The effect of acute and chronic formaldehyde exposure on learning and memory in male and female rats.

AIM: Formaldehyde is a chemical that lies behind the various systemical failures in organism. Many products that people use contain formaldehyde. Owing to its tissue fixative properties, scientists who work in life sciences are exposed to this substance more than others. Several studies have shown that formaldehyde affects the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, which play crucial roles in memory consolidation. In this study, we aimed to investigate anxiety levels and indicate the short and long term effects of formaldehyde and sex-related differences by exposing formaldehyde to male and female rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formaldehyde (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 days for acute exposure and 30 days for chronic exposure. Cognitive assessment was performed using fear conditioning, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze tests. TUNEL staining was used to identify apoptosis in the brains obtained after decapitation. RESULTS: Exposure to intraperitoneal formaldehyde does not impair learning and memory in acute and chronic periods and has no effect on depression or anxiety. After acute exposure, apoptosis was observed in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in males. When the cognitive test results were examined, no differences were found between the experimental and control groups. There was also no significant difference between males and females.

Postural stability and flexibility responses of yoga training in women: Are improvements similar in both sexes?

The researchers' aim is to examine the postural stability and flexibility responses of yoga training in women. The authors conducted the yoga training program 2 days a week and they assessed flexibility using the sit and reach test, trunk hyperextension test and trunk lateral flexion test. The researchers measured static and dynamic balance employing the device and database system. Then, the authors repeated all assesments were at the end of the first, the fifth and the tenth sessions. As a result of this study, the researchers revealed that the male participants had significantly poorer results in a single parameter (longitudinal sway) when compared with the female group, but the groups were statistically equivalent in this parameter after the first yoga training session. The authors also revealed that yoga was effective in improving flexibility among healthy young adults of both sexes, although the males showed greater improvement than females in the flexibility results.

Effects of Masai Barefoot Technology Footwear Compared with Barefoot and Oxford Footwear on Gait.

BACKGROUND: Shoes, with their biomechanical features, affect the human body and function as clothing that protects the foot. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes on gait in healthy, young individuals compared with bare feet and classic stable shoes. METHODS: The study was conducted in 67 healthy females aged 18 to 30 years. All volunteers walked barefoot, in Oxford shoes, and in MBT shoes and were evaluated in the same session. Kinematic gait analyses were performed. The three performances were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance to study the variance in the groups themselves, and the Friedman and Wilcoxon paired two-sample tests were used for the intragroup comparisons. RESULTS: We found that the single support time and the swing phase ratio increased during walking in MBT shoes compared with walking in stable shoes, whereas the double support ratio, stride length, cadence, gait speed, loading response ratio, and preswing phase ratio decreased. However, it was found that the step and stride length, step width, and gait speed increased and the preswing phase extended during walking in stable shoes compared with walking barefoot. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that MBT shoes facilitate foot cycles as they reduce the loading response and the preswing and stance phase ratios.

Evaluation of vestibular functions and balance in Edirne Band musicians.

BACKGROUND: It has been found that intense noise may affect the peripheral vestibular system and consequently causes problems in balance mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to chronic noise on vestibular functions and balance in Edirne Band musicians. METHODS: Twenty-two individuals working in the Edirne Band for at least 5 years and a control group of 22 individuals working at Trakya University with similar sociodemographic characteristics were included. The socio-demographic questionnaire was used to inquire about the demographic characteristics of individuals, the ABC Scale to assess how they felt about the balance, and the DHI to determine the quality of life related to dizziness. A 3D ultrasonic system was used to assess the static and dynamic balance of the individuals. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the band and the control group in terms of longitudinal deviation and self-spin parameters of the Unterberger test, dizziness handicap inventory scores, functional balance according to activity-specific balance confidence scale (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of our study, it has been shown that the balance, quality of life and vestibular system functions are negatively affected in the band exposed to noise for a long time.

Primary dysmenorrhea and postural control: Is it a problem only during menstruation?

