Músculo Esternal Bilateral, Descripción de un Caso e Implicancias Clínicas / Bilateral Sternal Muscle, Description of a Case and Clinical Implications

El músculo esternal corresponde a una variante muscular supernumeraria de la musculatura torácica, cuya descripción más antigua se remonta al año 1604. A lo largo de la historia ha sido denominado músculo "epiesternal", "preesternal", "recto torácico" o "recto esternal". Se ubica entre la fascia superficial y el músculo pectoral mayor, tiene una prevalencia de entre 3 % y 8 % en la población general, se presenta de forma unilateral o bilateral exhibiendo una alta variabilidad interracial y puede ser motivo de dilemas diagnósticos durante cirugías y exámenes de imagen. Disección en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Se encontraron dos músculos esternales conectados superiormente por un tendón central. El músculo esternal derecho se extendía desde el manubrio esternal hasta el séptimo cartílago costal derecho. El músculo esternal izquierdo se extendía desde el manubrio esternal hasta el sexto cartílago costal izquierdo. Su inervación estaba dada por ramos cutáneos anteriores de los nervios intercostales y su vascularización por ramas perforantes provenientes de los vasos torácicos internos. El músculo esternal presenta una alta variabilidad morfológica y su prevalencia se ve influenciada por factores raciales. Conocer esta variación muscular enriquece la capacidad diagnóstica y quirúrgica reduciendo la posibilidad de iatrogenia.

SUMMARY: The sternal muscle corresponds to a supernumerary muscle variant of the thoracic musculature, whose oldest description dates to 1604. Throughout history it has been called the "episternal", "presternal", "rectus thoracis" or "rectus sternalis" muscle. It is located between the superficial fascia and the pectoralis major muscle, has a prevalence of between 3 % and 8 % in the general population, presents unilaterally or bilaterally, exhibits a high interracial variability and can be the cause of diagnostic dilemmas during surgery and imaging examinations. Dissection in an adult male cadaver. Two sternal muscles were found connected superiorly by a central tendon. The right sternal muscle extended from the sternal manubrium to the right seventh costal cartilage. The left sternal muscle extended from the sternal manubrium to the left sixth costal cartilage. The innervation was given by anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves and the vascularization by perforating branches coming from the internal thoracic vessels. The sternal muscle presents a high morphological variability and the prevalence is influenced by racial factors. Knowing this muscle variation enriches the diagnostic and surgical capacity, reducing the possibility of iatrogenesis.

Common arterial trunk for the branches of the third portion of the axillary artery: description of a case and its clinical application / Tronco arterial común para las ramas de la tercera porción de la arteria axilar: descripción de un caso y su aplicación clínica

SUMMARY: Variations of the axillary artery may have clinical implications capable of generating unexpected situations during surgical procedures of arterial reconstruction or vascular catheterization. The objective of this work was to report the finding of an anatomical variant of the axillary artery, which may have clinical and surgical implications. A descriptive study was conducted, in which a unilateral vascular variation found during a routine dissection in a right upper limb of a male cadaver was reported. From the second portion of the axillary artery originated a common arterial trunk that gave rise to the subscapular, anterior humeral circumflex, posterior humeral circumflex and deep brachial arteries. The third portion of the axillary artery did not emit branches. The common arterial trunk originated from the second portion, 62.64 mm from the beginning of the axillary artery. Its total length was 23.72 mm and its thickness was 6.1 mm. The caliber of the branches originating from the common arterial trunk was: subscapular artery 5.1 mm, anterior humeral circumflex of 1.66 mm, posterior humeral circumflex 3.18 mm and deep brachial 3.73 mm. The vascular variant detected altered the anatomical relationship of the axillary artery with the brachial plexus, generating a modification in the position of the fascicles and their terminal branches. Anatomical variations of the axillary artery are not infrequent, knowing them may be necessary during surgical procedures or anatomical dissections.

RESUMEN: Las variaciones de la arteria axilar pueden tener implicancias clínicas capaces de generar situaciones inesperadas durante procedimientos quirúrgicos de reconstrucción arterial o cateterismo vascular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar el hallazgo de una variante anatómica de la arteria axilar, la cual puede tener implicancias clínicas y quirúrgicas. Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo, en el cual se reportó una variación vascular unilateral encontrada durante una disección de rutina en un miembro superior derecho de un cadáver de sexo masculino. De la segunda porción de la arteria axilar se originó un tronco arterial común que daba origen a las arterias subescapular, circunfleja humeral anterior, circunfleja humeral posterior y braquial profunda. La tercera porción de la arteria axilar no emitía ramas. El tronco arterial común se originaba de la segunda porción, a 62,64 mm del inicio de la arteria axilar. Su longitud total era de 23,72 mm y su grosor de 6,1 mm. El calibre de las ramas originadas del tronco arterial común fue: arteria subescapular 5,1 mm, circunfleja humeral anterior de 1,66 mm, circunfleja humeral posterior 3,18 mm y braquial profunda 3,73 mm. La variante vascular detectada alteraba las relaciones anatómicas de la arteria axilar con el plexo braquial, generando una modificación en la posición de los fascículos y sus ramos terminales. Las variaciones anatómicas de la arteria axilar son frecuentes, conocerlas puede ser necesario durante procedimientos quirúrgicos o disecciones anatómicas.

