Cadaver Group Research Articles

Satellite cell distribution in the medial rectus muscle in cadavers

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the potential usefulness of the medial rectus muscle of cadavers for research on satellite cells.Methods: Twenty-four medial rectus muscles were obtained from 12 cadavers. The control group included six medial rectus muscles from three live adults without brain activity. The muscle fiber diameter and distribution of satellite cells were measured and compared. Immunohistochemistry for myosin heavy chain and the transcription factor PAX7 was performed, and the distributions of myocytes and satellite cells were evaluated.Results: The average muscle fiber diameter was 142.18±36.49 μm in the cadaver group and 149.34±15.26 μm in the control group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.38). The ratio of PAX7(+) cells to the number of muscle fibers was 0.056±0.015 in the control group and 0.006±0.006 in the cadaver group, reflecting a significant difference (p<0.05).Conclusions: The medial rectus muscles of cadavers can be helpful in studying anatomical morphology; however, their usefulness in muscle satellite cell research appears to be limited.

Posterolateral Paramass Approach to Lesions Located at the Anterior C1-2 Level: A Cadaver Study

A novel posteriolateral surgical approach is described that will provide safe access to intradural and extradural lesions located in the anterior part of the spinal cord (SC) at the C1-2 level and to the odontoid in single session. A total of five cadavers and two dry C1 vertebrae were used in this study. The study involved obtaining computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging scans and magnetic resonance imaging of all cadaver groups before and after the procedures. Group 1: Control; Group 2: Unilateral C1 posterior arch was removed, the inferomedial part of C1 lateral mass was removed, and access the anterior and lateral aspects of the SC. Group 3: In addition, odontoid was removed, Group 4: In addition, unilateral C1- C2 screw was placed. Group 5: In addition, bilateral C1-C2 screw was placed. The median distance from the midpoint of C1 posterior tubercle to vertebral groove which was removed in groups is 21.4 ± 2.88mm. The average width of C1 lateral mass was 13.4±2.4mm. After the lateral mass was drilled, its width decreased to 10,2mm.This area was sufficient to open a surgical corridor and reach the anterior of SC and odontoid. After the procedure, no instability was found in group 2 without instrumentation on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. It is possible to access the anterior C1-C2 via a posterolateral paramass approach by drilling 20%-30% of the lateral mass, providing an open pathway for easy intervention in C1-C2 intradural lesions. It is also possible to perform odontoid resection using this approach.

Maxillary Sinus Measurements in Different Age Groups of Human Cadavers

The maxillary air sinus is the largest air sinus among the four air paranasal sinuses, which is a cavity in the body of maxilla. It is pyramidal in shape co nsisting of base, apex and four sides; its base comprises the thin lateral wall of nasal cavity. This study carried out at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Baghdad and the Forensic Medicine Unit in Tikrit Teaching Hospital during the period from January 2010 to July 2011. A randomized sample of 110 human cadavers that arranged in four different age groups and dissected to study the three dimensions of both maxillary sinuses in both sexes by using a standard flexible tape measure or vernier caliper. The mean v alue of the maxillary sinus length in males was (36.4 ± 4.6 mm) and in females was (33.9 ± 4.2 mm); from these results, the mean value of males was significantly greater than that of females. On the other side, the mean value of the maxillary sinus width in males was (27.4 ± 4 mm) and in females was (25.3 ± 3.9 mm); therefore, these results demonstrate that the maxillary sinuses were wider in males than females. For males, the mean value of the maxillary sinus height was (35.1 ± 3.9 mm) and for females was (30.8 ± 3.6 mm). From these findings, a higher significant difference between the mean values was found; also there was a high significant difference between the two genders because the mean value of the maxillary sinus height for males was significantly higher than that for females. According to age groups of the present study, group 1 of maxillary sinus found to be still in growing state and not reaching its full size. Group 2 showing an extensive growth in maxillary sinus length and width, especially on the right side. Group 3 might partly showing growth in maxillary sinus length and height, which indicates that at this age the maxillary sinus reaches its full height. Finally, group 4 might partly indicates that the maxillary sinus reaches its full growth if it fails to reach it in group 3. The findings of the present study disagree with that done by Parks who mademeasurements for the maxillary sinuses on normal Korean adults using computed tomography, since these differences were may be due to ethnic variations. Also due to race differences, this study disagree with Fernandes (2) who studied the maxillary sinus in European and Zulu using computed tomography.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Stability in Soft-Embalmed Cadaver vs In vivo Knee: Alternative Approaches to Medical Education.

