Dissection Research Articles

Morphological Evidence for a Unique Neuromuscular Functional Unit of the Human Vocalis Muscle

Human vocalization is a complex process that is still only partially understood. Previous studies have suggested the possibility of a localized neuromuscular network of the larynx. Here we investigate this structure in human dissection specimens using multiple immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the area of the pars interna of the thyroarytenoid muscle, muscle fibers are present that are clearly differentiated from skeletal or cardiac muscle cells and show an intermediate ultrastructure. In addition, intramuscular neurons are present that are detectable by both electron and fluorescence microscopy and may have a sensory function in a local neuronal network. Also, several types of sensory and motor synapses are detectable and distributed throughout the pars interna of the thyroarytenoid muscle, with multisynaptic muscle fibers being a common feature. These findings suggest the existence of a previously unrecognized type of muscle fiber coupled to an intramuscular neuronal network, the presence of which could explain functional peculiarities at the laryngeal level.

From Anatomical Theatres to the Stage: Ferdinand and Dissection in the Duchess of Malfi

Unlike our 21st-century approaches to the disciplines, science and art were inextricably intertwined during the Early Modern Period. Innovations in scientific knowledge were both propagated and critiqued through various literary forms. Operating within the intersection of science and literature, this essay examines John Webster’s 17th-century play, The Duchess of Malfi, as a vehicle for critiquing contemporary anatomical dissections. Building upon Daisy Murray’s Twins in Early Modern English Drama and Shakespeare, and Albert H. Tricomi’s “The Severed Hand in Webster’s Duchess of Malfi,” this essay highlights the ways in which Webster engages with the anatomical dissections of his time. “From Anatomical Theatres to the Stage” begins with an overview of the history of European anatomical theatres and moves into an analysis of twinship as a dissection at birth and its implications for the early modern reader. Then, it considers Ferdinand’s association to witchcraft and his embodiment of the early modern surgeon as a means to showcase the immoral nature of the performance of human dissection. Beyond its demonstration of Webster’s engagement with his contemporary science, this essay ultimately illustrates the inseparability of art and science.

Anatomage virtual dissection versus traditional human body dissection in anatomy pedagogy: insights from Ghanaian medical students

BackgroundAlthough traditional human body dissection has been the mainstay method for gross anatomy pedagogy, the popularity of virtual teaching methods has increased in recent years. The Anatomage table offers a life-size digital representation of the human body and allows visualization, manipulation, and virtual dissection. This study investigated the perception of medical students towards virtual dissection vis-à-vis traditional dissection in anatomy pedagogy.MethodsThe cross-sectional survey included medical students at the University of Ghana who completed an internet-based questionnaire administered using Google® Forms. The questionnaire comprised 20 close-ended questions that solicited information on demographics, experience with traditional human body dissection and virtual dissection, and perception of virtual dissection. Data was summarized as frequencies and percentages with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsOf the 297 participants, 295 [99.4% (95% CI = 97.3–99.9)] participated in human body dissection from which 93.2% had a positive and 6.8% had poor experiences. Whereas 223 [75.1% (95% CI = 69.7–79.8)] of the participants would participate in dissection again given the opportunity, 74 [24.9% (95% CI = 20.2–30.3)] were unwilling. Of 297 participants, 205 [69.0% (95% CI = 69.7–74.2)] had used Anatomage table, while 92 [31.0% (95% CI = 25.8–36.6)] had not. About 68% (95% CI = 60.8–74.0) of the 205 agreed with the relative ease of operation and use of the Anatomage table compared to traditional human body dissection while 9.4% disagreed. Inadequate operational skills [51% (95% CI = 48.9–53.4)] and limited accessibility [39% (95% CI = 35.2–42.3)] were limitations to Anatomage use. 66.8% (95% CI = 59.9–73.1) of participants agreed virtual dissection had a positive influence on learning anatomy while 6.6% disagreed. Of the 205, 87.9% (95% CI = 82.3–91.8) discouraged virtual anatomy dissection completely replacing traditional human body dissection.ConclusionVirtual dissection is an effective supplement to traditional body dissection but not a replacement. Its use alongside traditional methods improves anatomy learning. Integrating technology into anatomy education will enhance student engagement and learning.

