Social media as a learning tool in anatomy education from the perspective of medical and dental students.

The traditional approach to anatomy teaching is still the most common. Recently, there has been a demand for methods that make students more active and open to communication and cooperation, and are well integrated with technology. Our aim in this study was to determine the social media usage characteristics and anatomy learning experiences of medical and dentistry students, and their expectations about learning via social media. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed to faculties of Medicine and Dentistry in 10 different universities in Türkiye via Google forms. The questionnaire was voluntarily answered by 762 students. Frequency, exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to the data acquired, and a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used. The results showed that 54.3% of the students spent more than 90 min/day on social media; 96.5% of the participants preferred to follow anatomical content pages on social media (acpSM) administered by an academic. They stated that the instant responses from acpSM's admin had a positive effect on motivation to learning (4.08 ± 0.89, mean ± SD, on 5-point Likert-type scale). The SEM revealed a statistically significant correlation between the students' learning motivation and the sufficiency and suitability of acpSM content (p < 0.010). Thus, medical and dental students are eager to learn anatomy via social media. However, they found acpSM to be insufficient in quality and quantity and wanted future content to be administered by academics. An acpSM optimized for content sufficiency and suitability increased students' learning motivation.

Vitamin A could be a Therapeutic Agent in Ischemia/Reperfusion Induced Kidney Injury / La vitamina A podría ser un agente terapéutico en la lesión renal inducida por isquemia/reperfusión

ABSTRACT Introduction: Renal ischemia (I) could develop due to decreased or ceased blood flow to the kidney in some clinical conditions such as shock, sepsis, and kidney transplantation. The re-supply of blood to the kidney is called reperfusion (R). Ischemia and reperfusion periods can cause severe kidney damage. Objectives: When we examined the I/R molecular progression, antioxidant molecules such as vitamin A seem promising treatment agents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin A on renal I/R injury. Material and Methods: In the study, 40 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups (n=8): the control group, only I/R, I/R+1000, I/R+3000, and I/R+9000 IU/kg of Vitamin A groups. Vitamin A was administrated to each group for seven days via oral gavage. Blood and kidney tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiment. We took blood samples for Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels, and determined their values. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin/eosin to examine the renal changes histopathologically and stereologically under a light microscope. Results: Histopathological changes caused by I/R were decreased with vitamin A administration in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Vitamin A administration decreased MDA levels and increased SOD and CAT activities (p<0.05). The most effective dose among treatment groups was 9000 IU/kg. There was no significant difference between the controls and all other groups regarding BUN and Cr concentrations. Conclusions: Consequently, administration of vitamin A after renal I/R reduced the histological damage and ameliorated the antioxidant state. These results showed that vitamin A could be a promising agent in treating I/R-induced acute kidney injury.

RESUMEN Introducción: La isquemia renal (I) puede desarrollarse debido a la disminución o interrupción del flujo sanguíneo al riñón en algunas condiciones clínicas como shock, sepsis y trasplante renal. El reabastecimiento de sangre al riñón se denomina reperfusión (R). Tanto la isquemia como los períodos de reperfusión pueden causar graves daños renales. Objetivos: Cuando examinamos la progresión molecular I/R, las moléculas antioxidantes como la vitamina A parecen agentes de tratamiento prometedores. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos de la vitamina A sobre la lesión renal I/R. Material y Métodos: En el estudio, 40 ratas macho Sprague-Dawley se dividieron en 5 grupos (n=8) como: control, solo I/R, I/R+1000, I/R+3000 e I/R+9000 UI/kg de la Vitamina A. La vitamina A se administró a cada grupo durante 7 días por vía oral forzada. Al final del experimento se recolectaron muestras de sangre y tejido del riñón. A partir de muestras de sangre se determinaron los niveles de superóxido dismutasa (SOD), malondialdehído (MDA), catalasa (CAT), nitrógeno ureico en sangre (BUN) y creatinina (Cr). Las muestras de tejido se tiñeron con hematoxilina/eosina y los cambios en la histología renal se examinaron histopatológicamente y estereológicamente al microscopio de luz. Resultados: Los cambios histopatológicos causados por I/R disminuyeron con la administración de la vitamina A de manera dependiente de la dosis (p<0,05). La administración de la vitamina A disminuyó los niveles de MDA, aumentó las actividades de SOD y CAT (p<0,05). La dosis más eficaz entre los grupos del tratamiento fue de 9000 UI/kg. No hubo una diferencia significativa entre el grupo control y todos los demás grupos con respecto a las concentraciones de BUN y Cr. Conclusiones: Consiguientemente, la administración de la vitamina A, después de I/R renal, redujo el daño histológico y mejoró el estado antioxidante. Estos resultados mostraron que la vitamina A puede ser un agente promisorio en el tratamiento de la lesión renal aguda (LRA) inducida por I/R.

