The protective effect of pomegranate extract against cisplatin toxicity in rat liver and kidney tissue.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to perform a histopathological investigation, at the light microscopy level, of the protective effects of pomegranate extract in cisplatin-induced liver and kidney damage in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of seven animals: Group 1: Control; Group 2: Treated for 10 consecutive days by gavage with pomegranate juice (2 ml/kg/day); Group 3: Injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin (8 mg/kg body weight, single dose) onset of the day 5, and Group 4: Treated by gavage with pomegranate juice 10 days before and after a single injection of cisplatin onset of the day 5. After 10 days, the animals were sacrificed and their kidneys and liver tissue samples were removed from each animal after experimental procedures. Cisplatin-induced renal and hepatic toxicity and the effect of pomegranate juice were evaluated by histopatological examinations. RESULTS: In the kidney tissue, pomegranate juice significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced structural alterations when compared with the cisplatin alone group. But in the liver tissue, although pomegranate juice attenuated the cisplatin-induced toxicity only in two rats, significant improvement was not observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the anti-oxidant pomegranate juice might have a protective effect against cisplatin-induced toxicity in rat kidney, but not in liver. Pomegranate juice could be beneficial as a dietary supplement in patients receiving chemotherapy medications.

Does usage of a room air freshener affect the nasal mucosa?

BACKGROUND: Effects of chemicals emitted from the room air freshener sprays (RAFSs) on nasal mucosa are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of RAFSs on the nasal mucosa of rats for different time intervals. METHODS: Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups: group 1 (n = 7) was the control group and not exposed to RAFS or other chemicals, group 2 (n = 7) was exposed to RAFS for 1 month, group 3 (n = 7) was exposed to RAFS for 2 months, and group 4 (n = 7) was exposed to RAFS for 3 months. Samples from the nasal septum were stained using hematoxylin and eosin solution, examined by a pathologist using a light microscope, and analyzed with Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: We observed that distinct histopathological differences in the nasal mucosa of exposed rats depends on different time intervals (p < 0.05). Increased congestion was found after the 1st month of exposure (group 2). Although edema and mild inflammatory cell infiltration, including some eosinophils, was seen after the 2nd month (group 3), squamous metaplasia, numerous eosinophils, and intense inflammatory cell infiltration began after 3 months of exposure (group 4). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that continuous use of RAFS can cause inflammation and eosinophilic infiltration in rats, which begins after 2 months of exposure and may lead to metaplasia after 3 months. Because of differences in body size, geometry, and physiological responses of rats, the extrapolation of these results to humans is not straightforward. However, any such comparison should be made with caution. Finally, more performance is necessary to clarify this subject.

Cultural adaptation of an olfactory test: the odour in bottle test. [corrected].

OBJECTIVES: To compare the size of the nasal septal body (SB) and inferior turbinate (IT) of subjects grouped by sex and age. METHOD: We measured SB and IT areas (in cm2) bilaterally in computed tomography (CT) sections of 150 paranasal sinuses from 72 males and 78 females. RESULTS: The right and left SB areas were smaller in females than in males. In the ≤ 25-year-old group, the right IT (RIT) was significantly smaller in females than in males. In the 26-35 and 46-45 age groups, the right SB (RSB) was significantly smaller in females than in males. CONCLUSION: The nasal SB may play a role in nasal physiology similar to a turbinate and help support optimal airflow. The vascular and glandular structures of the SB should be investigated in detail, and minimal invasive procedures should be performed in nasal surgery to avoid damaging essential structures.

[Bilateral choanal atresia in adults]. / Eriskinlerde çift tarafli koanal atrezi.

Bilateral choanal atresia is a congenital anomaly which occurs immediately after birth and requires immediate intervention. Therefore, it is very rare to see a patient who has reached an advanced age. In this article, we report two cases (sisters) who were able to reach advanced ages with bilateral choanal atresia. In the light of these two adult cases, we aimed to review the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to bilateral choanal atresia with the literature.

The reconstruction of full-thickness ear defects including the helix using the superior pedicle postauricular chondrocutaneous flap.

