Three-dimensional Relationship Research Articles

Crashing from cadaver to computer: Covid-driven crisis-mode pedagogy spawns active online substitute for teaching gross anatomy.

In early 2020, the Covid-19 crisis forced medical institutions worldwide to convert quickly to online platforms for content delivery. Although many components of medical education were adaptable to that format, anatomical dissection laboratory lost substantial content in that conversion, including features of active student participation, three-dimensional spatial relationships of structures, and the perception of texture, variation, and scale. The present study aimed to develop and assess online anatomy laboratory sessions that sought to preserve benefits of the dissection experience for first-year medical students. The online teaching package was based on a novel form of active videography that emulates eye movement patterns that occur during processes of visual identification, scene analysis, and learning. Using this video-image library of dissected materials, content was presented through asynchronous narrated laboratory demonstrations and synchronous/active video conference sessions and included a novel, video-based assessment tool. Data were obtained using summative assessments and a final course evaluation. Test scores for the online practical examination were significantly improved over those for previous in-person dissection-based examinations, as evidenced by several measures of performance (Mean: 2015-2019: 82.5%; 2020: 94.9%; P=0.003). Concurrently, didactic test scores were slightly, but not significantly, improved (Mean: 2015-2019: 88.0%; 2020: 89.9%). Student evaluations of online sessions and overall course were highly positive. Results indicated that this innovative online teaching package can provide an effective alternative when in-person dissection laboratory is unavailable. Although this approach consumed considerable faculty time for video editing, further development will include video conference breakout rooms to emulate dissection small-group teamwork.

3D-QSAR-Based Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening, and Molecular Docking Studies for Identification of Tubulin Inhibitors with Potential Anticancer Activity.

In this study, we aimed to develop a pharmacophore-based three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) for a set including sixty-two cytotoxic quinolines (1-62) as anticancer agents with tubulin inhibitory activity. A total of 279 pharmacophore hypotheses were generated based on the survival score to build QSAR models. A six-point pharmacophore model (AAARRR.1061) was identified as the best model which consisted of three hydrogen bond acceptors (A) and three aromatic ring (R) features. The model showed a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.865), cross-validation coefficient (Q2 = 0.718), and F value (72.3). The best pharmacophore model was then validated by the Y-Randomization test and ROC-AUC analysis. The generated 3D contour maps were used to reveal the structure activity relationship of the compounds. The IBScreen database was screened against AAARRR.1061, and after calculating ADMET properties, 10 compounds were selected for further docking study. Molecular docking analysis showed that compound STOCK2S-23597 with the highest docking score (-10.948 kcal/mol) had hydrophobic interactions and can form four hydrogen bonds with active site residues.

Changes in the thermodynamic properties of alkaline granite after cyclic quenching following high temperature action

During the development of hot dry rock, the research on thermal fatigue damage caused by thermal shock of cold and heat cycles is the basis that ensures the long-term utilization of geothermal resources, but there are not enough relevant studies at present. Based on this, the thermal damage tests of granite at different temperatures (250, 350, 450 °C) and quenching cycles (1, 5, 10, 15 cycles) were carried out. Preliminary reveals the damage mechanism and heat transfer law of the quenching cycle effect on hot dry rock. The results show that with the increase of temperature and cycles, the uneven thermal expansion of minerals and the thermal shock caused by quenching promote the crack development of granite, resulting in the decrease of P-wave velocity, thermal conductivity and uniaxial compressive strength of granite. Meanwhile, the COMSOL was used to simulate the heat transfer of hot dry rock under different heat treatment conditions. It concluded that the increase in the number of quenching cycles reduced the heat transfer capacity of the granite, especially more than 10 quenching cycles, which also reflects that the thermal fatigue damage leads to a longer time for the temperature recovery of the hot dry rock mass. In addition, the three-dimensional nonlinear fitting relationship among thermal conductivity, temperature and cycle number was established for the first time, which can better reveal the change rule of thermal conductivity after quenching thermal fatigue effect of hot dry rock. The research results provide theoretical support for hot dry rock reservoir reconstruction and production efficiency evaluation.