Attainments during the COVID-19: a comparative survey study on ideal anatomy education from the students' perspective.

PURPOSE: Anatomy, one of the cornerstone branches of medical education, is one of the rare areas, where the traditional method remains the most efficient education method despite technological developments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for the traditional method to continue and has enabled the integration of different distance learning methods into anatomy education. The aim of our study is to perform comparative evaluation of three education methods (traditional, asynchronous online, synchronous online) from the students' perspective. METHODS: In our study, a questionnaire form was sent to Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine students (n = 168) via Google forms. The students were asked to rank the anatomy education types from the most appropriate to the least appropriate in the proposals. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice and open-ended questions in addition to 15 proposals questioning demographic information, student autonomy, efficiency, and preference. RESULTS: According to the results obtained, the students stated that the most efficient method (in terms of both theoretical "50%" and practical "55.4%") is the traditional method. In addition, when it comes to preference, students who preferred one of the distance online education types (asynchronous or synchronous) for theoretical anatomy constituted the majority (59.5%). The traditional method was rated as the least appropriate in terms of accessing course resources (42.3%). CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, while face-to-face education is still indispensable for the practical part of the ideal anatomy education, the theoretical part can be carried out remotely by strengthening it with some activities.

A survey study on distance anatomy education: challenges unique to anatomy.

PURPOSE: Traditional anatomy education (TAE) is based on teaching by seeing and touching cadavers/plastic materials that enable three-dimensional thinking, but there was no opportunity like this in distance anatomy education (DAE). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many trainings planned face-to-face were carried out remotely. In this study, our aim is to evaluate students' views on the efficiency of DAE, and to increase the efficiency of DAE in the future. METHODS: The questionnaire used in the study was applied to the first grade students in the Faculty of Medicine, at the Eskisehir Osmangazi University, in 2019-2020. 239 students completed the survey. The questionnaire consisted of the demographic information, that was obtained with voluntary consent, and sections containing suggestions on DAE, and its comparison with distance education of other basic medical science courses. The survey was prepared as a Likert scale (with 1 = totally disagree to 5 = totally agree), on Google forms and sent to the students online. RESULTS: 82.4% of the students marked "totally disagree" or "disagree" for the statement of "DAE is more efficient than TAE". The total percentage of students who marked "totally disagree" or "disagree" for the statement of "I was satisfied with the theoretical education in DAE" was 58.6%, but when it came to practical education the percentage raised to 79.9%. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results the efficiency of DAE, especially in terms of practice lessons, was found to be lower than TAE. To make DAE a powerful alternative to TAE, future studies should aim to develop a new syllabus for DAE.

Naringenin Ameliorate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Damage Through Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy in Rats.

Hepatic fibrosis emerges upon exposure of liver to various chemicals and if not treated, it develops various diseases such as cirrhosis and cancer. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a widely used toxin in animal models to develop hepatic fibrosis. Accumulation of unfolded proteins in cells causes stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and various mechanisms are involved in the cell to reduce the damage caused by these unfolding proteins. The most well known of these is the unfolded protein response. Further, autophagy works to remove these proteins if the damage cannot be repaired and is permanent. In our study, we investigated the effects of naringenin (NRG), a flavanon abundant in citrus fruits, on ER stress and autophagy in CCl4-injured rat liver. The animals were given 0.2 mL/kg of CCl4 for 10 days and treatment group was administered 100 mg/kg of NRG for 14 days. Histopathological examination was performed to show liver damage and to determine the therapeutic properties of the active substance. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was carried out to establish cell level damage and effect of treatment. In addition, levels of ER stress and autophagy markers of liver were measured. According to our findings, TEM demonstrated positive effect of NRG and histological examinations reported ameliorative effects. In addition, NRG reduced levels of ER stress markers and inhibited autophagy significantly compared to CCl4-treated group. As a result, NRG significantly reduced damage in hepatocytes and provided a significant amelioration.

