Anne D Souza

Cytokinesis blocked micronucleus assay of peripheral lymphocytes revealing the genotoxic effect of formaldehyde exposure.

Formaldehyde (FA), which is said to be a carcinogenic agent, is commonly used in anatomy laboratories. This study used the cytokinesis blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN) to assess DNA damage due to FA exposure by measuring the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in lymphocytes. The extent of DNA damage was assessed with respect to the duration of exposure. Thirty male anatomy laboratory workers from various medical colleges involved with storing specimens and embalming were included in the study. Thirty males who were not exposed to FA were included as a comparison group. Blood samples were collected after informed consent was given. Information regarding age, duration of FA exposure and smoking habits was obtained by a questionnaire. The CBMN assay was conducted on cultured isolated lymphocytes stained with Giemsa. MN were counted in a total of 1000 binucleated lymphocytes. The effect of smoking was assessed using appropriate statistical tests. The frequency of MN in lymphocytes was significantly higher in the exposed group (P < 0.001). The duration of exposure correlated positively with the frequency of MN (r = 0.5, P = 0.02). Neither aging nor smoking correlated significantly with the formation of MN. The present study highlights significant DNA damage in people exposed to FA. The extent of damage was directly proportional to the duration of exposure. Clin. Anat. 27:308–312, 2014.

Morphology of Papillary Muscles in Human Adults: A Cadaveric Study

Introduction: The papillary muscles (PM) play an important role in ventricular overextension. The variability in the number, shape and location of papillary muscle of the right and the left ventricle is important for the surgeon in reparative procedures, papillary muscle dysfunction, mitral valve replacement and use of mitral valve homograft for mitral/tricuspid replacement. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using 15 formalin fixed adult human hearts. The presence, number, shapes, length, number of additional heads of the papillary muscles were observed. The presence of moderator band (MB) was noted and its level of attachment to the anterior PM was observed. Results: Double anterior and posterior PM were found in few cases. The length of PM was longer in the left ventricle when compared to the right ventricle which was statistically significant. In the right ventricle cone-shaped PM was observed in the majority of the cases whereas flat topped PM was observed in 2 cases. In the left ventricle all the PM were cone shaped. In majority of the cases (N=13) the MB was attached to the lower third of the PM whereas in one case each it was attached to the upper third and to the middle third respectively. Conclusions: The morphology and morphometry of the papillary muscles of both ventricles and moderator band were defined. These may help cardiac surgeons during surgical procedures conducted for correction of their defects.

A Study of Physicochemical Properties of Subcutaneous Fat of the Abdomen and its Implication in Abdominal Obesity.

INTRODUCTION The lower abdominal obesity is more resistant to absorption as compared to that of upper abdomen. Differences in the physicochemical properties of the subcutaneous fat of the upper and lower abdomen may be responsible for this variation. There is paucity of the scientific literature on the physicochemical properties of the subcutaneous fat of abdomen. AIM The present study was undertaken to create a database of physicochemical properties of abdominal subcutaneous fat. MATERIALS AND METHODS The samples of subcutaneous fat from upper and lower abdomen were collected from 40 fresh autopsied bodies (males 33, females 7). The samples were prepared for physicochemical analysis using organic and inorganic solvents. Various physicochemical properties of the fat samples analysed were surface tension, viscosity, specific gravity, specific conductivity, iodine value and thermal properties. Data was analysed by paired and independent sample t-tests. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in all the physicochemical parameters between males and females except surface tension (organic) and surface tension (inorganic) of upper abdominal fat, and surface tension (organic) of lower abdominal fat. In males, viscosity of upper abdominal fat was more compared to that of lower abdomen (both organic and inorganic) unlike the specific conductivity that was higher for the lower abdominal fat as compared to that of the upper abdomen. In females there were statistically significant higher values of surface tension (inorganic) and specific gravity (organic) of the upper abdomen fat as compared to that of lower abdomen. The initial and final weight loss of the lower abdominal fat as indicated by Thermo Gravimetric Analysis was significantly more in males than in female. CONCLUSION The difference in the physicochemical properties of subcutaneous fat between upper and lower abdomen and between males and females could be responsible for the variant behaviour of subcutaneous abdominal fat towards resorption.

