Secondary Chondrosarcoma Arising in Synovial Chondromatosis of Wrist Joint.

Introduction: Chondrosarcoma of the synovium is a rare and malignant form of cartilaginous tumor that originates in synovial tissue. There have only been a limited number of reported cases of malignant transformation of synovial chondromatosis (SC) into secondary chondrosarcoma (SCH), primarily in the hip and knee, in patients with resistant illness. The occurrence of chondrosarcoma in SC of the wrist is highly uncommon, as evidenced by only a single previous case study that has been documented in the literature. Case Report: This study presents a case series of two patients with primary SC who developed SCH at the wrist joint. Conclusion: Clinicians treating localized swellings of the hand and wrist should be alert to the likelihood of a sarcoma diagnosis to minimize delays to definitive therapy.

Degenerated lumbricals in the feet of adult human cadavers: case series.

In the foot, the lumbricals flex the metatarsophalangeal joints and extend the interphalangeal joints. The lumbricals are known to be affected in neuropathies. It is not known whether they may degenerate in normal individuals. Here, we report our findings of isolated degenerated lumbricals in seemingly normal feet of two cadavers. We explored lumbricals in 20 male and 8 female cadavers that were 60-80 years of age at the time of death. As part of routine dissection, we exposed the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus and the lumbricals. From the degenerated lumbricals, we took some tissue for paraffin-embedding, sectioning, and staining by hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson's trichrome technique. Of the 224 lumbricals studied, we found four apparently degenerated lumbricals in two male cadavers. In the first, the 2nd and 4th lumbricals in the left foot and the 2nd in the right foot were degenerated. In the second, the right 4th lumbrical was degenerated. Microscopically, the degenerated tissue was made of bundles of collagen. The lumbricals may have degenerated due to compression of their nerve supply. We cannot comment on whether the functionality of the feet were affected by these isolated degeneration of the lumbricals.

Nerve fibre morphometry with transmission electron microscopy: Application of the nucleator probe in ImageJ.

Stereology and semiautomated binary image histomorphometry are two common methods used for morphometry of nerve fibres. Nucleator probe can be used for the estimation of morphometric parameters like diameter, perimeter, area and volume of a structure that is approximately either a circle or a sphere. In this study, we estimated these parameters with the help of ImageJ software on calibrated transmission electron micrographs. We procured samples of the cochlear nerve (CN) during winter months, within 6-12 hours of death, to reduce post-mortem autolytic changes. The temporal bones containing the CN were fixed by immersion in chilled paraformaldehyde. After dissecting out from the petrous part of the temporal bone, the CN were osmicated and processed for embedding in resin. From the resin blocks, silver coloured (70 nm) ultrathin sections were cut and picked on 300-mesh copper grids, stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and viewed under Tecnai G2-20 transmission electron microscope. The transmission electron micrographs had scale bars embedded into them by the software at the time of imaging, and the morphometric parameters of randomly selected nerve fibres were measured using the ImageJ software. The ImageJ software could become a low-cost and dependable tool for nerve fibre morphometry.•Nucleator probe is used for the estimation of morphometric parameters like diameter, perimeter, area or volume•Morphometric parameters were estimated by the ImageJ software on calibrated transmission electron micrographs•The ImageJ software could become a low-cost and dependable tool for nerve fibre morphometry.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas Mimicking Benign Inflammatory Processes: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Background: Soft tissue sarcomas are rare and often go undetected until a later stage, particularly when they present as intra-articular or tenosynovial lesions mimicking benign synovial pathologies. The failure to distinguish between malignant and benign synovial disease can have a significant impact on patient outcomes and limit alternatives for local control surgery and limb salvage. Case Description: In this case series, we present two cases of soft tissue sarcomas, one being an intraarticular synovial chondrosarcoma, and the other a pleomorphic spindle cell sarcoma centred along tendon sheaths. Radiologically, the initial clinical presentation of these cases resembled benign synovial pathologies, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: Our study underscores the importance of maintaining a low threshold of suspicion for surveillance, a multidisciplinary approach, and early histological diagnosis to ensure appropriate timely treatment and a favourable prognosis for patients with soft tissue sarcomas.

