Background: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a well-established method for managing postoperative and chronic pain. ESPB applications for the sacral area procedures are called sacral ESPBs (SESPBs). This cadaveric study aimed to determine the distribution of local anesthesia using the median and intermediate approaches to the SESPB. Methods: Four cadavers were categorized into the median and intermediate approach groups. Ultrasound-guided SESPBs were performed using a mixture of radiopaque agents and dye. Following confirmation of the solution distribution through computed tomography (CT), the cadavers were dissected to observe the solution distribution. Results: CT images of the median group demonstrated subcutaneous pooling of the radiopaque solution between the S1 and S5 horizontal planes. Radiopaque solution also passed from the sacral foramina to the anterior sacrum via the spinal nerves between S2 and S5. In the intermediate group, the solution distribution was observed along the bilateral erector spinae muscle between the L2 and S3 horizontal planes; no anterior transition was detected. Dissection in the median group revealed blue solution distribution in subcutaneous tissue between horizontal planes S1 and S5, but no distribution in superficial fascia or muscle. In the intermediate group, red solution was detected in the erector spinae muscle between the L2 and S3 intervertebral levels. Conclusions Radiologic and anatomic findings revealed the presence of radiopaque dye in the superficial and erector spinae compartments in both the median and intermediate groups. However, anterior transition of the radiopaque dye was detected only in the median group.

Objective: Cerebral collateral circulation may affect subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induced cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. In this study our aim was to investigate the relationship between collateral status, vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in both aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal SAH. Methods: Patients diagnosed as SAH with and without aneurysm were included and their data investigated retrospectively. After the patients diagnosed as SAH according to cerebral computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), they underwent cerebral angiography to check for cerebral aneurysm. The diagnosis of DCI was made according to the neurological examination and control CT/MRI. All the patients had their control cerebral angiography on days 7 to 10 in order to assess vasospasm and also collateral circulation. The American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) Collateral Flow Grading System was modified to measure collateral circulation. Results: A total of 59 patients data were analyzed. Patients with aneurysmal SAH had higher Fisher scores and DCI was more common. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the patients with and without DCI in terms of demographics and mortality, patients with DCI had worse collateral circulation and more severe vasospasm. These patients had higher Fisher scores and more cerebral aneurysm overall. Conclusions According to our data, patients with higher Fisher scores, more severe vasospasm, and poor cerebral collateral circulation may experience DCI more frequently. Additionally aneurysmal SAH had higher Fisher scores and DCI was seen more common. To improve the clinical results for SAH patients, we believe that physicians should be aware of the DCI risk factors.

PURPOSE: The β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) is expressed in visceral adipose tissue and has been speculated to contribute to lipolysis, energy metabolism, and regulation of the metabolic rate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene with the sex of children with obesity and related pathologies. METHODS: ADRB3 gene trp64arg genotyping was conducted in 441 children aged 6–18 years. Among these subjects, 264 were obese (103 boys; 161 girls) and 179 were of normal weight (81 boys; 98 girls). In the obese group, fasting lipids, glucose and insulin levels, and blood pressure were measured. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was defined according to the modified World Health Organization criteria adapted for children. RESULTS: The frequency of trp64arg genotype was similar in obese and normal weight children. In obese children, serum lipid, glucose, and insulin levels; homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores; and MS were not different between arg allele carriers (trp64arg) and noncarriers (trp64trp). In 264 obese children, genetic analysis results revealed that the arg allele carriers were significantly higher in girls than in boys (p=0.001). In the normal weight group, no statistically significant difference was found between genotypes of boys and girls (p=0.771). CONCLUSION: Trp64arg polymorphism of the ADRB3 gene was not associated with obesity and MS in Turkish children and adolescents. Although no relationships were observed between the genotypes and lipids, glucose/insulin levels, or HOMA-IR, the presence of trp64arg variant was frequent in obese girls, which can lead to weight gain as well as difficulty in losing weight in women.
Adolescent ; Alleles ; Blood Pressure ; Child ; Energy Metabolism ; Fasting ; Female ; Genotype ; Glucose ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Lipolysis ; Obesity ; Pathology ; Weight Gain ; World Health Organization