Anatomical and Developmental Abnormalities of Ureters and Renal Pelvis Existing with Accessory Renal Arteries: Cadaveric Study.

Anatomical and developmental variations of ureters and renal pelvis have been observed frequently during routine human cadaveric dissection and surgical practice; however, their coexistence with accessory or aberrant renal arteries is exceptionally rare. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of anatomical and developmental abnormalities of ureters and renal pelvis existing with accessory renal arteries in human cadavers. This study was carried out on 50 human cadavers including dissected specimens (25 males and 25 females) the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters along with their arteries were exposed and the anomalous abnormalities of the renal pelvis and ureters existing with accessory renal arteries were observed. Photographs of the anomalous and developmental variations were taken for proper documentation. Among the 50 cadavers studied, unilateral double ureters were found in 5 cadavers (10%), rare bilateral "S-"shaped loop of ureter with quadruple uretic constrictors in the abdominal segment of the ureter was observed in one female cadaver (2%), accessory or aberrant renal arteries were found in 15 cadavers (30%), hydronephrosis involving the renal pelvis and ureters was observed in 9 cadavers (18%). Interestingly, this prevalence was higher among males (28%) compared to females (8%). Moreover, the occurrence of bilateral hydronephrosis of the kidneys, renal pelvis, and ureters was identified in a single male cadaver, representing 2% of the sample. Notably, the prevalence of double ureter, hydronephrosis accompanied by congenital double and triple accessory renal arteries was documented in nine cadavers, accounting for 18% of the cohort. Anatomical and developmental variations of the ureters, renal pelvis, and renal vasculature, as well as their relationships to surrounding structures, hold clinical significance due to their impact on various surgical procedures, including kidney transplantation, abdominal aorta reconstruction, interventional radiology, and urologic operations. Therefore, identifying these potential developmental variations is essential for effective surgical management to preserve renal function and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Cell Type-Specific Relationships Among Immune Cells in Human Aortic Dissection Tissue.

Although recent studies have revealed the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection (AD), little is known about the relationships among inflammatory cells in human AD tissue. We assessed the relationships among various immune cell types, including neutrophils, macrophages (M1 and M2), B cells, and helper T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg and Tfh ) in human AD tissue. AD tissues displayed abundant infiltration of immune cells. Correlation analysis revealed two groups of highly correlated cell types: a group of neutrophils and M1 and M2 macrophages, and another group consisting of B cells and helper T cells. In one particular case of AD, we were able to analyze the correlations between neutrophils and M1 and M2 macrophages in the entry, border, and intact zones of the AD lesions. Neutrophils showed significant correlations with M1 and M2 macrophages in the border zones. The entry and border zones showed M1-dominant polarization, whereas the intact zone showed M2-dominant polarization. These findings indicate the existence of cell type-specific and site-specific interactions among immune cell types in human AD tissues.

Does dissection influence weight bias among doctor of physical therapy students?

Anatomy with human dissection may help to develop respect for the human body and professionalism; however, dissection may worsen students' attitudes about body weight and adiposity. The purpose of this study was to measure weight bias among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students enrolled in gross anatomy and determine if, and how the experience of dissection impacts weight bias. Ninety-seven DPT students (70 University of Colorado [CU], 27 Moravian University [MU]) were invited to complete a survey during the first and final weeks of their anatomy course. The survey included demographic items, two measures of weight bias-the Modified Weight Bias Internalized Scale (M-WBIS) and the Attitudes Towards Obese Persons (ATOP) Scale-and open-ended questions for the students who participated in dissection (CU students) that explored attitudes about body weight and adiposity. At baseline, there were no significant differences (p > 0.202) in ATOP, M-WBIS, or BMI between the two universities. The mean scores on both the ATOP and M-WBIS indicated a moderate degree of both internalized and externalized weight bias. There were no significant changes in ATOP (p = 0.566) or M-WBIS scores (p = 0.428). BMI had a low correlation with initial M-WBIS scores (⍴ = 0.294, p = 0.038) and a high correlation with change scores in CU students (⍴ = 0.530, p = 0.011). Future studies should utilize the same measures of weight bias in other healthcare trainees to facilitate comparison and incorporate larger populations of DPT students.

