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. (.

May argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region-associated protein synthesis be used for selecting the most reliable dose of drugs such as rhamnetin in cancer treatments?

BACKGROUND: Rhamnetin is a flavonoid that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Nucleolar-organizing regions are the ribosomal genes region. We aimed to identify whether rhamnetin has an effect on cell proliferation and whether AgNOR proteins may be used for the detection of therapeutic benefits of the drugs and new metabolites, which have the potential of being used for cancer treatments. METHODS: Twenty-four mice with Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) were randomly assigned to three main groups as positive control, and groups 2 and 3 treated intraperitoneally with rhamnetin (100 µg/kg and 200 µg/kg, respectively). All the animals were sacrificed on day16, 24 h after the last dose; the tumors, which developed at the site of injection were removed. Then, mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) were detected for each mouse. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected among all groups for mean AgNOR number (p = 0.000) and TAA/NA ratio (p = 0.000). While the difference between positive control and Rhamnetin (100 µg/kg) group was not significant (p = 0.387), there are significant differences between positive control and Rhamnetin (200 µg/kg) group (p = 0.000) and between Rhamnetin (100 µg/kg) and Rhamnetin (200 µg/kg) groups (p = 0.000) for TAA/NA ratio. CONCLUSION: Rhamnetin has an important role in preventing cancer formation. Our study showed that mean AgNOR numbers and TAA/NA values may be used also as biomarkers for evaluating the success rate of the performed therapeutic strategy and accurate dose selection for the management of the disease (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 45).

Effect of interleukin 12 (IL-12) on embryonic development and yolk sac vascularisation.

BACKGROUND: In the recent days there has been an increase in diseases known as "angiogenic diseases" characterized by pathologic vascularisation. In the rat, the development of embryonic vessel starts to occur at 9.5 days of gestation. In mammals, the vascular system starts developing in a very early embryonic stage. The majority of rat embryo circulation system gets complete approximately at 11 - 12 days. Therefore the in vitro study of 9.5 - 11.5-day old embryo culture could be a suitable model to study the effects of angiogenic and antiangiogenic substances on yolk sac vascularisation. In the present study, the effects of Interleukin-12 (IL-12) on the yolk sac vascularisation are investigated during the in vitro embryo culture, where the latter angiogenic factor was added to serum. METHODS: After 48-hour culture period, effects of different doses of IL-12 (50 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, and 200 ng/ml) were estimated morphologically. RESULTS: According to morphologic scoring system, the total morphologic score, yolk sac diameter, crown rump length, and somite number were retarded in all experimental groups when compared to control. These developmental retardations were statically significant. There was also a poor development in the yolk sac vascularisation and the heart. CONCLUSION: As a result, the IL-12 could cause developmental retardation of embryos owing to its antiangiogenic effect (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 39).

Investigation of anastomoses between coronary arteries in Akkaraman sheep by plastic injection and corrosion method.

BACKGROUND: Since it is critical to understand the anatomy of the coronary arteries and the anastomoses between them in Akkaraman sheep, the coronary arteries will be examined using a plastic injection and corrosion technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our investigation, researchers used 20 Akkaraman sheep's hearts collected from slaughterhouses in and near Kayseri, and hearts from animals aged 2-3 years were included. The anatomy of the coronary arteries of the hearts was studied by plastic injection and corrosion method. The macroscopically examined patterns of the excised coronary arteries were photographed and recorded. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This approach indicated arterial vascularisation of the heart in sheep, with a. coronaria dextra and a. coronaria sinistra developing from the commencement of the aorta. It was determined that a. coronaria sinistra, after leaving the initial part of the aorta, proceeds to the left and divides into two branches called r. interventricularis paraconalis and r. circumflexus sinister, forming a right angle between them, immediately after reaching the sulcus coronarius. Anastomosis of the branches of r. distalis atrii dextri with the branches of r. intermedius atrii dextri and r. ventriculi dextri; anastomosis of a thin branch separated from r. proximalis atrii sinistri with the branch of r. proximalis atrii dextri running in the initial part of the aorta; anastomosis of r. distalis atrii sinistri with r. intermedius atrii sinistri were detected. In one heart, the r. septalis protruded roughly 0.2 cm from the beginning of a. coronaria sinistra.