Soft-embalmed cadavers have been used in medical education with a variety of success in different curriculum objectives. In the United States, the ACL is the most commonly injured ligament. Yet, there has been little focus on the stability of the knee in the sagittal plane provided by the anterior cruciate ligament within the soft-embalmed cadaver model. If the soft-embalmed cadaver ligaments contain similar elastic properties as an in-vivo knees, this will offer yet another means for further advancements in medical education to detect and assess musculoskeletal injuries. Evaluate how similarly the anterior tibial translation of soft-embalmed cadaver anterior cruciate ligaments compares to in-vivo tissue. The KT-1000 arthrometer was used to assess the laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament of thirteen soft-embalmed cadavers consisting of five females and eight males with a mean age of 79.3 years and duration of time since embalming ranging from 250 to 1156 days. Anterior displacement of the tibia in relation to the femur was registered at 67N and 89N. The soft-embalmed cadaver measurements were compared against twenty-one healthy uninjured individuals whose anterior tibial translation was measured using the same process. Data sets were analyzed using a welch two-sample t-test to determine the similarity between the means of the data sets. The t-tests proved a significant difference between live and soft-embalmed cadaver knees. The anterior tibial translation in the set of healthy live knees directly compared to the soft-embalmed cadaver group for 67N depicts an average difference of 1.76mm. The same comparison at 89N depicts an average difference of 2.12mm. While soft-embalmed cadavers may not directly replicate ATT to an exact number to that of in vivo tissue, they still allow the perception of the tibial translation against a stationary femur. The difference is less than 2.5 mm in both data sets when compared to an in-vivo knee, equivalent to one-tenth of an inch. Suggesting the viability of soft-embalmed cadavers ATT and should not exclude their use in medical education.

Benchtop impaction device replicates cadaveric loading conditions of the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure

Background contextLumbar spine disc pathologies often necessitate removal of the intervertebral disc and implantation of a lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) device. Herein, the objective was to measure use condition forces while simulating intra-operative loading conditions of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures. MethodsIn this work, we developed a transferable method to measure impact forces in a cadaveric intra-operative setting and designed a drop weight benchtop device equipped with force and displacement sensors to replicate cadaveric impact conditions, including number of strikes required for interbody device insertion, peak force, initial slope of the impact waveform, impact duration, and area under the force-time curve (impulse). Following cadaveric testing, a benchtop biomechanical study varying interbody device height, drop height, and drop weight was performed to evaluate the utility of the benchtop device to replicate impact loading conditions which occurred in the cadaveric model. ResultsSeveral benchtop test groups replicated the cadaver group in number of strikes required for device insertion. The average cadaveric peak force, 13.03 kN, was replicated by three benchtop groups: 12 mm device height, 60 cm drop height, 0.75 lb drop weight; 12 mm device height, 60 cm drop height, 1.0 lb drop weight; and 14 mm device height, 60 cm drop height, 0.50 lb drop weight. The initial slope of the impact waveform was replicated best by 12 mm devices. Both the impact duration and impulse were lower in all benchtop groups than in cadaver testing. ConclusionsThis work validated the outfitting of an impact force sensor onto an interbody device insertion instrument as a reproducible, quantifiable method for collecting impact loading data in a cadaveric model. This benchtop device and methodology will aid in testing interbody devices relative to anticipated use conditions, enhance interbody device designs, and accelerate surgical technique refinement.

Block of the Pericapsular Nerve Group of the Hip with and without Ultrasound Guidance: Comparative Cadaveric Study.

Objective To evaluate the technical reproducibility of a block of the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) of the hip aided or not by ultrasound in cadavers. Materials and Methods The present is a randomized, descriptive, and comparative anatomical study on 40 hips from 2 cadaver groups. We compared the PENG block technique with the method with no ultrasound guidance. After injecting a methylene blue dye, we verified the dispersion and topographical staining of the anterior hip capsule through dissection. In addition, we evaluated the injection orifice in both techniques. Results In the comparative analysis of the techniques, there were no puncture failures, damage to noble structures in the orifice path, or differences in the results. Only 1 hip from each group (5%) presented inadequate dye dispersion within the anterior capsule, and in 95% of the cases submitted to either technique, there was adequate dye dispersion at the target region. Conclusion Hip PENG block with no ultrasound guidance is feasible, safe, effective, and highly reliable compared to its conventional counterpart. The present is a pioneer study that can help patients with hip pain from various causes in need of relief.