Progress and perspectives of metabolic biomarkers in human aortic dissection.

Aortic dissection (AD) significantly threated human cardiovascular health, extensive clinical-scientific research programs have been executed to uncover the pathogenesis and prevention. Unfortunately, no specific biomarker was identified for the causality or development of human AD. Metabolomics, a high-throughput technique capable of quantitatively detecting metabolites, holds considerable promise in discovering specific biomarkers and unraveling the underlying pathways involved. Aiming to provide a metabolite prediction in human AD, we collected the metabolomics data from 2003 to 2023, and diligently scrutinized with the online system MetaboAnalyst 6.0. Based on the data obtained, we have concluded the metabolic dynamics were highly correlated with human AD. Such metabolites (choline, serine and uridine) were frequently involved in the AD. Besides, the pathways, including amino acids metabolism and lipids metabolism, were also dysregulated in the disease. Due to the current limitation of metabolism analysis, the integrative omics data including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics were required for developing the specific biomarker for AD.

Emotional preparedness for human body donor dissection in premedical education: A pilot program evaluation.

Dissection of bodies provided by donors continues to be utilized as a critical part of medical education. It also represents a rite of passage that socializes students to prepare them for the stress that comes with working in a clinical environment as a medical professional. Just as proper guidance in acquiring technical skills is critical in anatomy education, there is an important need for proper emotional guidance throughout the human dissection process. A pilot curriculum was developed by an interdisciplinary faculty team to emotionally prepare students for their first visit to the anatomy laboratory. Students were first-year foundation premedical students who had expressed an interest in visiting the laboratory. Pre- and post-visit surveys were conducted to explore students' emotional responses to a first visit to the anatomy laboratory and their utilization of coping strategies. The survey findings show an overwhelming favorable feeling in anticipation of the human gross anatomy laboratory visit. About 20% of the students experienced anxiety at the anticipation of the laboratory visit, but only 5.3% experienced anxiety during the visit. The decrease in the number of students experiencing anxiety may be attributed to the interventions introduced before and during the visit. Talking with a close friend was the main coping strategy utilized by 63% of students experiencing fear or anxiety during and after the laboratory visit. The findings from this program evaluation provide a better understanding of student emotional preparedness and utilization of coping strategies, which may help prepare and guide future students for the dissection experience.

MiR-485-3p targets SIRT1 in vascular smooth muscle cells mediating the occurrence of aortic dissection.

Studies have demonstrated a close correlation between MicroRNA and the occurrence of aortic dissection (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been fully elucidated and further exploration is still required. In this study, we found that miR-485-3p was significantly upregulated in human aortic dissection tissues. Meanwhile, we constructed invitro AD models in HAVSMCs, HAECs and HAFs and found that the expression of miR-485-3p was increased only in HAVSMCs. Overexpression or knockdown of miR-485-3p in HAVSMCs could regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, and NLRP3, as well as the expression of apoptosis-related proteins BAX/BCL2 and Cleaved caspase3/Caspase3. In the invivo AD model, we have observed that miR-485-3p regulates vascular inflammation and apoptosis, thereby participating in the modulation of AD development in mice. Based on target gene prediction, we have validated that SIRT1 is a downstream target gene of miR-485-3p. Furthermore, by administering SIRT1 agonists and inhibitors to mice, we observed that the activation of SIRT1 alleviates vascular inflammation and apoptosis, subsequently reducing the incidence of AD. Additionally, functional reversal experiments revealed that overexpression of SIRT1 in HAVSMCs could reverse the cell inflammation and apoptosis mediated by miR-485-3p. Therefore, our research suggests that miR-485-3p can aggravate inflammation and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells by suppressing the expression of SIRT1, thereby promoting the progression of aortic dissection.

