Background: This study investigates the hypothesis that the red, doughnut-shaped discs in Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting ‘The Kiss’ represent red blood cells (RBCs). The purpose is to explore the artistic and anatomical significance of these elements, examining how Klimt may have integrated contemporary scientific discoveries into his work to convey deeper symbolic meanings. Methods: This interdisciplinary study employed a combination of medical and art history approaches, including biographical analysis, literature review and a questionnaire survey to assess viewer’s perceptions of the red discs in ‘The Kiss.’ The survey compared responses to the original painting with those to an experimentally altered version, where the red discs were removed, with the objective of determining the significance of these red discs in the artwork. The survey was conducted among 300 visitors at the Ulsan International Art Fair.Among the visitors, 69.3% of the participants were female, and the most common age group was 30–49 years old. Results: Historical research and literature analysis revealed that the red disc-shaped patterns on the woman’s dress in Klimt’s painting closely resemble RBCs as depicted in early 20thcentury scientific literature and encyclopedias. This suggests that Klimt, likely influenced by his interactions with medical scientists, intentionally incorporated contemporary scientific imagery into his artwork. The survey results indicated that 86.7% of participants recognized the painting as ‘The Kiss,’ demonstrating high familiarity with the piece. Comparisons between the original and altered versions of the painting revealed that viewers perceived notable differences in feeling, color perception, mood, and lighting. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Klimt intentionally incorporated RBC-like motifs into his paintings, using them not only to convey anatomical symbolism and emotional depth but also as dynamic elements within a mosaic pattern. These red elements energize not only the female figure in ‘The Kiss’ but the entire composition. Klimt’s work reveals his skill in merging scientific concepts with visual and emotional expression, showcasing an innovative approach to embedding complex medical and emotional meanings through the use of symbolic imagery.

Background: This study investigates the hypothesis that the red, doughnut-shaped discs in Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting ‘The Kiss’ represent red blood cells (RBCs). The purpose is to explore the artistic and anatomical significance of these elements, examining how Klimt may have integrated contemporary scientific discoveries into his work to convey deeper symbolic meanings. Methods: This interdisciplinary study employed a combination of medical and art history approaches, including biographical analysis, literature review and a questionnaire survey to assess viewer’s perceptions of the red discs in ‘The Kiss.’ The survey compared responses to the original painting with those to an experimentally altered version, where the red discs were removed, with the objective of determining the significance of these red discs in the artwork. The survey was conducted among 300 visitors at the Ulsan International Art Fair.Among the visitors, 69.3% of the participants were female, and the most common age group was 30–49 years old. Results: Historical research and literature analysis revealed that the red disc-shaped patterns on the woman’s dress in Klimt’s painting closely resemble RBCs as depicted in early 20thcentury scientific literature and encyclopedias. This suggests that Klimt, likely influenced by his interactions with medical scientists, intentionally incorporated contemporary scientific imagery into his artwork. The survey results indicated that 86.7% of participants recognized the painting as ‘The Kiss,’ demonstrating high familiarity with the piece. Comparisons between the original and altered versions of the painting revealed that viewers perceived notable differences in feeling, color perception, mood, and lighting. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Klimt intentionally incorporated RBC-like motifs into his paintings, using them not only to convey anatomical symbolism and emotional depth but also as dynamic elements within a mosaic pattern. These red elements energize not only the female figure in ‘The Kiss’ but the entire composition. Klimt’s work reveals his skill in merging scientific concepts with visual and emotional expression, showcasing an innovative approach to embedding complex medical and emotional meanings through the use of symbolic imagery.

Background: This study investigates the hypothesis that the red, doughnut-shaped discs in Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting ‘The Kiss’ represent red blood cells (RBCs). The purpose is to explore the artistic and anatomical significance of these elements, examining how Klimt may have integrated contemporary scientific discoveries into his work to convey deeper symbolic meanings. Methods: This interdisciplinary study employed a combination of medical and art history approaches, including biographical analysis, literature review and a questionnaire survey to assess viewer’s perceptions of the red discs in ‘The Kiss.’ The survey compared responses to the original painting with those to an experimentally altered version, where the red discs were removed, with the objective of determining the significance of these red discs in the artwork. The survey was conducted among 300 visitors at the Ulsan International Art Fair.Among the visitors, 69.3% of the participants were female, and the most common age group was 30–49 years old. Results: Historical research and literature analysis revealed that the red disc-shaped patterns on the woman’s dress in Klimt’s painting closely resemble RBCs as depicted in early 20thcentury scientific literature and encyclopedias. This suggests that Klimt, likely influenced by his interactions with medical scientists, intentionally incorporated contemporary scientific imagery into his artwork. The survey results indicated that 86.7% of participants recognized the painting as ‘The Kiss,’ demonstrating high familiarity with the piece. Comparisons between the original and altered versions of the painting revealed that viewers perceived notable differences in feeling, color perception, mood, and lighting. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Klimt intentionally incorporated RBC-like motifs into his paintings, using them not only to convey anatomical symbolism and emotional depth but also as dynamic elements within a mosaic pattern. These red elements energize not only the female figure in ‘The Kiss’ but the entire composition. Klimt’s work reveals his skill in merging scientific concepts with visual and emotional expression, showcasing an innovative approach to embedding complex medical and emotional meanings through the use of symbolic imagery.

