Can video-assisted and three-dimensional (3D) anatomy teaching be an alternative to traditional anatomy teaching? Randomized controlled trial on muscular system anatomy.

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal method for teaching human anatomy by comparing classical laboratory (traditional), video-assisted and three-dimensional (3D) application methods for students who had previously received only online academic anatomy education. GPower 3.1.9.4 was used for power analysis to establish sample size. After power analysis, it was decided to have 28 people in each group. Participants were given pre-anatomy education tests and divided into four matched groups: Group 1: no additional education, Group 2: Video-assisted education, Group 3: Applied 3D anatomy education, Group 4: Practical laboratory anatomy education. Each group received 5 weeks of education in muscular system anatomy. The pre-test results showed no statistically significant differences among the groups. The post-test results showed statistically significant improvement in scores (p < 0.001): group 4; 59%, group 3; 33%, group 2; 9%. The difference between group 1 and group 2 was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The difference between the groups in post hoc comparisons with all other groups was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). The results of this study show that while the optimal anatomy teaching method is conservative, the best alternative is 3D application.

Effect of cervical and lumbosacral spina bifida cystica on volumes of intracranial structures in children.

PURPOSE: Spina bifida is a major disorder that occurs when the membranes of the spinal cord and medulla fail to close during the embryonic period and affects the individual for the rest of life. Some physical, mental, and social difficulties can be observed in the lives of children with spina bifida after surgery. The aim of this study is to determine what kind of volumetric changes occur in the brain when spina bifida occurs in different regions of the cord. METHODS: The volume of intracranial structures of 14 children aged 1 to 9 years (7 cervical, 7 lumbosacral) with different levels of spina bifida compared with vol2Brain. RESULTS: Spina bifida occurring in the cervical region was found to cause a greater volumetric reduction in subcortical structures, cortex and gyrus than spina bifida occurring in the lumbosacral region. CONCLUSION: We believe that our study will help clinicians involved in the management of this disorder.

Bone development in offspring of pregnant rats treated with carbamazepine: Evaluation by three different methods.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the effect of intrauterine carbamazepine (CBZ) exposure on fetal bone development during pregnancy. METHODS: In the study, 24 female Wistar pregnant rats were used. Rats were 20 weeks old. They had an average body weight of 150-200 g. Pregnant rats were randomly selected and divided (n = 6) into a control group, low-dose CBZ (10 mg/kg/day) group, medium-dose CBZ (25 mg/kg/day) group, and high-dose CBZ (50 mg/kg/day) group. The ossification length (mm) and ossification area (mm2 ) of the long bones of the fetuses in the experimental and control groups were calculated. The densities of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were analyzed. The ossification regions of the femurs of the fetuses were examined under a light microscope. Microstructural images of the femurs were evaluated with scanning electron microscope photographs. The densities of minerals involved in the ossification process were analyzed. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, all three doses of CBZ caused loss of ossification areas, and it was observed that this bone loss also increased statistically significantly depending on the dose increase (p < .05). Calcium concentration decreased in the CBZ groups. When the electron microscope images were examined, it was determined that the cartilage matrix of the CBZ groups was thinned. In the histological evaluation of the groups, narrowing of the primary bone collar and smaller bone spicules in the ossification region compared to the control group were noted due to the increase in dose in the CBZ groups. In immunohistochemical staining, it was observed that the TRAP and AP expression values of the femurs were the lowest in the CBZ groups. These decreases were also statistically significant when compared with the control group. SIGNIFICANCE: It was revealed with both microscopic and macroscopic findings that exposure to intrauterine CBZ negatively affected ossification and bone growth.

Vitamin B12 reduces the negative effects of nicotine on fetal bone development in the rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental rat study was to investigate the effectiveness of vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) against the teratogenic effects of nicotine use during pregnancy in the fetus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Wistar-Albino pregnant rats were divided into six groups (n=3, each) as Group 1 (control), Group 2 (Vit-B12), Group 3 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day), Group 4 (nicotine 3 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12), Group 5 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day) and Group 6 (nicotine 6 mg/kg/day + Vit-B12). Nicotine was administered subcutaneously and Vit-B12 was administered intraperitoneally for 20 days. The skeletal systems of the embryos were stained using the double-staining method. The total bone length (TBL), the length of the ossified part, and the ossification rate were calculated using the ImageJ program. In addition, the weight and crown-rump length (CRL) of the embryos were measured and recorded. RESULTS: Clinical shock effect was observed in all rats administered nicotine. A significant decrease in weight, CRL, and TBL was measured in Group 3 (p=0.0081) and, particularly in Group 5 (p=0.026), which were given only nicotine, compared to other groups. In the morphometric measurements of Group 4 and Group 6 to which Vit-B12 was added, values close to the control group were measured (p=0.173). The data of Group 6 were statistically significantly larger than Group 5 (p=0.007), while it was statistically smaller than Group 1 (p=0.0038). CONCLUSION: Nicotine use negatively affects the morphological development of the embryo. On the other hand, Vit-B12 provides benefits in reducing these negative effects.

