eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2023-08 20 2 39 44 article Seyed Hassan Eftekhar-Vaghefi efekharvaghefish@gmail.com 1 Seyed Parviz Raygan a.rahygan5564@yahoo.com 2 Samereh Dehghani-Soltani samereh.dehghani@gmail.com 3 Abdolreza Babaee babaee.ab@gmail.com 4 Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Introduction: Phrenic nerve injury is a common complication during cardiovascular surgeries. Therefore, a precise understanding of its anatomy and branches is crucial. The accessory phrenic nerve (APN) is a related branch of the phrenic nerve. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of the APN and its anatomical variations. Methods: Twenty-six adult male cadavers were dissected using Grant’s method, yielding 52 nerve specimens. The phrenic nerve branches were examined for the presence or absence of APNs. All parameters were documented bilaterally and recorded in pre-designed tables. Results: The total prevalence of APN was 30.77% (8 of 26 cadavers). In five cases, APN was bilateral, while in three cases, it was unilateral (two left-sided and one right-sided). In five cadavers, the APN originated from the root of the fifth cervical nerve, while in three cases, it branched from the nerve to the subclavius. Conclusion: The frequency and variable origin of APNs provide valuable insights for clinicians and surgeons performing thoracic surgeries. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-250-en.pdf Accessory phrenic nerve (APN) Anatomical variation Prevalence Phrenic nerve eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2023-08 20 2 45 54 article Sajed Khaledi sajedkhaledi@yahoo.com 1 Maryam Najafpour Pitka sayna1992@yahoo.com 2 Zahra Sadat Hoseini Za.hoseini89@gmail.com 3 Mehrdad Ghorbanlou mehrdad.ghorbanlou@gmail.com 4 Reza Shirazi shirazi1reza@yahoo.com 5 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran. Department of Biology, Faculty of Genetics, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arsanjan, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Biomedical & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia. Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is related to the presence of low-quality oocytes. This study aims to examine the impact of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), melatonin, and their combination on the parameters of follicular fluid (FF) and the quality of oocytes and embryos in women with PCOS.  Methods: This is a prospective randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 60 Iranian women diagnosed with PCOS who were candidates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). They were randomly allocated into four groups of 15: Melatonin (received 3 mg of melatonin daily at 22:00), NAC (received 1800 mg of NAC per day), NAC+ melatonin, and placebo. The treatment started on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle and continued until the day of oocyte retrieval, lasting 40 days. Hormonal status, sperm parameters, oocyte morphology, fertilization rate and embryo quality were assessed. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, considering a significance level of P≤0.05.  Results: The number of immature oocytes (1.27±0.88, P=0.006) and abnormal oocytes (2.1±1.1, P=0.001) were significantly lower in the NAC compared to the placebo group (3.33±1.35 and 3.7±1.7, respectively). Only the NAC group showed a significantly higher number of high-quality (grade I) embryos compared to the placebo group (2.87±1.45 vs 1.53±0.83; P=0.02). Insulin and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly lower in the melatonin (7±2.4 and 1.5±0.5, respectively) and NAC (7.1±2.5 and 1.5±0.5, respectively) groups (P=0.01) compared to the placebo group (9.5±2.9 and 1.8±0.6, respectively). Conclusion: Both melatonin and NAC can improve the quality of embryo and oocyte in women with PCOS, but their combination has no significant positive effect. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-224-en.pdf Polycystic ovary syndrome N-acetyl cysteine melatonin oocyte embryo eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2023-08 20 2 55 62 article Sajad Moghadami Sajad.moghadami@gmail.com 1 Hossein Bahadoran Bahadoran1386@yahoo.com 2 Alireza Eftekhari Moghadam Eftekhari.anat@gmail.com 3 Mohamad Hossein Asadi Asadiamh@yahoo.com 4 Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Introduction: Plastination is a common method for long-term preservation of biological tissues while maintaining their anatomical features. This method, widely used in medical education, provides durable and odorless specimens that closely resemble living tissues. However, the resulting specimen is rigid and non-flexible with a plastic-like consistency. This study aimed to propose a novel approach for the dissection of lower limbs for whole-body plastination that optimizes tissue preservation and enhances the educational value of the specimens. Methods: A modified dissection method of the lower limbs utilizing a distal-to-proximal approach was performed for whole-body plastination. A key feature of this method is that the dissection of the left and right limbs was done differently. The left limb was dissected, preserving its superficial muscles for standard anatomical study. The right