The relationship between mastitis and the B-mode, colour Doppler ultrasonography measurements of supramammary lymph nodes in cows.

This research communication aims to test the hypothesis that B-Mode, colour Doppler ultrasonographic measurements and characteristics can identify mastitis in dairy cows. A total of 102 lactating cows were divided into 3 groups: cows in which all mammary quarters were CMT-negative, cows with CMT-positive mammary quarters and cows with clinical mastitis in at least one quarter. Colour Doppler ultrasonography measurements of the supramammary lymph nodes revealed that distortion-type vascular morphology, the rate of type 4 vascular densities and the incidence of mixed-type vascular distributions were highest in the clinical mastitis group, whereas the frequency of avascularity in supramammary lymph nodes was highest in the CMT-negative group. All differences were significant. In conclusion, the use of B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of the supramammary lymph nodes can provide useful information about the current condition of mastitis in cows, although its diagnostic potential remains to be determined.

Trace elements in nasal polyps.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the status of selenium and zinc in nasal polyp tissues and to investigate the possible role of trace elements and antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in nasal polyps. In this study, the antioxidant enzyme and trace element levels measured in polyp tissues of 37 patients were compared with the levels measured in conchal mucosa of 27 control cases. The antioxidant enzyme and trace element levels in tissues were measured with graphite and flame spectrophotometry methods using Shimatsu UV.1601 spectrophotometer and Perkin Elmer atomic spectrometer. The mean tissue zinc and selenium levels were, respectively, 2.55 µg/g and 30.03 pg/g in patient group, 4.37 µg/g and 44.95 pg/g in control group. The mean tissue SOD and GSH-Px levels were, respectively, 4.27 and 0.69 U/mg protein in patient group, 7.09 and 0.77 U/mg protein in control group. When the measured levels in patients and control cases were compared, there were statistically significant differences between zinc, selenium, and SOD levels (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between GSH-Px levels (P = 0.465). In conclusion, it has been revealed that the levels of zinc, selenium, and SOD in nasal polyps were significantly lower, and it may be concluded that this may have a role in the development of nasal polyps.

Malondialdehyde level and adenosine deaminase activity in adenoid tissue of patients with OME and obstructive adenoid hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine and compare adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in adenoid tissue of patients with or without otitis media with effusion (OME). METHODS: The study included 30 patients undergoing adenoidectomy due to obstructive adenoid hypertrophy (OAH) or OME. Tissue MDA level was measured by the method of Okawa with modification and tissue ADA activity by the method of Giusti. We measured, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well. RESULTS: In patients with OAH, mean tissue MDA level and ADA activity were 4.13 ± 0.90 nmol/mg Pr and 0.39 ± 0.04 U/mg Pr, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of OME group (1.43 ± 0.41 nmol/mg Protein and 0.22 ± 0.04 U/mg Pr, respectively) (P<0.05). SOD and CAT activities were found to be increased in patients with OAH when compared to the OME group but they did not reach statistically significant level (P=0.06 and 0.05 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the presence of measurable ADA activity in adenoid tissue, and also significant increases in both tissue MDA level and ADA activity in OAH tissue when compared to adenoid tissue of the patient with OME. However, the significance of changes in MDA and ADA activation in the pathogenesis of OAH requires further study.

The effect of intraperitoneal administration of zinc aspartate on myringosclerosis in perforated tympanic membranes of rats.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of zinc aspartate on myringosclerosis in perforated rat tympanic membrane. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups each containing five rats. Automicroscopic examinations were performed and then all rats were bilaterally myringotomized. Group 1 received no treatment. Group 2 was treated with intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline and group 3 with intraperitoneal injection of zinc aspartate. Tympanic bullas were harvested after 20 days. Histopathological evaluation was carried out under the light microscope. RESULTS: When the groups were compared in the light of the myringosclerotic findings, while there was no significant difference between group 1 and 2 (p=1.00), it was found that there were significant differences between group 1 and 3, and between group 2 and 3 (p<0.03). CONCLUSION: It appears that zinc aspartat treatment has beneficial effects on prevention or retardation of the development of myringosclerosis, but further studies are needed to clarify this effect.

