PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Embalming”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

"The soft embalmer of the still midnight": a problem of prescribing hypnotics in general practice.

Was it euthanasia or was it even murder? That is the rather dramatic question with which the case history ends. However, none of those taking part in this conference had any doubts that it was neither murder nor euthanasia. But all had doubts as to whether the patient received the best care which the medical and allied professions can command. The barrister declared that in law there would have been no case to answer but the consensus of opinion of the other participants was that as no real diagnosis had been made the treatment was essentially superficial - ensuring sleep for the patient by prescribing barbiturates. The most fundamental criticism of the management of this patient was that individuals looked after her rather than an interdisciplinary team, some member of which might properly have sought to overrule Dorothy (the patient's daughter) when she took her mother away from a nursing home. However, what makes this case conference fascinating is not the facts of the case or the treatment so much as the avenues for moral and social discussion opened for the reader.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Tuberculosis risk in funeral home employees.

In order to estimate the risk of tuberculosis infection among employees in the funeral service industry, we conducted a risk-assessment study of a convenience sample of funeral home employees. Study participants completed a risk-assessment questionnaire and underwent tuberculin skin testing. Of 864 employees tested, 101 (11.7%) had a reactive tuberculin skin test. Reactivity to the tuberculin skin test was significantly associated with job category; funeral home employees with a present or past history of embalming deceased-human remains were twice as likely to be reactive as were non-embalming personnel (14.9% versus 7.2%, P < 0.01). Reactivity was also associated with age, gender, race, past history of close contact with a person diagnosed with tuberculosis, and work history. After controlling for age and other factors, tuberculin reactivity was found to be associated in embalming personnel with the number of years spent performing embalmings (> or = 20), and, in non-embalming personnel, with a history of close contact with infected individuals. Based on these results, it is recommended that funeral home employees who routinely embalm cadavers undergo annual tuberculin skin testing, receive initial training on tuberculosis prevention, and wear respiratory protection when preparing known tuberculosis cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[A new studie of embalment in ancient Egypt].

The instruments of the Embalmer Priest. Studies on the practice of embalming in ancient Egypt have mostly neglected the instruments used by embalmers to make their activity easier. Only three embalmer's caches contained embalmers' instruments, but some further objects have been found in museum collections. We have created bronze reproductions of these tools which then used on a corpse at the Faculty of Medicine of Paris VII.

Egypt, Ancient↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cytogenetic effects of formaldehyde exposure in students of mortuary science.

The effect of low-level exposure to formaldehyde on oral, nasal, and lymphoycte biological markers was studied prospectively in a group of 29 mortician students who were about to take a course in embalming. During the 85-day study period, the subjects performed an average of 6.9 embalmings and had average cumulative formaldehyde exposures of 14.8 ppm-h, with an average air concentration of 1.4 ppm during embalming. Since the average time spent embalming was 125 min, formaldehyde exposures calculated as an 8-h time-weighted average were 0.33 ppm on days when embalmings were done, which was less than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limit of 0.75 ppm. Epithelial cells from the buccal area of the mouth showed a 12-fold increase in micronucleus frequency during the study period, from 0.046 +/- 0.17/1000 cells preexposure to 0.60 +/- 1.27/1000 cells at the end of the course (P < 0.05). Nasal epithelial micronuclei increased 22%, from 0.41 +/- 0.52/1000 cells to 0.50 +/- 0.67/1000 cells (P = 0.26). In blood cells, the frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes increased 28%, from 4.95 +/- 1.72/1000 cells to 6.36 +/- 2.03/1000 cells (P < 0.05), while sister chromatid exchanges decreased 7.5% (P < 0.05). A dose-response relationship was observed between cumulative exposure to formaldehyde and increases in buccal micronuclei in the 22 male subjects but not in the 7 female subjects. We conclude that low-level exposure to formaldehyde is associated with cytogenetic changes in epithelial cells of the mouth and in blood lymphocytes. These cytogenetic effects may be useful as markers of biologically effective dose.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Variation in soft-tissue thicknesses on the human face and their relation to craniometric dimensions.

