Cavalieri Principle Research Articles

Effect of Adeno-Associated Virus-Transfected Mesenchymal Stem Cells Containing Agents On Bone Formation in Extended İnter-Premaxillary Suture in Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the histomorphometric effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transfected with Adeno Associated Virus (AAV) and containing bone morphogenic protein 7 (Bmp7) or osteoprotegerin (OPG) on bone formation after injection into inter-premaxillary suture in rats with Bmp7 or OPG alone. Materials and methods: In 4 groups (each group n:9), different chemical solutions, namely AAV-Bmp7, AAV-OPG and AAV-Bmp7-OPG and AAV-EGF (control group) were injected into the interpremaxillary suture of rats. Bone volumes (BV), soft tissue volume (STV) and total bone volumes (TBV) of 10 μm serial selection with hemotoxylin and eosin staining were calculated according to the Cavalieri principle. Each point in the region of interest was 1000μm3. Results: The BV for AAV-Bmp7, AAV-OPG, AAV-Bmp7-OPG and AAV-EGF were 46.98±1.50 mm3, 49.40±4.72 mm3, 42.58±2.89 mm3 and 38.82±0.76 mm3, respectively. The STV was 11.53±0.99, 13.31±1.88, 8.00±4.43 and 9.57±1.90 mm3 for Bmp7, OPG, AAV-Bmp7-OPG and AAV-EGF, respectively. TBV was 58.34±2.28 mm3, 63.83±5.17 mm3, 53.74±3.34 mm3 and 48.13±1.54 mm3 for AAV-Bmp7, AAV-OPG, AAV-Bmp7-OPG and AAV-EGF, respectively. The comparison between BV, STV, TBV for AAV-OPG showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.001) compared to AAV-Bmp7 or AAV-Bmp7-OPG and AAV-EGF. Conclusion: During tooth movement and bone remodeling, the ratio of soft and bone tissues is maintained by OPG. Although Bmp7 is not as effective as OPG in bone remodeling, both can reduce the retention time and the risk of recurrence.

Stereological Investigation of the Effects of Hypericum Perforatum L. Plant on Skin Tissue in Second Degree Burns in Rats

The aim of this study was to examine stereologically the effect of Hypericum perforatum L. oil on skin injuries resulting from burns. Experimental groups were selected 18 healthy rats with an average weight of 250-300 grams as material. The rats were divided into 3 groups: control, burn and burn+treatment, with 6 in each group. In the control group, second-degree burns were created and the rats were perfused. Control group rats were kept in formaldehyde for a week. Burns were applied to the burn and burn+treatment groups with 100ºC water. 4gr/kg of Hypericum perforatum L. oil was given via gavage to the burn+treatment group only for 21 days. The burn group was not intervened. At the end of the process, rats in both the burn and burn+treatment groups were perfused. The skin of the animals, which were kept in formaldehyde for a week, and where second-degree burns occurred were dissected. After tissue tracking and tissue embedding procedures for all animals in the group, 5µm thick sections were taken to obtain 8-10 sections at a ratio of 1/75. Volume values were calculated using stereological methods from the sections photographed with an x4 objective. Calculations were made using the Shtereom I program in accordance with the Cavalieri Principle. Non-parametric tests and Kruskal Wallis test were used in statistical evaluations. When the results were analyzed, it was observed that the administration of Hypericum Perforatum L. oil by gavage had an effect on the healing process of second degree burn wounds.

Probiotic microorganisms affect the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide. Methods: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage (control), acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight, acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides, all mixed in sachets) 20 or 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After 30 days, the testis, prostate, seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed, fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H & E). The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis. Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume (in mm3) of the testes. The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques. Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number. Results: The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide- treated group compared to the other groups (P<0.001). The number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group (P<0.05), while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group (P<0.05; P<0.01). The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group (P<0.001). Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion, vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells, and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle. The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups. Conclusions: Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide- induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.