BACKGROUND: The effects of the menstrual cycle and primary dysmenorrhea (PD) on phase-related cognitive and physical functions are controversial. This study was carried out to examine whether women with PD showed a different physical function or dual-tasking response than women without PD at times other than menstruation. METHODS: Women with or without PD were recruited for the study. Individuals assessed on the first day of the menstruation and the day they reported themselves as well being (feeling good day-FGD). Zebris © FDM Type Force Platform was used to evaluate postural stability. Individuals have were asked to perform to a 3-step balance test protocol; the first session: comfortable upright standing; the second session: standing with a motor task; the third session: standing with a cognitive task (counting backward). Correctly calculated numbers were also recorded. RESULTS: The number of correct answers given by individuals during the cognitive dual-task was similar on the first day of menstruation and FGD (p > 0.05). In the control group, no difference was observed between the first days of menstruation and the evaluations on FGD days with dual-task (p > 0.05). In individuals with PD, there was no difference between the measurements at different times (p > 0.05). However, in the assessment with the motor dual-task on the first day of menstruation; postural sway increased (p < 0,05). In FDG measurement; distortion in postural stability was observed with the cognitive task (p < 0,05). In the assessments performed on the first day of menstruation, there was no difference in any parameters between the groups (p > 0.05). In the measurements made on FGD day with the cognitive task; there was a difference between the groups (p < 0,05). Individuals with PD had higher postural sway. SIGNIFICANCE: This study showed that the primary dysmenorrhea is not only a problem for females during menstruation, primary dysmenorrhea causes impaired ability of the individual to perform dual-tasking and continuously affects postural stability.

In vivo effects of curcumin and deferoxamine in experimental endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is one of the most common chronic gynecological diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of curcumin and/or deferoxamine on cell proliferation in a rat model of endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty female 12-week-old albino Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, were used in this study. All the rats underwent ovariectomy and 0.1-mg ß-estradiol 17-valerate pellets were placed intraperitoneally. An experimental model of endometriosis was created in all the animals. To create the experimental model, an approximately 1-cm long section of the uterus was taken, primarily from the right horn of the uterus. Autologous fragments were then placed between the peritoneum and muscle. The animals were divided into 3 groups: Group A, treated only with the vehicle used for curcumin and deferoxamine; group B, treated with curcumin (100 mg/kg body weight); and group C, treated with deferoxamine + curcumin (100 mg/kg body weight). After biopsy samples were obtained, the sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunostaining for cytokeratin-7 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed. Blood iron levels were measured using a Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 800 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The endometrial implant size increased in Group A, but treatment with curcumin (p = 0.01) and deferoxamine + curcumin (p = 0.007) reduced the implant size. In ectopic endometrial epithelial cells, there were significant decreases in PCNA immunoreactivity between groups A and B (p = 0.044) and between groups A and C (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with curcumin alone and/or in combination with deferoxamine contributed to a reduction in implant size and cell proliferation in a rat endometriosis model. Iron-chelating agents may act in the same manner when used in women with endometriosis; however, further studies from different perspectives are still needed.

The effect of proanthocyanidin on formaldehyde-induced toxicity in rat testes.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study investigated the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) against formaldehyde (FA)-induced lipid peroxidation damage and morphological changes in rat testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one Wistar albino rats were randomized into 3 groups: control, FA, and FA + PA groups. Plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sialic acid (TSA) levels were measured. Testes tissues were observed by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: TSA (plasma and tissue) levels decreased and MDA (plasma) significantly increased (P < 0.05) in rats treated with FA compared to the controls. Tissue MDA levels were not significantly different. Several necrotic changes were observed in testes tissues by light and electron microscopy. Disordering in epithelia of seminiferous tubules, vacuolization between germinal epithelium cells, and separated basement membranes were observed by light microscope. Immunopositivity in Leydig cells decreased in the FA group (P < 0.05). In the FA + PA group there were more immune Leydig cells reacting immune-positively than in the FA group (P < 0.05). Ultrastructurally, FA also caused disorganization and loss of mitochondrial cristae, and dilatation in endoplasmic reticulum in testes. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that PA has a protective effect on FA toxicity in testes.