Effect of Cyclic Thermal Shock on Granite Pore Permeability

Abstract Geothermal development requires an understanding of changes in pore permeability caused by repeated thermal shock fatigue damage in hot dry rock. Research on the subject can aid the evaluation of the longevity and mining value of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). However, few relevant studies are currently available. In this study, the change characteristics of pore permeability in granite following different heating–cooling cycle temperatures (250°C, 350°C, 450°C, 550°C, and 650°C) and numbers of cycles (1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cycles) were analyzed. Results show that with increasing temperature, the uneven thermal expansion and thermal shock effect of minerals promote crack development, leading to increases in the porosity and permeability of granite, particularly at temperatures above 450°C. When the heat treatment temperature was below 450°C, the number of cycles only slightly affected the porosity and permeability; meanwhile, when the temperature exceeded 450°C, the porosity and permeability increased significantly with an increase in the number of cycles. Moreover, three-dimensional nonlinear fitted relationships among porosity (or permeability), cycle temperature, and number of cycles have been established for the first time with correlation coefficients (R2) above 0.9, which reveals the change rules of pore permeability after quenching in hot dry rock. The results can be used to evaluate the efficiency of geothermal reservoir energy extraction and aid in geothermal reservoir design.

Docking-based 3D-QSAR, molecular dynamics simulation studies and virtual screening of novel ONC201 analogues targeting Mitochondrial ClpP

The human ClpP proteolytic complex is highly expressed in many types of solid and nonsolid cancers and has become a promising target for anticancer agents. In recent years, small molecules with various structures targeting ClpP have been reported. These include ONC201 and its derivatives ONC212 and the TR compounds. Here we report the binding interaction modes of a series of tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diones ClpP-activing compounds using molecular docking, and three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationships (3D-QSAR). Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA q2 = 0.862, r2 = 0.983) and topomer comparative molecular field analysis (Topomer CoMFA q2 = 0.905, r2 = 0.979) were used to establish 3D-QSAR models, which had good verification and prediction capabilities. Based on the contour maps and the information of molecular docking, 4 novel small molecules were designed and subjected to further molecular dynamics simulations (MD). The calculation of binding free energy showed that the residues ARG-78, LEU-79, GLU-82, ILE-84, HIS-116, TYR-118, TRP-146, LEU-104, PHE-105 and SER-108 of ClpP played a key role. The hydrogen bond analysis showed that SER108, TYR118, TRP146, GLU82 form stable hydrogen bonds with ClpP agonists. The MD results indicated that compound 93 could stably bind with the ClpP and might be a promising ClpP agonist candidate. The studies verified the specific binding mode of enzyme agonists through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, and provided theoretical guidance for the design of new ONC201 analogues as ClpP agonists.

CHOICE OF OSTEOFIXATION OF EPITHESIS IN TOTAL DEFECT OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL REGION

RETRACTED ARTICLE Relevance. Surgical treatment of neoplasms, various genetic disorders and facial trauma often contribute to a violation of the general aesthetic perception of a person and the development of dysfunctions [1]. The main difficulty of reconstructive treatment in the maxillofacial area is a clear understanding of the anatomical and topographic landmarks and three-dimensional relationships of organs and tissues from each other. Purpose. Development of an algorithm for the use of various types of extraoral implants for various total facial defects. Materials and methods. The collection and analysis of clinical material was carried out in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery on the basis of the Samara Regional Clinical Hospital named after V.I. V.D. Seredavina. From 2015 to the present, we have installed 104 extraoral implants of various designs for the rehabilitation rehabilitation of fifty patients suffering from total facial defects of various lengths. Conclusions. The analysis of our study showed that the use of extraoral implants of various designs for total facial defects of various lengths, taking into account individual anatomical and topographic features, the etiology of the total defect, has demonstrated its clinical effectiveness.