Applying the area fraction fractionator (AFF) probe for total volume estimations of somatic, dendritic and axonal domains of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in a murine model

BackgroundThe Cavalieri estimator is used for volume measurement of brain and brain regions. Derived from this estimator is the Area Fraction Fractionator (AFF), used for efficient area and number estimations of small 2D elements, such as axons in cross-sectioned nerves. However, to our knowledge, the AFF has not been combined with serial sectioning analysis to measure the volume of small-size nervous structures. New methodUsing the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system as an illustrative case, we describe a protocol based on Cavalieri's principle and AFF to estimate the volume of its somatic, nuclear, dendritic, axonal and axon terminal cellular compartments in the adult mouse. The protocol consists of (1) systematic random sampling of sites within and across sections in regions of interest (substantia nigra, the nigrostriatal tract, caudate-putamen), (2) confocal image acquisition of sites, (3) marking of cellular domains using Cavalieri's 2D point-counting grids, and 4) determination of compartments’ total volume using the estimated area of each compartment, and between-sections distance. ResultsThe volume of the nigrostriatal system per hemisphere is ∼0.38 mm3, with ∼5 % corresponding to perikarya and cell nuclei, ∼10 % to neuropil/dendrites, and ∼85 % to axons and varicosities. Comparison with existing methodsIn contrast to other methods to measure volume of discrete objects, such as the optical nucleator or 3D reconstructions, it stands out for its versatility and ease of use. ConclusionsThe use of a simple quantitative, unbiased approach to assess the global state of a system may allow quantification of compartment-specific changes that may accompany neurodegenerative processes.

Reduced Tumor Volume and Increased Necrosis of Human Breast Tumor Xenograft in Mice Pretreated by a Cocktail of Three Specific Anti-HER2 scFvs.

We aimed to assess the effects of a cocktail comprising three specific anti- HER2 scFvs on breast tumor formation in a xenograft mouse model and to evaluate quantitative changes in the tumor using stereological analysis. Three specific anti-HER2 phage antibodies were produced from a scFv-library using phage display technology. The cell binding capacities of the antibodies were assessed via FACS analysis. Soluble forms of the antibodies were prepared by infecting HB2151-E. coli cells and purified using a centrifugal ultrafiltration method. The purification process was evaluated by SDSPAGE analysis. Two forms of scFv cocktails were prepared, soluble scFv and phage-scFv cocktail, which contained an equal amount/phage of each of the three antibodies. Inbred female BALB/c mice were pretreated with 5 and 20 mg/kg of the soluble scFv cocktail and 1011 phage-scFv cocktail/ kg. The mice were then injected with 2×106 SKBR-3 human breast cancer cells. Total tumor, inflammatory and non-inflammatory volumes were estimated using the Cavalieri principle after preparing photomicrograph slides. The anti-HER2 scFvs showed significantly higher binding to SKBR-3 cells compared to the isotype control. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the high purification of the scFvs. Stereological analysis revealed that the group pretreated with 20 mg/kg of the soluble scFv cocktail exhibited the highest reductions in total tumor volume, non-inflammatory volume, and inflammatory volume, with reductions of 73%, 78%, and 72%, respectively, compared to PBS-pretreated mice (P-value < 0.0001). The volumetric ratio of necrotic tissue to total tumor volume increased by 2.2-fold and 2- fold in the 20 mg/kg of soluble scFv cocktail and phage-scFv cocktail groups, respectively, compared to the PBS-treated mice (P-value < 0.05). Pre-treatment with a 20 mg/kg anti-HER2 scFv cocktail resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume and increased necrotic area in a human breast cancer xenograft model, indicating the remarkable anti-tumor effect of the cocktail in vivo.

Three-dimensional morphometry of kidney in New Zealand rabbit using unbiased design-based stereology.

