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Szajkowski S, Pasek J, Dwornik M, Cieślar G. Biomechanical properties of masseter muscle assessed through myotonometry in patients with temporomandibular disorder treated with ultrasound therapy: a randomized comparative study. Minerva Dent Oral Sci 2024; 73:45-52. [PMID: 37721730 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6329.23.04855-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to make an objective quantitative assessment of effectiveness of procedures with the use of a therapeutic dose of ultrasounds in this nosological entity, in connection with improved biomechanical properties and alleviation of pain experienced in masseter muscles. METHODS The study included 40 patients with temporomandibular disorder. In group 1 (N.=20) ultrasound therapy (1.2 W/cm2) was carried out, while in group 2 (N.=20) sham therapy was applied. A total of 10 procedures were performed. Myotonometric measurements and assessment of pain intensity were carried out before treatment and after the completion of procedures. RESULTS The analysis revealed a significant difference (P=0.011) between the values of decrement (D) measured on day 0 (2.08±0.45 [log]) and day 4 (1.80±0.55 [log]) in group 1. In group 2 no statistically significant differences were noted between the results obtained on consecutive days of the therapeutic cycle. A statistically significant difference in values of decrement (D) between group 1 (1.80±0.55 [log]) and group 2 (2.23±0.51 [log]) was noted on day 4 of the experiment (P=0.021). Both in group 1 and in group 2, a statistically significant reduction of pain intensity (VAS Scale) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS The masseter muscle was more elastic during ultrasound therapy. However, the effect was transient. The analgesic effect was also observed in the control group; therefore, a placebo effect cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Szajkowski
- Faculty of Medical and Social Sciences, Warsaw Medical Academy of Applied Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pasek
- Collegium Medicum im dr Władysława Biegańskiego, Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland - jarus_tomus.tlen.pl
| | - Michał Dwornik
- Center of Medical Rehabilitation and Osteopathy Reha Punkt, Piastów, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Cieślar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Bytom, Poland
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Centofanti A, Vermiglio G, Cutroneo G, Favaloro A, Picciolo G, Festa F, Anastasi GP. Dystrophin-Glycoprotein Complex Behavior in Sternocleidomastoid Muscle of High- and Low-Ranking Baboons: A Possible Phylogenetic Arrangement. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7030062. [PMID: 36135420 PMCID: PMC9502455 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7030062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex is a multimeric system made up of the sarcoglycan sub-complex, the sarcomplasmatic complex and the dystroglycans complex. The sarcoglycan sub-complex stabilizes the sarcolemma during muscle activity and plays a role in force transduction. This protein system is also expressed in the muscle of non-human primates such as chimpanzees and baboons, and its expression changes depending on social ranking. In fact, previous data have shown that all muscle fibers of masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles of chimpanzees and high- ranking baboons always express sarcoglycans, while middle- and low-ranking baboons are characterized by fibers that are negative for the sarcoglycan sub-complex. Given this information, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the expression of other proteins such as laminin, beta dystroglycan and dystrophin in the sternocleidomastoid muscle of high- and low-ranking baboons. The samples were processed by immunohistochemistry; results show that in high-ranking baboons, all tested proteins were always expressed while in low-ranking baboons, fibers that were negative for sarcoglycans and beta dystroglycan have been observed. No negative fibers for laminin and dystrophin have been found in low-ranking baboons suggesting that only the transmembrane proteins of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex change in their expression and that could be correlated to a phylogenetic arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Centofanti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Vermiglio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppina Cutroneo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Favaloro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Felice Festa
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pio Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Temporomandibular Disorders Slow Down the Regeneration Process of Masticatory Muscles: Transcriptomic Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57040354. [PMID: 33916982 PMCID: PMC8067552 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57040354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal injuries represent a pathological condition due to limited joint motility and morphological and functional alterations of the muscles. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are pathological conditions due to alterations in the musculoskeletal system. TMDs mainly cause temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle dysfunctions following trauma, along with various pathologies and inflammatory processes. TMD affects approximately 15% of the population and causes malocclusion problems and common symptoms such as myofascial pain and migraine. The aim of this work was to provide a transcriptomic profile of masticatory muscles obtained from TMD migraine patients compared to control. Materials and Methods: We used Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to evaluate transcriptomes in masseter and temporalis muscle samples. Results: The transcriptomic analysis showed a prevalent downregulation of the genes involved in the myogenesis process. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that the muscle regeneration process in TMD migraine patients may be slowed, therefore therapeutic interventions are needed to restore temporomandibular joint function and promote healing processes.