Background: This study investigates the hypothesis that the red, doughnut-shaped discs in Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting ‘The Kiss’ represent red blood cells (RBCs). The purpose is to explore the artistic and anatomical significance of these elements, examining how Klimt may have integrated contemporary scientific discoveries into his work to convey deeper symbolic meanings. Methods: This interdisciplinary study employed a combination of medical and art history approaches, including biographical analysis, literature review and a questionnaire survey to assess viewer’s perceptions of the red discs in ‘The Kiss.’ The survey compared responses to the original painting with those to an experimentally altered version, where the red discs were removed, with the objective of determining the significance of these red discs in the artwork. The survey was conducted among 300 visitors at the Ulsan International Art Fair.Among the visitors, 69.3% of the participants were female, and the most common age group was 30–49 years old. Results: Historical research and literature analysis revealed that the red disc-shaped patterns on the woman’s dress in Klimt’s painting closely resemble RBCs as depicted in early 20thcentury scientific literature and encyclopedias. This suggests that Klimt, likely influenced by his interactions with medical scientists, intentionally incorporated contemporary scientific imagery into his artwork. The survey results indicated that 86.7% of participants recognized the painting as ‘The Kiss,’ demonstrating high familiarity with the piece. Comparisons between the original and altered versions of the painting revealed that viewers perceived notable differences in feeling, color perception, mood, and lighting. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Klimt intentionally incorporated RBC-like motifs into his paintings, using them not only to convey anatomical symbolism and emotional depth but also as dynamic elements within a mosaic pattern. These red elements energize not only the female figure in ‘The Kiss’ but the entire composition. Klimt’s work reveals his skill in merging scientific concepts with visual and emotional expression, showcasing an innovative approach to embedding complex medical and emotional meanings through the use of symbolic imagery.

Anatomy is a foundational subject in medicine and serves as its language. Hippocrates highlighted its importance, while Herophilus pioneered human dissection, earning him the title of the founder of anatomy. Vesalius later established modern anatomy, which has since evolved historically. In Korea, formal anatomy education for medical training began with the introduction of Western medicine during the late Joseon Dynasty. Before and after the Japanese occupation, anatomy education was conducted in the German style, and after liberation, it was maintained and developed by a small number of domestic anatomists. Medicine in Korea has grown alongside the country’s rapid economic and social development. Today, 40 medical colleges produce world-class doctors to provide the best medical care service in the country. However, the societal demand for more doctors is growing in order to proactively address to challenges such as public healthcare issues, essential healthcare provision, regional medical service disparities, and an aging population.This study examines the history, current state, and challenges of anatomy education in Korea, emphasizing the availability of medical educators, support staff, and cadavers for gross anatomy instruction. While variations exist between Seoul and provincial medical colleges, each manages to deliver adequate education under challenging conditions. However, the rapid increase in medical student enrollment threatens to strain existing anatomy education resources, potentially compromising educational quality. To address these concerns, we propose strategies for training qualified gross anatomy educators, ensuring a sustainable cadaver supply, and enhancing infrastructure.

Background: The central line has been frequently used for drug and nutrition supply and regular blood sampling of patients with chronic diseases. However, this procedure is performed in a highly sensitive area and has several potential complications. Therefore, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), which have various advantages, are being extensively used. Although the number of PICC procedures is increasing, the anatomy for safe procedures has not yet been properly established. Therefore, we studied basic anatomical information for safe procedures. Methods: We used 20 fixed cadavers (40 arms) donated to the Korea University College of Medicine. The mean age was 76.75 years (range, 48–94 years). After dissection of each arm, the distribution pattern of the basilic vein and close structures was recorded, and some important parameters based on bony landmarks were measured. In addition, the number of vein branches (axillary region) and basilic vein diameter were also checked. Results: The mean length from the insertion site to the right atrium was 38.39 ± 2.63 cm (left) and 34.66 ± 3.60 cm (right), and the basilic vein diameter was 4.93 ± 1.18 mm (left) and 4.08 ± 1.49 mm (right). The data showed significant differences between the left and right arms (P < 0.05). The mean distance from the basilic vein to brachial artery was 8.29 ± 2.78 mm in men and 7.81 ± 2.78 mm in women, while the distance to the ulnar nerve was 5.41 ± 1.67 mm in men and 5.52 ± 2.06 mm in women. Conclusion According to these results, the right arm has a shorter distance from the insertion site to the right atrium, and the left arm has a wider vein diameter, which is advantageous for the procedure. In addition, the ulnar nerve and brachial artery were located close to or behind the insertion site. Therefore, special attention is required during the procedure to avoid damaging these important structures.

