International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 1–9

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000211

Article Type: Research Article

Title: Immunophysiological Response and Microstructural Alterations in Hepatic and Renal Tissues of Mus musculus Following Exposure to Bacterial Endotoxins

Names of Authors: Subbiah Poopathi¹*, S. Abidha¹

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Vector Control Research Centre (Indian Council of Medical Research), Medical Complex, Indira Nagar, Puducherry - 605006, India.

Abstract:
Bacterial endotoxins synthesized by insecticidal microorganisms exert distinct cellular stresses when introduced into mammalian models. This study evaluated the systematic immunophysiological responses and accompanying microstructural changes in the hepatic and renal systems of Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) following sub-acute exposure to isolated crystal endotoxins. A total of 32 mice were allocated into four experimental groups, receiving varied concentrations (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg body weight) via intraperitoneal injection over 14 consecutive days. Serum biomarkers, hematological profiles, and organ histopathology were evaluated. Exposure to the highest concentration induced significant physiological stress, indicated by a 2.4-fold increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and a 1.8-fold rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (p < 0.01). Histological examination of hepatic tissue sections revealed prominent sinusoidal congestion, vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, and focal infiltration of mononuclear leukocytes. In renal tissues, glomerular shrinkage, widening of Bowman's space, and acute tubular necrosis were documented. Furthermore, differential leukocyte counts revealed a marked shift toward neutrophilia (68.4 ± 4.2% vs 22.1 ± 1.8% in controls), highlighting a robust acute-phase inflammatory reaction. These findings indicate that while insecticidal bacterial endotoxins demonstrate high specificity toward target vectors, elevated systemic exposure triggers distinct pathological transformations and physiological imbalances in mammalian metabolic organs. This highlights the importance of thorough biosafety evaluations during the formulation of microbial vector control agents.

Keywords: Endotoxins, Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Cellular physiology, Histopathology, Mus musculus.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 18, 2026; Revised: August 20, 2026; Accepted: September 02, 2026; Published: September 29, 2026.

Citation: Poopathi, Q. S., & Abidha, S. (2026). Immunophysiological Response and Microstructural Alterations in Hepatic and Renal Tissues of Mus musculus Following Exposure to Bacterial Endotoxins. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 14(9), 1–9.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | ISSN 2736-1594 | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 001-008

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000577

Article Type: Research Article

Title: An Assessment of Feto-Maternal Outcomes and Associated Clinical Complications of Obstructed Labor in North Ethiopia

Names of Authors: Gebresilasea Gendisha Ukke¹*, Temesgen Worku Gudayu², Mekdes Kondale Gurara¹, Negash Wakgari Amanta³, Mulugeta Shegaze Shimbre⁴

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
² Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
³ School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
⁴ Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Abstract:

Ethiopia is one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates, obstructed labor and its complications being the leading causes of maternal deaths in the country. This study was aimed at assessing feto-maternal outcomes in obstructed labor in Suhul General Hospital, North Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was carried out from May 1 to August 31, 2014 in Suhul General Hospital. All mothers who had given birth in the hospital during the study period were included in the study. Data were collected by using a pre tested structured questionnaire and checklists, entered into Epi Info version 7.1.2.0 and finally transported in to SPSS version 20 software package for analysis. A total of 660 mothers had given birth in the hospital during the study period out of which 44(6.7%) were diagnosed as obstructed labor cases. More than 89% of the mothers with obstructed labor and about 93% of the babies born to them had developed at least one complication. Eighteen (40.9%) of the babies were stillbirths or had died immediately after delivery. Postpartum hemorrhaged and puerperal sepsis 25(56.8%) each and uterine rupture 11(25%) were the main maternal complications among the mothers with obstructed labor. Cesarean birth (68%), hysterectomy (20%), destructive delivery (7%) and repair of the ruptured uterus with bilateral tubal ligation in 5% were interventions done for the mothers with obstructed labor. Inaccessibility of vehicle road and time the women stayed at health centers before they were referred to the hospital have shown association with poor maternal outcomes in Fisher’s Exact test. Prevalence of obstructed labor in Suhul general hospital is high with high rate of maternal and fetal complications. Improving vehicle road accessibility and giving training for health centers delivery case teams on when to refer laboring mother to the hospitals is needed in order to decease proportion of Obstructed labor and it sequels.

