Search

Present study was conducted to determine the changes in the surface structure of the upper respiratory tract of Siirt‐coloured mohair goats by the silicone plastination method. Accordingly, the heads of 10 Siirt‐coloured mohair goats procured from slaughterhouses were divided into two halves. Half of each head was plastinated. After macro‐comparisons were made, the deformations of silicone plastination on the surface were examined by comparing the scanning electron microscope (SEM) findings of both upper respiratory tract tissue samples collected from plastinates and fresh material. When the data from scanning electron microscopy were analysed, cilia, cobblestone patterns, goblet cells and gland ducts on the epithelial surface were identified in areas on the upper respiratory tract. The SEM images of the plastinated tissues showed that the surface structures were degenerated due to the deformation of the surface epithelium. The plastination technique damaged the structures on the surface epithelium. Since the plastination technique and scanning electron microscopy have been studied together for the first time, we believe this would contribute to the scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the morphometric and histopathological properties of Modified Elnady's plastinated tissue after a period compared to non‐plastinated tissue. The plastination technique is utilized in research and teaching due to the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to formalin. The tissues and organs are permanently dried during plastination and can be used for further anatomical, histopathological and surgical educational purposes. This method involves drying tissue and allowing synthetic materials like glycerin to permeate it. The study compared non‐plastinated and plastinated tissue post‐plastination to determine if structural alterations differed from those linked to plastination. The study examined the histopathological examination of dogs' skin, muscles, liver, lung, and intestine using formalin‐fixed organs for paraffin embedding and previously plastinated organs for a plastinated group. The study examined non‐plastinated and plastinated tissues, their histological composition and biometric parameters revealing typical structures in the non‐plastinated group. Plasmodiumted tissues exhibited a compacted appearance, volume changes, nuclear clarity, and cytoplasmic hypereosinophilia, with statistical differences between the two groups. The study reveals that plastinated tissues, after 5 years of plastination, maintain their histological architecture well, with some exceptions. Plastinated tissues can be utilized in future microscopic and immunological studies and will be beneficial for teaching and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The challenges to learn veterinary anatomy in the actual curriculums and the changes in studying habits promoted by the global COVID-19 lockdown requires new approaches to deliver the best knowledge to the actual generation of learners. The present study evaluated the students' acceptance to a educational approach, which consisted in bringing plastinate anatomical specimens to study at home. The assessment was done through an anonymous survey and individual interviews. Accordingly, to the students' response, the method was well accepted for reasons that includes flexible time study and better possibilities to explore the anatomical differences between the species in three-dimensional materials. Considering the results and the low impact of this educational approach in the curriculum dynamics, the plastinate library is suggested as interesting aid to the learning experience in animal anatomy. The shortage of both time for anatomy courses in the new veterinary medicine curriculum and instructors prepared to teach biomedical sciences has raised a crisis in anatomical education. Often, students spend time out of their classes trying to learn not only concepts but also laboratory-wise content from 2D materials such as books and videos. In addition, since the global COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, studying and habits have been reviewed, with many people adopting an at-home style. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students' acceptance of taking plastinate anatomical specimens to study at home. Thirty-three students were divided into three groups. G1 took home a set of kidneys composed of equine, bovine, and swine materials; G2 took home a pig kidney; and G3 (control) did not take any plastinate specimen home. Acceptance was assessed using an anonymous survey and interview. The method had high acceptance by the students, who believed that having the plastinate library was advantageous from different perspectives, including aiding with learning the differences between kidneys from different species, time flexibility, no commute to study after hours of laboratory classes, and time redistribution to prioritize the laboratory topics. The plastinate library has the potential to be a supportive tool for anatomy students in the contemporaneous veterinary curriculum paradigm, considering that the G1 and G2 groups used the plastinate specimens at home to complement the time they spent in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the official announcement of the new type of coronavirus-induced COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic, an extraordinary situation that no one has ever encountered has started. Just as life was about to return to normal in Türkiye, two devastating earthquakes, centered in Kahramanmaraş, affected ten different cities. Many global and national developments in various fields, which are expected to happen in the distant future, were completed within 3 years. One of these fields was undoubtedly education. Hybrid learning is seen as a trending educational approach combining face-to-face and online learning. Plastinated specimens come to the forefront for hybrid education with various advantageous features. They are not only non-toxic, dry, odorless materials, but also can simulate the natural anatomic appearance in detailed manner. With the help of new-generation acrylic paints and dyes which can penetrate into tissues, plastinates offer a unique natural look rather impressive than any other techniques. Due to the features mentioned above, plastinates are also convenient materials for handling, transportation or storage. These issues will be discussed in our article in terms of compatibility with hybrid learning. The aim of this article is to give ideas and make suggestions about how plastinates, which have been used efficiently in anatomy practices and professional training, can be used in hybrid veterinary anatomy education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plastination technique produces non‐toxic human tissues, ensuring their safe handling in educational settings. This investigation aimed to understand if visually impaired students profit from the use of plastinated anatomical specimens in learning the anatomy of the nervous system. For this purpose, their learning performance was compared to sighted and blindfolded students recruited from three primary schools in Fortaleza city, in the state of Ceará. Initially, a questionnaire was applied before carrying out the pedagogical practice, followed by an anatomy lecture with practical components with the use of plastinated anatomical specimens and synthetic anatomical models of the nervous system. After these steps, the students answered the questionnaire previously applied. Our results showed that the tactile perception of the visually impaired participants was significantly more developed compared to sighted (p < 0.001) and the blindfolded (p < 0.0001) students. The average of correct answers in the reapplied questionnaire was higher in the groups that used plastinated specimens (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of plastinated specimens has proven to be an effective tool in promoting a better understanding of anatomical structures, mainly for students with or without visual impairments, making it a valuable asset in anatomy teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Roadkill is one of the most direct impacts on fauna, leading to numerous direct and indirect impacts. Road-killed animals could serve as a resource for research and teaching purposes, but first, they need to have their tissues preserved by some technique. Plastination is one of the most modern techniques for the conservation of biological tissues, its principle is the replacement of body fluids by a curable polymer, resulting in a non-toxic, odorless, and manipulable material. So the main aim of this work was to compose a collection of plastinated roadkill victims from the Biological Reserve Sooretama region, adapting the standard protocol to the different taxa worked here (Avialae, Reptilia, Amphibia, and Mammalia). For this, 42 animals were used, previously frozen and stored in the Sooretama Biological Reserve and Vale Natural Reserve until they were sent for processing. Upon arriving at the Plastination laboratory at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, the animals underwent the 4 stages of plastination: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation, and chemical cure; some adaptations were made to improve the final specimens. The results proved that the plastination of these animals is extremely viable in generating satisfactory results. Given the results obtained, it becomes clear how plastination can become an alternative to implement in the composition of biological collections using roadkill animals. The animals prepared in this work comprise an unprecedented collection available for different applications, such as exhibitions, practical classes, and research.