Assessment of the number of mast cells in the soft palate of dogs affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Oedema is described in the soft palate of dogs affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Activated mast cells (MCs) release vasoactive mediators that temporarily increase vascular permeability. Data and caudal soft palate tissue were prospectively collected from a population of dogs undergoing surgical management of BOAS and a control group of greyhound cadavers with no previous history of respiratory signs. Histological assessment was performed to quantify the number of MCs within the lamina propria of each group. The mean number of MCs in the BOAS group (53 MCs/10 400× high-power fields [HPF]; standard deviation [SD]=23) was significantly greater than that in the greyhound group (24 MCs/10 400×HPF; SD=10). The small size of the control group and the heterogeneous nature of the dogs in the BOAS group limit the generalisability of the findings. The use of different surgical techniques in the BOAS group may have also affected the degree of inflammation present within the samples. The cohort was not screened for concurrent disease processes that could potentially increase the number of circulating MCs. This study demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the numbers of MCs in the soft palate of brachycephalic dogs with clinically significant BOAS and the greyhound control group.

Intussusception: Lab Report and Review of Literature

Objective: Intussusception is the invagination of a proximal portion of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent distal portion. This unusual form of bowel obstruction occurs less frequently in adults. We report a case of small bowel intussusception in a 39-year-old African male cadaver in the cadaveric laboratory in the, Department of Human Anatomy at, Uzima University. We have also performed a literature review of this rare condition. Method: Student cadaver groups at Uzima University were assigned with a ratio of 8:1 meaning that eight students received one cadaver to work on. There were a total of nine cadavers. One out of the nine assigned specimens had a lead point in the ileocecal valve resulting in ileocecal intussusception upon dissection. Results: At the ileocecal junction, an intussuscepted distal small bowel was discovered. We concluded it to be an ileocecal intussusception. Conclusion: The rarity of intussusception in adults makes it an exceptional finding in standard anatomy laboratory. Intussusception can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Surgeons should consider intussusception as a severe cause of intestinal obstruction and consequently, anticipate different clinical presentations. Diagnosis of intussusception is difficult to make without surgery, therefore, surgeons need to familiarize themselves with different imaging modalities.

Dealing with Hidden Threats: The Antimicrobial Effect of the Embalming Process.

Individuals naturally carry bacteria and other microbes as part of their natural flora, with some being opportunistic pathogens. Approximately 30% of the population is known to carry Staphylococcus aureus in their nasal cavity, an organism that causes infections ranging from soft tissue abscesses to toxic shock syndrome. This problem is compounded by the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Commensal bacteria present on cadavers pose a risk to those who handle the body. As a Medical School Anatomy laboratory that performs hands-on cadaveric dissection, we wanted to know whether the embalming process is sufficient to kill all commensal bacteria that pose a risk to staff and students. Even if these strains do not cause disease in these individuals, secondary transmission could occur to friends and family, who may be at higher risk of acquiring an infection. Embalming is assumed to eliminate all microbial contamination on the body. However, there are limited studies to confirm this. This study characterises the incidence of antibiotic sensitive and resistant bacteria in cadavers donated for medical teaching and research. We have screened for Methicillin-Resistant Organisms (MRO) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria. In this study group of cadavers, approximately 46% (16/35) carry an MRO, while 51% (18/35) carry an ESBL positive organism prior to embalming. By determining the organisms' presence pre- and post-embalming, we can evaluate the embalming procedure's effectiveness. Our results show embalming eliminates detectable microbes in about 51% (18/35) of the cadavers. MRO dropped by 75% (16 to 4 positive cadavers), while ESBL organisms went down by almost 95% (from 18 to 1 positive cadaver). There was a further decrease in the number of positive cadavers after storage at 4 °C to 6% (2/32). Thus, although the embalming process does not immediately sterilise all the cadavers, prolonged storage at 4 °C can further reduce the number of viable bacteria.

