Grzegorz Bajor

Introduction: This study aims to assess medical students’ awareness and opinions regarding body donation for anatomy education and research, including concerns about donation and personal considerations for donating one’s body. Material and methods: The anonymous survey, comprising 20 questions, was completed by 528 medical students from across Poland (366 females and 162 males). Participation in the study was voluntary. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to determine statistical distribution in the analyzed respondents. The chi-square test was used to compare demographic groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: 35.4% of respondents consider donating their bodies for scientific and educational purposes. More atheists wanted to donate the organs after death than Catholics (p = 0.03). The year of study and placeof residence do not influence the willingness to donate the body for scientific purposes (p = 0.55 and p = 0.23), but females were more willing to donate the organs after death than males (p = 0.002). The willingness to donate body before medical studies affected the willingness to donate body during medical studies (p < 0.001). The lack of respect from students towards cadavers is the main concern regarding body donation (42.4%). 93.9% respondents think that it is not possible to teach the anatomy without the access to a human body. Conclusions: Participation in dissection room classes increases students’ willingness to donate their own bodies. The primary barrier remains the fear of disrespect toward the cadaver. Since learning about the donor’s life story fosters respect, we recommend transitioning from anonymous approach to cadavers toward personalizing donor information and student participation in memorial ceremonies.

The vein and ligament of Marshall (VOM and LOM) are embryological remnants that have gained increasing recognition due to their anatomical complexity, arrhythmogenic potential, and relevance during catheter ablation and structural heart interventions. This review summarizes current evidence on their embryology, morphology, anatomical variability, imaging characteristics, and clinical implications. A structured literature search across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus identified anatomical, histological, electrophysiological, and interventional studies. The VOM is present in most hearts, but its topographic variants and ostial positions show substantial interindividual diversity. The LOM displays a segmental architecture with distinct muscular and fibrotic components that interface with the atrial myocardium and the coronary sinus, providing a substrate for atrial fibrillation. Advances in cardiac imaging have improved delineation of the VOM–LOM region, enhancing pre-procedural assessment and guidance for ethanol infusion and ablation strategies. Recognition of the variability and functional significance of these structures is essential for optimizing procedural outcomes and avoiding complications. Taken together, the VOM and LOM represent key atrial venous remnants whose detailed characterization contributes to a deeper understanding of atrial arrhythmogenesis and contemporary interventional electrophysiology.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease affecting the main artery transporting oxidized blood to the abdominal and pelvic organs. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur 4-8 times more often in men than in women, usually develop after the age of 55. Among men over 65, 4–7.6%, this diagnosis can be expected. More aneurysms occur in Caucasian people. Among the most frequently mentioned in the literature, AAA risk factors are older age, male gender, positive family history, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, ischemic heart disease. Biochemical tests to determine the level of AAA-specific markers appear with potential. There are reports in the literature on the possible use of concentrations of selected molecules in the diagnosis of AAA. According to cadaveric research, there are noticed dimensions of the abdominal aorta at its different levels. The relation between aortic size and shape can be the factor contributing to the development of AAA. Previous studies have shown that the development of AAA is a crucial fundamental inflammatory response in conjunction with proteolysis tissue, which causes the destruction and reconstruction of the blood vessel wall. Numerous factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AAA: proteins, transcription factors, enzymes and microRNAs. The increase in the concentration of most factors is associated with inflammation. The biomarkers presented in the paper are not limited to AAA, and thus can be used only for visual assessment of the degree of abdominal aortic aneurysm development. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease affecting the main artery transporting oxidized blood to the abdominal and pelvic organs. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur 4-8 times more often in men than in women, usually develop after the age of 55. Among men over 65, 4–7.6%, this diagnosis can be expected. More aneurysms occur in Caucasian people. Among the most frequently mentioned in the literature, AAA risk factors are older age, male gender, positive family history, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, ischemic heart disease. Biochemical tests to determine the level of AAA-specific markers appear with potential. There are reports in the literature on the possible use of concentrations of selected molecules in the diagnosis of AAA. According to cadaveric research, there are noticed dimensions of the abdominal aorta at its different levels. The relation between aortic size and shape can be the factor contributing to the development of AAA. Previous studies have shown that the development of AAA is a crucial fundamental inflammatory response in conjunction with proteolysis tissue, which causes the destruction and reconstruction of the blood vessel wall. Numerous factors contribute to the pathogenesis of AAA: proteins, transcription factors, enzymes and microRNAs. The increase in the concentration of most factors is associated with inflammation. The biomarkers presented in the paper are not limited to AAA, and thus can be used only for visual assessment of the degree of abdominal aortic aneurysm development.

Neuropeptides are involved in various brain activities being able to control a wide spectrum of higher mental functions. The purpose of this concise structural investigation was to detect the possible immunoreactivity of the novel multifunctional neuropeptide nesfatin-1 within the human bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is involved in the mechanism of fear learning, integration of stress and reward circuits, and pathogenesis of addiction. Nesfatin-1-expressing neurons were identified for the first time in several regions of the BNST using both immunohistochemical and fluorescent methods. This may implicate a potential contribution of this neuropeptide to the BNST-related mechanisms of stress/reward responses in the human brain.

