On November 19, 2020, within the framework of the XI National Congress with international participation «Ecology and human health in the North», the All-Russian workshop «Medical morphology and digital learning technologies» was held at the videoconference. The meeting was attended by teachers-morphologists of medical universities and faculties of cities located in territories with especial ecological and geographical conditions of residence and education of students (Yakutsk, Saint-Petersburg, Perm, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk). The current situation in the world, caused by the Covid-19 virus infection pandemic, posed an unprecedented challenge to many social institutions of modern society, including the system of higher medical education and training of medical personnel. She accelerated the controversial, largely uncertain and not painless transition to digitalization of education as part of the implementation of the national digital economy program. Medical higher education, starting from the first courses, is extremely practical in its essence. The existing electronic platforms and digital instruments, despite all their effectiveness, still cannot be an adequate replacement for those technologies that have traditionally served as the educational and methodological base of preclinical disciplines for many decades, while anatomy is the basic practical discipline for all clinical specialties. This situation is not specific only for individual countries, it is the same for the entire medical higher school around the world. The result of the exchange of experience of the anatomical departments of medical universities at the meeting was the conclusion that the weakest link of distance technologies - digital proctoring of practical anatomical knowledge should be organizationally supported in the form of appropriate scientific and pedagogical seminars and conferences, widely published and recommended, are determined its limits, possibilities and use. It is necessary to analyze and revise the existing work programs of disciplines in order to determine the structural sections of the programs of disciplines and the volume of their transfer to digital platforms, partially or completely, or technologically unchanged at all. It is also mandatory to develop new training, retraining and advanced training programs for morphologists who carry out educational activities using an intermediary language and digital technologies. It is recommended that teachers of morphological departments of medical universities and faculties practically master and bring the relevant professional competencies in the field of mastering the tools of the electronic information educational environment to the level of documented professional excellence. At the same time, when creating educational literature, digital tutorials and gadgets on human anatomy, one should strictly adhere to the international anatomical terminology TA-2 (London, 2019) to eliminate the confusion and variety of terms used to denote the same anatomical structures.

The study of anthropometric and bioimpedance parameters in assessing the physical development of patients helps to clarify the diagnosis, predict the course of the disease, and identify groups of increased risk for the development of the disease. The aim of this study was to identify anthropometric and bioimpedance metrics in patients with stomach cancer. Anthropometric and bioimpedansometric examination of 250 patients with verified gastric cancer, 123 men and 127 women was carried out. As a comparison group, the study used the results of anthropometric and bioimpedance measurements of healthy 221 men and 267 women of the same age in the Krasnoyarsk Territory population. To determine a set of anthropometric and bioimpedansometric variables, allowing to classify the observed people depending on the presence (group of patients with gastric cancer) or the absence of stomach cancer (group of healthy people), the method of discriminant analysis was applied. To test the hypothesis about the homogeneity of the covariance matrices of the compared groups, the multidimensional Box M-criterion was used. The statistical significance of the power of the discriminant function was assessed using the Wilks test. For each discriminant function, the role of its components was assessed by comparing the matrices of total variances and covariances using the F-test. Shoulder diameter for men and women, chest diameter (transverse size) for men and women, waist circumference for men, waist / hip ratio for men and women; lean mass in men, total fluid in men, fat mass in women, phase angle in men and women are statistically significantly different in the observed groups. The developed discriminant models with an accuracy of 75-77% suggest the presence of gastric cancer in patients and can be used in clinical practice at the stage of general medical examination in groups at increased risk of developing the disease.

Data on the anatomical variability of the phalanges and fingers of the hand are needed to expand biometric databases in robotics, prosthetics, and forensic medicine. The aim of the study was to study the X-ray morphometric variability of the length of individual phalanges of the fingers of the hand, their relationship with the length of the fingers. By the method of morphometry, the lengths of individual phalanges and fingers of the hands were determined on 100 certified radiographs of the hands of persons of the second mature age (50 men and 50 women), and a correlation was established between the length of the phalanges and fingers. To identify the statistical relationship between quantitative characteristics, the parametric Pearson correlation coefficient was used. The relationship between quantitative indicators was assessed using multiple regression analysis. Classification and grouping were carried out using cluster analysis by the complete connection method, the Euclidean distance served as a measure of the relationship. The variability in the length of the phalanges and fingers increases towards the ulnar edge. The X-ray morphometric length of individual phalanges and fingers is characterized, regardless of gender, by regular formulas of variability: the length of the proximal phalanges is III>IV>II>V>I, the length of the middle phalanges is III>IV>II>V, the length of the distal phalanges is I>IV> III>II>V, finger length - III>IV>II>V>I. The degree of dependence of the length of the fingers on the length of the phalanges in both men and women decreases in the distal direction in the longitudinal axis and the ulnar edge in the transverse axis of the hand. As a result of cluster analysis, the organization of the objects of study was established depending on the degree of correlations of their length: groups of proximal phalanges of II-IV and I, V fingers, groups of middle phalanges of III-IV and II-V fingers, distal phalanges and fingers are organized somewhat more complexly - groups III -IV, II, V fingers and group I fingers. The data obtained can be used in the development of innovative anatomically grounded anthropomorphic robotic manipulators, in anthropological reconstructions, and in identification in forensic practice.

