Analysis of the effects of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in menstrual cycle on ankle proprioception, dynamic balance scores and visual-auditory reaction times in healthy young women.

OBJECTIVES: Menstrual cycle (MC) can affect not only the female reproductive system, but also functions such as neuromuscular performance. For this reason, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) activity in MC on proprioception, balance and reaction times. METHODS: For cortisol analysis, saliva samples were taken from the same women (n=43) in the four phases of MC. While State Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI-I) was applied in each phase to support cortisol analysis, pain was measured with visual analogue scale (VAS). Proprioception, dynamic balance, visual and auditory reaction times (VRT-ART) measurements were made in the four phases of MC. RESULTS: Cortisol, STAI-I and VAS scores, angular deviations in proprioception measurements, dynamic balance scores, VRT and ART measurements were found to show statistically significant difference between MC phases (p<0.05). As a result of the post hoc test conducted to find out which MC phase the statistical difference resulted from, it was found that statistically significant difference was caused by the mensturation (M) phase (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that neuromuscular performance and postural control was negatively affected by HPA axis activity in M phase of MC and by pain, which is a significant menstrual symptom.

Investigation of clinical and pathological findings due to anatomical localisation in patients with colorectal cancer.

AIM: We classified anatomical localisation tumours of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and undergoing surgery as right and left colon and we aimed to determine how this funding affects the prognosis of the disease and survival times. METHODS: In our study, 521 patients who applied to the general surgery outpatient clinic of Inönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center 19.06.2009 and 15.08.2019 between dates and operated with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer files were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' data were compared as age, gender, genetic predisposition, stage of tumour, distance to surgical margins (distal and radial), size, number of lymph nodes, metastasising organs, colon macroscopic features, chemotherapy and survival. RESULTS: In total, 42.6% of the patients were female and 57.4% were male. The average age of all patients is 59.79. The average age of women was 60.39 ± 1.023 and the average age of male patients was 59.35 ± 1.800. The anatomical regions where colorectal cancer was most common were rectum, colon sigmoideum and caecum. 40.5% of the patients had a tumour located in the right colon, while 59.5% had a tumour in the left colon. When the distal surgical margin (P = .002), proximal surgical margin (P = .001), tumour size (P = .001) and the number of removed lymph nodes (P = .002) were evaluated in these patients. The mean survival in the right colon was 71.499 ± 3.589 months and in the left colon was 71.121 ± 2.953 months. The longest survival was 76.856 ± 6.117 months in colon ascendens, while the shortest survival was calculated as 57.399 ± 4.671 months in flexura coli dextra. CONCLUSION: We are thinking that in colorectal cancer, the anatomical localisation of the tumour can hold an important place to determine the clinical differences such as, the disease symptoms, course, treatment options and survival status.

Detailed Anatomical Analysis of the Sphenoid Sinus and Sphenoid Sinus Ostium by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the anatomical structures of sphenoid sinus ostium used as a reference point for transsphenoidal surgery by cone beam computed tomography. The authors' study was performed using the cone-beam computed tomography images of 16 to 82-year old 200 (112 female, 88 male) patients (Newton 5G, Verona, Italy). Septum deviation of sphenoid sinus and the distance between 2 ostia were evaluated by coronal and axial sections, respectively. Pneumatization degree of sphenoid sinus, diameter of sphenoid sinus ostium, and distance lower edge of superior turbinate to sphenoid sinus ostium were measured by using sagittal sections. The sellar type was the most common pneumatization type of sphenoid sinus in authors' study. While the C-type septum deviation was observed as the most common, T-type deviation was the least type. Sphenoid sinus ostium was bilaterally in 71.5% of individuals, and it was not found in 10% of individuals included in the study. A significant decrease was determined in diameter of the left sphenoid sinus ostium with aging. The distances between 2 sphenoid sinus ostia were 7.30 ±â€Š2.77 mm for women and 6.09 ±â€Š2.58 mm for men, respectively. No statistical differences were found in women and men in terms of distances between the lower edge of the right and left superior turbinate and sphenoid sinus ostium on their sides. Consequently, making detailed preoperative radiological evaluation of anatomic variations of sphenoid sinus and sphenoid sinus ostium is important in terms of guiding the surgeon in the process of a successful transsphenoidal surgery.

