Morphometry of the Proximal End of Dry Adult Human Femora from the East African Population: A Cross-Section Study

Introduction: Proximal femur morphometry is important in the stability of the hip joint, the design of implants for hip replacement and forensic identification of unknown human remains. This study aimed at determining the proximal femur morphometry and factors associated with their variation. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of the proximal end of 333 dry human femora from persons aged 20 to 75 years from the East African population. All the femora were observed macroscopically for the presence of the third trochanter, and the age, sex and nationality documented. The femoral head and neck circumferences were measured using a tape measure and the neck-shaft angle and the angle of anteversion measured using a goniometer. Data were entered in an Excel sheet and exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Univariate, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 333 dry femora, 7.21% (24/333) had a third trochanter. The mean femoral head circumference was 134.91 ± 8.91 mm, the mean neckshaft angle was 118 ± 6 degrees, the mean angle of anteversion was 17 ± 4 degrees, the mean femoral neck circumference was 91.71 ± 7.40 mm. Statistical significance was achieved between each of the proximal femur measurements and: sex, nationality and third trochanter status. Conclusion: The morphometry of the proximal femur varies with age, sex and nationality. These variations are pertinent in the design of tailored proximal femur implants, assessing the risk of fractures, forensic practice and regional comparisons.

Anatomical and Functional Considerations about Dental Implants. Part II: Risk Areas and Associated Complications

Introduction: Oral rehabilitation with osseo-integrated implants requires integrated planning essential for successful treatment. There are some important anatomical aspects to be considered in relation to rehabilitation with implant systems. Objective: To perform a literature review to describe important anatomical aspects to be considered in relation to oral rehabilitation with dental implants. Methodology: The research was carried out in five databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Scielo, and Google Scholar) using the variation of the search terms "Anatomy" and "Dental implants", retrieving 1003 publications. Results: After reading the titles and abstracts, 91 texts were conducted for full reading and 21 publications were considered for data extraction and article synthesis. Conclusion: the anatomical knowledge of the related areas, as well as the quality of bone tissue and biological aspects, is important for the Dental Surgeon to recover the aesthetics and functionality of the stomatognathic and phonetic system, providing a better quality of life to patients.

Valproic Acid (VPA) in Combination with Knockdown of AKT3 and PI3KCA Genes Inhibits Proliferation, Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in T98G and U87MG Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

Purpose: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a heterogenous and highly vascularized brain tumor that avoid apoptosis due to P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated multi-drug resistance. Therefore, development of new therapeutic strategies that induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and overcome multi-drug resistance is urgently warranted. We examined the efficacy of combination of Valproic Acid (VPA) and knockdown of AKT3 and PI3KCA genes in human glioblastoma T98G and U87MG cell lines. Material and Methods: T98G and U87MG cells were transfected with AKT3 or PI3KCA siRNAs. Transfection efficiency was assessed using Flow Cytometry (FC) and fluorescence microscopy. The influence of AKT3 and PI3KCA siRNAs in combination with VPA on T98G and U87MG cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and autophagy was evaluated as well. Alterations in the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes (CASP3 and Bid) were analyzed using QRT-PCR. Results: The transfection of T98G and U87MG cells with AKT3 or PI3KCA siRNAs and exposition on VPA led to a significant reduction in cell viability, the accumulation of subG1-phase cells and a reduced fraction of cells in the S and G2/M phases, apoptosis or necrosis induction and induction of autophagy. Conclusions: The siRNA-induced AKT3 and PI3KCA mRNA knockdown in combination with VPA may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to more effective control the growth of human GBM cells. Thus, knockdown of these genes in combination with valproic acid inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis and autophagy in T98G and U87MG cells, but further studies are necessary to confirm a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM.

Great Toe Anatomy

In conclusion, hallux abductovalgus is a common deformity of the forefoot that has complex implications on the biomechanics and gait of patients. Understanding the anatomy and physiology behind this deformity is essential when creating conservative and surgical treatment plans.

In vitro Human Embryo Morphology - An Odissey Outside the Oviduct

The authors describe the human embryo development in vitro, during the preimplantation stages, i.e., from the zygote until the blastocyst stage. They also describe the methods to select the most suitable embryo for transfer in cycles of In vitro fertilization treatment, performed by infertile patients, in order to increase implantation and pregnancy rates.

