E12 sheet plastination: Techniques and applications.

Plastination is an anatomical technique that consists of replacing the liquids and fat of specimens by reactive polymers through forced impregnation in a vacuum. These are then polymerized to achieve the final result. E12 sheet plastination involves epoxy resin impregnation of thin (2-4 mm) and ultra-thin (<2 mm) tissue sheets, producing dry, transparent, odorless, non-toxic and long-lasting sheets. E12 sheet plastination techniques were reviewed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and SciELO databases, and manual searches. After searching, 616 records were found using the online and manual searches (MEDLINE, n: 207; EMBASE, n: 346; SciELO, n: 44; Manual search: 23). Finally, 96 records were included in this review (after duplicates and articles unrelated to the subject were excluded). The aim of this work was to review the E12 sheet plastination technique, searching for articles concerning views of it, identifying the different variants implemented by researchers since its creation by Gunther von Hagens, and to identify its applications from teaching and research in anatomy to morphological sciences. Clin. Anat. 31:742-756, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Unusual pattern of the first dorsal metacarpal artery.

This report describes an unusual pattern of the first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) regarding its course and termination. This FDMA had an abnormal course, passing deep to various anatomical elements related to the index finger, with unusual termination in the radial and ulnar proper palmar digital arteries feeding the second and third fingers, respectively. There is no mention of this anatomical variation in the literature. We report the possible embryological origin of this case and other variations related to the FDMA. This unusual pattern represents a new reason to consider anatomical knowledge important for surgeons whose procedures are in this area and to ensure an accurate diagnosis and safe treatment of pathologies that might engage this anatomical variation.

Extraction of DNA from plastinated tissues.

INTRODUCTION: Plastination allows anatomical samples to be preserved in excellent condition for an indefinite period, free of formalin, and in a format that allows biosafe manipulation by students, academics, and researchers. As with other tissue preservation techniques, it is important to establish the level of conservation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for use in future applications. The object of the present work was to extract and evaluate DNA from plastinated tissues. METHODS: We used samples of liver from Canis lupus familiaris and skeletal muscle from Rattus norvegicus, Sprague-Dawley strain, extracted from specimens plastinated with silicone at room temperature. The tissue samples were deplastinated by incubation in 5% sodium methoxide dissolved in methanol for 24 or 48 h. The samples were divided into two equal parts and DNA was extracted using two different protocols. After extraction, the DNA was quantified by fluorometry and its integrity was assessed by electrophoresis in a 1% agarose gel. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A high yield of DNA was obtained from the deplastinated samples and the DNA was intact. Plastinated tissues have proven to be stable and easily managed. They can also be used for examination under light and electron microscopes. The DNA extraction technique used here allowed us to obtain intact DNA from samples plastinated with silicone at room temperature, without previous fixing. This technique may allow tissue specimens to be preserved for retrospective studies of archived samples of normal and pathological anatomy in the fields of basic, clinical, forensic, and epidemiological sciences. CONCLUSIONS: The extracted DNA was intact and suitable for use in subsequent applications. Obtaining whole DNA from plastinated samples using tissue preservation protocols that preserve the tissue for use in subsequent applications, like real-time PCR, opens up many possibilities, with applications in the basic and clinical sciences, epidemiology, and forensic science.

Development of an ultrathin sheet plastination technique in rat humeral joints with osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate for neovascularization study.

Injection with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) is widely used to produce osteoarthritis (OA). Ultrathin sheet plastination has been used to study the morphology of structures, with strong application in anatomical education and research. Our aim was to carry out, for the first time, ultrathin sheet plastination of rat humeral joints to observe the neovascularization provoked by OA. We injected 0.1 mL of MIA into the left humeral joints of ten Sprague-Dawley rats. The right shoulders of the same rats were used as control. Sixteen weeks after the injection, the animals were euthanized and were given an immediate red epoxy resin injection through the thoracic aorta. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin, prior to the plastination process, without decalcification. Samples were dehydrated with acetone (100%) at - 25 °C, for 10 days. Later, for degreasing, samples were immersed in methylene chloride at room temperature during 1 week. Forced impregnation was performed inside a stove within a vacuum chamber. The plastinated blocks obtained were cut with a slow velocity diamond blade saw. Slices were placed in curing chambers to achieve curing and final tissue transparentation. 230 µm thickness slices were obtained. The slices were analyzed under magnifying glass and microscope, achieving visualization of OA neovascularization. The cartilage affected by OA loses its ability to remain avascular, and blood vessels invade it from the subchondral bone to the calcified and uncalcified cartilage. Ultra-thin sheet plastination is useful to observe articular cartilage neovascularization, caused by OA induced with MIA in humeral rat joint.

Analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the cervical spine and its association with the development of temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are frequently observed in various populations. They affect both the temporomandibular joints and several associated structures such as the cervical spine. In this observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, the authors assessed possible relationships between various cranio-cervical parameters and TMD. METHOD: The study group consisted of 102 patients who were diagnosed with TMD and were treated at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Concepción, Chile. The control group was composed of 99 subjects without TMD, treated at other clinics of the University of Concepción. RESULTS: The following relationships between TMD and cranio-cervical parameters were found to be statistically significant: TMD and inversion of the hyoid triangle (p = 0.0060); TMD and depth of cervical curvature (p = 0.0302); TMD and deformity of the cervical vertebrae (p = 0.0001). DISCUSSION: The findings suggest a significant relationship between TMD findings and both cephalometric and morphometric parameters of the cervical spine.

Solitary Splenic Metastasis from a Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Cecum. A Case Report.

Reports of cases of splenic metastasis are very rare, even more so when they are derived from a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the cecum. The most common presentation of a solitary splenic metastasis is from lung primary tumors, endometrium, ovary, cervix, stomach, colon, breast, bladder, and skin. We report the case of an 84-year-old woman with a solitary splenic metastasis from a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the cecum. Until this work, only 18 cases of solitary splenic metastases from colorectal carcinomas have been described in the literature.

Evaluation of validity and reliability of a methodology for measuring human postural attitude and its relation to temporomandibular joint disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) are caused by several factors such as anatomical, neuromuscular and psychological alterations. A relationship has been established between TMJDs and postural alterations, a type of anatomical alteration. An anterior position of the head requires hyperactivity of the posterior neck region and shoulder muscles to prevent the head from falling forward. This compensatory muscular function may cause fatigue, discomfort and trigger point activation. To our knowledge, a method for assessing human postural attitude in more than one plane has not been reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to design a methodology to measure the external human postural attitude in frontal and sagittal planes, with proper validity and reliability analyses. METHODS: The variable postures of 78 subjects (36 men, 42 women; age 18-24 years) were evaluated. The postural attitudes of the subjects were measured in the frontal and sagittal planes, using an acromiopelvimeter, grid panel and Fox plane. RESULTS: The method we designed for measuring postural attitudes had adequate reliability and validity, both qualitatively and quantitatively, based on Cohen's Kappa coefficient (> 0.87) and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.824, > 80%). CONCLUSION: This method exhibits adequate metrical properties and can therefore be used in further research on the association of human body posture with skeletal types and TMJDs.

Micro-plastination: technique for obtaining slices below 250 µm for the visualization of microanatomy in morphological and pathological morphology protocols / Micro-plastinación: técnica para la obtención de cortes inferiores a 250 µm para la visualización de la microanatomía en protocolos experimentales de morfología y patología

Plastination has revolutionized the study and research of anatomy, thanks to the biosecurity and indefinite preservation of human and animal bodies and organs. This paper presents the concept of Micro-Plastination, an ultra-thin sheet plastination technique, to obtain ultra-thin slices, of a thickness of less than 250 µm, for the identification and visualization of the microanatomy of any anatomical region in morphological and pathological experimental protocols.

La plastinación ha revolucionado el estudio y la investigación de la anatomía, gracias a la conservación biosegura y por tiempo indefinido de cadáveres y órganos humanos y animales. En este trabajo se presenta el concepto de Micro-Plastinación, técnica de plastinación de cortes ultrafinos para la obtención de cortes ultradelgados, de un grosor inferior a los 250 µm, para la identificación y visualización de la microanatomía de cualquier región anatómica en protocolos de morfología experimental.

Statistical analysis of shrinkage levels of human brain slices preserved by sheet plastination technique with polyester resin / Análisis estadístico de los niveles de retracción de cortes de cerebro humano conservados mediante la técnica de plastinación de cortes con resina poliéster

Plastination is currently the most important anatomical preservation technique due to the possibility of preserving bodies and organs for an indefinite period, in a dry and biosecure form, while preserving the morphological characteristics of the tissues. However, the shrinkage of the samples is also part of the plastination, perhaps becoming one of its few disadvantages. This paper presents the shrinkage caused by the classic technique of sheet plastination with polyester resin (Biodur® P40) in human brain slices, with the aim of statistically establishing the percentages of tissue shrinkage caused by this plastination protocol.

La plastinación es actualmente la técnica de preservación anatómica más importante debido a la posibilidad de preservar los cuerpos y órganos por un período indefinido, en forma seca y biosegura, al tiempo que preserva las características morfológicas de los tejidos. Sin embargo, la retracción de las muestras también es parte de la plastinación, quizás convirtiéndose en una de sus pocas desventajas. Este artículo presenta la retracción causada por la técnica clásica de plastinación de cortes con resina poliéster (Biodur® P40) en cortes de cerebro humano, con el objetivo de establecer estadísticamente los porcentajes de retracción de tejidos causados por este protocolo de plastinación.

