Evaluation of Four Adult Visceral Leishmaniasis Cases.

Leishmania infantum is the species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis [(VL), kala-azar], which is observed sporadically mainly in pediatric age groups in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolian regions of Türkiye. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnosis, clinic, laboratory results and treatments of four adult patients with VL who applied to our hospital. The patients were referred to our hospital to investigate hematological malignancy. In the study, the data of four patients (three men, one woman; age range: 30-40 years) who were diagnosed with VL and treated in the infectious diseases clinic of our hospital between January 2022 and April 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The diagnosis of VL was made according to appropriate clinical and physical examination findings, biochemical and serological tests (indirect fluorescent antibody test and rK39 rapid antigen test) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, as well as the presence of amastigote forms of the parasite in bone marrow samples. Serology positivity was found in all patients, and bone marrow positivity was found in two patients. According to the results of RT-PCR in all patients, it was determined that the species causing the disease was L. infantum/L. donovani. Initially, the most common symptoms were fever, fatigue, and abdominal distension. None of the patients had an immunosuppressive condition. It was understood that all the patients lived in the rural area of Syria's Idlib province. Hepatosplenomegaly, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were found in all patients. The patients were treated with liposomal amphotericin-B (L-AMB). One patient did not come for follow-ups, the other three patients were found to have completely recovered in their follow-up. No recurrence was observed in any of the patients. In conclusion, VL should be considered in patients who apply to health institutions with complaints of fever, hepatosplenomegaly, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Low-Grade Injury following Testicular Torsion: A Multicenter Study Confirming a Disturbing Possibility.

INTRODUCTION: There is an ongoing debate whether to perform orchiectomy or orchidopexy following testicular torsion (TT) in cases where the testis seems non-viable. The main problem is lack of objective criteria defining testicular viability. The aim of this study was to investigate the grade of injury in orchiectomy specimens obtained from cases of TT and its association with clinical findings. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study involved double-blinded reassessment of the patient files and the pathological specimens using Mikuz classification to analyze the relation between clinical and pathological findings. RESULTS: A total of 289 patient charts from 14 centers were reviewed and 228 were included in this study. Twenty (8.8%) patients had grade 1 injury which refers to reversible injury. The clinical findings of these 20 patients were compared to 208 patients with higher grades of injury. As expected, there was statistically significant difference regarding duration of symptoms (p < 0.001); however, range was wide in both groups (as long as 96 h for grade 1 and as short as 7 h for higher grades). There was no statistically significant difference in any other variable including age (median 14 for both, p = 0.531), symptoms (pain: 19/20 vs. 189/202, p = 0.801; swelling: 13/19 vs. 168/197, p = 0.094), absence of blood flow in Doppler US (15/19 vs. 164/197, p = 0.635), or degree of torsion (median 720° for both, p = 0.172). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed necessity for better criteria to define viability of testis following TT. Histopathological injury appeared to be reversible even in some patients with more severe perioperative findings, late admission, or high degree of twisting. Our findings support the tendency for testicular fixation instead of orchiectomy as none of the clinical or perioperative findings could be attributed to high-grade injury.

Hemostatic effects of traditional Inula viscosa and Capsella bursa-pastoris plant mixture extract on rat liver parenchymal bleeding model.

BACKGROUND: Failure to achieve effective bleeding control and problems related to transfusion in liver surgery are the most common causes of post-operative mortality and morbidity. Various methods/drugs including topical hemostatic agents have been em-ployed for bleeding control in liver surgery. This study was aimed to investigate the hemostatic properties of the herb mixture extract of Inula viscosa and Capsella bursa-pastoris (IvCbp) in rat liver laceration model, which have been traditionally used as antiseptic and hemostatic agents public in Hatay/Tukey. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups equally and blood samples were taken from all rats for preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) measurements. Then, the standard liver resection model was applied to all rats. Sponge for the first rat group, Ankaferd Blood Stopper® Trend-Tech for the second rat group and IvCbp plant extract mixture for the third group were applied to resection areas for 3 minutes. Liver samples of all rats were evaluated in terms of inflammation and necrosis intensity on the 5th post-operative day. RESULTS: Post-operative Hb values were found as 11.0±1.1 g/dL in the sponge group, 11.9±2.0 g/dL in the Ankaferd group, and 14.1±1.2 g/dL in the IvCbp herb mixture group (p<0.001). In the histopathological examination, less necrosis was observed in the herb mixture group compared to the sponge and Ankaferd groups (p=0.001). In addition, no statistically significant necrosis difference was observed between sponge and Ankaferd groups. While less inflammation was observed in the herb mixture group compared to the other groups, Ankaferd group had the highest inflammation score (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: IvCbp herb mixture extract group provide effective hemostatic control, caused less Hb decrease and resulted in less inflammation and necrosis compared to Ankaferd and sponge groups in a rat liver resection model.

