The effects of bee venom on behavior and the role of leptin in rats.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the dose­dependent effect of bee venom (BV) on behavioral functions in rats and the physiological role of leptin in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala tissues. Adult Sprague­Dawley male rats were used in the experiments. The rats were divided into three groups of control, 0.1 mg/kg BV, and 0.5 mg/kg BV. The rats were injected with BV subcutaneously for 15 consecutive days. The open field test (OFT), the elevated plus maze test (EPM), and the forced swimming test (FST) were performed as behavioral assessments. Animals were sacrificed, and brain regions were removed. Leptin levels were measured in various brain regions by ELISA. In the OFT, the total distance and speed for the 0.1 mg/kg BV group increased compared to controls and the 0.5 mg/kg BV group. In the EPM, the 0.1 mg/kg BV group remained in the open arm for a significantly longer period of time compared to the other groups. In the FST, the 0.5 mg/kg BV group was more mobile than the other groups. Leptin levels in the prefrontal cortex were significantly higher in the 0.1 mg/kg BV group compared to the control and 0.5 mg/kg groups. There were no significant differences between groups in hippocampus and amygdala leptin levels. The results of the study show that BV has a positive effect on behavioral parameters. BV may have a positive effect on anxiety­ and depression­like behaviors by increasing leptin levels in the prefrontal cortex.

The effects of Spirulina platensis on behavior in adolescent rats fed a high-fat diet.

In recent years, childhood overweight and obesity have become a universal public health problem. Obesity may lead to cognitive disorders, depression and anxiety by affecting neuronal processes. Spirulina platensis (SP), a species of microalgae from the Chlorophyceae green algae class, has neuroprotective effects and may reduce body weight. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of SP on behavior alongside the role of leptin and Sirtuin-1 in fed with high-fat diet (HFD) adolescent rats. Four-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into four groups: control, HFD, HFD + SP150 (150 mg/kg/day SP, orally), HFD + SP450 (450 mg/kg/day SP, orally). Rats except for the control group exposed to 60% HFD along 12 weeks. Last 6 weeks SP or vehicle administered. After the behavioral tests, leptin and Sirtuin-1 levels in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions were evaluated. SP150 significantly reduced body weight compared with HFD group. The time spent in the center of open field increased significantly in SP150-treated rats compared with HFD. SP150 and SP450 significantly decreased immobility time in forced swim test compared with HFD. Leptin levels in HFD group were significantly lower in prefrontal cortex compared to control group. Leptin levels of the HFD + SP450 group were significantly higher than HFD group in the hippocampus. There was no significant difference between groups in Sirtuin-1 levels. In conclusion, SP supplementation in adolescence period might positively affect chronic high fat-induced anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior by partially affecting brain leptin levels and without affecting Sirtuin-1 levels.

Gender differences in effects of prenatal and postnatal exposure to electromagnetic field and prenatal zinc on behaviour and synaptic proteins in rats.

Humans are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from various sources throughout life. Because humans are easily impacted by environmental factors during early development, it is believed that EMF can cause structural and functional changes on the developing brain that may lead to behavioural changes. This paper investigates the impact of EMF exposure and zinc supplementation during the prenatal and postnatal periods on behavioural changes and synaptic proteins in a gender-dependent manner. Pups from four groups of pregnant rats were used: Sham, EMF (5 days/wk, 4 h/day EMF-exposure applied), Sham+Zinc (5 days/wk, 5 mg/kg/day zinc applied) and EMF+Zinc (5 days/wk, 4 h/day EMF-exposure and 5 mg/kg/day zinc applied). EMF exposure and zinc supplementation were initiated from the first day of pregnancy to the 42nd postnatal day. Zinc levels in blood, NLGN3 and SHANK3 levels in hippocampus and amygdala, and synaptic structures in amygdala were examined. Behavioural tests showed that EMF exposure had no effect on social behaviour, but adversely affected activity and exploratory behaviour, and led to increased anxiety formation. Zinc supplementation had a partially positive effect on female, but not male offspring. SHANK3 and NLGN3 proteins were significantly lower in EMF groups, however, no positive effect of zinc supplementation was found. In conclusion, EMF exposure may alter the levels of synaptic proteins in the developing brain, leading to behavioural changes in a gender-dependent manner. Evaluation of zinc supplementation at different doses could be beneficial to prevent or reduce the behavioural and structural effects of EMF.