Knowledge of the variants of the anatomical variability of the liver vascular bed can be of critical importance in liver resection, liver transplantation, laparoscopic operations, resection of the pancreas, surgical treatment of portal hypertension The main vessels of the hepatic portal vein system are characterized by pronounced anatomical variability in the formation of the portal vein trunk, the greatest variability is characterized by inferior mesenteric vein. The aim of the investigation was to study the variant anatomy of the inferior mesenteric vein according to multispiral computed tomography. The material was 100 multispiral computed tomograms of the abdominal organs from the archive of the clinics of the Samara State Medical University for 2018-2019. For mathematical modeling and the creation of three-dimensional models based on tomograms of the vascular bed, plugins were used in the programs «Luch» and «Autoplan». Variants of the portal vein formation, the angle of inflow of the inferior mesenteric vein into the superior mesenteric and splenic veins, the distance from the point of confluence of the inferior mesenteric vein to the point of confluence with the portal vein were studied. The study revealed that the inferior mesenteric vein in 40% of cases flows into the splenic vein, in 39% - into the angle of confluence of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins, in 16% - into the superior mesenteric vein. In 5% of cases, the absence of the inferior mesenteric vein was revealed. The angle of fusion of the inferior mesenteric vein with the superior mesenteric vein was statistically significantly greater than the angle of fusion of the inferior mesenteric vein with the splenic vein. The angles were 76.36 ± 1.53 ° and 64.89 ± 3.52 °, respectively (p = 0.004). The length of the common trunk of the inferior mesenteric and splenic veins was significantly greater than the common trunk of the mesenteric veins and amounted to 16.98 ± 1.09 mm and 9.37 ± 0.65 mm (p = 0.001), respectively. Thus, the study showed a high degree of anatomical variability of the inferior mesenteric vein.

The aim of the study is to establish ethno-territorial differences in the linear parameters of the proximal phalanges of the fingers in children and adolescents of the male sex of Tajikistan and Western India, regression equations that allow determining the nature of the dependence of the age of the examined and linear sizes of phalanges. On 366 radiographs of the right hand in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from Tajikistan and India (Mumbai), the length of the proximal phalanges and the width of their diaphysis were measured. To determine the relationship between the age and the length, as well as the width of the diaphysis, Spearman's nonparametric correlation coefficient was used, because the age distribution does not correspond to normal. One-way ANOVA demonstrates the statistical significance of the increase in the length and width of the diaphysis of the proximal phalanges in boys and young men of Tajikistan and India with age, but the growth of these bones is uneven. For both Tajik and Indian boys, the closest correlation with age was found for the length of the second finger phalanx. It was found that in children in the smallest regions compared, the correlation was determined between their age and the length of the phalanx of the fifth finger. The length of the phalanx of the third finger increased most significantly with age in boys of the compared ethnic groups. The smallest height in length was determined for the phalanx of the fifth finger in boys in India and for the phalanx of the first finger in adolescents in Tajikistan. The maximum growth of the diaphysis in width was observed in the phalanx of the second finger, the smallest in the phalanges of the first and fifth fingers. The highest reliability was found with the length of the phalanx of the second finger. For Tajik boys, the parameters of the length of the phalanges of the III and IV fingers also have a correlation coefficient, therefore, they can be used to identify their age.

