Anatomical Pieces Research Articles

Low-cost cold porcelain anatomical models: An affordable complementary teaching tool.

Human cadavers are an important component of anatomy education; however, they have limitations. In this scenario, alternative artificial models emerge to complement teaching and enable learning in environments with scarce resources. The following study aims to demonstrate the elaboration of handmade cold porcelain models and their acceptance by medical students in a Brazilian university. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 70 first-year medical students using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The students' evaluation was analysed through an online questionnaire with a Likert scale and an open-ended question. The present study was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. Five models were produced with cold porcelain and resin. Qualitative evaluation highlighted the ease and practicality of the models. Students agree with the idea that the use of cadavers and handmade anatomical pieces contribute to their learning, that the handmade models are very similar to the human body, and they strongly agree that the use of both made it easier to understand the content. However, they also see the models as complementary materials, disagreeing with the idea that they are the best or the only ways to teach. In the word cloud, the words "unreal" and "complement" are often highlighted converging to the idea that was also observed in the quantitative analysis that handmade models are a complementary teaching tool. Cold porcelain handmade models enable the democratisation of anatomy teaching; hence, they are low-cost, easy to access, and allow the reproducibility of anatomical structures by each student. Anatomical models that emerge, such as handmade models, are an important complement to anatomy education and a solution for places with scarce resources.

Comparison between cervical vertebrae of man and of the domestic animals

Anatomy is the science that studies the form, architecture and structure of living beings, and the modality that explores the morphological differences between species is called comparative anatomy. Among the bone structures that make up the axial skeleton of individuals, the cervical vertebrae stand out, considered odd and irregular bones. Given the relevance of cervical vertebrae, the objective of the present study was to compare such bone elements in humans and domestic animals (dogs, horses and cattle) and, nevertheless, highlight the structural similarities in these different species in terms of quantities, functions and formats in resulting from bone accidents. For this, skeletons and individual anatomical pieces from the Human and Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory of the University of Franca (UNIFRAN - Franca, SP) were used, as well as anatomy books renowned in this area of ​​specialty and scientific articles. The results were presented in a descriptive way. As for quantity, humans have seven cervical vertebrae, just like dogs, horses and cattle. In all species, the cervical vertebrae support the neck, providing movement of the head and protection of the cervical spinal cord. Regarding shape, the first (atlas) and second (axis) cervical vertebrae are atypical in all species. The atlas has an arched body, containing the dorsal and ventral tubercle; furthermore, the transverse process is modified (wing of the atlas) with the alar foramen and lateral vertebral foramen. The caudal articular surface of the atlas (fovea dentis) articulates with the odontoid process of the axis. Cattle do not have a transverse foramen and, in no species, does the spinous process appear in the atlas. The axis had a rod-shaped odontoid process in dogs, concave in cattle and pointed in other species, in addition to an elongated spinous process. The other cervical vertebrae are typical, composed of a vertebral body (with head of the vertebra and vertebral fossa), vertebral arch (participates in the formation of the vertebral foramen), vertebral foramen (houses the spinal cord) and spinous processes (poorly developed), transverse (well developed, containing the transverse foramen) and cranial and caudal articular (flat surfaces). In all species, the seventh cervical vertebra is modified, presenting a long spinous process and reduction or absence of the transverse foramen; furthermore, in horses, the spinous process was detected only in this vertebra. In humans, dogs, horses and cattle, the seventh cervical vertebra has a pair of caudal costal facets for articulation with the first pair of ribs. Given the results obtained, it is accepted that the anatomical morphological similarities and differences between the cervical vertebrae may be related to the functional, evolutionary and postural aspects of the different species studied.

Innovative Preservation and Training Utility of Chemically Preserved Swine Viscera for Veterinary Surgical Education

The use of live animals during surgical practical classes exposes students to stressful situations that are often common in the operating room. However, this practice can generate a negative emotional state and hinder the student's cognitive mechanisms, causing different degrees of dissatisfaction and being detrimental to the learning process. Research involving alternative methods for diaeresis and synthesis training has already been carried out with promising outcomes, providing low-cost preserved anatomical pieces. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the anatomical viability of chemically preserved swine viscera for operative techniques training and to evaluate the acceptance of students facing this educational approach, using viscera subjected to plastic bag vacuum conditioning in two different ways of storage: room temperature (20 to 25ºC) and refrigerated (0 to 6ºC). Thirty-six jejunum segments and 36 urinary bladders from swine were fixed in absolute ethanol (AE) for 30 days and subsequently preserved in sodium chloride hypersaturated solution (SCHS) for seven days. At the end of the fixation and preservation periods, the samples were placed in vacuum plastic bags and divided into two groups containing 18 urinary bladders and 18 jejunum segments each. After 60 days of storage, the samples were used for surgical technique classes. The results showed good acceptance by the participating students; the technique proved to be safe, has low cost, and has an easy implementation in terms of both preservation solutions and storage.

