Effects of co-administered melatonin, fructose and bisphenol A (BPA) on rat epididymis and sperm characteristics

Consumption of fructose-rich food and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals continue to increase. High fructose consumption is associated with increased incidence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia and insulin resistance. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental contaminant that exhibits estrogen-like activity; it impairs reproductive organs, sperm production, spermatogenesis and fertility. We investigated the possible ameliorative effects of melatonin on rat epididymis and sperm characteristics following exposure to fructose and BPA. We used 42 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into seven groups. Group 1, control group, was treated with 25 mg/kg sesame oil + 25 mg/kg 0.1% ethanol. Group 2 was treated with 10% aqueous fructose. Group 3 was treated with 25 mg/kg BPA. Group 4 was treated with 10% fructose and 25 mg/kg BPA. Group 5 was treated with 10% fructose and 20 mg/kg melatonin. Group 6 was treated with 25 mg/kg BPA and 20 mg/kg melatonin. Group 7 was treated with 10% fructose, 25 mg/kg BPA and 20 mg/kg melatonin. After 60 days, epididymal tissue was removed and analyzed using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Sperm were counted, and sperm motility and viability were investigated. Administration of BPA caused significant damage to both epididymal tissue and sperm quality; melatonin reduced the damage, but did not prevent it completely.

A novel surgical technique for preserving the bladder neck during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: preliminary results

PURPOSE

To describe our new surgical technique for preserving the bladder neck during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) and to present the anatomy between the bladder neck and prostate.

METHODS

Between December 2012 and May 2014, 52 RALPs were performed at our institute. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative data were recorded. Quality of life (QoL) scores were assessed before RALP, after urethral catheter removal, and at the first month after RALP. Fatty connective tissue between bladder neck and prostate was introduced, and circular muscle fibers of the internal sphincter were seen in all patients. Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 9.6±5.2 months; mean age was 61.1±6.5 years. Our novel surgical technique for preserving the bladder neck was performed in 52 patients, and they were continent after catheter removal; mean duration of the catheter was 9.4±1.4 days. There was a significant difference in QoL before RALP and after catheter removal, however, but there was no statistical difference between before and 1 month after RALP (respectively; P<0.001, P=0.5). Furthermore, there was no complication related to the bladder neck such as bladder neck stricture, acute/chronic urinary retention, as well as no Clavien III, IV, and V complications. In addition, conventional laparoscopy and/or open surgery was not needed in any of the RALP cases.

CONCLUSION

Our novel technique provided very early continence at the time of catheter removal after RALP within short-term follow-up. This can help early recovery and develop QoL scores after RALP.

Investigation of the nerve distribution pattern of leg muscles in rat

Information about the distribution of intramuscular nerve fibres within the skeletal muscles will enhance the understanding of their morphological structure and functions. This study was designed to examine the entire intramuscular nerve distribution pattern in rat leg muscles. The tibialis cranialis, tibialis caudalis, extensor digitorum longus, flexor digitorum longus, gastrocnemius, peroneus longus and brevis muscles were dissected from origo and insertion points under a surgical microscope in seven rats. These skeletal muscles from right hindlimbs were stained with Sihler's stain. The diameter of extramuscular and major nerve branches, number of major and minor nerve branches and anastomoses were measured and photographed under a stereomicroscope. In addition, serial sections were obtained from the left hindlimb muscles with S100 immunohistochemical staining and transferred to the computer to reconstruct images. A significant difference was found between the gastrocnemius and tibialis caudalis (p < 0.001), flexor digitorum longus and tibialis caudalis (p < 0.003), and peroneus longus and tibialis caudalis (p < 0.049) with regard to the diameter of major branches. The gastrocnemius was significantly different from the flexor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, extensor digitorum longus, tibialis caudalis and tibialis cranialis with regard to the number of minor nerve branches (p < 0.001). Knowledge of the branching pattern and some key landmarks, such as the number and diameter of major and minor nerve branches and the number of anastomoses between the nerve branches of skeletal muscles, is helpful in surgical or therapeutic interventions and botulinum toxin injections in areas of high extramuscular and intramuscular nerve density.

Importance of acupuncture on premenstrual syndrome

AIM

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a complex group of symptoms. The clear reasons for PMS have not been understood completely. PMS includes emotional symptoms but mostly physical symptoms.