The average thickness of soft tissues on parts of the face is known, but its variation has not been related to cranial morphology. To investigate this relationship, measurements of facial soft-tissue depths and craniometric dimensions were taken on adult, white Australian cadavers (17 male and 23 female). Significant correlations between many soft-tissue depths and craniometric dimensions were found, suggesting a relationship between the amount of soft tissue present on the face and the size of the underlying bony skeleton. Soft-tissue depths were highly positively correlated with each other; craniometric dimensions were correlated but to a lesser extent. Males had thicker soft tissues and larger craniometric dimensions than females; considerable overlap of ranges was also noted. Multiple regression analysis was used to produce equations predicting the soft-tissue depth at specified areas of the face from craniometric dimensions. A subsample of nine cadavers was examined for the effects of tissue embalming. Embalming caused significant initial increases in facial soft-tissue depths. Cadavers embalmed for less than 6 months had soft-tissue depths significantly greater than for fully embalmed cadavers. The evidence that facial soft-tissue thicknesses vary with craniofacial dimensions has implications for forensic identification, facial aesthetic surgery, and approximation of the facial features of extinct individuals.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Studies of organic residues from ancient Egyptian mummies using high temperature-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and sequential thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The techniques of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and sequential thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) have been utilised to characterise the constituents of tissue-derived or applied organic material from two Pharaonic Egyptian mummies with a view to identifying embalming practices/substances. The results obtained using TD-GC-MS revealed a series of monocarboxylic acids with the C16:0, C18:1 and C18:0 components dominating in both mummies. The thermal desorption products related to cholesterol, i.e., cholesta-3,5,7-triene and cholesta-3,5-diene (only in Khnum Nakht), were detected in both mummies. Khnum Nakht also contained a number of straight chain alkyl amides (C16-C18) and an alkyl nitrile (C18). Other products included the 2,5-diketopiperazine derivative (DKP) of proline-glycine (pro-gly) which was a major component (7.9%) in Khnum Nakht but only a very minor component in Horemkenesi. Py-GC-MS of samples of both specimens yielded a series of alkene/alkane doublets (Horemkenesi C6-C18, Khnum Nakht C6-C24) which dominated their chromatograms. Series of methyl ketones in the C9-C19 chain length range were also present, with C5-C7 cyclic ketones occurring in Horemkenesi only. These ketones are indicative of covalent bond cleavage, probably of polymerised acyl lipids. Nitrogenous products included nitriles (C9-C18) which were significant in both samples, and amides which were only detected in Khnum Nakht. Also present amongst the pyrolysis products were three steroidal hydrocarbons, cholest-(?)-ene, cholesta-3,5,7-triene and cholesta-3,5-diene. High temperature-GC-MS of trimethylsilylated lipid extracts yielded similar monocarboxylic acids to that obtained using TD-GC-MS, while a series of alpha, omega-dicarboxylic acids and a number of mono- and di-hydroxy carboxylic acids not seen in the thermal desorption or pyrolysis GC-MS analyses were significant constituents in both mummy samples. Overall, the use of GC-MS and sequential TD-GC-MS and Py-GC-MS has demonstrated in both mummies the presence of a complex suite of lipids and proteinaceous components whose compositions indicates extensive alteration via oxidative and hydrolytic processes during long-term interment. None of the classical embalming resins was detected but an exogenous origin for at least a proportion of these components cannot be discounted since fats, oils and gelatin have been proposed as embalming agents in mummification. The combined approach of sequential TD- and Py-GC-MS has potential for application to the characterisation of embalming materials in mummies. Most importantly these techniques virtually eliminate any destruction of the mummified bodies thereby allowing the scope of investigations of ancient Egyptian funerary practices to be significantly extended.

Embalming↗
PubMed1996

Surgical neck fractures of the proximal humerus: a laboratory evaluation of ten fixation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: A biomechanical cadaver study was performed to compare the stability and ultimate strength of ten standard fixation techniques used for the treatment of surgical neck fractures of the proximal humerus. DESIGN: One hundred twenty (60 fresh frozen, 60 embalmed) proximal humerus specimens were selected and divided into two groups: fresh frozen specimens represented a nonosteopenic group and embalmed specimens an osteopenic group. Simulated fractures were created at the level of the surgical neck, reduced, and randomly assigned to one of ten methods of fixation (six fresh frozen and six embalmed specimens per fixation group). These constructs were then mechanically tested with the humeri oriented to create primarily shear loading of the fixation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The T-plate and screws provided significantly stronger fixation (p < 0.005) in the fresh frozen specimens than all other methods. The Ender nails/tension band construct was the second strongest fixation technique, providing significantly stronger fixation (p < 0.01) than all the remaining techniques. Four Schanz pins with one pin placed through the greater tuberosity followed by the T-plate and screws provided the strongest fixation in embalmed specimens. Tension band fixation in both humeral groups was shown to provide the least effective fixation.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1996

Quantification of epithelial cell micronuclei by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in mortuary science students exposed to formaldehyde.