Corpse decomposition of freshwater economic fish leads to similar resistomes and the enrichment of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes in different water types

Animal carcass decay produces many poisonous metabolites and chemical pollutants, which pose potential ecological risks to the aquatic environment and human health. However, the effects of animal cadaver decomposition on high-risk antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potential pathogens in different water types are still unknown. In this study, fifteen freshwater economic fish (Carassius auratus) corpses were put into three types of water (i.e., pond water, tap water, and domestic sewage) for a 100-day decomposition. Next generation sequencing and HT-qPCR were used to illustrate how corpse decomposition affected microbial communities and ARG profiles. Our results revealed that fish corpse degradation caused similar resistomes and microbiome in different water types. MLSB (Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B), β-lactamase, sulfonamide, tetracycline resistance genes and transposase genes in the experimental groups were increased. Among them, tetracycline resistance genes were enriched by 224 to 136,218-fold during the process of corpse degradation. Furthermore, high-risk ARGs (ermB, floR and dfrA1), which resist to MLSB, multidrug and sulfonamide respectively, were significantly enriched in the cadaver groups and had co-occurrence patterns with opportunistic pathogens, such as Bacteroidetes, which was more than 37 times in carcass groups than that in control groups. The study is able to draw a general conclusion that cadaver decomposition of freshwater economic fish deteriorates the aquatic environment by affecting high-risk ARGs and pathogenic microorganisms regardless of water types, which poses potential threats to human health. Therefore, timely management and treatment of animal carcasses is of great significance to the protection of water environment.

Use of 3D Printing Technology to Create a Canine Simulator for Cerebrospinal Fluid Sampling at the Lumbar Subarachnoid Space.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling at the lumbar subarachnoid space (LSS) is technically challenging to learn. Currently, training relies on cadaver availability or performance in a clinical scenario. This study aims to develop and validate a low-cost, high-fidelity simulator to train in this technique. Using three-dimensional printing technology, a model of a healthy adult dog's lumbosacral vertebral column was produced. The model was augmented with synthetic materials and a fluidic system to replicate all procedural steps and permit successful CSF collection. The simulator was validated by four experts, who rated it highly across multiple criteria. Final-year veterinary students were recruited to take part in practical sessions using either the simulator (n = 16) or a cadaver (n = 16). Performance was recorded for each student, and feedback was obtained using an anonymous online survey. Student performance was similar between groups (p = .2), with 87.5% and 68.75% of students in the simulator and cadaver group, respectively, successfully placing the needle into the LSS. All successful students in the simulator group were able to obtain a CSF sample, versus none in the cadaver group. No difference in the number of attempts was detected between groups (p > .99), with most students taking more than three attempts. User experience was similar between groups, with 93.8% of students in each group rating the session as a positive learning experience. In summary, we demonstrate the validity of a novel, low-cost, and anatomically precise simulator that can be used for teaching CSF sampling at the LSS.

Degeneration of the lumbar spine and its relation to the expression of collagen and elastin in facet joint capsules and ligament flavum.

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the expression of elastin, collagen type I, II,III and the degenera- tion of the facet joint capsule and the ligamentum flavum. 10 patients (4 male, 6 female) (mean age 61 ± 14,9) undergoing surgery for degenerative lumbar spine syndrome and 5 cadav- ers (3 male, 2 female) (age of death 87 ± 8,6 years) were included in this study. One set of tissue samples was taken from each patient in the patient group intraoperatively and two sets of samples were taken from each cadaver in the cadaver group posthumosly from the ligamentum flavum (medial and lateral) and from the facet joint capsules (superior and inferior articular process) at the L4/5 segment. Western blot analysis was performed for collagen types I, II, III and for elastin. Disc degeneration was scored according to the Pfirmann Classification, facet joint arthrosis was scored according to the Fujiwara Classification and their relationship with protein expression was investigated. There was a strong expression of Collagen type I in the patient group (PG) compared to the body donor group (BDG) in the facet joint capsule (FJC) and in the lateral samples of the ligamentum flavum. Samples of the FJC showed lower expression of elastin in the PG compared with the BDG, but without statistical significance. An increased expression of collagen type I compared to elastin in the PG could be shown. In contrast, elastin predominated in the samples of the BDG group compared to collagen type I (collagen type I/ elastin PG: PAsup 2,78; PAinf 2,61; LFmed 2,23; 225 LFlat 1,83; BDG: PAsup 0,15; PAinf 0,2; LFmed 0,2; LFlat 0,27). Rank correlation coefficient according to Spearman showed low to moderate correlations for collagen type I, III and elastin for the degree of disc degeneration accord- ing to Pfirrmann and the degree of facet joint osteoarthritis according to Fujiwara, all of them without statistical significance. This study has shown us that in the context of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, there is an increased expression of collagen type I and a dominance over elastin. Level III, Diagnostic Study.

