effects of acupuncture on rats with brain ischemia-reperfusion

To investigate the damage of brain ischemia-reperfusion [I/R] caused by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery [MCA], and the effects of acupuncture on this damage. This investigation took place in the Experimental Research Unit of Firat University, Elazig, Turkey in January-February 2007. For this aim, 14 rats were divided into 2 groups: I/R [control] and I/R+acupuncture [experiment]. In the I/R group, the MCA was occluded for 60 minutes, after this reperfusion was applied. In the I/R+acupuncture group, dry needle acupuncture was applied after reperfusion for 10 days. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed. The brain tissues were examined after staining with hematoxylin and eosin. In the samples belonging to the I/R group, widespread necrotic areas, red neurons, vacuolization, congestion, and edema were observed. In the I/R+ acupuncture group, the findings of ischemia were significantly decreased when compared with the I/R group. The damage caused by I/R was decreased by manual acupuncture therapy, however, further clinical studies are needed to determine the mechanism of acupuncture treatment, the optimal timing, and duration of acupuncture treatment in such disorders

Protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids in a rat focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model

To investigate possible neuroprotective effects of dietary supplementation of fish oil in brain ischemia-reperfusion [I/R]. This investigation took place in the Experimental Research Unit, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey, from January-February 2006. The study was carried out on 12 male Wistar rats; divided into 2 groups: I/R [control] and I/R + omega-3 essential fatty acids [EFA] [experiment]. The rats in the I/R group received only ordinary rat food before middle cerebral artery [MCA] occlusion. The I/R + omega-3 EFA group received omega-3 fatty acid daily via intragastric gavage [300 mg/kg Marincap capsule] with normal food before MCA occlusion for 30 days. Structural alterations in the brain tissues were semi-quantitatively analyzed [0: absent, +: slight, ++: moderate, +++: severe]. There was evident severe [+++] edema, vacuolization, and eosinophilic degeneration in the I/R group, while only slight [+] edema and eosinophilic degeneration in the I/R + omega-3 EFA group in which no vacuolization was determined. These findings are consistent with the available studies in this field. Results from this study indicate the beneficial effects of omega-3 EFA supplementation in prevention of I/R - induced damage in rats

Morphometric examination of the paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells using computed tomography

The paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells vary considerably in size and shape from person to person. The main structures are pneumatic. In this study, we investigated the relationship between right and left sides and evaluated the volume changes according to age and sex. Of all patients attending the radiology department, 91 cases without paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells pathology [i.e., inflammation, operation or trauma] were selected for evaluation. Axial computed tomography [CT] scans were obtained for both paranasal sinuses and temporal bones. In all scans, the volumes of each area [maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, sphenoid sinus and mastoid air cell] were calculated and analyzed statistically. The volumes of paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells increased with age and women had a lower mean volume. There was a positive correlation between right-left and ipsilateral structures [paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells]. These results are helpful in understanding the normal and pathological conditions of the paranasal sinuses and the mastoid air cells

Volume assessment of age-related conversion of the tympanic cavity by helical computerized tomography scanning

To investigate the right-left asymmetry, and gender and age groups differences of the tympanic cavities [TC] using the Cavalieri principle for volume calculation on temporal bone computerized tomography [CT] scans. This study was carried out over a 4-year period from 2000 to 2004 at Firat University, School of Medicine, Elazig, Turkey. The areas of the cavities were measured using trace and area measurement functions of CT scanner, and by multiplying the area by slice thickness [0.2 cm] and the volume of each slice was calculated. By summing all volumes of every slice based on the Cavalieri principle for volume calculation, the total volumes were obtained and analyzed. The mean [SD] volumes of right and left tympanic cavities in males were 0.52 [0.15] versus 0.55 [0.14] cm3 and in females were 0.45 [0.16] versus 0.49 [0.14] cm3, and there were statistically significant differences between males and females in both right and left sides [p=0.028 and p=0.043]. There was a statistically significant difference in left TC volumes between age groups [p=0.019]. However, no differences by age were noted for right TC volumes [p=0.065]. A strong correlation was found between right and left volumes. However, there were no strong correlations between age and volumes of right and left cavities in both males and females, although the volumes increased by aging. These results should help surgeons and radiologists to update their knowledge for evaluation of the middle ear region

Variants and deformities of atlas vertebrae in eastern Anatolian people

At the craniocervical junction, developmental anomalies of the atlas may produce clinical symptoms by compressing on the vertebral artery, particularly during extreme rotational movements of the cervical spine. The aim of the present study was to investigate several varieties and deformities of the atlas vertebra from the skeletal specimens of Eastern Anatolian people. This study was carried out over a 3-year period, 2000 through to 2002 in the Department of Anatomy, Firat, Yuzuncu Yil and Ataturk University, Turkey. Developmental anomalies and the variants of the first vertebrae were investigated on 86 atlas. Ponticulus posterior was observed with a low frequency on right as 2.3%. The bilateral localization was 10.5% and the left-side localization was 9.3%. Ponticulus lateralis showed an equal localization as 1.2% on the right, 1.2% on the left and 1.2% bilateral. In the present study, a complete subdivision of the joint surface was observed in 11 atlases [12.8%]. Processus infratransversarius atlantis with a frequency between 1.2-7%, arthrotic formation and corona atlantis peridentals in 8 cases [9.3%] were also found. The low frequency for fonticulus posterior might be peculiar to the population living in this area