Degenerated lumbricals in the feet of adult human cadavers: case series / 대한해부학회지

In the foot, the lumbricals flex the metatarsophalangeal joints and extend the interphalangeal joints. The lumbricals are known to be affected in neuropathies. It is not known whether they may degenerate in normal individuals. Here, we report our findings of isolated degenerated lumbricals in seemingly normal feet of two cadavers. We explored lumbricals in 20 male and 8 female cadavers that were 60–80 years of age at the time of death. As part of routine dissection, we exposed the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus and the lumbricals. From the degenerated lumbricals, we took some tissue for paraffin-embedding, sectioning, and staining by hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome technique. Of the 224 lumbricals studied, we found four apparently degenerated lumbricals in two male cadavers. In the first, the 2nd and 4th lumbricals in the left foot and the 2nd in the right foot were degenerated. In the second, the right 4th lumbrical was degenerated. Microscopically, the degenerated tissue was made of bundles of collagen. The lumbricals may have degenerated due to compression of their nerve supply. We cannot comment on whether the functionality of the feet were affected by these isolated degeneration of the lumbricals.

The ultrastructural study of human cochlear nerve at different ages.

Ultrastructural and molecular changes in the myelin of the cochlear nerve (CN) have been associated with decreased hearing-acuity with increasing age. But most of these are animal studies or with very few human samples. Hence, we studied the ultrastructure of the human CN at different ages. We obtained samples of CN from persons, who at the time of death belonged to young, middle or old age-groups; defined as ≤ 30, 31 to 50, and ≥ 51 years of age, respectively. These were processed for viewing under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Morphology and morphometry were assessed after blinding the observer. Measurements of diameter (whole nerve fibre, axon), myelin thickness and calculation of G-ratio were made on calibrated images using ImageJ software. K-Means cluster analysis was performed based on total and inner nerve fibre area. Middle and old age CN showed degenerating axons, splitting of myelin sheath and myelin balloons. Between the middle and old age groups there was significant decrease in axon diameter (p<0.001), inner nerve fibre area (p<0.001), myelin thickness (p<0.001), nerve fibre diameter (p<0.001), and G-ratio (p<0.001). By clustering, we identified three distinct populations of myelinated nerve fibres: large, medium and small. The large fibres (by size), seen in the young, disappeared in the old age-group. We were unable to find any unmyelinated nerve fibres in this study. The morphological deterioration CN fibres may be a visible sign of molecular degeneration and contribute to decreased hearing-acuity.

Femoral Intercondylar Notch: Gross Anatomy and Histology of the Connective Tissue Lining of its Roof: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: We have consistently observed a connective tissue lining over the intercondylar notch's roof (CTLINR) during arthroscopic surgeries of the knee joint. As there is a strong association of the intercondylar fossa with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), we believe that this tissue must be having some role in the functioning of the ACL. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the anatomic characteristics of the CTLINR. METHODS: In this observational anatomical study, we have investigated the gross anatomical and histological features of the CTLINR in four knees of two fresh frozen non-embalmed cadavers. We have also studied its ultrastructural characteristics by obtaining an arthroscopic biopsy of the tissue from a patient undergoing ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: At gross examination, the CTLINR had a typical glistening white surface with transversely oriented fibres. It entirely covered the roof of the intercondylar notch and was soft to touch. Histological examination with haematoxylin-eosin stain revealed fibro-collagenous tissue with intervening blood vessels. Transmission electron microscopy manifested loosely arranged collagen fibres of variable diameter. CONCLUSION: The histological and electron microscopic characteristics of the tissue differentiate it from the ACL and its femoral enthesis, suggesting that it was a distinct anatomical structure. As it entirely covered the roof of the intercondylar fossa and had a smooth surface and soft consistency, it may protect the reconstructed ACL from graft abrasion. Furthermore, as it had a characteristic arthroscopic appearance, future research can investigate its role in femoral tunnel positioning.

Age-related changes in the number of cresyl-violet-stained, parvalbumin and NMDAR 2B expressing neurons in the human spiral ganglion.

