Body Donation Research Articles

Voluntary Body Donation-Trends, People’s Perceptions, Beliefs and Practices: A Review

The Development of basic sciences in health care field depends on a strong foundation of Anatomy. Cadavers are required for training of students of health professionals. The source of these cadavers, in earlier days, were executed criminals, unclaimed bodies and voluntary body donations. Though the most ethical way of procuring cadavers for education and research purposes is body donation, the incidence of body donations varies across the world. The reasons could be different from person to person and from region to region. Factors that influence this opinion has been shown to be spiritual, religious and cultural/traditional beliefs. Other factors which might influence the willingness to donate are age, gender, education, occupation, economy and law of the country. Spirituality with the sense of detachment and altruistic characteristics promote body donation. Age, males, education and awareness of body donation, occupation and economy also affect the intent to body donations. The health care community who understand the benefits of body donation are mostly not willing to donate because of personalized opinions of being dissected by colleagues, disrespectful behavior towards cadavers. The law of the country which encourages body donations try to address the fears and concerns of the common man to facilitate body donation. This could be in the form abiding to cremate as per his will after the utilisation of the body, written consent for the same and prioritizing his wish over others, providing due respect to the deceased in the form of memorial services, religious ceremonies and public display and honour of the donors KEYWORDS: Voluntary Body Donation, Perceptions, Beliefs, Good Cadaver Practices.

Attitude toward body donation among the non-medical support staffs in a tertiary care center of Eastern India

Background: Anatomy is a basic fundamental subject of medical science. Cadaveric dissection is an essential part of the anatomy teaching-learning process to provide detailed in-depth knowledge about the structural organization of organs in human the body to medical students. Human cadavers are mainly obtained by the body donation program, but the rate of body donation is not adequate in various parts of the country. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the attitude toward body donation among the non-medical support staffs in a tertiary health care setup in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: After ethical approval was obtained, a face-to-face interview was conducted among 151 non-medical support staffs using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epicollect5 software. Results: This study revealed that 44.37% of the participants were willing to donate their bodies for medical science after their death. The willingness was relatively higher among the male population, with urban residence, higher education level, and higher income group. The main motivation toward body donation was to help society by helping medical science. The main reason behind unwillingness was being uncomfortable about donating own body. Conclusion: Target-oriented awareness program could be conducted to increase motivation toward body donation. Publicly acknowledging the body donors and showing respect to the cadaver and donor family might increase willingness toward body donation.

Are spinal cord and medulla samples from embalmed donors suitable for histological examination? A pilot study.

A general belief exists that tissue from anatomical donors, especially from the central nervous system (CNS), may not be suitable for histological investigation. This is based on the idea that fixation routinely used in embalming whilst optimal for enabling dissection, insufficiently preserves tissue architecture at the cellular level. However, anatomical donors represent a precious resource for microscopical investigation, provided that preservation is sufficient to enable recognition of structures at the histological level. This could considerably extend the biomedical knowledge currently gained from donations. In this study, we addressed this question and examined histologically, samples of medulla and spinal cord from donors from the Anatomical Gift Programme of RCSI in Dublin. Samples of medulla and spinal cord in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions were obtained with appropriate permissions from four different donors that had been previously embalmed for routine anatomical examination. The tissue obtained was processed for paraffin embedding and routine histology. Analysis revealed that several features were identifiable with good histological detail. A scoring system was applied to evaluate the level of histological preservation in the various samples by assessing the following parameters: tissue integrity, presence of leptomeninges along the entire section surface, distinction/adherence grey/white matter, identification of neurons, other cell nuclei, neuropil pattern, capillaries and other intraneural vessels. Lumbar spinal cord and to a lesser extent medulla and cervical spinal cord showed on average good quality of preservation. Conversely, thoracic spinal cord tended, in general, to be less well preserved. We can conclude that spinal cord and medulla samples from embalmed donors can be suitable for histological examination. These findings open new avenues of study of spinal cord and brain stem anatomy on cadaveric tissue from donors already existing in anatomy donation programmes. These results also pave the way for the potential development of new human models of study useful to spinal cord and brain stem researchers. Finally, this expands considerably the impact of the generosity of anatomical donors for the advancement of biomedical knowledge.