Effect of N-acetylcysteine on carboplatin-induced ototoxicity and nitric oxide levels in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) given 30 minutes before carboplatin administration on carboplatin-induced ototoxicity and nitric oxide (NO) levels in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups that each contained six animals. Intraperitoneal injection of physiologic saline was performed in group 1 twice with an interval of 30 minutes. Group 2 was treated with a single bolus administration of carboplatin at a dose of 256 mg/kg 30 minutes after the intraperitoneal injection of physiologic saline. Group 3 was treated with a single bolus administration of carboplatin at a dose of 256 mg/kg 30 minutes after the intraperitoneal injection of NAC at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Pretreatment and posttreatment distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were performed in rats from all groups. Then, the animals were sacrificed on the fourth day, and cochlear tissue NO and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured. RESULTS: The comparison of pre- and posttreatment DPOAE responses did not demonstrate any significant changes for groups 1 and 3. Results of group 2 showed a decrease of the DPOAE amplitude. Cochlear NO levels were significantly higher in rats treated with carboplatin than in controls and in those treated with carboplatin plus NAC (P < .05). Cochlear GSH-Px levels were higher in rats treated with carboplatin plus NAC than in those treated with carboplatin, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .079). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that carboplatin at higher doses induced hearing loss and increased NO levels in the cochlea of rats. NAC appears to have a protective effect against carboplatin-induced ototoxicity, which may be related to its inhibitory effect on NO production.

The effects of noise on hearing and oxidative stress in textile workers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of noise on hearing, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in textile workers. Thirty textile workers exposed to high noise 105 dB (A) in a textile factory, and 30 healthy male volunteers in our hospital as a control group were included in the study. In both groups, following audiometric tests, blood samples were obtained. In these blood samples, Malonydialdehyte (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) levels were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 11.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago 1L) software program. Mean pure tone audiometric thresholds in workers were significantly higher than in control subjects at frequencies 2,000, 4,000 and 6,000 Hz (p<0.05). Hearing losses were more evident at high frequencies (4-6 kHz) than at low frequencies in worker group. (p<0.05). It was observed that textile workers with longer employment duration had poorer hearing threshoulds and the hearing loss had started on those who had worked for 5-8 yr. While MDA levels were significantly higher in workers than controls (p<0.001), CAT activity was significantly lower (p<0.005). Also, SOD activity was lower in workers but difference was not statistically significant. We observed a significant change in hearing threshold of the textile workers compared with that of the control group. Increase in MDA level and decreases in CAT and SOD activities in textile workers, support the opinion that the noise causes the oxidative stress. The fact that noise both causes hearing loss and increases oxidative stress suggests that there may be a relationship between the oxidative stress and hearing loss. But, further studies are needed in order to verify this opinion.

Bacteremia during open septorhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed at determining the incidence of bacteremia during septoplasty and open septorhinoplasty. METHODS: The study included 60 patients (30 septoplasties and 30 open septorhinoplasties). Preoperative nasal cultures from the nasal cavity and vestibule were taken by using swabs, and blood cultures were obtained from peripheral veins preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Blood cultures were evaluated by using the BACTEC method. RESULTS: Neither the blood cultures taken preoperatively nor those obtained postoperatively was positive for any organisms. On the other hand, although the bacterial growth was observed in only one of the blood cultures (3.3%) taken intraoperatively during septoplasty, it was observed in four blood cultures (13.3%) obtained intraoperatively during open septorhinoplasty. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that a transient bacteremia occurs during open septorhinoplasty. Although this bacteremia is transient and it has not led to any clinical manifestations in our patients, the possibility of bacteremia during this surgery should be kept in mind and necessary precautions should be taken preoperatively in patients with a high risk of cardiovascular infection.

Malondialdehyde level and adenosine deaminase activity in nasal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: Although there are many reports on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in different tissues, no information is available about the enzyme activity in nasal mucosa and polyp tissues. Whereas ADA is related to the production of free radicals by neutrophils, malondialdehyde (MDA) is an indicator of lipid peroxidation that is a general mechanism of tissue damage by free radicals. This study is aimed at determining and comparing the ADA activity and MDA level in nasal polyps and normal mucosa. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-three patients with nasal polyps and a control group consisting of 14 patients with septal deviation and lower turbinate hypertrophy were included in the study. Tissue MDA level was measured by the method of Okawa with modification and tissue ADA activity by the method of Giusti. RESULTS: In patients with nasal polyp, mean tissue MDA level and ADA activity were 2.43 +/- 0.38 nmol/mg protein (Pr) and 0.235 +/- 0.055 U/mg Pr, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of control nasal mucosa (1.03 +/- 0.41 nmol/mg protein and 0.056 +/- 0.011 U/mg Pr, respectively) (P < 0.05). In addition, tissue MDA level was positively correlated to ADA activity in nasal polyps (r = 0.701, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the presence of detectable ADA activity in nasal mucosa, and also significant increases in both tissue MDA level and ADA activity in NP tissue when compared to normal turbinate tissue. EBM RATING: B-2b.