The rabbit is widely used as a laboratory animal in experimental models of kidney diseases. This species is also important from a veterinary perspective as a companion animal. Stereology has been accepted as an accurate approach to kidney morphometry. The objective of the present project was to provide normal quantitative stereological parameters for adult rabbit kidneys. The left kidneys of five adult male New Zealand rabbits were used. Isotropic sections were obtained using the orientation method. Total kidney volume was calculated by the Cavalieri principle. The volume fraction of the renal structures was estimated using the point counting system. The lengths of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and distal convoluted tubule (DCT) were calculated using counting frames. The total glomerular number was accounted for using the physical/fractionator technique. The mean glomerular volume was obtained by dividing the total volume of glomeruli by their total number. The total volume of rabbit kidneys calculated was 10.39 ± 1.98 cm3. The fractional volume of the kidney cortex and medulla accounted for 57.79 ± 0.65% and 42.2 ± 0.65%, respectively. The total glomerular volume was 2.18 ± 0.32% of the whole kidney. The total number of glomeruli in the rabbit kidney was estimated as 204.68 ± 12 × 103. The mean glomerular volume measured 1.07 ± 0.12 × 106 μm3. The total length of PCT and DCT was 2.96 ± 0.29 km and 1.38 ± 0.24 km, respectively. These findings can be used as a reference in experimental nephrology research and may help to expand the knowledge of nephrology in mammals by comparing with available data on humans and other species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Three-dimensional morphometry of adult rabbit kidney structures was analyzed using quantitative stereology. Total volume of kidney, fractional volume of cortex and medulla, length of renal tubules and number of nephrons were estimated. These three-dimensional morphometrical data can be used as a reference in experimental nephrology research and may help to expand the knowledge of nephrology in mammals.

A novel workflow for unbiased 3D quantification of autophagosomes in Arabidopsis thaliana roots.

Macroautophagy is often quantified by live imaging of autophagosomes labeled with fluorescently tagged ATG8 protein (FP-ATG8) in Arabidopsis thaliana. The labeled particles are then counted in single focal planes. This approach may lead to inaccurate results as the actual 3D distribution of autophagosomes is not taken into account and appropriate sampling in the Z-direction is not performed. To overcome this issue, we developed a workflow consisting of immunolabeling of autophagosomes with an anti-ATG8 antibody followed by stereological image analysis using the optical disector and the Cavalieri principle. Our protocol specifically recognized autophagosomes in epidermal cells of Arabidopsis root. Since the anti-ATG8 antibody recognizes multiple AtATG8 isoforms, we were able to detect a higher number of immunolabeled autophagosomes than with the FP-AtATG8e marker, that most probably does not recognize all autophagosomes in a cell. The number of autophagosomes per tissue volume positively correlated with the intensity of autophagy induction. Compared with the quantification of autophagosomes in maximum intensity projections, stereological methods were able to detect the autophagosomes present in a given volume with higher accuracy. Our novel workflow provides a powerful toolkit for unbiased and reproducible quantification of autophagosomes and offers a convenient alternative to the standard of live imaging with FP-ATG8 markers.

The Effects of Vitamin C on Histological Changes Induced by Acrylamide on Rat Ovary

Background and Aims: Acrylamide (ACR) adverse effects have been expressed in various tissues. Vitamin C protects the tissue from oxidative damage. The goal of this study was to examine the protective effects of vitamin C on histopathological changes induced by ACR on rat ovaries. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 adult female Wistar rats were used. The animals (n=7) were divided into 4 groups (1) Control group, (2) ACR (10 mg/kg) group, (3) vitamin C (200 mg/kg), (4) ACR [10 mg/kg) + vitamin C (200 mg/kg) daily for 35 days. After the last oral dose, the ovaries were removed placed in the tissue processor, and molded. To determine the volume of the ovary and the number of follicles, we used the Cavalieri principle and the physical dissector, respectively. Results: The results showed ACR increased the volume of the ovary (p ≤ 0.05), the volume of the medulla (p ≤ 0.01), and the decrease in the volume of the cortex (p ≤ 0.01) in comparison with the control group. These parameters were improved in the ACR + vitamin C group. The total number of primordial, primary, secondary, and graafian follicles showed a significant reduction in the ACR group compared to the other groups. The total number of follicles was increased in the ACR + vitamin C group. Conclusion: Based on this study, we concluded that vitamin C can improve histopathological changes of the ovary in ACR-exposed rats

Quantification of Solid Embryonic Cerebellar Graft Volume in a Degenerative Ataxia Model.