Plataforma móvil basada en la nube para mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje en la anatomía humana / Cloud-based mobile platform to enhance the learning experience in human anatomy

RESUMEN: En la actualidad, los cursos en línea han masificado y modificado la forma en que se enseña. Tanto los MOOC como los SPOC presentan soluciones sólidas para enseñar, e incluso poseen herramientas para fomentar la colaboración. A pesar de esto, las herramientas que poseen no fomentan colaboración efectiva y tampoco tienen una forma de medirla. Por otro lado, en anatomía han surgido múltiples aplicaciones debido a las dificultades de acceso a material cadavérico, sin embargo, éstas carecen de colaboración y no entregan información enriquecida del comportamiento y aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Dado esto, presentamos una plataforma móvil basada en la nube, como estrategia de herramienta educacional, que busca fomentar la colaboración en la enseñanza para estudiantes de anatomía y entregar datos que permiten analizar y mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje. Esta solución se desarrolló usando como eje central las metodologías ágiles de desarrollo. Para el experimento, 29 voluntarios formaron parte del grupo experimental y otros 99 del grupo de control. Se realizaron 2 pruebas para medir sus conocimientos en áreas específicas de la anatomía. Se obtuvo aumentos de 0,59 % y 2,98 % en el puntaje de las pruebas, además, hubo una disminución en la desviación estándar de 11,434 a 5,216 en la primera prueba, y de 6,623 a 3,514 en la segunda prueba, mostrando mejora en ambos casos para el grupo experimental. Los resultados obtenidos muestran un potencial de mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje al usar este tipo de herramientas educativas.

SUMMARY: Online courses have become popular nowadays, changing the way different subjects are taught. Both MOOCs and SPOCs present robust solutions for teaching, and even have tools to encourage collaboration. Nevertheless, the tools used do not foster effective collaboration nor can they adequately measure outcomes. On the other hand, multiple applications have emerged in anatomy as a result of the difficulty in accessing cadaveric material, however, these lack the collaborative aspect, and do not provide information on student behavior and learning. Given this, we present a cloud-based mobile platform, as an educational tool strategy, to promote collaboration in teaching for anatomy students and provide data that allows to analyze and improve the learning experience. This solution was developed using agile development methodologies as the central axis. In this study, 29 volunteers were part of the experimental group and another 99 the control group; 2 tests were performed to measure knowledge in specific areas of anatomy. Increases of 0.59 % and 2.98 % were obtained in the test score, in addition, there was a reduction in the standard deviation from 11.434 to 5.216 in the first test, and from 6.623 to 3,514 in the second test, showing improvement in both cases for the experimental group. The results obtained indicate a potential to improve the learning experience when using this type of educational tool.

Common origin tendon of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles, functional and clinical relevance / Tendón de origen común de los músculos bíceps femoral y semitendinoso, relevancia funcional y clínica

SUMMARY: The injury of Biceps Femoris long head (BFlh) and Semitendinosus (ST) is caused by over-stretch of the muscles at the back of the thigh. This condition encompasses almost one third of sports-related injuries and has severe consequences, such as pain and weakness of the muscles. This injury is related namely to quick and demanding activities, such as short distance sprinting in a limited time period. The Common Origin Tendon (COT) for these two muscles is affected in these injuries. This tendon is formed by the BFlh and ST muscles which together have a common origin in the ischial tuberosity. Given the lack of complete knowledge about the detailed structure of the COT, we dissected cadaveric limbs, describing their morphological characteristics, and discussing its functional and clinical implications.: Thirty-five human cadaveric lower limbs were dissected after fixation to analyze the morphology of the COT, focusing on their volume and muscular/tendinous proportion. We identified two subtypes of COT. The most frequent was the musculotendinous type, in which the origin of the BFlh was mainly tendinous, while the ST muscle was mainly muscular (91.4%). In the tendinous type both muscles had a tendinous origin (8.6%). In the musculotendinous type, the ST muscle ends with a microscopic connective tissue that extend into the ischial tuberosity. We conclude that there is a variability in the anatomical presentations of the COT, and we propose that this will correspond with biomechanical differences in the risks and the response to regional injuries. The connective tissue between the COT and the neighbouring structures could be a risk factor for adhesion tearing.

RESUMEN: Los desgarros de los músculos bíceps femoral cabeza larga (BFcl) y semitendinoso (ST) son causados por una tensión excesiva durante actividades que implican amplios rangos de movimiento en velocidad. Alcanzan casi a un tercio de las lesiones deportivas y tienen graves consecuencias competitivas, además generan dolor y debilidad muscular. El tendón de origen común (TOC) de estos dos músculos se ve afectado en estas lesiones. Este tendón se encuentra formado por el BFcl y el ST, originándose juntos en la tuberosidad isquiática. Debido a la falta de conocimiento completo y detallado de este tendón, se realizó un estudio cadavérico, describiendo sus características morfológicas y discutiendo sobre sus implicaciones funcionales y clínicas. Se practicó la disección anatómica de 35 miembros inferiores, lo que permitió describir la morfología del TOC, focalizando en su volumen y proporciones musculo-tendinosas. La conformación morfológica del TOC fue de 2 tipos: la musculotendinosa, donde el BFcl tenía una estructura tendinosa y el ST tenía una estructura muscular (91,4 %). La conformación tendinosa, donde ambos músculos tenían estructuración tendinosa (8,6 %). Cuando la conformación era musculotendinosa, el ST terminaba con un tejido conjuntivo microscópico, que se extendía hasta la tuberosidad isquiática. La conformación morfológica del TOC del BFcl y ST tuvo una presentación variable, lo cual podría tener implicación en su comportamiento biomecánico, y ser un factor de riesgo de lesiones. Además el tejido conjuntivo situado entre este tendón y las estructuras anatómicas vecinas podría ser un factor de riesgo de lesiones por adherencia.

