Neuroprotective effects of melatonin and omega-3 on hippocampal cells prenatally exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields

Purpose: Adverse effects on human health caused by electromagnetic fields (EMF) associated with the use of mobile phones, particularly among young people, are increasing all the time. The potential deleterious effects of EMF exposure resulting from mobile phones being used in close proximity to the brain require particular evaluation. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to EMF in the development of the pyramidal cells using melatonin (MEL) and omega-3 (ω-3).

Materials and methods: We established seven groups of pregnant rats consisting of three animals each; control (CONT), SHAM, EMF, EMF?+?MEL, MEL, EMF?+?ω-3 and ω-3 alone. The rats in the EMF, EMF?+?MEL, EMF?+?ω-3 groups were exposed to 900?MHz EMF for 60?min/day in an exposure tube during the gestation period. The CONT, MEL and ω-3 group rats were not placed inside the exposure tube or exposed to EMF during the study period. After delivery, only spontaneously delivered male rat pups were selected for the establishment of further groups. Each group of offspring consisted of six animals. The optical fractionator technique was used to determine total pyramidal neuron numbers in the rat hippocampal region.

Results: The total number of pyramidal cells in the cornu ammonis (CA) in the EMF group was significantly lower than in the CONT, SHAM, EMF?+?MEL, and EMF?+?ω-3 groups. No significant difference was observed between the EMF, MEL and ω-3 groups. No difference was also observed between any groups in terms of rats’ body or brain weights.

Conclusion: MEL and ω-3 can protect the cell against neuronal damage in the hippocampus induced by 900?MHz EMF. However, further studies are now needed to evaluate the chronic effects of 900?MHz EMF on the brain in the prenatal period.     

A ciliated foregut cyst in a gallbladder: the smallest recorded

Ciliated foregut cysts (CFCs) are rare masses that develop from the tissues which remain from embryological foregut development. In the literature, about a hundred cases have been described in various organs so far. Although rare, there is a risk of development of squamous cell carcinoma from these cysts that typically bear benign features. Prognosis following the development of carcinoma is poor. A female case presented with upper quadrant pain and was sent to radiology for US examination of the abdomen. In 2010, a cyst which was about 5 mm in size was detected on the wall of the gall bladder. In subsequent US, the lesion reached 7 mm in diameter and a shape protruding to the lumen was included in the findings; therefore, it was decided to operate. The mass was diagnosed as a CFC of the gallbladder. We determined that the lesion had the smallest dimension noted in the literature. Congenital gallbladder cysts are detected rather rarely. The US characteristics are enough to make a definitive diagnosis, and the other imaging methods therefore remain unnecessary. Treatment using a laparoscopic surgical method is the first preference.     

Retrospective comparison of external fixation versus volar locking plate in the treatment of unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures

The aim of this study is to compare the radiological and functional outcomes of open reduction and volar locking plates versus external fixation (EF) in the treatment of unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures. In this retrospective comparative study, 69 of 80 patients who underwent an operation for AO/ASIF C1, C2 and C3 distal radius fractures were assessed. Functional evaluation was performed using the Gartland–Werley scoring system and the PRWE scale, and wrist range of motion and grip strength was also measured. For the radiological assessment, radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length, ulnar variance, and articular step-off were compared. The range of movement was better for all parameters in the volar plate group, but only wrist flexion and pronation range differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.037 and p = 0.014, respectively). With the exception of better subjective functional results in the volar plate group, the differences were not significant. With respect to radiological evaluation, all parameters were better in the volar plate group, but only radial inclination and articular step-off were significantly better (p = 0.018 and p = 0.029, respectively). In the volar plate group, two patients had carpal tunnel syndrome and one patient had regional pain syndrome. In the external fixator group, six patients had superficial pin tract infection, two patients had sensory branch injury, and four patients had regional pain syndrome. Volar locking plate fixation appeared as a dependable method for the treatment of intra-articular distal radius, with lower complication rates. On the other hand, EF remains a suitable surgical alternative for these fractures, with easy application and acceptable results.     