Investigation of the effect of rhamnetin on mice injected with solid and ehrlich ascites tumor.

Rhamnetin is a flavonoid which contained in especially clove, such as apple, tea, and onion plant. Rhamnetin has been used in cancer research due to its antitumor and antioxidant properties. In this study, effects of rhamnetin administration at different doses on ascites and solid tumors were investigated in Balb/C mice bearing EAT model that originating from rat breast adenocarcinoma. Experimental procedure: Overall, 92 Balb-c mice were used in this study. EAT cells (1 × 106 cells) that harvested from stock animals were injected to all rats via intraperitoneal and subcutaneous route. Rhamnetin (100 µg/kg-200 µg/kg) were given intraperitoneally and subcutaneously during 10 and 15 days to the animals bearing ascites tumor and solid tumor, respectively. Throughout experiments, weight changes were recorded in all groups. The maximum weight increase was observed in the control group among all groups (ascites and solid tumor groups). In the treatment groups, the least weight increase were determined in 200-µg/kg rhamnetin applied. The lowest increase in tumor volume was observed in the group that received 200-µg/kg rhamnetin (2.84) when compared to tumor control group (3.67). Result and conclusion: We determined that the number of live and dead cells in the treatment groups administered with the mean rhamnetin dose (2.5 µg/ml) was found in the count made in the EAT cell line after the incubation periods. We observed that rhamnetin plays an important role against cancer formation. We have obtained important results in our study, but detailed studies on the relationship between rhamnetin and cancer are needed.

Macroscopic and morphometric investigation of the jugular foramen of the human skull.

The jugular foramen was examined in 70 Turks skulls. In 61.4% of cases the right jugular foramen was larger than the left. In 24.3% the left was larger and in 14.3% they were equal in size. Bony bridging was observed in 20% of cases and was not in 80%. In addition to, one tripartite jugular foramen was observed. Intracranial morphometric results of the jugular foramen showed no significant difference between right and left sides with respect to two transverse diameters (right 15.7 +/- 2.2 mm and left 15.0 +/- 2.3 mm). The largest sagittal diameter was larger on the right side than on the left (right 8.3 +/- 2.2 mm and left 7.3 +/- 1.4 mm). The shortest sagittal diameter was narrower on the right side than on the left side (right 3.9 +/- 1.1 mm and left 4.0 +/- 1.3 mm). External findings of the jugular foramen showed that the left side was longer in transverse diameter (right 16.0 +/- 2.5 mm and left 15.5 +/- 2.6 mm) and the right was longer in sagittal diameter (right 8.4 +/- 1.9 mm and left 7.6 +/- 1.7 mm).

Comparison of two volumetric techniques for estimating volume of intracerebral ventricles using magnetic resonance imaging: a stereological study.

The size of brain ventricles is especially relevant in some brain diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies have been conducted to assess the brain ventricles. To the best of our knowledge, however, there is no fourth, third and lateral ventricles volume study evaluating the efficiency and accuracy of point-counting and planimetry methods of the Cavalieri principle in the literature. In the current study, we estimated the volume of intracerebral ventricles in normal subjects using stereological methods. The volumes of fourth, third and lateral ventricle were estimated in 14 young Turkish volunteers (7 males and 7 females), aged between 18 and 36 years and free of any neurological symptoms and signs, using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Volumes of intracerebral ventricles were determined on MRIs using the point-counting and planimetry methods. The mean results of the point-counting method were 14.7 +/- 4.2, 8.7 +/- 3.0 and 131.8 +/- 33.1 mm(3) for the fourth, third and lateral ventricles, respectively. The mean results of the planimetry method were 15.4 +/- 3.4, 8.6 +/- 3.5 and 153.7 +/- 34.6 mm(3) for the fourth, third and lateral ventricles, respectively. Ventricle volumes obtained by the two different methods were not statistically different (p > 0.05) and they correlated well with each other. Good agreement was found between results obtained with the point-counting and planimetry techniques. The findings of the present study using stereological methods could provide data for the evaluation of normal and pathological volumes of intracerebral ventricles.

Effect of anti-basic fibroblast growth factor (anti-bFGF) on in vitro embryonic development in rat.

