Background Tail regeneration in lizards is the only case of large multi-tissue organ regeneration in amniotes. Methods The present Review summarizes numerous immunolocalization and gene-expression studies indicating that after tail amputation in lizards the stump is covered in 7–10 days by the migration of keratinocytes. This allows the accumulation of mesenchymal-fibroblasts underneath the wound epidermis

The attitudes of medical students towards the clinical importance of neuroanatomy have been little studied. Because it has been reported that medical students find neuroanatomy difficult and can have ‘neurophobia’, here we test the hypothesis that early-stage medical students across Europe have a low regard for neuroanatomy’s clinical relevance. The work was conducted under the auspices of the Trans-European

The aim of this study was to examine the last period of Max Clara’s (1899–1966) life in Istanbul (1950–1966) and his scientific activities there. Clara’s career before and during the National Socialist (NS) era was extensively studied, however, almost no information is available regarding his late years and his relationship with old colleagues and the academic world after he was dismissed from the

Soy isoflavone genistein interplays with numerous physiological or pathophysiological processes during ageing. However, its protective role and underlying mechanisms of action in the regulation of calcium (Ca2+) and phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in an animal model of the andropause are yet to be fully clarified. Wistar male rats (16-month-old) were divided into sham-operated, orchidectomized, orchidectomized

Background The retraction and compression of gingival tissue have a significant impact on the efficiency and stability of orthodontic treatment, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of mechanical forces on the expression level of calreticulin (CRT), the activity of the calcineurin (CaN)/nuclear factor of activated

Background Harvesting vascularized bone grafts with computer-assisted surgery represents the gold standard for mandibular reconstruction. However, current augmented reality (AR) approaches are limited to invasive marker fixation. This trial compared a markerless AR-guided real-time navigation with virtually planned and 3D printed cutting guides for harvesting iliac crest grafts. Material and methods

Background In invasive examinations of the colon, e.g. colonoscopy, the tortuosity of the colon is a crucial factor for successful completion of the procedure. If adjacent segments of the colon bend at acute angles (under 90°), endoscopy may become difficult and troublesome. Methods We retrospectively enroled 227 individuals (96 female, 131 male) who underwent abdominopelvic computed tomography examination

Background The coracobrachialis muscle, along with the brachialis and biceps brachii muscles, belong to the anterior group of the brachial region. It is characterized by high level of morphological variabilities, with a common variation being the coracobrachialis longus (CBL) muscle. The CBL may be recognized as a distal part of the coracobrachialis muscle, originating from the anteromedial surface

Background The analysis and diagnosis of ancient oral pathologies have been improved with the application of new techniques such as microscopy and scanning methods over the past few decades. However, the enhancement of the diagnosis implies a prior knowledge of the availability and suitability of such equipments. Methods In this work we examined 3D digital and scanning electron microscopy and two computed

Background Due to the importance, anatomy training is worldwide recognizable in virtually all undergraduate curricula and many postgraduate surgical curricula (Estai and Bunt, 2016; Older, 2004). The postgraduate curriculum of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) is such a surgical curriculum. It is a diverse branch of medicine and the role of anatomy in O&G is versatile. In the Netherlands nor in Europe

Background Because of the widespread and high reliability of free flaps in head and neck reconstruction, the challenge today is to reduce donor site morbidity. The external pudendal artery (EPA) free flap has been described in men and provides a minimal functional and cosmetic impact. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the EPA free flap in women for buccopharyngeal reconstruction. Methods

Aims To analyze the biological effects of the cements Relyx Unicem 2, Panavia V5, Multilink Hybrid Abutment and SoloCem on human gingival fibroblast cells (HGFs). Materials and methods HGFs were exposed to different eluates (n = 40) of the studied resin-based cements. Their cytotoxic effects and influence on cell migration were assessed using MTT and wound-healing assays, respectively. Level of HGF

Shoulder pain is a highly prevalent condition, often resulting in major life limitations, and requiring effective treatments. In this work, we explore the anatomical basis of a proposed approach to the regional anesthesia of the shoulder through a single injection under the subscapularis muscle. Bilateral experimental injections in shoulders from body donors (Radiolar ® and Methylene-Blue) under the