METHODS

The study was carried out on 11 patients (23-40 age range) diagnosed as having PMS. DSM IV was taken into account as the criteria for diagnosis. Ren2, Ren6, Ren12, LI4, LI11, P6, Liv3, Sp6, St36 and Du20 points were used on patients for the effects of acupuncture. The treatment of acupuncture was applied for three menses. Furthermore, NOx, MDA and GSH values in blood were studied.

RESULTS

The complaints of patients were observed to decrease or disappear completely. The most obvious changes were observed in myalgia, mastalgia and dysmenorrheal complaints (p < 0.000). Moreover, before starting the treatment of acupuncture, former blood values of NOx, MDA and GSH were compared with blood values of NOx, MDA and GSH after three cycles. An increase was observed for NOx levels after acupuncture treatment (p < 0.05). While there was no change in the oxidant stress indicator, MDA, an increase in antioxidant indicator GSH levels was observed (p < or = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture to treat premenstrual syndrome can be considered as an effective treatment modality.

High-dose vitamin C supplementation accelerates the Achilles tendon healing in healthy rats

INTRODUCTION

This experimental study was performed to assess, whether or not, vitamin C, required during the collagen synthesis, would influence the Achilles tendon healing in a healthy rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The right Achilles tendons of 42 healthy female Wistar Albino rats were completely ruptured. The rats were randomly divided into the vitamin C and control groups and both groups included third, tenth and twenty-first day subgroups. One hundred and fifty milligrams (1.5 cc) of vitamin C and 1.5 cc % 0.9 NaCl were injected once for every 2 days for the vitamin C and control groups, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative microscopic comparisons of the repair tissues of both groups were made on the mentioned days.

RESULTS

Angiogenesis was more evident on the third day in the vitamin C group. There was a significant difference between the control and vitamin C groups regarding the type I collagen production on the tenth day. The structure of the repair tissue was almost in the form of regular dense connective tissue at the end of twenty-first day in the vitamin C group. Mean collagen fiber diameter was considerably higher, and the number of active fibroblasts in the repair tissue was slightly elevated in the vitamin C group during the entire healing process.

CONCLUSION

High-dose vitamin C supplementation once for every 2 days has stimulating effects on the Achilles tendon healing because of early angiogenesis and increased collagen synthesis in a healthy rat model. Further studies are needed to make clear the mentioned encouraging effects of the vitamin C on the Achilles tendon healing.

Effects of intravenous N-acetylcysteine on periprocedural myocardial injury after on-pump coronary artery by-pass grafting

AIM

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in patients undergoing coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) involves the reperfusion-induced conversion of reversible injured myocardial and endothelial cells. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has a potential being the minimization of the impact of reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravenous NAC on periprocedural myocardial injury after CABG.

METHODS

The population of this prospective-randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study consisted of 40 patients undergoing on-pump CABG. All the patients were treated with standard medical therapy and eligible patients were randomized to NAC group (N.=19; intravenous infusion for 1 hour before the procedure at a dose of 50 mg/kg, followed by intravenous infusion for 48 hours after the operation at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day) and placebo (saline) group (N.=21). The study drug and placebo infusions were set to infuse at the same rate.

RESULTS

Demographic and procedural variables were similar in the both groups (All P>0.05). Creatine kinase MB isoform (CK-MB) mass levels did not significantly differ between the groups at both preoperative and postoperative periods. Similarly, cTnT levels were similar in the groups at all periods. Eight patients in the NAC group and 7 in the placebo group had increased CK-MB >3 times normal value. However, only 3 patients in the NAC group experienced CK-MB>5 times normal value.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study indicated that periprocedural use of NAC as intravenously did not attenuate myocardial damage after on-pump CABG surgery.

Anatomical, radiological and histological investigation of the great and small saphenous veins

OBJECTIVE

To provide information on superficial veins of the lower limb such as anatomic variations, valve distribution, termination forms, and histological properties of vein walls.

METHODS

Two hundred greater saphenous veins in 200 patients and 10 cadavers were investigated. Ultrasound examinations were performed in the Department of Radiology, Ataturk Hospital between December 2004 and October 2005.