The effect of high protein diet and exercise on irisin, eNOS, and iNOS expressions in kidney.

Long-term effects of high protein diets (HPDs) on kidneys are still not sufficiently studied. Irisin which increases oxygen consumption and thermogenesis in white fat cells was shown in skeletal muscles and many tissues. Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are a family of enzymes catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine. We aimed to investigate the effects of HPD, irisin and NO expression in kidney and relation of them with exercise and among themselves. Animals were grouped as control, exercise, HPD and exercise combined with HPD (exercise-HPD). Rats were kept on a HPD for 5 weeks and an exercise program was given them as 5 exercise and 2 rest days per week exercising on a treadmill with increasing speed and angle. In our study, while HPD group had similar total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels with control group, exercise and exercise-HPD groups had lower levels (p < 0.05). Kidneys of exercising rats had no change in irisin or eNOS expression but their iNOS expression had increased (p < 0.001). HPD-E group has not been observed to cause kidney damage and not have a significant effect on rat kidney irisin, eNOS, or iNOS expression. Localization of irisin, eNOS, and iNOS staining in kidney is highly selective and quite clear in this study. Effects of exercise and HPD on kidney should be evaluated with different exercise protocols and contents of the diet. Irisin, eNOS, and iNOS staining localizations should be supported with various research studies.

Investigation of the protective effects of proanthocyanidin and vitamin E against the toxic effect caused by formaldehyde on the liver tissue.

We aimed to investigate of protective role of proanthocyanidin (PA) and vitamin E (vit E) against to toxic effect of formaldehyde (FA). Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control group, rats treated with FA intraperitoneal (i.p.) (10 mg/kg), FA + vit E intragastric (i.g.) (30 mg/kg), and FA + PA i.g. (100 mg/kg). We assayed superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sialic acid (TSA) in liver. Liver tissue was taken in order to morphological analysis and hepatocytes apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay immunostaining. SOD decreased in FA and increased in FA + vit E and FA + PA (p < 0.05). Gpx didn't change in FA and increased in FA + PA (p < 0.05). No significant variation between the groups was found in MPO activity. MDA increased only in FA and decreased in FA + vit E and FA+PA (p < 0.05). TSA didn't alter in FA and FA + vit E but decreased in FA + PA (p < 0.05). Degeneration in hepatocytes and endothelial cells, cytoplasm losses, vacuolization, picnotic nuclei, and mononuclear cell infiltration were identified in FA. Degeneration in chromatin material, membrane damage in mitochondria and losses in mitochondrial cristae in hepatocytes were observed in FA. We found that partially recovery in liver as a result of FA + vit E and FA + PA. We have concluded that long term use should be investigated for complete explanation of PA's protective effects on FA toxicity.

Investigation of the availability of tongue movements in Mallampati classification.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation of Mallampati classification with a new alternative method suggested for use in the estimation of tongue movements. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey from April to October 2009. Two hundred and thirty patients were enrolled in this study. The modified Mallampati score (MMS) was devised by an anesthetist. To define tongue movements, horizontal and vertical lines were utilized. Horizontal lines passing through the mid points of the upper lip and mandible, and vertical lines passing through the right and left infraorbital points were constituted on each subject. Subjects were asked to elevate, depress, and abduct (right-left) the tip of the tongue. The scores corresponding with the movements of the tongue were determined. RESULTS: Depression of the tip of the tongue (DTT) and elevation of the tip of the tongue (ETT) levels were significantly different between MMS 1, MMS 2, and MMS 3, MMS 4 groups (p=0.001). The risk of being MMS 3 or MMS 4 for the groups that cannot reach the borderline for the DTT or ETT are 5.5 times and 5.4 times higher consequently than the groups that can reach the borderline. CONCLUSION: This new method can be combined with MMS classification, which requires clinical experience and knowledge in predicting difficult intubation.