A South African case study on anatomical embalming for human body donation programmes with toxicological considerations

Body embalming, a practice with deep historical roots across various cultures, forms the backbone of contemporary human body donation educational programmes. In this study, we explored current embalming practices within six South African human anatomical dissection programmes, focusing on the use and volumes of key chemicals—formalin, phenol, and alcohol—and their associated health risks and potential toxicity. We measured and compared aspects of embalming practices such as the duration of body preservation and the annual intake of bodies. Variations in embalming practices and chemical ratios across different South African universities were found. However, the consistent use of formalin, phenol and alcohol were observed across all six programmes. Formaldehyde concentrations used in South African dissection programmes were within the generally acceptable international range. Regarding arterial embalming, South African dissection programmes showed widespread adherence to international embalming practices, with one programme using a substantially lower concentration of formalin. The dual nature of formaldehyde as both an effective preservative and a recognised carcinogen was underscored in relation to human health regarding chemical toxicity. Phenol, like formaldehyde, was consistently used as it is important for the inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth. Alcohol was also consistently used, but there was much greater variation in its volume across South African institutions. Our data showed a slight positive relationship between storage duration and the volumes of formalin and phenol in human embalming fluid. South African regulators enforce stricter exposure limits than those set by the World Health Organisation and various European agencies. While South African institutions operate within internationally acceptable ranges of chemical use that both maximise preservation and minimise toxicity, we acknowledge that these data are preliminary. Further investigation is encouraged to ensure embalming practices effectively protect all those involved and support the educational goals of human anatomical dissection programmes in South Africa.

Bilateral, symmetrical, tripartite variation of the anterior belly of digastric muscle

BackgroundThe anterior and posterior bellies of digastric muscle act to facilitate components of phonation, jaw opening, and hyoid bone stabilization during swallowing. Variations in the digastric muscle within the submental triangle are well-documented in the literature. Ongoing and up-to-date reporting and knowledge of these variations is important from a clinical perspective. MethodRoutine human anatomical dissection of the anterior neck in a male donor revealed bilateral pairs of accessory muscles (n = 4) attached to and within the depth plane of right and left anterior bellies of digastric muscles. ResultsThe case presented here is of a bilateral, tripartite digastric muscle variation within the submental triangle of an anatomical donor. Attachments and relationships were noted. Variant digastric muscles were found to be innervated by the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle and supplied by the submental artery, consistent with supply to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. ConclusionThe clinical relevance of these additional muscles primarily pertains to radiological evaluation and reconstructive surgical procedures in the submental region, as digastric muscle bellies serve as essential landmarks and potential targets. Describing anatomical variations is crucial for appropriate planning of interventions in this region.

(120) GETTING C-LITERATE: ELUCIDATING BULBOCLITORAL ERECTILE TISSUE ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY FOR APPLICATIONS IN CANCER SURVIVORSHIP