CHOICE OF OSTEOFIXATION OF EPITHESIS IN TOTAL DEFECT OF THE MAXILLOFACIAL REGION

RETRACTED ARTICLE Relevance. Surgical treatment of neoplasms, various genetic disorders and facial trauma often contribute to a violation of the general aesthetic perception of a person and the development of dysfunctions [1]. The main difficulty of reconstructive treatment in the maxillofacial area is a clear understanding of the anatomical and topographic landmarks and three-dimensional relationships of organs and tissues from each other. Purpose. Development of an algorithm for the use of various types of extraoral implants for various total facial defects. Materials and methods. The collection and analysis of clinical material was carried out in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery on the basis of the Samara Regional Clinical Hospital named after V.I. V.D. Seredavina. From 2015 to the present, we have installed 104 extraoral implants of various designs for the rehabilitation rehabilitation of fifty patients suffering from total facial defects of various lengths. Conclusions. The analysis of our study showed that the use of extraoral implants of various designs for total facial defects of various lengths, taking into account individual anatomical and topographic features, the etiology of the total defect, has demonstrated its clinical effectiveness.

A FIBER BEAM ELEMENT FOR THE FINITE PARTICLE METHOD CONSIDERING SHEAR AND TORSION DEFORMATON

To improve the accuracy of the finite particle method (FPM) for solving structural elastoplastic problems, the fiber beam model is combined with the solution framework of FPM. The formulas for solving the particle internal forces of the FPM fiber beam element considering shear and torsion deformation are deduced. The element uses the Timoshenko beam theory to describe the deformation state of the beam section. The displacements of an arbitrary point on the section are determined by the element pure deformation components in the element. The three-dimensional constitutive relationships of fiber materials are used in the element to consider the coupling effects between bending, shear and torsion deformation. Several numerical tests are conducted. The results show that the proposed fiber beam element can effectively simulate the elastoplastic behavior of the structure and shows higher accuracy than the plastic hinge method.

Virtual Archaeology of Death and Burial: A Procedure for Integrating 3D Visualization and Analysis in Archaeothanatology

Abstract The reconstruction of past mortuary rituals and practices increasingly incorporates analysis of the taphonomic history of the grave and buried body, using the framework provided by archaeothanatology. Archaeothanatological analysis relies on interpretation of the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of bones within the grave and traditionally depends on elaborate written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) images of the remains during excavation to capture this spatial information. With the rapid development of inexpensive 3D tools, digital replicas (3D models) are now commonly available to preserve 3D information on human burials during excavation. A procedure developed using a test case to enhance archaeothanatological analysis and improve post-excavation analysis of human burials is described. Beyond preservation of static spatial information, 3D visualization techniques can be used in archaeothanatology to reconstruct the spatial displacement of bones over time, from deposition of the body to excavation of the skeletonized remains. The purpose of the procedure is to produce 3D simulations to visualize and test archaeothanatological hypotheses, thereby augmenting traditional archaeothanatological analysis. We illustrate our approach with the reconstruction of mortuary practices and burial taphonomy of a Bell Beaker burial from the site of Oostwoud-Tuithoorn, West-Frisia, the Netherlands. This case study was selected as the test case because of its relatively complete context information. The test case shows the potential for application of the procedure to older 2D field documentation, even when the amount and detail of documentation is less than ideal.

Anatomical characterization of acupoint large intestine 4.

Large intestine 4 (LI4) is a major acupoint used in various treatments in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are structures associated within the region of LI4 that have three-dimensional anatomical relationship that needs further characterization. The aims of this study were: (a) to observe the anatomical variation of structures around LI4; (b) to observe specific overlap of structures around LI4. A 1256 mm2 area was dissected in 25 cadaveric hands around LI4. Nondissected areas were marked with pins as reference points. Dissections were photographed with a fixed camera. Subsequently, images were imported to Adobe Photoshop 2020 and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and graphs were compiled using Graphpad Prism 2020. The tributaries of the dorsal venous plexus (22.3%), branches of superficial radial nerve (18.9%), first dorsal interosseous muscle (52.4%), arterial branches in the first interosseous space (10.2%), and deep ulnar nerve (4.0%) were observed in the area of LI4. One branch of the superficial radial nerve passed through LI4. The deep ulnar nerve was found in the bulk of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Several structures observed intersected at LI4. The superficial radial nerve interweaved with the dorsal venous plexus superficially. The deep ulnar nerve passed anterior to the second palmar metacarpal artery before entering into the first dorsal interosseous muscle. These results provide anatomical evidence and variation into the vascular contributions at LI4.