Disseminating "hidden" scientific collections: the medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals at the Museo di Anatomia Comparata "Giovanni Battista Grassi", Roma, Italy.

The dissemination of specimen data in scientific collections is a crucial step in making them available to the scientific community. However, even today, especially in some countries, little or nothing is known about the contents of the naturalistic collections of some museums. This is regrettable, especially in cases where the collections include historic specimens and endangered species. The Museum of Comparative Anatomy "Giovanni Battista Grassi", situated in Rome, Italy, houses historical anatomical and didactic collections, with specimens gathered from 1600s and almost worldwide. The collection holds 444 specimens of medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals, comprising 25 fossils, 40 skins, 186 skulls, 70 skeletons and 123 anatomical pieces, representing 63% of recent mammal orders, mainly from localities of Africa and Europe. A list of this material, indexed by the orders and families, is provided, as well as comments on the conservation status of the species. Remarkable data are summarised, including new data on a hippopotamus specimen from an extinct population and the record of three rhinoceros species from 1600s. Besides comparative anatomical studies, the Museum of Comparative Anatomy of Sapienza University emerges as a source of important material for biodiversity genomics.

The tannization of human tissues: A nineteenth‐century educational preservation technique at the Morgagni Museum

AbstractLodovico Brunetti (1813–1899), professor of pathological anatomy at the University of Padua and founder of the Museum of Pathological Anatomy, believed that anatomical preparations were essential for the practice and teaching of pathological anatomy. At his arrival in Padua in 1855, there were around 300 made by other professors of medicine, including some by Giovanni Battista Morgagni, preserved either in liquid or dry. These conservation methods did not satisfy Brunetti, as they drastically altered the shape of the anatomical pieces (reduced by mummification and dilated in liquid); thus, he decided to create a new method called “tannization,” for the use of tannic acid. Brunetti's new method was based on dissection and injection techniques, and it had the substantial advantage of maintaining unchanged the shape and texture of the anatomical specimens, even microscopically, as well as being not so expensive. Another important advantage consisted in the fact that the different stages of the preparation could be put into practice even at different times and at a considerable distance from each other. His specimens seemed to be mummified, but they maintained a remarkable elasticity and softness, as well as almost completely unaltered proportions. Today, the Morgagni Museum of the University of Padua still preserves several tannized preparations attributable to Brunetti and his successors. The current study aims to show the educational value of this method showing the results of Brunetti's tannization nowadays.

Transmural Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Horse Hoof Internal Structures: Comparative Quantitative Findings-Part 2.

The transmural ultrasound allows for the definition of the normal appearance of the hoof tissues and internal structures. Determining such measurements and proportions could contribute to evaluations of the normal spatial distal phalanx-hoof relationship. The objective was to describe the hoof's dermis and epidermis measurements using the transmural technique, in comparison with DR and anatomical sections. Sixty-two healthy hooves without digital radiographic abnormalities, made up of 30 anatomical pieces (phase 1) and 32 alive horse hooves (phase 2), and 16 sagittal sections of the first ones were used. The proximal and distal planes were compared, defining the following measurements: coronary band-extensor process, distal phalanx apex-hoof wall, sole dermis, middle stratum, parietal dermis, lamellar layer, the sublamellar dermis, and ratios between them. Most of the measurements were consistent among methods. Some showed measurement differences and a minority was impossible to determine. The transmural technique allowed for the observation and replication of measurements of the hoof structures, described with other diagnostic aids. It also allowed for the implementation of new measurements that would help to determine the spatial location of the distal phalanx. Additionally, it contributes to the visualization of normal findings, which will be useful to compare variations in the different phases of laminitis.

Transmural Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Horse Hoof Internal Structures: Comparative Qualitative Findings-Part 1.

