Anatomical Sciences Journal
Volume:20 Issue: 1, Winter-Spring 2023

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction. The speed of wound healing is very important in the healing process. Research shows that the use of natural products and traditional medicine methods in treating many diseases and wounds has spread worldwide. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the histopathological effectiveness of Pistacia atlantica extract (Beneh) in improving the experimental model of diabetic wounds. 

This study was conducted on 48 BALB/c mice. To induce type 2 diabetes, the animals received a high-fat diet for two weeks, and then a single dose of 30 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally. The wound was created by an excisional wound splinting model and biopsy punch. Glucose level was measured with a glucometer, and insulin level was measured using an ELISA kit. Histopathological examination was also done using hematoxylin/eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining.

The macroscopic study showed that the wound size was reduced in both P. atlantica extract and silver sulfadiazine groups compared to the wound control group. The results of hematoxylin and eosin staining also showed a reduction in inflammation in the wound area in the treatment groups. The re-epithelialization occurred well in both treatment groups. However, its speed was higher in the P. atlantica-treated group than in the silver sulfadiazine group. Masson’s trichrome staining results showed the collagen fibers in the P. atlantica group have a more regular arrangement than silver and wound control groups. The results of the serum analysis also showed that the gum extract of P. atlantica reduced the production of NO and MPO in the treatment groups compared to the control group.

The results of our study showed that the use of P. atlantica extract topically in the diabetic wound area can improve the rate of closure and re-epithelialization in the diabetic wound by reducing inflammation.

Aging is a physiological process that affects heart function. Training is known as a factor accelerating heart output, especially in aged individuals. In the present experimental study, the authors aimed to evaluate how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) affect autophagy, cardiac remodeling, and cardiac function. 

Twenty-four male Wistar rats, approximately 20 months old, were divided into three groups of control, HIIT, and MICT. The training programs lasted for eight weeks. Aerobic power and training capacity were also assessed. Two-dimensional echocardiography was also applied to assess cardiac indices. At the end of the experiment, tissue sampling of cardiac tissue was applied, and gene expression was assessed using the qRT-PCR technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19.

After HIIT and MICT, no significant changes were detected regarding the animal weight. Also, mTORC1, Atg16, and Atg7 gene expression and ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were accelerated in HIIT and MICT groups compared to control animals. Besides, the collagen type 3 (COLIII) gene expression, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in HIIT and MICT animals than control.

Training can potentially improve cardiac output in older adults. Besides, HIIT seems more effective than MICT.

Aging affects cardiac function and heart output. Regular exercise can improve heart function in old age. This experimental study evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiomyocyte autophagy and cardiac function.

In this study, 24 older male Wistar rats (>20 months) were divided into three groups of Control, HIIT, and MICT. The animals in the control group received no training, while the HIIT and MICT groups performed high and moderate training intensities at different intervals. Aerobic power and training capacity (VO2max) were also assessed before the training. After eight weeks of training (5 days/week), two-dimensional echocardiography was used for the sonographic assessment of the heart, and the tissue samples of the left ventricle were dissected for assessing gene expression (PGC-1α and FOXO-3α). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19 and presented using Mean±SD. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

The expression of the PGC-1α gene significantly increased, while the FOXO-3α gene expression significantly decreased in the HIIT and MICT groups compared to the control animals (p<0.05). Left ventricle end-systolic dimension decreased (p<0.05), while the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening increased (p<0.05) in the training groups compared to the control animals. These changes were also significant in the HIIT group compared to the MICT group (p<0.05)

HIIT can reduce the expression of autophagy genes and improve cardiac function in aged heart more than MICT.

The clinical anatomical knowledge of the brachial plexus of the upper limb and its variants is essential for many upper extremity surgical procedures following hand injuries. 

Case Report: 

An unreported anatomical variation was observed during training surgery of the right upper limb of a male cadaver. The musculocutaneous nerve originates in the lateral cord and extends outwards, passing beneath the coracobrachialis muscle before proceeding to its initial branch, leading to the biceps brachialis muscle. The abnormal origination of the musculocutaneous nerve in the cadaver was in the midpoint of the arm from the median nerve. A thin nerve branch also innervated the coracobrachialis muscle, originated in the lateral cord, and continued laterally. 

Since no accurate similarity was reported, we consider this variation unusual and useful, especially for surgical purposes.

Cryptorchidism is a congenital condition characterized by undescended testes, typically observed in infancy. We present an unusual case of bilateral undescended testes during anatomical dissection.

Case Report: 

The cadaver, preserved using standard techniques, exhibited bilateral undescended testes with no apparent signs of testicular issues or malignancies. The left testis was situated near the superficial ring of the inguinal canal, while the right testis was located deeper within. Both testes displayed normal size and structure, with intact vas deferens and blood vessels. 

Clinical Implications: 

The etiology of adult-onset bilateral cryptorchidism remains unclear, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis in living patients. Timely intervention is crucial, as undescended testes in adults can lead to infertility, increased cancer risk, and hormonal imbalances. This case underscores the significance of regular medical examinations and early management for cryptorchidism.

This rare case highlights the necessity of considering cryptorchidism in adult patients, even in the absence of apparent symptoms or malignancies. The findings emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention to mitigate potential complications. Further research into adult-onset cases is warranted to enhance clinical understanding and improve patient care.

This study surveys the results obtained from a missing person (for 40 years) from the Iran-Iraq War in Majnoon Island. 

Case Report: 

Skeletal remains were examined by anthropometry. Parts of selected femur and tooth samples were sampled for genetic identification. DNA extraction from bone samples was performed using the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit with a slight change. DNA was extracted using the Qiagen column, washing buffer, and bind-elute technology. Extracted DNA was quantitated by Quantifiler™ Trio DNA Quantification. According to DNA concentration, AmpFℓSTR Miniifiler PCR Amplification or AmpFℓSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification kits were used for genotyping. FTA cards were used to store and extract DNA samples from the person’s family. Genetic profiles were prepared using the AmpFℓSTR Identifiler Direct PCR Amplification Kit. The genetic matching of sex chromosomes was investigated with Yfiler™ PCR Amplification and Investigator Argus X-12 QS kits. Genetic matching and kinship calculations were done using Familias and NoorGIS applications. 

The radiographic and genetic examinations ultimately confirmed that the dead body matched the relevant family. Despite the challenges with DNA-degraded samples, a good genetic profile was obtained for genetic identification. 

Anthropometric examination, especially post-mortem evidence (e.g. radiography) and genetic examination confirmed that the dead body matched the relevant family.