The aim of this study was to compare the micro anatomy of the tongue in German mast geese with other bird species by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. In addition, by applying the silicone plastination technique to the tongue, it is aimed to compare the SEM images before and after plastination. German mast geese used as study material were obtained from goose breeders. After the micro-anatomical features of the German goose tongue were determined, SEM (FEI-Quanta; FEG 250, USA) analyzes were made and their general structures were photographed. Then, silicone plastination processes were applied at room temperature. The SEM images of the fresh material and the plastinated material were compared by taking the SEM images again. As a result, it was determined that the features of the tongue were preserved macroscopically after the plastination process. The silicone plastination procedure of the German mast goose tissues took a total of 31 days. On the SEM plastination images, scattered dispersion was observed on the epithelium of the tongue surface, corresponding to the findings on the fresh material. The papillae on the SEM images were observed to be preserved as in the fresh material images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite attempts to develop the plastination technique in Bolivia, standardized results have not yet been achieved that could be communicated via scientific publications. There is a great deal of misunderstanding around the technique, confusing it with classic techniques of inclusion in different types of resin, such as polyester and epoxy, but these protocols are not plastination. The aim of this work was to communicate the first standardized room-temperature plastination protocol with silicone in Bolivia, with the unique feature of doing so at the altitude of the city of La Paz, thus constituting the first communication of a plastination technique at 4,150 m.a.s.l. sub sede La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide a precise description of the morphology and morphometry of the hypoglossal canal (HC) and its relationship with surrounding structures by using the epoxy sheet plastination technique. Thirty human cadaveric heads were plastinated into 5 sets of gross transparent plastination slices and 43 sets of ultrathin plastination sections. The HC were examined at both macro- and micro levels in these plastination sections and the reconstructed 3-dimensional visualization model. The HC was an upward arched bony canal with a dumbbell-shaped lumen. According to the arched trajectory of its bottom wall, the HC could be divided into a medial ascending segment and a lateral descending segment. The thickness of the compact bone in the middle part of the HC was thinner than that at the intracranial and extracranial orifices. In 14 of 43 sides (32.6%), the posterior wall or the roof of the HC were disturbed by passing venous channels which communicated the posterior condylar emissary vein and the inferior petroclival vein. The trajectory of hypoglossal nerve in HC is mainly from anterosuperior to posteroinferior. The meningeal dura and the arachnoid extended into the HC along the hypoglossal nerve to form the dural and arachnoid sleeves and then fused with the nerve near the extracranial orifice of the HC. Knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the HC can be helpful in avoiding surgical complications when performing surgery for lesions and the occipital condylar screw placement in this complex area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The anatomical basis of pituitary adenomas (PAs) with oculomotor cistern (OC) extension as a growth corridor is overlooked in the literature. In this paper, the authors use the technique of epoxy sheet plastination to study the membranous structure of the OC and validate the results by retrospective analysis of patients with OC extension. Methods: Eighteen specimens were used to study the membranous anatomy surrounding the OC using the epoxy sheet plastination technique. Thirty-four patients with OC extension were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The OC consisted of two thin membranous layers. The inner layer was extended by the arachnoid layer from the posterior fossa, and the lateral layer consisted of the dura mater sinking from the roof of the cavernous sinus. The oculomotor nerve is more likely to displace with a superolateral trajectory due to the weakness of the posterior dura and the relatively large space in the medial and posterior trajectories, which is consistent with the intraoperative observations. Among the anatomical factors that affect the PA by OC extension, we found that the relative position of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and posterior clinoid process may lead to the narrowing of the OC. Of 34 cases, 28 patients achieved total resection. Among 24 preoperative patients with oculomotor nerve palsy, 16 cases were relieved to varying degrees postoperatively. There was no ICA injury or severe intracranial infection found in any of the patients. Conclusions: Extension into the OC is influenced by two anatomical factors: a weak point in the dura in the posterior OC and a potential space beyond this region of the dura. Meticulous knowledge of the membranous anatomy in endoscopic endonasal surgery is required to safely and effectively resect PA with OC extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The establishment of new anatomy facilities needs to accommodate a combination of modern teaching modalities that best align with evidence-based best teaching practices. This article describes the process in which our state-of-the-art anatomy laboratories were designed and implemented, and how these facilities support aspects of modern anatomy education. Methods A list of best practices for anatomy education in a modern medical curriculum was summarized from the literature. To assess student satisfaction, a survey related to student perception of the anatomy facilities (5-point Likert scale) was conducted. Results Our educational modalities include a broad range of teaching approaches. The Instructional Studio houses prosected and plastinated specimens, and cadaveric dissections are performed. Each of our three Dry Laboratories allow for active learning and interaction between small student groups. The Webinar Room acts as a conference room for departmental and online meetings, discussions with students, and dialogues with affiliated hospitals via the internet. The Imaging Center is equipped with a Sectra® medical educational platform, CAE Vimedix® Virtual Medical Imaging Ultrasound Training System, and Philipps Lumify® Ultrasound devices to train students to conduct and interpret sonographic images. Moreover, the Complete Anatomy® program is made available to all our students. Conclusion The layout of our newly created Anatomy Facilities allows for all aspects of modern medical education mentioned in the literature. These educational modalities and teaching approaches are highly appreciated by our faculty and students. Moreover, these technologies allowed for a smooth transition from on-site anatomy teaching to online education during the COVID pandemic.

