Validation and motion analyses of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with Thiel-embalmed cadavers.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to develop practical training for laparoscopic surgery using Thielembalmed cadavers. Furthermore, in order to verbalize experts' motion characteristics and provide objective feedback to trainees, we initiated motion capture analyses of multiple surgical instruments simultaneously during the cadaveric trainings. In the present study, we report our preliminary results. METHODS: Participants voluntarily joined the present cadaveric simulation trainings, and performed laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. After the trainings, scores for tissue similarity (face validity) and impression of educational merit (content validity) were collected from participants based on a 5-point Likert scale (tissue similarity: 5: very similar, 3: average, 1: very different; educational merit: 5: very high, 3: average, 1: very low). In addition, after the additional IRB approval, we started motion capture (Mocap) analyses of 6 surgical instruments (scissors, vessel sealing system, grasping forceps, clip applier, right-angled forceps, and suction), using an infrared trinocular camera (120-Hz location record). Mocap-metrics were compared according to the previous surgical experiences (experts: ≧50 laparoscopic surgeries, intermediates: 10-49, novices: 0-9), using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: A total of 9 experts, 19 intermediates, and 15 novices participated in the present study. In terms of face validity, the mean scores were higher than 3, other than for the Vena cava(mean score of 2.89). Participants agreed with the training value (usefulness for future skill improvement: mean score of 4.57). In terms of Mocap analysis, faster speed-related metrics (e.g., velocity, the distribution of tip velocity, acceleration, and jerk) in the scissors and vessel sealing system, a shorter path length of grasping forceps, and fewer dimensionless squared jerks, which indicated more purposeful motion of 4 surgical instruments (vessel sealing system, grasping forceps, clip applier and suction), were observed in the more experienced group. CONCLUSIONS: The Thiel-embalmed cadaver provides an excellent training opportunity for complex laparoscopic procedures with participants' high level of satisfaction, and may become a promising tool for a better objective understanding of surgical dexterity. In order to enrich formative feedback to trainees, we are now proceeding with Mocap analysis.

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of airborne microorganisms during gross anatomical class and the bacterial and fungal load on formalin-embalmed corpses.

Mold growth on body donations remains an underreported yet serious issue in anatomical teaching. Bacterial and fungal growth pose health risks to lecturers and students, alongside with ethical and aesthetic concerns. However, limited information exists on the presence of bacteria and fungi on body donations and their underlying causes. To investigate the potential impact of airborne germs on body donation contamination, we conducted indoor air measurements before, during, and after our anatomical dissection course, with outdoor measurements serving as a control. Tissue samples from the dissected body donations were collected to assess the germ load, with qualitative and quantitative microbiological analyses. Air samples from the dissection hall contained no fungi, but various fungal species were identified in the adjacent stairways and outdoors which implies that fungal occurrence in the dissection hall air was independent of lecturers' and students' presence. Moreover, our results indicate that adequate ventilation filters can effectively reduce indoor fungal germs during courses, while the bacterial load in room air appears to increase, likely due to the presence of lecturers and students. Additionally, the tissue samples revealed no bacterial or fungal germs which implies that our ethanol-formalin-based embalming solution demonstrates an effective long-term antimicrobial preservation of corpses.

Assessment of formalin preserved and fresh frozen quadriceps tendon graft-suture constructs for load to failure testing: a biomechanical cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: Fresh-frozen specimen availability and cost may be a barrier for initiation of biomechanical studies where soft tissue is used in a construct with other medical devices. The impact of soft tissue preservation method on the outcomes of biomechanical studies in the specific case of graft-suture constructs is relatively unexplored. This study aimed to observe peak loads and failure modes in biomechanical testing of fresh-frozen (FF) versus formalin embalmed (FE) quadriceps tendon (QT) graft-suture constructs for soft tissue fixation in ACLR and assess suitability of FE QT graft constructs for load-to-fail testing. METHODS: Twenty QT grafts were harvested from human cadaver specimens. Ten grafts came from fresh-frozen donors and 10 from embalmed donors. All grafts were prepared with the modified Prusik knot using a braided composite suture and subjected to tensile loading. Comparisons between the biomechanical properties of the graft-suture constructs were made with unpaired t tests with α = 0.05. RESULTS: FE and FF constructs displayed similar peak loads and failure modes. FF constructs had greater elongation after pre-tensioning than FE (7.3 vs. 5.5 mm, p = 0.02) and greater elongation after cyclic loading than FE constructs (17.5 vs. 10.5 mm, p = 0.01). Hysteresis was greater for FF constructs at the 50th, 100th, 150th, and 200th cycle (p = 0.02, p = 0.07, p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). FE constructs were stiffer than fresh-frozen (103 vs. 84 N/mm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FE constructs were significantly stiffer but displayed similar peak load and failure mode to FF which was reflective of the strength of the suture material. FE grafts can offer an alternative to FF grafts in graft-suture constructs for biomechanical studies where load at failure and knot security and strength is of main interest.