Should a fourth category be added to the international tumor budding consensus conference tumor budding scoring system in colorectal adenocarcinomas?

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tumor budding (TB) and clinicopathologic prognostic criteria in colorectal adenocarcinomas and to discuss the inclusion of the fourth group in the scoring system. A total of 131 cases were included in the study. TB was scored according to the classical 3-tiered scoring system and our proposed 4-tiered scoring system: BD0 (no buds), BD1* (1-4 buds), BD2 (5-9 buds), and BD3 (≥10 buds). Cytokeratin staining was applied to 80 randomly selected cases and TB scoring was re-evaluated. TB was not observed in 31 (23.7%) of 131 cases and was categorized as BD0. Patients with BD0 budding had lower pT category, AJCC stage, tumor grade, less lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, tumor deposits (p < 0.05), and longer overall survival than BD1* patients (log-Rank p: 0.018). There was significant compatibility between the evaluation of TB with H&E and cytokeratin (kappa: 0.727, p < 0.001). In conclusion, we think it is valuable to add the "BD0" category to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) scores. However, more research with larger cohorts is needed for clinical applicability. H&E staining is sufficient for the assessment of budding, except in conditions such as increased inflammation where the tumor-stroma interface may be obscured.

A novel enema method can prevent infectious complications of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: TRUS biopsy is the preferred method for diagnosing prostate cancer, but it can cause infectious complications that arise with the contribution of fluoroquinolone resistance. We aimed to explore the potential protective effect of a second rectal enema before biopsy. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2020, 419 patients were assessed retrospectively. Patients with a history of anticoagulant use, uncontrolled diabetes, urological surgery, prostate biopsy or recent hospitalisation or overseas travel, as well as those with the previous prostatitis, were excluded from the study. The patients were subsequently divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 223) had received one enema, on the morning of the biopsy and Group 2 (n = 196) had received two, with the additional enema administered half an hour before the procedure. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age(P = .076), BMI (P = .489), diabetes (P = .265), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (P = .193), free/total PSA (f/t PSA) ratio (P = .518) and prostate size (P = .661) or in relation to cancer detection (P = .428). The median hospitalisation date was significantly higher in Group 1 (P = .003) as was urinary tract infection (UTI) development (P = .004). However, there was no significant difference in terms of fever and sepsis (P = .524 and P = .548, respectively). Additionally, subgroup analysis demonstrated that UTI was significantly lower in patients with diabetes mellitus who had received a second enema (P = .004), though there was no significant difference in UTI between the groups in those without diabetes mellitus (P = .215). Multivariable analysis showed that age and diabetes were significant risk factors for the development of UTI (OR: 1.074, 95% CI: 1.027-1.130, P = .002 and OR: 1.220, 95% CI: 0.131-0.665, P = .003, respectively). Furthermore, the second enema was a significant protective factor for preventing UTI (OR: -1.794, 95% CI: 2.208-16.389, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Older age and the presence of diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for UTI after prostate biopsy. A second enema procedure before biopsy may protect patients from related infectious complications and could therefore be used as an alternative preventative method.

Can olive oil prevent distal colon mucosal atrophy caused by disuse in rats with colostomy? An experimental animal study.

