Institute of Anatomy

Research projects

At the Institute of Anatomy (IA), the following research projects are being conducted:

1. Changes of neuro-musculo-fascial system in diabetes analyzed by 3D microscopy and biomechanic tests (N3-0256)
    
2. Role of diffusion of local anaesthetics through tissue barriers in the mode of action of interfascial plane blocks and non-invasive transmucosal blocks (J3-50106)
    
3. Development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for carpal tunnel syndrome (J3-4507)
    
4. Muscle secretome and bone cells - collaboration in osteosarcopenia (MiKOSA) (J3-4527)

Changes of neuro-musculo-fascial system in diabetes analyzed by 3D microscopy and biomechanic tests (N3-0256)

Leader: prof. dr. Erika Cvetko

Included IA researchers and technical associates: prof. dr. Erika Cvetko, doc. dr. Nejc Umek, prof. dr. Tatjana Stopar Pintarič, prof. dr. Igor Serša, doc. dr. Marija Meznarič, asist. Žiga Šink, Majda Črnak-Maasarani, Nataša Pollak, Andreja Vidmar

Funding duration: 2022–2025

Research project aims:

• Determine detailed changes in fiber type composition and capillarization of functionally diverse skeletal muscles in individuals with diabetes.
• Investigate the impact of diabetes on the biomechanical and morphological properties of functionally diverse fasciae.
• Assess the feasibility of various radiological modalities for visualizing detailed 3D fascicular anatomy of human nerves and examine the impact of diabetes on the internal organization of nerves.

SICRIS link: https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/sl/project/19730

Content of the project N3-0256

Implemetation plan of the project N3-0256

Role of diffusion of local anaesthetics through tissue barriers in the mode of action of interfascial plane blocks and non-invasive transmucosal blocks (J3-50106)

Leader: doc. dr. Nejc Umek

Included IA researchers and technical associates: doc. dr. Nejc Umek, prof. dr. Erika Cvetko, prof. dr. Tatjana Stopar Pintarič, prof. dr. Igor Serša, asist. Žiga Šink, asist. Luka Pušnik, asist. Chiedozie Kenneth Ugwoke, Majda Črnak-Maasarani, Nataša Pollak, Andreja Vidmar, Simon Istenič, Anže Jerman, Tjaša Bregar

Funding duration: 2023–2026

Research project aims:

• Use molecular dynamics simulations and mathematical modelling to study the thermodynamics and kinetics of local anaesthetics crossing biological membranes.
• Build a computational model of the peripheral nerve and surrounding tissue to understand how different tissue compartments store and transfer local anaesthetics, supported by experimental pharmacokinetic data.
• Investigate the suitability of dyes and radiographic contrast agents for studying local anaesthetic spread in human tissue and the effects of cadaver storage conditions on it.
• Study whether local anaesthetics can diffuse through tissue barriers such as fasciae, skeletal muscles, and mucous membranes.

SICRIS link: https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20799

Content of the project J3-50106

Implemetation plan of the project J3-50106

Development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for carpal tunnel syndrome (J3-4507)

Leader: doc. dr. Žiga Snoj

Included IA researchers and technical associates: doc. dr. Nejc Umek, prof. dr. Erika Cvetko, prof. dr. Tatjana Stopar Pintarič, prof. dr. Igor Serša, Majda Črnak-Maasarani, Nataša Pollak, Andreja Vidmar, Marko Slak

Funding duration: 2022–2025

Research project aims:

• Provide a new tool for dynamic ultrasound analysis, enabling visualization and measurement of the movement of individual layers of longitudinal structures and quantification of their deformations.
• Determine whether ultrasound-guided dextrose injection is a better alternative to corticosteroid injections.

SICRIS link: https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/sl/project/20151

Muscle secretome and bone cells - collaboration in osteosarcopenia (MiKOSA) (J3-4527)

Leader: prof. dr. Janja Marc

Included IA researchers and technical associates: prof. dr. Erika Cvetko, doc. dr. Nejc Umek

Funding duration: 2022–2025

Research project objective: Investigate microscopic and molecular muscle changes in sarcopenia.

SICRIS link: https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/sl/project/20210