Abstract Introduction Sexual function is a crucial component of overall well-being and is emerging as an important factor in health outcomes across multiple healthcare fields, including oncology. The bulboclitoris, composed of the clitoris and vestibular bulbs, is an erectile organ that has been largely understudied in comparison to other sexual organs, such as the vagina and penis. Recently, sexual health advocates have increased visibility for the bulboclitoris, highlighting its significance, particularly for patients who have undergone surgical procedures, experienced trauma, or undergone cancer treatments in that region. A deeper understanding of this organ is essential for better appreciation of its role and for advancing the treatment of sexual morbidity. Objective We aim to characterize the anatomic and histopathologic characteristics of the bulboclitoral erectile tissues using human cadaveric specimen dissection, histology, and immunohistochemistry. We hope that our findings can both serve as a translational bridge to understanding the effects of radiation and other oncologic interventions on the bulboclitoris on a cellular level and to establish the bulboclitoris as a unified organ in peer reviewed anatomic literature. Methods We evaluated the bulboclitoral erectile tissues on a structural and cellular level using multiple modalities. In order to visualize the bulboclitoris organ in its anatomic position, we used gross anatomic dissection (n = 2) and cross-sectioning (n = 1). In order to characterize the neurovasculature, endocrine function, musculature, and other cellular characteristics of the erectile tissues, samples were taken from multiple sections of the dissected bulboclitoral organs and from rapid autopsy (n = 2) for histopathological and immunohistochemical staining. We are analyzing these tissues using four stains, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), trichrome, toluidine blue, and elastin; and eight antibodies, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), factor VIII, smooth muscle actin (SMA), desmin, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), tyrosine hydroxylase, anti-estrogen receptor (anti-ER), and anti-androgen receptor (anti-AR), using penile tissue as a control. Results We present the results of the gross dissections and some preliminary results of the histopathological and immunohistochemical staining. These dissections confirm the visibility of the bulboclitoris in its specified anatomical location and provide support for the existence of the residual spongy part (RSP) connecting the cavernous and spongy structures. Distinct features of the bulboclitoral erectile tissues are visualized and highlighted on the digitally scanned slides. The results of the histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses will further elucidate the anatomy of the organ. Conclusions The bulboclitoris is an organ that plays an essential role in sexual function. Thus far we have found supportive evidence for the hypothesis that the bulboclitoral erectile tissues function as one organ, homologous to the penile erectile tissues, based on the presence of the residual spongy part (RSP). Greater understanding of the makeup and cellular composition of the erectile tissues has the potential to increase our understanding of various medical treatments on sexual function, provide the basis for objective markers that can help to quantify the impact of any preventive or mitigating interventions, and lay the foundation to inform design of appropriate interventions for the preservation of sexual function in cancer survivorship. Disclosure No.

Anatomical eModule Curriculum: Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students Amidst Limited Experiential Laboratory Learning.

Over the past several years, undergraduate medical students were subject to variable learning environments amidst pandemic-related restrictions, challenging long-established experiential learning approaches. Concurrently, health science institutions have been revisiting the value (or lack thereof) of human body dissection. This study examined student experience using a supplemental gross anatomy eModule before, during, and after limitation of in-person experiential gross anatomy curriculum and which eModule attributes students find valuable. First-year medical students received a supplemental Distal Upper Limb anatomy eModule from 2019 to 2021 (n = 394). eModule users received a Post-eModule/Pre-Exam survey from 2019 to 2021, and a Post-eModule/Post-Exam survey in 2021. Both surveys included Likert-type and free-response questions. In Post-eModule/Pre-Exam surveys (2019, 2020, 2021, n = 95), students in the 2021 cohort responded most positively to the eModule's convenience, but most negatively when comparing the eModule to in-person dissection. In Post-eModule/Post-Exam surveys (2021, n = 18), > 75% of students indicated the eModule adequately prepared them to answer eModule-related exam questions.In free-response submissions, users highlighted the use of photos of anatomic dissections as the most beneficial feature. Deficiencies included the absence of figure legends and limited angles/views of specimens. This study may serve to guide the features included in future digital gross anatomy resources and aid in illustrating student perception of limited in-person experiential learning opportunities.

REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE THROUGH AUGMENTED REALITY INTEGRATION IN MEDICAL TRAINING

Through the transformation of conventional anatomy education techniques, the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) into medical training is revolutionising healthcare education. This creative method uses augmented reality (AR) tools, such as Microsoft® HoloLens II, to improve anatomy lab courses and give students a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. Medical schools can simplify anatomy instruction by using holograms to replicate human dissection. This allows students to study intricate anatomical structures in a step-by-step three-dimensional presentation. In addition to optimising the amount of time spent on dissection, this move towards AR-based learning creates new opportunities for remote and independent learning that meet the needs and preferences of a wide range of learners. Furthermore, the challenges that traditional cadaver-based anatomy instruction faces are addressed by integrating AR into medical education. AR offers a thorough and captivating learning environment because it can present anatomical material in different sequences, from superficial to deep structures, or by creating functional body units. Clinical correlations can be easily incorporated into lessons to improve students' comprehension and memorization of anatomy. The future of augmented reality (AR) in medical education appears bright, with potential breakthroughs in pathology, histology, and surgical applications, despite obstacles like realism constraints and technological complexity. Key Words: Augmented Reality (AR), Medical Training, Healthcare Education, Microsoft HoloLens, Anatomy Education, Validation Process