A South African case study on anatomical embalming for human body donation programmes with toxicological considerations.

Body embalming, a practice with deep historical roots across various cultures, forms the backbone of contemporary human body donation educational programmes. In this study, we explored current embalming practices within six South African human anatomical dissection programmes, focusing on the use and volumes of key chemicals-formalin, phenol, and alcohol-and their associated health risks and potential toxicity. We measured and compared aspects of embalming practices such as the duration of body preservation and the annual intake of bodies. Variations in embalming practices and chemical ratios across different South African universities were found. However, the consistent use of formalin, phenol and alcohol were observed across all six programmes. Formaldehyde concentrations used in South African dissection programmes were within the generally acceptable international range. Regarding arterial embalming, South African dissection programmes showed widespread adherence to international embalming practices, with one programme using a substantially lower concentration of formalin. The dual nature of formaldehyde as both an effective preservative and a recognised carcinogen was underscored in relation to human health regarding chemical toxicity. Phenol, like formaldehyde, was consistently used as it is important for the inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth. Alcohol was also consistently used, but there was much greater variation in its volume across South African institutions. Our data showed a slight positive relationship between storage duration and the volumes of formalin and phenol in human embalming fluid. South African regulators enforce stricter exposure limits than those set by the World Health Organisation and various European agencies. While South African institutions operate within internationally acceptable ranges of chemical use that both maximise preservation and minimise toxicity, we acknowledge that these data are preliminary. Further investigation is encouraged to ensure embalming practices effectively protect all those involved and support the educational goals of human anatomical dissection programmes in South Africa.

Technical note: Temperature estimation accuracy based on colourimetry of embalmed human and fresh non-human burned bone.

Estimation of the exposure temperature of skeletal remains can be done by means of colourimetry and a previously published decision model for the colourimetric data, resulting in clusters that represent a range of exposure temperature. The method was based on thermally altered freshly burned human skeletal remains. However, in practice the origin or pre-burning condition of (possibly fragmentary) burned remains can be unknown. Further, in order to use the colourimetric analysis, and accompanying decision model, it is important to have a reference or test set. Fresh human material is not available for this purpose in all countries. Hence, the classification accuracy of the decision model was tested for, in some countries more readily available substitutes for fresh bone; embalmed human bone and non-human bone. The model yielded high accuracies for these sample materials, making it possible to create a reference or test set from fresh non-human and embalmed human bone as substitute for human, and also to use the decision model for these deviating samples in practice.

Anatomic evaluation to compare the dye spread with ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) injection with or without an additional suprainguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI) injection in soft embalmed cadavers.

BACKGROUND: Novel interfascial plane blocks like PEricapsular Nerve Group (PENG) and SupraInguinal Fascia Iliaca (SIFI) blocks are effective for management of hip fracture pain. We compared the difference in the distribution of the dye injected and nerves stained by the addition of the SIFI block to the PENG block. METHODS: A total of 24 designated dye injections were performed in eight soft-embalmed cadavers. Under ultrasound guidance 20 ml green ink injected bilaterally in PENG block and 30 ml methylene blue dye was injected in the SIFI block on the right side. The cadavers were dissected 24 h later to assess the extent of dye spread. RESULTS: Extensive spread of dyes was seen on both side of iliacus muscle on the right side, but blue dye was not visible medial to the psoas tendon. The subcostal and iliohypogastric nerves were stained green in the infra-inguinal region. On the left side (PENG alone), the anterior division of the obturator, femoral and saphenous nerve (7/8) and iliohypogastric nerves (3/8) were stained in the infrainguinal region. In the suprainguinal region, the femoral nerve (5/8), accessory obturator nerve (3/8), lateral femoral cutaneous (1/8) and nerve to rectus femoris (4/8) were stained. The main obturator nerve trunk was spared with both injections while its anterior branch and accessory obturator nerve were stained with the PENG injection. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that combined PENG + SIFI injections lead to an extensive craniocaudal and longitudinal spread along the iliacus muscle. We perceive that the combination of these two injections will have a superior clinical outcome.