[Pilomatrixoma of the head and neck in six cases]. / Alti olguda bas-boyun pilomatriksomu.

Pilomatrixomas are benign neoplasms of the hair follicle, presenting as a mass in the head and neck region. Those arising from the parotid region may pose a diagnostic challenge. We present six patients (age range 6 to 68 years) with pilomatrixoma in the head and neck region. The lesions were located in the preauricular region in two cases, and in the periorbital region, the forehead, the neck, and in the dorsum of the nose in the other patients, respectively. The main complaint was a hard, slow-growing mass in all the cases. All the patients were treated surgically. Histopathologic diagnosis was pilomatrixoma. No recurrences or surgery-associated complications were observed in the follow-up period.

[Clinical changes in the oral cavity resulting from smokeless tobacco (Maras powder)]. / Oral kavitede dumansiz tütünün (Maras otu) neden oldugu klinik degisiklikler.

OBJECTIVES: Maras powder (MP) is a kind of smokeless tobacco prepared by a mixture of ash and the powder obtained from the leaves of a tobacco plant called "deli tütün" in the region. In this study, we investigated the physical changes occurring in the oral cavity of MP users. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 92 subjects (5 females, 87 males; mean age 46.6+/-14.3 years; range 21 to 88) who had been using MP were included in the study. Subjects with a history of MP usage of less than one year duration and those who smoked cigarettes were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the patients, 86 applied the MP between the lower labial mucosa and gingiva. All the patients had dental discoloration in varying degrees. There were total dental prosthesis in 12 subjects, partial dental prosthesis in two, absence of incisors in four, and dental decay of varying degrees in 30 cases. Forty-six cases had mild, 15 cases had marked, and 12 cases had severe gingival recession. In 22 cases, there were lesions in the labial mucosa where MP was applied, in the form of white plaques (MP leukokeratosis). There were erythroplastic (n=2), leukoplastic (n=2), and aphthous (n=2) lesions, desquamation that could easily be removed by rubbing (n=8), and enduration (n=11). CONCLUSION: In the oral cavity of MP users, especially in the application sites, significant changes that potentially and eventually led to a decrease in the quality and comfort of life were observed. Some of these findings seemed to be precancerous. Further comparative studies with control groups may clarify the possible role of the MP on the occurrence of these changes.

Bacteraemia during tonsillectomy.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bacteraemia during tonsillectomy and investigate the effect of the timing of culture sampling on the incidence of bacteraemia associated with it. Sixty-four consecutive patients who had been admitted for elective tonsillectomy were included in the study. Patients were randomly classified into two groups. Blood cultures as well as tonsillar surface and deep tissue cultures were obtained from all patients before tonsillectomy and 60 minutes after tonsillectomy. In addition, blood cultures were taken within two minutes following tonsillectomy for group 1 and 15 minutes after tonsillectomy for group 2. In group 1, the cultures obtained within two minutes were positive in nine patients, while only two of the blood cultures taken post-operatively were positive in group 2. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that a transient bacteraemia occurs frequently in association with tonsillectomy, but the timing of culture sampling for its detection is important.

Bacteremia during adenoidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Although adenoidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children, there is no satisfactory information about the risk of bacteremia during adenoidectomy and necessity of antibiotic use. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bacteremia during adenoidectomy and identify the organisms leading to bacteremia. METHODS: Thirty two patients who had undergone adenoidectomy at ENT Clinic of Sutcu Imam University were included in the study. They had received no antimicrobial therapy for at least 20 days before surgery. Adenoidal surface and deep tissue cultures were taken and venous blood samples were obtained for cultures before and immediately after adenoidectomy in which adenoid was removed with a curette. RESULTS: While none of the blood cultures taken preoperatively was positive for any organisms, the cultures obtained postoperatively were positive in only two of 32 patients included in the study. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there is an extremely low incidence of bacteremia during adenoidectomy. As a result, it may be concluded that the use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacteremia or its complications is unnecessary unless the patient has a predisposing factor for cardiac infection like prosthetic valve replacement.