Terminologia embryologica y anexos embrionarios: propuesta de términos embriológicos en español / Terminologia embryologica and embryonic annexes: proposed embryological terms in Spanish

Es importante unificar criterios en los términos usados en embriología, para facilitar su estudio, investigación y divulgación, donde se espera que los términos tengan un valor informativo, ausencia de epónimos y homónimos; y evitar la sinonimia. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en proponer la traducción al español de los términos de Terminologia Embryologica correspondientes al capítulo "Desarrollo de anexos extra-embrionarios y membranas fetales". Se utilizaron libros y artículos científicos de embriología y obstetricia; diccionarios en los idiomas español/latín - latín/español y se definió la traducción de los términos de acuerdo a su frecuente utilización y cita en la enseñanza de la embriología. La información obtenida del análisis de los artículos y libros consultados fue organizada en 5 tablas: Tabla I, Traducción al español de términos en latín existentes en Terminologia Embryologica; Tabla II, Modificación de términos en latín de la Terminologia Embryologica traducidos al español; Tabla III, Términos modificados del latín, y traducidos al español; Tabla IV, Términos no encontrados en la revisión de textos y artículos; Tabla V, Términos no usados, términos y códigos repetidos. El presente trabajo aporta en la traducción de términos embriológicos del latín al español, no siendo necesariamente una traducción literal, sino más bien una interpretación basada en artículos científicos y textos actualmente utilizados en la enseñanza y el estudio de la embriología. Los resultados de este trabajo pretenden contribuir a la generación de Terminologia Embryologica en español y esperamos sean discutidos y mejorados con propuestas constructivas de parte de los expertos en el área de la morfología.

It is important to regulate criteria in the terminology used in embryology, to promote the study, research and communication in this field. Terms are expected to have informative value, absence of eponyms and homonyms and further, to avoid synonymy. The aim of this work was to propose the Spanish translation of the terms of Terminologia Embryologica corresponding to the chapter "Development of extra-embryonic attachments and fetal membranes". Books and scientific articles on embryology and obstetrics were used; dictionaries in Spanish / Latin - Latin / Spanish languages and the translation of the terms was defined according to their frequent use and quotation in the teaching of embryology. The information obtained from the analysis of the articles and books consulted was organized in 5 tables: Table I, Spanish translation of Latin terms existing in Terminologia Embryologica; Table II, modification of Latin terms of Terminologia Embryologica translated into Spanish; Table III, modified Latin terms, and translated into Spanish; Table IV, terms not found in the review of texts and articles; Table V, unused terms, repeated terms and codes. The present work contributes in the translation of embryological terms from Latin to Spanish, not necessarily being a literal translation, but rather an interpretation based on scientific articles and texts currently used in the teaching and study of embryology. The results of this work are intended to contribute to the generation of Terminologia Embryologica in Spanish and we hope that will be discussed and improved with constructive proposals from experts in the area of morphology.

Ejercicio en ratas con osteoartritis: aspectos morfológicos y una revisión de la literatura / Exercise in rats osteoarthritis: morphological aspects and literature review

La osteoartritis (OA) es una enfermedad crónica, degenerativa, muy invalidante, que destruye en forma gradual y progresiva el cartílago articular en diversas regiones: rodillas, caderas, hombros, manos, tobillos y columna vertebral. En este sentido, el ejercicio ha sido descrito como la intervención no farmacológica más recomendada para pacientes con OA. La práctica regular de ejercicio es considerada un componente integral del estilo de vida saludable; sin embargo, su efecto en el cartílago se mantiene como objeto de debate y especulaciones, así como la relación del ejercicio con el desarrollo de OA. Algunos estudios de modelos animales sugieren que el ejercicio puede ser beneficioso para la salud del cartílago, mientras otros demuestran su efecto nocivo. Una explicación general a estos resultados inconsistentes es que el correr a intensidad moderada tiene efectos beneficiosos, mientras que correr "vigorosamente" o de manera "extenuante" lleva a un efecto nocivo. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca de los efectos del ejercicio sobre el cartílago artícular, especialmente enfocado a modelos animales experimentales con ratas.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative, and very disabling disease that gradually and progressively destroys articular cartilage in various regions: knees, hips, shoulders, hands, ankles and spine. In this sense, exercise has been described as the most recommended non-pharmacological intervention for patients with OA. Regular exercise is considered an integral component of the healthy lifestyle. However, its effect on cartilage remains the subject of debate and speculation, as well as the relationship between exercise and the development of OA. Some animal model studies suggest that exercise may be beneficial for cartilage health, while others demonstrate its harmful effect. A general explanation for these inconsistent results is that running at moderate intensity has beneficial effects, while running "vigorously" or "strenuously" leads to a harmful effect. The aim of this work was to make a literature review about the effects of exercise on cartilage, especially focused on experimental animal models with rats.