The protective role of melatonin against the effects of different doses of caffeine on the fetus.

Skeletal system and some organs development changes in rat fetuses with 30 and 60 mg/kg caffeine and melatonin's (10 mg/kg) protective role against rat fetuses were investigated. Groups (n = 4) were formed as Control, LDC, HDC, LDC+melatonin, HDC+melatonin and melatonin. Fetuses were taken by cesarean section and stained using dual skeletal staining method and FESEM. TRAP and AP immune-reactivity concentrations were calculated.  Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were also measured by liver, bone and placenta samples.  TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, VEGF-A, SOST and Fetuin-A levels were measured in tissue by using ELISA. TBARS, SOD, GSH, GSSG, TOS, TAS, measured by spectrophotometric assay method.  The mRNA levels of Agtr2 gene expressed in placental tissues of control rats and in placental tissues of rats exposed to HDC, LDC, MEL, HDC+MEL, LDC+MEL were analyzed by Real-time PCR. The gene expressions of Agtr2 were significantly upregulated in the placentas exposed to HDC, MEL, HDC+MEL and LDC+MEL (P<0,001). No significant difference in samples of the LDC group (P>0,05). According to these data, caffeine used during pregnancy delayed ossification; melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, was found to eliminate this effect. Besides, changes in angiotensin receptor expression observed in response to a caffeine and melatonin exposure result from high dose and join effect.

Impact of prenatal exposure to bisphenol A on pregnant rats: Fetal bone development and immunohistochemistry implications.

BACKGROUND:: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most commonly produced chemicals in the world. BPA is used in products such as food packaging, personal care products, detergents, and plastic bottles. This study was conducted to determine the effect of BPA on fetal bone development. MATERIAL AND METHODS:: In this study, 16 pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: the control group and 0.5 mg/kg/day, 5 mg/kg/day, and 50 mg/kg/day dose BPA groups. The skeletal system development of fetuses was examined with double skeletal and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and the alkaline phosphatase (AP) expressions) methods. RESULTS:: The highest ossification rates in the humerus, radius, and ulna were detected as 41.05%, 39.25%, and 37.26% in the control group, respectively. The highest ossification rates in the femur, tibia, and fibula were detected as 23.04%, 30.73%, and 32.78% in the control group, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between control and experimental groups in the TRAP and AP expression of the femur by IHC staining ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:: Exposure to BPA during pregnancy adversely affected ossification and bone growth. A dose-dependent decrease was observed in the rate of ossification.

Effect of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) on corneal endothelium in retinal vein occlusion patients : Corneal endothelium after dexamethasone implant injection.

BACKGROUND: To assess corneal endothelial cell changes after intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant (Ozurdex®) injection in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients were assessed prospectively after intravitreal 0.7 mg DEX implant injection. Twenty-two eyes of 22 healthy volunteers served as control group. Corneal endothelial cell parameters including endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation of cell size (CV), percentage of hexagonality (Hex) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were analyzed before and 1 and 3 months after injection by specular microscopy. The results of the study were compared statistically. RESULTS: There were 17 (77.3%) patients with branch RVO and 5 (22.7%) patients with central RVO. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.73 mmHg before injection, 17.05 mmHg at 1 month and 17.15 mmHg at 3 months after injection. Mean IOP at 1 and 3 months were significantly higher than pre-injection value (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was a statistically significant reduction in mean ECD at 3 months after injection compared to pre-injection and 1 month (p = 0.013, p = 0.009, respectively) in the injected eyes. Mean ECD showed no significant difference in the uninjected fellow eyes during the follow up (p>0.05). Mean CV and Hex did not reveal a statistically significant difference in injected and uninjected fellow eyes (p > 0.05). No significant change was observed in mean CCT values during the follow up (p = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal dexamethasone implant may cause a transient reduction in corneal endothelial cell density in short term without changing cell morphology.