Comprehensive analysis of gene signatures associated with aging in human aortic dissection

BackgroundAortic dissection (AD) is a lethal aortic disease with limited effective therapeutic strategies. Aging increases the risk of AD, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to analyze the association of aging-related genes (Args) and AD using bioinformatic analysis. This helps provide novel insights into AD pathogenesis and contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies. MethodsmRNA (GSE52093, GSE153434), miRNA (GSE98770) and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq, GSE213740) datasets of AD were downloaded from GEO database. Args were downloaded from Aging Atlas database. Differentially-expressed Args were determined by intersecting Args and differentially-expressed mRNAs of two mRNA datasets. Cytoscape was used to identify hub genes and construct hub gene regulatory networks related to miRNAs. Seurat and clusterProfiler R package were used for investigating expression patterns of hub genes at single-cell level, and functional analysis, respectively. To validate the cellular expression pattern of hub genes, the same analysis was applied to our own scRNA-seq data. Drugs targeting hub Args were determined using the DGIdb database. ResultsHGF, CXCL8, SERPINE1, HIF1A, TIMP1, ESR1 and PLAUR were identified as aging-related hub genes in AD. miR-221-3p was predicted to interact with ESR1. A decreased ESR1 expression in smooth muscle cell subpopulation 4 (SMC4) was observed in AD versus normal aortic tissues, which was validated by sequencing 197,605 aortic cells from 13 AD patients. Additionally, upregulated genes of SMC4 in AD tissues were enriched in the “cellular senescence” pathway. These data indicated that decreased ESR1 might promote SMC4 aging during AD formation. Eleven existing drugs targeting hub genes were identified, including ruxolitinib and filgrastim, which are associated with AD. ConclusionsBy sequencing transcriptomic data, this study revealed aging-related hub genes and regulatory network involved in AD formation. Additionally, this study proposed a noteworthy hypothesis that downregulated ESR1 may exacerbate AD by promoting SMC aging, which requires further investigation.

Exploring heart dissection techniques for enhancing anatomical education: a pilot study to replicate transthoracic echocardiography.

For novice learners, converting two-dimensional (2D) images of echocardiography to three-dimensional (3D) cardiac structures is deemed challenging. This study aimed to develop an accurate dissection method of the heart to reproduce the transthoracic echocardiographic views on cadavers and elucidate new educational methods in human anatomy dissection courses. A total of 18 hearts were used in this study. After reflecting the anterior thoracic wall inferiorly, the hearts were excised from embalmed cadavers. Thereafter, three landmarks were set on the heart for each plane of the incision, and the hearts were incised to observe the three different echocardiographic views, which include the apical four-chamber view (A4C), parasternal long axis (PLAX) view, and parasternal short axis (PSAX) view at the papillary muscle level. If all structures for observation during routine echocardiography are clearly observed in each view, a successful incision is considered. All procedures and incisions were performed by the medical students. After a successful incision, hearts were returned to the original position in the pericardial sac for further observation. The success rates of incision for each view were 83.3% (5/6 success cases), 83.3% (5/6 success cases), and 66.7% (4/6 success cases) in the A4C view, PLAX view, and PSAX view at the papillary muscle level, respectively. This dissection method could probably be employed to reproduce transthoracic echocardiographic views on cadaveric hearts, which is beneficial for novice learners for a deeper understanding of the anatomy.

Crafting British medicine in the Empire: the establishment of medical schools in India and Canada, 1763-1837.