Anatomy of the aortic segmental arteries—the fundamentals of preventing spinal cord ischemia in aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveSpinal cord ischemia due to damage or occlusion of the orifices of aortic segmental arteries (ASA) is a serious complication of open and endovascular aortic repair. Our study aims to provide detailed descriptions of the proximal course of the ASAs and metric information on their origins.Materials and methodsInitially, 200 randomly selected, embalmed cadavers of human body donors were anatomically dissected and systematically examined. On macroscopic inspection, 47 showed severe pathologies and were excluded. Of the remaining 153, 73 were males and 80 females.ResultsIn total, 69.9% of the aortae showed 26–28 ASA orifices. In 59.5% the most proximal ASA, at least unilaterally, was the third posterior intercostal artery, which originated from the descending aorta at approximately 10% of its length. In 56.2%, the left and right ASAs had a common origin in at least one body segment. This mainly affected the abdominal aorta and L4 in particular (54.2%). The ASAs of lumber segments 1–3 originated strictly segmentally. In contrast, in 80.4%, at least one posterior intercostal artery originated from a cranially or caudally located ipsilateral ASA. Such an arrangement was seen along the entire thoracic aorta. Further descriptions of variants and metric data on ASA orifices are presented.ConclusionOur large-scale study presents a detailed topographic map of ASAs. It underscores the value of preoperative CT councils and provides crucial information for interpreting the results. Furthermore, it aids in planning and conducting safe aortic intervention and assists in deciding on single- or two-staged stent graft procedures.

Impact of an online awareness session on the knowledge and attitude of social welfare professionals towards voluntary body donation

Impact of an online awareness session on the knowledge and attitude of social welfare professionals towards voluntary body donation

Minimally invasive balloon-reduction of acute Hill-Sachs-lesions and impression fractures after shoulder dislocation – an experimental approach

The shoulder is the joint most often affected by dislocations. It is known that bony defects of the glenoid and/or humerus can lead to recurrent dislocations even after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization. To prevent recurrent instability, it appears reasonable to reduce fresh and larger Hill-Sachs lesions (off-track lesions). In spine surgery, balloon kyphoplasty is widely used for fracture reduction. The aim of this study was to determine whether the balloon dilatation procedure is transferable to the humeral head and under which conditions it can be successful. In this biomechanical proof-of-concept study, a preformed "impression stamp" was used to create standardized Hill-Sachs impressions (Calandra grade III lesion) on 13 human humeral specimens. A kyphoplasty balloon was then placed intraosseously and close to the defect using a special monolateral trocar and the defect was reduced by balloon dilatation. CT imaging was performed on the native specimens, after defect placement and after reduction. Both the defect size and the extent of reduction were measured radiologically, as well as the bone density. Also, the pressure and volume necessary for reduction were measured. 13 proximal humerus specimens were examined. The mean age of the 7 body donors (3 female) was 85 years (SD ±8.1). The average bone density was 49.0 mg/ml (SD ±26.9) and therefore defined as osteoporotic. The average defect depth (difference to native, measured from a best-fit circle) was 4.1 mm (SD ±1.4), corresponding to an average defect volume of 1203 mm³ (SD ±949). After balloon dilatation, the average achieved reduction (difference to the defect) was 4.3 mm (SD ±1.9) or 1223 mm³ (SD ±1059). This results in an average difference from native to reduced of -0,2 mm (SD ±0.5) or 20 mm³ (SD ±212) and represents no significant difference compared to baseline values (p = 0.90 or p = 0,75, respective), but a slight overreduction in the volumetric measurements. In all humeral specimens, a reduction of at least 2.6 mm or 221 mm³ compared to the defect situation was achieved. An average volume of 3.4 ml (SD ±1,1) and pressure of 271 psi (SD ±81) were required for reduction. The present results demonstrate, that minimally invasive balloon reposition of large acute Hill-Sachs lesions appears methodologically feasible. The required pressure for reduction seems to be higher compared to previous studies. Further studies are necessary for the development of this technique and its reproducible translation into clinical practice.