The long-term decomposition of wild animal corpses leads to carbon and phosphorus accumulation and disturbs the ecological succession of the denitrification community encoded by narG

Corpse decomposition is a key process of the biogeochemical cycle in natural ecosystems, in which denitrification takes part. Denitrification is the process of nitrogen transformation which converts nitrate into nitrogenous gas. Nevertheless, the response and succession patterns of the denitrification communities during cadaver decomposition are largely unknown. To address this gap, we investigated the succession of the narG-encoding denitrifying communities during the decomposition process of wild animals (plateau pika) corpses using high-throughput Miseq sequencing. Our results showed that soil TP significantly accumulated in response to long-term cadaveric decomposition and could not be restored to control levels. But the abundance of many genera (e.g., Thiohalorhabdus, Acidovorax, Caballeronia) exhibited quadratic curvilinear recovery patterns during the cadaver decomposition. The alpha diversity also showed strong resilience and resistance to the cadaver decomposition. However, corpse decay led to the structural separation of the denitrifying communities with succession and increased the temporal turnover rate of the narG-type denitrifiers. The migration of the narG denitrification community was gradually limited during the cadaver decomposition. Moreover, the networks of the cadaver groups were more connected and complex than those of the control groups. Incubation time, cadaver decomposition, total carbon, and ammonium nitrogen were the most important factors driving the narG denitrification communities. These results suggest that denitrifying communities have a strong response to the decomposition of wild animal carcasses in soil habitats. This experiment provides a new view of the effect of wild animal corpse decomposition on the succession of denitrifying communities.

Novel surgical approach to neoplastic lesions in the distal part of the urethra: A pilot cadaver study comparing open and hybrid techniques.

Tumours of the distal urethra in female dogs are often difficult to treat, and the surgical methods described thus far have technical limitations. This study aimed to present a novel approach to the surgical treatment of distal urethral tumours. This study used dog cadavers to evaluate the technical feasibility of surgically removing neoplastic lesions in the distal urethra and compared surgical outcomes of open surgery with those of hybrid surgery (combination of laparoscopy and open surgery). Open intact, open spayed, hybrid intact, and hybrid spayed dog cadaver groups underwent surgery (n = 6 per group). The novel surgical method was based on vulvovaginectomy (ovariohysterectomy in intact dogs), resection of the distal part of the urethra, and pre‐pubic urethrostomy. Outcomes of interest included technical feasibility of each procedure, using both surgical techniques, wound length, time required to complete the procedure, and the incidence of intraoperative ureter and rectum injuries. Surgical technique and reproductive status affected operating time. Technique choice affected wound length; the surgical wound was longer in the open group than in the hybrid group. Macroscopic evaluation of the rectum did not reveal any damage to the wall. There was no evidence of ureter leakage or obstruction in any case. The present findings suggest that both open and hybrid surgery can be used to treat distal urethral tumours.

Cadaver as an Effective Tool for Simulation Based Procedural Skill Learning Compared to Manikin- An Interns Perspective