The present study aimed to define the anatomical structures by comparing the transversal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images of the forelimb joints of the rabbits with the cross‐sectional plastinated images. A total of 14 (seven females, seven males) one‐year‐old adult New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. After the CT and MR imaging procedures were completed, the forelimbs were removed from the body. The forelimbs were plastinated using the silicone plastination method and sectioned transversal. Cross‐sectional plastinates were evaluated and correlated anatomically with conjugate CT and MR images. Joint and surrounding anatomical structures were defined in sections. Cross‐sectional plastinated samples were highly correlated with CT and MR images in terms of bone and soft tissue, respectively. It is thought that the anatomical and radiological data obtained from the forelimb joints of rabbits will provide a basis for scientists who are involved in both experimental surgical interventions and clinical anatomy education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purposes of teaching anatomy, the use of cadaver preparations is considered the most efficient way of ensuring that students retain knowledge. Nevertheless, in Ecuador the use of animal specimens in universities must comply with the internationally accepted principles of replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs). Plastination is an alternative technique which allows organs to be conserved in the long term and complies with the 3Rs. The object of the present work was to use cold-temperature silicone plastination with Biodur® products to obtain long-lasting, easy-to-handle canine organs for use as tools for the teaching of animal anatomy. Six canine cadavers were obtained from local animal protection charities. The hearts, brains and kidneys of the cadavers were dissected and fixed with formaldehyde 10 %. They were then dehydrated with acetone at -20 °C. The specimens were impregnated with Biodur® S10:S3 (-20 °C) and finally cured with Biodur® S6. We plastinated six hearts, twelve kidneys, four brains and one encephalic slice of canine. The application of cold-temperature plastination to canine organs followed the parameters established for the conventional protocol, enabling us to obtain organs of brilliant appearance, free of odours, in which the anatomical form was preserved. Thus the technique helped us to comply with the 3Rs, as we obtained easy-to-handle teaching models to replace fresh or formaldehyde-fixed samples for the teaching-learning of the canine anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatomy is the branch discipline focused on studying organisms' physical structures and parts. Although technological advances are broadening the anatomy study, the practices of prosection and dissection of human cadavers and animals remain a primary teaching method. Despite the large body of research supporting its benefits, in some countries, cadaveric prosection and dissection of vertebrate animals in secondary education have been banned. In the current study, to prevent a lack of access to anatomical sciences education, the use of plastinated biological specimens was proposed for teaching practical biology in middle and high schools. The study was conducted in the 2014 academic year. Eighty‐seven middle school students participated in the experiment. Groups consisted of: (i) theoretical classes only; (ii) theoretical class plus prosection with fresh specimens class; (iii) theoretical class plus expository with plastinated specimens classes. A post‐test grade method was used to assess the impact of such tasks on the learning experience of each group. An ANOVA test and multiple regression model were used to analyze the effects of the variables of interest. Our study highlighted that students who underwent the plastination practical class had higher overall performance and a higher mean post‐test grade than those in the pure theoretical group. A favorable effect of a positive self‐knowledge assessment on the students' performance was found, supporting the self‐efficacy model of human behavior. Thus, the current study provides further evidence to support the use of plastinated specimens as an effective teaching method in countries where dissection is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Plastination is one of the most advanced method for preserving perishable biological specimen as well as tissue samples as for a longer period of time using polymers. Aims: To evaluate the changes in dimension of hard and soft tissue specimens after plastination procedure and compare it with the conventional method of preservation in formalin. Settings and Design: Institution-based retrospective study. Methods and Material: The study included 20 formalin-fixed soft tissue and 10 formalin-fixed hard tissue specimens. All the specimens were plastinated which involved four basic steps of fixation, dehydration and defatting, impregnation with polymer and curing of polymer followed by finishing and storage. The specimens were analysed for shrinkage and dimensional changes and changes in colour and consistency between formalin-fixed specimen and plastinated soft tissue and hard tissue specimen. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used. Results: After plastination, soft tissues showed average shrinkage of 3.49%with a range of 0.80-7.90% in comparison to the original size. In case of teeth and hard tissue specimen, there was no evidence of dimensional changes or shrinkage before and after plastination. Changes in colour and consistency of the soft tissue specimens were also noted before plastination and after plastination. Conclusions: Although the plastinated specimens in the current study showed minimal shrinkage rate, they have proved to be an excellent alternative to formalin-fixed specimens as they are easy to handle and maintain, non-infectious, non-toxic, user-friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The establishment of new anatomy facilities needs to accommodate a combination of modern teaching modalities that best align with evidence-based best teaching practices. This article describes the process in which our state-of-the-art anatomy laboratories were designed and implemented, and how these facilities support aspects of modern anatomy education. Methods: A list of best practices for anatomy education in a modern medical curriculum was summarized from the literature. To assess student satisfaction, a survey related to student perception of the anatomy facilities (5-point Likert scale) was conducted. Results: Our educational modalities include a broad range of teaching approaches. The Instructional Studio houses prosected and plastinated specimens, and cadaveric dissections are performed. Each