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), existential psychotherapy (ExP) and supportive counseling (SUP) on facial emotion recognition among mildly and moderately depressed patients. METHODS: 21 patients for CBT, and 20 each for ExP and SUP groups with 60 healthy controls were investigated. Eight consecutive weekly sessions and following two monthly boosters were performed. Prior to the sessions, all subjects received Sociodemographic Data Form, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-1), and Facial Emotion Recognition Test (FERT). Patients received Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and FERT at the onset and after weekly and booster sessions. RESULTS: Patients' ability to recognize surprised and neutral emotions were lower than controls. ExP group improved recognition of almost all emotions, CBT group improved only happy emotions and SUP group did not improve any emotions. HDRS scores declined in all patient groups, ExP and CBT groups had lower scores than SUP. CONCLUSION: MDD patients recognized surprised and neutral emotions lower than controls. ExP improved ability to recognize almost all emotions, CBT improved only happy emotions, SUP did not improve at all. ExP, CBT and SUP all led to a reduction in MDD. ExP and CBT had comparable effects and both were more helpful than SUP.
Cognitive Therapy ; Counseling ; Depression ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Humans ; Psychotherapy

OBJECTIVE: The thromboembolic events during neuroendovascular therapy (NET) are the major complications of concern that can be occasionally fatal. The thrombotic occlusion of the guide catheter for NET is thought to be the risk of the thromboembolic events. We have developed an idea for inventing the monitoring system of the continuous irrigation through the guide catheter. We herein present a unique invention of the guide catheter irrigation monitoring device. METHODS: We have developed ideas for preventing the thrombotic occlusion of the guide catheter. In order to design a convenient device working in the practical use, we have consulted and shared the ideas with the electrical engineers about putting the invention. RESULTS: The guide catheter irrigation monitoring device (GCIMD) consisted of three parts of optical sensor, main body and electric adapter. In brief, the basic principles of working of the GCIMD are as follows. The optical sensor is attached to the dripping chamber of the line to irrigation solution. The main body had the small light and speaker to make an alarm sounds. The sensor monitors the dripping of flush solution. If the dripping stops more than three seconds, a warning alarm has been activated. So, the operating physicians can concentrate and check the guide catheter irrigation. After the use of the GCIMD, there was no major thromboembolic complication in conjunction with the thrombotic occlusion of the guide catheter in our institute. CONCLUSION: We have developed a brilliant invention of the GCIMD for NET.
Angiography ; Catheter Obstruction ; Catheters* ; Endovascular Procedures ; Infarction ; Inventions* ; Ischemia

BACKGROUND: This study compares the clinical and radiological results of three most commonly used dynamic stabilization systems in the field of orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A total of 71 patients underwent single-level posterior transpedicular dynamic stabilization between 2011 and 2014 due to lumbar degenerative disc disease. Three different dynamic systems used include: (1) the Dynesys system; (2) a dynamic screw with a PEEK rod; and (3) a full dynamic system (a dynamic screw with a dynamic rod; BalanC). The mean patient age was 45.8 years. The mean follow-up was 29.7 months. Clinical and radiological data were obtained for each patient preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were significantly improved in all patients. There were no significant differences in the radiological outcomes among the groups divided according to the system used. Screw loosening was detected in 2 patients, and 1 patient developed screw breakage. All patients with screw loosening or breakage underwent revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Each procedure offered satisfactory outcome regardless of which system was applied.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; Orthopedics ; Pedicle Screws ; Retrospective Studies*

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study investigating decrease in the nucleus pulposus signal intensity or disc height on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and disc degeneration. PURPOSE: Although a degenerated disc cannot self-regenerate, distraction or stabilization may provide suitable conditions for rehydration and possible regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and disc regeneration via MRI in a series of patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) who underwent lumbar stabilization with a dynamic stabilization system (DSS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: A dynamic system provides rehydration during early DDD. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients (mean age, 46.5 years) who undedwent stabilization with DSS for segmental instability (painful black disc) between 2004 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent MRI preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration grades at the implanted segment were categorized using the Pfirrmann classification system. Patients were followed for a mean of 6.4 years, and clinical outcomes were based on visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. RESULTS: Significant improvements in back pain VAS and ODI scores from before surgery (7 and 68%, respectively) were reported at 6 (2.85 and 27.4%, respectively) and 12 months postoperatively (1.8 and 16.3%, respectively). Postoperative IVD changes were observed in 28 patients. Improvement was observed in 20 patients (34%), whereas progressive degeneration was observed in eight patients (13.5%). Thirty-one patients (52.5%) exhibited neither improvement nor progression. Single Pfirrmann grade improvements were observed in 29% of the patients and two-grade improvements were observed in 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations support the theory that physiological movement and a balanced load distribution are necessary for disc regeneration. We conclude that DSS may decelerate the degeneration process and appears to facilitate regeneration.
Back Pain ; Classification ; Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ; Fluid Therapy* ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Regeneration ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Analog Scale