Keywords: Obstructed labor, Ethiopia, low income country, maternal mortality.
 

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 001-009

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000210

Article Type: Review

Title: Rigor Mortis Revisited: Does Fascia Contribute to Post-Mortem Stiffness?

Names of Authors: John Sharkey*,¹ and Karen B. Kirkness²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Irish College of Osteopathic Medicine, National Training Centre, Dublin, D07 F6CR, Ireland. ²Health Professions Education Unit, Hull York Medical School, York YO10 5DD, UK.

Abstract:
Rigor mortis has conventionally been explained as the consequence of adenosine triphosphate depletion and persistent actin-myosin cross-bridge formation within skeletal muscle fibres. More than two centuries after Nysten's description of post-mortem rigidity, the explanatory framework has remained overwhelmingly muscle-centred. This hypothesis-generating narrative review examined whether fascia may contribute to post-mortem rigidity alongside skeletal muscle. Evidence from living tissues and experimental models was synthesised to identify three candidate processes: altered calcium-sensitive myofibroblast activity, changes in extracellular matrix hydration and viscoelastic behaviour, and loss of distributed force transmission across the fascial-muscular continuum. Their specific contributions after death have not been established. Regional variation in fascial density, hydration, cellular composition and loading history may help explain uneven onset, variable timing and non-linear resolution. The proposed fascia-inclusive model did not replace the established actomyosin account. It broadened the anatomical field of enquiry and identified testable questions for direct forensic and anatomical investigation.

Keywords: post-mortem physiology; calcium signalling; tensegrity; forensic science; anatomy; thanatology; mechanotransduction; extracellular matrix; myofibroblasts; post-mortem interval.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 12, 2026; Revised: August 31, 2026; Accepted: September 02, 2026; Published: September 29, 2026.

Citation: Sharkey J., & Kirkness K.B. (2026). Rigor Mortis Revisited: Does Fascia Contribute to Post-Mortem Stiffness? International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 14(9), pp. 001-009. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000210

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 001–005

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000159

Article Type: Full Length Research Paper

Title: Duodenal Mucosa Variations in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Names of Authors: Ahmed Medhat¹, Nadia Abd El Salam², Sahar M. Hassany¹, Howida I. Hussein², & Hubert E. Blum³*

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Assiut University, Egypt. ²Pathology Department, Assiut University, Egypt. ³Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany.

Abstract:
The micro-anatomical boundaries between functional gastrointestinal disorders and low-grade structural mucosal alterations remain an active area of pathological inquiry. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the morphometric and histological variations of the duodenal mucosa in patients diagnosed with functional gastrointestinal disorders presenting with chronic bowel symptoms. Duodenal tissue biopsies from 113 adult patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Assiut University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated by histopathologic and morphometric profiling. Microscopic variables measured included villus height, crypt depth, villus-to-crypt ratio, and the density of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) per 100 enterocytes. Morphometric analysis revealed that 22.1% of patients exhibited a subtle reduction in mean villus height (385.4 ± 32.6 μm compared to standard anatomical references of >500 μm, p < 0.05). Additionally, an isolated increase in IEL count exceeding 25 per 100 enterocytes was documented in 14.2% of the tissue samples, signaling localized, low-grade mucosal immune activation despite macroscopically normal endoscopic findings. Crypt depth variations showed no significant correlation with patient age or gender dynamics (p > 0.05). These micro-structural changes indicate that a substantial subset of patients categorized with functional gastrointestinal conditions possess underlying low-grade duodenal enteropathy characterized by villous blunting and intraepithelial lymphocytosis. Recognizing these subtle histopathological variations is vital for clinical pathologists and gastroenterologists, as it points to organic structural modifications that may alter intestinal permeability and contribute to chronic diarrheal states.

