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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Potential use of embalmed cadavers to study mast cell presence.

BACKGROUND: Embalmed cadavers in medical classes represent a potential source for collecting human tissues without the inherent problems of obtaining fresh or surgical specimens. Although the manner of fixation and vagaries of embalming techniques eliminate many such tissues for histological assessment, other techniques can be applied successfully to embalmed tissues. Pertinent to the present study, mast cells contain granules that are preserved under good fixation in formaldehyde, a main ingredient in embalming fluids. Visualization of these granules is possible, even though the ultrastructure of these cells is not preserved. METHODS: Two techniques for the visualization of connective tissue mast cells were compared using embalmed and fresh specimens: Alcian blue and avidin conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC-Avidin). Both will bind to mast cell granules, even in the presence of formaldehyde. RESULTS: Although mast cell numbers in the connective tissue did not differ between embalmed and fresh tissues, comparisons between the techniques involved showed the FITC-Avidin technique to be possibly more sensitive, perhaps because of the increased contrast from the fluorescent dye. CONCLUSIONS: Thus for some studies, human cadavers may provide a valuable source of tissue. However, use of embalmed tissue necessitates ensuring good embalming, checking for dehydration, and proper storage until embedment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Successful reduction of morticians' exposure to formaldehyde during embalming procedures.

A case study of the effectiveness of upgraded ventilation engineering controls in a military mortuary facility was performed. Worst-case mortician formaldehyde exposures generated during the use of highly concentrated embalming fluid (required to meet a 2-week preservation standard for overseas case processing and return of the deceased to the continental United States) were documented. A detailed exposure evaluation via consecutive short-term exposure limit (STEL) samples facilitated characterization of the hazard potential for each distinct phase of the embalming process. After baseline screening with 3M passive formaldehyde dosimeters, a total of 145 personal and area STEL sorbent tube samples were collected during six embalming cases between 1994 and 1998. Prior to the installation of local exhaust ventilation controls, personal time-weighted average (TWA) exposure values during embalming activities were 3.19-7.69 ppm for a mean of 4.80 ppm (calculated 8-hour TWA exposures for mortician workshifts were 1.32-2.86 ppm, mean 1.93 ppm). Initial STEL exposures ranged from a low of 0.14 during preembalming body preparation to 20.89 ppm during aspiration of arterial fluids (mean = 4.16 ppm). Embalming room general area samples revealed a mean concentration of 0.76 ppm. With ventilation upgrades installed in 1997, calculated personal 8-hour TWA exposure values during embalming procedures were reduced. STEL exposures decreased to between 0.11 to 3.44 ppm (mean of 0.55 ppm); embalming room general area sample concentrations decreased to a mean of 0.089 ppm. Because occasional 15-min peak exposures continued to exceed the 2.0 ppm Occupational Safety and Health Administration STEL during tasks involving large volumes of embalming fluid or direct contact with paraformaldehyde preservative powders, general room ventilation was further upgraded to 25 room air changes per hour.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

PubMed1997

O6-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase activity in student embalmers.

O6-Alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) activity was assessed in peripheral blood lymphocytes among 23 mortuary science students before and after 9 weeks in a laboratory course in techniques of embalming. Formaldehyde exposure was established by environmental monitoring. The average air concentration of formaldehyde during embalming was about 1.5 ppm. At the pre-exposure sampling, baseline DNA repair capacity tended to be reduced in subjects who reported a prior history of embalming (p = 0.08). From pre- to post-exposure, 17 subjects decreased in DNA repair capacity, while only 6 increased (p < 0.05). Analysis of variance, including adjustment for age, sex, and smoking status, confirmed these findings. Among the eight subjects who had no embalming experience during the 90 days before study, seven had decreased and one had increased AGT activity during the period of study (p < 0.05). For those with prior embalming experience, 10 subjects decreased in AGT activity, while 5 increased (p < 0.05). Although the major chemical exposure in embalming practice was to formaldehyde, no clear link was established between amount of formaldehyde exposure and AGT activity.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

Ultrastructural and immunofluorescent detection of herpes simplex virus after embalming and burial.

The practice of embalming preserves body tissues, and embalmed bodies may resist decay processes for many decades with relatively little change. As the chemicals used for embalming are poisonous to microorganisms, bacterial and viral cultures are futile after such funerary procedures are performed. However, embalming may act as a virtual tissue fixative, especially with arterial perfusion, and identification methods other than culture may be used to detect and identify pathogenic organisms. In the case presented here, a death from a fulminating, but unidentified, illness in a young girl was successfully diagnosed as herpes hepatitis by immunofluorescent and electron-microscopic studies of tissue obtained 3 weeks after she was embalmed and interred. Routine embalming and burial should not eliminate these diagnostic procedures from consideration in specific situations where potentially useful information may be realized.