Forgotten Children

Fetal and infant skeletal remains in anatomical collections remain an underutilized yet important source of information on the interactions of gender, class, and religion during pregnancy and infant loss. The W. D. Trotter Anatomy Museum at the University of Otago in New Zealand, founded in the nineteenth century, houses more than 2,000 models and anatomical “specimens,” with many of the skeletal remains lacking provenience information. This research aimed to both provide an inventory of the fetal and infant skeletal remains and identify through archival analysis the social context of those whose remains were obtained by the museum. An osteological analysis was carried out to assess the minimum number of individuals (MNI), estimate age-at-death, and provide evidencefor pathology and dissection. The results are interpreted in the context of the archival accession data and historical information at the time to provide the social context in which these people lived and therefore information that may be related to their deaths and acquisition of their bodies by the university. Most of the infants within the collection died around the time of full-termbirth, and some individuals have evidence for developmental pathology, birth trauma, and/or postmortem dissection. The historical context and legislation around body donation suggests structural inequality played a role in the acquisition of these infants’ remains from mothers (primarily poor and/or unmarried women) and that these remains went through a process of commodification and objectification and were retained as developmental teaching “specimens” and examples of pathology.

Visible Human Project based applications can prompt integrating cross-sectional anatomy into the medical school curriculum when combined with radiological modalities: A three-year cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundCross-sectional anatomy is a challenging yet a vital foundation to clinical practice. The traditional teachings of gross anatomy cadaveric dissections do not cover adequate training of recognizing anatomical structures on CT, MRI and sonographic cross-sections. New modern technologies are emerging as teaching tools in anatomy aiming to deliver visual interactive experience. The Visible Human Project provides a library of cross-sectional images compiled from cryosectioned body donors that was utilized by modern technologies such as the virtual dissection table (Anatomage) in constructing 3D software applications visualizing the internal composition of the human body virtually. Hereby, this article explores an integrative approach utilizing the Visible Human Project based applications and basic radiological modalities. PurposeThe purpose of our newly implemented teaching approach was to test and assure technology fitness to the medical curriculum and its potential influence on students’ performance in learning gross as well as cross-sectional anatomy in much depth. Basic proceduresA three years (2021–2024) observational study was conducted by implanting a practical cross-sectional anatomy optional course by selectively utilizing Anatmage interactively beside CT, MRI and ultrasound practice. The performance of 50 participants was evaluated in the form of a written test comprised of labeling of ten cross-sectional images and drawing of two cross-section schemes. Their optional course test scores were compared to their obligatory anatomy subject test scores; and to a non-participants control group of 50 retrospective obligatory anatomy subject test scores. In addition, the participants’ attitude toward the training lessons was assessed through a survey focused on satisfaction level, competence and ability to recognize structures on radiological images. Main findingsThe participants reported a high level of practical engagement. The test scores in the anatomy obligatory subject were positively influenced by this implemented practical course. Students showed improved test scores in the standardized labeling keyword questions, while the scheme questions showed discrepancy. Principal conclusionsIntegrating Visible Human Project based applications with radiological modalities showed positive efficacy on the students’ engagement and learning performance. Inevitably, cadaveric dissection and prosection remain the cornerstone of gross anatomy education. Integrating both modalities of teaching would excel students’ practical skills in applied clinical anatomy.

Motivational Factors Affecting Body and Organ Donation in China Identified Based on Grounded Theory

In recent decades, China has experienced a shortage of donated bodies and organs for dissection during medical education and clinical transplantation. This study investigated and analyzed motivational factors affecting body and organ donation in China. Thirty-three body and organ donation volunteers were interviewed in-depth, and their donation motivations were investigated. The data were decomposed, detected, compared, conceptualized, and categorized using open, correlation, and selective coding based on grounded theory. The results were used to construct a model that elucidates the foundation of body and organ donation based on "humanistic medical care" and "death in existentialism" as driving forces for body and organ donors. This study provides new theoretical perspectives that contribute to interpreting behavior related to body and organ donation and offers a theoretical basis for related policymaking and promotional work.