The ear is a complex structure with specific anatomical landmarks and different surface contour properties. In this article, we present the results that we obtained after reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the upper and middle third of the ear including the helix using a superior auricular artery (SAA) pedicled chondrocutaneous flap.In this study, 8 patients underwent reconstructions with postauricular SAA pedicled chondrocutaneous flaps between March 2009 and May 2011. Seven patients were male (88%), and 1 patient was female (12%). The age range was between 27 and 78 years, with a mean age of 57 years. The causes of the defects were tumor excisions in 6 patients and trauma in 2 patients. No serious postoperative complications such as wound infection, wound dehiscence, or partial or total flap loss were observed in any of the patients. A good cosmetic result was obtained with this technique with maximum preservation of the anatomical landmarks and without an effect on the vertical height or projection of the ear.In our experience, the postauricular SAA pedicled chondrocutaneous flap can be used as an appropriate alternative for the treatment of full-thickness defects of the upper and middle thirds of the ear including the helix.

An unusual foreign body in frontal sinus: silicone tube.

Foreign bodies in paranasal sinuses are very rare and more than half of them are encountered in maxillary sinus. Most of the foreign bodies are associated with maxillofacial trauma. Foreign body in the frontal sinus is even a rarer condition. Foreign bodies usually present with chronic symptoms and complications due to the delayed diagnosis. In this article, we report an unusual case of mucocele resulting from silicone nasolacrimal duct tube in right frontal sinus which was left or forgotten in nasal cavity after external dacryocystorhinostomy operation. The patient was treated surgically and her symptoms resolved after surgery.

Management of orbital complications of sinusitis in pediatric patients.

The most common reason of orbital infections is sinusitis. Orbital complications of sinusitis are mostly seen in children. Loss of vision and intracranial infections are among the complications of sinusitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is very important in the management of orbital complications. The orbital complication can be in the form of cellulitis or abscess. A retrospective review of 26 pediatric patients with orbital complications due to sinusitis was presented in this study. Of 26 patients, there were 13 cases of preseptal cellulitis, 2 cases of orbital cellulitis, and 11 cases of subperiosteal abscess. We grouped the preseptal and orbital cellulites in one category and the subperiosteal abscess in the other. All patients in the cellulitis group recovered by medical treatment. All the patients were treated by surgical drainage. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment method are vital for the treatment of orbital complications secondary to sinusitis.

The effect of corticosteroid against streptomycin ototoxicity.

The aim of this experimental study was to determine the possible protective role of corticosteroid in prevention of streptomycin-induced ototoxicity. Twenty-eight adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n = 7), streptomycin (n = 7), corticosteroid (n = 7), and streptomycin + corticosteroid (n = 7). Rats were tested with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in the beginning and at the end of the study. The animals in all groups were killed under general anesthesia on the 45th day after the last DPOAE measurements. Hearing results were analyzed statistically to determine differences in amplitudes of DPOAE. In addition, the cochleas of each rat were evaluated by histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Significant difference was not observed in cochlear hair cells in the control and corticosteroid groups, whereas severe degeneration of hair cells and increased apoptotic cells were observed in the streptomycin group. Moderate degeneration was observed in the streptomycin + corticosteroid group. The hair cells were partially intact. DP-gram of the streptomycin and streptomycin + corticosteroid groups was significantly deteriorated (P < 0.05). The coadministration of steroids with streptomycin, which has a serious ototoxic effect, did not lead to a limitation of this harmful effect.

Solitary plexiform neurofibroma of the buccal region unassociated with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibroma is a benign neural tumor. Plexiform type of this tumor is rarely seen in oral cavity in solitary form. In this article, we present an 18-year-old male case with an isolated plexiform neurofibroma localized at buccal region without any other manifestation or family history of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Evaluation of hyperactivity, attention deficit, and impulsivity before and after adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the severity of attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms in patients with obstructive airway problems scheduled to undergo adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy operation. The effects of the surgical treatment on these symptoms will also be investigated in a case-control design. METHODS: This prospective study included 63 patients (29 girls, 34 boys) who were operated on at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dicle University Medical School, between January 2010 and May 2011 because of obstructive symptoms caused by adenoid or adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The age range of the patients was between 4 and 13 years. The control group consisted of 33 (17 girls, 16 boys) healthy children. RESULTS: Among the patients, 15 children underwent adenoidectomy because of adenoid hypertrophy; 13 patients had adenotonsillectomy because of adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and the remaining patients underwent adenotonsillectomy related with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis with adenoid hypertrophy. Based on the preoperative data, statistically significant difference was observed between the patient and control groups. The patients' attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms preoperatively and postoperatively have shown statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms were common among the children who show signs of airway obstruction due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy operations were both observed to be associated with improvement in these symptoms.