Long term sustained therapeutic effects of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation treatment of neurogenic overactive bladder in multiple sclerosis patients: 12-months results.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the sustained therapeutic efficacy and treatment intervals for PTNS in NOAB with MS, offering periodic additional treatments during 1 year in patients who completed an initial course of 12 consecutive weekly sessions. METHODS: A total of 34 patients enrolled to the PTNS treatment and 21 patients completed the 1 year PTNS treatment with a tapering protocol of 6, 9, and 12 months of therapy, respectively. After 12 weeks of therapy, PTNS was applied at 14 day intervals for 3 months, 21 day intervals for 3 months, and 28 day intervals for 3 months. The patients completed a 3-day voiding diary at 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th month. The patients requested to complete validated questionnaires (ICIQ-SF, OAB-V8, OAB-q SF) were carried out within 3-month intervals thereafter during their enrolment in the study. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these 5 (23.8%) were men and 16 (76.2%) women. The improvements for all voiding diary parameters were significant in the 6th, 9th, and 12th months when compared with baseline. Mean values between baseline and 12 month parameters suggested that daytime frequency decreased by 5.4 voids daily, urge incontinence decreased by 3.4 episodes daily, urgency episodes decreased by 7.4 episodes daily, nocturia decreased by 2.6 voids, and voided volume improved by a mean of 72.1 cc. CONCLUSION: These results have demonstrated NOAB symptom improvement in MS patients can be achieved with 12 weekly PTNS treatments which show excellent durability over 12 months. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:104-110, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Clinical and Urodynamic Results of Percutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation on Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) treatment after 12 weeks on urodynamic and clinical findings in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. METHODS: A total of 47 patients with PD with neurogenic detrusor overactivity were enrolled in the study. Urodynamic studies before and after 12-week PTNS treatment were performed. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8), and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF) have been assessed before and after PTNS treatment. RESULTS: The mean first involuntary detrusor contraction volume (1st IDCV) on standard cystometry was 133.2 ± 48.1 (24-265) mL, whereas it was 237.3 ± 43.1 (145-390) mL after PTNS. The mean maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) on standard cystometry was 202.2 ± 36.5 (115-320) mL, whereas it was 292.1 ± 50.6 (195-395) mL after stimulation. The improvements in the first involuntary detrusor contraction volume and maximum cystometric capacity were statistically significant after stimulation. The mean Pdetmax at first involuntary detrusor contraction, maximal detrusor pressure at maximum cystometric capacity, PdetQmax, Qmax, and post-void residual volume were statistically significant after 12-week stimulation. Mean parametric improvements at 12-week PTNS treatment from baseline included daytime frequency decreased by 5.6 voids daily, urge incontinence decreased by 3.1 episodes daily, urgency episodes decreased by 6.3 episodes daily, nocturia decreased by 2.7 voids, and voided volume improved by a mean of 92.6 mL. The change from baseline on the ICIQ-SF, OABv8, and OAB-q at 12-week PTNS treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements. CONCLUSION: These results have demonstrated that PTNS improves the lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic parameters in patients with PD.