AIM: This study aims to investigate the effects of pure olive oil on mucosal atrophy of the distal colon in rats. <br/><br/>Material and methods: The study included 28 male albino Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g. A total of 28 animals were randomly allocated to four groups: group 1: control group (n = 6); group 2: ostomy group (n = 6); group 3: ostomy + saline group (n = 8); group 4: ostomy + olive oil group (n = 8). By definition, group 1 did not undergo any procedure. The same surgical procedure was performed for groups 2, 3, and 4 as described below. In all animals from these groups, a two-centimeter-long mid-line incision was made and the colon was divided into 5 cm sections, measured from the distal colon to the caecum. Proximal and distal stomas were created 2 cm apart in the midline with the use of single-layer interrupted sutures. All rats were kept under close daily observation until they were terminated postoperatively after the 1st month. Animals from group 2 did not undergo any additional procedures, while those fromgroups 3 and 4 were given 2 mL of saline and olive oil twice a day, respectively. At the end of the 1st month, the rats were re-operated through the same approach. Biopsies were taken from the proximal and distal stomas of all rats in the same manner for further histopathological analysis. <br/><br/>Results: Group 1 showed no significant differences in terms of mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness or colonic lumen diameter between the proximal and distal segments of the colon. Although there were significant differences between the proximal and distal colostomies for each parameter in groups 2, 3, and 4, the mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness, and colonic lumen diameter differences for proximal and distal ostomies were very small in group 4 when compared to groups 2 and 3. <br/><br/>Conclusion: The administration of pure olive oil through the distal colon before colostomy closure may reduce the difference in diameter between the proximal and distal intestinal segments. As a result, a more straightforward surgical procedure may be achieved.

Conjunctival Impression Cytology and Tear Function in Patients with Keratoconus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ocular surface alterations of conjunctival cytological changes and tear function in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A total of 98 eyes with keratoconus and 68 eyes of age- and sex- matched healthy subjects were included in this prospective study. Ophthalmological evaluations, including Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining (OSS), Schirmer test, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC), were performed. RESULTS: The mean participant age was 23.4±5.3 years in the keratoconus group and 24.9±6.0 years in the control group. In the keratoconus group, the mean OSDI and OSS scores were statistically significantly higher than those of the controls, and the Schirmer and TBUT results were statistically significantly lower (all p<0.001). The severity of keratoconus was positively correlated with the CIC grade (r=0.292; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Keratoconus results in deterioration of the ocular surface, including CIC and tear function parameters. The grade of keratoconus appears to be associated with conjunctival cytologic changes.

Comparison of Head and Neck Cancer Distribution in Turkish and Syrian Populations.

BACKGROUND: Although oral health improves in several countries, global problems are still present. Predictably, the disadvantaged and poor population groups in both developing and developed countries have high rate of malign disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of head and neck cancers (HNCs) and to compare them between Syrian and Turkish population. METHODS: A total of 4570 patients confirmed to have HNC histopathologically from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Hospital Pathology report archive were retrospectively evaluated. Among them, 452 were Syrian patients while 4118 were Turkish patients. Data were collected from 2010 to 2017. Gender and age information were taken from medical records. According to the pathological results, HNCs were classified. RESULTS: In 474 patients, HNCs were inscriptived, of which 317 were in males and 157 in females aged 23-80 years with histologically approved cancer of head and neck area. Overall, 100 were Syrian patients while 374 were Turkish patients. In both Syrian and Turkish patients, the most observed HNC was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). CONCLUSION: Nowadays, the prevalence of cancer is higher because of the excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco, chewing, and smoking. For the higher cancer incidence in Syrian refugees, we thought that the impact of war such as stress may have been effective as well as the known several etiologic factors of cancer. For the increased risk of cancer, the early diagnosis of this become more important.

Hydatid Cyst of Parotid Gland: An Unusual Case Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy.

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. This infection frequently infects the liver and the lung and even in endemic regions rarely occurs in the head and neck region. This is also true for the parotid gland. The diagnosis relies on imaging techniques and the medical history. Another method that is helpful in the diagnosis is serological tests. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is usually not recommended due to the potential risk of anaphylactic shock or spreading of daughter cysts. The preferred treatment method of hydatid cysts in the salivary gland is surgical excision. We introduce a rare case of hydatid cyst in the parotid gland diagnosed preoperatively by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and discuss the differential diagnosis.

Reversible minimal change nephrotic syndrome and glomerular IgA deposition associated with nonparenteral heroin abuse: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report for the first time a case of reversible minimal change nephrotic syndrome with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition associated with heroin. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 29-year-old male heroin abuser who developed nephrotic syndrome was admitted to our clinic. Renal biopsy revealed minimal change disease with IgA deposition. Because spontaneous complete remission was observed after cessation of heroin, a diagnosis of minimal change nephrotic syndrome with IgA deposition associated with heroin abuse was considered. CONCLUSION: This case showed minimal change nephrotic syndrome with IgA deposition that had a benign clinical course.