The Effects of Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to 50-Hz and 3 mT Electromagnetic Field on Rat Testicular Development.

Background and objectives: It has been shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have negative effects on the reproductive system. The biological effects of EMF on the male reproductive system are controversial and vary depending on the frequency and exposure time. Although a limited number of studies have focused on the structural and functional effects of EMF, the effects of prenatal and postnatal EMF exposure on testes are not clear. We aimed to investigate the effects of 50-Hz, 3-mT EMF exposure (5 days/wk, 4 h/day) during pre- and postnatal periods on testis development. Materials and Methods: Pups from three groups of Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were used: Sham, EMF-28 (EMF-exposure applied during pregnancy and until postnatal day 28), EMF-42 (EMF-exposure applied during pregnancy and until postnatal day 42). The testis tissues and blood samples of male offspring were collected on the postnatal day 42. Results: Morphometric analyses showed a decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter as a result of testicular degeneration in the EMF-42 group. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were decreased in the EMF-42 group. Lipid peroxidation levels were increased in both EMF groups, while antioxidant levels were decreased only in the EMF-28 group. We found decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) in the EMF-42 group, and decreased levels of the SRC homology 3 (SH3) and multiple ankyrin repeat domain (SHANK3) in the EMF-28 group in the testis tissue. Conclusions: EMF exposure during pre- and postnatal periods may cause deterioration in the structure and function of testis and decrease in growing factors that would affect testicular functions in male rat pups. In addition to the oxidative stress observed in testis, decreased SHANK3, VEGF, and IGF1 protein levels suggests that these proteins may be mediators in testis affected by EMF exposure. This study shows that EMF exposure during embryonic development and adolescence can cause apoptosis and structural changes in the testis.

Anatomical relationships of the transmuscular portal to its surrounding structures in arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior lesions: A cadaveric study and preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationships of the transmuscular portal to its surrounding structures in arthroscopic treatment of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions in a human cadaveric model. METHODS: In this anatomic study, bilateral shoulder girdles of 12 adult formalin embalmed cadavers were used. All cadavers were male, and the mean age was 63.4±7.3 years. The portal entry point was determined as midway between the anterior and posterior borders of the acromion, approximately 1 cm lateral from the edge of the acromion. After a guidewire was placed in the glenoid cavity at the 12 o'clock position where the SLAP lesion typically occurs, a switching stick was inserted there. Each glenoid was then drilled with a 2.4 mm drill through an arthroscopic cannula. Subsequently, anatomical dissection was executed to assess the relationship of the transmuscular portal with the suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, supraspinatus tendon, acromion, and biceps tendon. Lastly, the shortest distance between the aforementioned structures with the drill was measured by a sensitive caliper to determine whether there was a penetration of the structures. Differences between the right and left sides were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean distance between the portal and the axillary nerve was 55.5 mm±6.0 mm, and the mean length of the suprascapular nerve was 61.2 mm±7.0 mm. The mean distance between the portal and the supraspinatus tendon was 2.8 mm±1.5 mm. No penetration of the axillary nerve, suprascapular nerve, and supraspinatus tendon was observed in any cadaver. No differences were detected for measured anatomical parameters between the right and left sides (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings from this cadaveric study revealed that the transmuscular portal may allow for a reliable anchor placement without any nerve or tendon penetration during arthroscopic SLAP repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Computed Tomographic Analysis: The Effects of Frontal Recess Morphology and the Presence of Anatomical Variations on Frontal Sinus Pneumatization.

The aim of this study is to describe the morphology of frontal recess area with its anatomical variations and to reveal if frontal recess morphology and the anatomical variations related to that region have effects on the pneumatization of the frontal sinuses. The frontal sinus and recess morphometry of 136 sides of 68 dry skulls were evaluated on multislice high-resolution computed tomography. The relationships between frontal sinus and frontal recess measurements were analyzed by correlation and linear regression analysis. The variables between the groups of anatomical variations were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and χ test or Fisher exact test. A positive relationship between the sagittal length of spina nasalis interna and morphometric measurements of frontal sinus was revealed (P <0.05). Agger nasi cells were present in 64.2% of sides, supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOECs) in 19.6%, type 3 frontal cells (FCs) in 18.9%, suprabullar cells in 24.3%, and frontal bulla was noted in 5.4%. Intersinus septal cells were observed in 16.2% of the skulls. There were statistically different increases in the measurements of frontal sinus morphometry in the presences of SOECs and type 3 FCs (P <0.05). The diameter of frontal sinus ostium was decreased in the presences of AN, SOEC, type 3 FC, and supraorbital ethmoid cell statistically (P = 0.049, P = 0.029, P = 0.043, P <0.001 respectively). In conclusion, frontal sinus pneumatization was affected by the spina nasalis interna and the presence of anatomical variations related to frontal recess or ostium region instead of the morphology of that area.