Expanded Disability Status Scale-Based Disability and Dental-Periodontal Conditions in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between different disability states in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as determined by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and dental-periodontal measures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with MS (64 females and 16 males) were included in this study. Data on MS types, attack frequency, disease duration, EDSS scores and orofacial complaints prior to an MS attack were obtained from medical records. The plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index and number of present teeth were measured during one dental examination for each subject. The MS patients were divided into the following 2 groups based on their EDSS scores: low physical disability (L-DS) and high physical disability (H-DS). Differences in dental parameters between groups of low and high disability were investigated. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 38.06 ± 10.11 years. Age and disease duration were higher in the H-DS MS group than in the L-DS MS group (p < 0.05). The PI, PD and GI were higher and the number of filled teeth was lower in the H-DS MS group than in the L-DS MS group (p < 0.05). The EDSS scores of the H-DS MS group presented a significant correlation with the number of decayed teeth (r = -0.548, p = 0.005). Orofacial complaints prior to an MS attack were reported by 18 (22.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: Oral measurements revealed various differences between groups of low and high disability in MS patients. In addition, some maxillofacial-oral complaints prior to an MS attack were observed.

Protective effects of the nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on experimental testicular torsion and detorsion injury.

Testicular torsion results with the damage of the testis and it is a surgical emergency. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is a low-molecular-weight antioxidant and potent inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PDTC to testicular torsion-detorsion (T/D) injury. Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups. A sham operation was performed in group I. In group II, torsion is performed 2 hours by 720 degree extravaginally testis. In group III, 4 h reperfusion of the testis was performed after 2 h of testicular torsion. In group IV, after performing the same surgical procedures as in group III, PDTC (100 mg/kg, intravenous's) was administered before 30 min of detorsion. The testes tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) level was evaluated. Histological evaluations were performed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. Testicular tissue MDA levels were the highest in the T/D groups compared with treatment group. Administration of PDTC prevented a further increase in MDA levels. Significant decrease occurred in CAT and SOD levels in treatment group compared with the control group. The rats in the treatment group had normal testicular architecture. The results suggest that PDTC can be a potential protective agent for preventing the biochemical and histological changes related to oxidative stress in testicular injury caused by testis torsion.

Apoptotic effects of dipyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine (dppz) Au(III) complex against diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital induced experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

We evaluated the effects of dipyrido [3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine (dppz) Au(III) complex ([Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl) on apoptosis during chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma. 48 male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into six groups; group I (control), group II [Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)], group III ([Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl), group IV [diethylnitrosamine + Phenobabital (DEN + PB)], group V (DEN + PB + [Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl (2nd week)), and group VI (DEN + PB + [Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl (7th week). The rats in groups IV through VI were administrated with DEN in a single dose of intraperitoneal 175 mg/kg. After 2 weeks of DEN administration, these groups of rats were given daily PB in a dose of 500 ppm. In group V, after two weeks of DEN administration, [Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl complex (2 mg/kg) was given once a week by intraperitoneal injection. In the group VI, the rats were given a dose of 2 mg/kg [Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl complex once a week, 7 weeks after DEN administration. At the end of the study, blood and tissue samples were collected from the rats to determine levels of serum AST, ALT, and LDH, and caspase 3, p53, Bax, Bcl-2 and DNA fragmentation in liver. AST, ALT, LDH, and Bcl-2 levels were higher in group IV, compared to group I, but caspase 3 and p53 levels were lower. In group V, caspase 3, p53, Bax, and DNA fragmentation levels were higher than those of group IV. Caspase 3 and p53 levels increased in group VI compared with group IV. In conclusion, [Au(dppz)Cl2]Cl complex induced apoptosis by elevating levels of caspase 3, p53, Bax, and DNA fragmentation.

A written consent form dating back to 1524 in Bursa Ser'iye (Sharia Court) records and a proposal of a new start date for consent forms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Qadi registers are important documents for Ottoman medical history re.search. "Sharia Court Records (Ser'iyye Sicilleri)" are notebooks that include the records that qadis kept with regard to their decisions and deeds. These registers are the only authentic sources from which to acquire information on rural life, away from the center of the town, and to understand the daily practices of the Ottoman society. The objective of this study is to provide evidence for the fact that the concept of informed consent on medical interventions, and hence the written consent documents arranged between patients and physicians, dates back to older times in our history when compared to the Western world. DESIGN AND SETTING: A large number of Ser'iyye (Sharia Court) record originals have been surveyed. The consent form registered as A-40. 221a in Ser'iyye (Sharia Court) Records found in Bursa has been presented here as the earliest consent document found by the authors. Transcription of the original document has been performed and analyzed. The aforementioned consent form dates back to 26/Dhu al-Qi'dah/933 (August 24, 1524). METHODS: The original version of the referenced consent document is the earliest consent document presented so far to the best of the authors' knowledge; it was found in Bursa Ser'iyye Records and evaluated accordingly. RESULTS: Based on the document, it is argued that the history of consent forms dates back about 500 years. CONCLUSION: Obtaining consent in scientific research from human beings was considered to have originated from the Nuremberg Code (1949). However, with this study, it has been shown that the concept of informed consent was already present in the Ottoman Period, during the 16th century, and that the original consent document dates back to 1524, pertaining to a surgical intervention.

