Thiel-embalming technique:investigation of possible modification in embalming tissue as evaluation model for radiofrequency ablation

Contrary to freezing preservation and formalin embalming, Thiel embalmed cadaver presents soft texture and color very close to that of living organism, and many applications based on Thiel embalmed cadavers have been reported. However, Thiel embalmed cadavers cannot be used as reliable evaluation model for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) due to dramatic changes of electrical conductivity in the embalmed tissue. To address this issue, we investigated various modifications of the original Thiel embalming solution. By altering the chemicals' species and concentration we figured out a formula that can greatly reduce the embalming fluid's electrical conductivity without significantly compromising the 18-day embalmed kidney samples' suppleness and color. We also investigated a two-stage embalming technique by first submerging the kidney sample into original Thiel's tank fluid for 28 days, then the sample was withdrawn from the tank fluid and placed into modified dilution fluids for additional two weeks. Stiffening and discoloration occurred in these diluted samples implying the reversibility of Thiel-embalmed tissues' suppleness and color with the removal of the strong electrolytes. This study presents a modified embalming method which could be used for RFA evaluation and also helps our understanding of the mechanism of embalmment process.</p

Implantation of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Aneurysm Models into Cadaveric Specimens: A New Training Paradigm to Allow for Improvements in Cerebrovascular Surgery and Research.

AimTo evaluate the feasibility of implanting 3D-printed brain aneurysm model in human cadavers and to assess their utility in neurosurgical research, complex case management/planning, and operative training.MethodsTwo 3D-printed aneurysm models, basilar apex and middle cerebral artery, were generated and implanted in four cadaveric specimens. The aneurysms were implanted at the same anatomical region as the modeled patient. Pterional and orbitozygomatic approaches were done on each specimen. The aneurysm implant, manipulation capabilities, and surgical clipping were evaluated.ResultsThe 3D aneurysm models were successfully implanted to the cadaveric specimens' arterial circulation in all cases. The features of the neck in terms of flexibility and its relationship with other arterial branches allowed for the practice of surgical maneuvering characteristic to aneurysm clipping. Furthermore, the relationship of the aneurysm dome with the surrounding structures allowed for better understanding of the aneurysmal local mass effect. Noticeably, all of these observations were done in a realistic environment provided by our customized embalming model for neurosurgical simulation.Conclusion3D aneurysms models implanted in cadaveric specimens may represent an untapped training method for replicating clip technique; for practicing certain approaches to aneurysms specific to a particular patient; and for improving neurosurgical research

Spartan Daily, May 7, 2019

Volume 152, Issue 41https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartan_daily_2019/1040/thumbnail.jp

Endogent: Centre for Anatomy and Invasive Techniques

The invention of new endoscopical techniques for surgery and interventional radiology demand improved training at postgraduate level. The Endogent Centre for Anatomy and Invasive Techniques support these requirements by establishing hands-on practical training courses by using new procedures for cadaver embalming. Cadavers fixed by conventional procedures using formalin for conservation, are of limited use for practical surgical courses due to the profound changes of colour, strength and fragility of organs and tissues. The new Thiel embalming technique is based on the use of 4-chloro-3- methylenphenol, various salts for fixation, boric acid for disinfecting, and ethylene glycol for preservation of tissue plasticity, while the concentration of formalin is kept to the strict minimum (0.8%). This results in well preserved organs and tissues concerning colour, consistency, flexibility and plasticity. The articular joints remain freely movable and the peritoneal cavity can be inflated for laparoscopic procedures. Up to now this cadaver model was used in our institute for laparoscopic bariatric surgery, colon surgery, arthroscopy and thorax surgery. Another feature is that the lungs can be ventilated during surgical procedures. Preliminary findings seem to indicate that the corpses also serve as a suitable phantom for assessing thorax radiological equipment. Expert clinicians work as tutors and give intensive instructions before the participants start with hands-on surgery. We intend to expose also our undergraduate medical students to demonstrations of surgical approaches on Thiel embalmed corpses, in order to reveal the need for detailed anatomical knowledge in the clinic at an early stage in the medical curriculum

