Knowledge-based virtualization of human anatomy: development of an interactive atlas of the upper limbs

Introduction: Currently, two types of atlas provide anatomical studies: those with two-dimensional images, and those compiled by interactive pictures; mostly drawn virtually. In recent decades, the development of virtual anatomical atlases has been encouraged and prioritized by both the technological advances and the need to facilitate and complement medical education. The aim of this study was to develop an interactive virtual atlas of the upper limbs. Material and Methods: A systematic dissection of three upper limbs (shoulder, arm, forearm and hand) of legally preserved cadavers in Anatomy Laboratory of São José do Rio Preto Medical School, SP (FAMERP) has been carried out. Results: A website has been developed to facilitate the learning of superficial and deep structures of the limbs comprising ten pictures showing the steps and the various structures and display devices (naming demarcated structures and text with relevant information about these). In addition, the website includes a photo gallery with subtitled images of the dissected upper limbs. Conclusion: In conclusion, virtual study of Anatomy by means of interactive-image display of dissected parts can facilitate and enhance the learning of the upper limbs.(AU)

Application of stereological methods in health sciences

Stereology is defined as a Discipline consisting of a set of statistical-geometric procedures in order to obtain quantitative information of three-dimensional structures from their two-dimensional images. It becomes a methodological system for the determination of three-dimensional structures by means of mathematical interpretation of histological sections, which uses Mathematics, Geometry, Probabilistic Statistics, and above all, common sense as its main tools. This paper focuses on explaining stereological principles, techniques, grids, sample size and programs. Stereology is a quantitative and comparative method that uses planes, lines and points for the estimation of three-dimensional parameters of morphological structures from two‑dimensional parameters, using isotropy and randomness as prerequisites. Stereology seems to be an applicable tecnique in Health Sciences to mathematically demonstrate the relationship among the components density of a three‑dimensional structure.

Development of an educational software for the learningof obstetric anatomy addressed to nursing

Computational technology, such as software, computer program, has been a great tool for the Teaching-Learning process, mainly in Health Sciences. The aim of this study was to develop software (didactic CD‑ROM)on the Learning process of Obstetric Anatomy for Nursing by means of a judicious choice (Portuguese andEnglish languages) of 107 anatomical keywords related to the Obstetrics and sites related to the theme.This CD-ROM (Macromedia Dreamweaver® a computational tool), addressed to the Learning of ObstetricAnatomy for Nursing, could provide logical apprehension of obstetric anatomical terms from didactic texts,images and sites from Web. The educational software development favors an interaction between experts ofHuman Anatomy, Pedagogy and Computer Science. Computing tools applied to Health Sciences are useful topromote knowledge on virtual environments and to complement the Learning of Obstetric Anatomy.

Computational macroscopical patterning of the medullary striae of fourth ventricle

The aim of this study was to pattern macroscopically, by use of computational tools, the number and distributionof the medullary striae (MS) of fourth ventricle. After removing 71 fresh human brain stems, each respectiverhomboid fossa was photographed. The MS were carefully identified to be shaped and fulfilled by means ofa digital pen, using the Adobe Photoshop CS3® program. For absolute and relative analyses of number anddistribution, it was considered the maximum and minimum numbers of striae; striae that reached the ipsilaterallateral recess; presence of horizontal or oblique striae, with or without parallelism; and striae located at pontineor bulbar part of the rhomboid fossa. At least two MS per side were macroscopically detectable in 90.6% ofcases; they were bilaterally absent in 5.3% of pieces; and at least one medullary stria was present in both sidesof the rhomboid fossa in 92% of cases. As on the right side (36% of cases) as on the left (26.6%), two MS werefrequently more present. In 60% of cases, striae reached ipsilateral lateral recess on the left, and in 40% of caseson the right. It was detected horizontal, (non-parallel) oblique and parallel striae in 50.7, 86.7 and 26.7%of cases, respectively. Medial medullary striae were observed in the bulbar part of rhomboid fossa in 80% ofpieces, and in 36% of cases in the pontine part. The MS of fourth ventricle show high morphological variabilitydegree in relation to number and distribution.

Virtual medical and pedagogical applicability of human dermatome patterns: critical review of the literature

Dermatome is an area of skin supplied by the posterior (sensory) root of a spinal nerve derived from a single cord segment, which is a particular aspect of the peripheral distribution of sensory fibers. Its topographic study is important to identify nerve, radicular, or medullary damage. When mapped, these dermatomes are outlined on the body surface and their assessment poses a special challenge to physicians once the distinguished imaging methods are not concordant in some aspects. Computers have taken over increasingly importance as transmitters of anatomical information in both clinical and educational sceneries. The present study concerning the virtual teaching and learning of the human dermatome patterns carries out an update of the literature and its clinical and radiological applicability. Computed-based anatomy programs do not only complement conventional instructions methods, but also provide the groundbreaking means to represent, standardize, and disseminate knowledge of dermatomes. Computer-based programs capable of standardizing a tridimensional map of human dermatomes still need to be developed.

Renal morphometry of fetuses rats treated with cadmium

El cadmio es un metal pesado que se encuentra en la tierra, aire y alimentos. Está presente en forma coditiana todos los días de la vida y actualmente es catalogado como un tóxico, teratogénico y agente carcinogénico. El cadamio causa numerosas lesiones a los órganos humanos y animales. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo investigar los efectos tóxicos en fetos de ratas expuestas a tratamiento con cloruro de cadmio. 10 ratas pre¤adas fueron divididas en dos grupos. Cinco ratas recibieron por administración intraperitoneal 5 mg/Kg de cloruro de cadmio por peso corporal, durante 10 días de pre¤ez y otras cinco ratas recibieron bajo las mismas condiciones del otro grupo, una solución de cloruro de sodio al 0.85 por ciento . Los fetos fueron extraídos junto con las placentas y funículos umbilicales a los 20 días de pre¤ez. La administración del cloruro de cadmio causó una reducción significativa en los pesos de los fetos y placentas. La longitud del funículo umbilical fue más corta en el grupo experimental que en el grupo control. El estudio evaluó las alteraciones morfológicas causadas en los túbulos proximal, distal, contorneados y colectores renales como también en las células del glomérulo renal. La morfometría evidenció alteraciones significativas en los túbulos proximales y en las células glomerulares y, en menor grado, en los túbulos distales. El borde en cepillo de la membrana celular se observó muy sensible y se visualizaron algunas alteraciones. Los glomérulos se presentaron con edema y la cápsula del glomérulo fue también afectada.