Effects of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) extract and N-nitro-L-arginine on renal function and ultrastructure of kidney cells in experimental type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic renal failure. Our purpose was to determine the effects of N-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) and an extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) (SrB) leaves on renal function in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into seven groups. Three of these groups were controls. Diabetes was induced by STZ-NA in the other four. Diabetic rats were treated with SrB (200 mg/kg), L-NNA (100 mg/kg), or SrB + L-NNA for 15 days after 5-8 weeks of diabetes. At the end of the experiments, urine and blood samples were collected from the rats, and kidney tissue samples were collected with the animals under ether anesthesia. Renal filtration changes were determined by measuring urine pH, urine volume, and serum and urine creatinine. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was measured in kidney homogenates. Alterations in kidney ultrastructure were determined by electron microscopy, and histological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. No statistical differences were observed in urine creatinine or creatinine clearance. Even so, we observed higher NOS activity in SrB-treated diabetic rats. SrB-treated diabetic rats had less mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization in thin kidney sections than other diabetic groups. The control groups showed normal histological structure, whereas in the diabetic groups, membrane thickening, tubular epithelial cells, and cellular degeneration were observed. Thus, SrB has beneficial effects on diabetes compared with l-NNA. Our results support the validity of SrB for the management of diabetes as well as diabetes-induced renal disorders.

Topographical anatomy of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve and artery: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: The surgical anatomy of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve and artery on the dorsal aspect of the hand is important in design of neurocutaneous flaps for reconstructive surgery and serves as a donor site for nerve grafts. In this study, the course, location, and diameter of the dorsal branches of the ulnar nerve and artery were studied from anatomical and reconstructive perspectives. METHODS: Upper limbs of 14 (7 left and 7 right) and 22 formalin-preserved adult cadavers (15 left and 7 right) were dissected in two different centers. RESULTS: The diameters of the ulnar nerve, artery, and their dorsal branches were measured at selected reference points. The distances to specific anatomical landmarks were also measured, during their courses from the proximal forearm towards the middle phalanges of the 4th and 5th fingers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may facilitate the design of neurocutaneous flaps nourished from the dorsal branches of the ulnar nerve and artery, and may aid in the harvesting of nerve grafts from the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, and provide a safe surgical approach to the dorsum of the hand.

Erythropoietin prevents nitric oxide and cathepsin-mediated neuronal death in focal brain ischemia.

We examined the preventive effect of human recombinant erythropoietin (HrEPO) on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated toxicity to neurons and cysteine protease release into cytoplasm, which is attributed to neuronal death in brain ischemia. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery in two sets of rat. The first set was used to monitor NO concentration and cathepsin activity, while the second was used for histological examination with hematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL staining. A group in both set was administered human recombinant erythropoietin (HrEPO). NO content, cathepsins B and L activity increased significantly in the post-ischemic cerebral tissue (p<0.05). HrEPO treatment reduced NO concentration and cathepsin activity to control level (p>0.05). A significant increase in the number of necrotic and apoptotic neurons was observed in the post-ischemic cerebral cortex (p<0.05). HrEPO treatment was markedly lowered both of these (p<0.05). It is concluded that HrEPO prevents neuronal death by protecting neuronal liposomes from NO-mediated toxicity and suppressing the release of cathepsins.