Substitution of lost neurons by neurotransplantation would be a possible management of advanced degenerative cerebellar ataxias in which insufficient cerebellar reserve remains. In this study, we examined the volume and structure of solid embryonic cerebellar grafts in adult Lurcher mice, a model of olivocerebellar degeneration, and their healthy littermates. Grafts taken from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive embryos were injected into the cerebellum of host mice. Two or six months later, the brains were examined histologically. The grafts were identified according to the EGFP fluorescence in frozen sections and their volumes were estimated using the Cavalieri principle. For gross histological evaluation, graft-containing slices were processed using Nissl and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Adjustment of the volume estimation approach suggested that it is reasonable to use all sections without sampling, but that calculation of values for up to 20% of lost section using linear interpolation does not constitute substantial error. Mean graft volume was smaller in Lurchers than in healthy mice when examined 6months after the transplantation. We observed almost no signs of graft destruction. In some cases, compact grafts disorganized the structure of the host's cerebellar cortex. In Lurchers, the grafts had a limited contact with the host's cerebellum. Also, graft size was of greater variability in Lurchers than in healthy mice. The results are in compliance with our previous findings that Lurcher phenotype-associated factors have a negative effect on graft development. These factors can hypothetically include cerebellar morphology, local tissue milieu, or systemic factors such as immune system abnormalities.

Stereological and computed tomography calculation of intracranial volume in Hamdani sheep

AbstractThe intracranial cavity contains vital organs such as the brain, cerebellum and meninges. The veterinary field employment in this region is limited. For this reason, obtaining information about the intracranial cavity, the operation to be performed on this region and information about the world will benefit our unit. It aimed to examine the width between gender differences and expectations by calculating the intracranial volume stereological and 3D models using computed tomography sections. In the study, 7 male and 6 female adult Hamdani sheep were used. The intracranial cavity was modelled in 3D using computed tomography sections. Intracranial volume was estimated using CT slices according to the Cavalieri principle. Morphometric measurements were obtained from the intracranial cavity. In the study, intracranial volume was calculated as 120.50±7.59 cm3 in females and 137.29±9.79 cm3 in males in measurements made using Computed Tomography. Intracranial volume calculation made using the Cavalieri's principle was calculated as 125.33±5.20cm3 in females and 136.89±9.13 cm3in males. In the configured CT models, a target difference was detected between the male and female volume values calculated on it (p &lt; 0.05). There was a difference between males and females in stereologically viable intracranial volume (p &lt; 0.05). A high level of density was observed between the results of both methods. In the mean of the data, there was no difference between the objectives (p &gt; 0.05). Morphometric measurements determined that the maximum cranial cavity width parameter was between females and males (p &lt; 0.005). In index1 and index2 calculated with the obtained partitions, a circulating difference between genders was observed (p &lt; 0.05). In the resulting state, the 3‐dimensional intracranial cavity models and the intracranial volume fraction estimated by the Cavalieri principle are conserved. There are high limits between the methods. Feeding future intracranial volume and clinical care.

