The formaldehyde (FA) is a universally used chemical for preservation of cadavers in dissection halls. The adverse effects of formalin exposure are health concern to faculty, workers, and students. The benefits of using formalin, its cost effectiveness, and its proper fixation and efficient preservation of tissue, have to outweigh its adverse effects on the health of those working with it. The best way to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks are providing adequate ventilation, using personal protective equipment, and developing awareness of FA's adverse effects. This study observed that both government and private colleges had better ventilation when more windows and doors were present, but active ventilation strategies like powerful exhaust, along with monitoring of FA level (personal or dissection hall), were needed. Students exposed to FA suffered eye and nose mucosal irritation. But faculty and workers with prolonged exposure to FA had more severe respiratory symptoms and suffered migraines. Hence personal FA monitoring and personal protective equipment must be made mandatory for those with prolonged exposure to FA. In addition, proper ventilation should be in place to reduce formalin vapours levels in workspaces.

To the Editor, Anatomical Sciences Education: We read the recent Anatomical Sciences Education articles by Harmon et al. (2021) and Attardi et al. (2022) with great interest. These studies rendered a clear picture of the paradigm shifts in anatomy teaching before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The authors found that there was a significant decrease in face-to-face interactions and cadaver-based instructions because compulsory lockdowns have necessitated virtual classes to maintain student safety

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Introduction: The distal end of the femur is a highly vascular tissue with unique features in its blood supply. The outcome of surgical interventions is determined by the interference of corresponding blood supply. The study examines the pattern of blood supply in terms of density, size, and direction of vascular foramina (VF) to the distal end. Material and Methods: The lower end of normal adult dry femora (n = 300) was divided into segments. The number, size, and direction of VF in each segment were documented. Wilcoxon signed-rank test identified the statistical difference in the number of VF between various segments and Friedman test compared the difference between segments of two sides. Results: The maximum average number of VF was observed in medial condylar surface while minimum in central part of intercondylar region. Condylar medial recorded the highest number of VF of all sizes. The number of VF of >2 mm size was found to be significantly different between right and left in right condylar lateral and right intercondylar posterior regions. Right condylar lateral had considerably large number of VF of >2 mm size with statistical significance (P = 0.000). A Friedman test indicated that segements of two sides rated differently. Discussion and Conclusion: The density of VF through which vessels traverse at lower end were not only numerous but also constant and uniformly scattered. Detailed understanding of the arterial anatomy of lower end helps to identify and localize vascular pedicles, thus ensuring vitality of graft as well as donor site.

Mutations in coronavirus is not unheard off. The variant, Omicron B.1.1.529 has overall 50 mutations and is considered as a variant of concern. Though the new variant has shown changes throughout its genome, S gene changes predominate. Significant changes in the S encoding gene, S gene, influences not only the transmissibility properties of SARS-CoV-2 but also the efficacy of existing vaccines. Increased transmissibility and ability of this variant to evade host immune responses conferred either due to past infections or due to vaccination driving increase in number of infections. However, the severity of the infections is low in comparison to its predecessors. A meta-analysis of ten studies analyzing the effect of COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, it was found studies report 10-to-42-fold increase in omicron neutralization. COVID appropriate behaviors, if followed rigidly can bring a meaningful change in the viral spread and resultant health impacts.