Investigation of the use of gelatine-glycerine and gelatine-polyvinyl alcohol mixtures as tissue consistency preservatives in cadavers fixed with modified SEFS solution.

This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of SEFS, a fixing solution composed of soap and ethanol. This was achieved by modifying the formulation of SEFS. Additionally, this study aimed to preserve the consistency of organs by perfusing cadavers with mixtures of gelatine-glycerin (gelatine-Gls) and gelatine-polyvinyl alcohol (gelatine-PVA) through vascular access. The modified SEFS embalmed cadavers were divided into two groups: Group I was treated with gelatine-glycerin, and Group II was treated with gelatine-polyvinyl alcohol and each group comprised of two goats and three rabbits. Over one year, cadavers were objectively assessed for hardness, colour, and joint range of motion. Additionally, the cadavers were subjectively evaluated after dissection and palpation. For the modified SEFS embalmment haptic and optic examinations of the muscles revealed they maintained a vivid colour tone, closely resembling their natural colour. The thoracic organs displayed natural colour, with the lungs retaining their shape without collapse. Notably, the walls of the atrium and ventricles of the heart remained intact without inward collapse. The use of gelatine-PVA yielded better outcomes than gelatine-Gls in preserving the volumes of both chest and abdominal organs. This was particularly evident in the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney. Overall, the modified SEFS and gelatin-PVA mixtures were superior in maintaining certain properties better than expected from cadavers.

Exploring alternatives for securing anatomical structures in capturing digital images: A comparative analysis.

Teaching veterinary anatomy using digital platforms requires improved image quality, which may influence the fixation process. This study aimed to compare four embalming solutions for high-colour-quality images of different tissues compared to the original image. Four equine left pelvic limbs were cut into metameres and divided equally for application of 10% formaldehyde, 96% glycerine, 33% hypersaturated NaCl solution and modified Larssen solution, respectively, which was maintained for 3 days. After drying for 3 days at room temperature, photographs were obtained at time 0 (T0), without any fixation process (original colour); time 1 (T1), immediately after removal from the solutions; and every 24 h for 3 days (T2-T4). The image colour quality was investigated by digitally evaluating the cortical bone, tendon and bone marrow using histograms and CIEDE2000 as well as by 10 specialists in an online survey. CIEDE2000 and histograms revealed that all fixation solutions changed the original tissue colour at all the time points (p < 0.0001). According to the specialists, the 33% saline solution produced the best results compared to the original one. The modified Larssen solution demonstrated better results for the tendon, marrow and cortical bone at T3 (p = 0.0015). Considering the colour of digital images, the modified Larssen solution provided the best results; however, the visual evaluation by the specialists revealed the 33% saline solution as the best.

Morphological changes in striated muscle fibres caused by components of the Thiel embalming method.

BACKGROUND: Thiel-fixed body donors are highly valued for surgical training courses. The pronounced flexibility of Thiel-fixed tissue has been postulated to be caused by histologically visible fragmentation of striated muscle. The aim of this study was to analyse whether a specific ingredient, pH, decay, or autolysis could cause this fragmentation in order to modulate the Thiel solution to adapt specimen flexibility specifically to the needs of different courses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Striated muscle of the mouse was fixed for different time periods in formalin, Thiel solution, and its individual ingredients, and analysed by light microscopy. Further, pH-values of Thiel solution and its ingredients were measured. In addition, unfixed muscle tissue was histologically analysed including Gram staining to investigate a relationship between autolysis, decomposition, and fragmentation. RESULTS: Muscle fixed with Thiel solution for 3 months was slightly more fragmentated than muscle fixed for 1 day. Fragmentation was more pronounced after 1 year of immersion. Three individual salt ingredients showed slight fragmentation. Decay and autolysis had no effect on fragmentation, which occurred regardless of the pH of all solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Fragmentation of Thiel-fixed muscle is dependent on fixation time and most likely occurs due to salts present in the Thiel solution. Adjustment of the salt composition in the Thiel solution with verification of the influence on the fixation effect, fragmentation and flexibility of the cadavers could be performed in further studies.