Positional anomaly between the brachial plexus and the scalene muscles, concomitant with an anomalous path of the musculocutaneous nerve: case report and clinical implication / Anomalía posicional entre el plexo braquial y el músculo escaleno anterior, concomitante con un trayecto anómalo del nervio musculocutáneo: reporte de un caso e implicancia clínica

Anatomical variations of the scalene muscles are frequent, as are those of the brachial plexus and its terminal nerves. Nonetheless, these variations are reported separately in the literature. The aim of this work is to present a variation of scalene muscles, concomitant with an abnormal path of the musculocutaneous nerve. During a routine dissection of the cervical region, axilla and right anterior brachial region in an adult male cadaver, a supernumerary muscle fascicle was located in the anterior scalene muscle, altering the anatomical relations of C5 and C6 ventral branches of the brachial plexus. This variation was related to an anomalous path of the musculocutaneous nerve that did not cross the coracobrachialis muscle. It passed through the brachial canal along with the median nerve. It then sent off muscular branches to the anterior brachial region and likewise, communicating branches to the median nerve. The concomitant variations of the brachial plexus and scalene muscles they are not described frequently. Knowledge of these variations improves diagnosis, enhancing therapeutic and surgical approaches by reducing the possibility of iatrogenesis during cervical, axillary and brachial region interventions.

Las variaciones anatómicas de los músculos escalenos son frecuentes, así como también las del plexo braquial y sus nervios terminales. Sin embargo la literatura científica las presenta por separado. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar una variación de los músculos escalenos concomitante con un trayecto anómalo del nervio musculocutáneo. Disección de rutina de región cervical, axila y región braquial anterior derechas realizada en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Se encontró un fascículo muscular supernumerario para el músculo escaleno anterior que alteraba las relaciones anatómicas de los ramos ventrales C5 y C6 del plexo braquial. Esta variación estaba acompañada por un trayecto anómalo del nervio musculocutáneo, el cual no atravesaba al músculo coracobraquial y transitaba por el conducto braquial acompañando al nervio mediano. Desde allí enviaba a la región braquial anterior ramos musculares y al nervio mediano ramos comunicantes. Las variaciones conjuntas del plexo braquial y los músculos escalenos no se presentan con frecuencia. Conocerlas enriquece la capacidad diagnóstica, terapéutica y quirúrgica. Reduciendo la posibilidad de iatrogenia al intervenir en las regiones cervical, axilar y braquial.

Location and course of the mandibular canal in dentate patients: morphometric study using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The morphometric characteristics of the mandibular canal (MC) may vary according to the characteristics of the population studied. Correct location of the MC is fundamental for the indication and planning of different dental treatments, and it is therefore essential to have clinical parameters indicating its approximate location. The aim of this study was to describe the location and course of the MC by morphometric relations in the mandibular body, from the mental foramen to distal of the first molar, in dentate adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 55 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of male and female patients, aged over 18 years and with fully dentate to the first molar. In each CBCT we selected five coronal sections (A-E) of the mandibular body at different levels using the teeth as references. We determined different morphometric measurements in each section to relate the MC with the corticals of the mandibular body (m1, m2, m3, m4), their orientation to lingual (F) and the thickness of the mandibular corticals (B1, B2 and B3). RESULTS: The distance between the MC and the alveolar crests was greater in males than in females in all the sections. In general, in all the hemiarches, the MC courses away from the vestibular cortical of the mandible (and in some cases significantly towards the lingual cortical) from anterior to posterior in the mandibular body. In the left hemiarch of dentate females the MC describes a descent in the molar zone within the mandibular body. Any intervention in the mandible must be carried out with extreme caution to avoid damaging the vasculo-nervous bundle which passes through the MC. CONCLUSIONS: Cone-beam computed tomography is the best tool currently available for the planning and execution of surgical procedures, and is the only tool in clinical use which allows the precise course of the MC to be identified.

The dorsoepicondylar medial muscle a clinically relevant anatomical variation / El músculo dorsoepicondylar medial: una variación anatómica clínicamente relevante

Anatomical variations in the axillary region do not always appear in modern human anatomy texts, which leaves the risk of diagnostic and surgical errors by doctors unaware of these variations. This work presents an anatomical variation of muscular type in the axillary region that can potentially generate clinical manifestations or iatrogenic results during surgical procedures. Routine dissection of an upper limb in a male cadaver. An atypical muscle was found in the axillary region, located at the base of the right axilla, and conformed by three muscle fascicles that give rise to a common muscular belly. The three fascicles are joined at the base of the axilla, and form a thin flat muscle 120 mm long from this join to its tendon, with a cross-section diameter of 15 mm and a thickness of 2 mm. The common belly of the muscle establishes a posterior relationship with the neurovascular elements of the axillary fossa and partially covers them. The tendon 150 mm in length originates at the level of the union of the upper and middle thirds of the arm and ends inserted in the medial epicondyle of the humerus, relating in its path with muscular and neurovascular elements of the arm. Being familiar with this variation enriches diagnostic and surgical abilities and reduces the possibility of iatrogenia in surgery of the axillary and brachial regions.