Investigation of the Effect of Astaxanthin on Autophagy in Renal Ischemia-reperfusion Modeled Rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various astaxanthin (ATX) doses on oxidative damage and autophagy in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury-modeled rats. Methods: The rats were divided into five groups: sham group (n=8), I/R (n=8), I/R + 5 mg/kg ATX (n=8), I/R + 10 mg/kg ATX (n=8), and I/R + 25 mg/kg ATX (n=8) groups. ATX was dissolved in 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg olive oil for 7 days and administered to the rats in the experimental group. Sham and I/R groups were also administered ATX solution (olive oil) via oral gavage for 7 days. Renal ischemia reperfusion was induced in all rats except the sham group after the last dose was administered on the 7th day. Reperfusion was conducted for 24 hours after 45 minutes of ischemia. Results: Blood samples were collected, and kidney tissue were incised for biochemical and histological analyses. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were significantly lower in the I/R group than in the sham group (p<0.05), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) values were higher (p<0.05). It was determined that SOD and TAS increased and MDA and TOS decreased in the ATX-administration groups compared with the I/R group, independent of the dose (p<0.05). In the 25 mg/kg ATX + I/R group, Beclin-1 and LC3ß immunoreactivities were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p<0.05). The lowest p62 immunoreactivity was observed in the 25 mg/kg ATX + I/R group. Conclusions: ATX had a protective effect on kidney function and against oxidative damage. Furthermore, high-dose ATX administration protected kidney tissue via autophagy induction in this study.

Evaluation of Willis Polygon Morphometry with Cranial Tomographic Angiography.

AIM: To examine the morphometric properties of the vessels forming the Willis polygon (WP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HT) and compare them with healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cranial Tomography Angiography (CTA) of 168 individuals were analyzed retrospectively. The individuals included in the study were divided into four groups according to the diagnosis. Group 1 included 40 individuals who were diagnosed with HT, Group 2 included 43 individuals who were diagnosed with DM, Group 3 included 42 individuals who were diagnosed with DM and HT, and Group 4 was the control group and included 43 individuals. The diameter and length measurements of the vessels forming the WP were included in our study. RESULTS: According to the results of the Kruskal Wallis H test, in female patients statistically significant differences were detected in the diameter measurements of the right and left A1 segment of the ACA, the diameter measurement of the left A2 segment, the diameter measurements of the right and left P1 and P2 segments of the ACP, the diameter measurements of the right and left AComP. (p < 0.05), in male patients statistically significant differences were found in the diameter of the right A1 segment of the ACA, the diameter and segment length measurements of the right and left P1 segments of the ACP, of the right and left P2 diameter measurements, and segment length measurements of the left AComP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We also found that the vessel diameters were similar in the HT, DM and HT+DM groups, and smaller than the control group. In addition, we think that knowing WP morphometric measurements will both guide the radio-anatomical evaluations to be made and increase the level of microanatomical knowledge in surgical treatment.

Comparison of 'primary repair' and 'placing a drain without repair' methods in duodenum perforations.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal ulcer perforation is a serious condition. A number of methods have been defined and used in surgical treatment. In this study, it was aimed to compare the effectiveness of 'primary repair' and 'drain placement without repair' methods in duodenal perforations using an animal model. METHODS: Three equivalent groups of ten rats each were formed. Perforation was created in the duodenum in the first (primary repair/sutured group) and the second group (drain placement without repair/sutureless drainage group). In the first group, the per-foration was repaired with sutures. In the second group, only a drain was placed in the abdomen without sutures. In the third group (control group), only laparotomy was performed. Neutrophil count, sedimentation, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum total an-tioxidant capacity (TAC), serum total thiol, serum native thiol, and serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) analyses were performed on animal subjects in the pre-operative period and on the post-operative 1st and 7th days. Histological and immunohistochemical (transforming growth factor-beta 1 [TGF-ß1]) analyzes were performed. Blood analysis, histological, and immunohistochemical findings obtained from the groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the first and second groups, except for the TAC on the post-operative 7th day and MPO values on the post-operative 1st day (P>0.05). Although tissue healing was more pronounced in the second group than in the first group, there was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). TGF-ß1 immunoreactivity observed in the second group was found to be significantly higher than in the first group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We think that the sutureless drainage method is as effective as the primary repair method in the treatment of duo-denal ulcer perforation and can be safely applied as an alternative to the primary repair method. However, further studies are needed to fully determine the efficacy of the sutureless drainage method.

Evaluation of the relationship between nasal septal deviation and development of facial asymmetry with anthropometric measurements depending on age.