Quantification and persistence of COVID-19 virus in recently deceased individuals before and after embalming.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the medical education worldwide. The infection risk for medical students and healthcare personnel who work with COVID-19 positive cadavers or tissues remains unclear. Moreover, COVID-19 positive cadavers have been rejected by medical schools, adversely impacting the continuum of medical education. Herein, the viral genome abundance in tissues from four COVID-19 positive donors before and after embalming were compared. Tissue samples were collected from the lungs, liver, spleen, and brain both pre- and postembalming. The possible presence of infectious COVID-19 was determined by inoculating human tissue homogenates onto a monolayer of human A549-hACE2 cells and observing for cytopathic effects up to 72 h postinoculation. A real- time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify COVID-19 present in culture supernatants. Fully intact viral genome sequence was possible to obtain in samples with higher levels of virus, even several days postmortem. The embalming procedure described above substantially reduces the abundance of viable COVID-19 genomes in all tissues, sometimes even to undetectable levels. However, in some cases, COVID-19 RNA can still be detected, and a cytopathic effect can be seen both pre- and postembalmed tissues. This study suggests that embalmed COVID-19 positive cadavers might be used safely with appropriate precautions followed in gross anatomy laboratories and in clinical and scientific research. Deep lung tissue is the best specimen to test for the virus. If the tests on the lung tissues are negative, there is a very low likelihood that other tissues will show positive results.

Undergraduate medical student perceptions and learning outcomes related to anatomy training using Thiel- and ethanol-glycerin-embalmed tissues.

Anatomical dissection is known to serve as an integral tool in teaching gross anatomy, including postgraduate training. A variety of embalming techniques exist, resulting in different haptic and optical tissue properties. This study aimed to objectify learning outcomes and medical student perceptions related to the use of two widely used embalming techniques, namely Thiel and ethanol-glycerin embalming. Between 2020 and 2022, first- and second-year medical students enrolled in the course on topographic anatomy participated in this study. Objective structured practical examinations were carried out for the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremity regions following regional dissection just before the oral examinations began. Six to ten numbered tags were marked in prosections of each region in Thiel- and ethanol-glycerin-embalmed specimens. Following the examinations, the students were surveyed regarding the suitability of the two embalming techniques with respect to preservation, colorfastness, tissue pliability, and the suitability in preparing for their anatomy examinations. Consistently higher scores were achieved for the thoracic and abdominal regions in ethanol-glycerin-embalmed specimens when compared to Thiel. No benefit was found for Thiel-embalmed upper or lower extremities. Tissues embalmed with ethanol-glycerin were rated higher for preservation and suitability to achieve the learning objectives, tissue pliability was rated higher for Thiel-embalmed tissues. Ethanol-glycerin embalming appears to offer certain advantages for undergraduate students in recognizing visceral structures, which may align with students' ideas on tissue suitability for their learning. Consequently, the benefits reported for Thiel embalming for postgraduate study unlikely reflect its suitability for novices.

The chemicals between us-First results of the cluster analyses on anatomy embalming procedures in the German-speaking countries.

Hands-on courses utilizing preserved human tissues for educational training offer an important pathway to acquire basic anatomical knowledge. Owing to the reevaluation of formaldehyde limits by the European Commission, a joint approach was chosen by the German-speaking anatomies in Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) to find commonalities among embalming protocols and infrastructure. A survey comprising 537 items was circulated to all anatomies in German-speaking Europe. Clusters were established for "ethanol"-, formaldehyde-based ("FA"), and "other" embalming procedures, depending on the chemicals considered the most relevant for each protocol. The logistical framework, volumes of chemicals, and infrastructure were found to be highly diverse between the groups and protocols. Formaldehyde quantities deployed per annum were three-fold higher in the "FA" (223 L/a) compared to the "ethanol" (71.0 L/a) group, but not for "other" (97.8 L/a), though the volumes injected per body were similar. "FA" was strongly related to table-borne air ventilation and total fixative volumes ≤1000 L. "Ethanol" was strongly related to total fixative volumes >1000 L, ceiling- and floor-borne air ventilation, and explosion-proof facilities. Air ventilation was found to be installed symmetrically in the mortuary and dissection facilities. Certain predictors exist for the interplay between the embalming used in a given infrastructure and technical measures. The here-established cluster analysis may serve as decision supportive tool when considering altering embalming protocols or establishing joint protocols between institutions, following a best practice approach to cater toward best-suited tissue characteristics for educational purposes, while simultaneously addressing future demands on exposure limits.

A technique for decreasing reflection during cadaveric photography.

