Typology of flexor carpi radialis muscle in human fetuses.

INTRODUCTION: The musculus flexor carpi radialis (FCR) is a muscle with an important function for the mechanics and physiology of the hand. Its isolation during intrauterine development occurs relatively late, which may result in the presence of high variability during the fetal period. The aim of this study is to determine the detailed typology of FCR in the fetal period based on the available material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 114 human fetuses (53 female, 61 male) aged between 117.0 and 197.0 days of fetal life were included in the study. The research material was derived from the collections of the Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Wroclaw. Fetuses were stored in typical conservation solvents. The study incorporated the following methods: anthropological, preparational, and image acquisition, which was obtained using an innovative digital microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. RESULTS: The typology of FCR was determined based on the characteristics of the distal attachment of the investigated muscle. The statistical analysis revealed a predominance of type I in the examined fetal material - the attachment located on metacarpal bone II (about 82% of cases). Type IV (attachment to the 4th metacarpal bone) occurs with a frequency of less than 10% and the remaining types II and III occur with a frequency of 4-6%. The statistical analysis did not reveal bilateral or dimorphic differences in the prevalence of each FCR type. In respect of the collected anthropometric parameters, no statistically significant dimorphic differences were revealed. For a more complete description, the FCR proportionality index was introduced. The mean value of this index was 0.6 and was independent of the side or sex of the analyzed fetus. CONCLUSIONS: FCR in the fetal period is characterized by a stable course in both the proximal and distal attachments.

Evaluation of oral cavity condition with regard to decay in 18-year old from urban and rural areas in Podkarpackie Province, Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The studies have indicated the necessity to intensify dental health care in certain Polish provinces. The purpose of study was to evaluate dental condition and establish dental health needs in the population of 18-year old youth from urban and rural region in Podkarpackie Province, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Mean DMFT index (D-decayed, M-missing and F-filled teeth) was calculated as a key measure of dental decay and dental health needs identified. RESULTS: The results found the highest percentage of teeth affected by active decay (D) in the second molars, both upper and lower (>20%), the highest F score in the first and second maxillary and mandibular molars (>50% and >40% respectively), and the highest M score was observed in the first upper and lower molars. Mean DMFT score was 7.13. Higher scores were observed among the urban teenagers (DMFT=7.72 and D=2.86) compared to the teenagers from rural areas (DMFT=6.42 and D=1.37). The analysis of DMFT index with regard to gender found almost the same DMFT in males and females (males 7.15, females 7.12), and D, M and F scores differed slightly. No dental health needs were found in 36.67% examined, however 63.33% teenagers needed dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Professional prophylactic activities should be intensified in the group of children and teenagers living in Podkarpackie Province. A scheme of refunded fissure sealing of teeth should cover second molars as well. Professional dental health care should be extended in the group of teenagers attending vocational schools.