Introduction: Procedural skill learning is fundamental part of medical education. Simulation based learning helps students acquire the competencies without putting patients at risk. Manikins and cadavers are available resources of medical simulation. Which one is more effective in learning the skills with acceptable confidence, competence and satisfaction is to be elucidated. Establishing a cadaver based Procedural Skill Lab (PSL) may play a role in early exposure of procedural skills to medical students. Aim:To study the intern’s perceptions of effectiveness of procedural skill learning on cadaver and manikins and to record their opinion on need for establishing PSL in Anatomy Department. Materials and Methods: An observational study conducted at S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India. Twenty five (n=25) interns who volunteered to participate in the study were included. After collecting the baseline data about exposure to said skills, students were divided into two groups. Students learnt six procedural skills on manikins (M group) and on cadavers (C group). Post-test data was collected. Then crossover was done and survey about the satisfaction, preferred mode of learning and need of the PSL in anatomy was collected. Non parametric test were applied: Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data Mann-Whitney U test for unpaired data, using Medcalc and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Perceived confidence and competence of students after training in both the groups (M and C) increased for all the six skills which was statistically significant (M group p<0.0005 and C group p<0.0002). Satisfaction score was more for cadaver group (p<0.0001). Students chose cadaver based learning as the preferred method of learning and wanted PSL. Conclusion: Soft embalmed cadaver can be an effective tool to learn procedural skills at all level. Establishing a cadaver based PSL in anatomy can provide undergraduates with early exposure of skills develop the requisite knowledge, postgraduates can learn the speciality concerned procedural skills and faculty can venture upon innovative procedures and prevent de-skilling.

Comparison of the histological structure of the tibial nerve and its terminal branches in the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers.

The aim of this study was to compare the histological structure (cross-sectional area [CSA] and number of nerve fascicles) of the distal part of the tibial nerve (TN) and its terminal branches (medial plantar nerve [MPN], lateral plantar nerve [LPN]) in the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers using computer assisted image analysis. The TNs with terminal branches (MPN and LPN) were dissected from the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers. Each nerve was harvested 5 mm proximally and respectively 5 mm distally from the TN bifurcation, marked, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 2 μm slices and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Then the specimens were photographed and analysed using Olympus cellSens software. The fresh cadavers' group comprised 60 feet (mean age 68.1 ± 15.2 years). The mean CSA and the number of nerve fascicles were respectively 15.25 ± 4.6 mm2, 30.35 ± 8.45 for the TN, 8.76 ± 1.93 mm2, 20.75 ± 7.04 for the MPN and 6.54 ± 2.02 mm2, 13.40 ± 5.22 for the LPN. The fresh-frozen cadavers' group comprised 21 feet (mean age 75.1 ± 9.0 years). The mean CSA and the number of nerve fascicles were respectively 13.71 ± 5.66 mm2, 28.57 ± 8.00 for the TN, 7.55 ± 3.25 mm2, 18.00 ± 6.72 for the MPN and 4.29 ± 1.93 mm2, 11.33 ± 1.93 for the LPN. Only LPNs showed statistical differences in the CSA and the number of nerve fascicles between examined groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.037, respectively). A positive correlation was found between donors age and tibial nerve CSA in the fresh cadavers group (r = 0.44, p = 0.000). A statistical difference was found between the MPN and LPN both in the CSA and the number of nerve fascicles (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The CSA and the number of nerve fascicles of the tibial and medial plantar nerves were similar in the fresh and fresh-frozen cadavers whilst different in the LPN. The TN showed increasing CSA with the advanced age in the fresh cadavers. The MPN had larger CSA and more nerve fascicles than the LPN.

Changes in laboratory mice after observation of deceased conspecifics: a pilot suicidality study in animals.

Suicidality can be a serious feature of psychiatric symptoms in encephalitis. Investigating the psychiatric behavior associated with suicidality in animal models of encephalitis is important; thus, determining whether normal laboratory animals are aware of death is necessary. To examine the behavioral and brain activity changes associated with death of conspecifics, laboratory mice were exposed to a cadaveric mouse or an anesthetized mouse. Behavioral tasks associated with anxiety and locomotion were conducted after repeated exposure. Neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex during the cadaver exploration was investigated using electroencephalographic recordings. During repeated exposure, mice in the cadaver group showed a gradual decrease in time exploring the cadaver, which was not observed in mice in the anesthesia group. The cadaver group also exhibited increased levels of anxiety in the light/dark transition and elevated plus maze tasks and displayed increased locomotor activity in the open field test. In an electrophysiological study, different brain oscillations were observed when mice were exposed to a cadaveric mouse and an anesthetized mouse. Enhanced delta-band activity and reduced theta- and alpha-band activities were observed during cadaver exploration. The present study results showed that experiences involving dead conspecifics strongly affect mouse behavior and brain activity. These findings may be helpful in treating patients with psychiatric symptoms and aid in understanding the concept of death recognition/awareness in laboratory animals.