Using temporomandibular joint mobility to predict difficult tracheal intubation.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the reliability of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) mobility measurements for predicting difficult intubation. To evaluate the accuracy in predicting difficult intubation by TMJ mobility measurement, 762 patients requiring general anesthesia with tracheal intubation for elective surgery were enrolled in this prospective, observational, single-blind study. Maximum mouth opening, right-left jaw excursion, and degrees of protraction were determined with a digital inclinometer. Incisor gap was measured using a vernier caliper during full mouth opening. After induction of anesthesia using a standard protocol, the patient's grade of laryngeal view by Cormack-Lehane classification was documented by an anesthesiologist. We found that the degrees of protraction and incisor gap in the easy intubation group were significantly higher than those in the difficult intubation group. The incisor gap was found to be more sensitive (88.37%) and more specific (95.71%) than protraction degrees (58.14% and 59.76%, respectively). The results revealed that measurements of the incisor gap and degrees of protraction may be useful routine screening tests for preoperative prediction of difficult intubation.

The morphometric analysis of crista phallica in identification of sexes / El análisis morfométrico de cresta fálica en la identificación de los sexos

Crista phallica (CP) is used to determine sex in anthropology and criminal forensic medicine; however, it does not exist in anatomic and radiological terminology. The purpose of this retrospective study is morphometric analysis of the CP. We studied radiographs displaying several different clinical indications from patients whose bone maturation were fully complete. The crista phallica located on both sides of the medial portion of ischiopubic ramus (IPR) were localized and their peak points were determined. The distance from these peak points to the inner cortex of IPRs were measured, as well as the angles between the tangents passing the peak points from both sides. We determined the distance of the IPR (DIPR) for males and females sequentially as 21.3 +/- 3.5 mm, and 17 +/-2.8 mm, angle of CP (ACP) as 149.1 +/-15.7, and 163.5 +/-13.4. It was identified that ACP for females is less than ACP for males (p<0.001). ACP and DIPR alone are not sufficient criteria to determine sex. Therefore, the results of our findings show that it would be more useful to study other specifications and their metric analysis in order to determine sex.

La cresta fálica (Crista phallica, CP) se utiliza para determinación de sexo en antropología y la medicina forense, sin embargo, no existe en la terminología anatómica y radiológica. El objetivo de este estudio retrospectivo es el análisis morfométrico de la CP. Estudiamos radiografías que muestran varias indicaciones clínicas diferentes de pacientes cuya maduración ósea fue totalmente completa. La cresta fálica se situó a ambos lados de la porción medial de la rama isquio-pubiana (RIP), donde su localización y sus puntos más altos fueron determinados. La distancia desde estos puntos más altos a la corteza interna de la RIP fueron medidos, así como los ángulos entre las tangentes que pasaron por los puntos más altos de ambos lados. Se determinó la distancia de la RIP (DRIP) para hombres y mujeres de forma secuencial como 21,3 +/- 3,5 mm, y 17 +/- 2,8 mm, ángulo de la CP (ACP) como 149,1 +/- 15,7 y 163,5 +/- 13,4. Se identificó que los ACP para mujeres fueron menores que las ACP para los hombres (p <0,001). ACP y DRIP por sí solas no son criterios suficientes para determinar el sexo. Por lo tanto, los resultados de nuestros hallazgos muestran que sería más útil para estudiar otras especificaciones y sus análisis métricos a fin de determinar el sexo.

Accessory inferior thyroid artery and internal thoracic artery originating from the thyrocervical trunk.

During the routine dissection of an 86-year-old Caucasian male cadaver, an accessory inferior thyroid artery originating from the left suprascapular artery was detected. In addition to the existence of inferior and superior thyroid arteries, a third thyroid artery arising from the left suprascapular artery was present at the left of these arteries; this artery was determined as the accessory inferior thyroid artery. Again, the left internal thoracic artery arose from the thyrocervical trunk. The internal thoracic artery originated near the thyrocervical trunk's origin point and descended vertically. The thyrocervical trunk ended near the medial border of the anterior scalene muscle after giving rise to the inferior thyroid, transverse cervical and suprascapular arteries.