Las variaciones anatómicas son frecuentes en la región axilar, sin embargo no siempre figuran en los textos modernos de anatomía humana, existiendo un potencial riesgo de error diagnóstico y quirúrgico para quienes no las consideren. Se presenta una variación anatómica en la región axilar de tipo muscular que potencialmente puede generar manifestaciones clínicas o inducir iatrogenias durante un abordaje quirúrgico. Disección de rutina de miembro superior realizada en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Se detectó un músculo atípico en la región axilar ubicado en la base de la axila derecha, compuesto por 3 fascículos musculares que dieron origen a un vientre muscular común. Los 3 fascículos, se unían en la base de la axila, formando un músculo delgado y plano de 120 mm longitud desde la unión de los fascículos hasta su tendón, con un diámetro transversal de 15 mm y un grosor de 2 mm. El vientre común del músculo establecía una relación posterior con los elementos neurovasculares de la fosa axilar y los cubría parcialmente. A nivel de la unión de los tercios superior y medio del brazo, desde el vientre muscular común se originaba un delgado tendón de 150 mm de longitud, que terminaba insertándose en el epicóndilo medial del húmero, relacionándose en su trayecto con los elementos musculares y neurovasculares del brazo. Conocer esta variación enriquece la capacidad diagnóstica y quirúrgica reduciendo la posibilidad de iatrogenia en la cirugía de las regiones axilar y braquial.

Morphological variations of the mandibular canal in digital panoramic radiographs: a retrospective study in a Chilean population.

BACKGROUND: Morphological variations of the mandibular canal (MC) have been described in literature, so the clinician must be able to recognise them and adapt their treatment accordingly. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of morphological variations of the MC using digital panoramic radiographs (DPR) of Chilean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in which 1400 DPR were analysed to identify cases of bifid, trifid and retromolar MC. The radiographs were analysed independently by two examiners who had previously been trained by a specialist in oral and maxillofacial radiology. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to reach a final sample. RESULTS: Nine hundred and twenty-five radiographs were included (599 female, 326 male; mean age 36.1 ± 15.54 years). The prevalence of bifid MC was 11% (n = 102), with no significant differences by sex (p = 0.069). Proportion of bifid MC was higher among younger patients (p = 0.038). Prevalence of morphologi- cal variations of type 1 bifid MC was 7.4% (n = 69), type 2 was 2.3% (n = 23), type 3 was 0% (n = 0) and type 4 was 1.1% (n = 10). Prevalence of retromolar canal was 0.9% (n = 8), with no significant differences by sex (p = 0.893) or age (p = 0.371); of these, 2 (0.2%) cases were forward type and 6 (0.6%) cases were retromolar type. No cases of trifid MC were found. CONCLUSIONS: Digital panoramic radiographs are useful for detecting morphological variations of the MC; we were able to identify three types of bifid MC as well as retromolar canals. Proper identification of these variations by an easily accessible examination is important for avoiding possible complications in clinical-surgical practice.

Conexión venosa pulmonar anómala: reporte de un caso / Anomalous pulmonary venous connection: a case report

RESUMEN: Las conexiones anómalas de venas pulmonares fueron descritas por primera vez en 1739. Las anomalías de drenaje de las venas pulmonares se deben a una alteración temprana (día 27-30 del desarrollo) momento en el cual los plexos venosos pulmonares están en conexión con las venas de los sistemas cardinal, umbilical y vitelino, estas conexiones involucionan y el drenaje venoso deriva hacia el atrio izquierdo a través de la vena pulmonar común. En este trabajo presentamos una conexión venosa pulmonar anómala parcial, su conocimiento es relevante pues se asocia en un 80 % a defectos cardiacos, principalmente comunicaciones interatriales. Disección de rutina de un cadáver adulto, de sexo masculino, a nivel del pedículo pulmonar izquierdo. Se describe una vena originada en el lobo pulmonar superior izquierdo que abandona el hilio pulmonar por delante del bronquio, realizando un trayecto ascendente de 10 cm de longitud desde el hilio para terminar desembocando en la vena braquiocefálica izquierda. La vena anómala drena el territorio del lobo superior del pulmón izquierdo. Por su disposición y relaciones, esta vena de trayecto anómalo tiene su origen en la persistencia de las conexiones del sistema venoso pulmonar, en especial las que se establecen con el sistema cardinal anterior izquierdo. Este hallazgo destaca la riqueza y relevancia clínica de la disección en la formación de profesionales de la salud.

SUMMARY: The anomalous connections of the pulmonary veins were first described in 1739. The drainage anomalies of the pulmonary veins are due to an early alteration (day 27-30 of development), during this period the pulmonary venous plexuses are in connection with the cardinal, umbilical and vitelline vein systems. These venous connections return and drain into the left atrium through the common pulmonary vein. In this work we present a partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Knowledge of this connection is relevant because it is associated to 80 % of cardiac defects, mainly interatrial communications. During a routine dissection of an adult male cadaver, a vein originating in the left upper lobe was found. The vein originates at the pulmonary hilum in front of the bronchus, with an ascending path of a 10 cm length from the hilum, concluding its trajectory in the left brachiocephalic vein. The anomalous vein drains the left upper lobe of the lung. This anomalous vein originates within the connections of the pulmonary venous system, particularly those found in the left anterior cardinal vein system. This finding highlights the importance and clinical relevance of dissection in the training of health professionals.

