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Clinical Trial 2004; 25(4): 287-291 PubMed PMID: 15361819 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Carotid Artery Diseases:diagnostic imaging, Carotid Artery, Internal:diagnostic imaging, Catheterization:methods, Cerebral Angiography, Embolization, Therapeutic:methods, Female, Humans, Intracranial Aneurysm:diagnostic imaging, M.   

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of giant aneurysms in the paraclinoid section of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is low. They manifest their occurrence by subarachnoid haemorrhage and neurological and hormonal symptoms, resulting from compression on either the nervous structures or on the pituitary. The treatment of these aneurysms is a challenge for the surgeon, due to a difficult access, high operational risk and when the size of operated malformations is large.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between the years 1994 and 2001, twenty (20) patients with giant paraclinoid aneurysms of the carotid artery were submitted to: endovascular treatment - 7 patients and to microsurgery - 13 patients. The treatment, following the access to the aneurysm and consisting in short-time (temporary) endovascular occlusion of ICA, was applied in some cases, while trapping was the method of choice in other cases.

RESULTS: Good results of the endovascular treatment were obtained in 6 patients and, in one (1) case, satisfactory result was observed. Regarding the whole study group, hormonal symptoms (amenorrhoea) occurred in one case only. Four aneurysms were totally embolized, 1 - almost totally and 2 - partially. Recanalisation was observed in one case after 2 years. In the surgical method, good and very good results were obtained in 10 patients and satisfactory results - in 3 patients.

CONCLUSION: Application of either the endovascular method or of the microsurgical method - or of both these methods - used individually in case of a given aneurysm, increases the chances for an effective occlusion with a lower operative risk....

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Comparative Study 2004; 25(1-2): 78-82 PubMed PMID: 15159688 Citation  Keywords:  Adenosine Triphosphatases:genetics, Animals, Cation Transport Proteins:genetics, Copper:deficiency, Disease Models, Animal, Female, Male, Median Eminence:diagnostic imaging, Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome:genetics, Mice, Mice, Mutant Strains, Mutation, Recomb.   

OBJECTIVES: The mosaic mutation (Atp7a(mo-ms)) linked to X-chromosome is caused by changes in the Atp7a gene encoding CPx-type protein responsible for the ATP-dependent copper transport across cell membranes. Mosaic mutant males represent an animal model for Menkes disease in humans. Starting from the eighth day of life the mosaic males exhibit a progressive decrease in body weight with poor viability and progressive paresis of the hind limbs. In order to examine whether hypothalamic somatostatin metabolism may be different in normal and copper deficient mice, somatostatin accumulation at the level of median eminence in 14 days old normal and mosaic mutant males was compared.

METHODS: An electron microscopic immunocytochemical study on ultrathin brain slices was performed according to post-embedding immunogold procedure.

RESULTS: In non-mutant animals somatostatin has been detected in many synapses within median eminence. Gold particles moderately decorated synaptic vesicles and mitochondria. In mosaic mutant animals somatostatin expression within the median eminence was very low and only a few gold particles represented somatostatin. Particles were sporadically associated with synaptic vesicles, mitochondria or cytoskeleton elements. Moreover, pre- and post- synaptic parts of synapses were very often swollen.

CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrating that copper deficiency leads to the pathological changes within the median eminence ultrastructure and severe impairment of somatostatin expression suggest that this trace metal is an important element necessary for normal neurohormonal brain development....

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Evaluation Studies 2004; 25(1-2): 52-56 PubMed PMID: 15159683 Citation  Keywords:  Algorithms, Biomechanical Phenomena:methods, Female, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted:methods, Imaging, Three-Dimensional:methods, Models, Anatomic, Moire Topography:methods, Pregnancy,.   

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Methods of automatic and semiautomatic picture determination, evaluation of Moiré contourgraph applied to pregnant women

TYPE OF THE STUDY: Development of algorithm, experimental biomechanical study of the dynamics of pregnant women's axial system.

METHOD: Achieving the correct data for 3D picture analysis derived from 2D pictures requires further precision making. In general, it requires algorithmization and elaboration of software plug-in, which make processing of enormous number of picture data significantly faster. The following corrections, adjustments and calculations had to be done to be used for Moiré contourgraph: correction of the radial distortion of the lens--automatically, aligning the histogram--automatically, picture detection of the defined object shape and determining its centre of gravity with sub-pixel precision--automatically, centre of gravity of the picture of the cross-section of pseudo-contour line of the Moiré contourgraph--semi-automatically, correction of radial shifts in 2D-data orthonormalization--semi-automatically, determining the distance of a projected point in 2D from the net as z-coordinate in 3D--semi-automatically, a) points projected in 2D picture on the pseudo-contour line, b) points not projected in 2D picture on the pseudo-contour line.