In this study, we aimed at the in vitro effects of anti-fibroblast growth factor-2 (anti-FGF-2 or anti-bFGF) on embryo culture in rats. In vitro effects of anti-bFGF on total embryonic development were investigated in 40 rat embryos (which were divided into four groups) (obtained from five pregnant females) at 9.5 days of gestation that were cultured in whole rat serum (WRS), and in WRS+ 2.5, 5, and 10 microg/ml anti-bFGF. After 48 h of culturing, the embryos from each group were harvested to be analysed morphologically according to a morphological scoring system and biochemically to obtain the embryo protein content. The morphological score, embryo protein content, somite number and crown-rump length of embryos indicated that embryos cultured in WRS+ anti-bFGF had significant embryonic retardation. Mean morphological scores for the embryos grown in WRS, in the presence of 2.5, 5 and 10 microg anti-FGF-2 were 61.4 +/- 1.64, 46.3 +/- 8.42, 27 +/- 2.58 and 13.6 +/- 0.96 respectively. These results suggest that bFGF is very important for normal embryonic development and rat anti-bFGF neutralizes bFGF effect.

Morphological investigation of carotid body and its arteries in rabbits.

The purpose of this study was to determine the morphology of the rabbit carotid body and its artery at the light microscopy level. The carotid body was situated between the internal and external carotid arteries after the bifurcation point of the common carotid artery. The carotid body was usually found to be a single, ovoid tissue mass but, in some cases it consisted of two or three parts. More carotid bodies were supplied by a single carotid body artery (glomic artery) which arose from the common carotid artery or the internal or external carotid arteries near the bifurcation point of the common carotid artery. In only one case were there two arteries which arose from opposite sides of the external carotid artery at its origin. There was a distinguishable sinus (glomic sinus) at the origin of the glomic artery. This artery had a thin wall with elastic laminae in the sinus area which become thinner distal to the sinus.

Arteries of the carotid body in rats.

The arterial blood supply of 40 carotid bodies in 20 Wistar rats of both sexes, aged 10-12 weeks (250-350 g), was examined by light microscopy. The carotid bodies of all rats were supplied by only one carotid body artery. The average diameter of the carotid body arteries was 40 microns. This artery arose either from the external carotid artery (97.5%) or the occipital artery (2.5%). There was an intimal cushion at the origin of the carotid body artery. The carotid body artery, after reaching the caudal pole of the carotid body, divided into the first-order branch. In the carotid body, the paranchyma was divided into the second-order branch. The carotid body artery was of the muscular type.

The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on in vitro embryonic heart development in rats.

In vitro effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on heart development and total embryonic growth were investigated in 84 rat embryos (obtained from nine pregnant females) at 9.5 days of gestation that were cultured in whole rat serum (WRS), in <30 kDa + >50 kDa serum fractions [retenate (R)], and in R + VEGF. After 24-h culture, the embryos from each group were harvested and divided into two groups. One group was analysed morphologically and biochemically to obtain embryo protein content, the second group was serially sectioned and examined by light microscopy. Morphological score, embryo protein content, somite number and crown-rump length of embryos indicated that embryos cultured in R had significant embryonic retardation, whereas the addition of VEGF to R increased embryonic growth and development. The morphological scores for WRS, R and R + VEGF were 57.7 +/- 0.87, 46.6 +/- 1.90 and 52.1 +/- 0.97, somite numbers were 26.5 +/- 0.47, 20.1 +/- 0.63 and 24.4 +/- 0.46, crown-rump lengths were 3 +/- 0.07, 2.4 +/- 0.06 and 2.7 +/- 0.06 mm, and embryo protein contents were 160.5 +/- 7.41, 98.2 +/- 4.81 and 141.1 +/- 10.96 mug per embryo, respectively. The results of histological examination of heart development were similar. The hearts of embryos grown in R were unseptated and tubular. The atrioventricular endocardial cushions were incompletely developed. The addition of VEGF to R improved heart development. There were no gross morphological differences in the cardiac development between embryos grown in WRS and R + VEGF. In both groups, development of the muscular interventricular septum had begun. Development of the atrioventricular cushions was also similar in both groups and had caused narrowing of the atrioventricular canals, but the atrial septation was not observed.