Gestational chronodisruption leads to persistent changes in the rat fetal and adult adrenal clock and function.

KEY POINTS: Light at night is essential to a 24/7 society, but it has negative consequences on health. Basically, light at night induces an alteration of our biological clocks, known as chronodisruption, with effects even when this occurs during pregnancy. Here we explored the developmental impact of gestational chronodisruption (chronic photoperiod shift, CPS) on adult and fetal adrenal biorhythms and function. We found that gestational chronodisruption altered fetal and adult adrenal function, at the molecular, morphological and physiological levels. The differences between control and CPS offspring suggest desynchronization of the adrenal circadian clock and steroidogenic pathway, leading to abnormal stress responses and metabolic adaptation, potentially increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases. ABSTRACT: Light at night is essential to a 24/7 society, but it has negative consequences on health. Basically, light at night induces an alteration of our biological clocks, known as chronodisruption, with effects even when this occurs during pregnancy. Indeed, an abnormal photoperiod during gestation alters fetal development, inducing long-term effects on the offspring. Accordingly, we carried out a longitudinal study in rats, exploring the impact of gestational chronodisruption on the adrenal biorhythms and function of the offspring. Adult rats (90 days old) gestated under chronic photoperiod shift (CPS) decrease the time spent in the open arm zone of an elevated plus maze to 62% and increase the rearing time to 170%. CPS adults maintained individual daily changes in corticosterone, but their acrophases were distributed from 12.00 h to 06.00 h. CPS offspring maintained clock gene expression and oscillation, nevertheless no daily rhythm was observed in genes involved in the regulation and synthesis of steroids. Consistent with adult adrenal gland being programmed during fetal life, blunted daily rhythms of corticosterone, core clock gene machinery, and steroidogenic genes were observed in CPS fetal adrenal glands. Comparisons of the global transcriptome of CPS versus control fetal adrenal gland revealed that 1078 genes were differentially expressed (641 down-regulated and 437 up-regulated). In silico analysis revealed significant changes in Lipid Metabolism, Small Molecule Biochemistry, Cellular Development and the Inflammatory Response pathway (z score: 48-20). Altogether, the present results demonstrate that gestational chronodisruption changed fetal and adult adrenal function. This could translate to long-term abnormal stress responses and metabolic adaptation, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Bilateral bifid mandibular canal: a case report using cone beam computed tomography.

The mandibular canal (MC) originates in the mandibular foramen and runs bilaterally through the mandibular ramus and body, ending in the mental foramen. One of the most common anatomical variations is bifid MC, the configurations of which have been classified into four categories and sub-categories. The prevalence of these variations depends on the imaging method used. Studies carried out in panoramic X-rays and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) show prevalences varying between 1% and 20%. In this case report we present the finding of a bilateral bifid MC by CBCT examination; we describe its location and morphological characteristics. The variation found was a type 1 bilateral bifid MC, which consists in an accessory canal originating from a single mandibular foramen and extending to the third molar or its immediate surroundings. In this report we discuss the importance of detecting these anatomical variations, as well as their implications in clinical practice.

Prevalence and morphometric analysis of idiopathic osteosclerosis in a Chilean population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence and morpho-metric parameters of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) in a Chilean population. IO is an intraosseous growth of compact, benign, unilocular, non-expandable bone that is referred to as an anatomical variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using 1000 digital panoramic radiographs of adults in which data on the location (maxillary/ mandibular, right/left hemiarcades), shape, position to the dental apex, and the prevalence of IOs were observed in relation to gender and age. The morphometric parameters evaluated were area, height, width, and the linear distances of the IO up to the midline and at the base of the mandible. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 2.8% (27 individuals), with the majority of cases in women (66.7%) in the second, third, and fifth decades of life, but without significant differences. All cases were present in the mandible (100%), usually in the left hemiarcade (59.3%), molar (48.2%) and premolar (44.4%) regions; at the height of the dental apices (65.5%), with an irregular shape (40.7%) and round (37%). The area of the IOs was 33.9 ± 20.1 mm2, with a height of 7.7 ± ± 3.1 mm, width of 6.6 ± 3.1 mm, and the distance from the IO to the mandible median line was 26.6 ± 10.7 mm and 9.7 ± 3.7 mm to the mandibular base. CONCLUSIONS: All the data observed corroborate with previous studies; the IO does not present a large difference in the Chilean population evaluated compared to pre-vious studies carried out in other populations. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 272-278).

Distal root curvatures in mandibular molars: analysis using digital panoramic X-rays.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the degree of curvature in distal roots in the first and second permanent mandibular molars in a Chilean patient sample. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in which digital panoramic X-rays were analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examinations of patients under 18 years, with signs of distortion or alteration in the contrast or the presence of pathologies that affected visualisation of the roots and pulp-chamber floor of the teeth to be analysed were excluded. Using the AutoCad software, an angle was drawn to represent the curve of the root in its different thirds, drawing lines inside the root canal from the pulp-chamber floor to the dental apex. Using the classic definition of dilaceration (root curvature > 90°), its prevalence was established. 412 teeth and roots were analysed, finding a dilaceration prevalence of 0.73% (n = 3). 84.72% of the roots presented some type of curvature. RESULTS: The middle third had the highest percentage of curvatures and the greatest average of angular curvature, whereas the cervical third was the straightest. No significant differences were found between the degree of curvature and the gender of the subjects, except for the apical third of tooth 3.6. The analysis of curvature by root third offers to the clinician a better perspective of the directional change of the roots and does not limit it to just the presence of curves in the apical third. CONCLUSIONS: The report of the angular degree of the curvatures, in addition to the prevalence of dilacerations, informs to the clinicians about the likelihood of finding difficulties when treating root canals. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 131-137).