The intersection of anatomy and spirituality.

The intersection of anatomy and spirituality offers a profound exploration into how the physical and spiritual aspects of our being interrelate, enhancing our understanding of wholeness. These domains are often seen as distinct, with anatomy rooted in the tangible study of the human body, while spirituality is considered intangible and deeply personal. However, as our understanding of both fields has evolved, a more integrative approach is emerging, recognizing that the physical and spiritual are not separate but interconnected aspects of human experience. In this unique special issue, we explore the diverse ways in which spirituality influences the field of anatomy. To provide a comprehensive perspective, the issue is organized into three sections. The first section examines how spirituality shapes students' learning experiences in anatomy. The second section focuses on the role of religious beliefs in body donation practices. Finally, the third section considers the interplay between spirituality and culture, and how this dynamic has influenced the discipline of anatomy over time. This special issue emphasizes the connection between anatomy and spirituality, bridging the divide between the physical and spiritual dimensions of educators, students, body donors, and community members. More needs to be done in the future to embrace the connection between anatomy and spirituality and build upon it to advance our discipline.

The degenerated glenohumeral joint.

This study aimed to define the histopathology of degenerated humeral head cartilage and synovial inflammation of the glenohumeral joint in patients with omarthrosis (OmA) and cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Additionally, the potential of immunohistochemical tissue biomarkers in reflecting the degeneration status of humeral head cartilage was evaluated. Specimens of the humeral head and synovial tissue from 12 patients with OmA, seven patients with CTA, and four body donors were processed histologically for examination using different histopathological scores. Osteochondral sections were immunohistochemically stained for collagen type I, collagen type II, collagen neoepitope C1,2C, collagen type X, and osteocalcin, prior to semiquantitative analysis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 levels were analyzed in synovial fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cartilage degeneration of the humeral head was associated with the histological presentation of: 1) pannus overgrowing the cartilage surface; 2) pores in the subchondral bone plate; and 3) chondrocyte clusters in OmA patients. In contrast, hyperplasia of the synovial lining layer was revealed as a significant indicator of inflammatory processes predominantly in CTA. The abundancy of collagen I, collagen II, and the C1,2C neoepitope correlated significantly with the histopathological degeneration of humeral head cartilage. No evidence for differences in MMP levels between OmA and CTA patients was found. This study provides a comprehensive histological characterization of humeral cartilage and synovial tissue within the glenohumeral joint, both in normal and diseased states. It highlights synovitis and pannus formation as histopathological hallmarks of OmA and CTA, indicating their roles as drivers of joint inflammation and cartilage degradation, and as targets for therapeutic strategies such as rotator cuff reconstruction and synovectomy.

Barriers in Body Donations for Anatomy Teaching: Lessons Learned From Students and Donors.

Introduction Cadaveric dissection has remained the mainstay of anatomy teaching. However, there is an acute shortage of cadavers for teaching undergraduate students, postgraduates, and specialists, and to supplement the gap, voluntary body donation is gaining momentum. The present study aims to explore the barriers to body donations for anatomical dissection. Methods A descriptivestudy was undertaken among medical students and registered voluntary body donors at a medical college in the Upper Assam region of IndiafromJanuary 2024 to March 2024. Results The majority of the first-year MBBS medical students (129 out of 161; 80.1%) were found to benot willing to donate their bodies foranatomical dissection. There was no statistically significant difference in the age, gender, and religion of the participants. The primary reasons for students' reluctance to donate were emotional attachments to themselves, their family members, their religion, and their preferences on social customs for the disposal of the dead. Among the registered voluntary body donors,the most common source of informationfor the body donation programwasan awareness program conducted by NGOs involved in the promotion of body donation.Altruism was the most common motivation for getting registered for body donation. Provision of cadavers for research and training was themost common reason for registration for donation, whereas lack of information was the most common barrier. All the participants wanted due respect for the donated bodies from the doctors, students, and staff during handling. Conclusion The mere possession ofknowledge regarding body donation does not increase participationin the actual process. Personal beliefs, repeated motivations by voluntary organizations and registered donors, proper utilization of the bodies, and setting examples in ethical handling of the donated bodies in the dissection hall may greatly improve the body donation program.