New contributions to the development of a plastination technique at room temperature with silicone.

The aim of this work is to present a room-temperature plastination technique developed in our laboratories and its results. This technique emphasizes the use of silicones, catalysts, and generic hardeners, and some variations of the traditional technique resulted in low cost and high-speed implementation. Two hands, a heart, and a brain were dissected from Caucasian adult undefined-gender cadavers previously kept in 5 % formalin solution. Also dissected was a pig heart kept in 5 % formalin solution. Dehydration was performed for 1 month at room temperature to favor defatting. Afterwards, forced impregnation took place. The average process for each specimen lasted 3 or 4 days, 8 h a day (active forced impregnation), halting the forced impregnation overnight (passive forced impregnation). Once 5 mmHg had been reached without bubbling and the vacuum process had ended, specimens were drained and positioned. Finally, curing was performed by subjecting the specimens to cross-linker. The different morphological characteristics of the specimens determined variations in the forced impregnation time, as well as curing. Once polymerization was complete, specimens were stored in plastic bags, facilitating internal curing. Three kinds of silicones were used: Biodur, North Carolina, and a local generic. The catalyst and the hardener were generic products also acquired locally. Based on our technique, we obtained completely dry and rigid specimens, of excellent quality and durability, which kept their original color and anatomical shape.

Anatomía quirúrgica de la vena tiroidea media: prevalencia en 100 tiroidectomías totales consecutivas / Surgical anatomy of the median thyroid vein: prevalence in 100 consecutive total thyroidectomies

El estudio de las venas tiroideas no ha recibido una investigación tan exhaustiva como lo tuvieron las arterias tiroideas y los nervios laríngeos en relación a la cirugía tiroidea.De los tres pedículos venosos de la glándula tiroides, el medio, de lejos es el menos estudiado. La vena tiroidea media es inconstante y es el primer elemento vascular de la glándula tiroides que debe ser seccionado antes de luxar el lóbulo hacia medial para evaluar sus relaciones posteriores. Su lesión puede provocar sangrado intraoperatorio dificultando secundariamente la identificación del nervio laríngeo inferior y las glándulas paratiroides, próximas a la misma. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal evaluando la pesencia, número, simetría y asociación de la vena tiroidea media con variables tales como edad y sexo del paciente, así como la hiperfuncionalidad de la glándula tiroides y la presencia del tubérculo de Zuckerkandl en 100 tiroidectomías totales llevadas a cabo en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer y en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Central del Instituto de Previsión Social del Paraguay. La prevalencia global de vena tiroidea media fue del 74 %. En el lóbulo derecho, la vena se presentó en el 60 %, mientras que en el lóbulo izquierdo en el 53 %. En el 38 % se encontró la vena en ambos lóbulos. En 4 pacientes se localizaron venas tiroideas medias dobles, en una de ellas fue bilateral. El mayor porcentaje de las venas tiroideas medias se originó en el tercio medio del lóbulo, el 72 % en el lado derecho y el 70% en el izquierdo. No se encontró asociación entre la presencia de la vena tiroidea media y la edad, sexo, estado de hiperfunción glandular, así como tampoco con la presencia del tubérculo de Zuckerkandl.

The study of the thyroid veins has not received an investigation as extensive as the thyroid arteries and laryngeal nerves did in relation to thyroid surgery. Of the three veins pedicles of the gland the middle is far the least studied. This vein is inconstant and is the first vascular element of the gland that must be sectioned before the medial lobe is dislocated to evaluate ist posterior relationships. His injury can cause intraoperative bleeding, making it difficult to identify the inferior laryngeal nerve and the parathyroid glands, proximal to it. A descriptive crossseccional study was carried aot evaluating the presence, number, symmetricity and association of the middle thyroid vein with variables such as age and sex of the patient, as well as the hyperfunctionality of the gland and the presence of the Zuckerkandl tubercle in 100 total thyroidectomies undergoing at the National Cancer Institute and the ENT Service of the Social Security Institute´s Central Hospital. The overall prevalence of the middle thyroid vein was 74%. In the right lobe the vein appeared in 60% while in the left lobe in 53 %. Double middle thyroid vein was found in 4 patients, in one of them it was bilateral. The highest percentage of the middle thyroid veins originated in the middle third of the lobe, 72 % on the right and 70% on the left side. No association was found between the presence of the vain and age and sex, the state of glandular hyperfunstion, as well as the presence of Zuckerkandl tubercle.

