Our results show that a high percentage of variations can be seen even in a small number of cases. We believe that our data are clinically important because, for example, variations are a factor which increases the incidence of aneurism and thrombus. We also think our results will contribute to the demography of our country and to clinical medicine.

Quantitative data may allow clinicians to better estimate age-related PV changes and help them in decision making.

The aim of this study was to compare aerobic exercise capacity, daily physical activity, pulmonary functions, resting metabolic rate, and body composition parameters in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. A total of 60 participants (30 [15 men, 15 women] patients with psoriasis, and 30 [15 men, 15 women] healthy controls) ranging in age from 22-57 were included in the study. Maximal aerobic capacity was determined by Astrand exercise protocol. Daily physical activity was measured with an accelerometer. Resting metabolic rate was determined with an indirect calorimeter. Pulmonary function tests were performed with a portable spirometer. Body composition was established with a bioelectric impedance analysis system. Skinfold thicknesses and body circumference measurements were carried out. Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaire was applied to all participants. In both genders, daily physical activity parameters were found to be higher in the psoriasis group compared to the control. Maximal aerobic capacity, resting metabolic rate, pulmonary function tests, body fatness, body fat distributions, and quality of life were not statistically different between patients with psoriasis and controls in males and females. We suggest that patients with psoriasis who do not have psoriatic arthritis or severe psoriasis are well in performing daily physical activities. In addition, we suggest that this lifestyle helped to prevent impairments of body fatness, body fat distributions, resting metabolic rate, pulmonary functions, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.

Objective: This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of quercetin against methotrexate (Mtx)-induced kidney toxicity with biochemical and histopathological studies. Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control group (saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 9 days), Mtx group (20 mg/kg i.p., single dose), Mtx + quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin was orally administered 2 days before and 6 days after Mtx administration) and only quercetin group (50 mg/kg oral, 9 days). Structural changes were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin and periodic acid–Schiff stainings. Apoptotic changes were investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and caspase-3 antibody. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in tissue and plasma samples. Results: Mtx compared with the control group, there was significant increase in nephrotoxic tissue damage findings, in addition to apoptotic index (APOI) and caspase-3 expression ( p < 0.05). Mtx + quercetin group revealed significantly lower histopathological damage and APOI and caspase-3 expression decreased when compared to Mtx group. MDA levels were increased in Mtx group compared to others, and by the use of quercetin, this increase was significantly reduced. SOD levels were higher in Mtx group than others. This increase was evaluated as a relative increase arising from oxidative damage caused by Mtx. Conclusion: As a result, Mtx administration may involve oxidative stress by causing structural and functional damage in kidney tissue in rats. Quercetin reduced the Mtx-induced oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and so quercetin may be promising to alleviate Mtx-induced renal toxicity.

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate the underlying ethiological factors in chiari malformation (CM) type-I (CMI) via performing volumetric and morphometric length-angle measurements.MethodsA total of 66 individuals [33 patients (20-65 years) with CMI and 33 control subjects] were included in this study. In sagittal MR images, tonsillar herniation length and concurrent anomalies were evaluated. Supratentorial, infratentorial, and total intracranial volumes were measured using Cavalieri method. Various cranial distances and angles were used to evaluate the platybasia and posterior cranial fossa (PCF) development.ResultsTonsillar herniation length was measured 9.09±3.39 mm below foramen magnum in CM group. Tonsillar herniation/concurrent syringomyelia, concavity/defect of clivus, herniation of bulbus and fourth ventricle, basilar invagination and craniovertebral junction abnormality rates were 30.3, 27, 18, 2, 3, and 3 percent, respectively. Absence of cisterna magna was encountered in 87.9% of the patients. Total, IT and ST volumes and distance between Chamberlain line and tip of dens axis, Klaus index, clivus length, distance between internal occipital protuberance and opisthion were significantly decreased in patient group. Also in patient group, it was found that Welcher basal angle/Boogard angle increased and tentorial slope angle decreased.ConclusionMean cranial volume and length-angle measurement values significantly decreased and there was a congenital abnormality association in nearly 81.5 percent of the CM cases. As a result, it was concluded that CM ethiology can be attributed to multifactorial causes. Moreover, congenital defects can also give rise to this condition.