RESULTS

The lateral accessory branch of the great saphenous vein was found in 75 persons while in 48 persons no major branch was encountered. In addition, medial accessory branch of the great saphenous vein was observed in 17 (8.5%) on both sides. The popliteal type of termination was found in 211 cases. The small saphenous vein gave off perforating branches to the popliteal vein in 29 persons. The diameters of such veins were all measured on both sides of the cadavers and ultrasonographically on patients. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference. One hundred and fifty-six valves were classified according to their position and type. The maximum number of valves was found in the first interval and the minimum number was in the second interval. The valves were mostly in Type III format.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge on the anatomic variations and characteristics of the valves of the superficial veins of the lower limbs can be helpful in clinical practice and surgical operations concerning the lower extremity.

Examining the microanatomy of various fetal body parts using the orcein-picroindigocarmine staining method

It is difficult to distinguish muscle, vessel, nerve, fascia, tendon and many other structures in fetal sections. The aim of the study reported here was to research the practicability of orcein-picroindigocarmine staining for distinguishing anatomic structures in histological sections containing complex structures. Histological serial sections of hand, foot, head and neck of four 18- to 20-week old fetuses were used. Bone matrix was stained bright blue, collagen fibers tones of green to blue, elastic fibers brown, cartilage matrix tones of pink, and chondroblasts blue. Muscles and erythrocytes were stained yellow to green, epidermis reddish brown, skin appendices including hair and nail stained light yellow to green.

Qualitative comparison of anatomical microdissection, Sihler's staining and computerized reconstruction methods for visualizing intramuscular nerve branches

STATING BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine the entire intramuscular nerve distribution pattern of various human skeletal muscles in fetuses.

METHODS

In the present study rhomboid major, trapezius, long head of the biceps femoris and masseter muscles were investigated in five 18 weeks old fetal cadavers. Anatomical microdissection was applied to one fetal cadaver. In two fetuses, the extramuscular (main), major and minor nerve branches, and anastomosis were examined using Sihler's staining and labeling. In the remaining two fetuses, consecutive slices with 0.5 mm interval and 5 microm thickness were obtained from each skeletal muscle. These slices were stained with S100 for the demonstration of the nerve fibers and thereafter 3D reconstruction images were constituted using PC software.

RESULTS

Anatomical microdissection, Sihler's staining and computerized reconstruction methods were compared to demonstrate the intramuscular nerve distribution pattern. Demonstration of the intramuscular minor nerve branches and anastomosis showed difficulties in anatomical dissected specimens when compared with three-dimensionally reconstructed images and specimens obtained with Sihler's staining technique. Nevertheless, anatomical dissection is a simple method whereas Sihler's technique and computer aided 3D reconstruction are complex methods and take a long time to complete.

CONCLUSION

The obtained information exposed that staining technique and the 3D reconstructions appeared to provide better results than did anatomical dissection.

Phrenic nerve distribution in the rabbit diaphragm and morphometric analysis of nerve branches

The best method to evaluate the pathogenesis of diaphragmatic disorders is to demonstrate the distribution pattern of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm. For this purpose the branching pattern and the microanatomic features of the phrenic nerve were observed in six rabbits. All diaphragms were stained by using Sihler's stain method. The phrenic nerve divided into three to four branches when entering the diaphragm. These branches were classified as sternal, anterolateral, posterolateral and crural. The crural branches were the thickest whereas the anterolateral branches were the thinnest. Knowledge about the distribution pattern of the phrenic nerve may be important in surgical approach to the diaphragm.

Three-dimensional assessment of the morphology of the umbilical artery in normal and pre-eclamptic placentas

AIM

Pre-eclampsia is one of the main causes of intrauterine growth retardation. Although there are many studies performed in this setting showing the course of the umbilical vessels within the umbilical cord along with its structural changes, studies are lacking with regard to intraplacental vasculature and its structural changes.