[External auditory canal osteoma resulting in cholesteatoma which is complicated with meningitis]. / Kolestatoma neden olan ve menenjit ile komplike olan dis kulak kanali osteomu.

Osteoma of external auditory canal is a unilateral benign tumor which usually presents with no symptoms. They only cause symptoms when cerumen collection or conduction type hearing loss occurs. They are the most common osseous lesions of the temporal bone. It very rarely presents with cholesteatoma. So far, no osteoma case concomitant with, cholesteatoma and meningitis has not been reported. In this article, we report an interesting case presenting with external auditory canal osteoma, cholestatoma and meningitis concomitantly who was treated successfully using the canal Wall-down mastoidectomy technique.

Mental health and quality of life in patients with chronic otitis media.

The present study focused on the comparison of mental health and quality of life (QoL) between chronic otitis media (COM) patients and the hearing population. The patients with chronic otitis media and healthy control group were enrolled in the study. The duration and severity of the auditory impairment were recorded. In addition to hearing loss (HL), the findings of each patient's other ear disorders (ear discharge and tinnitus) were also recorded. In both the groups, psychological symptom profile and health-related QoL were evaluated and compared using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Symptom Check List 90-Revised Form (SCL-90-R), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). According to SCL-90-R, somatization (p < 0.001), interpersonal sensitivity (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), phobic anxiety (p < 0.001), and other subscores, and also global severity index score (p < 0.001) were significantly high in patient group when compared to the control group. The patients with COM reported significantly lower levels of QoL in terms of physical role difficulty (p < 0.001), general health perception (p < 0.004), social functioning (p < 0.001), and mental health (p < 0.017) than those of control subjects. Our results indicated that COM patients with mild or moderate HL have poorer life quality and higher psychological problems. Psychological well being should be also considered in assessment of COM patients in addition to the clinical evaluation and audiological tests.

Predictors of surgical approaches for the repair of anterior cranial base encephaloceles.

Surgical approaches to the anterior cranial base have changed considerably with the introduction of endonasal endoscopic surgery. This study aims to define the factors which help in selecting the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of anterior cranial base encephaloceles. Patients who received treatment for anterior cranial base encephaloceles at our department between 1996 and 2011 were included in the study. Patients' charts were reviewed retrospectively to collect the necessary data. Treatment periods were classified as before 2000, between 2000 and 2005, and after 2005. The relationship between the treatment period, localization of encephalocele, symptoms related with the lesion, size of skull base defect, and selected treatment modality were investigated. Twenty-five patients, aged between 1 and 61 years with anterior encephaloceles were included in the study. Patients with small asymptomatic frontonasal and trans-ethmoidal encephaloceles (n = 5) were followed without surgery. An external approach with or without subfrontal craniotomy was mainly preferred for resection of sincipital encephaloceles (n = 10), especially with facial deformity. A subfrontal craniotomy approach was used for resection of basal encephaloceles in two cases before 2000. Two cases with sincipital encephaloceles and six cases with basal encephaloceles underwent pure endonasal endoscopic surgery after 2000. Cranial base defects of every size could be repaired using the endoscopic approach. Hydrocephalus and meningitis were the two complications seen after craniotomy in a follow-up period of 13-26 (mean 14.5) months. An external approach with or without craniotomy is needed for encephaloceles with external mass and facial deformity. Otherwise, sincipital and basal encephaloceles can be repaired successfully using the endonasal endoscopic approach.

The protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester against streptomycin ototoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the efficacy of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in the prevention of streptomycin-induced ototoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n = 8), streptomycin (n = 8), CAPE (n = 8), and streptomycin + CAPE (n = 8). Rats were tested with distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) before drug administration. The animals in all groups were killed under general anesthesia on the 45th day following last DPOAE measurements. Hearing results were analyzed statistically to determine differences in amplitudes of DPOAE. Also, the cochleas of each rat were evaluated by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. RESULTS: Significant difference was not observed in cochlear hair cells in the control and CAPE groups. In the streptomycin group, severe degeneration of hair cells and increased apoptotic cells were observed. In the streptomycin + CAPE group, although some deteriorations were observed, hair cells were mostly preserved. The DPgram of the streptomycin and streptomycin + CAPE groups was significantly deteriorated (P < .05). The analysis of the DPgram results revealed statistically significant differences between the groups of streptomycin and streptomycin + CAPE (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester treatment attenuated hair cells injury in the inner ear, possibly via its antioxidant effect. Prophylactic administration of CAPE for streptomycin ototoxicity ameliorated hearing deterioration in rats.

The relationship between pneumatized middle turbinate and the anterior ethmoid roof dimensions: a radiologic study.

The development of pneumatized middle turbinate may affect anterior ethmoid roof formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pneumatized middle turbinate and the dimensions of the anterior skull base structures using computed tomography scans. The coronal reconstructed images of the computed tomography scans were evaluated retrospectively. The lateral and medial ethmoid roof points, the width of the cribriform plate (CP), and the anterior ethmoid roof were identified at the first coronal cut, which was determined by the infraorbital nerve. The pneumatized middle turbinates were measured on the axial, vertical, and sagittal planes. The images of 101 patients were evaluated. The mean axial diameters of the pneumatized middle turbinate on the right and left sides were between 6.93 and 4.95 mm, respectively. The correlation between the axial diameters of the pneumatized middle turbinate and the width of the anterior ethmoid roof (termed AER width) was significant for both sides and gender (p < 0.05). There was a higher correlation on the right side where the pneumatized middle turbinate was observed more frequently (r = 0.357). The relationship between CP width and the diameters of the pneumatized middle turbinate was not significant (p > 0.05) for both sides. Iatrogenic lesions of the skull base occur predominantly in the lateral lamella of the CP. The risk of this complication may decrease with increasing of the AER width. Pneumatized middle turbinate may cause an increase in the width of the anterior ethmoid roof and provide more reliable endoscopic intervention of the anterior skull base and frontal sinus.

[Acinetobacter baumannii: a rare cause of deep neck infection]. / Acinetobacter baumannii: Derin boyun enfeksiyonunun nadir bir nedeni.

Deep neck infections, which are originated from upper respiratory tract, are bacterial infections involving deep structures of the neck. Unless diagnosed and managed appropriately, these infections may progress rapidly, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. Although, Acinetobacter baumannii plays a significant role in several nosocomial infections, ear nose throat physicians are usually unfamiliar with this bacteria and it is rarely isolated in deep neck infections. In this article, we present a serious case of deep neck infection in which Acinetobacter baumannii was cultured from the abscess. The patient was treated successfully with antibiotic and surgical drainage.

The effects of systemic use of nicotine on the rat nasal mucosa: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical study / Efectos del uso sistémico de nicotina sobre la mucosa nasal de la rata: un estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico

The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathologic effects of systemic use of nicotine on the rat nasal mucosa. Twelve adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g, were used as experimental animals. The rats were divided into Nicotine and control groups. The rats of Nicotine groups (n=6) were administered 2mg/kg Nicotine sulphate for 28 days. The rats of control group (n=6) were only administered 1,5 ml physiologic saline solution subcutaneously for 28 days. All animals were sacrified at the end of the study and nasal tissue samples were removed and prepared for histologic examination. The sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H-E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Trichrome-Masson were observed under light microscope. E-cadherin immunreactivity of pseudostrafied epithelial cells of nasal mucosa was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. There were significant differences in average histopathological score between the groups treated and non-treated to nicotine. In nicotine group, degenerative change of epithelial cells and hypertrophy of goblet cells were observed. Leukocytes infiltration was observed in significant areas of connective tissue. E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased in epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa of Nicotine group...