Comparison of Initial Thoracic CT Images of COVID-19 Patients with Non-Variant, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron Variants: A Retrospective Study

Background:: CT findings and Ground glass opacity (GGO) volumes may differ between SARS CoV-2 non-variant, alpha, delta, and omicron variants. Objective:: To compare the thoracic CT findings, GGO volumes, and GGOs’ lung uptake rates among patients with COVID-19 variants. Methods:: Thoracic CT images of 83 patients with non-variant, 78 patients with alpha variant, 93 patients with delta variant, and 73 patients with omicron variant having positive Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction test results were analyzed retrospectively. GGO volumes and lung volumes were calculated by using the Cavalieri Principle. Differences in CT findings, ground-glass opacity volumes, and lung involvement rates between non-variant and variant groups were evaluated. Results:: There were significant differences found in the incidence of GGOs (p &lt; 0.001), air bronchogram (p = 0.007), reticulation (p = 0.002) and subpleural lines, and linear opacities (p = 0.034) between non-variant and variant groups. GGO uptake rates (ground glass opacity volumes × 100 ÷ lung volume) were 8.88% in the non-variant, 4.83% in the alpha variant, 3.50% in the delta variant, and 2.02% in the omicron variant. In estimating variant groups, it was determined that the increase in the rate of GGOs in the right lung increased the probability of having an omicron variant, whereas the presence of nodules decreased it. The possibility of the delta variant increased with an increase in the rate of ground glass opacities in the left lung. Conclusion:: Thoracic CT findings solely can be helpful in distinguishing COVID-19 variants. Decreased frequency of uptake rates of GGOs suggested that the severity of COVID-19 disease was gradually decreasing.

Calculation of cerebral hemispheres volume values (grey matter, white matter and lateral ventricle) of sheep and goat: A stereological study.

Stereology is a discipline that allows us to obtain quantitative information about the geometric structure of three-dimensional objects. In this study, the volume of grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), and lateral ventricle (LV) of the cerebral hemispheres (CH) in sheep and goats were calculated. For this purpose, six healthy male sheep and goat brains (1-2 years old) without any anomaly were used. Brains were fixed with 10% formaldehyde in the skull. The skull was opened using standard anatomical dissection methods, and the brains were carefully removed. Brain weight and volume were measured (using Archimedes' principle) after the meninges were removed. The cerebral hemispheres were separated from the other parts of the brain by a section made in front of the rostral colliculus. In the same way, the weight and volume of the cerebral hemispheres were measured. Afterward, the cerebral hemispheres were blocked with agar, and transversal cross sections (from rostral to caudal) with an average thickness of 3.42 mm were taken from the cerebral hemispheres. Grey matter was stained with Berlin blue macroscopic staining method. The stained cross sections were scanned at 600 dpi resolution, and a point counting grid was placed on the images with the ImageJ software. Cavalieri's principle calculated the surface area and volume measurements of the grey matter, white matter, and lateral ventricle. GM, WM, and LV volumes in sheep and goat cerebral hemispheres were calculated as 54.94, 21.48 and 3.06 mL in sheep, 57.46, 24.13 and 3.12 mL in goats, respectively. The percentages of these structures in the total hemisphere volume were 71.83%, 28.17% and 4.00% in sheep, 70.42%, 29.58% and 3.82% in goats, respectively. Asymmetry was not observed in cerebral hemispheres in both species. A difference was found in the WM, LV and LV: CH ratios in the right/left comparison of the goat (p < 0.05). In comparing sheep and goats, a significant difference was observed in WM right, WM left, WM total, CH left and CH total (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the cerebral hemispheres' grey matter and white matter ratio are frequently used to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, the increase in neurodegenerative disease models in farm animals has been enormous. It is thought that these values obtained from healthy animals in the current study will be important for such experimental studies in the future.