RESULTS: Algorithmization of each approach leading to semi-automatic and automatic processing of data obtained from Moiré contourgraphs. Main distortions, errors and inaccuracy of picture data are eliminated. The resulting position of the detected point in 3D derived from the 2D picture is determined with sub-pixel precision of primary picture coordinates.

CONCLUSION: Precision given to coordinates of reference points obtained from original picture data allows for eliminating limiting inaccuracy in determining real coordinates of a 3D object from 2D Moiré contourgraph. Coordinates of a virtual model of a real object corresponding to its real values are determined. This makes the base for non-invasive recording and reconstruction of data on the human body's shape including the details in 3D. The presented file of methods will be used to assess dynamics of the women's axial system during their pregnancy and one year after giving birth....

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Journal Article 2003; 24(5): 314-320 PubMed PMID: 14647003 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Bone Density, Female, Mandible:diagnostic imaging, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Superior Cervical Ganglion:surgery, Sympathectomy, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Tooth Eruption:physiology,.   

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of local sympathectomy on mandibular bone during tooth eruption in rats.

METHODS: The effect of a unilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (Gx) on morphometry of ipsi- and contralateral mandible and volumetric bone density (as assessed by peripheral computed tomography) was examined 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS: Only a few mandibular morphometric parameters decreased significantly after denervation in rats subjected to a unilateral Gx and a contralateral sham-operation. Mandibular volumetric bone density decreased significantly after sympathetic denervation. In a second experiment, carried out under conditions of unilateral unimpeded eruption of incisors performed ipsilaterally or contralaterally to a unilateral Gx, a significant interaction "denervation x type of eruption" was found for most morphometric parameters. Further analysis indicated higher morphometric indexes in denervated mandibles than in the innervated ones under impeded incisor eruption conditions, and lower morphometric indexes in denervated mandibles than in the innervated ones under unimpeded incisor eruption conditions. Unimpeded eruption augmented total volumetric bone density providing the innervation was intact and caused opposite effects on cortical volumetric bone density in the presence of innervation (increase) or absence of innervation (decrease). Trabecular volumetric bone density decreased significantly after sympathetic denervation.

CONCLUSION: The results support a role of the sympathetic nervous system in the regulation of bone remodeling....

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Clinical Trial 2003; 24(3-4): 255-258 PubMed PMID: 14523366 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Gastric Emptying:physiology, Graves Disease:physiopathology, Half-Life, Humans, Hyperthyroidism:physiopathology, Kinetics, Male, Radionuclide Imaging, Radiopharmaceuticals, Stomach:diagnostic imaging, Technetium Tc .   

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: About 15% of hyperthyroid patients suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea and early satiety the problem. Published reports on the topic of gastric emptying in hyperthyroidism are rare and discrepant in their results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients (8 women, 5 male; aged 41.92+/-1.491 SE yr) with a recently established diagnosis of subclinical hyperthyroidism due to Graves-Basedow disease and as control group 10 age-matched healthy subject (7 women, 3 male; 39.6+/-2.918 SE yrs) participated in this study. Scintigraphic method (food labeled with 99mTc sulfur colloid) was used for measurement of gastric emptying.

RESULTS: Gastric emptying time was similar in both subclinical hyperthyroid and control groups (p=0.413).

DISCUSSION: There are few studies on the subject of gastric emptying in hyperthyroidism with either delayed emptying or with emptying time similar to controls. In the only one study in subclinical hyperthyroidism, gastric emptying was found to be delayed. We also found that gastric emptying was delayed in subclinical hyperthyroidism. On the basis of this and other studies, we may suggest that in subclinical hyperthyroidism, gastric emptying of solids were similar to that in age-matched healthy control subjects and gastrointestinal dysfunction is dependent on severity of the hyperthyroid state and might be a result of impaired neuro-hormonal regulation. Yet the data must be supported on larger groups....

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Clinical Trial 2003; 24(1-2): 73-76 PubMed PMID: 12743537 Citation  Keywords:  Autonomic Nervous System Diseases:physiopathology, Diabetes Mellitus:diagnostic imaging, Diabetic Neuropathies:physiopathology, Female, Gallbladder:diagnostic imaging, Gallbladder Emptying:physiology, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Peripheral Nervous System D.   