The effects of levetiracetam on urinary 15f-2t-isoprostane levels in epileptic patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effects of levetiracetam on oxidative stress which is one of the new antiepileptic drugs in epileptic patients. METHODS: The study consisted of 21 patients with cryptogenic partial epilepsy. We determined the urinary 15F-2t-isoprostane levels of the 30 patients which is a marker of oxidative stress. Morning urine samples were collected from the patients before beginning LEV and after 3 months treatment. Of these patients 9 were excluded from the study that had seizure history in the last 1 month. Urinary levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane determined by ELISA initially and after 3 months treatment for each patient. RESULTS: Mean age of the 21 patients was 29.6, of these 11 were females and 10 males. Mean urinary 15F-2t-isoprostane level of the patients was 876 ± 447 ng/mg Cr before the treatment of LEV. After 3 months treatment the mean 15F-2t-isoprostane level of the patients was 1560 ± 630. The patients had significantly higher levels of urinary 15F-2t-isoprostane when compared with initial levels (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Our results showed the increase of urinary 15F-2t-isoprostane levels in epileptic patients whom were treated with LEV which may indicate that LEV induces the oxidative stress in epileptic patients.

Protective effects of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and metallothioneins on excess nitric oxide toxicity in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced rat colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and metallothioneins on excess nitric oxide toxicity in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat colitis. STUDY DESIGN: In this study, 70 rats were assigned to 7 groups of controls, and colitis was induced with 120 mg/kg TNBS, 35 mg/kg L-NAME, and 1 and 2 mg/kg metallothionein 1 (MT1) and metallothionein 2 (MT2), respectively. A day after the administration of TNBS, L-NAME, MT1 and MT2 were given intraperitoneally for 3 days to the experimental groups. After the administration of TNBS, dissections of the rats in the L-NAME, MT1 and MT2 groups were performed at 3-day periods under ether anesthesia, and whole blood, bone marrow and colon were obtained. RESULTS: On the third day, red and white blood cell values were increased, while platelet and bone marrow granule cells decreased in the L-NAME- and TNBS-induced group. On the third day, all the blood values increased in MT1 (1 and 2 mg/kg) and MT2 (1 and 2 mg/kg) in the TNBS-administered groups. Histologic findings were macroscopic score, ulcer, loss of mucous cells, crypt abscess, inflammatory cyst, mucosa atrophy, edema, vascular dilatation and induced nitric oxide synthetase, which increased in the descending colon in the colitis rats, while it was decreased rats given L-NAME, MT1 and MT2 administration. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that MT1 and MT2 are more effective in protecting against the toxic effects of excess nitric oxide as compared with L-NAME in the colitis rats.

Urinary bladder stone extraction and instruments compared in textbooks of Abul-Qasim Khalaf Ibn Abbas Alzahrawi (Albucasis) (930-1013) and Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu (1385-1470).

PURPOSE: We investigated urinary bladder stone, surgical tools, and procedures in urologic sections of textbooks of Abul-Qasim Khalaf Ibn Abbas Alzahrawi (Albucasis) and Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu. In addition, we compared the relation of their textbooks with urologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Al-Tasreef Liman Aajaz Aan Al-Taaleef (Al-Tasreef), a surgery textbook written by Alzahrawi (who lived in Endulus between 930 and 1013) and Cerrahiyyetu'l-Haniyye, written by Sabuncuoglu (who lived in Turkey between 1385 and 1470) were evaluated with regard to urinary bladder stone and surgical instruments. RESULTS: The textbooks give information about urinary bladder stones. They include definitions of diseases, etiologies, and surgical techniques, and describe surgical tools. Cerrahiyyetu'l Haniyye is a colorful miniaturized textbook. CONCLUSION: The urinary bladder stone section in Cerrahiyyetu'l Haniyye is the translation of Al-Tasreef with some additional information and illustrations. Surgical tools and procedures described by the two physicians have reached to our century. Tools and procedures invented by Alzahrawi come to the present day in similar or developed styles.