Keywords: Duodenal mucosa, Morphometry, Villus height, Intraepithelial lymphocytes, Histopathology, Functional dyspepsia

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2026; Revised: June 18, 2026; Accepted: July 04, 2026; Published: September 15, 2026

Citation: Ahmed Medhat, Nadia Abd El Salam, Sahar M. Hassany, Howida I. Hussein, & Hubert E. Blum (2026). Duodenal Mucosa Variations in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 001–005. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000159

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | ISSN 2736-1594 | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 001-007

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000537

Article Type: Review

Title: A Systematic Review of Physical Activity Patterns and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Africa

Names of Authors: Doreen Mukona¹*, Stephen Peter Munjanja¹, Mathilda Zvinavashe¹, Babill Stray-Pederson¹

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Nursing Science, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Box A178 Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Abstract:

Earlier studies conducted in Africa have generally generated evidence that women in low income countries have a high physical workload that is sustained during pregnancy. This high physical workload was believed to contribute to the high incidence of low birth weight. However, there are only few published studies on physical activity among pregnant women in low-income countries, and most have been based on questionnaires. This research aims to explore the status of physical activity and factors influencing physical activity in pregnant women in Africa. Pubmed, Scopus and Cinahl databases were searched with no date restrictions using the Mesh terms “pregnancy”, “physical activity”, “exercise” and “Africa”. Articles were independently screened by 2 reviewers. A meta-analysis could not be done due to the heterogeneity of the articles hence a narrative synthesis of evidence was done instead. The results revealed a total of 5 articles from Africa. The major form of physical activity reported was household activities which fall below the recommended intensity during pregnancy. Physical activity tended to decrease as pregnancy progressed. The study thus, low levels of physical activity in pregnancy are prevalent in developing countries as well as in developed countries. However existing published data are too few to generalize to the whole of the African continent household activities.

Key words: Pregnancy, exercise, physical activity.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 485–496

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000208

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Variations in the Course and Branching Structure of the Superficial Palmar Arch Within an Anatolian Population

Names of Authors: Caner K. Özkan¹, Bülent S. Demir²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey; ²Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

Abstract:
The vascularization of the hand is characterized by rich anastomotic networks, where the superficial palmar arch (SPA) serves as the core distribution pathway for the fingers. This study categorized the completeness, source vessels, and branching variations of the SPA to improve clinical safety margins during hand surgery. Dissections were performed on 60 hand specimens from 30 formalin-fixed adult human cadavers. The SPA configurations were classified into complete arches (where anastomotic connections are fully established) and incomplete arches based on standard classifications. A complete SPA was observed in 78.3% of hands (n = 47). The most common variant within this group was the radio-ulnar configuration, where the arch was formed by the anastomosis of the superficial branch of the ulnar artery with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (55.0%). In contrast, an incomplete SPA was documented in 21.7% of hand specimens (n = 13), wherein the ulnar artery failed to anastomose with a corresponding radial or median vessel, terminating directly as the common digital artery of the thumb or index finger. The mean diameter of the ulnar contributor to the arch was 2.15 ± 0.32 mm. These vascular statistics highlight that incomplete palmar networks are highly prevalent, reinforcing the importance of performing pre-operative Allen tests or duplex Doppler assessments prior to harvesting radial forearm flaps or performing palmar incisions.

Keywords: Superficial Palmar Arch, Ulnar Artery, Radial Artery, Anatomical Variations, Hand Surgery, Cadaveric Dissection

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 25, 2026; Revised: September 20, 2026; Accepted: September 28, 2026; Published: September 30, 2026

Citation: Özkan C.K., & Demir B.S. (2026). Variations in the Course and Branching Structure of the Superficial Palmar Arch Within an Anatolian Population. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 485–496. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000208

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 1131–1142

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000575

Original Research Article

Title: Diagnostic Performance of High-Resolution Next-Generation Sequencing Analyzing Trophectoderm Chromosomal Mosaicism