of our three Dry Laboratories allow for active learning and interaction between small student groups. The Webinar Room acts as a conference room for departmental and online meetings, discussions with students, and dialogues with affiliated hospitals via the internet. The Imaging Center is equipped with a Sectra® medical educational platform, CAE Vimedix® Virtual Medical Imaging Ultrasound Training System, and Philipps Lumify® Ultrasound devices to train students to conduct and interpret sonographic images. Moreover, the Complete Anatomy® program is made available to all our students. Conclusion: The layout of our newly created Anatomy Facilities allows for all aspects of modern medical education mentioned in the literature. These educational modalities and teaching approaches are highly appreciated by our faculty and students. Moreover, these technologies allowed for a smooth transition from on-site anatomy teaching to online education during the COVID pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the area of health with the development of new diagnostic and surgical procedures require an increasingly precise knowledge of human anatomy. The diffusion of the variable arrangement of anatomy is essential not only in the field of specialization or postgraduate, but above all, in the undergraduate, from where the specialists will be trained who will later develop these new clinical and surgical practices that will require a solid anatomical background. This is why the correct application of anatomical techniques in anatomical samples is essential for this undergraduate teaching to be developed efficiently, plastination having a fundamental role in this regard. The aim of this work was to report the discovery of anatomical variations in the upper limbs of a human sample subjected to the plastination process to promote, on one hand, the importance of anatomical knowledge in undergraduate, postgraduate and specialties, as well as the relevance of longterm preservation of biological material for the continued dissemination of anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The original plastination protocol was described as dehydration and defatting with acetone, low temperature forced impregnation with a silicone polymer, and curing with a silicone cross-linker. This protocol was published, and the technique globally developed in multiple anatomy laboratories. However, some environmental, economic, and governmental regulatory issues affect carrying out this technique as was originally described. Our aim is to present an acetone free protocol as an alternative to carry out plastination. Material and methods: Tissue fixation was carried out through immersion in formaldehyde solution at 4% v/v. Isopropyl alcohol was used for low temperature dehydration. Defatting was done using methylene chloride at room temperature. Low temperature tissue impregnation was carried out with S10-S3 Biodur® silicone in a low-pressure media. Curing is divided into "passive curing" and cross-linking with S6 Biodur®. Results: Dry, durable, non-sticky and flexible plastinated specimens were obtained. Carrying out dehydration and defatting with isopropyl alcohol and methylene chloride, respectively, showed a minimal appearance change in every specimen excepting the ones from the central nervous system. Longer passive curing makes the specimens more flexible but reduces the quality of some impregnated solid-organ specimens. Conclusions: this manuscript presents an acetone free protocol that offers satisfactory plastinated specimens which could be used for research, academical and expositional purposes. This protocol deals with some of the main limitations faced following the original protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage of both time for anatomy courses in the new veterinary medicine curriculum and instructors prepared to teach biomedical sciences has raised a crisis in anatomical education. Often, students spend time out of their classes trying to learn not only concepts but also laboratory-wise content from 2D materials such as books and videos. In addition, since the global COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, studying and habits have been reviewed, with many people adopting an at-home style. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ acceptance of taking plastinate anatomical specimens to study at home. Thirty-three students were divided into three groups. G1 took home a set of kidneys composed of equine, bovine, and swine materials; G2 took home a pig kidney; and G3 (control) did not take any plastinate specimen home. Acceptance was assessed using an anonymous survey and interview. The method had high acceptance by the students, who believed that having the plastinate library was advantageous from different perspectives, including aiding with learning the differences between kidneys from different species, time flexibility, no commute to study after hours of laboratory classes, and time redistribution to prioritize the laboratory topics. The plastinate library has the potential to be a supportive tool for anatomy students in the contemporaneous veterinary curriculum paradigm, considering that the G1 and G2 groups used the plastinate specimens at home to complement the time they spent in the laboratory.

Plastination is a technique used to preserve biological tissues while retaining most of their original appearance. In the technique, developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, specimens were impregnated with a polymer, such as silicone, epoxy, or polyester. Considered the most suitable material for brain plastination, polyester has a wide application in teaching and research compared with imaging techniques. The materials for plastination are usually imported from Germany and more expensive than domestic products. If domestic polymers were to enter the market it would favor the expansion of plastination in Brazil. Hence, this study evaluated the feasibility of using domestic polyesters to replace the usual Biodur® (P40) in plastination of brain slices. For this evaluation, 2-mm-thick sections of bovine brains were prepared and plastinated with domestic polyester. Slices were compared before impregnation and after curing using standardized photographs taken after dehydration and after curing. Plastination followed the standard protocol: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation, and curing. Fifteen brain slices were plastinated with each polyester (P40, P18, and C1-3). There was no significant difference in the percent shrinkage between groups after plastination of P18 and P40, but the curing time of Cristalan© polymer was too short for impregnation. Therefore, no initiator was used for C polymers impregnation. Thus, domestic polyester P18 was a viable option for the process.

Development, optimization and validation of transcranial ultrasound methods require the use of fresh human or animal skulls. However, to avoid fresh skull degradation over time, fixation methods are required for conservation, such as formaldehyde buffer solution. This method allows for conservation of the skull properties over a relatively long period, but requires specific conditioning (de-gassing) and storage conditions, such that its practical use is limited. Plastination appears to be a unique solution for the preservation and transportation of body parts without constraints. However, the influence of this conservation process has yet to be characterized with respect to ultrasound transmission to verify that the acoustic and mechanical properties of the skulls are not altered by the plastination process. The objective of the study described here was to quantify the effect of plastination on ultrasound transmission through the temporal and parietal areas of the human skull between 200 kHz and 2 MHz. To achieve this, transmission measurements were performed on three different skulls and four areas before and after plastination. It was found that the plastination process results in a transmission loss of 5 dB. Moreover, results indicate that the plastination process does not induce any phase shift in the transmitted signal, validating the proper use of plastinated skulls for in vitro measurements and development of new transcranial ultrasound methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: plastination is an anatomical technique for the preservation of biological tissues whose principle is the replacement of body fluids by a curable polymer. Plastination with silicone, one of the polymers that can be used in this process, allows the conservation of tissue fragments, whole organs, and even large animals. The literature lacks detailed protocols for silicone plastination of sliced full human body. In this sense, the main objective of the work was to execute the first plastination of a full and sectioned human body in Latin America and detail the entire process. For this, a male cadaver with a length of approximately 1.65 meters and aged between 60 and 65 years was selected. The cadaver was part of the collection of the anatomy sector at the Federal University of Espirito Santo. The following steps were then taken to obtain the slices from the human body: positioning of the cadaver previously fixed in an anatomical position, its freezing, slicing, and the cleaning of the cuts. After that, the standard protocol for plastination was performed: dehydration in acetone, forced impregnation with silicone and curing. As a result, a total of 192 slices were plastinated. These slices were dry, odorless, non-toxic, manageable, easy to maintain and are being used in practical anatomy classes for healthcare degrees and for exhibitions at the Life Sciences Museum (MCV - Museu de Ciências da vida) at the Federal University of Espirito Santo in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medial wall of the cavernous sinus (CS) has a significant role in evaluation and treatment of pituitary adenomas. This study was conducted to clarify the fine architecture of the medial wall and medial compartment of the CS at both macro- and micro-levels in twenty-one human cadaveric heads by using the epoxy sheet plastination technique. The sellar part medial wall is an intact dural layer that separates the CS from the pituitary gland. This dural wall adhered to the diaphragma sellae and the periosteum of the sella turcica to form fibrous triangles. Eight micro-protrusions of the pituitary gland were found at both sides of that wall. The thickness of the sellar part medial wall at its central portion was significantly thinner than that at the other surrounding portions. From the superior view, tortuous intracavernous carotid arteries can be divided into outward bending type and inward bending type. The inward bending intracavernous carotid was apt to bent towards the central part of the sellar part medial wall, where there were usually wide and short fibrous bands with more densely stained connective tissues between them. The micro-protrusion of the pituitary gland in the medial wall of the CS could provide an anatomical basis for the occult tumor invasion and the recurrence of residual tumor. Different bending facing states of tortuous intracavernous carotid arteries in the lateral direction may be a factor of the determination of the direction of growth of pituitary tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastination has revolutionized the field of anatomy and research by providing biosecurity and enabling the long-term preservation of biological material, ranging from entire bodies to individual organs and even micron sections. The dentogingival junction (DGJ) consists of both epithelial and connective tissues that are closely related to the tooth's mineralized tissues. Cutting-grinding techniques are commonly used to visualize DGJ histology. These techniques exclude enamel from preparations and focus on visualizing hard or soft tissues. To improve the micro-anatomical and histological study of this region, we applied micro-plastination technique to obtain micro-thin slices below 150 μm thick from human and animal samples. The DGJ microanatomy was visualized by applying histological stains to the micro-plastinated slices, highlighting the technique's endogenous autofluorescence capacity identifying periodontal tissues, including dentin, enamel, cementoenamel junction, dentinal tubules, connective tissue, and collagen. Based on our results, we confirm that micro-plastination is a useful technique for visualizing anatomical regions that are difficult to access, such as the DGJ. Micro-plastination can be used as an alternative technique, providing a new approach for its application in anatomical and morphological research protocols., (© 2024 American Association of Clinical Anatomists and British Association of Clinical Anatomists.)

Copyright of Ciencia, Docencia y Technologia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plastination is an anatomical preparate preparation technique characterized by the replacement of tissue fluids with a reactive polymer. Although more challenging and economically costly than many anatomical methods, this method is desirable because of the fact that specimens created in this method are highly similar to the natural appearance of the intended objects, and they are durable and harmless end products for human health. Our main goal was to completely leave out formaldehyde and similar carcinogenic chemicals used in a method like plastination and to allow production of formaldehyde-free plastinates to be used in anatomy training and examinations in our country. To that end, we compared nose and tongue of 10 large ruminants by subjecting them to plastination, 5 of them with formaldehyde and 5 of them without formaldehyde, and aimed to leave formaldehyde out by taking into account the difference between them. Silicone plastination is the most commonly-used and best-known technique among the plastination techniques because specimens created using this technique look aesthetically impressive. Silicone plastination consists mainly of 5 phases. First of all, we obtained the anatomical situs we wanted and made specimens ready by dissecting some of them after fixation and some of them without fixation. Then, after the implementation of a dehydration phase in acetone baths at -25 °C, a forced impregnation phase was implemented by using a mixture of S10-S3 chemical under negative pressure. In the final phase, the curing and hardening phase, the plastination process was completed by giving the specimens their final shape with the use of the S6 solution. As a result, no significant difference was observed between silicone plastination with and without formaldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeszyty Prawnicze Biuro Analiz Sejmowej is the property of Kancelaria Sejmu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This study was to examine the opinions of first-year veterinary faculty students about the use of plastinated anatomic prosections in addition to wet cadavers in anatomy practical lessons. Materials and Methods: The students were shown plastinated organs and organs fixed in formaldehyde. Then a questionnaire comprising 7 questions was administered to the 100 student participants. The questionnaire responses were analyzed statistically using SPSS vn. 22.0 Frequencies software. Results: In response to question 1, 58.4% of the students thought that there was no anatomic difference between the plastinated organs and the organs fixed in formaldehyde. In contrast to the strong smell of formaldehyde, 88% of the students stated that the plastinates were odourless. The use of plastinated organs was thought to improve the quality of education by 89.1% of the students, compared to the negative aspects of formaldehyde. It was stated by 84.2% of the students that plastinated organs should be included in anatomy lessons due to the thoughts of the majority of the students that plastinated tissues could make a greater contribution to anatomy lessons. In response to the final question, 92.1% of the students stated that they felt no abhorrence of the plastinated organs. Conclusion: Plastination may be especially useful for educational institutions without access, space, or the financial resources for dissection, and can emphasize unique or pathological samples. The results of this study demonstrated that plastinated samples were perceived as a useful addition to traditional resources in the teaching of anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastination is an anatomical technique for preserving biological tissues based on the principle of replacing body fluids with a curable polymer. An inconvenient aspect of this technique is the tissue shrinkage it causes; several studies seek ways to reduce or avoid this shrinkage. Additionally, there are no studies in the literature that quantitatively evaluate the use of low viscosity silicones in plastination having shrinkage of tissue as a parameter. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of Silicones S10 (Biodur) and P1 (Polisil) in the plastination of different types of biological tissues of a sliced human body, having as a parameter the tissue shrinkage caused in the forced impregnation stage. Human cardiac, pulmonary, splenic, renal, hepatic, muscular, and bone tissues were analyzed. For such purpose, a male human body was used, sliced in 13-15-mm-thick pieces, having as a parameter the before and the after plastination with the different silicones. The standard protocol of the plastination of the slices was followed: dehydration, forced impregnation, and curation. Half of the pieces obtained were plastinated with silicone P1 (group P1) and the other half with S10 (group S10). All tissues and anatomical segments analyzed in this study showed less or equal shrinkage when plastination of the control group (S10) was compared with that of the P1 group. Therefore, we concluded that the lower viscosity silicone promoted less tissue shrinkage, making it a viable alternative to the reference.

Connective tissue serves a role beyond mere spatial filling. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that connective tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). According to our hypothesis, the median nerve (MN) is surrounded by a system of connective tissue distal to the pronator teres and extending up to, and including, the carpal tunnel. To visualize the connective tissue surrounding the median nerve, we dissected the forearms of 15 body donors from pronator teres to the carpal tunnel, created plastination slices stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and injected ink into the seen spaces. We verified our findings with a segmentational analysis of radiological data of 10 healthy individuals. We macroscopically describe the median nerve´s system of connective tissue (MC) distal to the pronator teres and up to and including the carpal tunnel. This system creates, connects, and separates spaces. At least from the pronator teres to the carpal tunnel it also creates subspaces from proximal to distal. For the MC, we established a mean cross-sectional area of 153.1 mm2 (SD=37.15) in the carpal tunnel. The median nerve consistently resides at the center of this MC, which further connects to flexor muscles of the forearm, and to the radius bone. In the carpal tunnel, the MC creates subspaces inside. There, it also acts as the outermost internal layer enveloping flexor tendons, and the MN. The term MC does not negate but orders the existence of other "connectives", like subsynovial connective tissue, endo-, epi- or perineuria, epimysia, periostea, or peritendinea, to a hierarchy related to the median nerve. Diseases of the MN are common. Knowing the anatomy of the MC and how it relates to MN function may help clinicians recognize and understand conditions like CTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few reports have been published regarding the microanatomy of the dura mater located at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). In clinic, the precise microanatomy of the CVJ dura mater would be taken into account, for reducing surgical complications and ineffective surgical outcomes. The main objective of the present investigation was to further elucidate the fiber composition and sources of the cervical spinal dura mater. Methods: The formalin-fixed adult head and neck specimens (n = 21) were obtained and P45 plastinated section method was utilized for the present study. The fibers of the upper cervical spinal dura mater (SDM) were examined in the P45 sagittal sections in the CVJ area. All photographic documentation was performed via a Canon EOS 7D Mark camera. Results: The posterior wall of the SDM sac at CVJ was found to be composed of stratified fibers, which are derived from three sources: the cerebral dura mater, the occipital periosteum, and the myodural bridge (MDB). The proper layer of the cerebral dura mater passes over the brim of the foramen magnum and enters the vertebral canal to form the inner layer of the SDM, and the fibers originating from the periosteum of the brim of the foramen magnum form the middle layer. The fibers of the MDB are inserted into the SDM and form its outer layer. It was found that the total number of fibers from each origin varied in humans. Conclusion: At the CVJ, the posterior wall of the SDM is a multi-layered structure composed of three different originated fibers. The cerebral dura mater, the periosteum located at the brim of the foramen magnum, and MDB contribute to the formation of the SDM. The present study would be beneficial to the choice of surgical approach at the CVJ and the protection of the SDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: At the New York University College of Dentistry, we are faced with the challenge of teaching Head and Neck Anatomy to a class of approximately 380 first‐year students. We have developed an innovative anatomy curriculum that has proven effective in facilitating students' learning and long‐term retention of the material. It has the added benefit of being time‐ and cost‐efficient. Here, we share the structure of our curriculum and examine the student outcomes and student feedback. Materials and Methods: In this paper, we describe the evidence‐based methods used in our course and present measures of student success. We also surveyed students about aspects of the anatomy curriculum. Results: Our curriculum efficiently manages cost, instructional time, and classroom space, while promoting student success. Over the last 9 years, NYU Dentistry students have achieved a mean first‐time pass rate of 98.6% and an average anatomy score of 1.74 standard deviations above the national mean on the National Board Dental Examination Part I. Students agree with instructor assessments of which features of the curriculum are valuable and state that the course helps them prepare for clinical courses. Conclusion: We believe that the main factors in the success of our course are the small group setting, the benefits of spaced repetition and frequent quizzes, and the use of plastinated specimens in place of wet cadavers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there are more than 32 million people around the world who have viewed the Body Worlds exhibitions, which include "world-body plastinates, individual organs, organ configurations and transparent body slices" (Body Worlds). Due to the invention of the new preservation method - plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977-bodies, organs and body slices are kept in perfect shape and are able to show the inner construction of bodies. The purpose of Body Worlds exhibitions listed on the Body Worlds website is: "to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and show the effects of poor health, good health and lifestyle choices" (Body Worlds). Though serving the purpose of education, the bodies remain controversial because of their ethnic origins. Body Worlds claims that specimens on display came from "body donors, individuals who bequeathed that, upon their death, their bodies could be used for educational purposes in the exhibition" (Body Worlds). However, a news article titled "Von Hagens forced to return controversial corpses to China" ran in The Guardian stated that seven corpses from China were returned after Dr. Von Hagens admitted that the bodies might have been those of executed prisoners in China; at least two corpses stored by the anatomist at his center in China had bullet holes in their skulls, and seven of them had head injuries2. It became clear that these bodies from the Global South became the "donors" without their consent, and with the help of the local corrupt government which was complicit with the exchange of what was deemed expendable bio matter. Moreover, the Body Worlds exhibitions also raise an issue of the commodification of bodies, both living and dead. The Body Worlds website offers plastinated pieces for sale, "from plastinated fruit jewelry to entire humans [the latter requires authorization]"3 (Body Worlds). On the Body Worlds website, people can buy pieces, slides, and even the whole plastinated bodies. The commodification of plastinated bodies is similar to the Chinese prisoners, whose bodies were commodified against their own wills as products on the Body Worlds website. The commodification of the dead bodies and organs provokes a series of questions on biomatter for both the dead and the living: how are bodies and organs objectified and commodified by the Global North? How do economic considerations orchestrate exchange of bio matter between the Global North and the Global South? How do modern technologies provide incentive for illegal organ trafficking on a material level and on an ideological level? Padmanabhan presents us with Indian characters that are structurally positioned to sell, trade and reproduce organs due to global economic disparity coupled with the lack of rights within nation-states. Through the analysis of the Body Worlds exhibitions, Giorgio Agamben's concept of "bare life," Lawrence Cohen's definitions of "bioavailability" and "operability," the technological dehumanization found in Harvest demonstrates the parallel relationship between dead tissues and the living organ trade. Also, I will contend that technology has stripped bodies of the Global South, specifically Indian bodies, down into "bare life" and pure commodities for the international organ trade. The illegal organ trade has become a global issue which evokes a consideration of the potential effect and threat of modern technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / Harran Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Yedi is the property of YEDI (Dokuz Eylul Universitesi Guzel Sanatlar Fakultesi Yayini) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

For thousands of years, anatomical models have served as essential tools in medical instruction. While human dissections have been the regular source of information for medical students for the last few centuries, the scarcity of bodies and the religious and social taboos of previous times made the process of acquiring human cadavers a challenge. The dissection process was dependent on the availability of fresh cadavers and thus was met with a major time constraint; with poor preservation techniques, decomposition turned the process of employing bodies for instruction into a race against time. However, the advent of anatomical models has countered this issue by supplying accurate anatomical detail in a physical, three-dimensional form superior to that of the two-dimensional illustrations previously used as the primary adjunct to dissection. Artists worked with physicians and anatomists to prepare these models, creating an interdisciplinary interaction that advanced anatomical instruction at a tremendous rate. These models have taken the form of metal, wood, ivory, wax, papier-mâché, plaster, and plastic and have ultimately evolved into computerized and digital representations currently. We provide a brief historical overview of the evolution of anatomical models from a unique neuroanatomical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many preservation techniques that are used to ensure that the changes (odor, color, and elasticity) in the characteristics of the animal or human bodies after death are minimized in the field of anatomy. One of the most modern anatomic specimen preparation methods is the plastination technique. Therefore, primary plastination stages were applied to the muscle tissue in this study. The aim of the current study is to present color changes in muscle tissue quantitatively by using a colorimeter device in every stage of the standard silicone plastination technique until the last product is obtained. Color analyses were performed on the muscle tissue after each stage of the plastination. Throughout the whole process, it was observed that the stage when the value of color change from green to red in the product was the closest to the fresh tissue was the 1st acetone bath. The value of color change from blue to yellow was closest to the fresh tissue at the gas curing and hardening stage. Furthermore, the closest values to the fresh tissue were recorded after the impregnation stage when the variations in plastinates were evaluated in terms of brightness. Color changes in plastinates, which have been described as close to the natural color up to today, were determined through statistical data in this study. Moreover, as a result of this dissertation, it was asserted that colorimeter can be effectively used in the field of anatomy due to the advantages it holds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The most widely adopted technique to preserve the gross specimen of the parasite is immersions and storage in liquid preservatives. The present study aimed to describe the dry method of the preservation of Toxocara vitulorum using plastination technique. Materials and Methods: Acetone dehydrated parasites were incubated at –20°C for 1 month in five different plastination solutions, prepared by mixing melamine and turpentine oil with clove oil (MTCl)/chloroform (MTC)/isopropanol (MTI)/benzene (MTB)/xylene (MTX) in 1:1:1 ratio to infiltrate the polymer. Technical personnel was asked to assign weekly score for dryness, stickiness, shrinkage, glossiness, flexibility, and odor of the prepared model on a 5-point scale. Results: Overall, the plastinated parasites were dry, non-sticky, glossy, odorless, chemical-free, harmless, to some extent flexible, with detectable morphological structure including natural form but lost their natural color, and cuticle became translucent. A varying level of shrinkage was noted in all types of plastinated model, but it was least in MTCl model. One month post-plastination, the mean evaluation score for glossiness was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.50±0.17), followed by MTC (3.72±0.32), MTX (3.56±0.38), MTB (2.83±0.37), and MTI (2.31±0.33). Likewise, for flexibility, the score was maximum in the parasite plastinated in MTCl solution (4.36±0.16), followed by MTB (3.11±0.14), MTC (2.94±0.41), MTX (2.75±0.41), and MTI (1.97±0.28). The degree of dryness, stickiness, and odor of the prepared model varies non-significantly (p>0.05) with the polymer mixtures. Maximum shrinkage percentage in terms of length and width was 4.24% and 50%, respectively, in the parasites plastinated in MTB solution. Shrinkage percentage was minimal (1.81% in length and 25% in width) in the MTCl plastinated parasites. Shrinkage percentage in terms of dimension was statistically non-significant among the different polymer solutions. Plastinated models withstand the process of microbial decomposition. There were 5 and 11 odd points in favor of plastination and formalin preservation technique, respectively. Conclusion: The prepared T. vitulorum model in MTCl can be used as an adjunct to the parasite preserve in 10% formalin solution. The plastination technique can be used as an alternative method of liquid preservation.

