Sacral spina bifida occulta rare occurrence in Byzantine Belentepe population in Mugla, Turkey: A possible case for adequate folic acid intake.

Spina bifida may occur during the first weeks after conception; folic acid deficiency is strongly related to this anomaly. We argue that the low prevalence rate of spina bifida may indicate a relatively good nutrition state of a population, given that folic acid is found in many food products commonly eaten. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between folic acid intake and spina bifida occulta prevalence in the Belentepe Byzantine population in Anatolian peninsula, and to compare the prevalence rates with various other ancient Anatolian populations by focusing on sacral spina bifida occulta in the Byzantine population. A total of 62 available human sacra were included in the study and compared with other sacra from relevant research using chi-squared test. Four male individuals had sacral spina bifida occulta with a prevalence rate of 6.45%, which is found to be lower in comparison to other ancient populations from western to eastern Anatolia. The present-day ecology of Belentepe indicates that foods rich with folic acid are common in and around the region. While some studies indicate the contrary, a comparison regarding the sacral spina bifida occulta prevalence with other populations in Anatolia shows a correlation between folic acid intake and proximity to a Mediterranean climate.

Highly flexible, wearable, and disposable cardiac biosensors for remote and ambulatory monitoring.

Contemporary cardiac and heart rate monitoring devices capture physiological signals using optical and electrode-based sensors. However, these devices generally lack the form factor and mechanical flexibility necessary for use in ambulatory and home environments. Here, we report an ultrathin (~1 mm average thickness) and highly flexible wearable cardiac sensor (WiSP) designed to be minimal in cost (disposable), light weight (1.2 g), water resistant, and capable of wireless energy harvesting. Theoretical analyses of system-level bending mechanics show the advantages of WiSP's flexible electronics, soft encapsulation layers and bioadhesives, enabling intimate skin coupling. A clinical feasibility study conducted in atrial fibrillation patients demonstrates that the WiSP device effectively measures cardiac signals matching the Holter monitor, and is more comfortable. WiSP's physical attributes and performance results demonstrate its utility for monitoring cardiac signals during daily activity, exertion and sleep, with implications for home-based care.

The role of coronary CT angiography in diagnosis of patent foramen ovale.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the incidence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysms (ASA) in the Turkish population using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA); assess the feasibility of coronary CTA for PFO diagnosis by conducting a comparison with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE); and determine the diagnostic role and characteristics of the interatrial tunnel, free flap valve (FFV), and shunts. METHODS: The present study was conducted retrospectively and included a sample of 782 patients. Coronary CTA results for all patients were evaluated for the following parameters: the presence of PFO, the degree of contrast jet (if present due to PFO), ASA existence, free flap valve (FFV) length, and PFO tunnel diameters (1 and 2). Coronary CTA and TTE results for PFO detection were also compared for 19 patients who underwent both procedures. RESULTS: PFO was present in 118 patients (15%). In 19 patients who underwent both CTA and TTE, the shunt was present in 15 patients on TTE compared with nine patients on CTA. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA for shunt existence were 53% (8/15) and 75% (3/4), respectively. FFV was observed on CTA in 118 patients (15%). No significant relationship was observed between shunt existence and FFV length (P = 0.148), or between shunt existence and tunnel diameter-1 (P = 0.638) or diameter-2 (P = 0.058). ASAs were present in 16 patients (2%), while accompanying PFO was present in three patients (2.4%). CONCLUSION: Coronary CTA constitutes a more practical and efficient alternative to TTE for PFO diagnosis. Further, it allows the clear visualization of anatomical details of the interatrial tunnel, shunts, and associated abnormalities and detects ASAs.

Noncompaction of Ventricular Myocardium Involving the Right Ventricle.

Noncompaction ventricular myocardium is an unusual cause of cardiomyopathy. It is association with congenital heart defects, most often with outflow obstructive lesions or coronary anomalies. However, no factor could explain the arrest of development of myocardial structure (isolated form). The pathogenesis of isolated noncompaction is thought to be an arrest in endomyocardial morphogenesis. It has been reported that myocardial noncompaction could present as acquired disease. The most common site of involvement is the left ventricle, with right ventricular involvement being reported in a few cases. In this report, we present a case with noncompaction of the right ventricle (RV). Cardiac computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated morphological abnormalities of the RV.