with contemporary texts and images. Results: The research evidenced that Pesellino meant to represent an anatomy lesson as it used to be carried out in Medieval universities, under the guise of a miracle of saint Anthony of Padua. Conclusions: The paper could contribute to the investigation of anatomical knowledge of artists and iconographic documentation of medical practice in the fifteenth century.
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders affecting intestinal tissues are common among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. GIT side effects of antidiabetic medication are a reason for an increase in use of antidiabetic herbal medicine, prompting research that uses 50mg/kg of streptozocin (STZ) to induce DM in animal experiments prior to testing safety and efficacy of the herbs over 21 days in most experiments. As DM is a progressive disease, it is not clear whether 21 days of DM is enough to induce intestinal tissue changes. We investigated effects of 50mg/kg STZ induced DM in intestines of male Sprague Dawley rats observed over 21 days. Intestinal tissues of 16 (control, n=8, STZ diabetic=8) rats stained with Masson’s Trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin were used. Villi height, width, number of goblet cells (GC), mucosa, submucosal collagen fibre (SCF) and muscularis externa (ME) were measured using ImageJ software in photomicrographs taken from slides with a microscope camera. Means were analysed using SPSS software. In DM animals, there was a significant increase in width of ileal villi (p < 0.001), reduction in number of GC in jejunum (p = 0.033) and ileum (p <0.001). SCF thickness increased in duodenum (p < 0.001), jejunum (p = 0.003), ileum (p = 0.005), and colon (p = 0.004). ME only increased in ileum (p = 0.004). 50mg/kg STZ DM induces significant changes across the intestines over 21 days, suggesting that this duration is effective for experimental modelling for future DM studies on the intestines.
Objectives: This review aims to present a developmental framework linking embryonic lineage with non-heritable cutaneous anomalies to improve diagnostic precision and educational approaches in dermatology. Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases covering the years 2000–2025. Keywords included “skin development,” “embryology,” “developmental checkpoint disorders,” and “non-genetic congenital disorders.” Data on morphogenesis, embryologic signaling pathways, and representative disorders were synthesized into a layer-based model. Results: Disorders such as self-healing collodion baby (periderm retention anomaly), pigmentary mosaicism (postzygotic melanocyte patterning defect), and focal dermal hypoplasia (connective tissue maldevelopment) reflect disruptions at specific morphogenetic checkpoints. Mapping these conditions to their embryonic origins revealed layer-specific vulnerability windows and facilitated differential diagnosis from inherited disorders. Understanding these embryologic principles supports earlier diagnosis, informed prenatal counseling, and structured integration into dermatology curricula. Advances in regenerative medicine, particularly stem cell–based strategies, highlight the translational potential of dermatoembryology in developing targeted therapies. Conclusion: A layer-oriented dermatoembryological perspective enhances recognition of developmental skin disorders, especially when genetic analyses are inconclusive. Incorporating embryologic concepts into clinical reasoning not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also fosters regenerative therapeutic innovations and enriches dermatology education.
Background. Nowadays, anatomy education use 3D digital models, which are particularly helpful when a cadaveric material is scarce or absent. Such models can be created using the photogrammetry, which consists of multiple digital photographs taken from various angles and then are used for constructing a virtual anatomical model. With the advance of novel smartphones and applications, a high-quality and easy-to-perform photogrammetry became user-friendly. Methods. In this study we assessed the feasibility and technique of creating 3D digital models of the fresh cadaver brains. For this purpose we applied the KIRI Engine application installed on the iPhone smartphone. With this method, five brains of recently deceased patients were scanned and 3D virtual models of these organs were created. Results. We did not encounter major problems with scanning of the brain with the above-described method. After completion of the scanning, models of the brain could be downloaded and either displayed as the virtual reality objects, or as isolated 3D objects. These virtual brains could be moved or rotated or enlarged in order to see details. Also, it was possible to transfer the file containing virtual model the scanned organ to another phone or computer, in order to be handled by another user. Conclusions. We found 3D scanning of the brains with the use of a smartphone application feasible and highly valuable from the educational perspective, especially considering visual appearance of 3D virtual models of the brains, which were very similar to the alive organs.
Around 1478-1480, the ‘Madonna of the Carnation’, also known as the ‘Madonna with Vase’, the ‘Madonna with Child’, or the ‘Virgin with Flower’, was produced. Using the program Paint X, we moved one detail (indicated by a bird-like shape drawn by Leonardo himself) ob Mary’s left breast and we obtained an image of an ox heart with its aortic arch. The image of the heart obtained by us is identical to the ox’s heart described by Leonardo in his anatomical drawing. Comparison reveals a striking resemblence to the heart configuration and arrangement of the branches of an aortic arch. Based on the fact that the heart is symbol of love, in this artwork Leonardo symbolically depicted a mother’s love for her son and at the same time he described the anatomy of the heart.