Ultrasonography is commonly used to evaluate equine lameness-related structures, but traditional hoof approaches cannot adequately visualize internal structures such as the lamellar layer. To address this limitation, we used 62 healthy hooves without digital radiographic abnormalities, made up of thirty anatomical pieces (phase 1) and thirty-two hooves from living horses (phase 2). In both phases, half of the digits were submerged in water (group 1) and the other half in water and ice (group 2) for 24 h. Ultrasonographic views and temperature and humidity measurements were taken every two hours, and sagittal sections were obtained in phase 1. Good quality images were obtained in both phases. The transmural technique allowed the evaluation of several structures of the DEJ (tubular and lamellar strata of the hoof wall, sublamellar dermis, and solar and coronary papillae) and of the distal phalanx (extensor process, parietal surface, and apex). Our findings suggest that the transmural technique following hoof submersion can be useful for internal evaluation of hoof conditions, such as laminitis. However, further validation of the technique in natural or experimental cases is required.

Prototyping and 3D Printing of Computed Tomography Images with an Emphasis on Soft Tissues, Especially Muscles, for Teaching Human Anatomy

The study on cadavers, although considered fundamental in the teaching of human anatomy, is limited in several universities, mainly due to the acquisition and manipulation of cadaveric material. Throughout history, several artificial anatomical models have been used to complement the real anatomical pieces. The present study offers a new alternative: the making of three-dimensional models from Computed Tomography (3D-CT) patient image acquisition. CT images from the USP University Hospital database were used. Patients underwent examinations for reasons other than the present study and were anonymized to maintain confidentiality. The CT slices obtained in thin cross-sections (approximately 1.0 mm thick) were converted into three-dimensional images by a technique named Volume Rendering for visualization of soft tissue and bone. The reconstructions were then converted to an STL (Standard Triangle Language) model and printed through two printers (LONGER LK4 Pro® and Sethi S3®), using PLA and ABS filaments. The 3D impressions of the thigh and leg muscles obtained better visual quality, being able to readily identify the local musculature. The images of the face, heart, and head bones, although easily identifiable, although seemed to present lower quality aesthetic results. This pilot study may be one of the first to perform 3D impressions of images from CT to visualize the musculature in Brazil and may become an additional tool for teaching.

Histophatological Damage to Heart and Lungs on Canine Dirofilariosis in Panama

Latin America and countries with hot climates have long suffered with vector-borne diseases, be they fleas, mosquitoes or ticks, among others. Canine Dirofilariasis is a vector disease whose etiological agent in America is Dirofilaria immitis, however, with little information on its real damage to canines and no information on its pathogenesis in humans in this country. Five anatomical pieces made up of heart and lungs, preserved in 10% formaldehyde, were evaluated histopathologically to define the damage caused by the nematode. The most common lesion found in the lungs was pulmonary emphysema and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. Pseudo papillary hyperplasia of the endothelium was observed in one of the cases. The most common lesions found in the heart were endocarditis and pericarditis. We can conclude that the damage caused by D. immitis to the heart and lungs tissues of dogs is evident and that further studies are necessary to better understand this disease.

Single-port retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy: Initial description and standardisation of technique.

Minimally invasive surgery has been established as the gold standard for the treatment of localised renal tumours. A retroperitoneal approach is a feasible option with advantages in posterior tumours and patients with previous abdominal surgeries. In this context, single-port retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (SPOR-PN) has not been widely explored and developed. We present this technique's description and our first results. We present a case series of nine patients undergoing SPOR-PN in a single institution. We used a multi-channel single-port access dispositive through a 35 mm incision below the 12th rib, a 30° two-dimensional laparoscope, curved graspers and needle drivers on the left hand and standard rigid material in the right hand. In all surgeries, we performed a complete renorrhaphy with the sliding-clip technique. The pain was evaluated through visual analogue scale (VAS) the day after surgery. Patients' age ranged from 44 to 78 years. The median RENAL score was 5p, and the mean surgical time was 134 min. We performed an 'off-clamp' procedure on three patients. Among the patients who had renal artery clamped, the median ischaemia time was 18 min. The median in-hospital stay time was 48 h. Median VAS the day after surgery was 2. None of the anatomical pieces had positive borders. Only one complication was reported (Clavien IIIa). SPOR-PN is a feasible minimally invasive and nephron-sparing technique. The advantages of this procedure may not be only a better cosmetic appearance but also less post-operative pain. Further development and larger studies are needed.

