The effect of diclofenac sodium on neural tube development in the early stage of chick embryos

Background: Neural tube defects are congenital malformations of the central nervous system. Genetic predisposition and some environmental factors play an important role in the development of neural tube defects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of diclofenac sodium on the neural tube development in a chick embryo model that corresponds to the first month of vertebral deve- lopment in mammals.  Materials and methods: Seventy-five fertile, specific pathogen-free eggs were incubated for 28 h and were divided into five groups of 15 eggs each. Diclofenac sodium was administered via the sub-blastodermic route at this stage. Incubation was continued till the end of the 48th h. All eggs were then opened and embryos were dissected from embryonic membranes and evaluated morphologically and histopathologically.  Results: It was determined that the use of increasing doses of diclofenac sodium led to defects of midline closure in early chicken embryos. There were statistically significant differences in neural tube positions (open or close) among the groups. In addition; crown–rump length, somite number were significantly decreased in high dose experimental groups compared with control group.  Conclusions: This study showed that development of neurons is affected in chi- cken embryos after administration of diclofenac sodium. The exact teratogenic mechanism of diclofenac sodium is not clear; therefore it should be investigated.

A STUDY ON THE IDENTIFICATION OF FIRE HAZARDS ON BOARD: A CASE STUDY

The RoRo ship MS UND ADRIYATIK was wrecked in February 2008 by a catastrophic fire. The causes of the accident included a combination of human, technical and organizational factors. In this study, the authors describe the accident, its chronology, and the dependencies involved. They then examine some of the erroneous series of human’s operations, design and technical errors that led to the disaster and their organizational roots at the time of the accident. Risk-reduction measures can be costly, though; priorities must be set based on costs and benefits. This research suggests ways to support fire prevention efforts. Nine possible reasons were determined to perform a survey suitable for AHP technique. The purpose of this survey is to determine the order of possible explanations for this fire accident and possible provisions and precautions to be taken

Age-related changes of nasal cavity and conchae volumes and volume fractions in children: a stereological study

Background: The anatomy of the human nasal cavity (NC) is complex and its structures are closely related to the functions of the NC. Studies which assessing the mean volumes of NC and conchae are very infrequent. The purpose of current study is to investigate development of NC and conchae according to age and sex by using stereological method. Materials and methods: This retrospective volumetric study was carried out on 342 individuals (166 females and 176 males) between 0 and 18 years old with no pathological conditions or medical procedures that affected the skeletal morphology of the NC. Volumetric estimations were determined on computed tomography (CT) images using point-counting approach of stereological methods. Results: NC, inferior nasal conchae (INC) and middle nasal conchae (MNC) volume measurements that obtained using point-counting method were increased with age in both sexes until 15 years old. Regardless of gender; no significant difference was determined between the left and right values for NC, conchae volumes and choanae measurements. Generally, significant differences were determined in NC and INC volumes according to gender after they reached maximum growth period. According to age the volume ratios of INC to NC and MNC to NC were ranged from 18% to 32% and 9% to15%, respectively. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that the point-counting method is effective in determining volume estimation of NC and is well suited for CT studies. Our results could provide volumetric indexes for the NC and conchae, which could help the physician for both patient selections for surgery, and for the assessment of any surgical technique used to treatment of nasal obstruction. (

Estimation of spleen volume and surface area of the newborns’ cadaveric spleen using stereological methods

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare different techniques for the estimation of spleen volume and surface area using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, ultrasonography (USG) images and cadaveric specimen, and to evaluate errors associated with volume estimation techniques based onfluid displacement.Materials and methods: Five new born cadavers, aged 39.7 ± 1.5 weeks, weighted 2.220 ± 1.056 g, were included in the present study. Three different methods were used to assess the spleen volume. The vertical section technique was applied using cycloid test probes for estimation of spleen surface area in MRI.Results: The mean ± standard deviation of spleen volumes by fluid displacement was 4.82 ± 3.85 cm3. Volumes determined by the Cavalieri’s principle using physical section and point-counting techniques were 4.45 ± 3.47 cm3 and 4.65 ± 3.75 cm3, respectively; volumes measured by USG and cadaver using ellipsoid formula were 4.70 ± 3.02 cm3 and 5.98 ± 4.58 cm3, respectively. No significant differences were found among all methods (p > 0.05). The spleen surface area was calculated as a 32.3 ± 20.6 cm2 by physical sections using cadaver and also it was determined on axial, sagittal and coronal MR planes as 24.9 ± 15.2 cm2, 18.5 ± 5.92 cm2 and 24.3 ± 12.7 cm2, respectively.Conclusions: As a result, MR images allow an easy, reliable and reproducible volume and surface area estimation of normal and abnormal spleen using Cavalieri’sprinciple. We consider that our study may serve as a reference for similar studies to be conducted in future