Names of Authors: Alexander Ivanov¹, Nathalie Dubois²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, Russia
² Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Universitaire de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract:
Trophectoderm mosaicism identified during Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) complicates clinical embryo transfer decisions due to uncertainties regarding embryonic self-correction paths. This prospective diagnostic study evaluated the accuracy and validation tracking of high-resolution Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms in classifying low-grade (20% to 30%) and high-grade (30% to 50%) chromosomal mosaicism. A total of 1,200 blastocysts underwent trophectoderm biopsy utilizing deep sequencing protocols. To validate diagnostic calls, 120 mosaic blastocysts donated to research underwent total inner cell mass (ICM) disaggregation and secondary multiline re-sequencing, serving as the gold reference standard. Trophectoderm NGS demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 91.2% for detecting true ICM chromosomal mosaic lines (AUC = 0.91). Concordance between trophectoderm mosaic designations and true ICM lines was significantly higher for high-grade mosaic calls compared to low-grade designations (84.6% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.001), with low-grade indications showing a high propensity for full inner cell mass euploidy. No technical differences were noted across individual chromosomes. Deep high-resolution next-generation sequencing provides an excellent diagnostic framework for tracking trophectoderm mosaic borders, but low-grade mosaic variants frequently correspond to structurally normal, euploid inner cell masses, advising caution against the routine rejection of these embryos.

Keywords: Preimplantation Genetic Testing; Chromosomal Mosaicism; Trophectoderm Biopsy; Next-Generation Sequencing; Inner Cell Mass; Embryo Selection.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 26, 2026; Revised: September 14, 2026; Accepted: September 25, 2026; Published: September 30, 2026.

Citation: Ivanov A, Dubois N. Diagnostic Performance of High-Resolution Next-Generation Sequencing Analyzing Trophectoderm Chromosomal Mosaicism. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(9): 1131–1142.

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 1119–1130

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000574

Original Research Article

Title: Prophylactic Intravenous Ondansetron versus Phenylephrine Infusion for Preventing Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension during Planned Cesarean Section

Names of Authors: Liam O'Connor¹, Yuki Saito²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
² Department of Anesthesiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan

Abstract:
Spinal anesthesia for scheduled cesarean delivery induces acute maternal hypotension due to sympathetic blockade. Prophylactic phenylephrine infusions represent the standard treatment protocol but can trigger maternal bradycardia. Prophylactic ondansetron blocks serotonin receptors, limiting the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. This prospective comparative clinical trial compared the hemodynamic stability achieved by a pre-procedural ondansetron bolus against a continuous phenylephrine infusion. Two hundred healthy parturients undergoing planned cesarean delivery under spinal block were assigned to two equal treatment arms: the ondansetron cohort (4 mg IV bolus 5 minutes before spinal block plus saline infusion; n = 100) or the phenylephrine cohort (IV saline bolus plus continuous phenylephrine infusion at 0.5 μg/kg/min; n = 100). The primary endpoint was the incidence of maternal hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg). The incidence of hypotension was 24.0% in the phenylephrine group and 28.0% in the ondansetron group, showing no significant variation (p = 0.52). However, maternal bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm) occurred significantly more often in the phenylephrine arm (14.0% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001). Ondansetron also provided superior control against intraoperative nausea and vomiting symptoms (3.0% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.016). Neonatal cord blood gas metrics were excellent across both arms (p > 0.05). Prophylactic intravenous ondansetron bolus administration offers hemodynamic protection non-inferior to automated phenylephrine infusions while avoiding bradycardia risks and emetic complications.

Keywords: Spinal Anesthesia; Cesarean Section; Maternal Hypotension; Ondansetron; Phenylephrine Infusion; Bezold-Jarisch Reflex.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 24, 2026; Revised: September 12, 2026; Accepted: September 24, 2026; Published: September 29, 2026.

Citation: O'Connor L, Saito Y. Prophylactic Intravenous Ondansetron versus Phenylephrine Infusion for Preventing Spinal Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension during Planned Cesarean Section. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(9): 1119–1130.