Theoretical and experimental exploration on the micro asperity contact load ratios and lubrication regimes transition for water-lubricated stern tube bearing

The paper investigates the micro asperity contact load ratios and lubrication states of the water-lubricated bearing. New coupled models with consideration of micro-scale asperity contact effects are put forward. The relevance of load ratio with transition of lubrication regimes under multi coupled structural parameters and operating conditions are established. The three-dimensional relationships between typical parameters and contact ratio under typical working conditions have been further studied. Characteristic parameters of lubrication regimes transition under multi coupled factors are investigated. The mechanism of regimes transition is revealed at the micro level. Experimental measurements verify the correctness of the revised model. Researches are beneficial for the definition of micro asperity contact load ratio and lubrication regimes transition for such bearings.

Concerted morphogenesis of genital ridges and nephric ducts in the mouse captured through whole-embryo imaging.

During development of the mouse urogenital complex, the gonads undergo changes in three-dimensional structure, body position and spatial relationship with the mesonephric ducts, kidneys and adrenals. The complexity of genital ridge development obscures potential connections between morphogenesis and gonadal sex determination. To characterize the morphogenic processes implicated in regulating gonad shape and fate, we used whole-embryo tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy to assemble a time course of gonad development in native form and context. Analysis revealed that gonad morphology is determined through anterior-to-posterior patterns as well as increased rates of growth, rotation and separation in the central domain that may contribute to regionalization of the gonad. We report a close alignment of gonad and mesonephric duct movements as well as delayed duct development in a gonad dysgenesis mutant, which together support a mechanical dependency linking gonad and mesonephric duct morphogenesis.

Virtual dissection approach is an alternative approach to teach post‐traumatic stress students

Human gross anatomy is largely considered to be the central course in the curriculum of first year Allied health students. The course uses cadaver dissection as the primary teaching modality. This traditional approach in anatomy instruction provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the three-dimensional organization of the human body. The well-established cadaveric approach in anatomy education fails to appreciate the profound psychological effects on students with existing psychological disorders. This case report is a presentation of such effects of a traditional approach on a student with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The student used as the case study served in the United States Army in Afghanistan and was given an honorable discharge due to a diagnosis of tinnitus and adjustment disorder. The student was also assigned a disability rating of 40%. This student was exposed to a high-stress environment which led to the diagnosis of PTSD. The cadaveric approach to the student's anatomy education only exacerbated his condition, triggering his stress disorder. It should also be noted that the student had lost a relative due to colon cancer, as this made abdominal dissection difficult to perform. An alternate approach was considered to accommodate the student, while still maintaining the sufficiency needed to provide the standard of education for a health sciences student. The virtual approach of cadaveric dissections, with benefits impossible for a traditional dissection, also strives to provide students with the opportunity to improve the understanding of the three-dimensional and spatial relationships of human gross anatomy. This case is presented to those who teach anatomy to identify this modality of education as an alternative approach to sufficient and comprehensive anatomy education.

Tissue clearing techniques for three-dimensional optical imaging of intact human prostate and correlations with multi-parametric MRI.

Tissue clearing technologies have enabled remarkable advancements for in situ characterization of tissues and exploration of the three-dimensional (3D) relationships between cells, however, these studies have predominantly been performed in non-human tissues and correlative assessment with clinical imaging has yet to be explored. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of tissue clearing technologies for3Dimaging of intact human prostate and the mapping of structurally and molecularly preserved pathology data with multi-parametric volumetric MR imaging (mpMRI). Whole-mount prostates were processed with either hydrogel-based CLARITY or solvent-based iDISCO. The samples were stained with a nuclear dye or fluorescently labeled with antibodies against androgen receptor, alpha-methylacyl coenzyme-A racemase, or p63, and then imaged with 3D confocal microscopy. The apparent diffusion coefficientand Ktrans maps were computed from preoperative mpMRI. Quantitative analysis of cleared normal and tumor prostate tissue volumes displayed differences in 3D tissue architecture, marker-specific cell staining, and cell densities that were significantly correlated with mpMRI measurements in this initial, pilot cohort. 3D imaging of human prostate volumes following tissue clearing is a feasible technique for quantitative radiology-pathology correlation analysis with mpMRI and provides an opportunity to explore functional relationships between cellular structures and cross-sectional clinical imaging.