Volumetric calculation of cerebellum in Akkaraman sheep and Hair goat using Cavalieri’s principle

The aim of this study is to calculate the cerebellum volume in Akkaraman sheep and Hair goat using the Cavalieri's principle. Cerebellum of 12 healthy 1-2 year old male animals (6 sheep and 6 goats) were used in the study. The weight of the cerebellum separated from the rhombencephalon was calculated with a sensitive electronic balance, and its volume was calculated with Archimedes' principle. In the volume measurement to be made with Cavalieri's principle, the cerebellum was blocked with 8% agar to prevent tissue loss during slicing. The stained sections were scanned with a horizontal scanner at 600 dpi resolution. Gray matter and white matter volume were calculated separately by dropping the point counting grid on cross sections in ImageJ software. Cerebellum weight was calculated as 11.6 gr in sheep and 12.55 gr in goats. The ratio of cerebellum weight to total brain weight was calculated as 0.10 in both species. It was observed that the cerebellum weighs an average of 9.8% of the total brain weight in sheep. In the goat, it was observed that the cerebellum constituted 10.11% of the brain. Gray matter and white matter volumes were calculated as 6.75 ml and 3.36 ml in sheep, respectively. In the goat, the gray matter and white matter volumes were measured as 6.80 ml and 3.82 ml, respectively. Total cerebellum volume was found to be 10.14 ml and 10.65 ml in sheep and goats, respectively. In sheep, 65.55% of the cerebellum volume consisted of gray matter and 33.08% of white matter. In goats, 63.88% of the cerebellum consisted of gray matter and 35.85% of white matter. No statistical difference was observed in the volume measurement results obtained in both species (p&gt;0.05). In recent years, there has been an increase in neurodegenerative disease models in farm animals. These diseases can cause changes in the volume of the cerebellum. In this context, it is thought that the volume values obtained from healthy sheep and goat cerebellum in the current study will be important for future studies

An anatomical and volumetric study on brain ventricles in sheep using different techniques.

This study investigated the morphological features of the ventricular system of the brain in Akkaraman sheep in a measured and structural manner. In the study, 24 adults male Akkaraman sheep, which is a common and hornless breed were used. Anatomical features of the ventricular system were determined by latex injection and dissection, acrylic injection and corrosion cast and magnetic resonance imaging. In the measurements, a precise digital calliper, Archimedes' principle, Cavalieri's principle and ITK-SNAP imaging were used by comparing them with each other. The average weight of fresh sheep brains was 102 g (0.226 lb), the volume 115.8 mL and the length, height and width were 130.78, 40.58 and 70.08 mm, respectively. The olfactoric bulb contained a cavity associated with the lateral ventricle, large enough to be called a ventricle. The cavity of septum pellucidum has a large cavity was observed. However, there was no cerebrospinal fluid in this cavity. The interventricular foramen of the dissected brain was also an opening measuring 1.4 mm × 3.9 mm × 5.5 mm. The total volume of the ventricles of the brain of Akkaraman sheep was found to be 7107.71 ± 479, 7115 ± 737 and 7080 ± 647 mm3 and 6200 mm3 using the Planimetry, Point Counting method, ITK-SNAP program, and Archimedes' principle, respectively. In the study, species and breed-specific brain indices values and many detailed morphometric data were obtained.

Volume changes in the reconstructed breast over two years after free abdominal tissue transfer: Comparison of unipedicled versus bipedicled flaps

Volume changes in reconstructed flaps, particularly regarding symmetry, are an important consideration to improve long-term esthetic results in patients who undergo breast reconstruction. Asian patients with thin abdominal tissues tend to require bipedicled flaps, which provide a greater volume of abdominal tissue. We investigated volume changes in free abdominal flaps and the factors that may affect flap volume, particularly the number of pedicles. The study included all consecutive patients who underwent immediate unilateral breast reconstruction using free abdominal flaps between January 2016 and December 2018. The initial flap volume was calculated intraoperatively, and the postoperative flap volume was calculated using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging based on the Cavalieri principle. The study included 131 of 249 patients. Compared with the initial inset volume, the mean flap volumes at 1 and 2 years postoperatively decreased to 80.11% and 73.80%, respectively. The multivariable analysis of factors that affect flap volume showed a significant association with the flap inset ratio, radiation (P=.019,.040, respectively). Stratification based on the number of pedicles showed that the flap inset ratio was significantly negatively correlated with the postoperative flap volume change in unipedicled (P<.05) but not in bipedicled flaps. The flap volume decreased over time, and its change had a negative correlation with the flap inset ratio in the unipedicled group. Therefore, prediction of postoperative volume changes in various clinical situations is important before breast reconstruction.

