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Rashwan AM, Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, El-Mansi AA, Ez Elarab SM. Unveiling Cellular Diversity in the Buffalo Corneal Stroma: Insights into Telocytes and Keratocytes Using Light Microscope, Transmission Electron Microscope, and Immunofluorescence Analysis. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:2204-2217. [PMID: 37992277 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes and keratocytes are important cells that maintain the structure and function of the cornea. The buffalo cornea, known for its resilience in harsh conditions, has not been extensively studied regarding the presence and role of telocytes and keratocytes. We used light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence assays with platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), CD34, and Vimentin markers to investigate their expression and localization in the cornea. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of spindle-shaped keratocytes with intercellular connections, while telocytes exhibited small spindle-shaped bodies with long, thin branches connecting to corneal keratocytes. Immunofluorescence findings showed that CD34 was more abundant near the endothelium, Vimentin was prominently expressed near the epithelium, and PDGFRα was uniformly distributed throughout the corneal stroma. Co-expression of CD34 and Vimentin, PDGFRα and Vimentin, as well as CD34 and PDGFRα, was observed in keratocytes and telocytes within the stroma, indicating the potential presence of mesenchymal cells. These results suggest the involvement of telocytes and keratocytes in corneal wound healing, transparency maintenance, and homeostasis. The co-expression of these markers highlights the critical role of telocytes and keratocytes in regulating corneal physiological functions, further enhancing our understanding of corneal biology in the buffalo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Mansi
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
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Csöbönyeiová M, Klein M, Juríková M, Feitscherová C, Gálfiová P, Varga I. Immunohistochemical and Scanning Electron Microscopic Confirmation of the Lymphatic Lacunae in the Uterine Tube Mucosal Folds. What Are the Clinical Implications? Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine tubes (UTs) are essential during physiological reproduction. The most intriguing part of its wall is the mucosa. Apart from the epithelial cells vital for its normal function, the connective tissue lamina propria contains wide spaces whose function, morphology and structure are yet to be elucidated. The present study used bioptic samples from 25 premenopausal (mean age 48.3 years, σ=3.56) and 25 postmenopausal women (mean age 57.8 years, σ=7.79). In both study groups, samples were obtained from two anatomically distinct parts of the UT – ampulla and infundibulum with fimbriae. The specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemical detection of podoplanin (clone D2-40) and VEGFR-3 – two markers of lymphatic endothelial cells. The results showed that specimens from premenopausal and postmenopausal women contain wide lymphatic spaces, also known as lymphatic lacunae. The most probable function of the lacunae in the fimbriae is oocyte pick-up upon ovulation thanks to their ability to get engorged with lymph, thus serving as an erectile-like tissue. The ampullary lacunae are probably responsible for tubal fluid maintenance and recirculation. These results indicate that they are vital for normal reproduction because tubal fluid dynamics are as important as fluid composition. Further research on this topic is highly warranted because more detailed insights into UT function have a great potential to refine the methods of reproductive medicine, e.g. in vitro fertilization (IVF), which are still far from optimal regarding fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - I Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Csöbönyeiová M, Klein M, Juríková M, Feitscherová C, Gálfiová P, Varga I. Immunohistochemical and Scanning Electron Microscopic Confirmation of the Lymphatic Lacunae in the Uterine Tube Mucosal Folds. What Are the Clinical Implications? Physiol Res 2022; 71:S115-S123. [PMID: 36592447 PMCID: PMC9854004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine tubes (UTs) are essential during physiological reproduction. The most intriguing part of its wall is the mucosa. Apart from the epithelial cells vital for its normal function, the connective tissue lamina propria contains wide spaces whose function, morphology and structure are yet to be elucidated. The present study used bioptic samples from 25 premenopausal (mean age 48,33 years, ?=3,56) and 25 postmenopausal women (mean age 57,8 years, ?=7,79). In both study groups, samples were obtained from two anatomically distinct parts of the UT - ampulla and infundibulum with fimbriae. The specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemical detection of podoplanin (clone D2-40) and VEGFR-3 - two markers of lymphatic endothelial cells. The results showed that specimens from premenopausal and postmenopausal women contain wide lymphatic spaces, also known as lymphatic lacunae. The most probable function of the lacunae in the fimbriae is oocyte pick-up upon ovulation thanks to their ability to get engorged with lymph, thus serving as an erectile-like tissue. The ampullary lacunae are probably responsible for tubal fluid maintenance and recirculation. These results indicate that they are vital for normal reproduction because tubal fluid dynamics are as important as fluid composition. Further research on this topic is highly warranted because more detailed insights into UT function have a great potential to refine the methods of reproductive medicine, e.g. in vitro fertilization (IVF), which are still far from optimal regarding fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Csöbönyeiová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Rusu