Folia morphologica最新文献

Background: The development of the sternum begins during the intrauterine life and continues until the age of 25 years. However, specific information on the ages at which the development sternum completed remains limited. The aim of this study was to identify the cut-off ages for ossification and fusion of the sternal parts and segments, specifically the manubrium, sternal body and its segments, in both sexes.

Materials and methods: Computed tomography images of the thorax for 480 individuals (215 females and 265 males) from 0 to 25 years of age were analysed to determine the number of ossification centres in the sternal parts. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the ossification and fusion of the sternum segments for the ages at which ossification and fusion occurred for both sexes.

Results: The ROC analysis results indicated that the sternal body showed the most significant age-related ossification in both sexes. The optimal cut-off ages for ossification of the manubrium and sternal body were 4 and 15 years for females and 5 and 15, years for males, respectively (p = 0.001). Age significantly influenced the fusion of the sternum segments. The S1-S2 fusion had the highest area under the curve.

Conclusions: The results of this study emphasise the importance of age in sternum ossification and fusion. Age-specific ossification patterns were most pronounced in the sternal body. The ROC analysis provided the critical age cut-off points for the developmental stages of the sternum in both sexes.

Background: Mismatches between knee dimensions and implant sizes can result in poor outcomes and dissatisfaction following total knee replacement. We aimed to evaluate knee morphology in Vietnamese women and assess the compatibility of available prostheses.

Materials and methods: Using the full-leg CT scan datasets, we reconstructed 3D models of knee joints with software. After simulating femoral and tibial bone cuts with the mechanical alignment, the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) widths of the resection surfaces were measured. Six available prostheses were analyzed for their compatibility and coverage percent of the resected bone.

Results: The study included 40 female patients with osteoarthritis (aged 51-79). AP and ML dimensions of distal femur were 63.07 ± 3.05 mm and 57.46 ± 3.06 mm; those of proximal tibia were 48.95 ± 3.01 mm and 67.14 ± 3.49 mm. Smaller knees exhibited higher femoral aspect ratio (ML/AP) compared to larger knees. Increasing the tibial AP resulted in a smaller ML length of the proximal tibia relative to the tibial component. With the AP and ML mismatch set at ± 1.5 and ± 3 mm, prosthesis system provided the best femoral component fit at only 67.5%. Tibial component coverage rates varied among implant systems, with the best fit prosthesis system covering 92.5% at a tolerance of ± 3 mm for both AP and ML dimensions.

Conclusions: The current prosthetic options show significant mismatches with the knee morphology of Vietnamese women, highlighting the need for better suited implant designs. Further research is necessary to develop suitable prosthetic solutions.

Background: In the present study we aimed to quantitatively evaluate the growth of the psoas major in human fetuses.

Materials and methods: Using anatomical dissection, digital-image analysis (NIS Elements AR 3.0), volumetric hydrostatic method, and statistical analysis (Student's t-test, regression analysis), the 10 direct morphometric parameters (4 lengths, 2 widths, 3 projection surface areas, and volume) of the psoas major were evaluated, and then the 5 morphometric indexes (belly width-to-length ratio, tendon width-to-length ratio, belly-to-muscle projection surface area ratio, tendon-to-muscle projection surface area ratio, and tendon-to-belly projection surface area ratio) were calculated in 67 human fetuses of both sexes (31♂, 36♀) aged 16-28 weeks.

Results: Neither male-female nor right-left significant differences were found in relation to numerical data of the growing psoas major. Both the total muscle length and tendon length increased logarithmically, the belly length followed the third-degree polynomial function, both the maximal belly width and midway tendon width followed inverse functions, while the distance from the muscle origin to the widest part of the muscle belly, 3 (muscle, belly and tendon) projection surface areas, and volume increased commensurately to fetal age.

Conclusions: In terms of morphometric parameters, the psoas major displays growth dynamics diverse to four functions: from a gradual inhibition of growth which is typical of both natural logarithmic functions (total length and tendon length) and a reverse model (belly width and tendon width) through a linear growth (distance between the origin and the widest belly level, muscle projection surface area, belly projection surface area, tendon projection surface area, and volume) to a hyperbolic growth (belly length).

Background: Neuroblastoma often begins in infancy and one of the most common types of cancer among children is someone. Napabucasin (NP) (BBI608), a natural naphthoquinone emerging as a novel inhibitor of STAT3, has been found to effectively kill cancer stem-like tumor cells. On the other hand, the effect of Napabucasin on SH-SY5Y cells is currently unclear. The effects and mechanisms of NP and doxorubicin (DX) on human metastatic neuroblastoma cells were investigated.