Autopsy↗

PubMed2006

Practical light embalming technique for use in the surgical fresh tissue dissection laboratory.

Surgeons using a fresh tissue dissection laboratory need specimens with tissue color and texture as close as possible to those of a living body. Completely unembalmed specimens kept in a cooler remain in good condition only for a few days, and then decay rapidly. Unembalmed specimens can be frozen for later use, but freezing harms their texture, and decay is suspended only for as long as they remain frozen. Since 1998, we have used a method of light embalming adapted from funeral home techniques, on over 250 cadavers used in our fresh tissue dissection laboratory. Lightly embalmed cadavers can be kept in a cooler for up to 6 weeks before use, with negligible loss of tissue quality and color. Once dissection is begun, the cadavers remain in excellent condition, free from odor, for at least two further weeks. Light embalming overcomes the practical problems seen with completely unembalmed specimens, avoids the use of freezing, and extends the range of activities that can be planned in the laboratory. This paper presents details of the light embalming technique. We assume that light embalming does not kill all transmissible pathogens.

Cadaver↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of different embalming fluids on the quality of histological preservation in human cadavers.

There are significant problems in obtaining normal human material for histology for teaching or research purposes. This study shows that tissue from cadavers embalmed for teaching can be used for routine histology. Twelve cadavers embalmed with four different formalin-containing embalming fluids were used (n = 3 per fluid): (1) formalin mix (10% formalin); (2) Dunedin mix (an alcohol-based fluid containing phenol); (3) Michigan mix (a water-based fluid); and (4) phenoxyethanol mix (an alcohol-based fluid containing phenoxyethanol). Tissue blocks of liver, heart, kidney, skin and skeletal muscle were taken from each cadaver, paraffin embedded, sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), or Mallory trichrome (Malt). Each section was assigned an overall score based on the histological quality of the cellular components of the tissue. Sections were scored from 1 to 3 (1 = poor, 2 = satisfactory, 3 = good). Satisfactory sections were obtained from all cadavers except those embalmed with the Dunedin mix. The Michigan and phenoxyethanol fluids resulted in consistently good quality sections. No significant differences in tissue morphology were observed between the different stains. The clearest morphology was observed in the skin and skeletal muscle sections, and in tissues embalmed with fluids which do not contain phenol.

Cadaver↗

PubMed2005

Dust in the wind: the growing use of embalming fluid among youth in Hartford, CT.

This study suggests that use of embalming fluid as a mind-altering drug has been underreported. Based on a social network recruitment strategy, findings from a study in 2000 of 401 outreach worker-recruited polydrug-involved youth (ages 16-24 years) from the inner city of Hartford, CT indicate widespread (over 80% of study participants had used the drug at least once) and regular use of embalming fluid mixed with either marijuana or mint. This paper reports findings on frequency and distribution of use, experience, and consequences of use, access to the drug, and characteristics of embalming fluid users. Given the toxic substances that comprise embalming fluid, and the tendency, affirmed in the present study, of the drug to be associated with violent behavior, there is a need to recognize embalming fluid as a drug of concern among youth.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1978

An improved embalming procedure for long-lasting preservation of the cadaver for anatomical study.

A successful embalming procedure necessary for long-lasting preservation of the cadaver and its subsequent anatomical dissection has been undertaken in our laboratory. In short, the procedure consists of a preembalming treatment with blood clot disperser, removal of blood clots, drainage of blood, and arterial embalming with an embalming machine via both carotid and femoral triangles of the body. The embalming fluid is prepared from methyl alcohol and a small amount of formalin as the fixatives, ethylene glycol as a preservative, and liquefied phenol as a mould preventive. Coloring of the blood vessels is also useful in their identification. Other matters relevant to embalming problems are also discussed.

Anatomy↗

PubMed1992

Attitudes of funeral directors and embalmers toward autopsy.

Although physician and family attitudes toward autopsy have been suggested as factors leading to declining autopsy rates, attitudes of funeral directors and embalmers toward autopsy have not been studied. We surveyed members of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association concerning beliefs about the purposes of autopsy, problems they experienced with autopsied cases, and the advice they gave to family members about permitting autopsy. Three hundred eight (42.2%) of 730 funeral directors and embalmers responded to the questionnaire. Although 80.3% believed that autopsy served a purpose, 46.4% had counseled families not to permit autopsy, and 16.6% did so more than half the time. Perceived difficulty in embalming autopsied cases (odds ratio, 2.3), family concern about the risk of disfigurement (odds ratio, 1.9 to 2.2), having attempted to talk to a pathologist or hospital administrator about a poorly performed autopsy (odds ratio, 2.0), and belief in the purpose of autopsy (odds ratio, 0.38), were significant independent predictors of counseling against autopsy. Of funeral directors who counseled against autopsy, 28.3% reported that families never permitted autopsy, and 39.4% reported that families only occasionally permitted autopsy, in cases where they had counseled against it. Funeral directors from Illinois counties with 1989 medical certificate case autopsy rates of less than 5% counseled against autopsy more frequently than funeral directors from counties with higher autopsy rates. We conclude that although most funeral directors and embalmers believe in the purposes of the autopsy, difficulties in embalming autopsied cases, and family concern about the risk of disfigurement, may lead members of the funeral profession to counsel against autopsy, and that such advice may influence families not to permit an autopsy.

