Anatomical museums preserve specimens of great historical value and undiscovered scientific potential. However, frequently these collections lack documentation of the techniques of preparation and the composition of preservative substances (conservation principles). This poses a huge problem for the care and preservation of these materials, more so because understanding this issue requires knowledge of fundamentals from different scientific disciplines. The aim of the research was to obtain information about the composition of substances used to preserve historic specimens, as well as to conduct a microbiological assessment of the specimens to detect possible factors causing their deterioration. Furthermore, we wanted to fill an existing gap in the literature, as there is a lack of reports on analytical methods that could be successfully applied by anatomists involved in the daily care of museum collections in human anatomy departments. The starting point was the analysis of the sources and history of the collections, on which basis the choice of research methods was made. Methods based on simple chemical reactions and specialised methods (such as gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) were used in the analyses of the composition of fluids. Microbiological analyses were based on culture and isolation methods, analysis of microscopy slides and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis. As a result of these analyses, some components of the preservative mixtures and their concentrations were determined. The presence of methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde and glycerol was detected, among other chemicals. The concentrations of these substances were different between the samples and their determination required the use of a variety of methods suitable for the individual components of the preservative mixture. In microbiological tests, both bacteria and fungi were isolated from swabs taken from anatomical specimens. The bacterial flora was less numerous than the fungal flora. Among the bacteria, environmental Gram‐positiveBacillus cereus,Bacillus thuringiensisand a rare bacterium of theCupriavidusgenus were isolated, whereas among the fungal organisms, the yeast‐like fungiCandida boidiniiandGeotrichum silvicolaas well as mould fungiPenicilliumsp. andFusariumsp. were detected. However, the microscopic evaluation showed a greater diversity of microorganisms, which may be related to the fact that many environmental bacteria cannot be cultured using classical methods, but can be observed under the microscope. The results of the research made it possible to draw conclusions about the mutual influence of physical, chemical, and microbiological factors on the condition of historical anatomical specimens. In the course of the research, information was obtained on the processes which could have taken place during the storage of these collections. Maintaining the integrity of a container housing a preserved anatomical specimen has a major impact on maintaining the concentration of preservative fluid and keeping the specimen environment sterile. Many conservation procedures for historical specimens carried out nowadays pose a risk of destroying valuable specimens, as well as a health risk for the person carrying out the work. The exploration of the topic of conservation of anatomical specimens, especially those that lack documentation of their origin, is a key issue in current research on historical collections of anatomical specimens.

Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of human placenta vessels is clinically essential and requires the use of many different anatomical and histological techniques. One of the interesting methods of visualising vessels is the corrosion technique. It enables spatial visualisation of the vascular network of the analysed organ. The authors present a developed, own method of preparing the corrosive preparations from human placenta. They underline the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. They describe solutions aimed at reducing the costs of the process. They show that corrosion technology enables relatively fast and inexpensive visualisation of arterial and venous vessels of the human placenta.

The etching stage of the corrosive preparation is a crucial element of creating a high quality anatomical specimen, which can be a source of scientific knowledge and support the teaching process. Nowadays, thermal techniques such as microwave cooking, enzymatic corrosion, and chemical corrosion are used. Living organisms can also be used for tissue maceration. Interactions between the corrosive substance and the filler carry a risk of failure; thus, choosing the correct method is key to the success of this technique. In this paper, we have reviewed the latest literature in order to present the strengths and weaknesses of currently used corrosion techniques. We proposed a definition of an ideal corrosive medium and compared the available techniques of etching corrosive preparations with a hypothetical perfect medium. The etching stage of the corrosive preparation is a crucial element of creating a high quality anatomical specimen, which can be a source of scientific knowledge and support the teaching process. Nowadays, thermal techniques such as microwave cooking, enzymatic corrosion, and chemical corrosion are used. Living organisms can also be used for tissue maceration. Interactions between the corrosive substance and the filler carry a risk of failure; thus, choosing the correct method is key to the success of this technique. In this paper, we have reviewed the latest literature in order to present the strengths and weaknesses of currently used corrosion techniques. We proposed a definition of an ideal corrosive medium and compared the available techniques of etching corrosive preparations with a hypothetical perfect medium.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density lipoprotein-like particle that contains a unique apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] component covalently bound to apolipoprotein B-100. Elevated levels of Lp(a) have been identified as a well-established and genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and calcific aortic valve stenosis. In contrast to other lipids, Lp(a) concentrations are minimally influenced by lifestyle or traditional lipid-lowering therapies, emphasizing the necessity for novel treatment approaches. This narrative review summarizes current and emerging therapeutic strategies for reducing Lp(a) levels. Such strategies include traditional agents such as niacin and PCSK9 inhibitors, as well as innovative therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference-based molecules, and small-molecule inhibitors. The mechanisms of action of these agents, in addition to clinical trial data and their capacity to modify cardiovascular outcomes, are explored in further detail. Furthermore, the current status of clinical guidelines and the evolving role of Lp(a)-targeted therapies in cardiovascular risk stratification are reviewed. A particular emphasis is placed on therapies that are in the advanced stages of clinical development. These include late-phase outcome trials and orally administered agents, which have the potential to significantly impact future clinical practice. The integration of mechanistic data with ongoing and completed clinical studies has been undertaken in order to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the therapeutic potential of Lp(a) in the context of cardiovascular prevention.

Recent scientific evidence suggests that one of the causes of myofascial pain syndromes responsible for the occurrence of chronic headaches, among other things, may be increased or impaired with trigger point therapy. This paper presents the results of a non-systematic literature review on trigger point therapy. The analysis shows a clear increase in scientific interest in invasive trigger point pain treatment techniques. Invasive therapy consists primarily of the use of injections and dry needling. Injections of anesthetics or botulinum toxin are methods that, in addition to their possible therapeutic effect, may carry side effects. In contrast, dry needling does not have a fully scientifically-proven effect. Recent scientific data also indicates that the aforementioned method may have a limited clinical effect. The performed analysis did not demonstrate a significant advantage in invasive techniques over typical non-invasive techniques. It is therefore necessary to design randomized multi-center clinical trials to definitively verify the efficacy of these techniques in the treatment of tension-type trigger point-dependent myofascial pain.