To create anatomical educational materials that can be viewed in three dimensions using stereo photographs and photogrammetry, multiple photographs must be taken from different directions. In this process, shadows and reflections from different positions in each photograph are undesirable for creating three-dimensional (3D) anatomy educational materials. Although a ring flash eliminates shadows, allowing light to enter from all directions, reflections cannot be eliminated. In particular, Thiel-embalmed cadavers, which are widely used in clinical anatomy, are highly wet and exhibit strong specular highlights. In this study, a straight polarization filter was attached to a handheld camera lens and ring flash, and shooting was performed using cross-polarization photography. Consequently, even in Thiel-embalmed cadavers, the details lost due to the effects of reflections and shadows can be recovered, and good results can be obtained when taking stereo photos or creating a 3D model using photogrammetry.

Use of Thiel-embalmed cadavers in urology training and their ability to retain real-life anatomy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Thiel-embalmed cadavers (TeCs) have been proposed as an alternative and probably safer method of surgical training, compared to formalin-embalmed cadavers. We aimed to perform a systematic review on the use of TeCs in urology training and their ability to represent real-life anatomy. METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS and Cochrane databases were searched for articles with purpose to explore the use of TeCs in urology training, without date restrictions, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. From each paper, we evaluated the type of procedure, the number of participants, the type of study, the educational outcomes and their level, according to Kirkpatrick hierarchy. RESULTS: Of the 225 records initially retrieved, eight articles were eventually included. All studies evaluated participants' perceptions about the procedure. Overall, urology trainees and specialists have positively commented on the educational value of TeCs, which have been also found able to adequately mimic real-life conditions. In all the eight studies, trainees stated that tissue quality of TeCs was adequately realistic and considered TeCs as a useful surgical training tool. CONCLUSION: Although the use of TeCs in urology training has so far been limited, their value as a surgical training tool has been positively perceived. These outcomes suggest that TeCs may also enhance urology trainees' surgical skills and may encourage their implementation as a simulation tool in urology training.

Development of the McMaster Embalming Scale (MES) to assess embalming solutions for surgical skills training.

Human cadavers used for surgical training are embalmed using various methods to facilitate tissue storage and longevity while preserving the natural characteristics required to achieve high fidelity functional task alignment. However, there are no standardized means to evaluate the suitability of embalming solutions for this purpose. The McMaster Embalming Scale (MES) was developed to assess the extent to which embalming solutions allow tissues to achieve physical and functional correspondence to clinical contexts. The MES follows a five-point Likert scale format and evaluates the effect of embalming solutions on tissue utility in seven domains. This study aims to determine the reliability and validity of the MES by presenting it to users after performing surgical skills on tissues embalmed using various solutions. A pilot study of the MES was conducted using porcine material. Surgical residents of all levels and faculty were recruited via the Surgical Foundations program at McMaster University. Porcine tissue was unembalmed (fresh- frozen) or embalmed using one of seven solutions identified in the literature. Participants were blinded to the embalming method as they completed four surgical skills on the tissue. After each performance, participants evaluated their experience using the MES. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Domain to total correlations and a g-study were also conducted. Formalin-fixed tissue achieved the lowest average scores, while fresh frozen tissue achieved the highest. Tissues preserved using Surgical Reality Fluid (Trinity Fluids, LLC, Harsens Island, MI) achieved the highest scores among embalmed tissues. The Cronbach's alpha scores varied between 0.85 and 0.92, indicating a random sample of new raters would offer similar ratings using the MES. All domains except odor were positively correlated. The g-study indicated that the MES is able to differentiate between embalming solutions, but an individual rater's preference for certain tissue qualities also contributes to the variance in scores captured. This study evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the MES. Future steps to this investigation include validating the MES on human cadavers.

Deep Paleoproteotyping and Microtomography Revealed No Heart Defect nor Traces of Embalming in the Cardiac Relics of Blessed Pauline Jaricot.