An anatomic study of the lateral patellofemoral ligament.

OBJECTIVE: The lateral patellofemoral ligament (LPFL) is part of the lateral retinaculum cut during arthroscopic or open release. We investigated its anatomic and morphometric characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified the LPFL insertion point on the condyle in vertical and sagittal planes in 32 adult cadaveric knees. We measured its length and width at the insertion point. We located the midpoint of this point and measured from it to the distal and posterior condylar ends. We measured anterior-posterior and proximal-distal lateral condylar lengths. We evaluated the insertion point shape on the lateral femoral condyle. Degree of relationship between variables was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The LPFL mean length was 23.2 mm, and mean width at the insertion point was 15.6 mm. Regarding its insertion into the lateral condyle, central insertions were more frequent (vertical plane: 53.1% central and sagittal plane: 75% central). A significant positive correlation was evident between the LPFL length and width at the insertion point (p = 0.05). Thus, the LPFL length was proportional to its width at the insertion point. A significant positive correlation was found between the anterior-posterior condylar length and width of the LPFL at the insertion point (p = 0.017). Therefore, greater anterior-posterior condylar length equates to a larger area of insertion on the condyle. CONCLUSION: Greater width of the LPFL at the insertion point corresponds to greater LPFL and anterior-posterior lateral condylar lengths.

The classification of frontal sinus pneumatization patterns by CT-based volumetry.

PURPOSE: We aimed to define the classification of frontal sinus pneumatization patterns according to three-dimensional volume measurements. METHODS: Datasets of 148 sides of 74 dry skulls were generated by the computerized tomography-based volumetry to measure frontal sinus volumes. The cutoff points for frontal sinus hypoplasia and hyperplasia were tested by ROC curve analysis and the validity of the diagnostic points was measured. RESULTS: The overall frequencies were 4.1, 14.2, 37.2 and 44.5 % for frontal sinus aplasia, hypoplasia, medium size and hyperplasia, respectively. The aplasia was bilateral in all three skulls. Hypoplasia was seen 76 % at the right side and hyperplasia was seen 56 % at the left side. The cutoff points for diagnosing frontal sinus hypoplasia and hyperplasia were '1131.25 mm(3)' (95.2 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity) and '3328.50 mm(3)' (88 % sensitivity and 86 % specificity), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provided in the present study, which define frontal sinus pneumatization patterns by CT-based volumetry, proved that two opposite sides of the frontal sinuses are asymmetric and three-dimensional classification should be developed by CT-based volumetry, because two-dimensional evaluations lack depth measurement.

Utilization of the bicipital groove axis for confirming alignment of the humerus with transepicondylar and ulnar shaft axes during intramedullary nailing.

OBJECTIVE: Intramedullary nailing is the preferred surgical treatment of humerus shaft fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bicipital groove and specific anatomical landmarks in achieving correct alignment of the humerus during intramedullary nailing, and to describe these anatomical landmarks. METHODS: Thirty (15 right; 15 left) total upper cadaver extremities were used in this study. After the anatomical landmarks were identified and marked, humeral head axis, transepicondylar axis, ulnar shaft axis, bicipital groove axis, and angular measurements of these were obtained. RESULTS: The mean angle between the bicipital groove axis and transepicondylar axis was 48.17°±12.35º (range: 20.10º to 74.6º). The mean angle between the bicipital groove axis and ulna diaphysis axis was 41.82º±11.56 º (range: 17.91º to 68.27º). The mean angle between the humeral head axis and bicipital groove axis was 20.53°±3.90º (range: 11.85º to 31.81º). The mean retroversion angle between the humeral head axis and transepicondylar axis was 27.52±11.37º (range: 4.26º to 49.36º). The mean angle between the humeral head axis and ulna diaphysis axis was 61.73º±12.08º (range: 33.97º to 86.37º). The mean torsion angle was 62.58º±11.28 º (range: 40.74º to 85.74º). CONCLUSION: Measurement and utilization of the relationship between the bicipital groove, ulna diaphysis and transepicondylar axes may be used for restoring humeral rotation.