MC, Nicolescu MI, Vrapciu AD. Evidence of lymphatics in the rat eye retina. Ann Anat 2022; 244:151987. [PMID: 35914631 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2022.151987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lymphatic structure of the eye is still under debate. It is mainly assumed that the retina is primarily drained by prelymphatics and not by lymphatics per se. We aimed to identify lymphatics in the rat retina. METHODS Eyes from ten Wistar rats were paraffin-embedded and lymphatic marker podoplanin (D2-40) was investigated. RESULTS We identified in the rat retina a blunt-end network of lymphatic endothelial vessels. It consisted of circumferential vessels within the outer and, respectively, inner plexiform layers, connected by radial dichotomous vessels. Moreover, D2-40 expression was found within the choroid, ciliary body, and extraocular muscles. CONCLUSIONS This in situ evidence is strongly supported by the recent in vitro demonstration of the expression of lymphatic markers in retinal endothelial cells. Further studies of comparative histology should use specific lymphatic markers to test whether other species besides rats have proper retinal lymphatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mugurel Constantin Rusu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; Laboratory of Radiobiology, "Victor Babeș" National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Diana Vrapciu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Telocytes in the Female Reproductive System: Up-to-Date Knowledge, Challenges and Possible Clinical Applications. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020267. [PMID: 35207554 PMCID: PMC8874826 DOI: 10.3390/life12020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From their initial description in 2005 to this day, telocytes (TCs) have been described in the ovary, uterine tubes, uterus, vagina, mammary gland, and placenta. Their morphological features, immunophenotype, physiological functions, and roles in disease have been thoroughly documented in both animal models and human subjects. TCs, with their extremely long cytoplasmic processes called telopodes, play a pivotal role in the morphological and functional interconnection of all the components of the interstitial compartment, but also with constituents of the parenchyma. Although there is no specific immunohistochemical marker for their identification, the most cited are CD 117, CD 34, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), vimentin, and specific markers typical for the female reproductive system (FRS)—estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR). This immunophenotype provides important clues to their physiological roles. Their main functions include the regulation of hormone-dependent processes, intercellular signaling, immune surveillance, microenvironmental maintenance, and the nursing of stem cells. In a situation where TCs are functionally or morphologically decimated, many disease entities may develop, including premature ovarian failure, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, preeclampsia, or even breast cancer. The common denominator of many of these conditions is that their etiopathogenesis is either partially known or completely obscure. Even though the exact role of TCs in these conditions is yet to be revealed, multiple lines of research indicate that their future clinical application may enrich diagnostic-therapeutic strategies of countless conditions. TCs are also heavily debated in terms of their possible use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Some of the concepts related to TC research are strongly substantiated by experimental data, while others are highly speculative. Only future research endeavors will clearly distinguish dead-end lines of research from genuine contributions to the field.
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Zurzu M, Nicolescu MI, Mogoantă L, Pantea S, Rusu MC. Telocytes and Lymphatics of the Human Colon. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101001. [PMID: 34685373 PMCID: PMC8538068 DOI: 10.3390/life11101001] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telocytes (TCs) are a peculiar morphological type of stromal cells. They project long and moniliform telopodes, visible on various bidimensional sections. Originally regarded as “interstitial Cajal-like cells”, gastrointestinal TCs were CD34+. Further double-labelling studies found that colon TCs are negative for the expressions of the PDGFR-α and α-SMA. However, the TCs in colon were not distinguished specifically from endothelial cells (ECs), vascular or lymphatic. A combinational approach is important for accurate TC identification. Hence, we designed an immunohistochemical study of human colon to check whether ECs and CD34+ TCs express different markers. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed on archived paraffin-embedded samples of human colon (nine cases) for the following markers: CD31, CD34, CD117/c-kit and D2-40 (podoplanin). Results: A distinctive population of CD34+ TCs was found coating the myenteric ganglia. However, also perivascular cells and vascular ECs were CD34+. c-kit expression was equally found in interstitial Cajal cells (ICCs) and perivascular cells. The CD34 TCs did not express c-kit. As they were equally CD31- and D2-40- they were assessed as different from ECs. Conclusions: Testing specific markers of ECs, vascular and lymphatic, in the same tissues in which CD34+ TCs are found, is much more relevant than to identify TCs by transmission electron microscopy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Zurzu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (M.I.N.); (M.C.R.)
| | - Laurențiu Mogoantă
- Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Stelian Pantea
- Surgery Clinic II, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Mugurel Constantin Rusu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (M.I.N.); (M.C.R.)