Visual impairment jeopardizes body kinematics and environmental interactions progressively leading to postural instability, coordinative deficits, and quality of life reduction. Although vision plays a key role in motor function, sensorimotor control mostly relies on proprioceptive inputs provided while dynamically interacting with gravity, and its efficiency is frequency dependent. Therefore, targeted proprioceptive training is necessary to counteract the disability-related deficits. The present preliminary study investigated the effects of an adapted proprioceptive intervention on sensorimotor control of blind adults aiming to improve postural stability, body awareness, coordination, and daily functionality. Twenty legally blind adults aged 18-60 voluntarily adhered to the study. Before and after taking part in the targeted 8-week proprioceptive training intervention, sensorimotor control was evaluated by Brief BESTest and a biofeedback-based device (Libra Easytech) able to adapt multimodal high-frequency stimulation to the specific needs of blind subjects. Psychological well-being and quality of life were also assessed using the 18-item Psychological Well-being and 12 item-Short Form questionnaires, respectively. Post-intervention evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement in ankle stability/mobility and orthostatic postural control/reactivity in micro and macro instability conditions. Our findings suggest that a targeted metamodal sensorimotor protocol conceived, led, and monitored by a specialized kinesiologist may effectively improve proprioceptive control in visually impaired individuals. The present research might also offer innovative methodological hints to apply in further studies aimed at boosting sensorimotor efficiency and daily functionality in this still under investigated population.
The middle cerebral artery is the largest and most intricate artery in the brain, making a thorough understanding of its anatomical variations and anomalies crucial. Despite its importance, considerable debate surrounds the classification of these variations, the existence of anomalies, and their prevalence. This study seeks to elucidate the prevalence of anatomical variations and anomalies in the middle cerebral artery and, as a secondary objective, to examine their correlation with clinically significant events, such as aneurysms. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using databases such as PubMed, Embase, BVS, and Cochrane. Relevant terms from MeSH, DeCS, and Emtree were used alongside the “Open Grey” platform. A meta-analysis was carried out to determine the overall prevalence of anomalies, along with a subgroup analysis based on the methods used for the inspection and detection of arterial anomalies. Results: The overall prevalence of anomalies was found to be 1.4%. Through subgroup analysis, studies utilizing colored material injection revealed an almost-7 fold higher prevalence of anomalies than imaging techniques studies, and this was statistically significant (3.9% vs 0.5%, p <0.01). Conclusion: Imaging techniques may not adequately detect all anatomical variations of the middle cerebral artery. Longitudinal observational studies are necessary for better understanding of our findings.
La TNA (edizione 2017) è una recente revisione della terminologia sul Sistema Nervoso Centrale (SNC; Systema nervosum centrale), il sistema nervoso periferico (PNS; Systema nervosum periphericum) e gli organi sensoriali (Organa sensuum) [1]. Questi sono stati estratti dalla Terminologia Anatomica [2] e dalla Terminologia Histologica [3] e sono stati ampiamente aggiornati dal FIPAT Neuroanatomy Working Group, e fusi per formare una Terminologia Neuroanatomica (TNA). Per via del suo significato clinico e funzionale, la TNA include la vascolarizzazione del SNC (Vasa sanguinea encephali e Vasa sanguinea medullae spinalis) per garantire che contenga un elenco più o meno completo di termini per il sistema nervoso umano. Il documento è diviso in tre capitoli (vedi sotto). I termini ufficiali FIPAT sono in latino. Ciò consente la traduzione in qualsiasi vernacolo, in questo caso l’italiano. I termini latini sono stati esaminati dai membri della sottocommissione latina FIPAT. È stata recentemente pubblicata anche una versione completamente online della TNA consultabile al seguente link: https://libraries.dal.ca/Fipat.html.
The therapeutic approaches of ampullary tumours can be both surgical and endoscopic. Surgical options include transduodenal surgical ampullectomy, first described by Halsted in 1899 and the more radical pancreaticoduodenectomy introduced by Whipple in 1935. The endoscopic ampullectomy (papillectomy) is globally recognized as the first-line procedure for benign lesions. If endoscopic resection is not feasible and safe, a surgical approach has to be considered. Surgical treatment guarantees complete removal of the lesion nevertheless, it is burdened with a mortality rate of about 3% and high morbidity (around 20–40%) even in high-volume centers. For this reason in selected cases, the local excision technique seems to be an effective and less invasive alternative to more extensive surgery (pancreaticoduodenectomy) with consequent advantages in terms of lower morbidity and mortality. A pre-operative planning in a multidisciplinary board is mandatory prior to the procedure. Given that it remains a challenging procedure that requires particular surgical experience and operative skills offering good results in terms of morbidity and mortality and should be in the armamentarium of every pancreatic surgeon. The aim of this short research article is to offer to the lecturer a comprehensive view about the transduodenal ampullectomy in the treatment of localized ampullary diseases.
Background: The corpus callosum (CC) is the largest white matter bundle in the brain, connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres. It plays a crucial role in integrating information and facilitating somatosensory, motor, and cognitive function. This study examined the anatomy of the CC using white matter dissection and explored a posterior callosotomy approach for treating drop attacks in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). LGS is a rare form of childhood-onset epilepsy, characterized by multiple seizure types, abnormal electroencephalograms, and progressive mental retardation. The authors proposed that fibers from the medial and posterior CC regions converge on the precentral gyrus, and dissection was performed to investigate this theory. Methods: This study employed the Klingler method to examine white matter fibers in four adult brains. Dissection involved removing the cortex from the superior frontal, precentral, and postcentral gyri, followed by the cingulate gyrus. Results: The CC is divided into five parts: the rostrum, genu, body, isthmus, and splenium. Each part has distinct anatomical relationships with the lateral ventricles and connects to different cortical regions Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with the evidence that the motor fibers of the brain traverse the posterior region of the corpus callosum, suggesting that selective posterior callosotomy may be a more effective treatment for refractory drop attacks in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