METHODS

We investigated whether the vascular pattern differed in preeclamptic placentas in terms of intraplacental course and morphometry of the umbilical artery by using vascular corrosion cast technique. Furthermore, cross-sections taken from umbilical artery branches at different levels within the placenta, were examined with both light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Vascular corrosion casts generated in both pregnancy groups should be defined with the main umbilical artery divided into 2-4 primary branches. No significant difference was seen between normal and pre-eclamptic groups regarding the diameters of primary and secondary branches and the number of cotyledons contained (P > 0.05). However, microscopic studies demonstrated expanded intervillous spaces in the placentas of pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Under SEM, distortion on the endothelial surface of the umbilical artery and an increase in vessel diameter and wall thickness have been determined in pre-eclamptic placentas. Furthermore, the branching pattern and changes affecting the endothelial surface of the umbilical artery have been shown three-dimensionally in pre-eclamptic placentas, using corrosion cast technique and SEM, respectively.

CONCLUSION

While microscopic findings were consistent with the Doppler ultrasonography findings, namely higher systole/diastole ratio and increased resistance (RI) and pulsatile (PI) index in the umbilical artery, no clear morphometric change has been observed.

Numerical variation of the celiac trunk and anatomical variation in origin and course of the dorsal pancreatic artery

A numerical anomaly of the celiac trunk and anatomical variation in origin, and course of the dorsal pancreatic artery were encountered during a routine upper abdomen dissection of a 62-year-old male cadaver. The aim of this study was to describe a rare celiac trunk and dorsal pancreatic artery variation in detail, which can be a guide and precaution during operative procedures in this region. The abdominal aorta, its branches and the pancreas were cut and removed just above the celiac trunk and below the superior mesenteric artery to investigate the vascular distribution of the pancreas in detail. The celiac trunk divided into the left gastric, hepatic, splenic, and dorsal pancreatic arteries. The anatomical variation of the celiac trunk and splenic artery makes it vulnerable to iatrogenic surgery. Knowledge of the existing aberrations is important in planning and conducting surgical procedures.

The incidence and types of sella and sphenopetrous bridges

The incidence and types of sella and sphenopetrous bridges were investigated in 37 adult male and 43 adult female (a total of 80) dry skulls with removed calvarias. In addition to this, the sellar and parasellar region of ten fixed cadavers (two female and eight male) were carefully dissected, and the individuals were examined for the evidence of sella and sphenopetrous bridges. Sella bridges were seen in 34.17% of the subjects overall. The trace, incomplete and complete types were 11.9%, 3.7% and 17.5%, respectively. On the other hand, sphenopetrous bridges were observed in 15.8% of the male and 4.9% of the female subjects overall. The cadaveric investigation revealed one trace, three incomplete, and one complete sella bridge in three cadavers. In addition to this, a complete sphenopetrous bridge was detected in one of the cadavers. Variations in the cranial base are of importance for surgical approaches in that location.

Observation of the relationship between the shape of skeletal muscles and their nerve distribution patterns: a transparent and microanatomic study

BACKGROUND

There are many gaps in the understanding of the neuroanatomy of skeletal muscles with regards to the nerve distribution pattern and shape of the muscles. This study was designed to examine the entire intramuscular nerve-distribution patterns of various human skeletal muscles.

METHODS

The relationships among nine skeletal muscles with various architecture (rhomboid major, biceps brachii, flexor pollicis longus, rectus femoris, sternohyoid, trapezius, masseter, digastric muscles) and their nerve-distribution patterns were investigated in four fetal cadavers using the Sihler staining method. The diameter and number of extramuscular (main) and major nerve branches, the number of minor nerve branches, and anastomoses were examined and evaluated statistically.

RESULTS

With regards to the number of extramuscular (main) nerve branches, the rhomboid major muscle resembled the flexor pollicis longus, trapezius, masseter, and sternohyoid muscles, and the anterior belly of the digastricus muscle (p > 0.05), whereas it was significantly different from the rectus femoris, the posterior belly of digastricus, and the long and short heads of the biceps brachii (p < 0.05). Trapezius and masseter muscles were different from all of the skeletal muscles that were studied with regards to the diameter of main branches (p < 0.05). The masseter muscle had the largest diameter (p < 0.05). With regards to the number of minor nerve branches, the sternohyoid muscle was significantly different from all the skeletal muscles that were studied (p < 0.05) except the short head of the biceps brachii, rectus femoris, and the posterior belly of digastricus (p > 0.05). As for the number of neural anastomoses, the sternohyoid muscle was statistically different from all skeletal muscles that were studied (p < 0.05) except the masseter and trapezius muscles (p > 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

A surgeon's thorough knowledge of the relationship between the shape and nerve distribution pattern of skeletal muscles is important in successful reinnervation and regeneration of these muscles. It might also be useful in the field of muscle transplantation.

