Seasonal zooplankton community variation in Karatas Lake, Turkey

This study was carried out to determine seasonal variation and zooplankton community structure in Karataş Lake, Southern Turkey. Zooplankton samples were collected seasonally between 2002 and 2003 in two stations using a zooplankton net of 55-µm mesh size. A total of 42 taxa were identified, including 19 taxa (45.2 %) Rotifera, 16 taxa (38.1 %) Cladocera, and 7 taxa (16.7 %). Copepoda. Among them, Keratella quadrata, Asplanchna priodonta from Rotifera, Daphnia longispina, Ceriodaphnia quadrangula, Chydorus sphaericus, Coranatella rectangula from Cladocera, and Eudiaptomus drieschi, Eucyclops speratus from Copepoda were dominant species. Spring and autumn seasons were found to be the most similar by using Sorenson index value

Popliteal artery aneurysms: a review

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most common form of peripheral arterial aneurysms. The popliteal artery is the continuation of the femoral artery and represents the major source of blood to the leg. Thrombus formation as a result of PAA may reduce blood flow, leading to limb-threatening ischemia and potential limb amputation. Popliteal artery aneurysms are predominantly seen in males (95-99% of cases), presumably owing to their predisposition for arteriosclerosis, which is also a major factor for PAA predisposition. Additionally, it is not uncommon to see an abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with a PAA (30-50% of cases) or bilateral presentation of PAA (~50% of cases). A consequence of a PAA and thrombus located in the popliteal fossa is an inflammatory reaction, potentially involving adjacent structures in the fossa. This may present clinically as pain in the leg and/or edema. Treatment of PAA involves either a conservative management protocol or a more aggressive intervention such as surgery. Proponents of conservative management will regulate the diameter of the aneurysm by ultrasound, while those in favor of surgical intervention will repair the aneurysm through a number of open surgical methods or by endovascular stent grafting. This review summarizes the historical points related to PAA and analyzes the pertinent anatomical implications, clinical findings and treatment methods for PAA

Denim sandblasters’ pneumoconiosis

A 28-year-old man with long standing dyspnea for 4 years and a history of dry cough, sweating and loss of weight was admitted to the hospital. Physical examination showed fine crackles at the end of inspiration. The laboratory tests revealed increased low density lipoprotein level with slight increase in erytrocyte sedimentation rate. Sputum smears for blood culture and tuberculosis were negative. He was referred to the radiology department for imaging studies. Chest radiography revealed bilateral reticulonodular infiltrates in upper and middle zones. High resolution computed tomography showed bilateral diffuse intralobular micronodules in upper and mid lung zones with interlobular septal lines also bilateral pleural thickening was seen (A). Right middle lung zone showed hyperaeration (B). Also he had bilateral hilar, right paratracheal, prevascular and subcarinal lymphadenopathies (C). He had been working in producing sandblasted denims for 10 years. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, occupational exposure to silica dust, and chest x-ray findings after other possible diagnoses were ruled out

The macaroni sign

A 41-year-old woman was referred to radiology department for the evaluation of sudden paresis in the left side. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple bilateral ischemic regions in the watershed areas. Also, the brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions at the level of the cervical ICA region. Both vertebral arteries were found to be enlarged (arrow) and the retrograde filling of the anterior circulation was observed (Fig. A). For the investigation and the differentiation of the bilateral carotid lesions, the color Doppler ultrasonography was obtained. This study showed homogenous, hypoechoic, circumferential wall thickening of both distal common carotid artery arteries (CCA). The thickening of the arteries wall were like ‘Macaroni’. The wall thickness was 0.17 cm (Fig. B). The tapering of both CCA and total oclusion of both ICA were seen. The carotid MRA revealed collateral circulation from the subclavian arteries to the ECA and 50% stenosis of the left CCA (arrow) and 70% stenosis of the right CCA at its origin. Vertebral arteries were also prominant and there were 50% narrowing in the mid portion of the left subclavian artery (Fig. C). The radiological diagnosis of the Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) was made and the patient was referred to the rheumatology clinic for further diagnosis and work-up

Morphologic variation of the diaphragmatic crura: a correlation with pathologic processes of the esophageal hiatus?