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is known as one of the factors causing the cholesterol gallstone. Gallstone incidence is about 30% in diabetic patients over 20 years of age. Pathophysiology is still not clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate gallbladder (GB) functions in diabetic patients and determine its relationship with peripheral and autonomic neuropathy.

DESIGN: Study was performed between October 2001 and may 2002 in fifty-one diabetic patients of similar age and weight. Diabetic patients (n=51) were chosen randomly among diabetic patients, who were being followed in Diabetes Out-patient clinics of Selcuk University, Meram Medical Faculty. Twenty-eight control subjects were chosen from healthy volunteers. We measured fasting and post-prandial gallbladder volumes and ejection fractions by real-time ultrasonography. The patients were divided into three groups; group A (n=18) had no diabetic autonomic and peripheral neuropathy, group B (n=13) had diabetic peripheral neuropathy, group C (n=13) had diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

RESULTS: No significant difference in any biochemical parameters between diabetic and control group could be found. Fasting gallbladder volume was significantly higher in the diabetic group (5.31 +/- 0.28 cm(3)) compared to control group (4.19 +/- 0.25 cm(3), p<0.01). But there was no difference within diabetic subgroups. Gallbladder ejection fraction was significantly reduced in diabetic patients in groups B and C (29.7 +/- 1.43%, 28.7 +/- 1.28%) compared to group A (44.8 +/- 2.4%; p<0.05, p<0.025 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Cholesterol crystal formation as a result of increased gallbladder volume and decreased ejection fraction in diabetic patients may result from hypotonicity and stasis and thus this may lead to gallstones....

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Case Reports 2003; 24(1-2): 54-56 PubMed PMID: 12743533 Citation  Keywords:  Acidosis:complications, Adult, Brain:diagnostic imaging, Cerebrovascular Circulation, Cognition Disorders:etiology, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1:complications, Diabetic Coma:complications, Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic:etiology, Humans, Hypoglycemia:complications, .   

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus has a high incidence in general population and goes by high morbidity by specific micro vascular pathology in the retina, renal glomerul and peripheral nerves. In type 1 DM, intensive therapy can prevent or delay the development of long-term complications associated with DM but hypoglycaemia especially severe hypoglycaemia defined, as a low blood glucose resulting in stupor, seizure, or unconsciousness that precludes self-treatment is a serious threat. Hypoglycaemia that may preferentially harm neurons in the medial temporal region, specifically the hippocampus, is a potential danger for the brain cognitive function which several studies failed to detect any significant effects, whereas others indicated an influence on it. A young diabetic case presented here with severe cognitive defect. Great number of severe hypoglycaemic or hyperglycaemic attacks and convulsion episodes were described in his medical history.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Neuroradiologic findings on CT and MRI, pointed that global cerebral atrophy that is incompatible with his age. Brain perfusion studies (SPECT, (99m)Tc-labeled HMPAO) also showed that there were severe perfusion defects at superior temporal region and less perfusion defects at gyrus cingulum in frontal region. These regions are related with memory processing. Severe cognitive defect in this patient seems to be closely related these changes and no another reason was found to explain except the repeated severe hypoglycaemic episodes....

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Journal Article 2002; 23(Suppl 4): 92-97 PubMed PMID: 12496739 Citation  Keywords:  Brain Mapping, Courtship:psychology, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Marriage:psychology, Nervous System Physiological Phenomena,.   

: Scientists have described many physical and behavioral traits in avian and mammalian species that evolved to attract mates. But the brain mechanisms by which conspecifics become attracted to these traits is unknown. This paper maintains that two aspects of mate choice evolved in tandem: 1) traits that evolved in the "display producer" to attract mates and, 2) corresponding neural mechanisms in the "display chooser" that enable them to become attracted to these display traits. Then it discusses our (in-progress) fMRI brain scanning project on human romantic attraction, what we believe is a developed form of "courtship attraction" common to avian and mammalian species as well as the primary neural mechanism underlying avian and mammalian mate choice. The paper hypothesizes that courtship attraction is associated with elevated levels of central dopamine and norepinephrine and decreased levels of central serotonin in reward pathways of the brain. It also proposes that courtship attraction is part of a triune brain system for mating, reproduction and parenting. 1)The sex drive evolved to motivate birds and mammals to court any conspecifics. 2) The attraction system evolved to enable individuals to discriminate among potential mating partners and focus courtship activities on particular individuals, thereby conserving mating time and energy. 3) The neural circuitry for attachment evolved to enable individuals to complete species-specific parental duties....

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