Background: Coronary arteriosclerosis risk factors increase the probability of the coronary heart disease and accompanying complications to a significant extent, acting independently from other circumstances. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 250 students of the 1st-year medical studies, using an independently prepared questionnaire relating to the risk factors and particular lifestyles. Results: 1. Level of knowledge of the examined students on coronary arteriosclerosis risk factors: obesity - 250(100%); reduced physical activity - 240(96%); smoking - 230(92%); unhealthy diet - 223(89%); elevated LDL cholesterol concentration - 218(87%); arterial hypertension - 210(84%). 2. Incidence of coronary arteriosclerosis risk factors in students: strong family history - 75(30%); excessive stress - 50(20%); reduced physical activity - 190(76%); smoking - 55(22%), alcohol abuse - 95(38%). 3. Lifestyle of the examined group of students: eating fast-food – 180 (72%); drinking energetic beverages – 82(33%); "trying" and using drugs – 88(35%); insufficient amount of sleep – 190(76%). Conclusions: 1. Level of the examined students’ knowledge on coronary arteriosclerosis risk factors is satisfactory. 2. Despite the satisfactory level of knowledge on risk factors, their incidence in the tested group is significant. 3. Majority of the examined students live a healthy lifestyle.

Standard anthropometric methods applied to measurements of the skull differentials are laden with mistakes stemming from the way the measuring devices are built and from a lack of experience on the part of the researchers. To increase objectivity, digital imaging measurements via computer systems were introduced. The aim of this research was to assess the asymmetry of the male and female orbit with the application of the new graphic methods: raster graphics and vector graphics. The examination was conducted on 184 well-preserved skulls. The photos were taken by a digital camera with high definition. Orbit asymmetry was examined by determining the distance between the centers of gravity of both orbits and the frontal median line d1 and d2. Then angles α and β were appointed. They are defined as angles between the line that runs through craniometrical points mf and ek on the right side (angle α) and on the left side (angle β), and the frontal median line at their crossing point. Distances r2 and r1, which are allocated points between the frontal median lines (LPP), were also set. Angles α and β were also analyzed while comparing the skulls of both genders. Statistically significant differences were only observed in male skulls. However, differences for both genders were noted in parameters d1 and d2. No statistically significant differences were discovered between men and women for parameters r1 and r2. The groups of women and men were merged, being treated as a population; which resulted in the conclusion that there are no statistically significant differences between these parameters. The skull's asymmetry connected to gender and the asymmetry of the right and left sides of examined craniums can be used in criminal examinations as well as in facial reconstructive surgeries.

To assess feasibility and accuracy of a new insertion technique of S1 transpedicular screw. Transpedicular stabilization in the first sacral vertebra (S1) is a technically demanding surgical procedure with inherent risk of loosening of the implant. A modification of the technique was recently proposed, along with the analytical verification which was performed based on the available literature. In the study, we performed radiological assessment of screws inserted into the S1 using the classical and modified techniques. The analysis was performed in two parts. The first part was performed on eight cadaver specimens after implantation of the screws. In the second part, we used computed tomography images of patients with degenerative disk disease with a superimposed representation of screws. The thickness of the posterior cortex adherent to the screws, screw trajectory and their position with regard to the spinal canal was measured. The area of posterior cortex in contact with the screws was also calculated. The contact length and area was found to be two times greater for screws introduced with the modified technique. The convergence angle was comparable between the techniques, despite the shift of entry point. There was no canal breach, although with the modified technique the screws passed closer to the spinal canal. The modified technique is considered safe. In this technique, the screws pass through a thicker portion of the posterior cortex compared to the classical technique that aims at improving the stability of the fixation.

Background: Correlations between selected metric parameters of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in children without atresia may be useful for anticipating probable dimensions of this region in living subjects, in terms of changes with age. Materials and methods: One hundred and eighty children, age range 0–3 years, were divided into five age groups, and measurements of 18 distances between structures of nasal cavity and nosopharynx were performed on computed tomography scans. Correlation coefficients and relations between parameters have been determined. Results: Our study confirmed the existence of statistically significant correlations between linear dimensions within nasal cavity in children. The analysis demon­strated that for the values of following indexes: nasal septum length/piriform aperture width, and maximum length of the nasal septum/posterior nares width no statistically significant differences have been noted between age groups of children. All correlations have been positive. No statistically significant differences have been noted between the maximum width of the vomer and osseous parameters measured, both in the anterior and posterior part of the nasal cavity, and nasal septum length. Conclusions: The size of posterior nares changed with age in children by a constant value. So far, no such an analysis has been carried out assessing potential correlations between linear dimensions for the entire nasal cavity, nasopharynx, length of the nasal septum in children, as well as proportions of individual linear dimensions of the anatomical structures analysed, in various age groups. Background: Correlations between selected metric parameters of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in children without atresia may be useful for anticipating probable dimensions of this region in living subjects, in terms of changes with age. Materials and methods: One hundred and eighty children, age range 0–3 years, were divided into five age groups, and measurements of 18 distances between structures of nasal cavity and nosopharynx were performed on computed tomography scans. Correlation coefficients and relations between parameters have been determined. Results: Our study confirmed the existence of statistically significant correlations between linear dimensions within nasal cavity in children. The analysis demon­strated that for the values of following indexes: nasal septum length/piriform aperture width, and maximum length of the nasal septum/posterior nares width no statistically significant differences have been noted between age groups of children. All correlations have been positive. No statistically significant differences have been noted between the maximum width of the vomer and osseous parameters measured, both in the anterior and posterior part of the nasal cavity, and nasal septum length. Conclusions: The size of posterior nares changed with age in children by a constant value. So far, no such an analysis has been carried out assessing potential correlations between linear dimensions for the entire nasal cavity, nasopharynx, length of the nasal septum in children, as well as proportions of individual linear dimensions of the anatomical structures analysed, in various age groups.