AIM: It was aimed to determine the change of facial asymmetry resulting from nasal septal deviation (SD) depending on age, gender, degree of deviation and the affected area besides the effect of SD on somatotype and craniofacial morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 171 volunteers (90 males, 81 females), 27 individuals aged 9-13, 44 individuals aged 14-18, 44 individuals aged 19-23 and 56 individuals in control group participated in the study conducted in otorhinolaryngology polyclinic.11 photometric, 16 anthropometric measurements were taken from the participants. RESULTS: SD affects facial asymmetry formation, although not statistically significant compared to healthy individuals asymmetry rates (p˃0.05). It was determined that the degree of SD affected asymmetry only between the ages of 14-18 (in adolescence) and the development of asymmetry in all SD patients was not statistically dependent on age and gender (p˃0.05). Photometric measurements demonstrated asymmetries in horizontally-extending parameters of 1/3 middle part of face. There was no statistically significant difference in the cranial anthropometric measurements of the upper and lower 1/3 of the face compared to the control group (p˃0.05). The order of the most asymmetrical parameters is Alare-Zygion, Alare-Subnasale, Cheilion-Gonion, Exocanthion-Cheilion, Midsagittal plane-Zygion, Zygion-Cheilion, Zygion-Gonion, Subalare-Cheilion, Glabella-Exocanthion. In all participants were determined that endomorph somatotype was dominant in female and mesomorph somatotype was dominant in male besides SD did not affect somatotype and somatotype did not alter with age. CONCLUSION: The development of facial asymmetry due to SD is not affected by age and gender furthermore SD does not affect craniofacial asymmetry and somatotype.

Comparison of the effects of conventional physiotherapy and proprioception exercises on pain and ankle proprioception in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by a significant amount of backache causing loss of workforce and is a significant health problem frequently seen in the general population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional physiotherapy (CT) and proprioception exercises (PE) on ankle proprioception and lumbar pain between patients with lumbar radiculopathy and a healthy control group. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 89 patients referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic were selected through convenience sampling. They were randomly assigned to three groups: CT (n= 27), PE (n= 31), CT&PE (n= 31). Thirty healthy volunteers were included in the study as the control group. Proprioception measurements were made with an isokinetic dynamometer at 10∘ dorsiflexion (DF), 11∘, and 25∘ plantarflexion (PF) angles. Lumbar pain was assessed by using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 via the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of ankle proprioception and NPRS measurements in post-treatment evaluations (p< 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between CT and PE groups and CT&PE and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in comparing CT and PE groups and CT&PE and control groups within themselves (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined use of CT and PE is an effective method that can be used in the clinic to reduce angular differences in ankle proprioception which is one of the primary factors of balance and coordination and lumbar pain.

The protective effect of erythropoietin on the acute phase of corrosive esophageal burns in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of erythropoietin on the acute phase of esophageal burn damage induced by sodium hydroxide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard esophageal alkaline burn was produced by the application of 10% sodium hydroxide to the distal esophagus in an in vivo rat model. Fifty-six female rats were allocated into three groups: Group BC (baseline control, n = 8) rats were uninjured and untreated, Group PC (positive control, n = 24) rats were injured but untreated and Group EPO (erythropoietin-treated, n = 24) rats were injured and given subcutaneous erythropoietin (1,000 IU/kg per day), 15 min, 24, and 48 h after administration of the NaOH solution. Six animals from Group PC and six from Group EPO were killed at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after application of NaOH to the esophagus. All of animals in Group BC were killed 4 h after exposure to 0.9% NaCl. Oxidative damage was assessed by measuring levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in homogenized samples of esophageal tissue. Histologic damage to esophageal tissue was scored by a single pathologist blind to groups. RESULTS: MDA levels in the BC and EPO groups were significantly lower than those in the PC group (p < 0.05). CAT and SOD activities, and NO levels in the BC and EPO groups were significantly higher than in the PC group (p < 0.05). Esophageal tissue damage measured at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after NaOH application was significantly less in the EPO group than in the PC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When administered early after an esophageal burn induced by 10% sodium hydroxide in this rat model, erythropoietin significantly attenuated oxidative damage, as measured by biochemical markers and histologic scoring.

