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Introduction: There has been a significant change noticed in the way in how anatomy is taught and learned in last two decades. The use of teaching approaches such as body painting, peer physical examination, medical imaging, and virtual anatomy software in the teaching and learning of living anatomy was made possible by advancements in medical technology. This study focuses on a review of the historical context and contemporary developments in teaching and learning of live and surface anatomy with a special emphasis on its pedagogical elements, some opinions of medical educationists, and undergraduates. Conclusions: It is suggested that living anatomy be included as a core subject in the curriculum. Learning about living anatomy will be improved in an integrated and pertinent framework with the inclusion and execution of teaching and learning modalities such as body painting, peer physical examination, medical imaging, and virtual anatomy software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uterine receptivity and implantation are complex processes requiring coordinated expression of molecules by zygote and uterus. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is one of the most important cytokines in the reproductive tract. Without expression of LIF in the uterus, implantation of a blastocyst cannot begin. Our objectives were to measure the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) concentration in serum with or without endometrial scratching in women with unexplained infertility. Methods: This study is a randomized control trial, carried out at the infertility clinic of Qena University hospital, South Valley University, Egypt. The study included 200 women with unexplained infertility divided into two groups: Group 1 included 100 patients undergoing endometrial scratching at mid luteal phase. Group 2 included 100 patients undergoing expectant management. Serum leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) concentration was measured at mid-luteal phase of cycle and follow up of pregnancy occurrence in both groups. Results: LIF was significantly higher in the group of endometrial scratching compared to group 2. LIF was significantly higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant ones in both the endometrial scratching group and group 2. For the endometrial scratching group, LIF was a significant marker for successful implantation at cutoff point of 97.2 with sensitivity of 97.3% and specificity of 77.8% while PPV was 72% and NPV was 98. Conclusions: Endometrial scratching was associated with higher level of LIF and pregnancy rate. LIF was significantly higher in pregnant women with or without endometrial scratching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]