Clinical-applied anatomy of the carpal tunnel regarding mini-invasive carpal tunnel release

BackgroundCarpal tunnel release is a widely performed procedure. Despite a high success rate, iatrogenic neurovascular injuries can occur which lead to a painful and unsatisfying outcome. This study conducted a detailed examination of the anatomy of the carpal tunnel and the proximity of neurovascular structures that are particularly susceptible to injury, especially in the context of minimally invasive carpal tunnel release procedures.Patients and methodsThe anatomy of the carpal tunnel of 104 wrists of 52 body donors was examined. The precise anatomical location and the presence of variations were recorded for the median nerve, ulnar nerve, ulnar artery and Berrettini branch. The distance between the median nerve, the ulnar artery, the ulnar nerve, and the Berrettini branch was measured in a proximo-distal and radio-ulnar direction in relation to the distal ulnar end of the carpal tunnel.ResultsThe authors identified four main dangerous anatomical situations. (1) A proximal separation of the Long-Finger/Ring-Finger branch of the median nerve together with a narrow safe-zone; (2) an ulnar take-off of the recurrent muscle branch of the median nerve with a close radio-ulnar distance to the distal ulnar end of carpal tunnel; (3) an ulnar arterial arch lying close to the transverse carpal ligament; and (4) a proximal Berrettini branch also lying close to the latter. All situations are illustrated by photographs. Additionally, the authors present a sonographic carpal tunnel assessment protocol in order to reduce the risk of injury of any neurovascular structure in the proximity of the carpal tunnel.ConclusionCertain patients may inherently face an increased risk of neurovascular injuries during minimally invasive carpal tunnel releases due to their anatomical variations. Four potentially risky scenarios were clearly illustrated. Consequently, one may consider conducting a preoperative ultrasound assessment of neurovascular structures at risk, when endoscopic or ultrasound-guided tunnel release are planned. In high-risk patients, open surgery should be preferred.Level of evidenceII.

Simulating Upper Eyelid Ptosis During Neuromodulator Injections-An Exploratory Injection and Dissection Study.

Aesthetic neuromodulator injections of the upper face are frequently performed to temporarily block muscular actions of the periorbital muscles to ultimately reduce skin rhytids. However, the adverse event rate in the literature for toxin-induced blepharoptosis ranges from 0.51% to 5.4%. To identify access pathways by which injected neuromodulator product can travel from extra- to intra-orbital and therefore affect the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. Nine non-embalmed human body donors were investigated in this study with a mean age at death of 72.8 (16.1) years. The 18 supraorbital regions were injected in 28 times (14 for supratrochlear and 14 for supraorbital) with 0.5 cc, whereas eight cases (four for supratrochlear and four supraorbital) were injected with 0.1 cc of colored product. Anatomic dissections were conducted to identify structures stained by the injected color. The results of this injection- and dissection-based study revealed that both the supratrochlear and the supraorbital neurovascular bundles are access pathways for injected neuromodulator products to reach the intra-orbital space and affect the levator palpebrea superioris muscle. Out of 36 conducted injection passes, seven (19.44%) resulted in affection of the sole elevator of the eyelid of which 100% occurred only at an injection volume of 0.5 cc and not at 0.1 cc. Clinically, the results indicate that a low injection volume, a superficial injection for the supraorbital location, and angling the needle tip away from the supratrochlear foramen (toward the contralateral temple) when targeting the corrugator supercilii muscles, can increase the safety profile of an aesthetic toxin glabellar treatment.