Anatomía topográfica del nervio laríngeo superior: importancia quirúrgica en las tiroidectomías / Topographic anatomy of the upper laryngeal nerve: surgical importance in thyroidectomies

En las cirugías sobre la glándula tiroides se ha prestado mucha atención al manejo del nervio laríngeo inferior y de las glándulas paratiroides, no así del ramo lateral del nervio laríngeo superior, el cual es satélite del pedículo vascular superior de la glándula tiroides. El manejo del polo superior de la glándula tiroides requiere de un conocimiento acabado de su anatomía topográfica del área y está determinada por sus relaciones más importantes, dadas por el citado nervio y la arteria tiroidea superior principalmente. En este trabajo se pretende estudiar estas relaciones en base a la disección meticulosa del triángulo laringo-esternotiroideo ("Triángulo de Joll") de 25 cadáveres adultos formolizados. Como hallazgo relevante se informa que los "nervios en riesgo", según la clasificación de Cernea, que se basa en una distancia menor a un centímetro en el entrecruzamiento del nervio con la arteria tiroidea superior con respecto al polo superior de la glándula tiroides, es del 52 % para el lado derecho y 44 % para el lado izquierdo del cuello. El origen bajo de la arteria a nivel de la bifurcación carotídea se presenta asociada a un mayor número de "nervios en riesgo" en el lado izquierdo. Según el punto de penetración del ramo lateral del nervio laríngeo superior en el músculo constrictor inferior de la faringe se establece la clasificación de Friedman, muy útil sobre todo en cirugías ayudadas por la neuroestimulación. En esta clasifiacción los "nervios en riesgo" son aquellos que transcurrren superficial al músculo, mientras que los "nervios protegidos" serían aquellos que perforan el músculo en su porción superior. En este trabajo los "nervios en riesgo" se presentaron del lado izquierdo en el 56 % de los casos y del derecho en el 60 %, mientras que los "nervios protegidos" en el 24 % y 16 %, respectivamente.

In surgeries on the thyroid gland, much attention has been given to the management of the inferior laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands, but not the external branch of the given by the aforementioned nerve and the superior thyroid artery. This paper intends to study these relationships based on the meticulous dissection of the larynx-sternothyroid triangle ("Joll triangle") of 25 formolized adult corpses. As a relevant finding, it is reported that the " nerves at risk" according to the Cernea classification, which is based on the distance less than one centimeter at the intersection of the nerve with the superior thyroid artery with respect to the upper pole of the gland, is 52 % for the right side and 44 % for the left side of the neck. The low origin of the artery at the level of the carotid bifurcation is associated with a greater number of "nerves at risk" on the left side. According to the penetration point of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, the Friedman classification is established, very useful especially in surgeries aided by neurostimulation. In this classification the "nerves at risk" are those that run superficially to the muscle, while the protected nerves would be those that pierce the muscle in its upper part. In tis work, the "nerves at risk" presented on the left side in 56 % of the cases and the right side in 60 %, while those "protected" in 24 % and 16 % respectively.

Preparación de hemisferios cerebrales para disección de tractos / Preparation of cerebral hemispheres for tracts dissection

Desde la antigüedad se han desarrollado técnicas para el estudio del cerebro con fines didácticos o neuroquirúrgicos. Hacia 1934 Josef Klingler desarrolla una técnica de preparación de hemisferios cerebrales que basada en la fijación con formalina y el congelamiento para aislar los tractos cerebrales. El objetivo de la presente artículo ha sido analizar los métodos de preparación utilizados para la disección de tractos en cerebros humanos y de animales. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, Medline y Scielo, utilizando como descriptores: Disección, Cerebro, Tracto, con el operador booleano "AND" entre ellos, en los idiomas inglés y español, hasta junio de 2018. Fueron seleccionados 26 documentos, para el análisis se determinaron las variables: espécimen, número de hemisferios cerebrales, concentración de formalina, tiempo de fijación, temperatura, tiempo de congelamiento y tractos identificados. En la literatura seleccionada, un total de 410 hemisferios cerebrales fueron analizados, 372 de humanos y 38 de animales; 330 fueron conservados en formalina al 10 %, 20 en formalina al 5 % y el resto en otras concentraciones. El tiempo de fijación fue variable entre 10 y 180 días, así como la temperatura y tiempo de congelación (-10 ºC y -20 ºC, entre 8 y 30 días). En todos los casos se reportó que, en su totalidad o parcialmente, los fascículos cerebrales de asociación fueron aislados. En la preparación de hemisferios cerebrales para disección de tractos, Ludwig & Klingler (1956) recomiendan que en la fijación de los especímenes se utilice formalina al 5 %, sin embargo, el 80 % de los hemisferios utilizados fueron fijados en formalina al 10%, y en esta concentración, el tiempo de fijación, temperatura y tiempo de congelación fue variable, lográndose, en todos los casos analizados, la disección parcial o total de los tractos.