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Rusu MC, Săndulescu M, Stoenescu MD. Nestin and dental pulp stones - a case report-driven hypothesis. Morphologie 2021; 106:56-60. [PMID: 33485781 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) with multilineage potential of differentiation. Different studies investigated dental pulp stones (PS), the calcified masses in the dental pulp, in regard to their prevalence, topography and structure. The etiology of PS is still unclear and, to our knowledge, the DPSCs were not attributed yet specific roles in PS formation. We report here an immunohistochemical study of a PS-embedding dental pulp from an impacted third mandibular molar of an adult patient, in which we used antibodies against CD34, Ki67, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and nestin. While endothelial cells expressed CD34 and pericytes or vascular smooth muscle cells expressed α-SMA, DPSCs and the osteoblasts coating the PS were exclusively labeled with nestin antibody. Stromal networks of nestin-expressing DPSCs were regarded as in situ providers of osteogenic progenitors involved in PS formation. Further experimental studies, with larger lots of tissue samples, as well as extended panels of markers, are needed in order to elucidate the DPSC hypothesis in the PS etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Rusu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - M Săndulescu
- Division of Implant Prosthetic Therapy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - M D Stoenescu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania; Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, García MP, González-Gómez M, Carrasco JL, Alvarez-Argüelles H, Díaz-Flores L. Telocytes/CD34+ Stromal Cells in Pathologically Affected White Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249694. [PMID: 33353193 PMCID: PMC7767010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied telocytes/CD34+ stromal cells (TCs/CD34+SCs) in pathologically affected white adipose tissue after briefly examining them in normal fat. To this aim, we reviewed pathological processes, including original contributions, in which TCs/CD34+SCs are conserved, increased, and lost, or acquire a specific arrangement. The pathologic processes in which TCs/CD34+SCs are studied in adipose tissue include inflammation and repair through granulation tissue, iatrogenic insulin-amyloid type amyloidosis, non-adipose tissue components (nerve fascicles and fibres in neuromas and hyperplastic neurogenic processes) and tumours (signet ring carcinoma with Krukenberg tumour and colon carcinoma) growing in adipose tissue, adipose tissue tumours (spindle cell lipoma, dendritic fibromyxolipoma, pleomorphic lipoma, infiltrating angiolipoma of skeletal muscle and elastofibrolipoma), lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum, nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis of Hoffman–Zurhelle and irradiated adipose tissue of the perirectal and thymic regions. Two highly interesting issues emerged: (1) whether the loss of CD34 expression in TCs/CD34+SCs is by changes in marker expression or the disappearance of these cells (the findings suggest the first possibility) and (2) whether in some invasive and metastatic malignant tumours, TCs/CD34+SCs that completely surround neoplastic cells act as nurse and/or isolating cells. Further studies are required on adipose tissue TCs/CD34+SCs, mainly in lipomatosis and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-922-319317; Fax: +34-922-319279
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Ma Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins® Megalab–Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Jose Luís Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Hugo Alvarez-Argüelles
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
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Nicolescu MI, Rusu MC, Voinea LM, Vrapciu AD, Bâră RI. Lymphatic lacunae of the human eye conjunctiva embedded within a stroma containing CD34 + telocytes. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8871-8875. [PMID: 32578954 PMCID: PMC7412391 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
An accurate identification of telocytes (TCs) was limited because of the heterogeneity of cell types expressing the markers attributed to TCs. Some endothelial lineage cells also could fit within the pattern of TCs. Such endothelial cells could line conjunctival lacunae previously assessed by laser confocal microscopy. We have been suggested that an accurate distinction of TCs from endothelial cells in the human eye conjunctiva could be achieved by use of CD31, CD34 and D2‐40 (podoplanin); and that the conjunctival lacunae are in fact lymphatic. We aimed as testing the hypothesis by an immunohistochemical study on human eye conjunctiva biopsy samples. Samples of human eye conjunctiva from 30 patients were evaluated immunohistochemically by use of the primary antibodies: CD34, D2‐40 and CD31. D2‐40 was equally expressed within epithelia and laminae propria. Basal epithelial cells were D2‐40 positive. Within the stromal compartment, the lymphatic marker D2‐40 labelled several lymphatic vessels. CD31 labelled both vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells within the lamina propria. When capillary lymphatics were tangentially cut, they gave the false appearance of telocytes. Blood endothelial cells expressed CD34, whereas lymphatic endothelial cells did not. Stromal CD34‐expressing cells/telocytes were found building a consistent pan‐stromal network which was equally CD31‐negative and D2‐40‐negative. The conjunctival lymphatic lacunae seem to represent a peculiar anatomic feature of eye conjunctiva. They are embedded within a CD34‐expressing stromal network of TCs. The negative expression of CD31 and D2‐40 should be tested when discriminating CD34‐expressing TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihnea I Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Radiobiology Laboratory, "Victor Babeș" National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mugurel C Rusu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana M Voinea
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Ophthalmology, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra D Vrapciu
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca I Bâră
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Ophthalmology, Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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