limb had its superficial muscles removed, exposing deep anatomical structures such as vessels, nerves, and deep muscles. This approach allows for a comparative study of both surface and deep layers in a single specimen. Results: By beginning the dissection at the distal extremities, we were able to address the challenge of rapid desiccation in these areas. By preserving the superficial muscles on one limb and removing them on the contralateral limb, medical students can gain a deeper understanding of both surface and deep anatomy and directly compare the superficial and deep structures of the lower limbs on a single cadaver. The plastinated specimens were durable and odorless, making them ideal for long-term use in teaching and research. Conclusion: This approach offers an effective way to showcase the lower limbs’ superficial and deep structures in a single, plastinated specimen. This approach not only helps with the preservation of anatomical details but also offers a valuable comparative learning tool for medical students.   http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-633-en.pdf Plastination Dissection Lower limb anatomy Medical education eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2023-08 20 2 63 66 article Priya G priyag140279@gmail.com 1 Panimalar Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai, India. Introduction: The sternal foramen is a congenital defect found in the body of the sternum, resulting from incomplete fusion of its ossification centers. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence and prevalence of the sternal foramen.  Methods: This descriptive study analyzed 100 sternums collected from the Department of Anatomy, Panimalar Medical College, Hospital, and Research Institute between April 2021 and April 2022. The presence of a fully formed sternal foramen was assessed by two independent investigators. Damaged or incomplete specimens were excluded. The foramen was measured using a vernier caliper. Results: Among 100 sternums, 10% exhibited a sternal foramen. The foramen was oval, measuring 8.86 mm in length and 9.45 mm in width. It was located in the lower third of the sternum, with a distance of 68.51 mm from the sternal angle and 13.13 mm from the lower end of the sternum.    Conclusion: Although often asymptomatic, the sternal foramen is in close proximity to vital thoracic structures, posing a risk for complications during sternal procedures. Additionally, it may be misinterpreted in radiological imaging. Awareness of this anatomical variation is essential for clinicians to minimize potential complications. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-599-en.pdf Manubrium sterni Body of sternum Xiphoid process Sternal foramen Sternebrae Perforated sternum. eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2023-08 20 2 67 78 article Parsa Gharaei parsagharaei@gmail.com 1 Shahabeddin Safi safishahab@yahoo.com 2 Saeed Hesaraki hesarakisaeed@yahoo.com 3 Mohammad Mahdi Kakoienejad mahdi.kakoienejad@gmail.com 4 Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is effective against various cancers, but its use is limited due to its dose-dependent toxicity, especially on the heart and kidneys. Traditional medicine and food products have long used garlic extract as an anti-inflammatory agent. This study investigates the protective effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) against DOX-induced cardiac and renal toxicity.  Methods: Twenty-five healthy female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five equal groups: Control group (received 2 ml/kg saline serum by gavage for 10 consecutive days), DOX group (received 2 ml/kg saline serum by gavage for 10 days plus intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 15 mg/kg DOX on the 7th day), DOX + 150 mg/kg extract (received 150 mg/kg AGE by gavage for 10 days plus intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 15 mg/kg DOX on the 7th day), DOX + 300 mg/kg extract (received 300 mg/kg AGE for 10 days plus 15 mg/kg DOX), DOX + 600 mg/kg extract (received 600 mg/kg AGE plus 15 mg/kg DOX). The serum level of creatinine (to evaluate the kidney function), creatine kinase (to assess the heart muscles), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured. Histopathological studies were performed on the heart and kidneys. The lesions were graded from 0 to 9 based on their severity. Results: DOX resulted in significant cardiac and renal damage, evident by macroscopic and microscopic changes and increased serum creatinine and creatine kinase concentrations. The DOX + 150 mg/kg group showed the most significant protective effects (reduced tissue damage and enhanced TAC) compared to the DOX group. Although the groups received higher doses of AGE showed higher TAC, they did not show additional protective benefits and may have compromised renal function. Conclusion: AGE can effectively reduce DOX-induced toxicity in cardiac and renal tissues of female mice, in a notable dose-dependent manner. Therefore, AGE may be a useful addition to DOX treatment protocols, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and potential clinical applications. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-629-en.pdf Doxorubicin (DOX) Garlic extract Histopathology