Scientific examination of the heart of Blessed Pauline Jaricot-a French missionary figure-was carried out in 2022. As tandem mass spectrometry proteotyping has proven to be valuable to obtain the broad taxonomic repertoire of a given sample without any a priori information, we aimed at exploring the conditions of preservation of the relics and possible conditions of death. Metaproteomics and high-resolution microtomography imaging approaches were combined. A dataset comprising 6731 high-resolution MS/MS spectra was acquired and 968 of these spectra could be assigned to specific peptidic biomolecules. Based on the taxonomical information encompassed by the identified peptide sequences, 5 phyla were identified amongst eukaryota (94% of the biomass): Ascomycota (55%), with the species Aspergillus versicolor, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Aspergillus glaucus, corresponding to expected cadaverous fungal flora; Chordata (42%), represented by a unique species, Homo sapiens; Streptophyta (3%); and Arthropoda (traces). Bacteria (6% of the biomass) were poorly represented. No trace of embalming substance could be retrieved, nor any pathogens. Imaging evidenced no heart defect nor embalming traces. No evidence that was inconsistent with natural and spontaneous conservation could be retrieved. This study prefigures the power of modern molecular techniques such as paleoproteotyping coupled to microtomography to gain insight into historical relics.

Biomolecular analyses enable new insights into ancient Egyptian embalming.

The ability of the ancient Egyptians to preserve the human body through embalming has not only fascinated people since antiquity, but also has always raised the question of how this outstanding chemical and ritual process was practically achieved. Here we integrate archaeological, philological and organic residue analyses, shedding new light on the practice and economy of embalming in ancient Egypt. We analysed the organic contents of 31 ceramic vessels recovered from a 26th Dynasty embalming workshop at Saqqara1,2. These vessels were labelled according to their content and/or use, enabling us to correlate organic substances with their Egyptian names and specific embalming practices. We identified specific mixtures of fragrant or antiseptic oils, tars and resins that were used to embalm the head and treat the wrappings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. Our study of the Saqqara workshop extends interpretations from a micro-level analysis highlighting the socio-economic status of a tomb owner3-7 to macro-level interpretations of the society. The identification of non-local organic substances enables the reconstruction of trade networks that provided ancient Egyptian embalmers with the substances required for mummification. This extensive demand for foreign products promoted trade both within the Mediterranean8-10 (for example, Pistacia and conifer by-products) and with tropical forest regions (for example, dammar and elemi). Additionally, we show that at Saqqara, antiu and sefet-well known from ancient texts and usually translated as 'myrrh' or 'incense'11-13 and 'a sacred oil'13,14-refer to a coniferous oils-or-tars-based mixture and an unguent with plant additives, respectively.

Bacterial species-specific antimicrobial efficacies of three different body embalming solutions for anatomical studies.

While body decompensation is mainly facilitated by bacteria, investigating the antimicrobial properties of body preservation methods is still a neglected research area. We performed microbiological sampling for potentially pathogenic bacteria species of brain, lung, liver, colon, and subcutis samples obtained from bodies perfused with embalming solutions of variable composition with emphasis on variable formaldehyde concentrations. We, thereby, identified spore-forming aerobic and anaerobic bacteria mainly in the samples obtained from the colon of ethanol- and lower-concentrated formaldehyde formulation embalmed bodies. Moreover, we could identify Enterococcus species in bodies preserved with the latter method. Tissue samples of the subcutis remained sterile. Long-term incubation of special mycobacteria growth indicator tubes revealed no growth of mycobacteria in all 60 samples analyzed. Overall, we show survival of bacterial genera known to be especially environmentally resistant but also include potentially pathogenic members. Knowledge of bactericidal capacities of embalming solutions are therefore critical to assess risk and apply appropriate disinfection routines while working with human bodies. Moreover, new formulations to reduce potentially toxic substances for embalming needs to be evaluated regarding their bactericidal capacities.

[The possibility of diagnosing the prescription of death in the study of embalmed corpses by the method of spin probes. (Experimental study)]. / Vozmozhnost' diagnostiki davnosti nastupleniya smerti pri issledovanii zabal'zamirovannykh trupov metodom spinovykh zondov. (Eksperimental'noe issledovanie).

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Is to establish the possibility of studying the vitreous body of the eye from embalmed corpses using the spin probe method to develop diagnostic criteria for the prescription of death coming. The article presents data showing the possibility of diagnosing the prescription of death coming by the method of spin probes with the examination of the vitreous body of the eye from embalmed corpses. A total of 510 spectra obtained during incubation of the 1-oxyl-4-oxo-2.2.6.6-tetramethyl-piperidin spin probe in the vitreous body were studied. Measurements of each of the 6 objects were carried out daily for 10 days after embalming. The prospects of studying the vitreous body by spin probes in embalmed corpses for the development of diagnostic criteria for the prescription of death coming up to 4 days from the moment of embalming have been established.