A micronucleus assay employing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a centromeric probe was used on specimens of exfoliated buccal and nasal cells collected from mortuary science students exposed to embalming fluid containing formaldehyde. FISH labeling allowed micronuclei (MN) containing a whole chromosome (centromere-positive, MN+) to be differentiated from those containing only chromosomal fragments (centromere-negative, MN-). Each student was sampled before and after the 90 day embalming class. We determined if an increase in MN frequency could be attributed to formaldehyde exposure and was specific to either MN+ or MN-. In buccal cells, total MN frequency was significantly increased from 0.6/1000 to 2/1000 (p = 0.007) following the course, whereas in nasal cells it was not (2 and 2.5/1000, respectively, p = 0.2). Cells with multiple MN were present only in samples taken after exposure to embalming fluid. Although the baseline frequency was higher for MN+ in both buccal (0.4/1000 for MN+ and 0.1/1000 for MN-) and nasal cells (1.2/1000 for MN+ and 0.5/1000 for MN-), the increase in MN frequency was greater for MN-, (9-fold, p = 0.005 for buccal cells; 2-fold, p = 0.03 for nasal cells) than for MN+ (> 2-fold, p = 0.08 for buccal cells; no change, p = 0.31 for nasal cells) in both tissues. Thus, the primary mechanism of micronucleus formation appeared to be chromosome breakage. This finding is consistent with known clastogenic properties of formaldehyde, the component of embalming fluid most likely responsible for micronucleus induction.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Health status of funeral service workers exposed to formaldehyde.

A study of 84 funeral service workers and 38 control subjects in Toronto, Canada, revealed that the embalmers reported chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, and nasal, eye, and skin irritation more frequently than controls. Apprentices reported symptoms and exhibited signs of irritation more frequently than experienced embalmers, but both of these groups were more affected than the inactive embalmers or the controls. Airborne formaldehyde levels were 0.36 +/- 0.19 ppm (mean +/- standard deviation) during 22 embalming procedures. General ventilation was shown to significantly lower the levels. No significant change in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, FEF50 or FEF75 was demonstrated with formaldehyde exposure nor were the baseline lung function results significantly different from those 38 unexposed controls. Based on patch testing, 4% and 10% were sensitive to formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, respectively, whereas none of the controls exhibited positive reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

An experimental design approach to retrospective exposure assessment.

There are several methods currently in use for retrospective estimation of quantitative exposure levels in occupational and environmental epidemiologic studies. The most popular is a job-exposure matrix approach using a combination of existing data and professional judgment. Another method is the use of statistical models based on available exposure data. The authors present an alternative approach using an experimental design in which several factors thought to affect exposure levels are identified and set at specific levels in a cross-classified design. This approach was used to estimate historical exposures to formaldehyde in a mortality study of embalmers. Exposures were estimated as a function of solution concentration, air exchange rate, and autopsied versus intact body. There were 12 combinations involving these 3 factors and a total of 25 embalming procedures (approximately 2 replicates of each combination) performed at a college of mortuary science. In addition to these design factors several covariates such as temperature, humidity, and the occurrence of spills were considered in an analysis of covariance statistical model. The results of the model prediction were validated against published measurements, and field samples were taken in several funeral homes. The overall accuracy of the model predictions was comparable to the variation found in replicate measurements of identical embalming procedures.

Embalming↗
PubMed2001

In vitro reaction of formaldehyde with fenfluramine: conversion to N-methyl fenfluramine.

Embalming is common, and it can create problems for the forensic scientist if a drug has been the cause death and this drug is also reactive toward the embalming fluid. Previous studies have focused on the tricyclic amines nortriptyline and desipramine. In the presence of formaldehyde, a typical component of embalming fluid, either of these two compounds can be rapidly converted to their methylated derivatives amitriptyline and imipramine, respectively. We have begun a larger project designed to determine the reactivity and reactions of a wide range of drugs with formaldehyde. We report here our results from fenfluramine, which, like the tricyclic amines, is reactive towards formaldehyde and is converted into its N-methyl derivative. The rate of conversion is dependent upon pH and formaldehyde concentration. Up to 100% conversion in 24 h was observed. In addition, we have also devised a simplified procedure for monitoring this process that may be useful for others working in this area. Finally, we note that the reactions of fenfluramine studied here and of amines in general with formaldehyde need to be considered when performing postmortem/postembalming forensic analysis.

Embalming↗
PubMed2001

In vitro reaction of barbiturates with formaldehyde.