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos histopatológicos del uso sistémico de nicotina sobre la mucosa nasal de la rata. Se utilizaron como animales de experimentación 12 ratas Sprague-Dawley adultas, entre 180-220 g, divididas en grupos de nicotina y control. Al grupo de nicotina (n = 6) se le administró sulfato de nicotina 2mg/kg durante 28 días. Al grupo control (n = 6) se les administró sólo 1,5 ml de solución salina fisiológica por vía subcutánea durante 28 días. Todos los animales fueron sacrificados al final del estudio. Se tomaron muestras del tejido nasal y se examinaron histológicamente. Las secciones fueron teñidas con H-E, ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) y tricrómico de Masson, observándose bajo microscopía de luz. Además, se evaluó la inmunoreactividad a E-cadherina de las células del epitelio pseudoestraficado de la mucosa nasal. Hubo diferencias significativas en la puntuación histopatológica media entre los grupos tratados y no tratados con nicotina. En el grupo de nicotina, se observaron cambios degenerativos de las células epiteliales e hipertrofia de las células caliciformes. Se observó una infiltración significativa de leucocitos en diferentes áreas del tejido conectivo. La E-cadherina se redujo significativamente en las células epiteliales de la mucosa nasal del grupo nicotina...

Hemangioma arising from external jugular vein mimicking neck mass.

Hemangiomas are common benign tumors which can develop in any part of the body. Despite their common nature, hemangiomas arising from blood vessels are very rare. In this article, we present a very rare case of hemangioma which was originated from external jugular vein. The hemangioma was totally excised after the external jugular vein was ligated from both sides and no complication was observed.

Histopathologic results of long-term sildenafil administration on rat inner ear.

OBJECTIVES: Sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5, is widely used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Although cochlear effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors remain still unclear because of inadequate data, some evidence that recently emerged indicates that these medications may be responsible for hearing impairment. In the present study, we aimed to examine the histopathologic effects of long-term sildenafil use on the cochlea in a rat model. METHODS: The study was performed with adult male Wistar albino rats. The control group was fed on standard laboratory diet. The study group was applied orally with sildenafil therapy, 1.5 mg/kg once a day for 45 days. Rats were anesthetized and decapitated. Each temporal bone was dissected, and the cochleas were removed en bloc. The inner-ear biopsy specimens were examined histologically with hematoxylin and eosin and caspase 3 immunoreaction under light microscopy. RESULTS: Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed no distinctive difference between the control group and the sildenafil group. With immunohistochemical examination, caspase 3 immunoreactivity was observed in the sildenafil group. In the control group, caspase 3 immunoreactivity was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The caspase 3 immunoreactivity in the sildenafil group was strongly associated with an increase in apoptotic events in the cochlea. Long-term use of sildenafil can cause hearing impairment through increased apoptosis.

Course anomalies of extracranial internal carotid artery and their relationship with pharyngeal wall: an evaluation with multislice CT.

PURPOSE: The goal of our study was to measure the prevalence of anomalies in the extracranial segment of internal carotid artery (ICA), to measure the carotid-pharyngeal distance (CPD). METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) angiography images of 607 patients were retrospectively examined. The course anomaly and CPD were obtained at different image plane. The patients were divided into four groups according to their age. RESULTS: The incidence of course anomaly in ICA was shown to be 60.3 %. Prevalence of course anomaly showed an increase with age (p < 0.001). Women had more ICAs with a course anomaly than men (p < 0.001). Mean CPD among all ICAs was found to be 11.13 mm. When CPD values were compared between the groups, group 1 and group 2 did not have a significant difference, however, there was a significant difference between other groups (p < 0.05). The CPD significantly decreased with age (p < 0.001). In ICAs that showed a straight course, the mean CPD was 13.0 mm, while in ICAs that showed course anomaly, the mean CPD was determined to be 9.49, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the number of ICAs that show a course anomaly increases with age, while the CPD decreases. The CPD is decreased in groups that show anomalies. The detection of a decreased CPD before surgery may lower the chance of a perioperative hemorrhage due to artery damage during pharyngeal procedures. Hence, while reporting neck CT angiographies, it may be valuable to also report the presence of ICA anomalies and CPD.