Folia morphologica最新文献

Background: The talus and calcaneus are critical components of foot biomechanics, contributing to stability and movement. Despite their importance, data on their morphometric and articular characteristics in the Eastern Anatolian population are scarce. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the morphometry and facet configurations of talus and calcaneus from this region, highlighting their clinical and biomechanical significance.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 tali and 29 calcanei were analyzed using high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and 3D reconstruction. Morphometric measurements, including lengths, widths, and facet areas, were performed, and articular facet types were classified based on established criteria. Comparative analyses were conducted with data from other populations.

Results: Significant side-specific variations were observed in lengths and sulcus dimensions. Type B was the most prevalent facet configuration in both talus and calcaneus, with unique patterns such as Type B3 emphasizing the anatomical distinctiveness of the Eastern Anatolian population. Comparisons with other populations revealed larger morphometric dimensions and distinct facet distributions, underscoring population-specific differences.

Conclusions: This study provides valuable morphometric and facet classification data for talus and calcaneus in the Eastern Anatolian population. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of regional anatomical variations and have significant implications for clinical applications, forensic investigations, and prosthetic design.

Background: The posterior condylar canal (PCC) is a crucial structure facilitating venous drainage from the intracranial venous sinuses to the extracranial system. This study aimed to provide anatomical insights into the PCC's prevalence, location of the extracranial and intracranial orifice and diameter, aiding surgical procedures involving the posterior skull base, foramen magnum, and jugular foramen.

Materials and methods: Two hundred dry skulls (100 male and 100 female) were examined. The PCC was traced using a flexible wire through its extracranial orifice. Its location was categorized relative to the posterior edge of the occipital condyle (PEOC) into lateral, middle, or medial thirds. The intracranial orifice was classified as intrajugular, intrasinus, or retrosinus. The maximum diameter of the extracranial orifice was measured.

Results: The PCC was present in 79.5% of skulls, with bilateral occurrence in 39.5%, right unilateral in 22%, and left unilateral in 18%. In 20.5% of cases, the PCC was absent. A double PCC was observed in a single skull. No statistically significant difference in PCC prevalence was found between sexes. The extracranial orifice was most commonly located in the lateral third of the PEOC (41.4%). The most prevalent intracranial orifice type was intrajugular (46.6%). The average PCC diameter was 3.77 ± 1.0 mm. No statistically significant difference was observed between sides in either extracranial location or intracranial orifice type.

Conclusion: Understanding the anatomical variations of the PCC is clinically important for radiologists in interpreting pathological conditions and for neurosurgeons in planning surgeries involving the occipital condyle region.

Objective: This study investigates the prevalence, morphology, and anatomical characteristics of corona mortis (CMOR) using routine portal-phase contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Corona mortis is defined as the anastomoses between the external iliac and inferior epigastric vessels and the obturator vascular structures. Accidental injury of these vascular connections during surgical operations or damage from pelvic trauma can lead to difficult-to-control pelvic hemorrhages.

Matherials and methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 1593 abdominopelvic CT scans performed between January and April 2023. Patients' demographics, CMOR prevalence, morphology, and measurements-including vessel diameter and distance from the pubic symphysis-were analyzed. CMOR was classified using the Rusu classification system, and arterial and venous anastomoses were documented.

Results: CMOR was identified in 49.3% of patients. Venous CMOR was observed in 34% of cases, and arterial CMOR was detected in 7.1%, with 5.8% of patients exhibiting combined arterial and venous anastomoses. Venous vessel diameters averaged 3.1 mm on the right and 3.2 mm on the left, with significant sex-based differences (p=0.001). The distance from the pubic symphysis to venous CMOR averaged 63 mm. Most arterial anastomoses were Type 1-2 (89.4%), and venous anastomoses were predominantly Type 2-1 (72%).

Conclusion: Routine portal-phase CT effectively identifies and classifies CMOR, providing valuable preoperative information. Bilateral and contralateral anastomoses are frequent, highlighting the need for detailed anatomical evaluation to reduce surgical complications. Future studies could enhance detection with advanced imaging techniques such as 3D reconstructions.

The study of anatomy has served as the cornerstone of medical education for centuries, traditionally relying on human cadavers as the primary teaching resource. In recent years, new technologies such as virtual anatomy tables, immersive techniques and 3D printing have been introduced into anatomy education. Moreover, immersive techniques and 3D printing are also increasingly common in many fields of medicine. Virtual anatomy tables, immersive techniques and 3D printing are well-evaluated by students, but in the vast majority of studies they emphasize a complementary rather than leading role in teaching anatomy. New technologies lead to greater student engagement. They also diversify learning, making it more enjoyable and accessible. New technologies are increasingly used in clinical disciplines and teaching.The incorporation of modern tools reflects a global trend in medical education. Students have a positive attitude towards innovations, and most studies confirm their satisfaction and confirmation of their usefulness after their implementation in practice. Most students are convinced of the usefulness of new technologies in future clinical work, therefore medical universities should ensure the development of future doctors based on modern methods.

