Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on experimentally induced burn wounds

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) may have an important role in the healing of burn wounds. This study investigated the effect of NO on experimentally induced burn wounds by preventing NO synthesis. METHODS: A total of 40 mice weighing 25 to 30 g were used in this study. The shaved skin on the back of the mice was immersed in 100 degrees C water for 10 seconds to achieve a partial-thickness scald burn. The mice were divided into two groups of 20. In group I (control group), 17.5 mg/kg of serum physiologic (placebo) was injected intraperitoneally two times a day for 15 days. In group II (study group), 17.5 mg/kg of aminoguanidine (NO synthase inhibitor) was injected intraperitoneally two times a day for 15 days. On day 15 of the burn, the animals were killed and the burn areas were investigated histologically. Histologic changes such as epithelial proliferation, abscess, collagen, and granulation tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: Epithelial proliferation, formation of collagen, and granulation tissue with rich capillaries observed in the control group were statically significantly higher than those observed in the study group (z = -2.022, p < 0.05; z = -2.02, p < 0.05; and z = -2.022, p < 0.05; respectively). CONCLUSION: We concluded that healing of the burn wound is delayed by preventing NO synthesis.     

An unusual case of epigastric heteropagus: parasite with a rudimentary heart

Parasitic or heterotopic conjoined twins are exceedingly rare, and these cases are referred to as "heteropagus" when there is a parasitic attachment in a nonduplicated fashion to any portion of the body. Epigastric heteropagus twinning refers to the attachment of the parasite to the epigastric region of the autosite. An unusual epigastric heteropagus case is presented with a rudimentary cardiopulmonary and also nearly complete gastrointestinal and genitourinary system of the parasite, and an organogenetic and vascular status of the previously reported cases are reviewed. The current case might be unique for the parasite having a cardiopulmonary development--although rudimentary--and this might be the reason that it has more complete organogenesis than the cases that have been presented previously in the literature.     

The effect of anticoagulation on antenatal ultrasound findings in pregnant women with thrombophilia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether treatment with heparin alters ultrasound findings in pregnant women with inherited thrombophilia. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a cohort of patients referred for pregnancy complications who were found to have genetic thrombophilia. Ultrasounds were reviewed in treated and untreated pregnancies for the presence of growth restriction, oligohydramnios or abnormal Doppler results. RESULTS: There were a total of 178 pregnancies in 51 patients. The overall percentage of abnormal ultrasounds was significantly greater in the untreated compared with treated pregnancies (52.8% vs. 27.9%; p = 0.024.) Growth restriction and abnormal Doppler results were more common in untreated pregnancies. There was a significantly decreased risk of oligohydramnios with treatment (27.3% vs. 7%; p = 0.03). Overall outcomes were significantly improved with the use of anticoagulation ( p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment markedly improves ultrasound parameters of growth, fluid and feto-placental blood flow in patients with thrombophilia. The presence of abnormalities despite treatment reinforces the need for close antenatal surveillance.     

Masses of the tongue and floor of the mouth: findings on magnetic resonance imaging

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of MR imaging for the demonstration of masses in the tongue and floor of the mouth. Nine patients were prospectively examined with MR imaging after physical examination. Imaging protocol included T2 and contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequences, and the findings were compared with surgical and histopathological results. Histopathological examination revealed four squamous cell carcinomas, one adenoid cystic carcinoma, two tongue abscesses, and one chronic inflammatory change. The other case was diagnosed as hemangioma depending on clinical and imaging findings alone. In cases with squamous cell carcinoma, staging was done on the basis of MR imaging findings, and was found to be T4 in two cases, T3 in one case, and T2 in another. The primary role of MR imaging of the tongue and oropharynx is not to make a tissue diagnosis. Multiple deep biopsies are mandatory for the differentiation of other inflammatory and neoplastic lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging produces coronal and sagittal image planes to assess the volume and spread of the lesion and helps the surgeon determine the direction in which the biopsy should be performed. Received: 4 October 1999; Revised: 31 January 2000; Accepted: 6 April 2000     

Examining changes in students' perception of science relevancy and their career aspirations: Integrating sustainability-oriented socio-scientific issues into general chemistry curriculum

Making science relevant to students' lives, future careers, or societies by introducing controversial socio-scientific issues in classrooms motivates students to take more active roles in learning science. This study explored the influence of integrating two sustainability-oriented socio-scientific issues (SOS₂Is) - alternative energies and nanotechnology-into the General Chemistry curriculum on 743 students' career aspirations and perceptions of science relevancy. For the presentation of topics, two learning environments on Prezi were prepared. The participants were guided to explore these learning environments that focused on pros and cons of each topic, including environmental and health hazards of technological developments. In addition, students were encouraged to link these discussions to sustainability issues in the context of the UN SDGs. The analysis of Changes in Attitude Towards the Relevancy of Science and Career Aspirations surveys indicated that the interventions improved students' perception of science relevancy and altered their career aspirations in many areas, regardless of their socioeconomic status and ethnic background. This study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of discussions around socio-scientific issues in changing students’ perceptions of science and career aspirations and recommends practical methods to encourage students to become global and scientifically literate citizens.