Lateral-bilateral costal branch (R. costalis lateralis): a clinically relevant anatomical variation / Rama costal lateral bilateral (R. costalis lateralis): una variación anatómica clínicamente relevante

SUMMARY: The lateral costal branch (LCB) is a variation present in 15-30 % of the population. This blood vessel runs parallel and laterally to the internal thoracic artery from which it originates. Knowledge about the LCB is relevant for thoracic surgeons. In this study we present the findings from the dissection in a practical teaching exercise of the cadaver of a 62-year-old male. The thoracic contents were accessed by raising the anterolateral thoracic wall, the pulmonary pedicles were dissected and both lungs were removed. We observed bilaterally the trajectory of the LCB at the level of the medial axillary line parallel to the internal thoracic artery. On the right side, the LCB originates from the internal thoracic artery at the level of the first rib and extends to the eighth intercostal space, with a length of 26 cm and a caliber of 1.95 mm, communicating with the anterior and posterior intercostal arteries. The left branch originates from the internal thoracic close to their origin artery and extends until the sixth intercostal space, with a length of 14 cm and a caliber of 1.55 mm. it connects with the anterior and posterior intercostal arteries. On both sides the arteries were accompanied by a pair of satellite veins. The lateral costal arteries form part of the circulation of the thoracic wall, constituting an accessory arterial system with a trajectory parallel to the internal thorax and the aorta. Knowledge of it is relevant for invasive procedures, and myocardial revascularization procedure.

RESUMEN: La rama costal lateral es una variación presente en el 15-30 % de los casos, y sigue paralelo y lateral a la arteria torácica interna, de la cual se origina, siendo su conocimiento relevante para los cirujanos de tórax. Se presenta un hallazgo durante una disección en una actividad práctica docente, en un cadáver de sexo masculino de 62 años. Se accedió al contenido torácico levantando la pared esternocostal, procedimiento que comenzó con disección de la piel y musculatura hasta exponer ambas clavículas, se realizó un corte transversal de éstas en su tercio lateral para posteriormente realizar sección bilateral desde la primera hasta la octava costilla siguiendo la línea axilar anterior. Una vez revertida la pared esternocostal, se seccionaron los pedículos pulmonares, y se retiraron ambos pulmones. Se observó bilateralmente en la pared torácica el trayecto de un paquete vascular a nivel de la línea axilar media paralela a la arteria torácica interna. En el lado derecho se originaba a 2 cm del trayecto de la arteria torácica interna y se extendía hasta el octavo espacio intercostal con una longitud de 26 cm y un calibre de 1,95 mm, estableciendo comunicaciones con las arterias intercostales anteriores y posteriores, agotándose en ellas. La rama izquierda se originaba a 1,5 cm del trayecto iniciado por la arteria torácica interna extendiéndose hasta el sexto espacio intercostal; presentó un calibre de 1,55 mm y una de longitud de 14 cm, estableciendo comunicaciones con las arterias intercostales anteriores y posteriores, agotándose en ellas. En ambos lados las arterias eran acompañadas por un par de venas satélites. Las arterias costales laterales forman parte de la circulación de la pared torácica, constituyendo un sistema arterial accesorio al de la arteria torácica interna y la aorta. Su conocimiento es relevante en procedimientos invasivos, además de tener un alto valor docente y formativo.

Effect of butanolic fraction of yellow and black maca (Lepidium meyenii) on the sperm count of adult mice.

Lepidium meyenii, known as maca, is a popular nutraceutical food which is grown over 4,000 m above sea level in the Peruvian central highlands. Maca contains alkaloids, but there are no studies on their biological effects. The butanol fraction obtained from methanol extract of maca hypocotyls contains alkaloids. The effects of butanol/aqueous fractions partitioned from methanol extract of yellow and black maca were examined. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl were used to evaluate maca fractions in vitro. Daily sperm production and sperm count in epididymis and vas deferens in mice were determined as biological effect of maca extracts in vivo. Yellow maca (21.7%±0.69) had better antioxidant capacity than black maca (18.2% ± 0.12; p < .01). Antioxidant activity was better in the methanolic fraction than in the aqueous fraction of yellow or black maca. TPC is higher in the aqueous fraction than in the methanolic extract of yellow or black maca. Black maca administration resulted in higher concentration of sperm count in epididymis and vas deferens compared to yellow maca. A higher biological effect was observed in methanolic extract and in aqueous extract than in the butanol fraction of maca. In conclusion, better biological effect was observed in the methanolic extract of maca than in its partitioned fractions.