The contributions of muscle fibers from the right and left diaphragmatic crura to the formation of the esophageal hiatus have been documented in several studies, none coming to a complete consensus on the number of anatomic variations or the prevalence of these variations in the human population. These variations may play a role in the pathogenicity of specific diseases that involve the esophageal hiatus, such as hiatal hernias. We examined a total of two hundred adult cadavers during 2000-2007. The variations in the diaphragmatic crura, particularly their muscular contributions to the formation of the esophageal hiatus, were grossly examined and revealed a bilateral occurrence of diaphragmatic crura in all 200 specimens. The results of the various morphological patterns of circumferential muscle fibers forming the esophageal hiatus were classified into six groups. The most common type (Type I, 45%) formed the esophageal hiatus from muscular contributions arising solely from the right crus. In Type II (20%) the esophageal hiatus was formed by muscular contributions from the right and left crura. In Type III (15%), the right and left muscular contributions arose from the right crus with an additional band from the left crus. Type IV (10%) showed that the right and left muscular contributions arose from the right crus, with two additional (anterior and posterior) bands arising from the left crus. Type V (5%) demonstrated the contributions arising solely from the left crus. In Type VI (5%) the right and left contributions originated from the left crus with two additional bands, one from the right crus and one from the left crus. These variations may play a role in the pathogenicity of specific diseases that involve the esophageal hiatus such as hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease and Dunbar’s syndrome

Hypermobile coccyx syndrome.

A 40-year-old woman referred to the radiology department because of pain in the region of the coccyx. There was no abnormality neither localized tenderness or swelling in the sacrococcygeal region. She had difficulty in defecation but gastrointestinal pathology such as stool test for occult blood was negative. For radiological examination lateral and postero-anterior X-rays and MRI studies were obtained. On the X-rays the distal part of the coccyx was not very clear. It was impossible to make any diagnosis especially in the distal coccygeal area but MRI study showed abnormally invard curve in the distal part of the coccyx (arrow) with iliococcygeal part of the levator ani muscle and precoccygeal soft tissue edema (curved arrow) (A, B)

Large occipital nerve (Arnold’s nerve) schwannoma

A 37 year-old man who had a ten years history of remitting and intermittently severe neck pain with a suboccipital mass is presented. On initial neurological examination there was no abnormal finding except little mass in the posterior neck. Following physical examination radiological evaluation was requested. In sagittal pre (A) and postcontrast (B) T1W images the lesion in between cervical 2 and 3 spinal process (arrow). The lesion was well defined, encapsulated, heterogeneously enhanced in 2.5 x 2 cm size. There was no bony destruction but remodeling. On axial image the configuration and the location in the semispinalis capitis muscle was easily identified easily (C). The patient underwent operation and final pathologic and radiologic diagnosis was schwannoma with Antoni A cells which was originated from the greater occipital nerve

Mineral trioxyde aggregate versus calcium hydroxide in apexification of non vital immature teeth: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pulp necrosis is one of the main complications of dental trauma. When it happens on an immature tooth, pulp necrosis implies a lack of root maturation and apical closure. A therapy called apexification is required to induce the formation of a calcified apical barrier allowing a permanent and hermetic root filling. The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial is to compare Mineral Trioxide Aggregate(MTA)with Calcium Hydroxide(CH)as materials used to induce root-end closure in necrotic permanent immature incisors.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This study, promoted by AP-HP, was approved by the ethics committee(CPP Paris Ile de France IV). 34 children aged from 6 to 18 years and presenting a non-vital permanent incisor are selected. Prior to treatment, an appropriate written consent has to be obtained from both parents and from children. Patients are then randomly assigned to either the MTA(experimental)or CH(control)groups. Recalls are performed after 3, 6 and 12 months to determine the presence or absence of a calcified apical barrier through the use of clinical and radiographic exams. Additional criteria such as clinical symptoms, apical radiolucencies, periapical index(PAI)are also noted.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov no. <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00472173">NCT00472173</a> (First inclusion: May 10, 2007; Last inclusion: April 23, 2009; study completed: April 15, 2010)</p