Animal-studies associate age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) with decreasing number of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in Rosenthal's canal (RC) of cochlea. The excitatory neurotransmitter for SGNs is glutamate (through its receptor NMDAR 2B), which can be neurotoxic through Ca2+ overload. Neurotoxicity is balanced by calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) like Parvalbumin (PV), which is the predominant CBP of the SGNs. To estimate the volume of the RC and total number of SGNs that are immunoreactive to PV and NMDAR 2B, we used unbiased stereology in 35 human cochleae derived from cadavers of persons from 2nd to 8th decade of life (subsequently statistically divided into two groups) and compared them to the total number of cresyl violet (CV) stained SGNs. We also estimated the volume of individual neurons and their nuclei. Regression analysis was made on estimated parameters against age. Hierarchical-cluster analysis was done on the neuronal against neuronal nuclear volumes.The average volume of the RC did not change with increasing age (p = 0.4115). The total number of SGNs (CV-stained and those separately expressing PV and NMDAR 2B) significantly decreased with age (p < 0.001). We identified three distinct populations of neurons on the basis of their volumes among SGNs. Thus, there is significant age-related decline in the total number of SGNs, which starts early in life. It may be due to ambient noise and inadequate neutralisation of excitotoxicity.

Morphological development of the human cochlear nucleus.

Morphological studies in developing brain determine critical periods of proliferation, neurogenesis, gliogenesis, and apoptosis. During these periods both intrinsic and extrinsic pathological factors can hamper development. These time points are not available for the human cochlear nucleus (CN). We have used design-based stereology and determined that 18-22 weeks of gestation (WG) are critical in the development of the human CN. Twenty-three fetuses and seven postnatal brainstems were processed for cresyl violet (CV) staining and immunoexpression of NeuN (neurons), GFAP (astrocytes), Ki-67 (proliferation) and TUNEL (apoptosis) and 3-D reconstruction. The volume of CN, total number of neurons selected profiles and the volume of neurons and their nuclei were estimated. Data were grouped (G) into: G1:18-20 WG, G2: 21-24 WG, G3: 25-28 WG and G4 >29 WG. The dimensions of morphologically identified neurons were also measured. The CN primordium was first identifiable at 10WG. Definitive DCN (Dorsal cochlear nucleus) and VCN (ventral cochlear nucleus) were identifiable at 16 WG. There was a sudden growth spurt in total volume of CN, number of neurons and astrocytes from 18 WG. We also observed an increase in proliferation and apoptosis after 22 WG. The number of neurons identifiable by CV was significantly lower than that by NeuN-immunostaining till 25 WG (p = 0.020), after which, both methods were equivalent. Eight morphological types of neurons were identifiable by 26 WG and could be resolved into four clusters by volume and diameter. The CN changed orientation from small, flat and horizontal at 10-16 WG to larger and oblique from 18WG onwards. Prevention of exposure to noxious factors at 18-22 WG may be important in preventing congenital deafness.

Estimation of Volume of Stria Vascularis and the Length of Its Capillaries in the Human Cochlea.

BACKGROUND: The stria vascularis (SV) is a vascularized epithelium that secretes endolymph and is located on the lateral wall of the membranous cochlea. The capillaries of SV directly influence the composition of the endolymph and hence the generation of impulses by the hair-cells that are auditory receptors and thus affect hearing. Therefore, the real morphology of the SV would be very important for understanding the hearing system. There are few reliable reports of the morphology of the human SV. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In this research, we have estimated the volume of the SV and total length of strial capillaries in the apical, middle and basal turns of the human cochlea by updated stereological techniques. METHODS: The point-counting Cavalieri's method and hemispherical volume probes were applied on stained, 40 µm-thick serial sections of five celloidin-embedded, decalcified cochleae. RESULTS: The mean age of persons at the time of death was 51 ± 15.25 years, the mean volume of the SV was 0.56 ± 0.054 mm3 and the mean length of the SV capillaries was 289.08 ± 72.96 mm. We also estimated the same parameters with different stereological parameters, probes and in differently stained sections and checked the relationship and limits of agreement between different methods by paired t-test and Bland-Altman plot. We found agreement in our results. CONCLUSION: We provide reliable baseline data on the real morphology of the human SV.

Morphological and neurochemical changes in GABAergic neurons of the aging human inferior colliculus.