A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic study in juvenile absence epilepsy in early stages.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study to evaluate the hippocampal, frontal and thalamic lobe functions in the early stage of the juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE) by magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy (MRS). METHOD: Fourteen patients with juvenile absence epilepsy with typical absence seizures and 10 healthy volunteer controls were included in this study. The diagnosis of the patients was in accordance with EEG findings and seizure semiology. All patients had minimum twice EEG recordings and all had typical 3-Hz generalized spike and slow-wave discharges at least on one EEG. All patients had bilateral MRS of frontal, thalamic and hippocampal regions and NAA, NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho, NAA/Cho+Cr levels were detected. RESULTS: The mean age was 14.9+/-2.05 and 14.5+/-1.7 of the JAE patients and control subjects, respectively. Mean seizure onset duration were 2.3+/-0.9 years. In patient group the frontal, thalamic and hippocampal NAA/Cr ratios were 1.65, 1.78, 1.47 in right and 1.75, 1.90, 1.42 in left, respectively. While in the control group NAA/Cr ratios were 1.64, 2.42, 1.57 in right and 1.83, 2.44, 1.47 in left, respectively. There weren't any difference in frontal and hippocampal regions, but the bilateral thalamic NAA, NAA/Cr ratios of the patients were significantly lower than control group even in early stages of the disease. CONCLUSION: The observed reductions in NAA levels and NAA/Cr ratios of bilateral thalamic regions are consistent with epilepsy related excitoxicity as a possible underlying mechanism even in early stage of JAE. However, we believe that to generalize the results of our study a prospective multicenter study is required.

Three-dimensional evaluation of chemotherapy response in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

OBJECTIVES: Measurement of tumor response to chemotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is problematic because of non-spherical tumor growth patterns and difficulty in choosing target lesion. In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of tumor volume measurement for evaluating chemotherapy response. METHODS: Fifty-seven MPM patients were included. Chemotherapy responses were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) using volumetric method, World Health Organization (WHO), and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST). The tumor volume was measured using the Cavalieri principle of stereological approaches. RESULTS: According to the volumetric method, median survival was 10.0 months for progressive disease (PD), 14.0 months for stable disease (SD) and 16.0 months for objective response (OR). According to the WHO method, median survival was 11.3, 14.0, and 13.0 months, respectively. For modified RECIST, median survival was 10.0, 14.0, and 14.0 months, respectively. The correspondence between the WHO and modified RECIST methods was substantial (K=0.66), as was that between the volumetric and WHO methods (K=0.64); however the correspondence between the volumetric and modified RECIST methods was only moderate (K=0.52). CONCLUSIONS: The most suitable chemotherapy response measurement technique is the volumetric method because of non-spherical tumor growth patterns in MPM. However, larger studies should be performed to better establish the suitability of this method. We recommend our method for determining the chemotherapy response in mesothelioma cases. However, modified RECIST criteria can also be applied due to favourable prediction of survival, ease of application, and moderate correspondence with the volumetric method.

The protective effects of vitamin E on urinary bladder apoptosis and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether vitamin E has protective effects or not on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in diabetic urinary bladder dysfunction, with interrelationships between oxidative stress and apoptosis. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino male rats were divided into 4 groups. Group A (n = 8), control; group B (n = 8), diabetic control; group C (n = 8), control + vitamin E; and group D (n = 8), diabetic + vitamin E. Vitamin E was injected 40 mg/kg every other day intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. In the diabetic groups, diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Apoptosis studies were performed using apoptosis detection kit and the TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling) technique. The levels of glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were detected in hemolysate. RESULTS: It was observed that apoptosis number in urothelial cells of the bladder in diabetic rats increased significantly compared with control and decreased after vitamin E treatment. MDA levels of the diabetic group were significantly higher than those on the control and vitamin E groups. Diabetic + vitamin E group had significantly increased MDA levels compared with control group, although these values were lower than those in the diabetic group. All enzyme activities of the vitamin E group did not differ compared with the control group. In diabetic + vitamin E group, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were similar to controls. Catalase activity of the diabetic + vitamin E group decreased significantly compared with control, although it was higher than that in the diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that vitamin E decreases apoptosis and may be protective for uroepithelial cells of diabetic bladder.