Since ancient times, techniques for the study of the brain have been developed for didactic or neurosurgical purposes. By 1934, Josef Klingler developed a cerebral hemisphere preparation technique based on formalin fixation and freezing to isolate the cerebral tracts. The aim of this article was to analyze the preparation methods used for tracts dissection in human and animal brains. A review of the literature using Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, Medline and Scielo databases, with the following descriptors: Dissection, Brain, Tract, with the boolean operator "AND" among them, also in spanish, until June 2018. Twenty-six documents were selected, and we analized the following variables: specimen, number of cerebral hemispheres, formalin concentration, fixing time, temperature, freezing time and tracts. In the selected literature, a total of 410 cerebral hemispheres were analyzed, 372 from humans and 38 from animals; 330 were preserved in 10 % formalin, 20 in 5 % formalin and the rest in other concentrations. The fixation time was variable between 10 and 180 days, as well as the temperature and freezing time (-10 ºC and -20 ºC, between 8 and 30 days). In all cases it was reported that, in whole or in part, the cerebral fascicles of association were isolated. In the preparation of cerebral hemispheres for dissection of tracts, Klingler recommend that 5 % formalin for the fixation of specimens; however, 80 % of the hemispheres used were fixed in 10 % formalin, and in this concentration, the time of fixation, temperature and time of freezing was variable, achieving, in all the cases analyzed, the partial or total dissection of the tracts.

Trayecto inusual del nervio ulnar en el tercio proximal del antebrazo / Unusual path of the ulnar nerve in the proximal tertius of the forearm

Se presenta un caso de variación del trayecto habitual del nervio ulnar, en los primeros 12 cm proximales del antebrazo, con la descripción de las estructuras anatómicas en relación con esta variación anatómica. Esto debe ser tenido en cuenta ante la ausencia de hallazgo del nervio ulnar al momento de realizar su abordaje quirúrgico habitual, como ocurre en las trasposiciones del nervio ulnar en los casos de compresión. De esta manera, se podrán evitar recidivas de la patología, y agregar otros factores anatómicos como causas de compresión del nervio.

We present an unusual ulnar nerve path variation case, in forearm first 12 cm, with anatomical structures description in relation to this anatomical variation. This must be consider in the ulnar nerve finding absence during its usal surgical preformance, as occurs in ulnar nerve compression transplant cases. In this way, pathology relapses can be avoided, and other anatomical factors can be added as nerve compression causes.

Descripción histológica de los daños ocasionados por monoiodo acetato de sodio en articulación humeral de rata / Histologyc description of monosodium iodoacetate damage in rat humeral joint

La inyección con monoiodo acetato de sodio (MIA) es ampliamente utilizada para producir osteoartritis en diversas articulaciones. El objetivo fue describir los daños histológicos provocados por MIA en la articulación humeral de rata. Se inyectó 0,1 mL de mezcla de 0,5 mg de MIA disuelto en 10 mL de solución fisiológica en la articulación humeral izquierda de 21 ratas SpragueDawley. Como control se utilizó la articulación derecha de cada rata. Se realizó la eutanasia a las 4, 8 y 12 semanas post inyección en grupos de 7 ratas. Los miembros mantenidos en formalina tamponada al 10% fueron descalcificados con EDTA por tres meses. Para la evaluación histológica se realizó la inclusión en parafina y se realizaron cortes coronales de 5 µm de espesor, para posterior tinción con azul de toluidina. En el cartílago sano, se observó una superficie lisa sin fisuras, todas las células de las zonas del cartílago se observaron normales. Se observaron cambios en el cartílago articular a partir de las 4 semanas post inyección, los condrocitos de la zona radial hipertróficos con gran producción de proteoglicanos. A las 12 semanas post inyección, se observa un gran deterioro, el espacio articular se ve disminuido, La superficie del cartílago se observa con fisuras y grietas que llegan hasta la zona radial. Las células alrededor de estas fisuras han desaparecido. Se observa una pérdida prominente de proteoglicanos debido a la débil tinción con azul de toluidina. La inyección articular con MIA produce lesiones similares a la OA. La gran ventaja de la OA inducida por MIA, es la facilidad de su aplicación y la rapidez en la progresión de OA.