Axillopectoral muscle (Langer's muscle)

In a routine dissection of the axillary fossa, a muscle originating from the coracoid process of the scapula and extending to the long head of triceps brachii muscle was observed. The mentioned muscle was adhering to both the triceps brachii muscle and the tendinous part of the latissimus dorsi muscle. This anatomical variation is referred to as axillary arch (Langer's muscle or axillopectoral muscle). The muscle mass was measured 9.6 cm in length and 1.4 cm in width. The accessory muscle can be a reason of an axillary mass and can exert pressure on the neighboring neurovascular bundle or lymph routes; thus, exposing a wide range of symptoms. Therefore, variations of this area should be kept in mind in surgical interventions.

Variations in the anatomy of the auriculotemporal nerve

The common representation of the auriculotemporal nerve is either that of a single posterior branch of the mandibular nerve or of two roots that envelope the middle meningeal artery. Our observation in the anatomy of the auriculotemporal nerve on 32 dissections (16 cadaveric heads) of the infratemporal fossa included: one specimen with four roots (3.1%), three specimens with three roots (9.4%), 12 specimens with two roots (37.5%), and 16 specimens with one root (50%). Furthermore, a connecting nerve branch was observed between auriculotemporal and inferior alveolar nerves in four specimens, and in another auriculotemporal nerve case, between the upper and lower roots. In the cadaver of a 70-year-old male, a four-rooted auriculotemporal nerve variation was found. These four branches lay to the posterior, combined at the posterosuperior of the maxillary and superficial temporal arteries and formed a ganglion-like knot. From this knot, four branches stemmed and ran to the temporomandibular joint, external acoustic meatus, zygoma, and parotid gland. The knot was larger and thicker than expected; thus, it was removed and stained with haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and S100 for histological studies. This structure was not a true ganglion but a structure formed by fusion of nerve fibers.

Clearing and embedding in polyester resin for demonstrating the nerve distribution pattern of skeletal muscles

The preservation of many stained gross specimens in solution creates some difficulties. It is convenient and effective to preserve material in polyester resin instead of glycerol. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of clearing and embedding using polyester resin. The samples consisted of the nerve distribution patterns of skeletal muscles stained using Sihler's method. The muscles were cleared more successfully and the intramuscular nerve distributions were demonstrated better in polyester than in glycerol. The method presented here eliminates not only the storage and handling problems of specimens, but also problems such as pale stains and the molding of preparations. Furthermore, it is more convenient to examine and to photograph specimens cleared and embedded in polyester than those stored in glycerol.

Intrauterine structure of foot muscles in talipes equinovarus due to high-level myelomeningocele: a light microscopic study in fetal cadavers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the light microscopic structure of extrinsic foot muscles in talipes equinovarus (TEV) deformity that developed during intrauterine life due to high-level myelomeningocele. Ten feet of five fetal cadavers ranging in age from 18 to 20 weeks were dissected. Five feet had typical TEV deformity and the other five feet did not have any deformity (control group). Under light microscopic examination quantitative measurement of both muscle fiber sizes and fibrosis in the muscle tissue were performed to investigate the denervation muscle atrophy. Mean muscle fiber size of the TEV group was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group in all foot muscles except the gastrocnemius muscle. The proportion of fibrosis due to denervation atrophy was significantly higher in the TEV group than in the control group in all muscles. This situation was most evident in the peroneus longus muscle. It was concluded that muscular imbalance due to significant muscular atrophy might be the cause of TEV deformity that developed during intrauterine life due to high-level myelomeningocele.