The greater omentum is an organ in which metastases of malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system are often formed. The issues of adaptive and reactive transformations of the greater omentum under conditions of a tumor process in the organs of the female reproductive system have been insufficiently studied. The aim of the study was to elucidate morphological and functional ultrastructural and immune-histochemical changes in the greater omentum in women with ovarian tumor lesions. Using the methods of light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and morphometry, the ovaries of 48 women were examined, who were diagnosed with poorly differentiated serous-papillary adenocarcinoma stage II (20 patients, group 1), stage III (28 patients, group 2). In stage III patients, numerous tumor metastases were detected in the greater omentum. The results of the study showed that in the patients of the 2nd group, in the peri-tumor areas of the greater omentum, the vessels of the microvasculature were dilated, in the connective tissue, moderate edema and leukocyte infiltration were observed. Immuno-histochemical markers showed an increase in the number of immunocompetent cells, mainly T-lymphocytes in the tumor and in the peri-tumor areas. In the tumor and in the surrounding areas of the greater omentum, the process of neoplasm of blood capillaries was noted, differences in the density of collagen fibrils in different parts of the serous membrane were revealed, and the presence of numerous holes was shown, the sizes of which were reduced in areas with metastases. The results obtained show the adaptive and reparative capabilities of the structures of the greater omentum during the tumor process in the organs of the female reproductive system, indicate the important role of the greater omentum in providing protective reactions in the abdominal cavity. In response to the invasion of tumor cells, the processes of angiogenesis are activated in the greater omentum, and the number of immunocompetent cells increases in neo-lymphogenesis. The materials of the study indicate a significant plasticity and reactivity of the greater omentum under conditions of a tumor process in the body. However, the presence of a pronounced proliferative activity of tumor cells in tumor metastases indicates that these adaptive capacities are insufficient to resist tumor invasion into the greater omentum.

The etiology and pathogenesis of painful bladder syndrome or interstitial cystitis is not fully understood. For a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, experimental animal models have been created. It is assumed that the histopathological features of the inflammatory response of the bladder wall may play an important role in predictive modeling of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. It was found that in samples of bladder preparations with interstitial cystitis, an increase in the number of functionally active mast cells, both partially and completely degranulated, is observed. However, there is no convincing evidence that mast cells can serve as cell markers for this disease. The aim of the investigation was to identify cells of inflammation in histological preparations of the urinary bladder mucosa in 3 experimental models of interstitial cystitis. The study was carried out on 37 female rabbits. Experimental animals were injected into the bladder cavity with protamine sulfate (1^st group); into the wall of the bladder urine taken from the bladder (2^nd group); into the wall of the bladder 0.9% NaCl solution (3rd group). The 4th group of animals was intact. 14 days after the injections, the animals were taken out of the experiment, cystectomy was performed, preparations of the bladder wall and histological sections were prepared. The average number of all types of leukocytes in the tissues of the urinary bladder wall of animals of the 1st group exceeded that in the remaining groups (p <0.001). Mast cells were detected in the preparations of the 1st and 2nd groups, in the 2nd group their number was 25 times higher than in the 1st group (p <0.001). In animals of the 1st group, inflammatory infiltration of the bladder wall with lymphocytes and neutrophils was noted. In 2nd group, infiltration of the bladder wall with inflammatory cells was associated with a large number of mast cells. In the preparations of animals of the 3rd group, edema, single lymphocytes and neutrophils were detected. The data obtained make a certain contribution to the study and understanding of the mechanisms of inflammatory processes in interstitial cystitis.

The study of the basic laws of the formation of students' physical health is of great importance for the state not only as an economic, but also as a labor and defense potential of the country. The study of age dynamics is necessary also for the development of regional standards of physical development, physical fitness of population of young people, as well as for improving the system of health-saving technologies in the organization and conduct of the educational process in educational institutions. The aim of the study was to study the level of physical development and body composition of 1612 young men aged 17-21 living in the Republic of Mordovia. In the course of the work, 48 absolute anthropometric indicators were analyzed, characterizing the anatomical and functional characteristics of an individual. It was found that among young people a normosthenic type of constitution with a proportional chest, with a medium-sized head and andromorph body type is widespread. In the population of student’s males, the prevalence of persons with an average level of physical development, an average value of the vital index is characteristic, however, the strength index of the hand in most of the studied had an indicator below normal. The majority of students showed a normal body mass index with an average level of body density, with an increased relative mass of fat and muscle components and a reduced mass of the bone component, which is possibly a consequence of the body's response to the negative influences of environmental factors, as well as reduced motor activity and insufficient physical activity.

Investigation which devoted to the study of the age characteristics of the human body are becoming increasingly important. Magnetic resonance tomography is the most informative diagnostic method for intravital visualization of tissues and structures of the brain. It also allows you to more accurately see the picture of morphological features with age-associated changes. The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the age-related morphometric characteristics of the cerebellum in male with mesocranic type of cranium in young and old age according to the data of magnetic resonance tomography. The analysis of the results of a morphometric study of the cerebellum on tomograms of 91 men examined for medical reasons was carried out. Depending on the age, the subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 52 young men (22–27 years old, inclusive), group II included 39 elderly men (from 78 to 83 years old, inclusive). The transverse, longitudinal and vertical dimensions of the cerebellum were determined. When comparing the parameters of the linear dimensions of the cerebellum in the studied age groups of men, a statistically significant decrease in all indicators in old age compared with young age was revealed (p=0.042). There was no statistically significant difference between the parameters of the longitudinal and vertical sizes of the cerebellar hemispheres in individuals of each age group (p>0.05); there is a tendency for these sizes to prevail in the right cerebellar hemisphere. The results obtained can serve as the equivalent of the age-related anatomical norm of the cerebellum in young and old men, which will make it possible to use these data in basic and clinical research, as well as in medical practice.

