Effectiveness of various methods of formaldehyde neutralization using monoethanolamine

Formaldehyde is the most commonly used fixative chemical for the preservation of human cadavers used for educational purposes in the United States. Formaldehyde is also a known carcinogenic agent whose exposure level is regulated by guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Various methods for formaldehyde neutralization exist, yet many donations programs do not take any steps to neutralize the formaldehyde in embalmed donor bodies. The effectiveness of monoethanolamine (MEA) in neutralizing formaldehyde is well documented when used as a final injection during embalming. The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of several post‐embalming techniques of formaldehyde neutralization. Twenty‐four donor bodies were assigned to four experimental groups of six. For the three experimental groups, the techniques tested involve delivery of a 20:1 dilution of deionized water:MEA via recannulization and gravity flow infusion, compartment injection, and alternate wetting solution containing four percent MEA. Our results indicated that spray bottle delivery was not effective in neutralization of formaldehyde compared to the control group, but that formaldehyde levels decreased when recannulization or compartment injection were used. The most effective method of formaldehyde neutralization was compartment injection of MEA solution (P < 0.01). The results of this study indicate that, in situations where MEA is not used as a final infusion during embalming, compartment injection of MEA solution is an effective method of formaldehyde neutralization. Clin. Anat. 28:449–454, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The effect of outflow pressure upon thoracic duct lymph flow rate in fetal sheep.

Edema develops when lymph does not return to the venous circulation at a rate equal to the rate of capillary filtration. Fetal sheep develop edema as well as an increased central venous pressure while undergoing atrial pacing at 320 beats per min. We hypothesized that the increased central venous pressure augmented the appearance of fetal edema by impairing the return of thoracic duct lymph to the venous circulation. To investigate this hypothesis, we studied the effect of outflow pressure upon thoracic duct lymph flow in 10 unanesthetized fetal sheep who had low resistance lymph catheters placed in the cervical thoracic duct near its junction with the left jugular vein. After the ewe and fetus recovered for 5 d, we altered the outflow pressure of the lymph catheter by adjusting its height with respect to amniotic fluid pressure and measured the resultant change in thoracic duct lymph flow rate. We found that lymph flow rate was constant over the range of outflow pressures (central venous pressures) normally encountered but decreased in a linear fashion at pressures greater than 0.68 kPa (5.1 torr). Lymph flow stopped at an outflow pressure of 2.40 kPa (18 torr). The data points are best fit by two lines obtained by a piecewise linear regression rather than a single line obtained from a linear regression. We conclude that fetal thoracic duct lymph flow is sensitive to elevations in outflow pressure. Lymph flow begins to diminish at outflow pressures corresponding to central venous pressures commonly encountered in pathologic conditions and may augment the appearance of fetal edema.     

Persistent double dorsal aorta: A systematic review of the literature

Our discovery of a case of persistent double dorsal aorta prompted us to systematically review the literature of all previously reported cases of this anomaly. For our case, we present a completely separated double dorsal aorta, with the right accessory aorta arising from the abdominal aorta and ascending through the aortic hiatus to supply posterior intercostal arteries (PIAs) to the 9th‐3rd spaces bilaterally. We examined and compiled data from the 10 previously reported cases, along with our observations from our cadaver, into a systematic review of all known cases of persistent double dorsal aorta. In addition to our case report and systematic review, we investigated the literature focusing on formation of the dorsal aorta in the embryo in order to postulate potential mechanisms for formation of this anomaly. Two variants of persistent double dorsal aorta have been reported in the literature. The first type is characterized by a double‐lumen descending aorta with a central dividing septum, and the second features complete separation of the two dorsal aortae. The completely separated variant shows further heterogeneity in the origins of the PIAs and the iliac arteries, and the majority of the reported cases also demonstrate additional anatomical anomalies. We outline the events in embryonic dorsal aorta formation as well as discuss several potential mechanisms that could underlie persistent double dorsal aorta formation. Clin. Anat. 30:517–524, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Understanding Process in Group-Based Intervention Delivery: Social Network Analysis and Intra-entity Variability Methods as Windows into the “Black Box”

Although the majority of evidence-based programs are designed for group delivery, group process and its role in participant outcomes have received little empirical attention. Data were collected from 20 groups of participants (94 early adolescents, 120 parents) enrolled in an efficacy trial of a mindfulness-based adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (MSFP). Following each weekly session, participants reported on their relations to group members. Social network analysis and methods sensitive to intraindividual variability were integrated to examine weekly covariation between group process and participant progress, and to predict post-intervention outcomes from levels and changes in group process. Results demonstrate hypothesized links between network indices of group process and intervention outcomes and highlight the value of this unique analytic approach to studying intervention group process.     

Superior rectal artery origin from the median sacral artery—angiographic appearance,developmental anatomy,and clinical implications

Two angiographic observations of significant rectal vascularization by branches originating from the median sacral artery (MSA) are reported. In the first case, the MSA provided a complete superior rectal trunk, with left and right branches, while in the second, the MSA only contributed superior rectal branches to the right side of the rectum, the left side being supplied by left internal iliac branches. The angiographic appearance, developmental anatomy, and clinical significance of these variants are discussed. Clin. Anat. 27:900–905, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Mutational and Physiological Enhancement of Photosynthetic Energy Conversion in Rhodopseudomonas capsulata

Photosynthetic growth of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata, a nonsulfur purple bacterium, is severely inhibited by inorganic arsenate when this anion is present equimolar to orthophosphate in the culture medium. Studies on an arsenate-resistant mutant indicate that its resistance can be explained by a significantly increased photophosphorylation capacity of the energy-converting machinery, which can compensate for the decrease in adenosine triphosphate regeneration rate caused by esterification of arsenate in place of phosphate. Repeated subculture of the mutant in the presence of arsenate, under certain conditions, yields cell populations that have strikingly elevated contents of membrane-bound reaction-center bacteriochlorophyll, cytochromes, and photo-phosphorylation coupling factor. Membranes from such cells show unusually high photophosphorylation activity, and can be expected to provide a useful experimental material for more refined analysis of the mechanism of the energy-conversion process.