Anatomical Science International最新文献

{"title":"Tracing of specific neural pathways in the rat brain using lentiviral vectors for retrograde gene transfer.","authors":"Saaya Akama, Yoshio Iguchi, Shigeki Kato, Kazuto Kobayashi","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00864-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00864-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the structural and the functional organization of neural circuits in the brain is a fundamental goal of neuroscience. Lentiviral vectors for retrograde gene transfer transduce neurons through the entry from synaptic terminals and enable tracing and manipulation of neuronal populations of interests based on the synaptic connections. The highly efficient and neuron-specific retrograde gene transfer (NeuRet) vectors are derived from the pseudotyping of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-based vectors with fusion envelope glycoproteins. Viral RNA genome is reverse-transcribed and synthesized DNA is integrated into the host genomes, allowing stable and long-term expression of transgenes. Dorsal striatum, the input layer of the basal ganglia, integrates signals from various brain regions, including cerebral cortex, thalamus, and ventral midbrain, and plays a critical role in motor control, learning, and decision-making. Consequently, understanding the input and the output connectivity of the dorsal striatum is fundamental to revealing how circuits within the basal ganglia contribute to physiological and behavioral functions, and its impairments are related to neurological disorders. This paper outlines the procedures for injecting a NeuRet vector carrying a green fluorescent protein gene into the sub-regions of dorsal striatum in rats, followed by immunohistochemistry to detect the transgene expression in the brain.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144537798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Revisiting the enchanted loom: an interpretation of reality considering epistemology.","authors":"Sén Takeda","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00861-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00861-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visualization of nanostructures in neuronal growth cones and axons using super-resolution structured illumination microscopy.","authors":"Motohiro Nozumi, Michihiro Igarashi","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00863-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00863-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In neurons, which possess highly organized cellular structures, such as growth cones, axons, synapses, and dendritic spines, precise determination of molecular localization is a powerful approach for elucidating cellular functions. Super-resolution microscopy has revealed higher-order structures and molecular distributions that were previously undetectable using conventional confocal microscopy. Among super-resolution techniques, structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is particularly well-suited for live-cell imaging. In this study, we present a detailed methodology for observing growth cones and axons using SIM. Our SIM imaging of primary mouse neurons revealed that the phosphorylated GAP-43 localizes within axons in a pattern consistent with the membrane-associated periodic skeleton.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combination method of macroscopic imaging with MRI and microscopic imaging with super resolution microscopy for brain microstructure analysis.","authors":"Yuka Nakano, Kenji F Tanaka, Yoshifumi Abe","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00862-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00862-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Identifying disease-relevant and therapy-related brain regions remains a major challenge in studies using animal models of psychiatric disorders. Conventional hypothesis-driven approaches often result in limited or subjective identification of brain regions. In this study, we propose an integrative method combining unbiased whole-brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening and detailed histological analysis. Our methodology uses structural MRI to systematically detect volumetric changes across the entire brain, enabling the identification of target regions without relying on predefined hypotheses. Once brain regions are identified, super-resolution microscopy (SRM) is employed to determine microstructural alterations at the cellular level, focusing on neurons and glial cells within those regions. To exemplify the utility of this method, we applied it to a mouse model treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), an intervention which is known to increase hippocampal volume. Our demonstration highlights the potential of this approach to systematically search for brain regions of interest, providing valuable insights and guiding future studies toward a more focused exploration of key aspects of psychiatric disorder research, both in terms of pathophysiology and therapeutic action.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reflections on \"Enhancing heart anatomy education in middle schools\": integrating artificial intelligence, educational equity, and instructional coherence.","authors":"Betül Digilli Ayaş","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00865-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00865-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The integration of digital technologies into anatomy education continues to evolve, with virtual reality (VR) and mobile applications gaining traction in enhancing student engagement and conceptual understanding. Building upon the study by Koca and Çevik Özdemir (2025), which compares the effects of VR and tablet based tools on middle school students' learning of cardiac anatomy, this commentary explores additional dimensions that could further enrich the educational landscape, particularly the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting instructional coherence and inclusivity. The commentary highlights a variety of AI-driven tools that have been established in the anatomy education literature, including adaptive learning platforms, large language models like ChatGPT, three-dimensional visualization environments, and digital cadaver systems such as the Anatomage Table. Moreover, the role of intelligent tutoring systems (e.g., Smart Tutor, Why2-Atlas), NLP-based platforms (e.g., IBM Watson Tutor, Ada), and AI-supported feedback systems is discussed in relation to their capacity to personalize learning experiences and enhance accessibility. Special attention is also given to pedagogical equity, addressing how AI can support students with diverse learning needs by dynamically tailoring instructional content. By synthesizing current findings and technological advancements, this commentary advocates for a more integrative approach to digital anatomy instruction, one that merges immersive technologies with responsive AI systems to foster deeper understanding, learner autonomy, and broader educational inclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic tools for imaging microcirculation via plasma labeling.","authors":"Xiaowen Wang, Marta Vittani, Ashley Bomin Lee, Philip Gade Knak, Hajime Hirase","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00858-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00858-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cerebral microcirculation is a critical infrastructure for brain function, delivering energy substrates and clearing metabolic byproducts. Disruptions in vascular dynamics contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and cognitive impairments. Traditional blood labeling methods for fluorescence imaging, such as fluorescent dextran injection, have advanced our understanding of microcirculation but are limited for long-term imaging. In this mini review, we introduce two recently developed molecular genetic techniques, achieved by recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated plasma label expression or genomic knock-in that enable stable, long-term microcirculation imaging. These AAV-mediated methods require only a single systemic injection, facilitating longitudinal imaging of microcirculation in mouse models of disease. We discuss the fundamental design concepts of these approaches and explore their potential applications in systems biology.