Background: The sigmoid arteries (SAs) are essential for supplying blood to the sigmoid colon and exhibit considerable anatomical variability in their number, origin, and branching patterns. A precise understanding of SA anatomy is crucial for colorectal surgical procedures, particularly in oncological and diverticular disease resections.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 75 consecutive Polish patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) at the Radiology Department of Jagiellonian University Medical College between 2018 and 2022. The study assessed SA origin, diameter, cross-sectional area, and distance from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA).

Results: The first SA most commonly originated directly from the IMA (69.01%), whereas the second and third SAs predominantly arose from the sigmoid trunk. The analysis of SA types, based on the Cirocchi et al. classification, revealed that Type 1 configurations were the most common, accounting for 50.70% of cases. Among them, Type 1B was the predominant subtype (35.21%). The median number of observed SAs per patient was 1, with a maximum of 6. The first SA had a median diameter of 1.97 mm at its origin, with a range from 0.70 mm to 3.32 mm. The distance from the origin of the IMA to the first SA exhibited a wide range, with a median of 52.76 mm and a maximum of 82.77 mm.

Conclusions: The sigmoid arteries, which serve as the primary source of blood supply to the sigmoid colon, exhibit significant variability in their origin and number of branches. The present study provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the morphometric characteristics and branching patterns of the sigmoid arteries, aiming to enhance current knowledge. This data may be particularly valuable for physicians, as it is clinically relevant to various colorectal surgical procedures, such as malignancy resections.

Background: The acromion can have different shapes and sizes among different populations. Measuring the morphological structures of the shoulder joint can facilitate a better understanding of the causes of SIS issues. The study explores the correlation between acromion types and the morphological measurements of acromion in SIS among the Chinese population.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study. Between January 2024 and September 2024, MRI of 128 cases that were diagnosed as SIS and met the criteria were included in the study. Measurements taken from the MRI images included types of acromion, acromion humeral distance (AHD), acromion index (AI), acromion-greater tubercle impingement index (ATI), critical shoulder angle (CSA), lateral acromion angle (LAA), and slope of the acromion.

Results: Type Ⅰ acromion was observed in 29 cases (22.66%), type Ⅱ acromion in 79 cases (61.72%), and type Ⅲ acromion in 20 cases (15.62%). AHD, AI, ATI, CSA, LAA, and slope of acromion among the various acromion types. (AHD: p＜0.001; AI: p = 0.002; ATI: p = 0.009; CSA: p＜0.001; LAA: p＜0.001; slope of acromion: p＜0.001) According to type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ acromions characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off values for AI, ATI, CSA, LAA, and slope of acromion were 0.76, 0.96, 53.37°, 77.82° and 10.12°. According to type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ acromions characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off values for AHD and slope of acromion were 8.51mm and 15.77°.

Conclusions: In summary, AHD, AI, ATI, CSA, LAA, and the slope of the acromion show significant differences among the three types of acromion in subacromial impingement syndrome. The slope of the acromion serves as a reliable MRI measurement parameter for distinguishing between type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ acromions, as well as type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ acromions in SIS patients. These measurement parameters are of great importance for diagnosing and treating subacromial impingement syndrome.

Background: Morphological and functional studies of the human cavo-hepatic junction have been widely reported. The unique spiral structure of the wall of the canine hepatic venous system, which is formed by smooth muscle bundles, and the ultrastructure of the hepatic venous sphincter of animals, especially dogs, have also received a great deal attention. However, studies on the innervation of the hepatic vein in this structure have rarely been reported.

Materials and methods: In this study, experimental animals Suncus murinus (n = 9) were subjected to pressurized perfusion and fixation. The liver was removed, and the liver parenchyma was carefully removed, leaving only the intrahepatic vasculature. Whole-mount immunohistochemical staining with a neurofilament protein antibody was performed to identify the nerves of the hepatic vein.

Results: Abundant NFP-positive nerves were present near the hepatic venous outflow tract, which were connected to the IHC nerves. However, no NFP-positive nerve fibers were found in the deep hepatic, sublobular, or collecting veins.

