Anatomical variations of the pelvis during abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions

Background: Anatomical variations are defined as atypical morphologic and positional presentations of anatomical entities. Pelvic anatomical variations encountered during abdominal hysterectomy can be of clinical interest, given that misidentification of certain structures can lead to iatrogenic injuries and postoperative sequelae. The aim of the present study was to detect and highlight the anatomical structures of interest and their variations to the surgeon performing abdominal hysterectomy for benign conditions. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed including reports of anatomical variations encountered in cadavers, by surgeons during abdominal hysterectomy and radiologists on computed tomography angiography, searching within a 10-year span on Pubmed database. Studies regarding the treatment of malignant conditions requiring lymphadenectomy and different modes of surgical approach were reviewed with regards to the aspects relevant to benign conditions. The search was extended to the reference lists of all retrieved articles. Results: Ureters and the uterine arteries, due to anatomical variations, are the anatomical structures most vulnerable during abdominal hysterectomy. Specifically, the ureters can present multiplications, retroiliac positionings and ureteric diverticula, whereas, the uterine arteries can present notable variability in their origins. Such variations can be detected preoperatively or intraoperatively. Conclusions: Although rare, the presence of anatomical variations of the uterine arteries and ureters can increase the posibility of complications should they escape detection. Intraoperative misidentification could lead to improper dissection or ligation of the affected structures. Knowledge of these variations, coupled with extensive preoperative investigation and intraoperative vigilance can minimize the risk of complications

Engaging the broader community in biodiversity research: The concept of the COMBER pilot project for divers in vibrant

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a citizen science pilot project, COMBER (Citizens' Network for the Observation of Marine Biodiv ERsity, http://www.comber.hcmr.gr, which has been initiated under the Vi BRANT EU e-infrastructure. It is designed and implemented for divers and snorkelers who are interested in participating in marine biodiversity citizen science projects. It shows the necessity of engaging the broader community in the marine biodiversity monitoring and research projects, networks and initiatives. It analyses the stakeholders, the industry and the relevant markets involved in diving activities and their potential to sustain these activities. The principles, including data policy and rewards for the participating divers through their own data, upon which this project is based are thoroughly discussed. The results of the users analysis and lessons learned so far are presented. Future plans include promotion, links with citizen science web developments, data publishing tools, and development of new scientific hypotheses to be tested by the data collected so far

PERSONA : a personalized data protection framework

The European Directive on Data Protection recognizes the right of data subjects to control the usage of their information. However, to date there are no data protection solutions that involve data subjects in the definition and enforcement of data protection policies. In this paper we present the foundation of a novel approach to personalized data protection in which users play a central role in the authoring and enforcement of the policies governing the access and usage to their data. We discuss the challenges of designing a personalized data protection framework using personalized medicine as an illustrative scenario