Barbiturates are widely used as sedatives, hypnotics, and antiepileptics, and, when coupled with their narrow therapeutic index, the probability that their use will result in accidental or intentional death is significant. When barbiturates are implicated in a murder or suicide, analysis for their presence is often required. Under certain conditions, barbiturates are quite stable, but conditions found in vivo immediately after death or after embalming may promote barbiturate decomposition. If extensive decomposition occurs, analysis for them may be difficult or impossible. Here, the stability of three representative barbiturates, under conditions that model those likely to prevail in vivo shortly after death and after embalming, have been studied. Solutions of phenobarbital were found to slowly decompose in water over the pH range of approximately 3.5 to 9.5. More rapid decomposition occurred at higher pH, and 2-phenylbutyric acid was the main decomposition product. Formaldehyde (5-20%) accelerated the decomposition rate 3-10-fold such that phenobarbital decomposition could be complete after 30 days. In contrast, pentobarbital decomposed roughly 10 times more slowly and secobarbital did not detectably decompose under any of the conditions studied. Thus, certain barbiturates may partially or completely decompose in vivo after death, especially after embalming, and thus analysis for them may lead to false negatives. However, this work shows that analysis for the parent barbiturate or its predicted decomposition product may provide data that will reduce the likelihood of false negatives.

Barbiturates↗
PubMed1989

Phenoxyethanol as a nontoxic preservative in the dissection laboratory.

In an effort to rid the dissection room of irritating and potentially health-threatening toxic chemicals, we have modified the phenoxyethanol technique for long-term preservation of embalmed cadavers. The new methods employ faster, less toxic embalming and reduced or eliminated phenoxyethanol immersions. Our results are comparable with or improved over those previously described and demonstrate that phenoxyethanol is an excellent, easily manageable alternative preservative to standard formaldehyde/phenol-based embalming fluids.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

An unusual injury.

The case of a young man who died unexpectedly from myocarditis is presented. The body was partially embalmed before autopsy at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology. Although the cause of death was not a problem to diagnose, this case highlights artefacts that embalming may cause and the difficulties it may create with interpretation of injury. This is of particular relevance to those forensic pathologists who only uncommonly see injuries which are due to embalming.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[A sketch of history of the European tanatopraxis].

Tanatopraxis is an intentional action aiming to stop all the processes, which lead to a complete decomposition of a body after death. The words embalmment or mummification makes us think about cultures of the ancient Egypt or pre-Columbian America and not about burials of Indo-European nomads or Chinese aristocrats. Meanwhile practices aiming to protect mortal remains against a destructive force of death were known in Europe very long ago. We can see it in paludal burials of the Iron Age and in some testimonies of the ancient epochs. Interventions, which could materially retard decomposition of a body, had been rather generally practiced from the Middle Ages. More practical than religious reasons justified it, but the latter cannot be overlooked. The religious background of such actions can be seen in the custom of embalming mortal remains of popes or kings of France. It was in Europe where the preservation of crops had started to be treated as a scientific problem, and we can see it for the first time in the Renaissance. Together with a development of medical knowledge and especially of anatomy and preparations, a great progress both in methods and substances used for embalming, took place. Ruysh and Holmes in the 17th century, the Hunter brothers in the 18th century and Gannal and Holmes in the 19th century are the milestones in the history of tanatopraxis in Europe. Foundation of the French Institute of Tanatopraxis (IFT) has crowned the many hundred years old experience in the field.

Death↗
PubMed1991

Recognition of cemetery remains in the forensic setting.

Cemetery remains exposed through vandalism or natural phenomena are frequently brought to the attention of law enforcement agents or medical examiners. Although it is often difficult to distinguish cemetery remains from those of medicolegal significance, clues to their origin may exist. Characteristics consistent with cemetery remains include physical characteristics associated with the embalming process. Characteristics indicative of cemetery remains include functional or ornamental artifacts associated with the coffin, devices used in embalming the body, and elevated levels of embalming chemicals in the soft tissue.

Burial↗
PubMed2001

Teaching anatomy with surgeons' tools: use of the laparoscope in clinical anatomy.

The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility of laparoscopy in embalmed cadavers to teach abdominal gross anatomy. One cadaver was selected based on body habitus and absence of previous abdominal operations. A standard trocar was used to enter the abdomen at the umbilicus. Two trocars were placed in the left upper quadrant. Pneumoperitoneum was achieved with continuous CO(2) pressure. Liver retraction was achieved percutaneously, exposing the porta hepatis and the gallbladder. The dissection was done with four first-year medical students using standard laparoscopic equipment. Following this, the demonstration was projected over multiple monitors so that all students could participate. Laparoscopic dissection in an embalmed cadaver is feasible and an excellent educational tool for both the medical student and the dissector. The dissector has the opportunity to manipulate laparoscopic tools in a human model closely paralleling operative experience, and the students have an opportunity to learn abdominal anatomy from a clinical perspective. Laparoscopic examination and dissection of fresh cadavers has been used for training surgeons on new procedures such as colon resection, antireflux procedures, and cholecystectomy. There is no report of this same technology used in embalmed cadavers to teach basic anatomy. This approach allows first-year medical students to learn the anatomy while exposing them to the technology currently used in surgical practice, and it affords surgical residents and students additional opportunities to practice laparoscopic skills.

Abdomen↗