Injection with monoiode sodium acetate (MIA) is widely used to produce osteoarthritis in various joints. The aim of this work was to describe the histological damage caused by MIA in the rat humeral joint; 0.1 mL of 0.5 mg mixture of MIA dissolved in 10 mL of physiological solution was injected into the left humeral joint of 21 Sprague-Dawley rats. As a control, the right joint of each rat was used. Euthanasia was performed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks post injection in groups of 7 rats. The samples maintained in 10 % buffered formalin were descaled with EDTA for three months. For histological evaluation, paraffin inclusion was performed and 5 µm thick coronal cuts were made for subsequent staining with toluidine blue. In the healthy cartilage, a smooth surface was observed, all cells in the cartilage areas were normal. Changes in articular cartilage were observed after 4 weeks post injection, hypertrophic radial chondrocytes with high proteoglycan production. At 12 weeks post injection, a great deterioration was observed, the articular space was diminished. The surface of the cartilage was observed with fissures and cracks that reach the radial zone. The cells around these fissures have disappeared. A prominent loss of proteoglycans was observed due to weak toluidine blue staining. Joint injection with MIA produced lesions similar to OA. The great advantage of the OA induced by MIA, is the ease of its application and the rapidity in the progression of OA.

Desarrollo de un protocolo de plastinación de cortes con resina poliéster aplicado a secciones de cerebro humano / Development of a sheet plastination protocol with polyester resin applied to human brain slices

La plastinación es una técnica anatómica de conservación cadavérica creada en 1977 por Gunther von Hagens, en Heidelberg, Alemania, y que sustituye los líquidos biológicos y/o de fijación por acetona, para luego impregar las muestras con distintas resinas, dependiendo de la técnica de plastinación desarrollada, para finalmente llevar a cabo la polimerización de los componentes incorporados a las muestras, para obtener muestras biológicas secas y totalmente duraderas. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en desarrollar un protocolo de plastinación de cortes con resina poliéster (Biodur® P40) en secciones de 3 mm de espesor de cerebro humano. La muestras fueron fijadas y conservadas con formalina al 10 %. Los cerebros luego fueron seccionados con una maquina cortadora de tejidos, obteniéndose láminas delgadas de 3 mm de espesor. Inmediatamente los cortes de cerebro fueron colocados en deshidratación en acetona al 100 %, a -25 ºC, durante 7 días el primer baño de acetona, y durante otros 3 días más, para el segundo baño de acetona. Una vez deshidratados los cortes, estos fueron colocados en resina poliéster Biodur® P40 y se llevó a cabo la impregnación forzada de los cortes, en cámara de vacío a temperatura ambiente (20 ºC). Una vez finalizada la impregnación forzada, se procedió a la etapa de curado, la cual en primer lugar consiste en el armado de las cámaras de curado dentro de las cuales se colocaran los cortes con resina poliéster. Las cámaras de curado fueron colocadas bajo luz UV para acelerar la polimerización del poliéster y finalizar el proceso de plastinación. Se logró desarrollar satisfactoriamente en el Laboratorio de Plastinación y Técnicas Anatómicas de la Universidad de La Frontera un protocolo de plastinación de cortes con resina poliéster, obteniendo una excelente conservación de cortes de cerebro, con diferenciación de sustancias gris y blanca, y conservación de todas las características morfológicas.

Plastination is an anatomical technique of cadaveric conservation created in 1977 by Gunther von Hagens, in Heidelberg, Germany, and that substitutes biological and / or fixation fluids with acetone, to then impregnate the samples with different resins, depending on the developed plastination technique, to finally carry out the polymerization of the components incorporated into the samples, to obtain dry and totally durable biological samples. The aim of this work was to develop a sheet plastination protocol with polyester resin (Biodur® P40) in 3 mm thick slices of human brain. The samples were fixed and preserved with 10 % formalin. The brains were sectioned with a slice cut machine, obtaining thin sheets of 3 mm thick. Immediately the slices of brain were placed in dehydration in 100 % acetone, at -25 °C, for 7 days the first acetone bath, and for another 3 more days, for the second acetone bath. Once the cuts were dehydrated, they were placed in Biodur® P40 polyester resin and the forced impregnation was carried out in a vacuum chamber at room temperature (20 °C). Once the forced impregnation was finished, the curing stage was carried out, which first consists in the assembly of the curing chambers within which the slices with polyester resin were placed. The curing chambers were placed under UV light to accelerate the polymerization of the polyester and finished the plastination process. A sheet plastination protocol with polyester resin was successfully developed in the Laboratory of Plastination and Anatomical Techniques of Universidad de La Frontera, obtaining excellent conservation of brain slices, with differentiation of gray and white substances, and conservation of all morphological characteristics.