Web al servicio de la anatomía: relato de una experiencia docente / Web service anatomy: report of an educational experience

La permanente actualización de los programas curriculares de educación médica ha generado discusión respecto a los modelos de aprendizaje utilizados para las ciencias morfológicas, tema muy en boga hoy en día, debatido por profesores de morfología y especialistas en docencia. El presente trabajo da a conocer el modelo de enseñanza morfológica utilizado en el departamento de Anatomía Normal de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, el cual se ha desarrollado consecuentemente con los cambios curriculares realizados por la escuela de medicina, logrando adaptarse a los nuevos tiempos y nuevas tecnologías. Este modelo de aprendizaje constructivista se basa en estudio guiado y auto dirigido con material web creado especialmente para cada curso, privilegiando el trabajo práctico en pabellón y complementándolo con recursos tecnológicos, como evaluaciones teóricas en computadores y evaluaciones prácticas utilizando tablets en el pabellón entre otras. Todo este trabajo bajo una misma plataforma web. Estos cambios han mejorado la interacción docente-alumno y facilitado el trabajo académico. Los resultados de este modelo han sido evaluados positivamente por el equipo docente y permiten concluir que la inclusión de nuevas tecnologías como complemento para la enseñanza de la morfología son un real aporte, siendo bien recibidas por los estudiantes.

Continuous curriculum updating of medical education has generated discussion regarding the learning models used for morphological sciences, a topic much in vogue today, discussed by morphology teachers and education specialists. This paper discloses the morphological teaching model used in the Department of Gross Anatomy of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, which has been consequently developed together with the curriculum changes made by the school of medicine, being able to adapt to current times and new technology. This constructivist learning model is based on a guided and self-directed learning with web-based material specially designed for each course, emphasizing practical work in laboratories and supplemented by technological and theoretical evaluations conducted on computers and practical evaluations using tablets in the laboratories among others. All this work under a single web platform. These changes have improved student-teacher engagement and eased academic workload. The results of this model have been positively evaluated by members of the faculty team and allow to conclude that the inclusion of new technologies as a supplement to teaching morphology are a real contribution, as well as being well received by students.

Cambios en la adiposidad corporal de adolescentes escolares(1997-2007) / Changes in body fat of adolescent students (1997-2007)

Objetivo: Determinar los cambios prospectivos de la adiposidad corporal de adolescentes escolares en un intervalo de 10 años (1997-2007). Método: El estudio es de tipo longitudinal (Trend). Los escolares fueron seleccionados de forma probabilística (estratificado) de cinco provincias de la Región del Maule (Cauquenes, Linares, Constitución, Curicó y Talca). El tamaño de la muestra del año 1997 fue de 236 (129 chicos y 137 chicas) y del año 2007 de 253 (140 chicos y 113 chicas). Las edades oscilaron entre 11,0 a 14,9 años. Se evaluó las variables de peso, estatura y 4 pliegues cutáneos. Resultados: No hubo cambios en el peso, estatura, IMC y los pliegues del brazo (Bi+Tr), sin embargo, en relación a la adiposidad corporal de la región central del cuerpo (Sb+Si) se observó diferencias significativas de tejido adiposo en ambos sexos y en todas las edades (p<0,001). Conclusión: Se determinó cambios prospectivos en la adiposidad corporal en escolares de ambos sexos. Los resultados hacen presagiar el aumento de tejido adiposo en la región central del cuerpo durante la adolescencia al menos hasta el año 2007 (AU)

Objective: To determine prospective changes of body fat among school adolescents in an interval of 10 years (1997-2007). Method: The study is a longitudinal (Trend). The scholars were selected in a probabilistic (stratified) in five provinces of Maule Region (Cauquenes, Linares, Constitution, Curicó and Talca). The sample size of 1997 was 236 (129 boys and 137 girls) and 253 2007 (140 boys and 113 girls). Ages ranged from 11.0 to 14.9 years. Variables were assessed weight, height and 4 skinfolds. Results: No changes in weight, height, BMI and arm folds (Bi+Tr), however, in relation to body fat in the central region of the body (Sb+Si) showed significant differences (p<0,001) adipose tissue in both sexes and at all ages. We determined prospective changes in body fat among schoolchildren of both sexes. The results portend increased adipose tissue in the central region of the body during adolescence at least until 2007 (AU)

Estudio comparativo entre dos intensidades de ultrasonido continuo en la reparación del nervio espinal lesionado por compresión / Comparative study between two intensities of continuous ultrasound in the repair of the spinal nerve injured by compression

El ultrasonido continuo fundamenta su efectividad en la energía térmica que genera, favoreciendo la reparación nerviosa. Es por esto que surge la interrogante de que si al aplicar diferentes intensidades de ultrasonido continuo sobre el nervio espinal lesionado, la respuesta reparativa será igual o distinta. Para ello se utilizaron 12 ratas de sexo masculino a las que se les aisló quirúrgicamente el nervio isquiático, el cual fue pinzado durante 45 segundos con una fuerza constante de 40N. La compresión se realizó a 10mm sobre la bifurcación, luego se desinfectó y suturó. Inmediatamente después de la operación las ratas fueron agrupadas de a 3: A) control sano, B) control lesionado, C) aplicación de ultrasonido terapéutico de 0,5w/cm2 y D) aplicación de ultrasonido terapéutico de 1w/cm2. El grupo A se utilizó como control sano y no recibió irradiación. Las ratas del grupo B fueron lesionadas y no recibieron irradiación y las del grupo C y D fueron lesionadas e irradiadas transcutáneamente en la región correspondiente al recorrido del nervio isquiático utilizando intensidades de 0,5w/cm2 y 1w/cm2, 3 MHZ de frecuencia, un cabezal de 0,5cm2, durante 1 minuto y 10 días consecutivos. 28 días post operatorio se extrajeron los nervios isquiáticos y fueron sometidos a técnicas de tinción de H-E y Van Gieson. Se realizó el diagnóstico histopatológico y la morfometría: se midió el Grosor del Perineuro, Perímetro del núcleo del Schwannocito, Perímetro del Axón Mielínicoy Perímetro de la Mielina. Los resultados revelan que el ultrasonido continuo es efectivo en la reparación del nervio espinal, siéndolo más con 1w/cm2 que con 0,5w/cm2.