The incidence of basal sphenoid bony bridges in dried crania and cadavers: their anthropological and clinical relevance

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of the pterygospinous and pterygoalar bony bridges and the variations in these bony bridges among Anatolians. A total of 452 adult dry skulls (258 males and 194 females) of the Anatolian population were investigated for both the pterygospinous and the pterygoalar bony bridges. In 80 of the 452 dry skulls (37 male and 43 female), it was possible to inspect the cranial cavity. In these skulls, sellar and sphenopetrous bridges were also investigated. In addition to this, the mandibular nerve of 9 fixed cadavers was carefully dissected and the distribution of its branches was determined on both sides. Complete pterygospinous osseous bridges were found in 5.5% of the samples and complete pterygoalar bridges in 4.9%. In the dry skulls with removed calvaria, complete sellar osseous bridges were found on both sides in 34.2% of specimens, complete pterygospinous bridges in 8.8% and complete pterygoalar bridges in 7.5%. No complete sphenopetrous bridges were found. In the cadaveric study, nerve entrapment due to a pterygoalar ligament on the left side was found in one cadaver. Such variations should be kept in mind in clinical complaints such as mandibular neuralgia, especially during chewing.

Supraarticular, supramastoid and suprameatal crests on the outer surface of the temporal bone and the relation between them

Supraarticular, supramastoid and suprameatal crests on the outer surface of the squamous part of the temporal bone are of clinical importance as they are accepted as landmarks for some surgical approaches relating to the temporomandibular joint, the middle cranial fossa and mastoid air cells, respectively. Because of the surgical importance of the crests, their incidence and the relations between them were studied on a total of 442 (250 male, 192 female) dry skulls. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) surface renderings of the squamous part of the temporal bone were created from routine axial computed tomographic (CT) images in four cadaver specimens to demonstrate the surface anatomy. Suprameatal crests were observed commonly as a trace type on the male dry skulls (51.2%), though no such crest was seen on most of the female skulls (54.4%). Supramastoid crests were commonly observed as a small crest on male dry skulls (46.6%), but as a trace type on female dry skulls (52.05%). Supraarticular crests were commonly seen as a trace type on both male (58.6%) and female (70.6%) dry skulls. In the light of the above data, it can be concluded that the crests on the male dry skulls were stronger than those on the female skulls. The angles between the crests were also examined. It was observed that the angle between the supraarticular and supramastoid crests was larger in male dry skulls compared with the female dry skulls. On the other hand, no gender difference was observed when the angle between the suprameatal and supraarticular crests was examined.

Variations in the anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve

Variations in the anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve were seen in 2 of the 20 dissections of the infratemporal fossa in 10 cadavers. A connecting nerve branch that originated from the auriculotemporal nerve joined the inferior alveolar nerve on both sides. The second part of the maxillary artery passed between the mandibular nerve, the root of the inferior alveolar nerve, and the connecting nerve branch which formed a loop. The maxillary artery seemed to be entrapped. Neurovascular entrapment can cause pain and numbness. Anatomical variations in this region should be kept in mind, particularly in cases of failed treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Demonstration of the nerve distribution of the extraocular muscles in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

PURPOSE

The intramuscular nerve distribution of the extraocular muscles may be of utmost importance for better understanding of their physiologic and pathologic reactions. The aim of this study was to determine the entire intramuscular nerve distribution pattern of rabbit extraocular muscles by utilizing Sihler's staining technique.

METHODS

Six New Zealand rabbits were used in order to demonstrate the intramuscular nerve distribution of the extraocular muscles by using Sihler's staining method.

RESULTS

The number of extramuscular and intramuscular major nerve branches were higher in the inferior oblique muscle while the number of intramuscular minor nerve branches were higher in the superior oblique muscle when compared with the other extraocular muscles. The smallest number of extramuscular branch and intramuscular both major and minor branches were found in the medial rectus muscle. More complex anastomoses and a branching pattern were observed in the superior oblique and superior rectus muscle. The anastomosing nerve branches were observed to run in a "Y", "I" or "U"-shaped pattern in all of the extraocular muscles. Of all the extraocular muscles, the longest major nerve branches were observed in the retractor bulbi muscles. However, these branches had the smallest diameter. No morphological difference was observed between the two sides with regard to all the characteristics of the extraocular muscles.

CONCLUSION

Sihler's neural staining technique could be quite useful in the demonstration of the intramuscular nerve distribution of extraocular muscles.