Conclusions: Our studies on Suncus murinus, have shown that the nerve distribution of the hepatic vein is quite different from that of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct system entering and exiting the liver portal. The nerve distribution of the latter can extend to deeper layers of the intrahepatic artery, portal vein, and intrahepatic bile duct system. Innervation of the hepatic vein was mainly observed at the entrance of the hepatic vein into the IVC. These nerves may innervate the hepatic sphincter and control the outflow of hepatic veins.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that Parkinson's disease (PD) may originate in the gut and impact the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis, highlighting the significance of the gut microbiome. This study explores the neuroprotective potential of probiotics and their impact on CD163 expression in muscularis macrophages in a rat model of rotenone-induced PD.

Materials and methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups: control, vehicle control, and PD induced by rotenone consisting of positive control (rotenone only), a yeast probiotic group (25 mg/kg Saccharomyces boulardii), a bacterial probiotic group (10⁹/cfu/day probiotics mixture), and a combined yeast-bacterial probiotic group (25 mg/kg Saccharomyces boulardii, 10⁹/cfu/day probiotics mixture). We performed motor evaluations, tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, stereological neuron counting in the hippocampus and cerebellum, and analyzed CD163 expression in muscularis macrophages via flow cytometry. The obtained data were statistically analyzed.

Results: Rotenone-treated groups exhibited severe motor dysfunctions. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the corpus striatum was lower in all rotenone-treated groups but it was higher in those with probiotic supplementation than in the positive control group. Rotenone caused degenerative changes in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, while probiotics demonstrated neuroprotective effects. CD163 expression in muscularis macrophages was significantly increased in the rotenone-treated groups compared to the control and vehicle control group.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that probiotics mitigate rotenone-induced neurodegeneration by preserving dopaminergic neurons and modulating gut-immune interactions. Determining the phenotypic characterization of muscularis macrophages is essential and their relationship with the microbiome may play significant role in neurodegenerative diseases.

Introduction: Retinoblastoma (RB) is a highly aggressive eye tumor and directly affects many children due to socioeconomic and medical constraints. Although there are various approaches to the treatment of RB, satisfactory results cannot be obtained. Natural products of plant origin have shown definite therapeutic effects in the treatment of various tumors and are widely used in the study of RB. Curcumin (Cur) is closely related to the expression and activity of various regulatory proteins. In this study, the anticancer roles of the combination of curcumin with a strong chemotherapy agent such as adryamycin (Adr) were demonstrated.

Materials and methods: The human retinoblastoma cell line WERI-Rb-1 (HTB-169) was used in the study. It was determined that cytotoxicity increased in cancer cells treated with IC50 doses of Cur and Adr for 48 hours in combined applications. Differences in mRNA levels of Caspase-3, P53 and Survivin genes, which are important triggers and regulators of apoptosis in treated cells, were determined by quantitative simultaneous PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results: While it was determined that Cur and Adr application caused a significant increase in both Caspase-3 and P53 mRNA levels, a significant decrease was detected in the mRNA level of Survivin (p < 0.05). In this study, it was shown for the first time that Cur and Adr can exhibit anti-cancer properties by triggering the apoptosis death pathway in retinoblastoma cell lines.

Background and objectives: Stigmasterol, a phytosterol abundantly found in various plant sources, including soybeans and other legumes, plays a significant pharmaceutical role due to its pharmacological properties. Research suggests that stigmasterol exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects, making it a promising candidate for managing cardiovascular disorders. In this work, we elucidated the cardioprotective potency of stigmasterol against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats.

Materials and methods: Hence we have evaluated the potency of stigmasterol supplementation in preventing doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Male Wistar rats were treated with doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg) and supplemented with 25 and 50 mg/kg doses of stigmasterol for 14 days. On 14th day of treatment tail-cuff plethysmography was conducted to assess the hemodynamic parameters. The concentrations of oxidative stress markers, cardiac function markers, myocardial damage markers, and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed in the experimental rats using the commercial kits. The heart tissues were subjected to the histopathological analysis. Docking study was also conducted with NF-κB.

Results: The stigmasterol treatment effectively increased the body weight and heart weight and elevated the hemodynamic parameters in doxorubinin-induced rats. The stigmasterol treatment also decreased the oxidative stress via increasing antioxidants, reduced the cardiac function markers, and decreased the myocardial damage markers in the doxorubicin-induced rats. Furthermore, the stigmasterol treatment also reduced the inflammatory markers in the doxorubicin-induced rats. The cardioprotective properties of the stigmasterol was further supported by the results of histopathological analysis and docking analysis where it showed excellent binding affinity for NF-κB.

Conclusions: The results of tail-cuff plethysmography and cardiac tissue histopathological analysis authentically proved the inhibitory effect of stigmasterol against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity. To conclude supplementation with phytochemical stigmasterol persuasively ameliorated doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity.