Unique formation of sciatic nerve below the piriformis muscle - a case report.

Dorsal and ventral divisions of ventral rami of lower lumbar and sacral spinal nerve were found to pass ventral and dorsal to the piriformis muscle respectively. These divisions joined each other below the piriformis muscle to form sciatic nerve. This low formation of sciatic nerve was observed in distal part of left gluteal region of a 50-year-old male cadaver. The sciatic nerve thus formed passed caudally into back of thigh and divided into tibial and common peroneal nerves in the upper part of popliteal fossa. In addition, a communicating nerve from the sciatic nerve was found to join the common peroneal nerve in the popliteal fossa. Such variations may lead to piriformis syndrome or non-discogenic sciatica.

Anomalous muscle from the fascia around popliteal vessels.

Normally, the popliteal fossa contains popliteal vessels, tibial and common peroneal nerves. An occurrence of muscle in the popliteal fossa is very rare. During routine dissection classes for medical undergraduates, an anomalous muscle in the popliteal fossa was encountered. The muscle was originating from the thick fascia around the popliteal vessels. It was getting inserted to the medial head of the gastrocnemius through a narrow tendon and was supplied by a branch of tibial nerve. The muscle was observed in the right limb and was unilateral. An awareness of the possibility that such anomalous muscles can occur in the popliteal fossa is clinically essential as these may possibly entrap and compress the popliteal vessels. The muscle reported in the present case bears clinical significance since near its origin it almost completely surrounded the popliteal vessels and could pull on these vessels on contraction (Fig. 3, Ref. 14).

Role of dilute alcohol in the removal of fine wrinkles from paraffin sections, a histo-technical study / Rol del alcohol diluido en la eliminación de arrugas finas desde secciones de parafina, un estudio histotécnico

Histotechnology is concerned with processing and preparing of the body tissue in such a manner as to enable a satisfactory study of it. Section cutting is an integral part of histology and histopathology. It is an art by itself requiring skill and knowledge on the part of technician or the person who needs to do section cutting. In the routine method of preparing paraffin sections, it is often encountered by the presence of artefacts like fine wrinkles or folds. Attempts have been made to remove the wrinkles by floating the sections in the warm water bath. However this method has not been able to remove all the wrinkles from the sections. We have designed a simple and reliable method, in which the paraffin sections were floated over the ethyl alcohol diluted with water (1:15) before they were placed in the water bath. Through this method, we have been able to get the wrinkle free sections of superior quality. The advantage of our method is that, it is easy to prepare the dilute alcohol and is cost effective. This method can be used by the histology and pathology technicians and the researchers.

Histotecnología se refiere a la elaboración y preparación de los tejidos del cuerpo de tal forma que permitan un estudio satisfactorio de éste. El corte seccionado es una parte integral de la histología y la histopatología. Es un arte por sí mismo que requiere habilidad y conocimiento por parte del técnico o la persona que tiene que hacer el corte de la sección. En el método de rutina de la preparación de las secciones de parafina se encuentra a menudo la presencia de artefactos como arrugas finas o pliegues. Se han hecho intentos para eliminar las arrugas por flotación de las secciones en el baño de agua tibia. Sin embargo, este método no ha sido capaz de eliminar todas las arrugas de las secciones. Hemos diseñado un método sencillo y fiable, en el que las secciones de parafina fueron colocadas por flotación sobre alcohol etílico diluido con agua (1:15) antes de ser colocado en el baño de agua. A través de este método, hemos sido capaces de obtener secciones sin arrugas de calidad superior. La ventaja de nuestro método es que, es fácil de preparar el alcohol diluido y es rentable. Este método puede ser utilizado por los técnicos de histología, patología e investigadores.

A study on the variations of size, shape and external features of the spleen in south Indian population / Estudio sobre la variación del tamaño, forma y características externas del bazo en la población del sur de la India

The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ. It is wedge shaped and measures about 1 inch thick, 3 inches broad and 5 inches long. It presents characteristic notches on its superior margin and has a hilum on the visceral surface. The aim was to study the anomalies related to size, shape and external features of the spleen and discuss their clinical importance. As there are not many reports on variations in size shape and features of spleen in the South Indian population, we decided to do this study on cadaveric specimens. We observed 50 spleens fixed with 10 percent formalin. Among the 50 spleens observed, 25 spleens (50 percent) were normal and had all the features explained in the textbooks. 25 spleens (50 percent) did not have any notches on the superior margin, 2 spleens (4 percent) did not have a hilum and 4 spleens (8 percent) were small sized i.e. about 3 inches long. One of the spleens (2 percent) was "liver shaped" with 2 lobes. The knowledge of external features and dimensions of spleen are important for radiologists and surgeons as it may lead to confusions in interpreting radiographs and in the procedures of ultrasound examinations.

El bazo es el mayor órgano linfoide. Tiene forma de cuña y mide alrededor de 2,5 cm de espesor, 7,5 cm de ancho y 12,5 cm de largo. Presenta incisuras características en su margen superior y tiene un hilio en la superficie visceral. Debido a que no existen muchos informes sobre las variaciones del bazo en la población del sur de la India, el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar dichas variaciones y discutir su importancia clínica. Se observaron 50 bazos fijados con formalina al 10 por ciento. 25 bazos (50 por ciento) fueron normales y tenían las características que se explican en los libros anatómicos. 25 bazos (50 por ciento) no tenían ninguna incisura en el margen superior, 2 bazos (4 por ciento) no tenían hilio y 4 bazos (8 por ciento) eran de tamaño pequeño, con alrededor de 7,2 cm de largo. Uno de los bazos (2 por ciento) tenía "forma de hígado" con dos lóbulos. El conocimiento de las características externas y las dimensiones del bazo son importantes para los radiólogos y cirujanos, ya que pueden dar lugar a confusiones en la interpretación de radiografías y en los procedimientos de examen ultrasonográfico.

Costodorsalis ­ an Additional Slip of Pectoralis Major Muscle: a Case Report / Costodorsal ­ un Fascículo Adicional del Músculo Pectoral Mayor: Reporte de un Caso

Occurrence of variant muscular slips from pectoralis major muscle is rare. In this report, we present a rare case of aberrant muscular slip associated with the pectoralis major muscle which we call costodorsalis. This muscular slip originated from the 6th rib near the costochondral junction and ran along the lower border of pectoralis major muscle. It crossed the axilla from medial to lateral side and merged with the latissimus dorsi muscle. This type of origin and insertion is unique and has not been reported earlier. The knowledge of this muscle variation may be of special importance to the anesthesiologists, physiotherapists and plastic surgeons.

Es poco frecuente la aparición de variaciones de un fascículo muscular desde el músculo pectoral mayor . En este trabajo, presentamos el caso de un fascículo muscular aberrante asociado con el músculo pectoral mayor que denominamos costodorsal. Este fascículo muscular se originó en la 6 costilla cerca de la unión costocondral y corrió a lo largo del margen inferior del músculo pectoral mayor. Cruzó la axila de medial a lateral y se fusionó con el músculo latísimo del dorso. Este tipo de origen y la inserción es único y no se ha informado anteriormente. El conocimiento de esta variación muscular puede ser de especial importancia para los anestesistas, fisioterapeutas y cirujanos plásticos.

A Study on the Variations in the Formation of the Trunks of Brachial Plexus / Estudio sobre las Variaciones en la Formación de los Troncos del Plexo Braquial

Brachial plexus shows several variations in its formation and branching pattern. Variations in the formation of the trunks are very rare. We studied 44 dissected specimens specifically for variations in the formation of the trunks of the brachial plexus. 5 cadavers (11.3 percent) showed variations in the formation of the trunks. All the variations were unilateral. In one cadaver (2.27 percent), the middle trunk was formed by union of C7 and C8 roots and lower trunk was formed by T1 root. Upper and middle trunks were fused with each other in one specimen (2.27 percent). In 3 specimen (6.81 percent), the C5 root pierced scalenus anterior before joining C6 to form the upper trunk. Knowledge of its variations is of importance to orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and anesthesiologists.

EL plexo braquial muestra algunas variaciones en su formación y patrón de ramificación. Las variaciones en la formación de los troncos son muy raras. Se disecaron 44 especímenes para observar las eventuales variaciones en la formación de los troncos del plexo braquial. Cinco cadáveres (11,3 por ciento) mostraron variaciones en la formación de los troncos. Todas las variaciones fueron unilaterales. En un cadáver (2,27 por ciento), el tronco medio se formó por la unión de las raíces C7 y C8 y, parte inferior del tronco, estaba formado por la raíz de T1. En un caso (2,27 por ciento) los troncos superior y medio se fusionaron entre sí. En 3 muestras (6,81 por ciento), la raíz de C5 cruzó el músculo escaleno anterior antes de unirse a C6 para formar la parte superior del tronco. El conocimiento de estas variaciones es importante para los cirujanos ortopédicos, los neurólogos y anestesiólogos.

Effect of topical phenytoin on burn wound healing in rats.

To evaluate the effect of phenytoin on burn wounds and to compare the effect of the combination of topical phenytoin preparation in dexamethasone treated burn wounds in rats, partial thickness thermal burn wounds were inflicted upon five groups of six rats each. Group I was assigned as control, Group II received the standard silver sulphadiazine, Group III was given topical phenytoin and Group IV received injection dexamethasone, Group V received the combination of the phenytoin and the dexamethasone. The parameters observed were epithelialization period, percentage of wound contraction and histopathological analysis as indicative of the process of healing. Phenytoin group showed significant improvement in burn wound contraction in comparison to standard silver sulphadiazine group, the combination group of topical phenytoin and dexamethasone also showed significant contraction compared to dexamethasone group. The period of epithelialization also decreased significantly in groups II, III and V. In conclusion, phenytoin promotes burn wound healing as evidenced by decrease in period of epithelialization and faster wound contraction.

Anomalous branching pattern of the aortic arch and its clinical applications.

The aortic arch gives rise to three classical branches, namely the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. We report a rare variation of the left common carotid artery and the right vertebral arteries originating from the brachiocephalic trunk, and the left vertebral artery that was arising from the arch of the aorta, proximal to the origin of the left subclavian artery. Variations in the branching pattern of the arch of aorta can alter the cerebral haemodynamics that leads to cerebral abnormalities. Knowledge of the variations in the classical branches of the arch of aorta is important in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm after subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Effect of Centella asiatica L (Umbelliferae) on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing in Wistar Albino rats.

Centella asiatica is a reputed medicinal plant used in the treatment of various skin diseases in the Indian system of medicine. The objective of the study presented in this article was to evaluate the wound-healing potential of the ethanolic extract of the plant in both normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing. The study was done on Wistar albino rats using incision, excision, and dead space wounds models. The extract of C asiatica significantly increased the wound breaking strength in incision wound model compared to controls (P < .001). The extract-treated wounds were found to epithelize faster, and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased as compared to control wounds (P < .001). Wet and dry granulation tissue weights, granulation tissue breaking strength, and hydroxyproline content in a dead space wound model also increased at statistically significant levels as shown. The extract of the leaves had the effect of attenuating the known effects of dexamethasone healing in all wound models (P < .001, P < .05). The results indicated that the leaf extract promotes wound healing significantly and is able to overcome the wound-healing suppressing action of dexamethasone in a rat model. These observations were supported by histology findings.

Effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn. on normal and dexamethasone suppressed wound healing.

Ethanolic extract of leaves of O. sanctum was investigated for normal wound healing and dexamethasone depressed healing using incision, excision and dead space wound models in albino rats. The extract of O. sanctum significantly increased the wound breaking strength in incision wound model. The extract treated wounds were found to epithelialize faster and the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased as compared to control wounds. Significant increase in wet and dry granulation tissue weight, granulation tissue breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in dead space wound model was observed. The extract significantly decreased the antihealing activities of dexamethasone in all the wound models. The results indicated that the leaf extract promotes wound healing significantly and able to overcome the wound healing suppressing action of dexamethasone. Histological examination of granulation tissue to determine the pattern of lay-down for collagen confirmed the results.

Anatomy that must be taught to a medical undergraduate: an interview-based survey in an Indian medical school.

Confusion still exists about the anatomy to be taught to the medical undergraduate. We did an interview-based survey at the Melaka Manipal Medical College in Manipal, India, to try to evaluate the quantum of anatomy that should be taught to the medical undergraduate. The results suggest that excluding trivia and making anatomy more clinically oriented would be advantageous. A hybrid approach to anatomy including both problem-based learning and discipline-based curricula would be a better option than the regional or systemic approaches.

Effect of intracerebroventricular methotrexate on brain amines.

Intrathecal methotrexate in children with leukemia is known to cause seizures, dementia, leukoencephalopathy and cognitive dysfunction. To investigate the role of brain amines in cognitive dysfunction, male Wistar rats were given multiple intracerebroventricular injections of methotrexate. Our earlier studies in this regard revealed disruption of brain monoamines in hippocampus with severe cytotoxic effect on CA4 hippocampal neurons. Further extending this study, the levels of brain monoamines in frontal cortex, hypothalamus and brainstem were estimated by HPLC method and histopathological study of the frontal cortex. The concentration of all three-brain amine (norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin) levels was reduced in 2 mg/kg dose of methotrexate in frontal cortex and brain stem. Hypothalamus did not show any significant change in brain monoamine levels. No structural changes in the frontal cortex neurons were observed. Disruption of brain monoamines has been proposed as a cause of brain dysfunction from this chemotherapy. The outcome of the study may have therapeutic implications in the management of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia.

Evaluation of intraperitoneal vincristine in malignant peritoneal effusion.

The efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal administration of vincristine sulphate was determined in mice bearing Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma. The tumor bearing animals were administered with 0.5 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) of freshly prepared vincristine sulphate intraperitoneally on day 6 after tumor transplantation followed by drug administration once daily 5 days a week consecutively. The observations regarding the survival, alteration in the volume of peritoneal fluid, increase in life span and pathological changes in the liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract and bone tissues were made. The vincristine sulphate treatment reduced the malignant cell population significantly and there were no significant changes in the histological picture of liver, kidney, bone, except the intestine, where atropy of villi demonstrating nests and cords of uniform small round cells were observed. Our experimental data suggests that intraperitoneal administration of vincristine is beneficial in malignant peritoneal effusion.

Pyramid environment reduces the wound healing suppressant properties of dexamethasone in albino rats.

With a view to investigate the contribution and role of environment within a wooden pyramid model on the wound healing suppressant effect of dexamethasone in rats, wound breaking strength, dry weight, hydroxyproline content and histology of granulation tissue of the dead space wound were studied in rats. The results indicate that the environment within the wooden pyramid not only promotes significant wound healing but also reduces the wound healing suppressant effect of dexamethasone. Histological studies also confirmed the results.

Hippocampal brain amines in methotrexate-induced learning and memory deficit.

Intrathecal methotrexate in children with leukemia is known to cause seizures, dementia, leukoencephalopathy, and cognitive dysfunction after long-term treatment. To investigate the cognitive dysfunction, male Wistar rats were given multiple intracerebroventricular injections of methotrexate. Its effect on behaviour was tested in the two-compartment conditioned avoidance task and dark-bright arena test. Levels of brain amines in the hippocampal region of the brain were estimated by HPLC. The qualitative and quantitative histopathological changes in the different regions of the hippocampus were studied by cresyl violet staining. Multiple injections (1 or 2 mg/kg) produced convulsions and learning and memory impairment but did not induce anxiolytic activity. They also reduced concentrations of all three brain amines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) and the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The CA4 region of the hippocampus was severely affected by intraventricular methotrexate. Disruption of brain monoamines has been proposed as a cause of brain dysfunction from this chemotherapy, and that disruption may in turn involve cytotoxic effects of methotrexate on brain tissue. The outcomes of this study may have therapeutic implications in the management of cancer conditions, particularly in childhood lymphoblastic leukemia.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of Ginkgo biloba in rats.

The mechanism of hepatoprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba (GB), an herbal preparation with wide variety of therapeutic application, on paracetamol (Pcml) induced hepatic damage in rats has been investigated. GB treatment restored the marker enzyme levels indicating the in vivo protective effects against Pcml induced liver damage both in preventive and curative aspects. GB also reversed the increased TBARS levels, and elevated the GSH content of the liver. The results obtained from the study indicate hepatoprotective nature of GB, which might be due to its ability to prevent lipid peroxidation and replenishing the gllutathione level. The effects of GB were comparable to that of silymarin.

An experimental model to produce partial thickness burn wound.

Simple burn wound models are always warranted. In view of this a partial thickness reproducible 2 degrees C burn wound has been produced using hot molten wax. This model is simple, convenient, and could be used to monitor wound contraction and epithelization in burn wounds.