Oropharyngeal morphological aspects of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)

The study of the functional anatomy of the digestive system of fish, in particular the oropharyngeal cavity, is of great importance because it allows inferences about the feeding habit, mechanisms of capture, selection, and processing of food carried out by different species. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the anatomical adaptations of the oropharyngeal cavity of the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas Schinz, 1822) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The oropharyngeal cavity of six specimens of pirarucu was collected in juvenile phase, from Aquaculture Research Center at the Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), created for commercial purposes. The anatomical pieces were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for SEM analysis. Anatomically, the oropharyngeal cavity of the pirarucu is composed of five pairs of branchial arches, apical portion of the tongue, floor of the tongue, lower pharyngeal area, and upper pharyngeal plate. In SEM, we observed that the mucosa of the apex of the tongue and the upper pharyngeal roof have a smooth texture and are covered by squamous cells with numerous small openings scattered over the surface. The portions of the floor of the tongue and the lower pharyngeal area, on the other hand, have adaptations in the form of a projectile and numerous sensory papillae, giving a rough texture to the region. Thus, the oropharyngeal cavity of pirarucu is adapted for the capture, apprehension, and swallowing of its prey, with signs of carnivory.

Training course in human anatomy: Experience report

This work discusses the experience obtained in the extension project entitled "Training Course in Human Anatomy", provided by the Human Anatomy League (LAMAH) of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). The objective of this work is to expose the experience of nursing students facing the training course, highlighting the advantages and obstacles encountered. An active methodology was chosen, in which students shared their knowledge about each system with other members during meetings, in an active teaching-learning system. Thus, we infer that the methodology both provides a new experience and contributes positively to a better absorption and retention of the contents seen. However, an obstacle observed in the meetings was evidenced by the gap in the handling and mastery of natural anatomical pieces. Furthermore, the extension activity presented here constitutes an object to support the authors' knowledge of Human Anatomy.

Fabrication and characterization of a multimodal 3D printed mouse phantom for ionoacoustic quality assurance in image-guided pre-clinical proton radiation research

Objective. Image guidance and precise irradiation are fundamental to ensure the reliability of small animal oncology studies. Accurate positioning of the animal and the in-beam monitoring of the delivered radio-therapeutic treatment necessitate several imaging modalities. In the particular context of proton therapy with a pulsed beam, information on the delivered dose can be retrieved by monitoring the thermoacoustic waves resulting from the brief and local energy deposition induced by a proton beam (ionoacoustics). The objective of this work was to fabricate a multimodal phantom (x-ray, proton, ultrasound, and ionoacoustics) allowing for sufficient imaging contrast for all the modalities. Approach. The phantom anatomical parts were extracted from mouse computed tomography scans and printed using polylactic acid (organs) and a granite/polylactic acid composite (skeleton). The anatomical pieces were encapsulated in silicone rubber to ensure long term stability. The phantom was imaged using x-ray cone-beam computed tomography, proton radiography, ultrasound imaging, and monitoring of a 20 MeV pulsed proton beam using ionoacoustics. Main results. The anatomical parts could be visualized in all the imaging modalities validating the phantom capability to be used for multimodal imaging. Ultrasound images were simulated from the x-ray cone-beam computed tomography and co-registered with ultrasound images obtained before the phantom irradiation and low-resolution ultrasound images of the mouse phantom in the irradiation position, co-registered with ionoacoustic measurements. The latter confirmed the irradiation of a tumor surrogate for which the reconstructed range was found to be in reasonable agreement with the expectation. Significance. This study reports on a realistic small animal phantom which can be used to investigate ionoacoustic range (or dose) verification together with ultrasound, x-ray, and proton imaging. The co-registration between ionoacoustic reconstructions of the impinging proton beam and x-ray imaging is assessed for the first time in a pre-clinical scenario.

Epidemiological and Histopathological Features of Ocular Tumors in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe epidemiological and histopathological features of ocular tumors in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: it is a cross-sectional descriptive study of the analysis of 103 consecutive anatomical pieces taken after tumor removal from two ophthalmology services in Bukavu city from January 2018 to December 2020. Results: Children accounted for 40% of patients and ocular tumors were unilateral in 84.5% of cases. The most common locations were the retina (34.8%), conjunctiva (33.7%) and eyelids (22.8%). Benign tumors predominated (51.4%), followed by malignant tumors (37.9%), and undetermined tumors (15.5%). The main histological forms found were retinoblastoma (34.8%), conjunctival nevus (20.6%), and palpebral granuloma (16.3%). Conclusion: Ocular tumors are common in Bukavu. Histopathological examination remains essential to guide management to reduce the risk of recurrence and related complications.