The continuous ultrasound bases its efficiency on the heat energy it generates, favoring the nervous repair. Therefore, the question arises whether the reparative response will be equal or different under varying intensities of continuous ultrasound application on the disabled spinal nerve. For the study we used 12 male rats; the ischiatic nerve was surgically isolated and compressed during 45 seconds with a constant force of 40N. The compression was realized at 10 mm on the bifurcation, and was subsequently disinfected and sutured. Immediately following the operation the rats were separated in groups of 3: A) Healthy control, B) Injured control, C) Application of therapeutic ultrasound of 0.5 w/cm2 and D) Application of therapeutic ultrasound of 1 w/cm2. Group A was used as healthy control and did not receive irradiation. The rats in group B were injured and did not receive irradiation and those of groups C and D were injured and were transcutaneously irradiated in the area corresponding to the ischiatic nerve using intensities of 0.5 w/cm2 and 1 w/cm2, 3 MHZ of frequency. We used a compress of 0.5 cm2, during 1 minute and for 10 consecutive days. 28 days post operative ischiatic nerves were removed and submitted to technologies of H.E and VG stain. Histopathological and morphometrical diagnosis was realized: Thickness of the Perineurium, schwannocyte perimeter, Myelin Axon and Myelin perimeters were measured. The results revealed that the continuous ultrasound is effective in the repair of the spinal nerve, more so with 1 w/cm2 than with 0.5 w/cm 2.

A circadian clock entrained by melatonin is ticking in the rat fetal adrenal.

The adrenal gland in the adult is a peripheral circadian clock involved in the coordination of energy intake and expenditure, required for adaptation to the external environment. During fetal life, a peripheral circadian clock is present in the nonhuman primate adrenal gland. Whether this extends to the fetal adrenal gland like the rat is unknown. Here we explored in vivo and in vitro whether the rat fetal adrenal is a peripheral circadian clock entrained by melatonin. We measured the 24-h changes in adrenal content of corticosterone and in the expression of clock genes Per-2 and Bmal-1 and of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), Mt1 melatonin receptor, and early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) expression. In culture, we explored whether oscillatory expression of these genes persisted during 48 h and the effect of a 4-h melatonin pulse on their expression. In vivo, the rat fetal adrenal gland showed circadian expression of Bmal-1 and Per-2 in antiphase (acrophases at 2200 and 1300 h, respectively) as well as of Mt1 and Egr-1. This was accompanied by circadian rhythms of corticosterone content and of StAR expression both peaking at 0600 h. The 24-h oscillatory expression of Bmal-1, Per-2, StAR, Mt1, and Egr-1 persisted during 48 h in culture; however, the antiphase between Per-2 and Bmal-1 was lost. The pulse of melatonin shifted the acrophases of all the genes studied and restored the antiphase between Per-2 and Bmal-1. Thus, in the rat, the fetal adrenal is a strong peripheral clock potentially amenable to regulation by maternal melatonin.

Melatonin exerts direct inhibitory actions on ACTH responses in the human adrenal gland.

In nonhuman primates and rodents, melatonin acting directly on the adrenal gland, inhibits glucocorticoid response to ACTH. In these species, an intrinsic adrenal circadian clock is involved in ACTH-stimulated glucocorticoid production. We investigated whether these findings apply to the human adrenal gland by determining i) expression of clock genes in vivo and ii) direct effects of melatonin in ACTH-stimulated adrenal explants over a) expression of the clock genes PER1 (Period 1) mRNA and BMAL1 [Brain-Muscle (ARNT)-like] protein, ACTH-induced steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) and b) over cortisol and progesterone production. Adrenal tissue was obtained from 6 renal cancer patients undergoing unilateral nephrectomy-adrenalectomy. Expression of the clock genes PER1, PER2, CRY2 (Cryptochrome 2), CLOCK (Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput) and BMAL1, was investigated by RT-PCR in a normal adrenal and in an adenoma. In independent experiments, explants from 4 normal adrenals were preincubated in culture medium (6 h) followed by 12 h in: medium alone; ACTH (100 nM); ACTH plus melatonin (100 nM); and melatonin alone. The explants' content of PER1 mRNA (real-time PCR) and StAR, 3ß-HSD, BMAL1 (immuno slot-blot), and their cortisol and progesterone production (RIA) were measured. The human adrenal gland expresses the clock genes PER1, PER2, CRY2, CLOCK, and BMAL1. ACTH increased PER1 mRNA, BMAL1, StAR, and 3ß-HSD protein levels, and cortisol and progesterone production. Melatonin inhibited these ACTH effects. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, direct inhibitory effects of melatonin upon several ACTH responses in the human adrenal gland.