Vascular casting is a widely used method for the representation of body vascularization. Many different injection materials have been described throughout the time to enhance the arterial vascular supply within a specifically defined anatomical location. The use of industrial polyurethane has been recently evaluated and applied to animal and human anatomy. The aim of this study was to confirm the safe

Background The primary dentin, secondary dentin, and reactive tertiary dentin are formed by terminal differentiated odontoblasts, whereas atubular reparative tertiary dentin is formed by odontoblast-like cells. Odontoblast-like cells differentiate from pulpal stem cells, which express the neural stem cell markers nestin, S100β, Sox10, and P0. The denticle (pulp stone) is an unique mineralized extracellular

Background Exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) can induce osteogenic precursor cell differentiation and promote fracture healing. However, the molecular mechanism by which NGF induces osteogenesis is not well understood. BMP-2 has good osteogenic efficacy and is one of the most osteogenic-inducing growth factors known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether NGF induces osteogenic differentiation

Background Users of anatomical donors are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This study evaluated screening algorithms for hepatitis B and C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and Treponema pallidum during donor allocation and assessed the impact of postmortem time on hemolysis and how hemolysis affects test results and donor discard rate. Methods From 2011 to 2018, demographic data of anatomical

Pannexins are channel proteins displaying functional similarities to gap junctions in vertebrates and are regarded as transmembrane ATP-releasing channels. A member of this family, denominate pannexin1, has been detected in the epidermis and cutaneous adnexal structures. Here we used immunohistochemistry to investigate whether human digital Merkel cells express this protein since ATP is postulated

Tendon injuries are accounted for up to 50% of musculoskeletal injuries and often result in poor outcomes. Inflammation is a major hallmark of tendon regeneration. Therefore, we analyzed in this study whether the topical application of the pro-inflammatory mediator macrophage-activating lipoprotein (MALP)-2 improves the healing of partial tendon injuries. C57BL/6 mice underwent a partial tenotomy of

Introduction The plantaris muscle (PM) is a small, fusiform muscle located between the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and soleus muscle (SM). PM supports movements of the knee and ankle. This muscle presents a great variability, and also has a high clinical significance. Nevertheless, data concerns morphology and morphometry of the origin of PM in human fetuses are scarce. Material and methods Forty-seven

There is little consistency in student contact hours and teaching activities used in medical curriculums across North America, and controversy exists regarding the most efficient or effective way to teach musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy in medical school. The purpose of this investigation was to retrospectively examine academic performance and levels of course satisfaction among first year medical students

The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between the oculomotory system and the stomatognathic system based on morphofunctional relationships between the corresponding cranial nerves, their core areas and the reticular formation as a "link" by means of optometric examinations. Test subjects (N = 100) were prospectively recruited and divided into two groups: a young-age (N = 53, age 6–16

The treatment of cleft lip and palate is performed over a long period, starting immediately after birth. However, esthetic problems remain after lip augmentation. Endothelial cells of new capillaries are important for wound healing. Thus, the reconstruction of vascular networks is key to postoperative wound healing during lip augmentation. However, studies describing the superior labial artery (SLA)

In medicine, there is an increasing number of publications that deal with or at least consider an evolutionary background. In zoology or comparative anatomy, work on evolutionary developments is taking on an ever-greater role in parallel. The pre-clinical (or pre-medical) phase in medical studies would be able to form a bridge between these related and yet so distant subjects but is currently completely

Background Metopic suture lies between the halves of the growing frontal bone and usually closes in early infancy. If the metopic suture fails to close it persists in adulthood and could be considered an anterior continuation of the sagittal suture (SS). This study aimed to investigate if the metopic suture persistence is related to any significant deviations from the normal SS maturation. We also

Background The majority of undergraduate anatomy learning has shifted online, or to a mixture of virtual and face-to-face teaching, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cadaveric shortages have also influenced the need for alternative methods of anatomical education. This study examines the current literature on the use of extended reality technologies (XR) such as Virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality

Background To identify the anatomical variations of the main branches of the external carotid artery (lingual, facial, occipital, ascending pharyngeal and sternocleidomastoid), giving information about the calibers and origins with the aim of creating a new classification useful in clinical practice. Material and methods 193 human embalmed body-donors were dissected. The data collected were analyzed

Introduction The anatomy of the supraclavicular part of the brachial plexus is highly variable, therefore the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the various origins of the long thoracic, dorsal scapular, suprascapular and subclavian nerves. Materials and methods Major electronic databases were searched to identify all cadaveric studies investigating the morphology

Background Although platelet-released growth factors (PRGF) can protect cells from inflammation or oxidative stress condition, their therapeutic efficacy for articular cartilage degeneration has been little discussed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRGF on human articular chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions. Methods Human C-28/I2 chondrocytes were treated with PRGF

Background Knowledge of the anatomical dimensions of distinct areas of the vertebral bodies and vertebral arches of the subaxial cervical spine are indispensable in the planning of osteosynthesis. The minute dimensions and complex anatomical orientation of the posterior vertebral arch structures in the subaxial spine render the insertion of screws - where needed - a challenging procedure. The pedicle

Background Sutured anastomosis remains the gold standard in microvascular surgery. The procedure is not free of complications and is a time-consuming operation requiring a high level of experience. The aim of this study was to develop new methods for a stable, faster, and safer anastomosis using a novel biodegradable adhesive, VIVO, and a custom-made microvascular stent. Methods The VIVO medical adhesive

Background There is no available data on the occurrence rate of a converged alveolar canal, the detailed three-dimensional (3D) courses of alveolar canals/grooves (ACGs), or the contribution of each superior alveolar nerve to each area in the maxilla. This study aimed to clarify the 3D courses of ACGs, the relationship between ACGs and superior alveolar nerves, and the contribution of posterior superior

Background Studies abound regarding the views of faculty anatomists and medical students on the importance of anatomy and the dissection of human bodies, but very little is known about the views of practicing physicians. Methods A survey was distributed among physicians and surgeons practicing in Spain in order to find out their views on the practice and consequences of human dissection by undergraduate

In Italy, recent legislation (Law No. 10/2020) has tuned regulations concerning the donation of one’s postmortem body and tissues for study, training, and scientific research purposes. This study discusses several specific issues to optimise the applicability and effectiveness of such an important, novel regulatory setting. Critical issues arise concerning the learners, the type of training and teaching

This is a short view point on a possible role of physician’s pledges in today’s medical careers. The history of the Hippocratic Oath and the Geneva Declaration was depicted and its relevance for education in Anatomy was mooted. Anatomy is taught very early in the medical curriculum and anatomists should behave in an exemplary manner with respect to the dead bodies as well as to medical students as

Background Autophagy is classified as a form of programmed cell death. Nevertheless, besides the death-inducing function, autophagy enables removal of damaged organelles, energy savings, and thus cell survival. This applies in particular to cells with poor renewal capabilities, such as chondroblasts. Autophagy is regulated by a complex molecular network, including proteases and their substrates. In

Background The human choroid derives from the mesectoderm, except the melanocytes originating from the neuroectoderm. To date, it is unclear whether all choroidal melanocytes share the same origin or might have different origins. The purpose of this study was to screen immunohistochemically for mesenchymal elements in the adult healthy human choroid, in the malignant melanoma of the choroid, as well

Background The parotid gland is a major salivary gland that has important roles in the digestive and immune system. Peroxisomes are ubiquitous, single-membrane-bound organelles that are present in all eukaryotic cells. Peroxisomes help mediate lipid and reactive oxygen species metabolism, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acid, cholesterol and plasmalogen synthesis. Much of the knowledge on peroxisomes

Background and Purpose Alveolar bone resorption after dental extraction frequently leads to situations in which long-term function and esthetic success of rehabilitations with dental implants is a challenge. Socket shield has been described as an alternative technique to maintain the alveolar ridge when placing immediate implants. The aim of this review is to evaluate the medium- and long-term clinical