It is well known that quality of hearing decreases with increasing age due to changes in the peripheral or central auditory pathway. Along with the decrease in the number of neurons the neurotransmitter profile is also affected in the various parts of the auditory system. Particularly, changes in the inhibitory neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) are known to affect quality of hearing with aging. To date, there is no information about the status of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the human IC during aging. We have collected and processed inferior colliculi of persons aged 11-97 years at the time of death for morphometry and immunohistochemical expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) and parvalbumin. We used unbiased stereology to estimate the number of cresyl-violet and immunostained neurons. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the relative expression of the GAD67 mRNA. We found that the number of total, GABAergic and PV-positive neurons significantly decreased with increasing age (p < 0.05). The proportion of GAD67-ir neurons to total number of neurons was also negatively associated with increasing age (p = 0.004), but there was no change observed in the proportion of PV-ir neurons relative to GABAergic neurons (p = 0.25). Further, the fold change in the levels of GAD67 mRNA was negatively correlated to age (p = 0.024). We conclude that the poorer quality of hearing with increasing age may be due to decreased expression of inhibitory neurotransmitters and the decline in the number of inhibitory neurons in the IC.

Development of a Novel Technique to Dissect the Mesentery That Preserves Mesenteric Continuity and Enables Characterization of the ex vivo Mesentery.

Introduction: The conventional model of abdominal anatomy described multiple mesenteries. Dissection techniques were based on this. Recent studies demonstrate the mesentery is continuous from duodenojejunal flexure to anorectal junction. Given this, it is important to update dissection techniques related to the mesentery in the cadaveric setting. Materials and Methods: A technique of mesenteric dissection was developed and tested in a cohort of 20 adult human cadavers (12 male and 8 female). As the technique enabled excision of the mesentery as a single unit, it was possible to characterize the anatomy of the ex vivo mesentery. Results: The technique developed enabled dissection of an intact and continuous mesentery in all cadavers examined. Examination of the ex vivo mesentery demonstrated that a mesoduodenum was present in all cases. The mesentery was continuous from the mesoduodenum to the mesorectum and ended at the level of the anorectal junction. Conclusions: A technique was developed that reproducibly enabled dissection of an intact and continuous mesentery from the duodenum to the anorectal junction. A mesoduodenum was consistently observed and noted to be in continuity with the remainder of the mesentery.

Ultrastructural Study of Rat Testis Following Conventional Phototherapy during Neonatal Period.

INTRODUCTION: Phototherapy is the most common treatment for neonatal jaundice. This study sought to determine ultrastructural changes in testis, at different time-points, after 48 hours of conventional phototherapy was given to newborn rats. METHODS: Newborn male Wistar rats (n = 36) were divided into two groups as follows - group 1 (G1), control (without phototherapy) and group 2 (G2), exposure to conventional phototherapy for 48 h. Six animals from each group were sacrificed on postnatal days (PND) 70, 100 and 130. The testes were dissected out and processed for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: TEM showed that G2 on PND 70 and 100 showed damaged organelles, including nuclei, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles and electron dense bodies in the testes. Seminiferous Tubule on PND130 showed lesser damage. On PND70 ST wall thickness (STWT) of G2 was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than G1 STWT of G2 was significantly lower than G1 on PND100 (P = 0.047) and on PND130 (P < 0.001). Mitochondrial diameter in spermatogonia was significantly higher in G2 on PND70 (P = 0.001), PND100 (P = 0.031) and PND130 (P = 0.028). Primary spermatocytes in G2 also had larger mitochondria on PND70 (P < 0.001), PND100 (P = 0.007) and PND130 (P = 0.008). Further, spermatids had larger mitochondria in G2 on PND70 (P < 0.001), PND100 (P = 0.044) and PND130 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Phototherapy causes degenerative changes in rat testis on PND70 and 100 that partially recover by PND 130.