Materials and methods: In this study, human neuroblastoma cells line (SHSY-5Y) were used. Apoptotic activation of NP and DX via the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway was evaluated by qRT-PCR, western blot and Tali cytometry. It was also detected by MTT, a cell viability test.

Results: NP and DX antiproliferative and invasive effected to SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, NP induced apoptosis by pausing the cell cycle. Moreover, NP treatment inhibited the expression of Bcl-2, which is associated with apoptosis, while it clearly inhibited the expression of Bax and CASP3 genes.

Conclusions: As a results showed that NP and DX suppressed the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells and could do this through apoptotic pathways. NP can be used to suppress metastasis of SHSY-5Y cells as an inhibitor of the apoptosis pathway Bcl-2. It is thought that NP, which provides tumor suppression through an apoptotic mechanism, may be an alternative treatment agent in neurological cancers such as neuroblastoma.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D), significantly contributes to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Despite conventional treatments aimed at slowing disease progression, there is a pressing need for novel therapies. This study evaluates the potential therapeutic impact of adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on early diabetic nephrotoxicity in a rat model.

Materials and methods: Thirty-one male albino rats were divided into control and diabetic groups, with the latter further split into untreated (T2Da) and SVF-treated (T2Db) subgroups. Biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analyses were conducted.

Results: We demonstrated that SVF treatment reduced oxidative stress, lowered serum creatinine, and improved renal architecture by mitigating fibrosis and cellular infiltration, suggesting enhanced tissue regeneration and reduced inflammation. SVF also facilitated cellular repair, indicated by increased endothelial cell proliferation and reduced glomerular damage.

Conclusions: This study underscores SVF's potential as a promising regenerative approach for managing early-stage DN, warranting further research to elucidate its mechanisms.

Background: The expanding number of parotid ablations, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries of the head and neck, considerably increased the risk of the marginal mandibular branch (MMB) injury. The purpose of our study was to determine the anatomical peculiarities of the MMB depending on the facial nerve branching pattern (FNBP), gender and cephalometric type.

Materials and methods: The MMB was dissected on 75 hemiheads of adult embalmed cadavers. The origin, number of branches, topography and connections of the MMB were analyzed.

Results: Seven FNBP were identified: Type I (18.7%); Type II (14.7%); Type III (20%); Type IV (14.6%); Type V (5.3%); Type VI (18.7%); Type NI (8%, non-identified types). In males 1-3 MMB were determined and in females 1-4 MMB; p = 0.845. In males, bilaterally were identified 1-3 MMB. In females on the right side were found 1-2 MMB and on the left - 1-4 MMB; p = 0.204. A single MMB was revealed in 41 cases (54.7%), 2 MMB - in 29 cases (38.7%), 3 MMB - in 4 cases (5.3%) and in a single case 4 MMB (1.3%) were determined. Depending on the FNBP, the number of the MMB was: Type I - 1.2 ± 0.43; Type II - 1.5 ± 0.52; Type III - 1.6 ± 0.63; Type IV - 1.5 ± 0.52; Type V - 1.3 ± 0.50; Type VI - 1.9 ± 0.95; Type NI - 1.7 ± 0.82. IGFV = 1.403 (intergroup frequency variation); df = 6 (degree of freedom); p = 0.226. According to the cephalometric type the number of the MMB in mesocephalic type (MCT) was 1.5 ± 0.68; in brachycephalic type (BCT) - 1.6 ± 0.52; in dolichocephalic type (DCT) - 1.9 ± 0.60. IGFV = 1.698; df = 2; p = 0.190. A rare variant of the MMB origin from the temporofacial division of the facial nerve was highlighted in 5.3% of cases.

Conclusions: The MMB varies depending on the FNBP, gender and cephalometric type. The highest variation degree was characteristic of females, Type VI and DCT. The lowest variation degree was determined in Type I and in MCT, without gender differences. The risk of iatrogenic lesions of the MMB is conditioned by two important aspects: its anatomical variability and large number of surgical interventions at that level.

