H. Hamdi Çelik

An unusual origin for the accessory head of biceps brachii muscle

During the superficial dissection of the pectoral region and the arm, an abnormal biceps brachii muscle was observed unilaterally. This muscle had three heads. Whereas the short and long heads had their normal origin, the accessory head originated from the anterior surface of the distal part of the pectoralis major muscle, which formed the anterior axillary fold. To our knowledge, this variation has not been previously described. Innervation and vascular supply of this accessory head was from the musculocutaneous nerve and the brachial artery, respectively.

Quantitative Analysis of Myelinated Axons of Commissural Fibers in the Rat Brain

In this study, the myelinated axons of the rostrum, genu, truncus and splenium parts of the corpus callosum and of the anterior, posterior and habenular commissures were counted in the rat brain by using a camera lucida. The numerical densities of these axons were compared with each other by means of quantitative analytical statistical methods. In parts of the corpus callosum, a statistically significant difference was found between the rostrum and genu, rostrum and truncus, rostrum and the splenium, genu and truncus, and the genu and splenium. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the truncus and splenium. When comparing the number of myelinated axons of the anterior, posterior and habenular commissures, statistically significant differences were found between the anterior and posterior commissures, and between the anterior and habenular commissures. No statistically significant difference was found between the posterior and habenular commissures. Small sized myelinated axons were present in all parts of the corpus callosum and in the anterior commissure. However, a heterogeneous distribution of myelinated axons was present in the posterior and habenular commissures.

Comparative Study between Corpus Cavernosum-Electromyography Findings and Electron Microscopy of Cavernosal Muscle Biopsies in Erectile Dysfunction Patients

Background: Biopsy and electrical activity recordings of the corpus cavernosum are 2 new diagnostic methods for the evaluation of impotent men. We evaluated the corpus cavernosum ultrastructure and electromyography (EMG) recordings from patients with erectile dysfunction.

Serum IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE Levels after Electroacupuncture and Diet Therapy in Obese Women

We investigated the effect of acupuncture therapy on obese womens body weight and peripheral blood levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Sixty-three healthy women were assigned into 3 groups: placebo electroacupuncture (n = 13; mean age, 40.5 +/- 4.2 years; body mass index [BMI], 33.5 +/- 4.2), diet restriction (n = 23; mean age, 42.9 +/- 4.0 years; BMI, 34.6 +/- 2.9), and electroacupuncture (n = 24; mean age, 40.1 +/- 5.9 years; BMI, 33.9 +/- 2.7). Electroacupuncture was applied to the Hunger and Shen Men ear points and to the LI 4, LI 11, St 36, St 44, and Ren 6 body points for 30 min once daily for 20 days. A restricted diet of 1400 kilocalories was given to participants in all 3 groups for 20 days. Weight was lost significantly in subjects in the electroacupuncture group compared to those in the diet restriction and placebo electroacupuncture groups (p < 0.000, Tukey test). Modulations in serum IgG (p < 0.001) were apparent in women treated with electroacupuncture compared with women treated with placebo electroacupuncture and restricted diet only. No significant changes were seen in serum IgA, IgM, and IgE levels among the 3 groups. Our results suggest that electroacupuncture can be effectively used to treat obesity. We also observed a modulating effect of serum IgG, which is associated with weight loss, in patients in the electroacupuncture group.

Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) based affinity membranes for in vitro removal of anti-dsDNA antibodies from SLE plasma

The preparation of polymeric membrane using affinity technology for application in blood filtration devices is described here. DNA attached poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) based microporous affinity membrane was prepared for selective removal of anti-dsDNA antibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient plasma in in vitro. In order to further increase blood-compatibility of affinity membrane, aminoacid based comonomer N-methacryloyl-L-alanine (MAAL) was included in the polymerization recipe. PHEMAAL membrane was produced by a photopolymerization technique and then characterized by swelling tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies. Blood-compatibility tests were also performed. The water swelling ratio of PHEMAAL membrane increased significantly (133.2%) compared with PHEMA (58%). PHEMAAL membrane has large pores around in the range of 5-10 microm. All the clotting times increased when compared with PHEMA membrane. Loss of platelets and leukocytes was very low. DNA loading was 7.8 mg/g. There was a very low anti-dsDNA-antibody adsorption onto the plain PHEMAAL membrane, about 78 IU/g. The PHEMAAL-DNA membrane adsorbed anti-dsDNA-antibody in the range of 10-68 x 10(3)IU/g from SLE plasma. Anti-dsDNA-antibody concentration decreased significantly from 875 to 144 IU/ml with the time. Anti-dsDNA-antibodies could be repeatedly adsorbed and eluted without noticeable loss in the anti-dsDNA-antibody adsorption amount.