Antioxidant role of melatonin against nicotine's teratogenic effects on embryonic bone development.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the possible effects of low (3 mg/kg) and high (6 mg/kg) doses of nicotine on the skeletal development of rat fetuses by the double staining method and the protective role of melatonin (10 mg/kg) against these effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen adult female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into six groups (n=3, each) as control, low-dose nicotine, high-dose nicotine, low-dose nicotine+melatonin, high-dose nicotine + melatonin and melatonin. While nicotine was given to the experimental groups on gestation days 1-20, nicotine and melatonin were administered together to the treatment groups. The fetuses were delivered by cesarean section on the 20th day of pregnancy. The skeletal systems of the fetuses were stained using the double staining method. The forelimbs and hindlimbs of the fetuses were firstly investigated under a stereomicroscope, and then their photos were taken. The total bone length, the length of the ossified part and the ossification rate were calculated using the ImageJ program. RESULTS: The degree of ossification in the bones of the feet and the hands was determined. When the total bone length and the length of the ossified part were evaluated, they were significantly decreased in the nicotine groups (P<0.05), but were close to each other in the treatment and the control groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been found that the use of nicotine during pregnancy delays skeletal ossification and that melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, eliminates the teratogenic effects of nicotine.

Morphometric Measurements of the Hip Bone in Turkish Adult Population.

OBJECTIVES: Coxal bone paticipates in the formation of the pelvic skeleton. Anatomy knowledge on coxafemoral joint as well as careful history taking and physical examination are crucial in evaluation and management of disorders involving hip joint. The aims of the present study were to perform morphometric measurements of the human coxal bones, calculation of their articular surface areas and report the range of these parameters regarding Turkish adult population. METHODS: Seventy-two dry human adult coxal bones (39 left and 33 right) from the Anatomy Departments of Erciyes University, Inonu University and Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University were measured using a caliper sensitive to 0.1 mm. Morphometric measurements were performed through 22 parameters determined. While 19 of these parameters were related to the distance between two points and thicknesses in various parts of the bone, the remaining three were related to the determination of articular surface areas. The articular surface areas of hip bone (facies auricularis (FA), facies lunata (FL) and facies symphsialis (FS)) were calculated with ImageJ software program. RESULTS: The average values of facies auricularis area were 1659.04 ± 470.92 mm² and 1637.32 ± 460.15 mm² on the left and right coxal bones, respectively. No statistically significant difference was determined between the left and right coxal bone measurements (p > 0.05). We found a positive and significant correlation between articular surface areas of facies auricularis (FA), facies lunata (FL) and facies symphysialis (FS) and maximum width of ilium (rFA = 0.299, rFL = 0.276, rFS = 0.375, respectively and p < 0.05), and distance between spina ilica anterior superior and the upper edge of facies symphysialis (rFA = 0.268, rFL = 0.511, rFS = 0.482, respectively and p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The distribution and mean values of coxal bone morphometric measurements usually differ between individuals and human populations. With this regard, orthopedic surgeons should be aware of the diversity in components of coxal bone dimensions although implants and hip prosthesis components of different sizes are manufactured. Safe routes and estimated distances should be considered during surgical procedures to avoid complications.

Choroidal thickness in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Excessive weight is a well-known risk factor for microvascular diseases. Changes in thickness in a vascular tissue, such as the choroid, can be useful to evaluate the effect of obesity on the microvascular system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT) changes in obese women, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: The prospective clinical study included examination of the right eyes of 72 patients. The right eyes of 68 patients were examined and served as the controls. A complete ophthalmological examination and OCT imaging were performed for each group studied. The CT in each eye was measured using OCT. RESULTS: The obese group consisted of 72 female patients with a mean age of 37.27 ± 1.18 years. The control group included 68 female subjects with a mean age of 37.85 ± 7.98 years (p > 0.05). There was no statistical significant difference for the foveal retinal thickness measurements between the two groups (p > 0.5). Our study revealed significant choroidal tissue thickening subfoveally and at areas 500 µm temporal, 500 µm nasal, and 1500 µm nasal to the fovea in the obese group (all p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and CT changes. CONCLUSIONS: CT may increase in obese women and a positive correlation was found between BMI and CT. The trial protocol was approved by the Local Ethical Committee of the Kirikkale University, date of registration: April 27, 2015 (registration number: 10/11).