Introduction The brachial plexus is a complex anatomical structure that gives rise to all the nerves of the upper limb. Its variability is frequently observed and represents a challenge for interventions in the lower neck and axilla. The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive and evidence-based review with meta-analytic techniques on the variability of roots, trunks, divisions and cords of

Background Alpha-synuclein (Syn), an unfolded soluble cytosolic protein, is known as a disease-associated protein in the brain. However, little is known about distribution of this protein in the peripheral nervous system. In this study, expression of Syn was investigated in the sensory ganglia of the cranial nerves V, IX and X. Methods To analyze distribution of Syn and its co-expression with calcitonin

The radial artery is a vessel frequently used in various medical procedures which carry a risk of complications. One such method used to minimize the number of complications is a profound knowledge of the artery’s diameter, which allows for appropriate selection of an instrument to use for puncture. The purpose of this study is to determine the diameter of the radial artery and its depth from the skin

Dissections are a fundamental practical methodology for teaching human anatomy. However, this experience can be stressful, generating anxiety situations among students. This study tries to understand the attitudes, reactions, fears and anxiety state among students earning a physiotherapy degree when facing their first prosection. A cross-sectional before-and-after study was carried out with students

Nucleobindin2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1 expression in human plasma positively correlates with the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), implicating its potential role in neutrophilic lung inflammation. There are no data on the localization of nucleobindin2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1 in human lungs and inflammatory cells. We examined the localization

Background The sural nerve (SN) is a cutaneous sensory nerve innervating the posterolateral leg. The SN is formed from a highly variable set of contributing nerves called the sural nerve complex (SNC). The SNC is made up of the lateral sural cutaneous nerve, medial sural cutaneous nerve, sural communicating branch, and SN. The SN is frequently cited as the most common donor nerve graft and is commonly

Background In addition to traditional craniometric techniques, computer craniometry has been used in recent decades, including stereometric methods, which make it possible to determine the microanatomical spatial relationships and dimensional features of various structures of the skull, in particular the thickness of the inert palate of the maxilla. Aim Determination of the gender-specific variability

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the first draft of the human genome and its broad availability to the scientific community. In parallel, the annotation of the mouse genome led to the identification and analysis of countless genes by means of genetic manipulation. Today, when comparing both genomes, it might surprise that some genes are still seeking their respective

The extensor hallucis longus muscle originates from the anterior surface of the fibula and on the interosseous membrane medial to the origin of the extensor digitorum longus. Its distal attachment is typically located on the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx of the hallux. However, EHL tendon variations have been reported in anatomical studies based on adults and fetuses. The most common variation

Objectives Research involving the nose reveals important information regarding the morphology and physiology of the epithelium and its molecular response to agents. The role of nasal epithelial cells and other cell subsets within the nasal epithelium play an interesting translational split between experimental and clinical research studying respiratory disorders or pathogen reactions. With an additional

It is well known that not all biological findings derived from animals can be directly applied to humans. The TRPV6 protein may serve as an example which highlights these inter-species differences as an example of parallel evolutionary pathways. TRPV6 (and TRPV5) belong to a family of ion channels from the transient receptor potential group but are selectively permeable for Ca2+, in contrast to other

Introduction Great variability in shape and size of the bony pelvis can be observed in the current population, but there is not enough data on how long the historical period must elapse to gain changes in pelvic shape and size. The aim of the study was to identify morphological changes in bony pelvis in males and females after a developmentally short period of approximately one thousand years. Material

Introduction The use of photodynamic agents in malignant cranial tumor surgery is quite common. For example five-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-induced porphyrins in malignant gliomas are potent photosensitizers. Until today there is no comparable selective fluorescent substance available for meningiomas. Nevertheless, there is a demand for intraoperative fluorescent identification of e.g. invasive skull

Background Oligospermia is one of the common causative factors of male infertility. Some medical and hormonal therapy for male infertility is typically with unsatisfactory outcome. Stem cell therapy has become a new therapeutic strategy for restoring function in addition to inducing proliferation and differentiation of malfunctioning germ cells. This work aims at investigating the potential ability