Evaluation of the size and area of the corpus callosum with the Osiris method in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Significant corpus callosum (CC) atrophy has been demonstrated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the size and the area of the CC with the Osiris method. The correlation between the CC measurements and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores in AD patients was also investigated. METHODS: The results of the topographic measurements included the cross-sectional area of entire CC, body, rostral portion of the genu and splenium from a midsagittal magnetic resonance imaging section. The results of the topographic measurements of CC on MRI with the Osiris method were compared between AD (n = 29) and control subjects (n = 27). RESULTS: In AD patients the mean value of the splenium was 9.2 +/- 1.5 mm, the width of the CC body was 3.9 +/- 0.2 mm, the rostral portion of the genu was 7.9 +/- 0.2 mm, and the total CC area was 47.2 +/- 0.9 mm(2). In the control group the mean values were 12.2 +/- 2.1 mm, 5.9 +/- 0.2 mm, 11.2 +/- 0.2 mm and 56.1 +/- 0.6 mm(2), respectively. Significant reduction was detected in the splenium, the CC body and the rostral part of the genu and CC area in AD patients. The MMSE score was 18.9 +/- 4.5 in the AD patients and 29.1 +/- 0.9 in the control subjects. A significant positive correlation between the MMSE scores and each CC measurement was seen in the AD patients. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that callosal atrophy in AD may suggest the severity of the disease. The Osiris method for CC measurements may be used as an easy and reliable technique to assess the severity of the disease.

C2 intralaminar screw placement: a quantitative anatomical and morphometric evaluation.

AIM: To investigate the feasibility of placing a screw in the C2 lamina and evaluate the reliability of the surface of the dorsal arch of C2 as a landmark for determining the optimal site of screw entry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 88 adult human C2 spines were used. Seven measurements were determined for screw entry points, trajectories, and lengths for placement of intralaminar screws. RESULTS: The average width of right C2 lamina (1/3 upper segment) was 2.6 mm (1.2 to 4.1 mm). The average width of left C2 lamina (1/3 upper segment) was 2.6 mm (1 to 4 mm). The average width of right C2 lamina (1/3 middle segment) was 4.9 mm (2.6 to 6.8 mm). The average width of left C2 lamina (1/3 middle segment) was 4.9 mm (2.3 to 7.6 mm). The average width of right C2 lamina (1/3 lower segment) was 5.7 mm (3.3 to 8.2 mm). The average width of left C2 lamina (1/3 lower segment) was 5.8 mm (2.2 to 9.6 mm). CONCLUSION: The width of the upper one-third of C2 lamina is not appropriate for the placement of intralaminar screws. On the other hand, the width of the middle and lower one-third of C2 lamina is more convenient for intralaminar screw delivery.

The effect of stress-induced cortisol increase on the sense of ankle proprioception.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of stress-induced cortisol increase on the sense of ankle proprioception. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2016 and May 2016, a total of 60 students (30 males, 30 females; mean age: 19.2±1.5 years; range, 19 to 20 years) from Inönü University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Freshmen were included in the study. Separate measurements were made for the right and left ankle to make ankle proprioception measurements a month before the committee exam during their relaxed period using a device designed with digital inclinometer. The sense of ankle proprioception was measured at 10° dorsiflexion (DF), 11° plantar flexion (PF), and 25° PF angles with open eyes and closed eyes using active reproduction test. Salivary samples were taken for stress assessment and State Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI-I) was conducted. The same tests were repeated on the day of committee exam. RESULTS: Test results showed no statistically significant difference between the right and left ankle proprioception measurements of 10° DF, 11° PF, and 25° PF angles with open eyes (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found between the right and left ankle proprioception scores at the same angles with closed eyes (p<0.05). According to the Wilcoxon analysis conducted for the comparison of the relaxed and stressed periods of cortisol and STAI-I inventory, a statistically significant difference was found (p<0.05). The Spearman's Rho analysis showed no significant correlation between the right and left ankle proprioception scores and cortisol and STAI-I with open eyes, while there was a statistically significantly positive direction and low correlation between the same angles with closed eyes. CONCLUSION: Our study results show that the increase in the stress-related cortisol is negative for the ankle proprioception sense.