Volumetric evaluation of hemicerebellar changes in migraine patients without aura

Brain balance changes have been recognised in migraine, but cerebellar function between or during attacks has been assessed only in a few studies. Previous studies have indicated that migraine affects cerebellar function. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the hemicerebellar volume changes of patients with migraine without aura (MWoA). Volumetric changes of cerebellar hemispheres were evaluated in terms of asymmetry using stereological methods on magnetic resonance images (MRI) retrospectively. Nineteen patients with MWoA and 18 age- and gender-matched control subjects were included in the study. MRIs were analysed by using the point-counting approach of stereological methods by Cavalier’s principle. There was no statistically significant cerebellar atrophy or hemicerebellar asymmetry between the MWoA and control subjects. There was no cerebellar atrophy or asymmetry between the MWoA and age-matched control group. The stereological evaluation of cerebellar asymmetry and atrophy in humans is important for both clinicians and anatomists. The technique is simple, inexpensive, and reliable. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 4: 235–239

Electroencephalogram findings in patients with posterior cortical atrophy

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to evaluate standard scalp EEG findings in patients with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), an atypical variant of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinical rationale: PCA is a topographically selective variant of AD. Patients with typical AD have an increased likelihood of seizures, which may negatively impact overall functional performance and cognition. It is currently unknown what the typical EEG findings are for patients with PCA. Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients identified either with autopsy confirmed (n = 13) or clinically (n = 126) as PCA. Results: 139 patients were included though only 23 (16.5%) had undergone EEG recording. The EEG was normal in 6 (26%), while an abnormal EEG was present in 17 (74%). Interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) were found in 2 of the 23 patients (9%). Conclusions: This study of limited sample size suggests that there may be an increased predilection to find IEDs within PCA when compared to typical AD. Larger cohorts are required to determine frequency of abnormal EEGs in PCA, roles of AEDs in therapy, and in the selection of preferred AED. Clinical implications: Patients with PCA would potentially benefit from an EEG for assessment of IEDs which may provide the clinician with a therapeutic opportunity

Examination of inclinations of the spine at childhood and adolescence

Background: Spine is a column that consists of consecutively lined up vertebras. It includes medulla spinalis. It contributes the motions of head, neck and body. Spine is not a straight column. There is a convexity towards the front of the spine (lordosis) at cervical and lumbar areas in adults and a convexity towards the back of the spine (kyphosis) at thoracic and sacral spine areas.  Materials and methods: In this study, lateral magnetic resonance images of 731 children between 1 and 16 years of age were examined and their cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles were measured with Cobb method using ImageJ programme for every age group.  Results: The mean calculated cervical lordosis angles in 1–16-year-old children were found to be 20.51o ± 6.11o (minimum 17.96o ± 6.29o, maximum 23.50o ± ± 4.14o). It has been observed that cervical angle values decrease with age. The mean thoracic kyphosis angle measured was 28.71o ± 6.99o (minimum 24.55o ± ± 5.65o, maximum 30.44o ± 4.68o). Lumbar lordosis angle was 28.08o ± 7.39o (minimum 20.36o ± 6.59o, maximum 32.68o ± 6.03o). Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angle values increased with age. In our study, a statistical differ- ence was found in increasing thoracic kyphosis angle between 1-year-old group and 14-year-old group. Statistical difference was also found in decreasing cervical lordosis angle value between 1-year-old group and 16-year-old group. When we compare our study results with literature values, cervical lordosis values were similar, but lumbar lordosis values were lower.  Conclusions: In summary, we think that knowing sagittal plane inclinations of the spine developing in childhood and adolescence will contribute to earlier de- termination of pathologies. We also hope that it will contribute to clinical stages and other studies in this field.

At The Five And Ten Cent Store

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