Morphometric Study of Anterior Clinoid Process and Optic Strut and the Ossification of Carotico-Clinoid Ligament with their Clinical Importance

INTRODUCTION Knowledge about the ossification of the Carotico-Clinoid Foramen (CCF), as it forms a potential site for compression of the internal carotid artery may be beneficial for neurosurgeons and radiologists. AIM To obtain a detailed knowledge of morphometry of Anterior Clinoid Process (ACP) and Optic Strot (OS) and the type of ossification of CCF which would be necessary to increase the success of surgeries related to the cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Parameters such as the length of ACP from its base to the tip, the width at its base and the distance between the tip of ACP to optic strut were measured in mm using digital calipers. SPSS version 17 was used for the statistical analysis. Paired t-test was applied to compare between right and left sides. Presence of carotico-clinoid foramen was observed and was classified as incomplete, contact form or complete. RESULTS The average length of ACP ranged from 12 to 15mm on right side and 11 to 16mm on the left side. Paired t-test was applied to compare the means between the right and left sides. The width of ACP varied between right and left sides and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Out of 12 CCF observed, the commonest type was incomplete (N=7) followed by complete (N=3) and contact form (N=2). CONCLUSION Considering the immense anatomical surgical and radiological importance of morphology of ACP, OS and CCF, this study highlighted the detailed morphometry of these structures. The study also has explained the sexual dimorphism in their morphology.

Anatomy of maxillary sinus and its ostium: A radiological study using computed tomography

Background: Interventions involving the middle meatus are commonly performed because the majority of the paranasal sinuses open into the osteomeatal complex. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to locate the level of maxillary sinus ostium (MSO), to measure the distances between MSO and different anatomical landmarks, to measure the different dimensions of maxillary sinus and to compare the morphology of maxillary sinus between the right and the left sides. Materials and Methods: The study involved 50 computed tomography (CT) images of normal paranasal sinus anatomy in coronal and sagittal planes from the Department of Radiodiagnosis. The location of the sinus ostium (upper, middle, or lower third) was observed. Perpendicular distance from the sinus ostium to the lower border of inferior turbinate and hard palate were measured. The maximum vertical, transverse, and antero-posterior diameters of the maxillary sinus were measured. Results: Of 50 CT images, the MSO was located in the upper third in 40 cases while in 10 it was located in the middle third. The most common location of MSO was in the upper third. The dimensions of the maxillary sinus indicated bilateral symmetry. Conclusion: The dimensions of the maxillary sinus indicated bilateral symmetry, and there were no significant gender differences when compared. However, the distances of the MSO from the major anatomical landmarks were significantly different between males and females which are seldom reported earlier. This knowledge about the variations in the lateral wall of the nasal cavity is crucial during the endoscopic interventions and for functional endoscopic sinus surgeries.

Histological and biochemical study of the superficial abdominal fascia and its implication in obesity.

The advancement of liposculpturing and fascial flaps in reconstructive surgery has renewed interest in the superficial fascia of abdomen. Its histological and biochemical composition may play a vital role in maintaining strength and elasticity of the fascia. Hence, study of abdominal fascia for the elastic, collagen, and hydroxyproline contents is desirable to understand asymmetrical bulges and skin folds and in improving surgical treatment of obesity. Samples of superficial fascia were collected from of upper and lower abdomen from 21 fresh cadavers (15 males and 6 females). Samples were stained using Verhoeff–Van Gieson stain. Digital images of superficial fascia were analyzed using TissueQuant software. The samples were also subjected to hydroxyproline estimation. The superficial fascia was formed by loosely packed collagen fibers mixed with abundant elastic fibers and adipose tissue. Elastic contents and collagen contents of superficial fascia were significantly more in the upper abdomen than that in the lower abdomen in males. Hydroxyproline content of superficial fascia of upper abdomen was significantly more than that of lower abdomen in both males and females. The elastic, collagen and hydroxyproline contents of superficial fascia of upper abdomen were higher compared to the lower abdomen. This may be a reason for asymmetric bulging over abdomen and more sagging fold of skin in the lower abdomen than in the upper abdomen. This study may therefore be helpful in finding new ways to manage obesity and other body contour deformities.

Surgical relevance of sphenoid sinus and its ostium: An anatomical study -

Back ground: Sphenoid sinuses and their ostia are highly variable structures. Normal opening of sphenoid sinus lies in the spheno ethmoidal recess medial to superior turbinate. The sphenoid sinus is surrounded by several important structures like optic nerve, carotid arteries and the trigeminal nerves. Objective: The present study was performed to determine the anatomical correlations of the sphenoid sinus ostium with surrounding structures. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal on 40 sagittal head and neck sections of adult formalin fixed cadavers. The shape of the sphenoid sinus ostia was noted. The distance of the ostium from the major landmarks were measured using vernier calipers. The landmarks used were the choana, nasion, anterior end of superior concha and basi sphenoid. The extent of pneumatization towards the sella was also noted. Results: In our study, majority of cases showed sellar variety on both right and left side. The shape of the sphenoid sinus ostia was slit type in majority of cases followed by oval and round shape. Conclusion: The sphenoid ostium provides a natural portal for entering the sphenoid sinus and beyond up to the base of the skull. It is not always easy to locate the ostium during endoscopic approach. The present study was therefore designed to establish readily identifiable anatomical landmarks for locating the sphenoid ostium.