More Than Body Parts: A New Ethos of Anatomy Education

Abstract A new ethos of anatomy education goes beyond the learning of body parts in the traditional curriculum. In the traditional curriculum, the focus of only providing information on the structure of the human body left certain learning opportunities overlooked, marginalized, or dismissed as irrelevant; thus, opportunities to foster and shape professional attributes in health care learners were lost. Furthermore, changes in curricula structures and reductions in anatomy teaching hours have necessitated a transformation in how anatomy education is perceived and delivered. This article presents an examination of a contemporary ethos of anatomy education that draws together concepts from teaching theory, educational trends, and emerging research to maximize the anatomy learning experience with body donors. Social constructivism, the spiral curriculum, and the hidden curriculum can be leveraged to facilitate a unique educational experience. Furthermore, contemporary perspectives on the ethics and history of anatomy that support contextual learning indicate how these subjects are well suited to authenticate and consolidate learning, while supporting the relational and humanistic delivery of health care education. When anatomy education is conceptualized as a first clinical experience in a health care curriculum, it provides the opportunity to develop and enhance professional identity formation at a foundational stage. By embracing and incorporating a wider range of considerations into educational practice, a new ethos for anatomy education fosters history-informed professional identity formation that offers transformative learning opportunities for an ethical practice in the art of healing.

Innervation pattern and fiber counts of the human dorsal nerve of clitoris

Even tough clitoris plays a critical role in female sexuality, we lack a precise understanding of qualitative and quantitative aspects of the innervation of the human clitoris. To address this issue, we dissected human clitorides from body donors and imaged them after staining with iodine with microCT for a macroscopic analysis. To resolve innervation patterns at the microscopic level we prepared thin sections of clitorides and stained them with trichrome azan to reveal the tissue structure combined with immunocytochemistry against Neurofilament H antibodies to reveal all axons and luxol blue labeling to reveal myelinated axons. We find the clitoral branch of pudendal nerve that innervates the clitoris not as single nerve, but as number of loose bundles. In the crus of the clitoris, about 12 such bundles can be recognized while about 32 bundles are present in the clitoral hemi-body. We counted on avarage 2917 axons in the crus of the clitoris (76% of which are myelinated) and 3137 axons in the hemibody of the clitoris (71% of which are myelinated). While the human clitoris receives only one third of the number of axons that innervate the human penis, an estimate of innervation density (per surface area) revealed that clitoris has approximately 6 times denser innervation compared to the penis. Thus, our study combines histology with microCT analysis provides detailed information on the number, myelination and innervation density of dorsal nerve of clitoris.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 binding receptors and miscellaneous targets as well as mucosal surface area of the human lacrimal drainage system

Our aim was to evaluate a potential role for the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) as a portal of entry and conduit for SARS-CoV-2 in human infection. We also investigate the mucosal surface area. The relatively long tear contact time in a closed system raises the possibility that this pathway may contribute to the initiation of systemic infection. We looked for expression of ACE2, the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2, as well as cofactors such as TMPRSS2 and other enzymes such as cathepsinB, CD147, elastase1, furin, neuropilin1, neuropilin2, TMPRSS11D and trypsin which also play a role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, in this system. Human tissue samples of the draining tear ducts from body donors were analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. It is not known whether the respective body donors were Sars-Cov-2 positive at any time; they were negative when they entered the institute. Besides, the draining LDS of body donors were measured to determine the mucosal surface in the lacrimal system. The expression of the main receptor studied, ACE2, cofactors such as TMPRSS2 and other enzymes such as cathepsinB, CD147, elastase1, furin, neuropilin1, neuropilin2, TMPRSS11D and trypsin were all detected at the gene and protein level. The average mucosal surface area of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct was calculated to be 110mm2. The results show the presence of all analyzed receptors in the efferent LDS. With an average tear passage time of 3min and a relatively large mucosal surface area, the LDS could therefore be considered as a portal of entry and conduit for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, it represents a surface that should be taken into consideration in the administration of topically applied medication to the ocular surface.

Tutors' perspective on the impact of their anatomy tutoring experience and ethics of body donation.

