eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2024-04 21 1 0 0 article Hauwa Danladi Malgwi hauwadmalgwi@gmail.com 1 Ruth O. Samuel ruthosamuel@gmail.com 2 Martha Orendu Oche Attah marthaorendua@unimaid.edu.ng 3 Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Introduction:  Medicinal plants are commonly and widely used in developing countries as an alternative to orthodox therapy for several reasons, including cost, availability, and affordability.  Medicinal knowledge of these plants is passed down by word of the mouth through many generations for use. The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) has been considered as one of the most important medicinal plants used worldwide with many applications in Ayurvedic medicine. In Nigeria, many women use it mainly for its anti-malarial effect. Anecdotal reports from these women suggest that they consume the extract because it is potentially harmless, hematopoietic and protects them from malaria. The present study aims to determine the effect of oral ingestion of several dosages of the aqueous extract of Azadirichta indica leaf on the histomorphology of some female reproductive organs. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups receiving an extract of  A. indica at different concentrations from 100-400 mg/kg. The first group served as control, and the treatment was administered orally for 28 days for the rats in groups A to D, and 48 days for rats in group E. Rats in group E were sacrificed after another 28 days to determine if there was any reversal in the effects of the administered extract. The rats were sacrificed and the female reproductive organs were harvested and processed to obtain histological sections, which were stained, mounted, and observed. Morphological measurements of several parameters were obtained, and the results were analyzed. Results: A. indica caused general weight loss, a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles, distorted the epithelial lining of the uterus, caused accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria of the uterus, and reduced the epithelial thickness of the vagina.   Conclusion: There is adequate evidence to suggest that the extract had an adverse effect on the female reproductive tract. It could be explored as a potential prospect for developing reversible herbal contraceptives to control female fertility in mammals, although further study is required to enforce this. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-574-en.html Endometrium Epithelium Azadirachta indica Uterus eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2024-04 21 1 1 14 article Zahra Sadeghi sadeghizahra7575@gmail.com 1 Sharare Rahnama shararerahnama373@yahoo.com 2 Saman Sadeghpour Salamat saman.sadeghpour1400@gmail.com 3 Hossein Salehi ho_salehi@med.mui.ac.ir 4 Department of Anatomical Sciences and Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences and Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences and Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Breast cancer (BC) remains a major public health concerns affecting a significant number of women every year. While various therapeutic strategies exist to treat BC, but many current treatments adversely impact healthy cells, leading to considerable side effects. Further challenges in oncology include the development of the resistance of cancer cells to treatment, the limited duration of drug efficacy, and insufficient drug retention at the tumor site. This study aimed to advance diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies for cancer continues to be a critical and active field of study. One of the new and interesting technologies to treat cancers is the use of nanoparticles (NPs), which have opened a new window for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in humans. These NPs  are used by binding to cells to carry various drugs and ligands to cancer cells, especially BC stem cells (BCSCs). This article examines recent research on the application of diverse nanosystems—including metal NPs, polymers, liposomes, and nanomicelles—for the diagnosis and treatment of BC stem cells (BCSCs). While the utilization of these nanosystems presents significant challenges and limitations, a deeper understanding of their properties holds the potential to revolutionize the management of BC. Consequently, this review explores current therapeutic strategies for BC and their associated constraints. Furthermore, it highlights NPs as a promising frontier for tumor diagnosis, imaging, and therapy, with a specific focus on the advancements involving ribonucleic acid (RNA)-loaded NPs. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-624-en.pdf Breast cancer (BC) Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) Nanoparticles (NPs) Ribonucleic acid (RNA) eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2024-04 21 1 15 20 article Asgar Moghani 1 Fatemeh Azemati 2 Seyed Morteza Hosseini 3 Bahman Jalali Kondori Bhamanjalali2010@gmail.com 4 Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent global metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. Among its most severe complications are vascular disorders and the development of diabetic ulcers, particularly in the lower extremities. This study aimed to examine the effects of a combination therapy of curcumin and glycyrrhizic acid on diabetic wound healing in a murine model.  Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in animals by administering a high-fat diet (4900 kcal/kg) for 21 days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured using a glucometer and ELISA kit, respectively. Histopathological analysis was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. Results: Macroscopic evaluation showed that the average wound closure rate was significantly lower in the control group compared to all treatment groups. A reduction in the wound area was observed in the groups treated with silver sulfadiazine, glycyrrhizic acid, and curcumin. Histopathological assessment indicated enhanced re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation at the wound site in the groups treated with glycyrrhizic acid, curcumin, or silver sulfadiazine. Contrary to expectations, however, the combination of glycyrrhizic acid and curcumin did not produce synergistic effects on the regeneration rate or collagen deposition. Conclusion: Glycyrrhizic acid and curcumin accelerated diabetic wound closure in mice. This effect is mediated through modulation of the inflammatory phase and promotion of epidermal regeneration. However, the combination of the two compounds did not yield synergistic improvement in wound healing outcomes. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-632-en.pdf Diabetes mellitus Curcumin Re-epithelialization Glycyrrhizic acid eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2024-04 21 1 21 30 article Samuel Oluwaseun Olojede olojedesamuelo@gmail.com 1 Khayakazi Mayenziwe Mthembu 220025079@stu.ukzn.ac.za 2 Nomthandazo Magcaba magcabanomtha@gmail.com 3 Sodiq Kolawole Lawal lawalsodiq6@gmail.com 4 Onyemaechi Okpara Azu amechi.okpara@gmail.com 5 Edwin Coleridge Naidu Naiduecs@gmail.com 6 Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa. Department of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Berea, South Africa. Department of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Berea, South Africa. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana. Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa. Department of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Berea, South Africa. Introduction: The axillary artery (AA) is a significant blood vessel located in the axilla that supplies the lateral thorax, upper limb, and axilla through the six branches it gives off from its course. This artery exhibits variations in origin and branching patterns, but its laterality and sex-related variations remain poorly explored, especially in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) population. This study aimed to document possible anatomical variations in the origin and length of the AA in the KZN population by sex and laterality. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 human cadavers of a white South African ethnic group (40 upper limbs), provided by the Discipline of Clinical Anatomy at the University of KZN–Nelson R Mandela Medical School campus. Detailed dissection instructions were followed using Grant’s dissector manual to carefully expose and examine the AA’s variations in the origin of its branches and length. Results: The third part of the AA had the highest frequency of variations (45%) in both men and women. However, females had the most significant number of variations (54.54%) on the right side in the third part. Three types of variations occurred mainly in the third part. The first part had the fewest variations. The length of the AA varied with sex and laterality, but females had a longer average length of 129.10 mm in this study.  Conclusion: This study reveals that variations in the AA origin and branching patterns differ by laterality and are sexually dimorphic, a finding that could assist surgeons and radiologists in avoiding pitfalls and complications of procedures performed in the axilla. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-616-en.pdf Axillary artery Axilla Upper limb Branches Variation eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2024-04 21 1 31 42 article Santanu Bhattacharya dr.santanubhattacharya4@gmail.com 1 Moumita Saha moumitanrsmch@gmail.com 2 Department of Anatomy, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, PurbaBardhaman, India. Department of Anatomy, Jalpaiguri Government Medical College and Hospital, Jalpaiguri, India. Introduction: The mandibular foramen, located on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus, is a crucial anatomical landmark for delivering local anesthesia during dental procedures. Accurate localization of this foramen is critical for successful inferior alveolar nerve block administration. However, the conventional approach to this nerve block often relies on blind techniques, which are associated with a high failure rate and potential complications. This study aimed to enhance the precision of locating the mandibular foramen by evaluating two different methods to improve the effectiveness of nerve blocks. Methods: This study was conducted using a sample size of sixty-three mandibles, wherein the precise position of the mandibular foramen was analysed using two separate localization techniques: 1) the linear measurement method, which determines distances from the foramen to key anatomical landmarks, such as the mandibular notch, posterior border of the ramus, angle of the mandible, base of the mandible, and anterior border of the ramus; and 2) the triangular measurement method, which utilizes three reference points—midpoint of the anterior border of the mandibular ramus, the socket for the third molar tooth, and their distance from the mandibular foramen—to create a triangular framework for foramen localization. The efficacy of each method was assessed based on its accuracy and clinical applicability. Results: The study assessed the precise anatomical location of the mandibular foramen using two different methods. No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left sides for any measured parameters, including distances from the mandibular foramen to various anatomical landmarks. Both methods were valuable, with the first providing more comprehensive data through multiple measurements, while the second offered simplicity and ease of clinical application. Although the first method was more detailed, the second may be more practical in clinical settings.  Conclusion:  Precise localization of the mandibular foramen is essential for the effective administration of inferior alveolar nerve blocks. This study highlights the importance of adopting accurate methods for foramen identification, as doing so can significantly improve the success rate of dental anesthesia and reduce the risk of complications.  http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-625-en.pdf Mandibular foramen Inferior alveolar nerve block Dental anesthesia eng 4 Anatomical Sciences Journal 17286158 17286158 2024-04 21 1 43 50 article C. McKay cmckay@uwc.ac.za 1 Amanda Alblas aa2@sun.ac.za 2 Venant Tchokonte-Nana venant.tnana@gmail.com 3 Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape, South Africa. Division of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Comparative Anatomy, Experimental Histopathology & Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Université des Montagnes, Bangangte, Cameroon. Introduction: The mandible represents the predominant site of fractures within the maxillofacial complex, with its body exhibiting the highest incidence. The clinical application of the champy technique, which utilizes monocortical screws and miniplates for osteosynthesis, is complicated by the presence of accessory mental foramina (AMF), posing significant risks during interforaminal fracture management. This study aimed to quantify the risk of iatrogenic injury during interforaminal fracture fixation using the Champy technique in a South African cohort by analyzing AMF prevalence, spatial relationships, and minimum buccal bone (MBB) thickness. Methods: A morphometric analysis of 213 dry hemimandibles was conducted. AMF continuity with the mandibular canal was verified via latex injection. MBB thickness was measured at three horizontal planes (superior, foraminal, and inferior) relative to the mental foramen. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software, version 25. Normality was assessed via Shapiro-Wilk tests. MBB thickness comparisons across planes employed one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey post-hoc pairwise testing. Independent t-tests evaluated bilateral differences, while injury risks for screw lengths (4–7 mm) were calculated as a percentage of screw overlaps with vital structures relative to the total number of screw sites. G*Power software, version 3.1. was used for power analysis followed with a post hoc power analysis; mean values and standard deviations (in mm) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI), while P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: AMF prevalence was 6.54% (right) and 6.60% (left), with one AMF (0.93%) near a screw site. The foraminal plane had the thickest MBB (left: 6.91±2.08 mm; right: 6.69±2.04 mm) and lowest injury risk (3.44–7.55%). The inferior plane showed higher risks (up to 33.02%).  Conclusion:  The foraminal plane is the safest for miniplate placement. By tailoring the champy technique to the unique anatomical characteristics of the South African population, surgeons can enhance the safety and efficacy of interforaminal fracture fixation, ultimately reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries. http://anatomyjournal.ir/article-1-630-en.pdf Interforaminal fracture Iatrogenic injury Accessory mental foramen (AMF) Champy technique Buccal bone thickness