Structural analysis of the statocyst and nervous system of Praesagittifera naikaiensis, an acoel flatworm, during development after hatching

Acoel statocysts are fluid-filled chambers formed by two parietal cells underlying basal lamina as a capsule and contain a movable statolith cell called a lithocyte. The statocyst is needed for geotaxis; however, the mechanism of the gravity receptor system has not been elucidated. We focused on the geotactic ability of the acoel Praesagittifera naikaiensis, acquired during the development of the statocyst and its nervous system after hatching, and examined the three-dimensional relationship between the statocyst and its nervous system. Acoel geotactic ability was acquired between 0 and 7 days after hatching. No major changes in neural structures, namely a commissural brain, nerve cords, and commissures, were observed between juveniles and adults. The statocyst-associated commissure (stc), a commissural brain component, was circular and was located ventral to the statocyst but was not observed in neural connections to the capsule’s lumen. Fine structures of the statocyst revealed that the statolith developed after hatching. We hypothesized that geotactic ability needs the following conditions: (1) a sufficient concentration of calcium salt in the statolith; (2) stc must work as afferent neurons; and (3) a ventral polar cell, which is present outside the capsule, must be a sensory cell stimulated by the lithocyte.

Predicting the bioactivity of 2-alkoxycarbonylallyl esters as potential antiproliferative agents against pancreatic cancer (MiaPaCa-2) cell lines: GFA-based QSAR and ELM-based models with molecular docking

BackgroundThe number of cancer-related deaths is on the increase, combating this deadly disease has proved difficult owing to resistance and some serious side effects associated with drugs used to combat it. Therefore, scientists continue to probe into the mechanism of action of cancer cells and designing novel drugs that could combat this disease more safely and effectively. Here, we developed a genetic function approximation model to predict the bioactivity of some 2-alkoxyecarbonyl esters and probed into the mode of interaction of these molecules with an epidermal growth factor receptor (3POZ) using the three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR), extreme learning machine (ELM), and molecular docking techniques. ResultsThe developed QSAR model with predicted (R2pred) of 0.756 showed that the model was fit to be validated parameter for a built model and also proved that the developed model could be used in practical situation, R2 for training set (0.9929) and test set (0.8397) confirmed that the model could successfully predict the activity of new compounds due to its correlation with the experimental activity, the models generated with ELM models showed improved prediction of the activity of the molecules. The lead compounds (22 and 23) had binding energies of −6.327 and −7.232 kcalmol−1 for 22 and 23 respectively and displayed better inhibition at the binding sites of 3POZ when compared with that of the standard drug, chlorambucil (−6.0 kcalmol−1). This could be attributed to the presence of double bonds and the α-ester groups. ConclusionThe QSAR and ELM models had good prognostic ability and could be used to predict the bioactivity of novel anti-proliferative drugs.

Three-dimensional and two-dimensional relationships of gangliogenesis with folliculogenesis in mature mouse ovary: a Golgi\u2013Cox staining approach

The present study was set out to investigate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) evaluations of ovarian nervous network development and the structural relationship between folliculogenesis and gangliogenesis in mouse ovaries. Adult mice ovarian tissue samples were collected from follicular and luteal phases after cardiac perfusion. Ovarian samples were stained by a Golgi–Cox protocol. Following staining, tissues were serially sectioned for imaging. Neural filaments and ganglia were present in the ovaries. In both 2D and 3D studies, an increase in the number and area of ganglia was seen during the follicular growth. The same pattern was also seen in corpora lutea development. However, in some cases such as ratio of ganglia number to follicle area, the ratio of ganglia area to follicular area, 2D findings were different compared with the 3D results. 3D analysis of ovarian gangliogenesis showed the possible direct effect of them on folliculogenesis. Golgi–Cox staining was used in this study for 3D evaluation in non-brain tissue. The results of 3D analysis of the present study showed that, in some cases, the information provided by 2D analysis does not match the reality of ovarian neuronal function. This confirmed the importance of 3D analysis for evaluation of ovarian function.

Image Guidance in Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Fusion Imaging.