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Runci Anastasi M, Centofanti A, Arco A, Vermiglio G, Nicita F, Santoro G, Cascone P, Anastasi GP, Rizzo G, Cutroneo G. Histological and Immunofluorescence Study of Discal Ligaments in Human Temporomandibular Joint. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5040090. [PMID: 33467305 PMCID: PMC7804866 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5040090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a bilateral synovial articulation stabilized by several anatomical structures such as ligaments. The existence of articular capsule reinforcement structures have been described in the lateral and medial sides of disc which have been defined as collateral ligaments, lateral and medial. Despite that, some macroscopic observations support that these collateral ligaments do not belong to the articular capsule but they belong to the disc. By that, the aim of the present work was to evaluate morphological aspects of TMJ from cadaveric frozen heads by histological and immunofluorescence techniques in order to verify the origin and insertion of lateral and medial collateral ligaments. Results show that both lateral and medial ligaments origin from the disc and insert directly to the articular cartilage of mandibula condyle. These data open a new approach in the study of human TMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Runci Anastasi
- I.R.C.C.S. (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonio Centofanti
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Alba Arco
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Giovanna Vermiglio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabiana Nicita
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Piero Cascone
- Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Roma La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Pio Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppina Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Science and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (A.A.); (F.N.); (G.S.); (G.P.A.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppina Cutroneo
- Department of Clinic and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
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Immunofluorescence Evaluation of Myf5 and MyoD in Masseter Muscle of Unilateral Posterior Crossbite Patients. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5040080. [PMID: 33467295 PMCID: PMC7739332 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED A unilateral posterior crossbite is a malocclusion where the low activity of the affected masseter muscle is compensated by the contralateral muscle hypertrophy. It is still unknown if, in the same condition, myogenesis with new fibre formation takes place. AIM the aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of myogenesis markers, such as Myf5 and MyoD, in masseter muscles of unilateral posterior crossbite patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS biopsies from fifteen surgical patients with unilateral posterior crossbites have been analysed by immunofluorescence reactions. The results show the expression of Myf5 and MyoD in the contralateral muscle but not in the ipsilateral one. Moreover, statistical analysis shows the higher number of satellite cells in the contralateral side if compared to the ipsilateral one. CONCLUSIONS these results suggest that in contralateral muscle, hyperplastic events take place, as well as hypertrophy.
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Human Dental Pulp Tissue during Orthodontic Tooth Movement: An Immunofluorescence Study. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5030065. [PMID: 33467280 PMCID: PMC7739291 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5030065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The orthodontic tooth movement is the last step of several biological processes that take place after the application of external forces. During this process, dental pulp tissue is subjected to structural and protein expression modifications in order to maintain their integrity and functional morphology. The purpose of the present work was to perform an in vivo study, evaluating protein expression modifications in the human dental pulp of patients that have undergone orthodontic tooth movement due to pre-calibrated light force application for 30 days. Dental pulp samples were extracted from molars and premolars of the control group and after 7 and 30 days of treatment; the samples were then processed for immunofluorescence reactions using antibodies against fibronectin, collagen I and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Our results show that, after 7 days of treatment, all tested proteins change their pattern expression and will reset after 30 days. These data demonstrate that the dental pulp does not involve any irreversible iatrogenic alterations, supporting the efficacy and safety of using pre-calibrated force application to induce orthodontic tooth movement in clinical practice.
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Anastasi MR, Rizzo G, Nicita F, Bramanti A, Milardi D, Macchi V, Brunetto D, Cascone P, Arco A, Nicita A, Anastasi G, Favaloro A. Microscopic reconstruction and immunohistochemical analysis of discomalleolar ligament. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04651. [PMID: 32817892 PMCID: PMC7424222 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discomalleolar ligament represents the vestiges of the primitive lateral pterygoid muscle which penetrates in the caudal end of Meckel's cartilage; during the development of newborn, the petrotympanic fissure close almost completely leaving inside the discomalleolar ligament. After entering in tympanic cavity, some fibers of the discomalleolar ligament insert to walls of cavity, other fibers continue with the lateral margin of the anterior ligament and insert in the neck of malleus; in contrast, other Authors demonstrated that discomalleolar ligament is an independent structure inserted in proximity of the neck of the malleus. Although the discomalleolar ligament can be considered as a structure of clinical importance, it is not described by anatomy textbooks. Moreover, it is likely that important correlations between temporomandibular diseases and otological symptoms exist. We have studied discomalleolar ligament submitting the specimens to the 3D volume rendering technique, light microscopy, reconstructing a wide light microscopic fields to analyze the real connection between retrodiscal connective tissue and middle ear, and immunofluorescence methods in order to analyze the consistence of ligament. We have shown two types of connections between TMJ and ear: first, with external acoustic meatus and, second, with middle ear through discomalleolar ligament. The different insertion represents a strong support in order to demonstrate that the TMJ disorders can determine variations of tension that are transmitted on the tympanic membrane provoking tinnitus in according to clinical features. Then, we propose that it is necessary to mention, also in anatomy textbook, the discomalleolar ligament as ligament distance of TMJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Runci Anastasi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy.,Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Via del Policlinico, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabiana Nicita