Conceptos fundamentales del protocolo modificado de plastinación a temperatura ambiente con silicona, con posterior pigmentación, y su aplicación para la conservación de placenta humana / Fundamental concepts of the modified room temperature plastination protocol with silicone, with subsequent pigmentation, and its application for the conservation of human placenta

RESUMEN: El auge experimentado en los últimos años en la aplicación de las técnicas anatómicas para la conservación de muestras anatómicas está directamente relacionado con la necesidad de preservación de los escasos especímenes con que cuentan las instituciones universitarias en relación a aumentar el tiempo de utilización del mismo. En este sentido, la plastinación es la técnica anatómica que más se destaca y que permite preservar por tiempo indeterminado, sin toxicidad, las preparaciones anatómicas. Presentamos el protocolo modificado de plastinación a temperatura ambiente con silicona, desarrollado en el Laboratorio de Plastinación y Técnicas Anatómicas de la Universidad de La Frontera, con el objetivo de aplicarla a la conservación de una placenta humana, la cual posteriormente fue pigmentada para otorgarle un aspecto más cercano a lo real.

SUMMARY: The surge experienced in recent years in the application of anatomical techniques for the conservation of anatomical samples is directly related to the need to preserve the few specimens that university institutions have in relation to increase the time of use of the same. In this sense, the plastination is the anatomical technique that stands out and that allows to preserve indefinitely, without toxicity, the anatomical preparations. We present the modified plastination protocol at room temperature with silicone, developed in the Laboratory of Plastination and Anatomical Techniques of the University of La Frontera, with the aim of applying it to the conservation of a human placenta, which was subsequently pigmented to give it an appearance closer to the real.

Interacción endometrio trofoblasto, en la implantación humana: revisión de la literatura / Endometrium-trophoblast interaction in human implantation: review of literature

Un embarazo exitoso requiere de una serie de interacciones mediadas por factores hormonales, moleculares y fenómenos de inmunomodulación. Una de estas interacciones es la que ocurre entre el endometrio y el blastocito, previo y durante el proceso de implantación. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es complementar lo descrito en la literatura clásica de embriología humana sobre interacción de endometrio-blastocito. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en la base de datos MEDLINE usando los términos en inglés "implantation", "endometrium" y "embryo"; además se realizó una búsqueda manual, que incluyó artículos de revistas no indexadas, libros de texto y atlas. Se consideraron criterios de inclusión y exclusión para la selección de los artículos y otros recursos bibliográficos. Entre los criterios de inclusión se consideraron estudios realizados en humanos, artículos de revisión y experimentación, publicados en los últimos 5 años. Como criterios de exclusión se consideraron artículos que utilizaran animales, estudios sobre fertilidad in vitro, patologías asociadas y artículos no relacionados al tema. Una vez completada la selección, se examinaron los textos completos, en los cuales se aplicaron nuevamente los criterios de exclusión. La búsqueda arrojó un total de 560 artículos, cuyo análisis de los títulos y resúmenes resultó en 475 trabajos excluidos, a partir de los diferentes criterios de exclusión antes descritos. Por lo tanto, se obtuvieron 85 artículos, en los cuales se realizó el análisis del texto completo. De estos artículos, se obtuvieron un total de 34 estudios y los contenidos seleccionados en esta revisión fueron: Endometrio, Interacción endometrio trofoblasto, Aposición, Adhesión y Migración-Invasión. Durante la implantación se genera una interacción entre el endometrio y el trofoblasto, con la participación de moléculas reguladoras de proliferación y diferenciación, como factores hormonales, moleculares y de expresión génica. Sin embargo, los mecanismos específicos de acción e interacción deben continuar siendo investigados, para responder interrogantes en el ámbito del crecimiento y desarrollo humano.

A successful pregnancy requires a series of interactions, mediated by hormonal, molecular and immunomodulation phenomena. One of these interactions is between the endometrium and the blastocyst, before and during the implantation process. The objective of this literature review is to complement what is described in the classic human embryology literature on endometrial-blastocyst interaction. The bibliographic search was carried out in the MEDLINE database using the terms "implantation", "endometrium" and "embryo", and a manual search was carried out, which included articles from non-indexed journals, textbooks and atlases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered for the selection of articles and other bibliographic resources, including human studies, review and experimentation articles, published in the last 5 years. Articles with animals as experimental subjects, in vitro fertility studies, associated pathologies and articles not related to the subject were excluded. When the selection was completed, the complete texts were examined, in which the exclusion criteria were applied again The search yielded a total of 560 articles, whose analysis of titles and abstracts resulted in 475 excluded works, in relation to different exclusion criteria described above. Therefore, 85 articles were obtained, in which the complete text analysis was performed. From these articles, a total of 34 studies were obtained and the contents selected in this review were: Endometrium, Endometrium trophoblast, Aposition, Adhesion and Migration-Invasion. During the implantation, aninteraction between the endometrium and the trophoblast is generated, with the participation of regulatory molecules of proliferation and differentiation, such as hormonal, molecular and gene expression factors. However, the specific mechanisms of action and interaction must continue to be investigated, to answer questions in the field of human growth and development.