Body Paint and its Impact on the Argumentation of the Integrity of Systems and Apparatus of the Human Body

The objective of this research is to explain how Body Paint favors the argumentation of the anatomical structures of the human body in the students of the Morphology and Function course of the Obstetrics career at a Private University of Lima, period 2020-I. the participants that constituted the sample of the present study were 15 students of the 2nd cycle of the Morphology and Function I course. The methodology used developed a qualitative approach, descriptive - explanatory scope and phenomenological design. For the collection of information, interviews and an observation guide were applied to the students applying Body Paint. The results reveal that students easily apply the Body Paint technique, they find it very practical, it does not take much time, but above all it helps to understand anatomy and physiology in a playful, colorful and simple way. By having the experience of representing the anatomical pieces, the process is more significant and experiential learning consolidates knowledge, allowing students to argue the integration of systems and devices of the human body. The study concludes that the Body Paint technique is a simple to apply and functional learning resource, which favors the argumentation of the integration of systems and devices of the human body as a learning achievement through the understanding and explanation of the anatomy, the study of form, physiology and the study of function.

Development of an Online Distance Learning Platform Combining Anatomy, Imaging, and Surgical Practice to Support Mastery Learning of the Equine Locomotor Apparatus.

There are many challenges in teaching veterinary anatomy, such as available classroom time, costs, and difficulties accessing animal cadavers, mainly due to animal welfare concerns. Furthermore, veterinary surgeons and radiologists complain that recent graduates lack anatomical knowledge. On the other hand, the current limitations of face-to-face teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that the development of online distance education tools is necessary, mainly in specialties that lack this type of material. Teaching platforms promoting the integration of anatomy with other applied disciplines such as imaging and surgery in the horse were not found in the consulted literature. Therefore, this work aimed to develop an online distance education platform for studying the surgical anatomy of a horse's locomotor apparatus as a complementary tool for training students enrolled in undergraduate courses in veterinary surgery. The locomotor apparatus was chosen as the focus as it is the most commonly found in equine surgeries. Anatomical pieces referring to the locomotor apparatus were prepared. These were complemented with material related to diagnostic imaging, surgery videos, theoretical explanations, and an interactive radiological anatomy tool. Finally, all the material was uploaded to a virtual platform accessible via the Internet. The platform is expected to be a tool that helps students in surgical training and prepares them with a better understanding of anatomy and its application in surgery.

Delivery anatomy kits help to keep practical veterinary classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address the restrictions caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic and to search for assistive learning tools for the subject of Animal Anatomy II and Applied Anatomy, 123 anatomical kits were prepared at the Animal Anatomy Laboratory for students of the Veterinary Medicine course at the University of São Paulo, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering (FZEA/USP) in Pirassununga city, São Paulo, Brazil. The kits contained anatomical pieces for teaching splanchnology and topographic anatomy (two different classes), and they were elaborated based on effective preservation techniques for the preparation of animal anatomical pieces. At the end of each course, we sent an online questionnaire to the students for evaluation of the methodology used. Alternative methods were used to minimize the odour and non‐generation of chemical or microbiological contaminants. The acceptance of the kits was unanimous with adherence by all the students, who had the opportunity to experience the Anatomy class in its entirety, without leaving their homes.

