DoRA 2.0 | Database of Research Activity

Immersion of Bovine Eyeballs After 1 Hour in Seawater Does Not Result in Elevation of Postmortem Vitreous Humor Sodium and Chloride Levels

2026-08-13T01:16:18Z

Title: Immersion of Bovine Eyeballs After 1 Hour in Seawater Does Not Result in Elevation of Postmortem Vitreous Humor Sodium and Chloride Levels Authors: Anne, Sravan; Tse, Rexson; Oldmeadow, Christopher; Attia, John R; Cala, Allan D Abstract: Elevations in postmortem vitreous sodium chloride (PMVSC) levels may help in differentiating saltwater/seawater drowning (SWD) deaths from immersion deaths not related to drowning (DNRD). It is unclear whether the elevation is related to blood/plasma electrolyte changes after inhalation of seawater as hypothesized in SWDs or possibly caused by electrolyte diffusion and/or osmosis across the outer coats of the eyeball during immersion. To investigate the changes in bovine PMVSC levels at different time points while immersed in seawater. Bovine eyeballs were obtained from an abattoir and randomized into 2 groups: a) submerged in seawater ("wet" group) or b) placed in an impermeable plastic bag that was immersed in seawater ("dry" group). The PMVSC levels from 6 eyeballs were measured from each group (without replacement) at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, and 12 hours. There was no significant difference in mean PMVSC levels between the 2 groups at 30-minute and 1-hour intervals. A significant difference was noted from 6 hours onward. There is no statistically significant elevation in bovine PMVSC levels when immersed in seawater for up to 1 hour. Assuming similar physical properties in humans, any elevations in PMVSC levels in bodies immersed in seawater for less than 1 hour should not be caused by immersion.

Tailoring a rapid autopsy protocol to explore cancer evolution: a patient collaboration

2026-08-13T00:26:43Z

Title: Tailoring a rapid autopsy protocol to explore cancer evolution: a patient collaboration Authors: Blenkiron, C.; Robb, T.; Parker, K.; Kramer, N.; Stables, S.; Tse, R.; Modahl, L.; Coats, E.; Print, C.; Lawrence, B. Abstract: Genomic analysis of tissues from rapid autopsy programmes has transformed our understanding of cancer. However, these programmes are not yet established in New Zealand. Our neuroendocrine tumour research group, NETwork!, received a request from a patient wishing to donate tumour tissues post-mortem. This viewpoint article summarises the ethical, logistical and social process undertaken to accept this patient’s generous donation, and highlights the scientific and educational value of such a gi .

Significant difference in cardiac ventricular dimensions when measured using two different standard methods

2026-08-13T00:12:37Z

Title: Significant difference in cardiac ventricular dimensions when measured using two different standard methods Authors: Garland, Jack; Thompson, Melissa; Thompson, Isabella; Olumbe, Alex; Tse, Rexson Abstract: Cardiac ventricular dimensions measured at postmortem examination are used to assess whether there is hypertrophy of the heart chambers. However, there is no clear consensus on where these measurements should be taken. Some have proposed this should be measured at the mid-ventricular level, but others advocate it should be measured at a set distance (e.g. 20 mm) from the base of the heart. Twenty consecutive adult hearts were examined and showed the ventricular dimensions were significantly higher (mean: 5-15 mm, p < 0.01) when measured at a level 20 mm from the base of the heart compared to the mid-ventricular level. Of clinical significance is that in slightly less than half the cases, normal ventricular dimensions at mid ventricle level fell within the criteria considered pathological (> 40 mm) when measured at 20 mm from the base of the heart. In terms of actual ventricular dimensions, only the left ventricle diameter measured at 20 mm from the base of the heart correlated significantly (albeit moderately) with heart weight, suggesting it can be a predictor for cardiac hypertrophy.

Development of a cardiac inherited disease service and clinical registry: A 15-year perspective

2026-08-13T00:09:22Z

Title: Development of a cardiac inherited disease service and clinical registry: A 15-year perspective Authors: Earle, Nikki J; Crawford, Jackie; Hayes, Ian; Rees, Mark I; French, John; Stiles, Martin K; Waddell-Smith, Kathryn E; Donoghue, Tom; Monkley, Rachael; Neas, Katherine; Aitken, Andrew; Tse, Rexson; Love, Donald R; Skinner, Jonathan R Abstract: Inherited heart conditions are a major cause of sudden unexpected death in young people. This paper describes how New Zealand's (NZ) cardiology and genetics communities responded to the challenge of detecting individuals at risk. The Cardiac Inherited Diseases Group (CIDG), initially comprising four people, developed a national multidisciplinary network, genetic testing, and the world's first national and fully funded molecular genetic autopsy service (using genetic testing to ascertain cause of death). This was underpinned by a national, ethically approved consent based registry for inherited heart conditions and sudden death—the Cardiac Inherited Diseases Registry New Zealand (CIDRNZ). Here we present the timeline for the registry's development and key features that may be useful for others developing their own cardiac inherited disease service.