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 473–484

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000207

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Histological Changes in the Renal Medulla and Papilla of Adult Wistar Rats Following Chronic Intake of High-Sodium Drinking Solutions

Names of Authors: Fatimah H. Al-Zahrani¹, Mustafa A. Al-Hassan²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; ²Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract:
Excessive dietary sodium intake induces vascular stress and compromises the countercurrent multiplier system within the kidney. This study evaluated the structural modifications occurring within the renal medulla and papilla of adult Wistar rats following chronic consumption of a high-sodium drinking solution. Twenty-four male rats were randomly assigned to two equal groups (n = 12): a control group receiving standard tap water and a high-sodium group receiving a 2.0% sodium chloride (NaCl) drinking solution ad libitum for 12 consecutive weeks. Renal tissue sections were processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson’s trichrome for quantitative microstructural profiling. The high-sodium group displayed severe architectural disruption within the inner medulla and papilla, characterized by lumen dilation of the collecting ducts and flattening of the principal epithelial cell height (6.10 ± 0.45 μm vs 9.85 ± 0.65 μm in controls, p < 0.01). Masson's trichrome staining demonstrated a 3.4-fold expansion of interstitial extracellular matrix deposition in the medullary space, indicating focal interstitial fibrosis. PAS staining revealed localized basement membrane splitting along the thin limbs of Henle’s loop. These histological alterations demonstrate that chronic high-sodium loading alters the specialized cell structural integrity of the renal medulla and induces tubulointerstitial remodeling, shedding light on the morphological pathways underpinning sodium-dependent renal concentrating defects.

Keywords: Renal Medulla, High-Sodium Diet, Collecting Ducts, Histological Damage, Interstitial Fibrosis, Wistar Rats

Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 24, 2026; Revised: September 19, 2026; Accepted: September 27, 2026; Published: September 30, 2026

Citation: Al-Zahrani F.H., & Al-Hassan M.A. (2026). Histological Changes in the Renal Medulla and Papilla of Adult Wistar Rats Following Chronic Intake of High-Sodium Drinking Solutions. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 473–484. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000207

International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 1107–1118

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJOG/000573

Original Research Article

Title: Laparoscopic Pectopexy versus Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Five-Year Prospective Evaluation

Names of Authors: Sofia Rodriguez¹, Arthur Pendelton²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ Departamento de Ginecología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
² Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Abstract:
Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is a gold-standard approach for apical prolapse repair, but presacral space dissection introduces risks of hypogastric nerve injury and defecation disorders. Laparoscopic Pectopexy (LPC)—vault suspension to the iliopectineal ligaments—avoids the presacral arena entirely. This prospective longitudinal cohort study compared the 5-year anatomical durability, operational safety, and long-term complication profiles of LPC versus conventional LSC. One hundred women presenting with symptomatic POP-Q Stage III or IV apical prolapse were assigned to undergo either LPC (n = 50) or LSC (n = 50) and tracked for 60 months. At the 5-year mark, apical anatomical success (Stage 0 or I) was maintained in 92.0% of the LPC cohort and 90.0% of the LSC cohort, demonstrating clinical equivalence (p = 0.74). However, the incidence of de novo long-term constipation was significantly lower in the pectopexy group compared to the sacrocolpopexy group (2.0% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.014). Long-term mesh exposure or dyspareunia rates did not vary between the arms (4.0% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.65). Mean surgical durations were significantly shorter for the pectopexy installation (76.5 ± 14.2 minutes vs. 102.4 ± 18.5 minutes, p < 0.001). Laparoscopic pectopexy offers long-term apical structural durability equivalent to sacrocolpopexy while optimizing operative durations and minimizing chronic postoperative bowel complications.

Keywords: Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Laparoscopic Pectopexy; Sacrocolpopexy; Iliopectineal固定; Postoperative Constipation; Long-Term Success.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 22, 2026; Revised: September 10, 2026; Accepted: September 22, 2026; Published: September 29, 2026.

Citation: Rodriguez S, Pendelton A. Laparoscopic Pectopexy versus Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy for Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Five-Year Prospective Evaluation. International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; 14(9): 1107–1118.