The ultrasound (US) imaging technology, including contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and fusion imaging, has experienced radical improvement, and advancement in technology thus overcoming the problem of poor conspicuous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On CEUS, the presence or absence of enhancement distinguishes the viable portion from the ablative necrotic portion. Using volume data of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fusion imaging enhances the three-dimensional relationship between the liver vasculature and HCC. Therefore, CT/MR-US fusion imaging provides synchronous images of CT/MRI with real-time US, and US-US fusion imaging provides synchronous US images before and after ablation. Moreover, US-US overlay fusion can visualize the ablative margin because it focuses the tumor image onto the ablation zone. Consequently, CEUS and fusion imaging are helpful to identify HCC with little conspicuity, and with more confidence, we can perform ablation therapy. CEUS/fusion imaging guidance has improved the clinical effectiveness of ablation therapy in patients with poor conspicuous HCCs. Therefore; this manuscript reviews the status of CEUS/fusion imaging guidance in ablation therapy of poor conspicuous HCC.

The outcome of postoperative paresthesia of inferior alveolar nerve after surgical removal of mandibular third molar using Orthopantomogram (OPG) versus Cone-beam CT

Background: Periapical and Orthopantomogram (OPG) are the most commonly used radiographs for assessment of the relationship of lower 3rd molar roots with the inferior alveolar canal. Panoramic radiographs provide inadequate information of the buccolingual relationship between the roots of the 3rd molar & mandibular canal being two-dimensional (2D) in nature. To verify the relationship in three (3D) dimensions and to make a predictable treatment plan, traditional investigations may be supplemented by using CBCT. Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is an office-based radiography technique used to assess the three-dimensional relationship of lower 3rd molar roots with inferior alveolar nerve.
 Patients and methods: This comparative-cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH), Lahore from 1st January 2019 till 30th June 2019. A total of 124 patients requiring removal of lower wisdom tooth were enrolled and then divided into two groups (62 in each) randomly. OPG was used for diagnosis of impacted lower 3rd molars in Group A patients while CBCT for diagnosis in Group B patients. A self-designed Performa was used to collect the data and final information was collected after 3 months of follow-up. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20. A chi-square test was used to compare the postoperative paraesthesia between the OPG group and CBCT group patients. A p-value <0.05 was taken as significant.
 Results: The occurrence of postoperative paresthesia between the two groups is significantly different; being a low percentage in the CBCT group at 2nd, 7th day and after 3 months follow-up visits with a p-value of 0.019, 0.019, and 0.005 respectively. On 3 months follow up, the distribution of paraesthesia between the two groups is significantly different; 20 patients (32.25%) in OPG group A and those of 7 (11.29%) in CBCT group B experienced paresthesia with a p-value of 0.005.
 Conclusion: It is better to use CBCT to improve the postoperative paraesthesia for lower third molar surgical extraction.

Multimodal Three-Dimensional Visualization Enhances Novice Learner Interpretation of Basic Cross-Sectional Anatomy.

While integrated delivery of anatomy and radiology can support undergraduate anatomical education, the interpretation of complex three-dimensional spatial relationships in cross-sectional and radiological images is likely to be demanding for novices. Due to the value of technology-enhanced and multimodal strategies, it was hypothesized that simultaneous digital and physical learning could enhance student understanding of cross-sectional anatomy. A novel learning approach introduced at a United Kingdom university medical school combined visualization table-based thoracic cross-sections and digital models with a three-dimensional printed heart. A mixed-method experimental and survey approach investigated student perceptions of challenging anatomical areas and compared the multimodal intervention to a two-dimensional cross-section control. Analysis of seven-point Likert-type responses of new medical students (n=319) found that clinical imaging (mean 5.64 SD±1.20) was significantly more challenging (P<0.001) than surface anatomy (4.19±1.31) and gross anatomy (4.92±1.22). Pre-post testing of students who used the intervention during their first anatomy class at medical school (n=229), identified significant increases (P<0.001) in thoracic cross-sectional anatomy interpretation performance (mean 31.4% ± 15.3) when compared to the subsequent abdominal control activity (24.1% ± 17.6). Student test scores were independent of mental-rotation ability. As depicted on a seven-point Likert-type scale, the intervention may have contributed to students considering cross-sectional interpretation of thoracic images (4.2±1.23) as significantly less challenging (P<0.001) than comparable abdominal images (5.59±1.14). These findings could have implications for how multimodal cross-sectional anatomy learning approaches are implemented within medical curricula.