The correct function of the upper limb depends on the cooperation and coordination of the muscular and skeletal systems as well as the connective tissue elements present in it. Connective tissue forms fascia, connective tissue membranes and ligaments. Connective tissue mostly develops from the mesenchyme. It is formed from the intercellular substance consisting of protein fibrous elements and the ground substance. The fibrous elements generally fulfill the mechanical function of the intercellular substance. There are three types of fibrous elements: collagen fibers, reticular fibers and elastic fibers. The aim of the study was to examine the occurrence of fibrous structures in the wrist area in fetal material stored in the Prenatal Laboratory of the Department of Anatomy of the Wroclaw Medical University (Wroclaw, Poland). The research included 114 fetuses (53 male and 61 female) of between 117.0 and 197.0 (median 177.0) days of fetal life. The study showed 100% prevalence of a ring-shaped connective tissue structure on the radial side of the wrist located around the tendon of the "flexor carpi radialis muscle", previously unobserved in fetuses. Its bilaterality was found in 57.9% and unilaterality in 42.1% of the examined fetuses. In male fetuses, the ring-shaped structure was located in the right upper limb in 68.9% of the examined limbs, and in the left in 80.3%. Bilaterality was 49.2%, and unilaterality 50.8%. In female fetuses, this structure was observed in the right limbs in 84.9%, and in the left in 77.4%. Bilaterality was 61.1%, and unilaterality 38.9%. The structure that was observed has not been described in fetuses so far; only in one study authors describing a similar change in adults calls it an "Annular Pulley" and connects its significance with the system of disc-shaped ligaments of the tendons of the flexor muscles of the hand, which are an element of the attachment system of tendons to the skeletal system. Its function within the ligamentous and retinacular system of the wrist remains unknown. This is the first study to describe the occurrence of the "AP" in fetal material. Further research is required to understand its role in the biomechanics of the upper limb and its histological structure.

Background: Anthropometric analysis of the midface is essential, especially for rhinoplasty surgeons, medical aesthetics, medical jurisprudence, and anthropology. The aim of this study was to provide data to describe of the anthropometric dimensions of the nose and face among Caucasian young adults in order to establish reference values.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 289 Polish students (115 men and 174 women). The mean age in the study group was 20.44 ± 1.93 years. In this study 10 linear measurements of the face and nose were determined, 7 indices were calculated, including Facial Index and Nasal Index. The prevalence of facial and nasal types was determined. The dimensions and indexes were compared in both sexes. The results obtained were compared with the results of other authors on Caucasian groups including the Polish population in similar age ranges. Statistical analysis was performed. The level of statistical significance was taken as p < 0.05.

Results: The most common face type in the study group was hyperleptoprosopic (very narrow face) and leptoprosopic (narrow face) 32.17%, 31.30% in the female group and 32.76%, 29.31%, in the male group, respectively. The most common nose type was leptorrhine (narrow nose), 74.76%. All measured linear dimensions were greater in men except for nasal root width. Similar results were obtained among indices with the exception of nasal length index.

Conclusions: The results of the obtained measurements can be used by surgeons when planning reconstructive, corrective and aesthetic nasal surgery to ensure an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Background: The anterior thoracic wall musculature presents significant morphological variability. The current literature describes a few accessory thoracic muscles (ATMs) and discusses possible clinical implications. The dissection report describes an unusual ATM variant.

Materials and methods: The variant case was identified during theroutine dissection of a 78-year-old female donated cadaver.

Results: An accessory previously unknown muscle was identified on the right anterior thoracic wall in the intermediate plane of the pectoralis major and minor muscles (PM and Pm). It originated from the external oblique muscle (at the level of the fifth rib), and in its distal attachment, the muscular belly became aponeurotic and fused with the axillary fascia. The insertion was located anteriorly to the axillary neurovascular structures but was not closely related. On the left anterior thoracic wall, the musculature was presented as typical.

Conclusions: The variant case could not be classified as a previously reported variant due to its origin in the external oblique muscle. The proposed name for the accessory muscle is the "abdomino-fascialis" muscle. Surgeonsoperating in the axilla and the anterior thoracic wallmust acknowledge these variants, which can significantly complicate several procedures.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) have been identified to be involved in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, whether FGF21 functioned in SCI via METTL14-induced N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification remains unclear.

Materials and methods: PC12 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were applied to detect the mRNA and protein levels of METTL14, FGF21 and Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1). The CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry and ELISA analysis were used to conduct in vitro functional analyses. Cell ferroptosis was assessed by measuring the levels of Fe2+, reactive oxygen species, glutathione and related regulators. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification profile was analyzed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay. The interaction between IGF2BP1 and FGF21 was validated using RIP assay. SCI animal models were constructed for in vivo analysis.

Results: Levels of FGF21 were decreased in LPS-induced PC12 cells. Functionally, FGF21 overexpression reversed LPS-induced proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, ferroptosis and inflammation in PC12 cells. Mechanistically, METTL14 induced FGF21 m6A modification in SCI cell models, and m6A-binding protein IGF2BP1 was involved in regulating FGF21 expression by METTL14. METTL14 silencing abolished LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis, inflammation and ferroptosis via regulating FGF21. Moreover, METTL14 silencing improved neuronal injury in SCI rat models by modulating FGF21 expression.

Conclusions: METTL14 knockdown attenuates neuron injury and improves function recovery after SCI via up-regulating FGF21 in an m6A-IGF2BP1 dependent mechanism, suggesting a useful target for SCI recovery.