A new method of identifying the posterior inferior nasal nerve: implications for posterior nasal neurectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior nasal neurectomy is an effective way of treating recalcitrant rhinitis. The aim of this study is to describe the anatomic relationship between the posterior inferior nasal nerve (PINN) and the structures that might be important for posterior nasal neurectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anatomic study was conducted in a university hospital dissection laboratory with 15 formalin-fixed, sagittally cut adult cadaver heads. The distance between PINN and (1) nasal sill, (2) maxillary sinus ostium, (3) posterior fontanel, (4) torus tubarius, and (5) crista ethmoidalis was measured and the location of PINN with respect to the sphenopalatine artery was assessed to define the exact location of PINN. RESULTS: The mean distance between PINN and nasal sill (56.4 mm), maxillary sinus ostium (27 mm), posterior fontanel (12.5 mm), torus tubarius (13 mm), and crista ethmoidalis (8 mm) was determined. PINN was found consistently posterior to the sphenopalatine artery where the inferior turbinate attaches to the lateral nasal wall. CONCLUSION: Instead of finding PINN around the sphenopalatine foramen, PINN can be located more easily posterior to the sphenopalatine artery where the inferior turbinate attaches to the lateral nasal wall without cauterizing the sphenopalatine artery.

Sphenovomerine suture: a useful landmark for locating sphenoid sinus ostium.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether the sphenovomerine suture (SVS) can be used as a landmark to localize the sphenoidal sinus ostium. METHODS: Endoscopic imaging was done on 152 skulls to identify ostium of the sphenoidal sinus, the SVS, and the articulation of sphenoidal process of palatine bone between the body of the sphenoid and the sphenopalatine foramen. The variables were as follows: (1) the distance between the medial border of the ostium and SVS (DSO-SVS); (2) the angle between them (ASO-SVS); (3) the distance between the inferior border of the ostium and the horizontal line (DSO-HL); (4) the distance between intersection point of the SVS-sphenoidal process of the palatine bone and the medial border of sphenopalatine foramen (DSPF-SVS); and (5) the number of sphenopalatine foramen. RESULTS: Of the 152 skulls, 289 sides were included in the study. The mean value for DSO-SVS was 3.15 (1.35) mm, DSO-HL was 5.99 (2.38) mm, DSPF-SVS was 7.07 (1.96) mm, and ASO-SVS was 5.99 (9.73) mm. As DSPF-SVS decreases, DSO-SVS and DSO-HL decrease with statistical significance (Ps = 0.02 and 0.001, respectively). The distribution of the numbers of sphenopalatine foramen was as follows: one 90%, two 9.7%, and four 0.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The horizontal distance between the SVS and the sphenopalatine foramen plays a significant role in identifying the location of sphenoid sinus ostium. As with the other landmarks, the SVS provides an additional benefit in locating the sphenoid sinus ostium for endoscopic sinus surgeons. The incidence of 4 sphenopalatine foramen is 0.3%.

Anatomy of the dorsal nerve of the penis, clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE: To show the branching patterns and the anatomic variations of the dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) along the penile shaft, particularly the relation with the tunica albuginea. METHODS: The penises of 22 adult cadavers were dissected. The number and the diameters of the branches, the presence of anastomoses between the main trunks, the positioning of the nerves before entering the glans penis, and the presence of branches emerging from the body of the DNP and perforating the tunica albuginea were noted and photographed. The compartments where the anatomic findings were located were noted. RESULTS: The DNP was composed of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 main branches in 6 (27.3%), 6 (27.3%), 6 (27.3%), 1 (4.5%), and 3 (13.6%) of 22 dissections, respectively. We could trace 2, 3, 4, and 5 terminal branches of the DNP going into the glans penis in 4 (18.2%), 8 (36.4%), 7 (31.8%), and 3 (13.6%) dissections, respectively. In 2 dissections (9.1%), fine branches were present between the main trunks crossing the midline. Anastomosing branches between ipsilateral main trunks of the DNP were identified in 5 dissections (22.7%). In 16 (72.7%) dissections, branches emerging from the inferior aspect of the body of the DNP, which perforated the tunica albuginea, could be identified. CONCLUSION: The exact anatomic knowledge of the DNP is mandatory during penile reconstructive surgeries. The presence of branches perforating the tunica albuginea is the most important finding of this cadaveric study, together with the other documented variations, which must be taken into consideration during penile reconstructive surgeries.