Etoricoxib features antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties concomitantly, suggesting that it may be beneficial in testicular ischemia reperfusion (I/R) damage. Our aim is to investigate the effects of etoricoxib on testicular I/R damage induced with torsion-detorsion (TD). The etoricoxib + torsion-detorsion (ETD) groups of animals were given etoricoxib in 50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight (ETD-50 and ETD-100), while the testes torsion-detorsion (TTD) and sham operation rat group (SOG) animals were given single oral doses of distilled water as a solvent. TTD, ETD-50 and ETD-100 groups were subjected to 720° degrees torsion for four hours, and detorsion for four hours. The SOG group was not subjected to this procedure. Biochemical, gene expression and histopathological analyses were carried out on the testicular tissues. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly higher, and the levels of total glutathione (tGSH) and glutathione reductase (GSHRd) were significantly lower in the TTD group, compared to the ETD-50, ETD-100 and SOG groups. Etoricoxib at a dose of 100 mg/kg better prevented I/R damage than the 50 mg/kg dose. Etoricoxib may be useful in clinical practice in the reduction of I/R damage on testes caused by torsion-detorsion.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Gene Expression ; Glutathione ; Glutathione Reductase ; Interleukin-1beta ; Ischemia ; Malondialdehyde ; Peroxidase ; Rats* ; Reperfusion ; Testis ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Water

OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that negatively affects different areas of life. We aimed to evaluate the associations between the Val66Met polymorphism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ADHD and to assess the effect of the BDNF polymorphism on the neurocognitive profile and clinical symptomatology in ADHD. METHODS: Two hundred one ADHD cases and 99 typically developing subjects (TD) between the ages of 8 and 15 years were involved in the study. All subjects were evaluated using a complete neuropsychological battery, Child Behavior Checklist, the Teacher's Report Form (TRF) and the DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale-teacher and parent forms. RESULTS: The GG genotype was significantly more frequent in the patients with ADHD than in the TD controls, and the GG genotype was also significantly more frequent in the ADHD-combined (ADHD-C) subtype patients than in the TDs. However, there were no significant associations of the BDNF polymorphism with the ADHD subtypes or neurocognitive profiles of the patients. The teacher-assessed hyperactivity and inattention symptom count and the total score were higher, and the appropriately behaving subtest score of the TRF was lower in the GG genotypes than in the GA and AA (i.e., the A-containing) genotypes. CONCLUSION: We found a positive association between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and ADHD, and this association was observed specifically in the ADHD-C subtype and not the ADHD-predominantly inattentive subtype. Our findings support that the Val66Met polymorphism of BDNF gene might be involved in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Furthermore Val66Met polymorphism of BDNF gene may be more closely associated with hyperactivity rather than inattention.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor* ; Checklist ; Child ; Child Behavior ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Genotype ; Humans ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders ; Parents ; Problem Behavior ; Risk Factors*

OBJECTIVE: The transradial catheterization (TRC) is becoming widespread, primarily for neurointerventions. Therefore, the evaluation of radial artery puncture in clinical practice and a better understanding of the anatomy are important to improve the safety of neuroendovascular surgery. METHODS: Ten formalin-fixed adult Korean cadavers were dissected to expose radial artery (RA), brachial artery (BrA) and subclvian artery (ScA), bilaterally. Vessel lengths and diameters were meaured using a caliper and distance between the specific point of vessels and the anatomical landmarks including the radial styloid process, the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the sternoclavicular joint, and the vertebral artery orifice were also measured. RESULTS: The average length between the radial (RAPS) and the BrA puncture sites (BrAPS) and between the vertebral artery orifice (VAO) and the BrA bifurcation (BrAB) did not differ between sides (p>0.05). The average length between the radial styloid process (RSP) and the RAPS was 13.41+/-2.19 mm, and the RSP was 26.85+/-2.47 mm from the median nerve (MN). The mean length between the medial epicondyle (ME) and the BrAPS as 44.23+/-5.47 mm, whereas the distance between the ME and the MN was 42.23+/-4.77 mm. The average VAO-ScA angle was 70.94+/-6.12degrees, and the length between the ScA junction (SCJ) and the VAO was 60.30+/-8.48 mm. CONCLUSION: This study provides basic anatomical information about the radial artery and the brachial route and can help improving new techniques, selection of size and shape of catheters for TRC. This can help neurointerventionists who adopt a transradial neuroendovascular approach and offers comprehensive and safe care to their patients.
Adult ; Arteries ; Brachial Artery ; Cadaver* ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Humans ; Humerus ; Median Nerve ; Punctures ; Radial Artery ; Sternoclavicular Joint ; Subclavian Artery* ; Vertebral Artery