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Demetrio Milardi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Institute of Human Anatomy, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Dario Brunetto
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
| | - Piero Cascone
- Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, "Sapienza" Università di Roma, Via del Policlinico, Roma, Italy
| | - Alba Arco
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
| | - Arianna Nicita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Favaloro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, Messina, Italy
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PIMENTEL DJB, MAGRI LV, MELCHIOR MDO, MARAÑÓN-VÁSQUEZ GA, MATSUMOTO MAN, MAZZETTO MO. Rapid maxillary expansion in the treatment of the functional posterior crossbite: joint noise and electromyographic activity analysis. REVISTA DE ODONTOLOGIA DA UNESP 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1807-2577.03819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Introduction The rapid maxillary expansion (RME) reduces the risk of developing structural and functional disorders in the stomatognathic system. Objective To examine the effects of the RME as a treatment for the posterior crossbite, related with the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles and the TMJ noises in a population of children. Material and method 13 girls and 7 boys, regardless of the type of malocclusion, with a mean age of 9 years old (± 3), were treated with RME. The electrovibratography analyzed the TMJ noise, and the electromyography analyzed the masticatory muscles before treatment (T0) and after three months of a short-term follow-up (T1). The comparisons of the affected and unaffected sides by the crossbite were performed using Mann-Whitney’s test, and to compare data before and after treatment the Wilcoxon’s test was used (level of significance: 5%). Result No significant differences were found in the parameters of joint noise in comparison to the sides affected and unaffected by the crossbite, in both T0 and T1 (p>0.05); only the side without the crossbite observed decrease in the peak amplitude of the joint noises after treatment. In the static electromyographic analysis, inter-side differences were observed before and after treatment, since the deliberate unilateral chewing showed greater asymmetry activity in T0 for both sides, which has been corrected after treatment, improving the functional chewing. Conclusion The proposed treatment did not lead to the occurrence of joint noises and improved the functional pattern of electromyographic activity during chewing at the end of treatment.
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Ventura Spagnolo E, Mondello C, Di Mauro D, Vermiglio G, Asmundo A, Filippini E, Alibrandi A, Rizzo G. Analysis on sarcoglycans expression as markers of septic cardiomyopathy in sepsis-related death. Int J Legal Med 2018; 132:1685-1692. [PMID: 29644391 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1840-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The post-mortem assessment of sepsis-related death can be carry out by many methods recently suggested as microbiological and biochemical investigations. In these cases, the cause of death is a multiple organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated inflammatory response occurring after the failure of infection control process. It was highlighted also that the heart can be a target organ in sepsis which determines the so-called septic cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial depression. Several mechanisms to explain the pathophysiology of septic cardiomyopathy were suggested, but very few studies about the structural alterations of cardiac cells responsible for myocardial depression were carried out. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sarcoglycans (SG) were involved in septic cardiac damage analyzing their expression in sepsis-related deaths and, particularly, if these proteins can be used as markers of septic myocardial dysfunction. Cases of septic-related death confirmed by clinical and autopsy records were investigated and compared to a control group of traumatic deaths. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis was performed to analyze α-SG, β-SG, δ-SG, ζ-SG, ε-SG, and γ-SG. Decrease of fluorescence staining pattern for all tested sarcoglycans was observed in the septic-related deaths compared to normal fluorescence staining pattern of control group. These results provide new findings about the myocytes structural alterations due to sepsis and suggest that these proteins could be used in forensic assessment of septic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Debora Di Mauro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Vermiglio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Elena Filippini
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Pellicciari C. Is there still room for novelty, in histochemical papers? Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2758. [PMID: 28076939 PMCID: PMC5381530 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histochemistry continues to be widely applied in biomedical research, being nowadays mostly addressed to detect and locate single molecules or molecular complexes inside cells and tissues, and to relate structural organization and function at the high resolution of the more advanced microscopical techniques. In the attempt to see whether histochemical novelties may be found in the recent literature, the articles published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in the period 2014-2016 have been reviewed. In the majority of the published papers, standardized methods have been preferred by scientists to make their results reliably comparable with the data in the literature, but several papers (approximately one fourth of the published articles) described novel histochemical methods and procedures. It is worth noting that there is a growing interest for minimally-invasive in vivo techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, autofluorescence spectroscopy), which may parallel conventional histochemical analyses to acquire evidence not only on the morphological features of living organs and tissues, but also on their functional, biophysical and molecular characteristics. Thanks to this unceasing methodological refinement, histochemistry will continue to provide innovative applications in the biomedical field.
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