Nasopharyngeal swabs have been widely to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing is a generally safe and well-tolerated procedure, but numerous complications have been reported in the media. Therefore, the present study aimed to review and document adverse events and suggest procedural references to minimize preventable but often underestimated risks. A total of 27 articles were selected for the review of 842 related documents in PubMed, Embase, and KoreaMed. The complications related to nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing were reported to be rarely happened, ranging from 0.0012 to 0.026%. Frequently documented adverse events were retained swabs, epistaxis, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, often associated with high-risk factors, including severe septal deviations, pre-existing skull base defects, and previous sinus or transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Appropriate techniques based on sufficient anatomical knowledge are mandatory for clinicians to perform nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing. The nasal floor can be predicted by the line between the nostril and external ear canal. For safe testing, the angle of swab insertion in the nasal passage should remain within 30° of the nasal floor. The swab was gently inserted along the nasal septum just above the nasal floor to the nasopharynx and remained on the nasopharynx for several seconds before removal. Forceful insertion should be attempted, and alternative examinations should be considered, especially in vulnerable patients. In conclusion, patients and clinicians should be aware of rare but possible complications and associated highrisk factors. The suggested procedural pearls enable more comfortable and safe nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing for both clinicians and patients.

Background: Plastic changes to brain structure and function have been reported in elite athletes of various sports. Interestingly, different regions of the brain were engaged according to the type of sports analyzed. Our laboratory reported no difference in total cerebellar volume of basketball players compared to that in the control group using the manual segmentation method. Further detailed analyses showed that elite basketball players had increased volume of the striatum and vermian lobules VI–VII of the cerebellum. We analyzed the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of basketball players to understand their cerebral cortical plasticity through automatic analysis tools for MRI. Methods: Brain MRI data were collected from 19 male university basketball players and 20 age-, sex-, and height-matched control groups. In order to understand the changes in the cerebral cortices of basketball players, we employed automated MRI brain analysis techniques, including voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based morphometry (SBM). Results: VBM showed increased gray and white matter volume in both precentral gyri, paracentral lobules and increased gray matter volume in the right anterior superior temporal gyrus. SBM revealed a left dominant increase in both pericentral gyri. Fractal dimensional analysis showed an increase in the area of both precentral gyri, the left subcallosal gyrus, and the right posterior cingulate gyrus. These results suggest a significant role not only for the primary motor cortex, but also for the cingulate gyrus during basketball. Conclusion Plastic changes of both precentral gyri, the pericentral area, paracentral lobules, and the right superior temporal gyrus were observed in elite basketball players. There was a strong increase of fractal complexity in both precentral gyri and a weak increase in the right posterior cingulate gyrus and left collateral gyrus. In this study, plastic regions linked to functional neuroanatomy were related to the competence required to play basketball.

Objective: To investigate the anatomical characteristics of the biceps femoris short head (BS) and determine the optimal needle placement for BS examination. Methods: Twenty-one lower limbs were dissected. The distances from the medial and lateral margins of the biceps femoris long head (BL) tendon to the common fibular nerve (CFN) (M_CFN_VD and L_CFN_VD, respectively) and the distance from the lateral margin of the BL tendon to the lateral margin of the BS (L_BS_HD) were measured 5 cm proximal to the tip of the fibular head (P1), four fingerbreadths proximal to the tip of the fibular head (P2), and at the upper apex of the popliteal fossa (P3). Results: The BS was located lateral to the BL tendon. The CFN was located along the medial margin of the BL tendon. The median values were 2.0 (P1), 3.0 (P2), and 0 mm (P3) for M_CFN_VD; and 17.4 (P1), 20.2 (P2), and 21.8 mm (P3) for L_CFN_VD; and 8.1 (P1), 8.8 (P2), and 13.0 mm (P3) for L_BS_VD. Conclusion The lateral approach to the BL tendon was safer than the medial approach for examining the BS. Amore proximal insertion site around the upper apex of the popliteal fossa was more accurate than the distal insertion site. In this study, we propose a safer and more accurate approach for electromyography of the BS.

Background: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly affected education, with most universities changing face-to-face classes to online formats. To adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, we adopted a blended learning approach to anatomy instruction that included online lectures, pre-recorded laboratory dissection videos, and 3D anatomy applications, with condensed offline cadaver dissection. Methods: We aimed to examine the learning outcomes of a newly adopted anatomy educational approach by 1) comparing academic achievement between the blended learning group (the 2020 class, 108 students) and the traditional classroom learning group (the 2019 class, 104 students), and 2) an online questionnaire survey on student preference on the learning method and reasons of preference. Results: The average anatomy examination scores of the 2020 class, who took online lectures and blended dissection laboratories, were significantly higher than those of the 2019 class, who participated in an offline lecture and dissection laboratories. The questionnaire survey revealed that students preferred online lectures over traditional large group lecture-based teaching because it allowed them to acquire increased self-study time, study according to their individual learning styles, and repeatedly review lecture videos. Conclusion This study suggests that a blended learning approach is an effective method for anatomy learning, and the advantage may result from increased self-directed study through online learning.