Bone Preparation from Embalmed Human Cadavers - A Retrieval and Curation Technique

Bone preparation involves soft tissue removal, maceration, bleaching and labelling. In the absence of a standardized methodology a large repository of human bones are lost, as most medical colleges do not process bones after the dissection of human cadavers. The present study therefore conducted with the aim of evaluating the least time-consuming and effective method of bone preparation from embalmed and wet specimens. The method used included a process of maceration, which involves soft tissue removal and then boiling the bones in 60 litres of water for 2 hours. The process of maceration was augmented by adding potassium hydroxide pellets (caustic potash mol. wt. 56.11) after 30 minutes of initiation of boiling; 200-250 gm in the case of male bones and 150 – 200 gm in the case of female bones. After maceration was complete, the bones were bleached by soaking them in 30 – 35 litres of hydrogen peroxide 30% w/v solution (mol. wt. 34.01) for 12-14 hours. The bleached bones were then washed with water and soaked in 30 -35 litres of acetone (extra pure mol. wt. 58.08, boiling point 55.5° – 56°C) for 12 hours to degrease them. The bones dried naturally by spreading them on blotting paper and subsequently painted with a mixture of half a litre of lacquer and half a litre of lacquer thinner. This study concluded that the preparation of bones using the above method was effective, fast, odourless, and good quality human bones for anatomical study resulted.

Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Wild Birds in Southeastern Brazil

Introduction: The identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in birds is relevant since these animals can act as disseminators of these parasites to humans through environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in wild birds in southeastern Brazil and genetically characterize the isolates obtained. Methods: A total of 256 fecal samples were collected from 172 captive and 84 free-living wild birds. The DNA extracted was subjected to nested-PCR and semi-nested PCR analysis for amplification of fragments of the 18S rDNA and gdh genes of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., respectively. Results: With respect to Cryptosporidium spp., the overall occurrence was 3.91%. Of samples from captive wild birds, six (3.49%) were positive: two waterfowl and four non-aquatic birds. Among the samples from free-living wild birds, four (4.76%) were positive, all non-aquatic birds. Regarding Giardia spp., the overall occurrence was 3.1%. Of samples from captive wild birds, four (2.32%) were positive, all waterfowl; of the samples from free-living wild birds, four (4.76%) were positive for the parasite, all non-aquatic birds. Conclusions: The presence of C. meleagridis and G. duodenalis assemblage B suggests that epidemiological studies involving wild birds and humans are needed to better understand the impact of avian cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis on avian health and their possible implications for public health.

Calculation of Staheli's Planter Arch Index, Chippaux-Smirak Index, Clarke’s Angle Prevalence and Predictors of Flat Foot: a Cross Sectional Study

Human foot is the region most affected by anatomical variations, which presents a highest level of variability and the medial longitudinal arch along with various index that provides a quantitative measurement of the plantar arch. A non-interventional descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 300 preclinical undergraduate students Staheli's planter arch index, Chippaux-Smirak index, Clarke’s angle and truncated foot length was calculated using Foot Impression gaining kit with Ink Pad. For inferential analysis, unpaired student t-test was applied and regression equations was derived along with ROC curve. Staheli's, Chippaux-Smirak planter index, Clarke’s angle on right side foot was found to be 60.98±23.24, 36.09±13.94, 32.74±7.8 and 63.85±24.63, 36.64±14.62, 36.45±8.51 on left foot respectively. Significant difference was present in between BMI, navicular height and truncated foot length (p< 0.05). A bivariate logistic regression model was created, which revealed BMI, mid foot length, truncated foot length a strong predictors (regression coefficient, R=0.94, 0.78, 0.81, p<0.01), which were independently associated with flat foot to be detected by CSI and SPI. Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) revealed SPI (AUC=0.942, SEE-0.018, p<0.01) was seen to be highly sensitive and specific. Most of student have medium to high medial longitudinal arch. To find whether the foot is flat or not, plantar arch index can be performed and categorize into unilateral flat foot and bilateral flat foot. Staheli’s planter index was sensitive for identification of flat foot.