Interleukin-6 significantly improves predictive value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome for predicting severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Predicting severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is important for triage, prognosis, and designing therapeutic trials. Persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) predicts severe AP but its diagnostic accuracy is suboptimal. Our objective was to study if cytokine levels could improve the predictive value of clinical variables for the development of severe AP. METHODS: Consecutive patients with AP were included in a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center. Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, MCP-1, GM-CSF and IL-1ß were measured at day 3 of onset of AP. Variables such as age, co-morbidity, etiology, SIRS, and cytokines were modeled to predict severe AP by multivariable regression analysis. Genotyping was done to correlate IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 gene polymorphisms with cytokine levels. RESULTS: Of 236 patients with AP, 115 patients admitted within 7 days of onset formed the study group. 37 of the 115 (32%) patients developed organ failure. Independent predictors of organ failure were persistent SIRS (OR 34; 95% CI: 7.2-159) and day 3 serum IL-6 of >160 pg/ml (OR 16.1; 95% CI:1.8-142). IL-6 gene (-174 G/C) GG genotype was associated with significantly higher levels of IL-6 compared to CC/CG genotype. Serum IL-6 >160 pg/ml increased the positive predictive value of persistent SIRS from 56% to 85% and specificity from 64% to 95% for predicting OF without compromising its sensitivity and negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-6 of >160 ng/ml added significantly to the predictive value of SIRS for severe AP.

Aberrant Cutaneous Nerve Loops in the Axilla.

During routine dissection classes, conducted for first year undergraduate medical students, we encountered a rare anatomical variation in relation to the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN). The ICBN represents the lateral undivided cutaneous branch of second intercostal nerve. In this case, the ICBN formed nerve loops with branches of the lateral cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve. These loops eventually gave branches that probably supplied the floor of the axilla and proximal arm. Nowadays, this ICBN is gaining clinical importance during the axillary lymph node dissections and mammary gland surgeries. Damage to the ICBN, may results in the sensory deficits in patients undergoing surgery. In our case report, ICBN was making aberrant nerve loop along with the branches from the third intercostal nerve. Knowledge regarding the origin, formation and route of ICBN is of clinical significance to axillary surgeons, radiologist and anesthesiologists.

Unique cardiac anomaly due to lateralization of a straight trunco-conal septum

Congenital heart disease is present in 4-50/1000 live births worldwide, causing about 10% of infant mortality. Congenital heart disease arises when there is a defect in the process of development of the heart through looping, remodeling, realignment and septation of the primitive endothelial tube. Here we describe a case of congenital heart disease where there was formation of straight truncoconal septum with lateralization. It has caused transposition of great vessels, atretic non communicating stenosed pulmonary trunk, and blind outflow tract of left ventricle. There was renal anomaly too in the form of horseshoe kidney. The entire developmental anomaly could be traced back to the period between the 6th and the 9th week of intrauterine life. The neonate died within half an hour of birth

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Electron-microscopic evidence of mitochondriae containing macroautophagy in experimental acute pancreatitis: implications for cell death.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional autophagy and necrosis are characteristic features of severe acute pancreatitis. OBJECTIVE: To unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. METHODS: We studied the ultrastructural pancreatic morphology using electron microscopy in experimental acute pancreatitis. The control group of animals received intraperitoneal injections of normal saline. Different severity of acute pancreatitis was induced by low and high doses of caerulein in Swiss albino mice. In the low dose group, pancreatitis was induced by 4 injections of caerulein given hourly [50 µg/kg/dose - total of 200 µg/kg] and in the high dose group by 8 injections given hourly (total of 400 µg/kg). The experiments were repeated in Na-taurocholate model of acute pancreatitis in rats. The pancreatic tissue was processed and studied by transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural changes. RESULTS: The acinar cells of the pancreatitis animals revealed autophagosomes that contained cellular organelles, including mitochondria. The animals that received a higher dose of caerulein had numerous cells showing a necrotic morphology, whereas the animals in the low dose group showed a predominantly apoptotic cell morphology. The Na-taurocholate model in rats also showed similar features of severe pancreatitis with cellular necrosis and macroautophagy. CONCLUSIONS: Dysfunctional mitochondria in the injured pancreatic acinar cells are degraded by macroautophagy. These observations are not model specific. Mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent energy deficit in the cells might be causally related to cellular necrosis.

History of teaching anatomy in India: from ancient to modern times.

Safe clinical practice is based on a sound knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. Thus, knowledge of anatomy has been an essential tool in the practice of healthcare throughout the ages. The history of anatomy in India traces from the Paleolithic Age to the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic Times, the Islamic Dynasties, the modern Colonial Period, and finally to Independent India. The course of the study of anatomy, despite accompanying controversies and periods of latencies, has been fascinating. This review takes the reader through various periods of Indian medicine and the role of anatomy in the field of medical practice. It also provides a peek into the modern system of pedagogy in anatomical sciences in India.