To explore the future of former anatomy tutors, their perception of the impact that the anatomy near-peer teaching (NPT) program have had on them, in terms of academic performance, professional development, personal growth, long-term anatomical knowledge, and views on body donor ethics. Additionally, we compared their academic performance with non-tutor peers in terms of ranking at the National Qualifying Examination (NQE). A voluntary survey was emailed to all anatomy tutors from 2005 to 2024, using an online Google Forms questionnaire including closed and open-ended questions across four themes. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare former tutors' NQE rankings to their peers. Forty-seven out of 48 tutors responded. Tutors reported a positive program impact, including improvements in technical skills (100%), teamwork (97.9%), communication (89.4%), and organizational skills (76.6%), and good long-term anatomical knowledge retention (85.7%). Dissection on body donors was deemed essential for anatomy learning while shaping professional and ethical values. Of the 36 residents/specialists, 38.9% ranked in the top 10% at the NQE, with a statistically significant higher rank than their peers (p = 0.0011), and 100% obtained their desired specialty. This results suggest that the anatomy NPT program significantly enhanced tutors' academic performance, technical skills, personal and professional development, and was useful to foster a positive perception of dissection on body donors and reinforced the importance of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice.

Rest in Peace or in Pieces: Post-Mortem Care Options in U.S. Advance Directives.

Advance Directives (ADs) have traditionally focused on documenting patients' end-of-life (EOL) care preferences. Recently, discussions surrounding post-mortem care as an additional aspect of EOL care planning have gained attention. This study examined ADs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia (referred to as "entities"), assessing their inclusion of two post-mortem categories: funeral planning and anatomical gifts. Results revealed that 29% of entities offered options from both categories, 43% provided options from only one of the categories, and 27% lacked options from either category. Unexpectedly, only one entity (2%) provided all post-mortem options from both categories. These findings suggest a lack of consistency in the availability of post-mortem options across ADs. By emphasizing the importance of comprehensive EOL care planning, this study provides valuable insights into the necessity for AD standardization, particularly regarding post-mortem preferences for patients who choose to express them.

Japanese Perception of Brain Death and Implications for New Medical Technologies: Quantitative and Qualitative Social Media Analysis.

Brain death has been used to decide whether to keep sustained care and treatment. It can facilitate tissue, organ, and body donation for several purposes, such as transplantation and medical education and research. In Japan, brain death has strict diagnostic criteria and family consent is crucial, but it has been a challenging concept for the public since its introduction, including knowledge and communication issues. We analyzed data across YouTube and Twitter in Japan to uncover actors and assess the quality of brain death communication, providing recommendations to communicate new medical technologies. Using the keyword "" (brain death), we collected recent data from YouTube and Twitter, classifying the data into 5 dimensions: time, individuality (type of users), place, activity, and relations (hyperlinks). We employed a scale to evaluate brain death information quality. We divided YouTube videos into 3 groups and assessed their differences through statistical analysis. We also provided a text-based analysis of brain death-related narratives. Most videos (20/61, 33%) were uploaded in 2019, while 10,892 tweets peaked between July 3 and 9, 2023, and June 12 and 18, 2023. Videos about brain death were mostly uploaded by citizens (18/61, 27%), followed by media (13/61, 20%) and unknown actors (10/61, 15%). On the other hand, most identified users in a random sample of 100 tweets were citizens (73/100, 73%), and the top 10 retweeted and liked tweets were also mostly authored by citizens (75/100, 75%). No specific information on location was uncovered. Information videos contained guides for accreditation of the National Nursing Exam and religious points of view, while misinformation videos mostly contained promotions by spirituality actors and webtoon artists. Some tweets involved heart transplantation and patient narratives. Most hyperlinks pointed to YouTube and Twitter. Brain death has become a common topic in everyday life, with some actors disseminating high-quality information, others disseminating no medical information, and others disseminating misinformation. Recommendations include partnering with interested actors, discussing medical information in detail, and teaching people to recognize pseudoscience.