Effects of serum vaspin level on infarct volume and severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Stroke has a major impact worldwide in terms of mortality and morbidity. The aim of our research was to determine the effect of serum Vaspin level on acute ischemic stroke and to investigate the relationship between serum Vaspin level, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and infarct volume. This study was carried out in 100 patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke diagnosis in the Neurology Department of Yakutiye Research Hospital of Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine and 80 healthy controls. The age and sex of the patient and control groups were consistent. Patients who met the following criteria were selected to be included in the study. Exclusion criteria: patients with ischemic stroke presenting after the first 24 hours to overcome the potential bias associated with inflammatory conditions, patients diagnosed with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, diseases that cause hypoxia and coronary artery disease. Vaspin levels were measured and compared in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and in the control group. NIHSS calculated. Infarct volume was also measured with Cavalieri's principle. The correlation between them was calculated statistically. Vaspin level was higher in patients with ischemic stroke compared to the control group (825 vs. 939; p&lt;0.001). Vaspin levels were significantly higher in patients who had acute ischemic stroke. Since examination of Vaspin levels in patients presented with acute ischemic stroke suggested the severity of the stroke, it was found to be important in terms of mortality and morbidity affiliated with it.

Stereological Estimation of Bone Cyst Volume Using Computed Tomography Images: A Comparison with the Planimetry Technique

Objective: The exact volume of the bone cyst is fundamental for evaluation, treatment, and surgical management of the pathology related to any bone. The aim of this study was to introduce the stereological point-counting technique in bone cyst volume measurements on computed tomography images and to compare it with the planimetry technique. Methods: A total of 30 bone cyst volumes were estimated on CT images using stereological point-counting and the planimetry technique, which is based on the Cavalieri principle. The planimetric measurements were regarded as reference values. The stereological and planimetric volume estimations were performed by two independent observers twice. The estimation results of the two volumetric techniques were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of each volumetric technique was assessed. Results: For each bone cyst, 7-11 systematically sampled CT slices enabled reliable cyst volume estimations with a low coefficient of error (0.39%-3.12%). There was no significant difference between point counting and planimetry methods regarding volume measurements in both sessions (p&gt;0.05), and these methods correlated well with each other. There was a significant inter-and intra-observer agreement for each volumetric method (ICC=0.9984 to 0.9988). The stereological approach was observed to take less time than the planimetric approach (mean 01:43±0.44 vs. 03.33±1:47 minutes) Conclusion: The stereological point-counting method can be well pertained to CT images for the reliable and reproducible assessment of bone cyst volume. Application of the point-counting method for volume estimation of bone cysts with different morphological features provides a great advantage in terms of both time-saving, applicability, and practicality in comparison with the planimetry technique.

Applications of various stereological tools for estimation of biological tissues.

To provide concise and brief important stereological application methods and techniques for estimating biological tissues. Stereology studies the quantity of biological tissue using little practice and the low price of counting and preparing tissue slices to obtain direct and accurate results. Since their establishment, the stereological techniques underwent much improvement, thus allowing more precise analysis of target structures using various approaches. Using stereological tools, advances in stereological techniques made the target tissues or organs represented by 2D instead of 3D dimensions. Process tools estimate volume, area and length. According to the exciting tissue and aims, the stereological tools perform differently. This review summarizes various stereological tools and techniques, providing brief information about the orientation method, slicer probe method, Delesse's principle, Cavalieri principle, disector, fractionator, nucleator, virtual cycloids and saucer, which are described in detail.

Microscopic anatomy of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) a histochemical, stereological, and scanning electron microscope study.