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anatomical features of coexisting horseshoe kidney and double inferior vena cava.","authors":"Naofumi Horio, Narumi Miyaura, Kenta Nagahori, Daisuke Kiyoshima, Yoko Ueda, Masahito Yamamoto, Takashi Okazaki, Shogo Hayashi","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00860-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00860-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To describe a rare case of coexisting horseshoe kidney (HSK) and double inferior vena cava (DIVC) observed during a cadaveric dissection course and to analyze the embryological and clinical implications of this anatomical variation. A detailed anatomical dissection of a 96-year-old Japanese male cadaver was performed during a gross anatomy course. The kidneys were fused by a fibrous and parenchymal isthmus below the inferior mesenteric artery. Four right renal arteries and three left renal arteries were identified, along with an additional renal vein arising from the isthmus and coursing to the left adrenal gland. The right and the left IVCs ascended bilaterally along the aorta, with no communicating veins observed. Histological findings revealed atrophic renal tubules in the isthmus, with increased connective tissue. This report highlights the high variability of renal and vascular anatomy in coexisting HSK and DIVC. Recognition of such variations is essential for radiologists and surgeons to avoid complications during renal transplantation, vascular surgery, and imaging interpretation. In addition, the kidneys and the IVC development occur simultaneously between weeks 4 and 8 of embryogenesis. Therefore, abnormalities of retroperitoneal structures that occur during embryological development can lead to variations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144511379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anatomical variants of the vertebral artery and their relationship with craniocervical disorders and surgical considerations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Juan José Valenzuela-Fuenzalida, Javiera Del Villar-Valdebenito, Lorenzo Aburto, Fernanda Berríos, Diego Nazar Izquierdo, Macarena Rodriguez- Luengo, Maja Czerniachowska, Pablo Nova Baeza, Mathias Orellana-Donoso, Alejandra Suazo-Santibañez, Alejandro Bruna-Mejias, Gustavo Oyanedel-Amaro, Heather F Smith, Juan Sanchis-Gimeno","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00855-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12565-025-00855-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The vertebral artery (VA) supplies almost one-third of the blood flow to the brain, contributing mainly to its posterior circulation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the different anatomical variations related to the origin, course, and termination of the VA and associated clinical implications. Data were compiled from numerous published studies accessed from the databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) as of January 2024. Methodological quality was evaluated with an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model, and differences in VA variant rates were assessed. VA variants were identified that could be separated into three categories: variation in origin, course, and terminal branches. A total of 16 studies met the established selection criteria for the current meta-analysis. VA variations were reported at an overall prevalence of 11% (CI: 7%-15%) and a heterogeneity of 77%. Statistically significantly higher rates were revealed in the following subgroups of the sample: imaging examinations versus cadavers (p = 0.032); right side of the body versus left (p = 0.034); and bilaterally versus unilaterally (p = 0.019). Concerns listed in included studies primarily focused on the possibility of iatrogenic damage during surgical procedures. A few studies also indicated higher rates of VA variants in patients who reported symptoms of recurrent headaches, vertigo, dizziness, and/or syncope. The presence of VA variants is high and can occur in various regions. However, the most important clinical consideration is that individuals with this variant must be constantly monitored since their posterior cerebral circulation could be affected. To avoid iatrogenic damage to the VA, clinicians should employ medical imaging to evaluate its course and branches prior to surgical interventions in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The influence of systemic and regional anatomy on medical students' body donation willingness and the underlying factors.","authors":"Rui Gong, Nuo Xu, Ruofan Lin, Yile Gu, Yan Xia, Wenyan Yang, Zhihong Li, Yehui Lv","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00857-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12565-025-00857-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cadaveric anatomy remains indispensable in medical education. However, the development of body donation in China faces challenges due to various socio-cultural constraints. Although medical students constitute only a minor proportion of body and organ donors, their attitudes toward donation may reflect their perceptions of silent mentors and cognition of organ donation to some extent. The findings may help clarify the effects of anatomical education and even the humanistic spirit conveyed by instructors, while also providing guidance for optimizing anatomy curricula to cultivate compassion and professionalism in future physicians alongside anatomical expertise. This research endeavors to explore the impact of anatomical education, specifically systemic and regional anatomy, on medical students' propensity to donate their bodies posthumously, as well as the motivations driving this inclination. A randomized survey was conducted among 289 clinical medicine students at Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The survey assessed students' willingness to donate their bodies and their association with anatomy learning experiences. Participation in systemic and regional anatomy education significantly increased students' willingness to donate their bodies. This enhancement was particularly pronounced among the group of students who received intensified \"curriculum ideological and political\" education (p ≤ 0.05). Notably, in contrast to observations among foreign medical students, Chinese students exhibited a sustained upward trend in donation willingness after anatomy learning. This divergence may be attributed to differences in religious beliefs and learning processes, as well as the incorporation of \"Curriculum Ideology and Politics\" within Chinese medical curriculum. This study suggests that reinforcing cadaveric anatomy experiences and addressing cultural and educational factors can promote body donation. By understanding the motivations and influences that shape students' donation decisions, medical educators and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to increase donation rates and ensure the availability of cadavers for medical education and research.</p>","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evidence regarding the coracobrachialis longus muscle: is it certain?","authors":"George Triantafyllou, Łukasz Olewnik, George Tsakotos, Maria Piagkou","doi":"10.1007/s12565-025-00856-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-025-00856-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7816,"journal":{"name":"Anatomical Science International","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144265131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}