Demonstration of the nerve distribution of the masticatory muscles in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Two methods can be used in order to demonstrate the nerve distribution of an organ. One is the three-dimensional reconstruction of the innervation pattern of the organ by tracing images of that organ from serial histological sections. The other is the in toto staining of the organ with subsequent clearing of the muscles. In the present study, in order to visualize the nerve distribution of the organ, that organ was completely cleared and the nerve fibres were stained. Detailed morphological structure of the intramuscular nerve distribution of a certain region and its functions are of importance not only for anatomists and physiologists but also for clinicians. In this study eight New Zealand rabbits were used to visualize the intramuscular nerve distribution of the muscles involved in mastication (temporalis m., pterygoideus medialis m., digastricus m., retractor mandibulae m. and masseter m.). The main nerve bundle was observed entering into the muscle as a single trunk and dividing into three branches in the muscle. These branches were also observed dividing into several subbranches while going to the periphery. When the samples were examined under a stereomicroscope, 'Y'-, 'I'- and 'O'-shaped communications between those branches were observed.

Ureter duplication and polar renal arteries in the same case

During cadaver dissection for student education in the anatomy laboratory of Gazi University Medical School, anomalies of the upper and lower polar artery were observed on the left kidney besides bilateral ureter duplication in a 65 year old male cadaver. On the right side the duplication was incomplete, starting from two separate renal pelvises, joining at the medial border of psoas major muscle and terminating as a single specify at the level of urine bladder. On the left side the duplication was complete. The ureters started from two different renal pelvises and terminated separately. In addition, two polar arteries were observed on the left kidney besides the normal renal artery in the same case. The upper polar artery arose just at the beginning of left renal artery and the lower one arose directly from the lateral wall of abdominal aorta. Due to the surgical and radiological significance of the variations they presented, we compared them with the other studies on this subject.

Patent ductus arteriosus, large right pulmonary artery and brachiocephalic trunk variations. A case report

Aortic arch anomalies occur due to disorders of the development of primitive double aortic arch system. In this study a patent ductus arteriosus, which had the appearance of a muscular type artery, was observed in addition to an enlarged right pulmonary artery with a diameter of 2.4 cm, causing thickening to right ventricular wall. A left common carotid artery arising from the brachiocephalic trunk was also observed. Such a complicated variation is extremely rare.

Bilateral anomaly of anterior bellies of digastric muscles

During dissection of the submental region, the anterior bellies of the right and left digastric muscles were found to have two separate portions, inserting into different locations in the submental region. The lateral portions of the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles originated from the digastric fossa and inserted into the hyoid bone. The medial parts of the anterior bellies of the right and left digastric muscles ran medially and inserted into the mylohyoid raphe on both sides, forming accessory digastric muscles. This anatomic abnormality of the muscle could be significant in surgical procedures involving the submental region.

Insertion abnormality of bilateral pectoralis minimus

Bilateral insertion abnormality of pectoralis minimus (sterno-costo-coracoidian muscle) muscle was examined. The variant muscle was lying under the pectoralis major muscle and was medial to the pectoralis minor muscle. This muscle started from the first costal cartilage to the manubrium sterni and ended in the upper surface of the shoulder joint on the right side. On the opposite side, it took origin from the second costal cartilage to the manubrium sterni and the second costochondral joint, afterwards became a tendinous structure and divided into two on the coracoid process. The thicker part ended on the upper surface of the articular capsule of the shoulder joint, the thinner part inserted on the lateral third of inferior part of clavicle and fascia of subclavius muscle.

Incidence of os japonicum in Anatolian dry skulls and plain cranium radiographs of modern Anatolian population

INTRODUCTION

The zygoma may sometimes be divided into two parts by either a horizontal or a vertical suture. Such a bipartite bone has been given the name of os japonicum as it has been mostly observed in Japanese.

MATERIAL

In this study 1266 zygomatic bones in 633 Anatolian dry skulls and 1348 zygomatic bones in 674 plain cranium radiographs of adult patients have been examined.

RESULTS

Os japonicum was present in 2.2% of female and 1.7% of male subjects. All of the 24 multipartite bones observed in the study were bipartite except one. In addition, of 690 female zygomatic bones examined radiologically 15 (2.2%), and 658 male bones 12 (1.8%) were bipartite or tripartite, a total of 674 plain cranium radiographs.

CONCLUSION

The results were compared with those of other populations. As a result evaluation of both dry skulls and plain radiographs as a single sample, our results were again closely similar to Main Island Japan and other East Asia groups.