The effects of exposure to electromagnetic field on rat myocardium.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) causes increased adverse effects on biological systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EMF on heart tissue by biochemical and histomorphological evaluations in EMF-exposed adult rats. In this study, 28 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were used. The rats were divided into two groups: sham group (n = 14) and EMF group (n = 14). Rats in sham group were exposed to same conditions as the EMF group except the exposure to EMF. Rats in EMF group were exposed to a 50-Hz EMF of 3 mT for 4 h/day and 7 days/week for 2 months. After 2 months of exposure, rats were killed; the hearts were excised and evaluated. Determination of oxidative stress parameters was performed spectrophotometrically. To detect apoptotic cells, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were performed. In EMF-exposed group, levels of lipid peroxidation significantly increased and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased compared with sham group. The number of TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3 immunoreactivity increased in EMF-exposed rats compared with sham. Under electron microscopy, there were mitochondrial degeneration, reduction in myofibrils, dilated sarcoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear vacuolization in EMF-exposed rats. In conclusion, the results show that the exposure to EMF causes oxidative stress, apoptosis and morphologic damage in myocardium of adult rats. The results of our study indicate that EMF-related changes in rat myocardium could be the result of increased oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether the exposure to EMF can induce adverse effects on myocardium.

Anatomical evaluation of the superficial veins of the upper extremity as graft donor source in microvascular reconstructions: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to investigate the features and resources for vein grafts suitable for upper extremity arteries. METHODS: Sixteen upper extremities of 8 cadavers were investigated. Anatomic localizations, diameters, wall thickness and valve types of the superficial veins of the upper extremity were counted and evaluated. RESULTS: Average diameter of the brachial artery was 3.96 mm, the radial artery 2.54 mm, the ulnar artery 2.12 mm, the proper palmar digital artery 3 0.85 mm, the cephalic vein of the arm 1.81 mm, the basilic vein of the arm 3.20 mm, the cephalic vein of the forearm 2.04 mm, the basilic vein of the forearm 1.35 mm, and the dorsal venous network of the hand 1.27 mm. Three different types of valves were determined. The most frequent valve types were the Type 3 in the cephalic and basilica veins at 86.5% and 90.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Data obtained on the superficial veins of the upper extremity may be helpful to surgeons in microsurgical reconstructions.

Conquering the castle: a novel technique for the middle fossa approach in facial decompression.

OBJECTIVE: To describe 2 subapproaches of the middle fossa approach: the transillumination method and transection of lines using the foramen spinosum, greater superficial petrosal nerve, and trigeminal impression to locate the malleus head for safe identification and decompression of the geniculate ganglion and facial nerve. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaver study. SETTING: A tertiary university hospital anatomy laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted using 7 formalin-fixed cadaver heads (14 sides). A 0° endoscope was introduced into the external ear canal toward the posterosuperior quadrant of the tympanic membrane, after which transillumination was used to locate the malleus head. The brightest point indicated the convergence of the greater superficial petrosal nerve and a line drawn along the superior semicircular canal. An additional line was drawn parallel to the petrous ridge from the foramen spinosum and along the pathway of the greater superficial petrosal nerve. A third line connected the trigeminal impression to the zygomatic root. The area posterior to the intersection of these 2 lines separately with the third line was considered the zone of location of the malleus head. Among 17 patients undergoing surgery for facial paralysis between 1993 and 2011, transillumination was used in 6 patients to identify the malleus head to locate the geniculate ganglion. RESULTS: These techniques were proven to be reliable in locating the malleus head to find the geniculate ganglion in 14 dissected cadaveric temporal bones. CONCLUSION: Two methods of locating the malleus head for facial decompression were defined.

The effects of prenatal and neonatal exposure to electromagnetic fields on infant rat myocardium.