Morphometrical features of the human malleolar groove.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to investigate the morphometric features of malleolar groove of the lateral malleolus in humans. METHODS: This study was performed on the malleolar grooves of 93 (80 dry and 13 cadaveric) fibulae. We measured the length of the fibula; length, width, and depth of the malleolar groove; the angle between malleolar groove and the fibular axis. Furthermore, we measured the distances between the distal tip of the fibula and the lateral and medial tubercles of lateral malleolus, and the width of posterior surface of the lateral malleolus. RESULTS: We found the shape of malleolar groove regularly concave in 63 out of 93 (68%) fibulae. The features of the triangular area at the posterior aspect of the lateral malleolus, where the peroneal tendons pass over, may serve as a bed for the peroneal tendons. There was a significant correlation between the depth of the malleolar groove and the distances between the distal tip of the fibula and the medial and lateral tubercles, as well (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A strong correlation existed between either the shape of the groove or the values of the reference points. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The shape of the groove may be important in reinforcing the superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) and other structures restraining the tendons.

The evaluation of the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function. METHOD: Asymptomatic thirty women were included in this prospective study. Group 1 included 10 women (age range: 18-50) who had never been pregnant. Group 2 included 10 women (age range: 18-50) who had vaginal delivery. Group 3 included 10 women over 50 who had vaginal delivery. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of resting and squeeze pressures. It was found that sphincter thickness showed statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 3, and also group 2 and group 3. There was not statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 2 in terms of sphincter thickness. There was a positive correlation between the age and sphincter thickness in all groups. In terms of sphincter thickness and pressure findings there was a positive correlation between the squeeze pressure and external anal sphincter thickness only in group 3. CONCLUSION: The vaginal delivery did not have a negative influence on the structure and function of the anal sphincter in asymptomatic women. However, it was found that anal sphincter thickness changed strongly in a positive manner with aging.

Effect of increase in cortisol level due to stress in healthy young individuals on dynamic and static balance scores.

OBJECTIVE: Stress is a condition caused by various factors and characterized by imbalance in body functioning, impair in nervous system, and tension. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cortisol level, which increases in healthy young individuals due to stress, on dynamic and static balance scores as well as to present the results caused by high levels of stress. METHODS: In this study, 107 healthy medicine faculty students in their second year (who will take the same committee exam) aged between 19 and 23 years were included. The first balance measurements and saliva samples were taken 40 days before the committee exam, and this period was acknowledged as the relaxed period. The same students were considered for balance measurements again on the day of committee exam; saliva samples were collected, and cortisol concentration was determined. This period was acknowledged as the stressful period. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was given to the participants in their relaxed and stressful periods. Dynamic balance scores were measured with Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Static balance scores were measured with One Leg Standing Balance Test (OLSBT). RESULTS: The mean cortisol level was found to increase approximately 9 times in stressful periods compared with that in relaxed periods. STAI, which shows state anxiety, showed an increase supporting this increase. In stressful periods, dynamic balance scores showed obvious decrease in all directions. In addition, in stressful periods, an obvious decrease was observed in static balance scores compared with those in relaxed periods. CONCLUSION: This study showed that stress negatively affected dynamic and static balance, even for short periods of time. We believe that our study will form a positive source and basis when correlated with long terms stress and balance measurements.

The clinical effects of somatotype difference on isokinetic knee muscle strength and dynamic balance scores.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to present the somatotype features of young individuals without any symptoms and to identify whether isokinetic knee muscle strength and dynamic balance scores are affected by somatotype difference. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 146 participants (88 males, 58 females; mean age 22.5±1.9 years; range 19 to 28 years) who had no symptoms were included in this study. Somatotypes of the participants were calculated using the Heath-Carter formula, and anthropometric measurements were taken from each participant. Knee flexion and extension muscle strengths at angular speeds of 90°/sec, 120°/sec and 150°/ sec were measured from the dominant and non-dominant limbs of the participants. Total balance, anterior/posterior balance, and medial/ lateral measurements were made to evaluate dynamic balance performances. RESULTS: Six different somatotypes were found. Endomorphic mesomorph was the most common somatotype in 56 participants. There was no significant somatotype difference in men and women for dominant and non-dominant knee extension and flexion peak strength values at angular speeds of 90°/sec, 120°/sec and 150°/sec (p>0.05). No significant difference was found between the balance scores of men and women who had different somatotypes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Anatomic structure of the body, which is suitable for the sports branch, has an increasing effect on performance.

The effects of pre-obesity on quality of life, disease activity, and functional status in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was an investigation of effects of pre-obesity on clinical characteristics and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Total of 28 AS patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Patients and controls with any systemic inflammatory disease and/or cognitive and mental problems were excluded. Disease activity and functional capacity were measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index. For quality of life assessment, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey was used in both groups, and AS group also responded to Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in sociodemographic characteristics between AS patients and healthy controls (p>0.05). Mean quality of life scores were significantly lower in the pre-obese AS patients compared with controls (p<0.05). Functional capacity was positively and significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) (p=0.024) and disease activity was significantly associated with female gender (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Increased BMI in patients with AS is factor that affects quality of life, disease activity, and functional capacity. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs will support improved quality of life for pre-obese patients with AS.