Histomorphometrical and radiological comparison of low-level laser therapy effects on distraction osteogenesis: experimental study

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is the application of traction to the callus formed between bone segments and stimulation of bone formation by creating stress on the callus with this traction. Shorten the duration of DO and increasing the capacity of bone formation is important to prevent the possible complications of DO. For this reason, it was considered that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may affect positively DO and it can decrease the complication range by shortening the period. Unilateral mandibular distractors were applied on 16 female white New Zealand rabbit to prove this hypothesis with micro CT, plain radiograph and histomorphometric analyses. Eight rabbits were applied LLLT with GaAlAs laser on the distraction area during the distraction period. On the post-distraction 28th day, four rabbits from study group and four rabbits from control groups were sacrificed. The rest of the rabbits were sacrificed on post-distraction 56th day. As a result of this study, significant positive effects of LLLT on post-distraction 28th day were revealed with all analyses. In histomorphometrical analyses, new bone formation was significantly higher in short-term laser applied group comparing to that of short-term control group (p = 0.029). In both microCT and plain radiograph, the highest radioopacity values were observed in short-term laser group when compared with that of the controls (p = 0.043 and p = 0.025, respectively). Even though LLLT increased the healing capacity on short-term, it was not sufficient on long-term (post-distraction 56th day) healing. LLLT application on distraction period, activate healing on bone so it may decrease DO period. The result of this study should be supported with clinical studies and the most effective laser source, dose and application time should be revealed with experimental and clinical studies.

Unreported anatomical variation of septum pellucidum.

During gross anatomy dissections of the brain, a developmental abnormality of the septum pellucidum was found in a 31‐year‐old male cadaver. Other parts of the central nervous system in this cadaver were normal in every aspect. Histological samples were taken from the neighboring areas of this abnormality, and they were examined under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. In this abnormality of the septum pellucidum, the two laminae of the septum pellucidum were fused together and there was a hole located 1 cm anterior to its apex. The maximum diameter of the hole was 0.5 cm in the sagittal plane and 0.6 cm in the vertical plane. In the light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examinations, the free margin of this foramen was regular, and the surrounding tissue was intact and histologically unique to the septum pellucidum. Ependymal cells were present at the free margin of the foramen. Cavum vergae, cavum septum pellucidum, and agenesis of the septum pellucidum are described in the literature. These three abnormalities are seen in cadavers usually with histories of schizophrenia and other psychiatric or neurologic disorders. In a retrospective study, the cadaver with this abnormality had a history of schizophrenia and no history or signs of any kind of brain or head operation. As far as we could ascertain, the abnormality described here has not been reported previously. Clin. Anat. 10:245–249, 1997.

Multiple variations in the azygos venous system: a preaortic interazygos vein and the absence of hemiazygos vein

Abstract. Multiple variations of the azygos venous system were detected during routine dissection. The hemiazygos vein was underdeveloped. On the left side of the thorax, posterior intercostal veins between the 8th and 11th intercostal spaces and the subcostal vein drained into the azygos vein independently. In addition, the posterior 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th intercostal veins united and formed two superior and inferior trunks. The superior common trunk, at the level of the T4 vertebra, crossed the vertebral column obliquely, lying anterior to the aorta and posterior to the esophagus, opening into the azygos vein at the level of the T4 vertebra. The other structures in this part were normal. There were different courses of the azygos vein system. This variation is important in mediastinal surgery and also in the interpretation of radiographs.

An anomalous course of the interazygos vein.

SummaryDuring an anatomic dissection of the posterior mediastinum, an unusual course of the interazygos v. was noted. The hemiazygos v. ascended to the 8th thoracic vertebra, in front of the vertebral column. It left the column, ascending obliquely, and passing in front of the aorta and behind the oesophagus. This transverse segment, crossing the midline, is called the interazygos v. It may be confused with different lesions situated at this level: aneurysm, tumour or lymph node hypertrophy, during CT or MRI studies. Secondly, the surgeon must be aware of this azygos variation as a possible cause of haemorrhage during a procedure in this region.RésuméLors d’une dissection anatomique du médiastin postérieur, un trajet inhabituel de la v. interazygos a été constaté. La v. hemiazygos montait jusqu’ à la huitième vertèbre thoracique, en avant de la colonne vertébrale. Elle quittait la colonne, obliquement ascendante, passant en avant de l’aorte et en arrière de l’oesophage. Ce segment transversal, croisant la ligne médiane, est appelé la v. interazygos. On peut la confondre avec différentes lésions siégeant à ce niveau: anévrysme, tumeur, hypertrophie lymphonodale, lors d’une exploration par CT ou IRM. En second lieu, l’opérateur doit être conscient de cette variation azygos, cause possible d’hémorragie lors d’une intervention dans cette région.

Somatotopic Organization of the Axons Innervating the Superior Rectus Muscle in the Oculomotor Nerve of the Rat

It has long been known that the pupillomotor fibers have a localized course in the dorsomedial periphery through the subarachnoid portion of the oculomotor nerve. However we do not have detailed knowledge about the organization of the fibers innervating individual extraocular muscles. This subject is of clinical importance for locating the site of lesions in patients with partial oculomotor nerve palsies. In this study the peripheral course of the axons innervating the superior rectus muscle were studied in the subarachnoid portion of the oculomotor nerve of the rat by making multiple injections of horseradish peroxidase solution into the muscle and reacting the nerve with tetramethylbenzidine as a chromogen. Coronal sections of the nerve showed that the axons innervating the superior rectus muscle were localized in the dorsal part of the nerve. Within the precavernous portion these axons showed a wider distribution invading dorsomedial and dorsolateral parts of the nerve.