Posterior all-pedicle screw instrumentation combined with multiple chevron and concave rib osteotomies in the treatment of adolescent congenital kyphoscoliosis

Background contextCongenital kyphoscoliosis is a disorder that often requires surgical treatment. Although many methods of surgical treatment exist, posterior-only vertebral column resection with instrumentation and fusion seem to have become the gold standard for very severe and very rigid curves. Multiple chevron and concave rib osteotomies have been previously reported to be effective in the treatment of neglected severe idiopathic curves. We hypothesized that this method may also be used successfully in the treatment of congenital kyphoscoliosis.PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multiple chevron osteotomies combined with concave rib osteotomy and posterior pedicle screw instrumentation.Study designRetrospective chart review in the spine service of a large university hospital.Patient sampleAdolescent patients undergoing a specific surgical treatment for the indication of rigid congenital kyphoscoliotic deformity.Outcome measuresRadiographic images were used for the measurement of deformity correction. The Turkish version of the Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS-22) Patient Questionnaire has been used as a clinical outcome measure in the patient population.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed. Patients admitted to Hacettepe Hospital Spine Center during the period of 2005 to 2009 were included. Criteria for inclusion were as follows: adolescent age group (10–16 years); congenital kyphoscoliosis; formation and/or segmentation defect of at least two vertebral motion segments; surgical treatment of deformity by posterior all-pedicle screw instrumentation, multiple chevron osteotomies, and multiple concave rib osteotomies; follow-up of at least 24 months; and a complete set of preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up standing posteroanterior and lateral full spinal radiographs. The patients' hospital records and X-rays were reviewed. Duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative transfusion requirements, postoperative stay in postanesthesia care unit (PACU), time of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. Deformity in both coronal and sagittal planes was analyzed for correction and maintenance of the correction in preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs. Patients' health-related quality of life was assessed using the SRS-22 questionnaire at the final follow-up.ResultsEighteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Their average age was 13.6 years (range, 11–16 years). Chevron osteotomies were performed at apical segments (three to seven levels) and concave rib osteotomies at Cobb-to-Cobb (five to eight levels). No patient had preoperative cord compression because of the sharply angulated deformity or neurologic deficit. The average preoperative scoliosis was 66.0° (range, 31°–116°), 52.4° (range, 22°–85°) on flexibility X-rays, and became 24.9° (range, 12°–52°) postoperatively. The average preoperative global kyphosis (T2–T12) of 75.9° (range, 50°–106°) became 49.5° (range, 18°–66°). The average preoperative local kyphosis of 71.9° (range, 35°–114°) became 31.4° (range, ?44° to 64°). The average intraoperative bleeding was 989 cc, surgical time was 292 minutes, and intraoperative transfusion was 2.3 units. The maximum PACU stay was overnight. There were no neurologic complications except one pneumothorax and one pneumonia. The average follow-up was 34.3 months. At follow-up, average scoliosis was 27.5° (range, 10°–50°), global kyphosis was 50.3° (range, 28°–73°), and local kyphosis was 36.9°(range, ?36° to 58°). Performed on the last follow-up, the average scores for the five domains of SRS-22 were 4.3, 4.4, 4.2, 4.1, and 4.8 for function, pain, self-image, mental health, satisfaction, and total, respectively.ConclusionsMultiple chevron and concave rib osteotomies with posterior instrumentation provide an acceptable rate of deformity correction and maintenance of correction at 2 years with acceptable intraoperative bleeding, surgical time, postoperative morbidity, and rate of complications. It can be considered as an alternative in the treatment of rigid congenital curves involving more than three levels or multiple curves separated by at least two segments that would otherwise require multiple vertebral resections.     

Bone marrow examination in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: is there anything different in older patients?

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disorder characterised by immune‐mediated accelerated platelet destruction and suppressed platelet production. In the bone marrow examinations of patients with ITP, some investigators found megakaryocyte numbers to be increased while others have found them to be normal. Although recent guidelines recommend against bone marrow examinations in typical ITP patients, the recent introduction of thrombopoietin receptor agonists as an effective treatment for ITP has refocused attention on abnormalities of bone marrow megakaryocytes. In this study, we retrospectively analysed the bone marrow aspiration, flow cytometry‐CD45 side scatter (SSC) and biopsy results of our patients with ITP by dividing them into two groups according to age (<60 yr and ≥60 yr). Ninety eight newly diagnosed ITP patients were included in the study. CD45 SSC results were recorded as percentages of normoblasts, granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and myeloid/erythroid ratio. Length of the biopsy specimen, cellularity, presence of dysplasia or fibrosis with number, morphology and distribution of megakaryocytes were recorded. In group 1, there were 49 patients. Mean age was 41.31 ± 12.77 yr. In group 2, there were 49 patients. Mean age was 70.78 ± 7.88 yr. Megakaryocyte numbers on bone marrow aspirates were not recorded in most patients, so we could not comment on this point. Flow cytometry results and bone marrow findings were similar between two groups. In conclusion, there is no difference between bone marrow examinations of young and older patients with ITP, and biopsy should not be recommended in typical ITP patients as already mentioned in guidelines.