Quantitative Evaluation of Normal Aqueductal Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Using Phase-Contrast Cine MRI According to Age and Sex.

The aim of this study was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow quantification in the cerebral aqueduct using phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (PCC-MRI) according to both sexes and three different age groups to obtain normative data. Seventy two volunteers with no cerebral pathology were included in this study. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 20-34 years, 35-49 years, and 50-65 years including equal gender groups. CSF flow's quantitatively evaluation was performed with images that were obtained by 1.5 T Magnetic Resonance (MR) unit from cerebral aqueduct level on the semi-axial plan. Between groups, peak velocity (cm sec-1 ), average velocity (cm/s), forward volume (mL), reverse volume (mL), net forward volume (mL), and average flow over range (ml/min) values of current flowing through aqueduct and average aqueductal areas were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in CSF flow parameters among different age groups and between sexes (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in average cerebral aqueduct area between the age group of 50-65 years and the other age groups (P = 0.002). The average aqueductal area was higher in the age group of 50-65 years. Normal aqueductal CSF flow parameters evaluated with PCC-MRI don't show a significant difference by age and sex. We have achieved the lower and upper values of these parameters would be useful in future clinical studies. The size of aqueductal area may also be explained by atrophy-dependent ventricular system dilatation in the elderly. Anat Rec, 300:549-555, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of posterior bridging of C-1 on craniovertebral junction surgery.

OBJECT: The groove for the vertebral artery (VA) may be bridged on C-1, forming a canal through which the artery passes. Because this variant may significantly affect the commonly performed C-1 posterior laminectomy, the authors studied the incidence and radiological appearance of this anatomical feature in surgical specimens. METHODS: Anatomical measurements were performed using a Vernier caliper (accurate to 0.1 mm) on 166 dry C-1 vertebrae. In addition, a convenience sample of 172 cervical x-ray films was evaluated. Partial osseous bridging was detected in eight (4.8%), and a complete osseous bridge, forming the canalis arteriae vertebralis (canal for the VA), was seen unilaterally (eight on the left and two on the right) in 10 (6%) and bilaterally in eight (4.8%) of the dry vertebrae. On lateral radiography, a complete bone bridge was observed on nine (5.2%) and a partial bridge on 10 (5.8%) of the 172 studies. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of a common variant may necessitate an immediate change in surgical management, and this anomaly could even increase the rate of surgery-related complications. The VA canal, present in the C-1 vertebra in approximately 5% of the specimens evaluated, was a variant that may be protective against VA injury. Knowledge of this variant may help the surgeon undertaking procedures in the C-1 region.

The comparative investigation of left ventricle papillary muscle arteries in different species.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether similar histologic findings exist in left ventricle papillary muscle arteries in different species and to elicit whether those animal hearts may be used as models for human heart in experimental studies related to papillary muscles. METHODS: We examined 360 samples taken from the tip, mid-portion and base of papillary muscles in 60 normal adult hearts (15 each from human, dog, sheep, goat). The samples were obtained from Dicle University and Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Turkey and the study was conducted in June-September 2004. Tissues were processed by routine histologic methods, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and van giesson, and later evaluated under a light microscope. RESULTS: While the values of human and dog heart resembled each other by means of left ventricle papillary muscle arteries, the hearts of sheep and goat were also found to be similar. The number of thin walled arteries increased from the tip (18%) to the base (48%), intermediate walled arteries decreased from the tip (56%) to the base (14%), thick walled arteries decreased from the tip (62%) to the mid-portion (38%). The differences among human and animals were not statistically significant in any group. We found that the thickness values of papillary muscle arterial walls at the tip, mid-portion and base varied from 4.86 microm to 107.7 microm in all species. The difference among values of human and animals was not significant statistically (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The values for arterial walls of tip, mid-portion and base of papillary muscles were similar between human and dog, sheep and goat. These morphologic findings in human and animal hearts of different species prove that anatomists, cardiologists, experimental investigators, pathologists and physiologists may benefit from the hearts of those animals as a good model to imitate the human heart in experiments concerning papillary muscles.