Attitude↗

PubMed1997

Molecular detection of JC virus in embalmed, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded brain tissue.

Embalmed tissues are adequate for the detection of JC virus in lesions of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) by immunohistologic and molecular methods. JC virus was readily detected in embalmed brain tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two brains were removed from bodies that had been embalmed at least 24 h prior to autopsy. They were subsequently post fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 10-14 days before dissection and molecular studies were performed. Though these techniques are not novel, their use in embalmed tissues is. Routine embalming should not eliminate these diagnostic procedures from consideration.

Brain↗

PubMed1976

The antimicrobial activity of embalming chemicals and topical disinfectants on the microbial flora of human remains.

The antimicrobial activity of embalming chemicals an topical disinfectants was evaluated to determine the degree of disinfection achieved during the embalming of human remains. The administration of arterial and cavity embalming chemicals resulted in a 99% reduction of the postmortem microbial population after 2 hours of contact. This level of disinfection was maintained for the 24 hours test period. Topical disinfection of the body orifices was also observed. Therefore, it is probable that present embalming practices reduce the hazard from transmission of potentially infectious microbial agents within the immediate environment of embalmed human remains.

Anal Canal↗

PubMed1995

Peripheral nerve tension due to joint motion. A comparison between embalmed and unembalmed human bodies.

Various joint positions of the upper extremity were used to study the tensile forces on the median nerve. To analyse the effect of embalmment, tensile forces were measured in situ in unembalmed and embalmed human bodies. A positive correlation was found between tensile force data from unembalmed and embalmed nerves. This finding justifies, for comparative studies, the use of embalmed human bodies, although the absolute tensile forces are higher. RELEVANCE: In daily activities or during certain operations positions of the upper extremity vary, hence creating tensile forces of different magnitude on peripheral nerves. Tensile forces are also applied in the diagnosis of nerve (root) lesions of the upper extremity. To analyse these tensile forces, in-situ experiments on unembalmed human bodies, though problematic, are supposed to be the most realistic approach. In this study it has been shown that in comparative studies on peripheral nerve tension, data obtained from embalmed human bodies can be used.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1994

The last invasion of human privacy and its psychological consequences on survivors: a critique of the practice of embalming.

In spite of the fact that it is required only occasionally for sanitary reasons and not legally mandatory, the practice of embalming is widespread in contemporary American society. This study explores the historical, cultural and psychological factors which gave rise to the practice of embalming and why the practice continues. Two case studies are presented in which delayed grief reactions were present; linkages with embalming are described. It is suggested that the frightening finitude of the self and a fear of death in modern society have led to practices in which the corpse is viewed as looking "natural," thus denying the reality of death. Embalming is seen as the final assault on the self, which can also carry with it problematic psychological consequences for the survivors.

Attitude to Death↗

PubMed2006

Differences in the mechanical properties of calcaneal artificial specimens, fresh frozen specimens, and embalmed specimens in experimental testing.

BACKGROUND: Artificial calcanei, fresh-frozen cadaver specimens, and embalmed cadaver specimens were compared in experimental testing under biocompatible loading to clarify the biocompatibility of artificial calcaneal specimens for implant testing. METHODS: Two different artificial calcaneal bone models (Sawbone, Pacific Research Laboratories, Vashon, WA, and Synbone, Synbone Inc., Davos, Switzerland), embalmed cadaver calcaneal specimens (bone density, 313.1 +/- 40.9 g/cm2; age, 43.8 +/- 7.9 years), and fresh-frozen cadaver calcanei (bone density, 238.5 +/- 30.0 g/cm2; age, 44.4 +/- 8.2 years) were used for testing. Seven specimens of each model or cadaver type were tested. A mechanical testing machine (Zwick Inc., Ulm, Germany) was used for loading and measurements. Cyclic loading (preload 20 N, load was increased every 100 cycles by 100 N from 1,000 to 2,500 N, 0.5 mm/s) and load to failure (0.5 mm/s) were performed. The loads were applied through an artificial talus in a physiological loading direction. The displacement of the posterior facet in the primary loading direction was measured. RESULTS: The four different specimen groups showed different stability and different displacement in the primary loading direction during cyclic loading. The variation of the maximal displacement in the primary loading direction for the entire cyclic loading was higher in artificial specimens than in the cadaver specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial calcanei (Sawbone, Synbone) showed different biomechanical characteristics than cadaver bones (embalmed and fresh-frozen) in this experimental setup with biocompatible cyclic loading. These results do not support the use of artificial calcanei for biomechanical implant testing. Fresh-frozen and embalmed specimens seem to be equally adequate for mechanical testing. The low variation of mechanical strength in the unpaired cadaver specimens suggests that the use of PAIRED specimens is not necessary.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

When the drug of choice is a drug of confusion: embalming fluid use in inner city Hartford, CT.