In the early nineteenth century, medical schools became a growing means of regulating medicine in the British Empire, both in the metropole and in two colonies: India and Canada. By examining the establishment of medical schools in Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto between the end of the Seven Years' War and the beginning of the Victorian era, this article argues that the rise of the British Empire was a key factor in the gradual replacement of private medical apprenticeships with institutional medical education. Although the imperial state did not implement a uniform medical policy across the British Empire, the medical schools established under its jurisdiction were instrumental in devising a curriculum that emphasised human dissection, bedside training in hospitals and organic chemistry as criteria of medical competence.

Incorporating Augmented Reality Into Anatomy Education in a Contemporary Medical School Curriculum.

Anatomy education in the medical school curriculum has encountered considerable challenges during the last decade. The exponential growth of medical science has necessitated a review of the classical ways to teach anatomy to shorten the time students spend dissecting, allowing them to acquire critical, new knowledge in other disciplines. Augmented and mixed reality technologies have developed tremendously during the last few years, offering a wide variety of possibilities to deliver anatomy education to medical students. Here, we provide a methodology to develop, deliver, and assess an anatomy laboratory course using augmented reality applications. We suggest a novel approach, based on Microsoft® HoloLens II, to develop systematic sequences of holograms to reproduce human dissection. The laboratory sessions are prepared before classes and include a series of holograms revealing sequential layers of the human body, isolated structures, or a combination of structures forming a system or a functional unit. The in-class activities are conducted either as one group of students (n = 8-9) with a leading facilitator or small groups of students (n = 4) with facilitators (n = 4) joining the groups for discussion. The same or different sessions may be used for the assessment of students' knowledge. Although currently in its infancy, the use of holograms will soon become a substantial part of medical education. Currently, several companies are offering a range of useful learning platforms, from anatomy education to patient encounters. By describing the holographic program at our institution, we hope to provide a roadmap for other institutions looking to implement a systematic approach to teaching anatomy through holographic dissection. This approach has several benefits, including a sequential 3D presentation of the human body with varying layers of dissection, demonstrations of facilitator-selected three-dimensional (3D) anatomical regions or specific body units, and the option for classroom or remote facilitation, with the ability for students to review each session individually.

Inspired anatomy education: Might God be relevant?

Anatomy education is essential for developing healthcare professionals, and discussion continues about factors that impact and improve the anatomy learning environment. Neglected in this discussion is a consideration of the diverse religious assumptions and beliefs that college students bring to anatomy learning. Surveys of religion among United States college students indicate that many identify as religious and Christian. This viewpoint commentary summarizes main elements of Christian theology and anthropology, discusses the holistic and positive view of the body presented in Christian scripture, and outlines how these Christian beliefs inform and impact student preparation for anatomy education and human body dissection, address ethical issues in body donation, and support professionalism for future career practice.

Histone deacetylase 9-mediated phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells is a potential target for treating aortic aneurysm/dissection

Aortic aneurysm/dissection (AAD) is a serious cardiovascular condition characterized by rapid onset and high mortality rates. Currently, no effective drug treatment options are known for AAD. AAD pathogenesis is associated with the phenotypic transformation and abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, endogenous factors that contribute to AAD progression remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) in AAD pathogenesis. HDAC9 expression was considerably increased in human thoracic aortic dissection specimens. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that HDAC9 transcriptionally inhibited the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, which are critically involved in various signaling pathways. Furthermore, HDAC9 triggered the transformation of VSMCs from a systolic to synthetic phenotype, increasing their proliferation and migration abilities and suppressing their apoptosis. Consistent with these results, in vivo experiments revealed that TMP195, a pharmacological inhibitor of HDAC9, suppressed the formation of the β-aminopropionitrile-induced AAD phenotype in mice. Our findings indicate that HDAC9 may be a novel endogenous risk factor that promotes the onset of AAD by mediating the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. Therefore, HDAC9 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for drug-based AAD treatment. Furthermore, TMP195 holds potential as a therapeutic agent for AAD treatment.