Enhancement of External Rotation after Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer (LDTT): A Cadaveric Study

Background and objectives: Massive rotator cuff tears compromise shoulder mobility function and cannot be directly repaired. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is a therapeutic alternative suitable for the treatment of rotator cuff tears that helps to restore external shoulder rotation. Cadaver models have been used for studying the effects of LDTT and procedural variations, but, to the best of our knowledge, none of them have been validated. The aim of our study was to validate a novel cadaver model while verifying the effects of LDTT on external rotation. Materials and Methods: Two groups were included in the study: a cadaver group and a control group made up of healthy volunteers, which were used for the validation of the cadaver model. Baseline external rotation measurements were performed with both groups, after which a massive rotator cuff tear was inflicted and repaired with LDTT in the cadaver group. Their postoperative external rotation was evaluated using three different tests. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the baseline measurements of the two groups, and postoperative external rotation was significantly higher after LDTT in all cases but one. Conclusions: Cadaver models were validated, since they had a similar preoperative external rotation to healthy volunteers. Moreover, they allowed us to demonstrate the effect of LDTT on external shoulder rotation.

Morphometic cadaveric analysis of thyroid cartilage in Indian adults with comparative review of studies on other ethnic population

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The larynx besides being used in respiration, performs the function of production of voice. A thorough knowledge of relevant surgical anatomy is a must for any surgeon before performing laryngeal framework surgery (LFS). Most of the relevant anatomic details for LFS are based on Western population and the studies based on Indian population are extremely scarce. We propose to undertake this study in order to understand the relevant anatomy of the thyroid cartilage in adult Indian population and to compare these dimensions with those studied in the western population as available in literature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Fifty-two samples of adult thyroid cartilage (35 males and 17 females) taken from cadavers were analysed. Digital Vernier callipers &amp;amp; goniometer were used to take morphometric measurements of the Thyroid cartilage to see for normal variation, sex differences and bilateral asymmetry. Observation were analysed by calculating mean &amp;amp; SD. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Most parameters measured in thyroid cartilage did not show significant difference in males &amp;amp; females. All the parameters of thyroid cartilage except thyroid angle were higher in males than females. Bilateral asymmetry in the size of thyroid lamina was seen in majority of specimens though not statistically significant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The detailed study of thyroid cartilage in the form of morphometric parameters of thyroid cartilage is useful for anatomists, radiologists, reconstructive and ENT surgeons. Comparison with other populations in the world reveals that the absolute values differ in different populations which could be due to differences in body built, racial differences and age group of cadavers.&lt;/p&gt;

The infragluteal fold: An appraisal by MRI combined with an anatomic study.

The gluteal region is a key element of beauty balance and sexual appearance. However, there is no clear anatomical description of the infragluteal fold, nor any classification exists allowing standardizing treatment of this area in case of jeopardisation. The purpose of this study was to perform an anatomical description of the infragluteal fold (IGF) matching radiological and anatomical findings in describing specifically raise of the fibrous component at the bone level. Six volunteers (three males and three females) underwent an MRI scan (Siemens Aera® 1.5T) of the pelvic region. T1 Vibe Morpho T2, Sag Space 3D, and Millimetric slices were performed in order to obtain a more detailed selection of the gluteal landmark. Trabecular connective tissue of the region was analyzed using Horos® ROI (region of interest) segmentation function. Four fresh cadavers (two males, two females, accounting for 8 hemipelvis) were dissected in order to compare the radiological findings. The infragluteal fold is a connectival fibrous band extending from the ramus of the ischium (but not involving the ischial tuberosity, for a length of 21mm ± 2 and 21mm ± 3), the apex of the sacrum (for a length of 13 ± 2 and 11mm ± 2), and the coccyx (for a length of 19mm ± 2 and 20mm ± 2, all measures referring to volunteers and cadavers, respectively) reaching superficially the dermis of the medial one-third of the cutaneous fold. No significant difference was found between volunteer and cadaver group in MRI measurement of bony origins, or between MRI and cadaveric dissection measurements. Knowledge of this structure will define novel surgical techniques in infragluteal fold restoration.