The histo-morphology and biometry of liver, lung and kidney of goat were studied. The obtained samples were divided into two groups. One set of tissue was processed for paraffin embedding after formalin fixation. The other set was indigenously plastinated. The plastinates were embedded with paraffin without deplastination. Both the non plastinated and plastinated tissues were sectioned and processed for routine staining. The tissues were examined under light microscope for histological architectures and quantitatively assessed the biometric parameters. The non plastinated and plastinated samples yielded mostly similar histological architectures. But plastinated liver showed alterations and artifacts with enlargement of the central vein and hepatic sinusoidal space. Plastinated lung revealed enlarged alveolar sac. Lack of nuclear clarity was observed for all the plastinated samples. The plastinated kidney revealed compactness of the cellular structures and shrinkage induced artifacts with clear renal corpuscles structure and obvious glomerular capsule (Bowman's capsule). The biometric measurements of central vein of liver, alveolar sac of lung, glomerulus and glomerular space of kidney of both plastinated and non plastinated tissue were also performed using calibrated stage micrometer. Comparison was done between the biometric data for both plastinated and non plastinated tissue. No significant difference was found in the obtained biometric data of liver and lung. Only a significant difference was observed between the width of glomerulus of non plastinated kidney and width of glomerulus of plastinated kidney. The morphological and biometric study of non plastinated and plastinated organs of goat can conclude that histological slides can be made from indigenously plastinated organs with well preserved histological architectures of the tissues with some rare exceptions. Plastination does not affect the biometric characteristics of the organs. In addition, the comparative morphologic and biometric study of plastinated and non plastinated organs of goat will be useful in education and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The use of plastination can minimize health risks and cost in anatomy laboratories. Plastinates are easy to handle and can facilitate the learning of complex anatomical structures. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the contribution of plastinates to teaching complex anatomy of the heart. Methods: Standard S10 technique was used for heart plastination by fixation, dehydration, impregnation and curing stages. Ninety volunteer first-year medicine students at Akdeniz University, who did not take cardiovascular system anatomy lectures yet, were included. Formalin-fixed heart specimens were used in the lecture of group 1; both formalin-fixed heart specimens and heart plastinates were used in the lecture of group 2. After the lecture, a 10-question exam was administered. Statistical significance between the scores of the two groups was tested with one sample t-test, and post hoc Tukey test was used for multiple comparisons. Results: The pre-test scores of the groups were compared with the scores obtained after the 2 hours of lecture (p=0.002, p<0.05). The test scores of both groups increased significantly after the lecture (p<0.05). The post-test scores of group 2 were significantly higher than group 1 (p= 0.047, p<0.05). The average test scores of those trained with formalin-fixed specimens increased from 23.78±1.94 to 48.22±3.19 (p<0.05). Students gave positive feedback about heart plastinates, and they stated that their rising interest in the anatomy lecture due to the odourless, disinfected and reusable materials. Conclusion: In conclusion, besides being cost-effective, healthy, long lasting and easy to maintain materials, plastinates are useful tools to teach complex anatomical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The article proposes a method of plastination in pig's heart based on the use of polyurethane as the final material for forced impregnation, this research continues the tradition of finding and forming a different plastination method than that proposed and standardized by Gunther von Hagens. Objectives: With this work we aim to perform a plastination test with polyurethane in pig's heart as well as test polyurethane as a material for the plastination of pig hearts and identify the technique of plastination with polyurethane. Methods: New plastination materials were searched in databases with bases in the updates and searches that the GESS group has performed throughout its creation. finding that polyurethane by its chemical characteristics could become one of the materials to make a plastination viable. Results: The plastination was achieved with the technique proposed of a pig's heart, which acquired flexibility and duration characteristics over 1 year of post-plastination study Conclusions: Plastination with plastic polyurethane was a viable method for heart plastination, although it is recommended that it should be followed in the search for new materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastination was fabricated in 1978 by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens at the University of Heidelberg,, Germany, which Kept for the good conservation of anatomical and biological material. The present goal was to utiliz a cost- effective plastination polymers as compared to the standard S10 technique using silicone polymers. The S10 is the original silicone polymer used for the preparation of plastinated specimens and whole dissecting body. . Specimens were fixed in formalin 10%, dehydrated and decreasing in acetone, and at last,impregnated by local commercial unsaturated polyester resin and ultimately hardening at 50 °C temperature. The plastinated specimens were clean, durable,odorless,portable and non-toxic,it can be kept for long durations without any changes .The usage of widespread S10 silicon method is high costs so with the aid of using indigenous chemicals it is possible to produced low costs anatomical models for education and for studying anatomy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universitas Médica is the property of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)