Ceremonial Leaders and Funeral Practices: The Role Relationships of Clergy and Funeral Directors in Newfoundland

In the Western Christian tradition, the primary ceremonial leader of a funeral was the local clergy. However, with the rise of the professional funeral industry, funeral directors emerged as a second group of ceremonial leaders. These individuals orchestrate the preparation and disposal of the body, and are increasingly involved in providing "aftercare" for families. This paper analyses the conflicts which might occur between these two professions, both of which organize the marking of death in our culture. After a discussion of sociological research on this role conflict, the paper presents data from a 1999 mail survey of clergy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The survey covered the clergy's own reflections on their interactions with funeral professionals. The paper concludes with observations on how changes in one profession's terrain can influence the operation of other, closely aligned, professions

Tuberculosis in Dr Granville's mummy: a molecular re-examination of the earliest known Egyptian mummy to be scientifically examined and given a medical diagnosis

‘Dr Granville's mummy’ was described to the Royal Society of London in 1825 and was the first ancient Egyptian mummy to be subjected to a scientific autopsy. The remains are those of a woman, Irtyersenu, aged about 50, from the necropolis of Thebes and dated to about 600 BC. Augustus Bozzi Granville (1783–1872), an eminent physician and obstetrician, described many organs still in situ and attributed the cause of death to a tumour of the ovary. However, subsequent histological investigations indicate that the tumour is a benign cystadenoma. Histology of the lungs demonstrated a potentially fatal pulmonary exudate and earlier studies attempted to associate this with particular disease conditions. Palaeopathology and ancient DNA analyses show that tuberculosis was widespread in ancient Egypt, so a systematic search for tuberculosis was made, using specific DNA and lipid biomarker analyses. Clear evidence for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA was obtained in lung tissue and gall bladder samples, based on nested PCR of the IS6110 locus. Lung and femurs were positive for specific M. tuberculosis complex cell-wall mycolic acids, demonstrated by high-performance liquid chromatography of pyrenebutyric acid–pentafluorobenzyl mycolates. Therefore, tuberculosis is likely to have been the major cause of death of Irtyersenu

Mutations in pathways depending on BRCA1 and BRCA2 may increase cancer risks from an environmental carcinogen

Recently, the President&#x2019;s Cancer Panel [2008-2009] protested that preventive action is not taken when uncertainty exists about potential harm from a chemical, because the US regulatory approach demands that a hazard be incontrovertibly demonstrated. It is now incontrovertible that formaldehyde increases risks for leukemias. Evidence is also strong that formaldehyde causes some types of DNA damage in humans that are known to require repairs mediated by BRCA1/2 containing pathways. Homologous recombination repairs require BRCA1/2, Fanconi and ATM proteins in these pathways. Biallelic BRCA2 mutations interfere with these repairs and are clearly associated with leukemias, especially myeloid leukemias. Fanconi anemia homozygotes have very high risks for acute myeloid leukemias. Disabling BRCA1/2 related DNA repair processes prevents repair of formaldehyde related DNA damage in laboratory cells. DNA-protein cross links result in the accumulation of DNA double strand breaks in homologous recombination-deficient but not homologous recombination -proficient cells. ATM heterozygotes have increased risks for some leukemias that have been linked to formaldehyde in normal individuals. Weaker evidence suggests increased risk for rare nasopharyngeal or sinonasal cancers in heterozygous BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and in ATM mutation carriers. &#xd;&#xa;Formaldehyde is a pervasive environmental carcinogen that is theoretically more likely to cause malignancy in carriers of mutations that disable protective repair pathways. Because of this potential for harm, it is prudent for mutation carriers to immediately avoid formaldehyde, especially high level exposure. The EPA recommends four basic &#x201c;Steps to Reduce Exposure&#x201d; for everyone.&#xd;&#xa