This paper examines the use of a new illicit drug--embalming fluid mixtures--in Hartford, CT based on a recent assessment of drug consumption in an outreach-recruited sample of 242 not-in-treatment active drug users. Sociodemographic, drug use, and health and social problems of drug users who do and do not use embalming fluid mixture are presented, revealing some notable differences between these two groups of street drug users. Despite regular consumption, we report that embalming fluid mixture users are often uncertain about what is in this new drug, despite experiencing often powerful effects. Urine toxicology findings from a subsample of individuals who used embalming fluid mixtures in the last 48 hours, reveal the frequent presence of phencyclidine (PCP) as well as other drugs. The public health implications of this new wave of PCP use are assessed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2002

Detection of ketosis in vitreous at autopsy after embalming.

Ketosis occurs in ketoacidosis or malnourishment. When either is suspected in relation to a death, it may be important to analyze for ketosis at autopsy. We encountered a case where starvation was suspected in a deceased nursing home resident, where the body had been embalmed prior to autopsy. Gas chromatography (GC) was unable to separate acetone from formaldehyde, a component of embalming fluid. The Acetest is a simple test that can detect acetone and acetoacetate in body fluids. We validated the Acetest with GC on vitreous. The Acetest and GC were consistent except at very low levels of acetone or acetoacetate. The sensitivity of the Acetest for acetoacetate in vitreous was 10 mg/dL, consistent with early starvation. Significant interference from embalming fluid did not occur. The Acetest was negative in the described case. The Acetest is a simple and useful test for the detection of ketosis in embalmed autopsies.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

The embalming, the scientific method and the paleopathology: the case of Gaetano Arrighi (1836).

Since the most ancient times the problem of the artificial preservation of dead bodies has been an important object of study. In ancient and classic times the reasons leading to this practice were essentially of a religious and esoteric type, but in the modern age, following the development of medical and biological studies, embalming has assumed a more practical trend which is both medicine and scientific. The discovery of blood circulation has marked the scientific method which, in its various forms, has circulated all over Europe bringing fame to eminent anatomists such as Federico Ruysch (1638-1731), William (1718-1783) and John Hunter (1728-1793), Jean Nicolas Gannal (1791-1852), Giuseppe Tranchina, Laskowky and Brosch, who affirmed the embalming by endoarterial injection of conservation fluids making evisceration useless and obsolete. The advent of formalin and the introduction of new surgical and autoptic methods have made this practice gradually fall into disuse. For this reason, the mummy found in Leghorn (Tuscany, Central Italy) is of particular importance since was obtained applying the intravascular injection following the method, described by the Italian medical Giuseppe Tranchina in 1835. The mummified body belongs to Gaetano Arrighi, a prisoner in the Leghorn fortress. He was born in Arezzo in 1789 and died on March 1836 at the age of 47 in the Civil Hospital of Leghorn following pleurisy, as results in an annexed document. The day after his death Dr. Raimondo Barsanti from Pisa and Superintendent at the Leghorn hospital made up the Tranchina's method, which consisted in the injection of an arsencial -mercury solution inside of the blood vessels, giving rigidity and dark red color to the dead body. The excellent outcome of the intervention has made it possible, more than 160 years later, to study not only the method by which Arrighi's body was embalmed but also to perform a careful paleopathological imaging study by traditional X-rays and by Computer Axial Tomography (CAT). The high percentage of mercury present in the conservation fluid conferred radiopacity, making it possible to evidence the diffusion of the liquid into the entire artery tree and in particular into the aorta as well as in all the right and left artery systems. The radiopacity showed an unusual thoracic picture suggesting a pathological situation. The CAT study enriched and ameliorated the results obtained by X-rays making it possible to reconstruct the embalming procedure and to confirm the diagnosis of wet pleurisy probably cause by a tubercular infection.

Embalming↗

PubMed1993

[Arterial embalming method of the cadaver and its application to research].

Ever since 1974, the cadaver has been embalmed by the arterial embalming method, using pre-embalming fluid with blood clot disperser and cell conditioner for the removal of blood clots and drainage of blood, at the Department of Anatomy of the Kawasaki Medical School. According to this method, the cadavers are always very well fixed so that they can be used for not only anatomical dissection but also research for the vascular system by vasography, kinematics of the joint and other histologic examinations. In this report we have described our embalming procedure concretely and its application to research.

Angiography↗