No abstract

The biological adaptation of the human lineage to its environment is a recurring question in paleoanthropology. Particularly, how eco‐geographic factors (e.g., environmental temperature and humidity) have shaped upper airway morphology in hominins have been subject to continuing debate. Nasal shape is the result of many intertwined factors that include, but are not limited to, genetic drift, sexual selection, or adaptation to climate. A quantification of nasal airway (NA) morphological variation in modern human populations is crucial to better understand these multiple factors. In the present research, we study 195 in vivo CT scans of adult individuals collected in five different geographic areas (Chile, France, Cambodia, Russia, and South Africa). After segmentation of the nasal airway, we reconstruct 3D meshes that are analyzed with a landmark‐free geometric morphometrics method based on surface deformation. Our results highlight subtle but statistically significant morphological differences between our five samples. The two morphologically closest groups are France and Russia, whose NAs are longer and narrower, with an important protrusion of the supero‐anterior part. The Cambodian sample is the most morphologically distinct and clustered sample, with a mean NA that is wider and shorter. On the contrary, the Chilean sample form the most scattered cluster with the greatest intra‐population variation. The South African sample is morphologically close to the Cambodian sample, but also partially overlaps the French and Russian variation. Interestingly, we record no correlation between NA volume and geographic groups, which raises the question of climate‐related metabolic demands for oxygen consumption. The other factors of variation (sex and age) have no influence on the NA shape in our samples. However, NA volume varies significantly according both to sex and age: it is higher in males than in females and tends to increase with age. In contrast, we observe no effect of temperature or humidity on NA volume. Finally, we highlight the important influence of asymmetries related to nasal septum deviations in NA shape variation.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced changes to online teaching worldwide. The Clinical Anatomy journal club (JC) is key in the Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) programme and aims to improve scientific appraisal and communication abilities in anatomical research. An online JC through synchronous contact between members was deemed fitting as it could bridge the newly enforced geographical limitations due to the national lockdown in South Africa. Although common in clinical specialties, there are no published reports of anatomy themed online JCs. This project aimed to develop, implement, and appraise a synchronous virtual JC for Clinical Anatomy during the COVID-19 South African lockdown. A qualitative exploratory study design within an interpretive/constructivist paradigm was followed and aimed to explore students’ perceptions of a virtual anatomy JC during the lockdown. The study was conducted at a South African institution, within the BScHons programme, and all enrolled students were invited to participate. Upon receipt of informed consent, an anonymous questionnaire was administered via Moodle for the BScHons students. The responses were analysed by thematic analysis, codes were developed, and themes were generated. Two main themes were generated from the results: the first related to the virtual format of the JC and the second focused on the content and topics covered during the JC sessions. The Clinical Anatomy staff and students adapted rapidly to the virtual JC and formed a community of practice. The benefits of teaching and learning within JC were maintained during the virtual format. It is envisioned that the JC will continue in a hybrid format (face-to-face and virtual) in future academic years. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01325-8.