Penile Fractures in Young Bulls Raised in Feedlots in Southern Brazil

Background: Penile fracture is a pathology of young cattle that perform precocious and disordered breeding. The incompatibility of height between males and females and sodomy between males cause a great pressure on the sigmoid flexure and retractor muscle of the penis, which are the main causes and sites of organ injury. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological aspects of penile fractures observed in young bulls raised in pre-export feedlots (PEFs) in southern Brazil.Cases: In 2 PEFs located in the municipalities of Pelotas (property 1) and Capão do Leão (property 2), 3 male cattle [1 from property 1 and 2 from property 2] presented edema of the foreskin and perineum, associated with dysuria. The evolution of the clinical picture was approximately 20 days in all cases, with evolution to death. The bovine necropsied on property 1 had an increased volume and inguinal edema, involving the penis and scrotal sac. Necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue and local musculature was also observed. The testicles were surrounded by the necrotic tissue, and the right testis was swollen, with flaccid parenchyma adhering to the tunica albuginea. In the necropsy of 1 bull from property 2, an increase in the inguinal volume was observed, with an extensive area of necrosis and edema extending from the prepuce to the caudal musculature of the scrotal sac. There were also marked varicosis in the sigmoid flexure and necrosis of the adjacent region, without the involvement of the corpus cavernosum. During the necropsy of the 2 young bulls, fragments of organs from the abdominal, thoracic, and brain cavities were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. From the bull of the property 2, an anatomical piece consisting of the penis, prepuce, and testicles was also collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the tissue samples were cleaved, embedded in paraffin, cut into 3-µm-thick sections, and stained using hematoxylin and eosin (HE). A histological evaluation of the penile lesions in both cattle revealed intense hemorrhage, congestion, and necrosis of the muscles and tissues adjacent to the corpus cavernosum. In addition to areas of dystrophic calcification, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration was also observed. In the bull from the property 1, an intense edema and proliferation of fibrous tissue surrounding the urethra were noted. There were also marked tubular degeneration and intense infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages in the inner portion of the tunica albuginea.Discussion: In the present cases, the diagnosis was based on epidemiological data associated with clinical signs and pathology. The macroscopic lesions observed were probably due to the involvement of blood vessels adjacent to the penis, which suffered trauma during sodomy mating among cattle. These lesions have been described in other reports of this pathology and in diseases, such as acropostitis-phimosis, fibropapilloma of the glans, preputial abscess, and urolithiasis, and the differential diagnosis of these diseases must be carried out, as they have different etiologies. In the bulls of the present study, no lesions were observed in the corpus cavernosum, and this condition was attributed to the presence of varicosis and accumulation of urine in the prepuce, due to the difficulty in exposing the penis. Histologically, there were intense hemorrhage, congestion, and necrosis of the muscles and tissues adjacent to the corpus cavernosum, with the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, and areas of dystrophic calcification. The presence of necrotic lesions in tissues adjacent to the penis may be related to hypoxia, vascular lesions, or the action of chemical elements present in the urine. In both cases, vascular lesions were present, which were attributed to the main triggering factor for the disease.Keywords: pre-export feedlots, beef cattle, sodomy, penile trauma.

Percutaneous ruminostomy guided by rumenoscopy: study in an experimental model in bovine fetus

BackgroundEndosurgery is a surgical subspecialty that has been widely used in production animals, because it enables good visualization of abdominal organs and the diagnosis and treatment of several conditions in a minimally invasive manner, while preserving the animal’s well-being and causing a lower impact on animal production. Rumenostomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in ruminants. This procedure is used to allow access to the rumen for various purposes, especially nutritional and therapeutic studies, and it can be performed either in a conventional way or in a minimally invasive video-assisted manner. Another possibility of access to ruminants is through the rumenoscopy technique. The objective of this study is to describe a minimally invasive technique for rumenostomy using an endoscope, working on a bovine fetal corpse as an experimental model.ResultsThe execution of the endoscopy-guided rumenostomy technique was simple and did not present major difficulties. The endoscope, its lighting and air pump, and the decubitus used provided a good anatomical visualization of the rumen, and it was possible to evaluate several regions of the organ. The mean duration of the procedure was 11.15 min.ConclusionsThe endoscopic rumenostomy technique using anatomical pieces of calves was shown to be feasible. It was performed in a simple and efficient way, particularly regarding the premise of preserving the animal’s well-being, due to its minimally invasive nature.

Epidemiological and histopathological features of ocular tumors in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Purpose: To describe epidemiological and histopathological features of ocular tumors observed in two ophthalmology departments in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study and a simple proportion analysis were performed to describe the epidemiological and histopathological characteristics of 103 consecutive anatomical pieces taken after tumor removal from two ophthalmology services in Bukavu city from January 2018 to December 2020. Results: Children accounted for 40% of patients and ocular tumors were unilateral in 84.5% of cases. The most common locations were the retina (34.8%), conjunctiva (33.7%) and eyelids (22.8%). Benign tumors predominated (51.4%), followed by malignant tumors (37.9%), and undetermined tumors (15.5%). The main histological forms found were retinoblastoma (34.8%), conjunctival nevus (20.6%), and palpebral granuloma (16.3%). Conclusion: Ocular tumors are common in Bukavu. Histopathological examination remains essential to guide management to reduce the risk of recurrence and related complications.