Muscle bridges in the human heart are benign developmental abnormalities that can lead to acute myocardial ischemia. Muscular myocardial bridges are often found in the region of the anterior interventricular artery, while the diameter of the coronary artery before the bridge is larger than after it. The gold standard for detecting this pathology is coronary angiography, which allows visualizing the internal contours of the coronary artery. The study makes it possible to give a qualitative assessment of the site of stenosis with the determination of the cause of its occurrence. Angiographic signs of this pathology can include curvature of the segment of the affected coronary artery, uniform narrowing of the vessel lumen by more than 40% in systole and restoration of the diameter in diastole, clear signs of narrowing in at least two angiographic views, absence of vasoconstriction caused by pharmacological agents or a catheter. The aim of the study was to conduct a clinical and anatomical analysis of a case of acute myocardial infarction of type 2 caused by an anomaly in the development of the anterior interventricular artery. The analysis used data from the medical history, the results of intravital laboratory and instrumental studies, qualitative and quantitative morphological studies of the heart obtained during autopsy. The results of the study describe in detail at the macroscopic and microscopic levels the analyzed case of myocardial infarction against the background of an anomaly in the development of the anterior interventricular artery. The deceased patient has a history of comorbid pathology - myeloma. The authors suggest that an anomaly in the development of one of the branches of the left coronary artery in the form of a myocardial bridge and myeloma were pathogenic factors in the development of type 2 myocardial infarction of the anterior wall of the left ventricle. The immediate cause of death of the patient was acute left ventricular failure with pulmonary edema.

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases, which, despite a number of new advances in their diagnosis and treatment, still occupy a leading position. Experimental modeling of atherosclerosis in laboratory animals plays an important role in the study of the fundamental pathophysiological processes and pathology of atherosclerosis. Rabbits are among the most suitable animals for simulating atherosclerosis, as they are widely available, inexpensive to maintain, and easy to manipulate. The key advantage of rabbits over other animals is that their lipid metabolism is practically similar to that of humans. The aim of the study was to analyze literature data on experimental models of atherosclerosis in rabbits. The review shows that the history of the study of atherosclerosis by means of experimental models is very rich and originates from the works of the well-known Russian pathologists A.I. Ignatovsky, N.N. Anichkov, S.S. Khalatov (1908-1915), who developed a cholesterol model of the formation of atherosclerosis in rabbits. The principle of this model is to feed laboratory animals with food containing elevated levels of lipids and cholesterol. The composition of the cholesterol (atherogenic) diet may vary, determining the existence of modifications of this model. Most often, a diet with a cholesterol content of 0.3-0.5% is used, in cases where it is necessary to accelerate the development of atherosclerosis, a short-term use of a diet with a 1% cholesterol content is allowed. In addition to cholesterol, it is recommended to use vegetable oils (soybean, coconut or corn) in the atherogenic diet as they improve the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. In 1980, Japanese researcher Y. Watanabe deduced a new model of atherosclerosis formation - on hereditarily determined hyperlipidemic rabbits Watanabe (WHHL-rabbits). WHHL rabbits contain a genetic mutation in the gene encoding low-density lipoprotein receptors, which results in these animals having high plasma cholesterol levels with a normal diet. Thanks to modern genetic technologies, various genetic models of atherosclerosis in rabbits have also been created: transgenic and “knocked out” rabbits. The main method for obtaining transgenic rabbits is pronuclear microinjection, which allows the introduction of a transgene (additional DNA fragment) into their genome. To date, using this technology, it has been possible to introduce more than a dozen genes responsible for lipid metabolism. The principle of creating knocked out rabbits consists in specific inactivation using genome editing technologies (ZFN, TALEN, CRISPR / Cas9) of a certain working gene. Experimental models of atherosclerosis in rabbits have not lost their significance and continue to be used to study the fundamental morphological (pathological) and pathological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis, to search for new diagnostic biomarkers and potential targets for therapeutic effects, as well as to conduct preclinical trials of newly developed drugs.

Memorial article dedicated to the memory of Professor-anatomist Sergey Selyakin.