INTRODUCTION: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have adverse effects as a result of widespread use of electromagnetic energy on biological systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prenatal exposure to EMF on rat myocardium by biochemical and histopathological evaluations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 10 pregnant Wistar rats were used. Half of the pregnant rats were exposed to EMF of 3 mT, and the other half to sham conditions during gestation. After parturition, rat pups in the 5 EMF-exposed litters from birth until postnatal day 20 were exposed to EMF of 3 mT for 4 h/day (EMF-exposed group, n = 30). Rat pups in sham litters from birth until postnatal day 20 were exposed to sham conditions (sham group, n= 20). RESULTS: In the EMF-exposed group, lipid peroxidation levels significantly increased compared to sham. Superoxide dismutase activities decreased significantly in the EMF-exposed group compared to sham. TUNEL staining showed that the number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly in EMF-exposed rats compared with sham. Under electron microscopy, there were mitochondrial degeneration, reduction in myofibrils, dilated sarcoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear vacuolization in EMF-exposed rats. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the results show that prenatal exposure to EMF causes oxidative stress, apoptosis and morphological pathology in myocardium of rat pups. The results of our study indicate a probable role of free radicals in the adverse effects of prenatal exposure to EMF. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether the EMF exposure can induce adverse effects on the myocardium.

Anatomical variations of iliolumbar artery and its relation with surgical landmarks.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to reveal the variations of origin of iliolumbar artery, and its relations with the surrounding surgically important anatomical structures. METHODS: The origin, diameter, and tract of iliolumbar artery were determined bilaterally in 21 formalin-fixed adult male cadavers (21 right and 21 left arteries) in the Laboratory of Department of Anatomy. RESULTS: Iliolumbar artery was originating from common iliac artery in 4.8% (2 arteries), internal iliac artery in 71.4% (30 arteries), posterior trunk of internal iliac artery in 19% (8 arteries), and as two different arteries from internal iliac artery in 4.8% (2 arteries) of the cases. The mean diameter of the iliolumbar artery was 3.7 mm. CONCLUSION: The anatomical properties of iliolumbar artery and its relation with anatomical landmarks, which were presented here, would be helpful in decreasing iatrogenic trauma to iliolumbar artery during surgery.

The human sacrum and safe approaches for screw placement.

The human sacrum is the target of lumbosacral instrumentation and decompression procedures. Such surgical interventions require detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the human sacrum. The aim of this study was to measure surgically relevant parameters. Several factors, including the one-piece composition of the sacrum, the angles of the sacral pedicles and the anteroposterior diameter of the sacral vertebral bodies distinguish the sacrum from other parts of spine. Thirty-two measurements of shape, angles and distances between parts were taken of the sacra of 100 adult West Anatolian people using a Vernier caliper accurate to 0.1 mm and goniometer. According to this morphometric study, when measured from the sagittal, the S1 facet angle was measured as 35.71 degrees +/-9.59 and 34.70 degrees +/-9.66, the sacral pedicle anteromedial screw trajectory angle was 35.65 degrees +/-4.73 and 31.95 degrees +/-3.95 and the anterolaterally oriented sacral wing screw trajectory angle was 32.65 degrees +/-3.51 and 29.10 degrees +/-3.14, on the right and left sides, respectively. The distance of the midline oriented S1 pedicle screw was 51.12 mm and 51.26 mm on the right and left side, respectively. The distance for sacral wing oriented screw placement was 50.13 mm and 50.46 mm on the right and left side, respectively. The anteroposterior and transverse diameter of the sacral spinal canal were 21.81 mm and 31.31 mm, respectively. Thus, this study describes anatomical specifications of the sacrum. These defined morphometric details should be taken into consideration during surgical procedures. This study also describes anatomical landmarks which will allow injury of the sacrum during surgery to be avoided.

Effectiveness of royal jelly on tympanic membrane perforations: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparison of the efficacy of royal jelly in a guinea pig tympanic membrane perforation model with untreated and control groups. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study using 16 adult guinea pigs. METHODS: Each animal underwent subtotal removal of the tympanic membrane in one ear. Animals were divided into two groups of eight animals each. Group A was treated with topical royal jelly, and group B was treated with saline. All opposite right ears were used as the control group. Examination was done by otoendoscopy on days 10, 12, and 14. The healing process was observed under the microscope and photographed for 3 months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group A and group B in the incidence of perforation closure. However, after 3 months, the mean thickness of the tympanic membranes was 0.11, 0.07, and 0.08 mm, respectively, in group A, group B, and the control. These results showed a statistically significant difference. Histologically, the tympanic membranes of group A showed marked fibroblastic orientation and well-organized connective tissue. Application of royal jelly improved the success rate of closure, as shown in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of royal jelly in enhancing healing in tympanic membrane perforations. Our study suggests that royal jelly is effective in increasing healing of tympanic membrane perforations in guinea pigs.