The great saphenous vein-an anatomical study.

The anatomical variations are more frequently encountered in the venous system particularly in the superficial veins when compared to the arterial system. The great saphenous vein is the longest vein of the body and represents pre-axial vein of lower limb. The venous anatomy is of great importance to the surgeons and sonographers. The present study included 25 lower limbs during routine dissection for undergraduate students in the Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India. We studied the great saphenous vein with reference to its formation, relation with the medial malleolus, distance from patella, level of termination and variation in its major tributaries. The findings were recorded, tabulated and photographed. Aforementioned anatomical facts including mode of termination of great saphenous vein can be important for surgeons planning intervention in this area. This vein is used as an arterial graft because of the marked anatomical remodeling. Thus, a good understanding of the typical ultrasound appearance of the great saphenous vein, its relationship to the major bony landmarks is significant

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Selectively Target Homology Dependent DNA Repair Defective Cells and Elevate Non-Homologous Endjoining Activity

Background: We have previously used the ATAD5-luciferase high-throughput screening assay to identify genotoxic compounds with potential chemotherapeutic capabilities. The successful identification of known genotoxic agents, including the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA), confirmed the specificity of the screen since TSA has been widely studied for its ability to cause apoptosis in cancer cells. Because many cancers have acquired mutations in DNA damage checkpoints or repair pathways, we hypothesized that these cancers may be susceptible to treatments that target compensatory pathways. Here, we used a panel of isogenic chicken DT40 B lymphocyte mutant and human cell lines to investigate the ability of TSA to define selective pathways that promote HDACi toxicity. Results: HDACi induced a DNA damage response and reduced viability in all repair deficient DT40 mutants although ATM-nulls were least affected. The most dramatic sensitivity was observed in mutants lacking the homology dependent repair (HDR) factor BLM or the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and HDR factors, KU/RAD54, suggesting an involvement of either HDR or NHEJ in HDACi-induced cell death. To extend these findings, we measured the frequencies of HDR and NHEJ after HDACi treatment and monitored viability in human cell lines comparably deficient in HDR or NHEJ. Although no difference in HDR frequency was observed between HDACi treated and untreated cells, HDR-defective human cell lines were clearly more sensitive than wild type. Unexpectedly, cells treated with HDACis showed a significantly elevated NHEJ frequency. Conclusions: HDACi targeting drugs induced significant increases in NHEJ activity in human cell lines but did not alter HDR frequency. Moreover, HDR is required for cellular resistance to HDACi therapy; therefore, NHEJ does not appear to be a critical axis for HDACi resistance. Rather, HDACi compounds induced DNA damage, most likely double strand breaks (DSBs), and HDR proficiency is correlated with cell survivalclose4

Multiple Anomalous Variations in the Gluteal Region

We report a case of multiple anatomical variations in the right gluteal region of a 60 years old male cadaver. In the present case lower formation of the sciatic nerve was observed with the peroneal component emerging between the two parts of piriformis along with the inferior gluteal nerve and the tibial component arising inferior to it accompanied by the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. At the lower border of piriformis, both the tibial and common peroneal components united and descended as a single trunk and further had a normal termination in the popliteal fossa. The posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN) also presented variations by forming a communicating plexus with the inferior gluteal nerve and terminated in the gluteal region. The variations in the formation of sciatic nerve, the anomalous communication and termination of the PFCN are very important for surgeons and clinicians while planning the treatment regime. Anaesthetists should also be aware of these variations during nerve blocks

Variation in the Branching Pattern of the Superficial Palmar Arch

In this article we describe a rare variation in the superficial palmar arch (SPA) encountered during routine cadaveric dissection. SPA was formed by the superficial branches of ulnar and radial arteries which provided a proper digital branch to the ulnar side of the little finger and three common palmar digital branches to the medial four digits. Additionally a first common digital artery was seen to emerge from the radial side of SPA which further divided into the arteria princeps pollicis and arteria radialis indicis. We also found a small communicating branch between the arteria princeps pollicis and the radial artery in the anatomical snuff box. Such arterial variations in the palm due to alteration in the developmental sequence remains a crucial issue in the reconstructive hand surgeries, especially while dealing with the innovative microsurgical procedures, where these varied patterns act as pivotal points around which successful results of various advanced surgical procedures revolve

Facial Nerve in Foetal Cadavers: An Anatomical Study with Clinical Relevance

Introduction: Facial nerve paralysis is a major complication of parotid surgery and is widely reported. Little attention is paid to the facial nerve trunk in children. The facial nerve trunk in children and infants can be easily injured since they lie close to the surface. The present study therefore intends to describe the variability in the facial nerve trunk and its branching pattern in foetuses. Methods: The study was done bilaterally in 30 formalin-fixed foetuses (15 females, 15 males), age ranging from 21.0 to 35.5 weeks of gestation. The length of the facial nerve trunk was measured and bifurcation and trifurcation of the trunk was examined. Variability in the branching pattern was also noted. Results: The most common facial nerve trunk branching type was bifurcation (53.33%), followed by trifurcation (33.33%). Multiple branching of the facial nerve was also observed in 13.34% of the cases. Other variations related to the facial nerve were also noted. The mean length of the facial nerve trunk was 7.15 ± 2.12 mm. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides and in case of males and female foetuses. Conclusion: Facial nerve injury during parotid surgery is a main cause of paediatric facial paralysis. The length of the facial nerve trunk therefore must be accurately known in any surgical procedure planned in the area. The main furcation of the facial nerve should also receive special attention

Computed Tomographic Study of Superficial Fascia of the Abdomen: Implication to Localized Fat Deposits (LFD) Areas

Background: Superficial fascia of the abdomen, being a supportive structure plays a vital role in abdominal localized fat deposits (LFDs) as well as in surgical treatment of obesity. Interest in the anatomy of the superficial fascia is increasing with increasing popularity of surgical procedures for abdominal obesity. The study aims at computed tomographic evaluation and classification of the superficial fascia of abdomen & comparing with the earlier published cadaveric study. Materials and methods: One hundred two 64 slice CT scans films of abdominal region of 102 subjects showing radiologically normal abdominal fat of either sex (64 males 38 females) between 25 to 70 year age were analyzed. Results: Superficial fascia of the abdomen was multilayered in the midline & gradually merged with each other laterally. Multiple layers of superficial fascia in form of multiple loculi were seen mainly over central abdomen and loin region. Conclusion: Multiple layers of superficial fascia in the form of multiple loculi may be one of the reasons for resistant nature of LFD areas like loin and central abdomen