The present work was designed to investigate the microscopic structure of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) using histochemical staining, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and stereological procedures. Four adult males were included in our study. Serial sections of the entire length of the oesophagus were stained with aldehyde fuchsin, alcian blue (pH2.5), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome. Then, the total volume of the oesophagus, and the total volume of its different layers, were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The oesophageal epithelium was a non-keratinized stratified squamous type. Muscularis mucosa was present as a thick layer between lamina propria and submucosa and its thickness was increased toward the stomach. Tunica submucosa was a loose connective tissue containing an oesophageal gland with PAS-positive and AB-positive reactions throughout the submucosa and become denser toward the stomach. The tunica muscularis consisted of two distinct striated muscle layers, and its thickness was decreased toward the stomach. On SEM images, the cervical and thoracic oesophagus showed shallow folding, while the abdominal part had deeper folds. The present findings indicate that the histological properties of the oesophagus in southern white-breasted hedgehogs have slight similarities with rodents and considering its epithelium, submucosal glands and tunica muscularis more resemble with dog oesophagus. The obtained results may be quite helpful to improve the current knowledge of the histophysiology of the hedgehog gastrointestinal tract as a member of eulipotyplan mammals and as a pet for biologists and veterinarians.

A Stereological Study of the Three Types of Ganglia of Male, Female, and Undifferentiated Scrobicularia plana (Bivalvia).

Simple SummaryIn bivalves, neurotransmitters from neural ganglia modulate gonadal maturation, and the gonadal derived sex-steroids may influence the central nervous system. However, it is unknown whether the ganglia microanatomy varies between sexes or with maturation status, besides the intrinsic differences between ganglia types. Therefore, we conducted a quantitative microscopical study on the ganglia of adult peppery furrow shell. Females show a larger glia-to-neuron numerical ratio. Further, females have a greater ganglionic volume than undifferentiated adults, with males showing intermediate values. These facts indicate that ganglia size is related somehow to maturation. Cell size seems to be the basis of the differences. The three ganglion types differ in total volumes and the volume ratio of the cortex versus the medulla. The pedal and visceral ganglia have more voluminous cortexes and medullae, but more neuronal and non-neuronal cells only in the visceral. The mean number of neural cells ranges from 12,000 to over 68,000. The new data make us wonder about the intricate and integrative neural networks of bivalves and how they relate to unsolved issues, such as nociception. The data should help interpret water pollutants’ impacts on the bivalve nervous system, whereas warning that experimental planning should consider sex and gonadal maturation.Neurotransmitters modulate gonadal maturation in bivalves. However, it remains unclear whether there are differences in the nervous system structure between sexes, maturation, and ganglia. Therefore, a stereological study was conducted on the ganglia of adult peppery furrow shell (Scrobicularia plana). Equal-sized males, females, and undifferentiated (gamete absence) animals were fixed with 10% formalin and processed for light microscopy. They were serially cut into 35 µm paraffin thick sections and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Sections with cerebral (cerebropleural), pedal, and visceral ganglia were studied. The parameters estimated were the volumes of the ganglia, the total and relative volumes of their cortex (outer layer) and medulla (neuropil), and the total number of cells (neurons, glia, and pigmented) per ganglia and compartment. The volumes and numbers were estimated, respectively, by the Cavalieri principle and by the optical fractionator. Females show a larger glia to neuron numerical ratio. Further, females have a greater ganglionic volume than undifferentiated adults, with males showing intermediate values. These facts indicate that the ganglia size is related somehow to maturation. The cell size forms the basis of the differences because total cellularity is equal among the groups. The three ganglion types differ in total volumes and the volume ratio of the cortex versus the medulla. The greater volumes of the pedal ganglia (vis-a-vis the cerebral ones) and of the visceral ganglia (in relation to all others) imply more voluminous cortexes and medullae, but more neuronal and non-neuronal cells only in the visceral. The new fundamental data can help interpret bivalve neurophysiology.