Serum levels of heavy metals in patients with Bell's palsy: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: The exact etiology of Bell's palsy (BP) remains unknown, while its potential etiopathology includes neuritis and inflammation-related demyelination as in optic neuritis. It has been reported that disruption of heavy metal homeostasis may be associated with the inflammatory process of optic neuritis; therefore, heavy metals may be involved in the pathogenesis of facial nerve neuritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate serum levels of heavy metals including essential elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn)], and nonessential elements [lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)] in patients with BP. METHODS: The study included 25 patients with BP and 31 healthy volunteers. For each participant, serum levels of essential and nonessential elements were measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. RESULTS: Serum levels of essential elements were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, for each). Serum levels of Pb increased in the patient group compared to the control group although no significant difference was achieved (p = 0.105). In contrast, serum Cd levels increased significantly in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that decreased essential and increased nonessential elements may be associated with BP and thus, serum concentrations of these elements should be taken into account in BP. Studies are warranted to determine the role of these elements in treatment of BP.

Genome sequencing identifies coding and non-coding variants for non-syndromic hearing loss.

Hearing loss (HL) is a common heterogeneous trait that involves variants in more than 200 genes. In this study, we utilized exome (ES) and genome sequencing (GS) to effectively identify the genetic cause of presumably non-syndromic HL in 322 families from South and West Asia and Latin America. Biallelic GJB2 variants were identified in 58 probands at the time of enrollment these probands were excluded. In addition, upon review of phenotypic findings, 38/322 probands were excluded based on syndromic findings at the time of ascertainment and no further evaluation was performed on those samples. We performed ES as a primary diagnostic tool on one or two affected individuals from 212/226 families. Via ES we detected a total of 78 variants in 30 genes and showed their co-segregation with HL in 71 affected families. Most of the variants were frameshift or missense and affected individuals were either homozygous or compound heterozygous in their respective families. We employed GS as a primary test on a subset of 14 families and a secondary tool on 22 families which were unsolved by ES. Although the cumulative detection rate of causal variants by ES and GS is 40% (89/226), GS alone has led to a molecular diagnosis in 7 of 14 families as the primary tool and 5 of 22 families as the secondary test. GS successfully identified variants present in deep intronic or complex regions not detectable by ES.

Residual Dizziness in Elderly Patients after Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Brandt-Daroff (BD) exercise and shopping exercise (SE) on the resolution of residual dizziness (RD) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) following a successful modified Epley canalith repositioning maneuver (CRP). METHODS: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial included patients with posterior semicircular canal type of BPPV. Following the modified Epley maneuver, patients that experienced RD were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (i) BD, (ii) SE, and (iii) control groups. Primary outcomes were quantified using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). RESULTS: Following CRP, 240 (63%) participants experienced RD. All these patients were followed up weekly for RD. After the resolution of RD, patients were followed up monthly for recurrence. Mean time to recovery was 16.4 ± 10 (range, 5-49) days in the BD group, 11.5 ± 4.6 (range, 6-32) days in the SE group, and 23.4 ± 16.8 (range, 6-89) days in the control group. The SE group recovered significantly faster than the BD and control groups (p < 0.001). Baseline emotional DHI (E-DHI) scores were significantly correlated with the duration of pre-CRP symptoms (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) recovered later than patients without these comorbidities. CONCLUSION: We found that RD improved significantly in the SE group compared to the BD and control groups. Additionally, a significant relationship was established between RD and high anxiety levels and DM, and obesity had a negative impact on the resolution of RD.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Nasal Septum Deviation and Oxidative Stress Markers.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal septum deviation (NSD) may lead to chronic hypoxia and increased oxidative stress.The main goal of this study was to investigate the effect of NSD on malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels. METHODS: There were 30 patients with NSD and 30 healthy subjects in this study. Malondialdehyde, CAT, SOD, and GSH levels were determined in the control and study groups. The measurements were done preoperatively and postoperatively. Study group patients completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively to determine the success of the septoplasty. RESULTS: Higher CAT, SOD, and GSH levels and lower MDA levels were found in the control group compared with the study group (P < 0.05). After septoplasty, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores improved significantly and CAT, SOD, and GSH levels increased significantly (all, P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde levels did not decrease significantly after surgery (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal obstruction due to nasal septal deviation led to lower antioxidant enzyme levels, and correction of the septum led to an increase in antioxidant levels.

Is There a Role for Oxidative Stress in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?

PURPOSE: Data on the role of oxidative stress in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are limited. This study compared serum levels of oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant enzymes in patients with TMJ disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with TMJ disorders and healthy controls were compared for descriptive characteristics (age and gender) and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, and antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). RESULTS: This study included 32 patients with TMJ disorders and 32 healthy controls. There were no differences between the 2 groups for age (P = .98) and gender (P = .599). MDA levels were higher in the TMJ disorders group than in the control group (P < .001), whereas serum levels of CAT, SOD, and GSH were significantly higher in the control group (P < .001 for all comparisons). There was no correlation between age or gender and MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in the TMJ disorders or control group. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress markers might have promising potential as biomarkers in the diagnostic strategy and therapeutic targets of TMJ disorders.

Gradenigo Syndrome Induced by Suppurative Otitis Media.

Gradenigo syndrome was defined as a clinical triad of otitis media, severe orbito-facial pain, and ipsilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy. It may occur as a complication of either acute or chronic otitis media. Herein, we will report a case of Gradenigo syndrome induced by suppurative chronic otitis media that was promptly diagnosed and aggressively treated.

A honey bee can threat ear: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an otologic emergency. Many etiological factors can lead to this pathology. Honey bee (Apis mellifera) sting may lead to local and systemic reactions due to sensitization of the patient. In this paper we described a sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurred after honey bee sting.

Mean Platelet Volume, Red Cell Distribution Width, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Before and After Surgery in Patients With Carotid Body Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare hypervascular benign tumors that originate from the paraganglia at the carotid bifurcation. The red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) may serve as markers in inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. However, their prognostic value in CBTs is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the leukocyte count, MPV, RDW, and NLR before and after surgery in patients with CBTs. METHODS: This retrospective trial included data from 80 patients with CBTs and 65 age-matched healthy controls. The leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts, RDW, and MPV were extracted and NLR was calculated from the complete blood count results of participants. RESULTS: The leukocyte and neutrophil counts as well as RDW levels were significantly increased in patients with CBTs compared with healthy controls (P = 0.005, P = 0.003, and P = 0.026; respectively). Patients with CBTs had lower lymphocytes counts (P = 0.241) and higher NLRs (P = 0.054); however, the difference was statistically insignificant. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was detected between groups in terms of platelet counts and MPV levels. Furthermore, the leukocyte count, platelet numbers, MPV, RDW, and NLR levels in patients with CBTs were not statistically significant after surgery (all; P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first study that documents the increased RDW levels and leukocyte count in patients with CBTs. The combined use of RDW and the leukocyte count along with other clinical assessments can be used as a biomarker for CBTs. Further clinical trials with larger cases series are required to determine the actual predictive roles of these systemic biomarkers.

Meatal obstruction following canal wall down mastoidectomy.

Chronic otitis media (COM) is completely treated with a single procedure in most patients but may require multiple surgeries in some cases. The main goals of open cavity mastoidectomy are to completely eradicate the disease, create a large enough meatus for examination and mastoid air cells, and provide a self-cleaning epithelized dry cavity, and achieve maximum hearing. In this report, we present a very rare case of COM who underwent revision mastoidectomy in our clinic due to meatal obstruction in the right ear, total sensorineural hearing loss, and pain and tenderness in the postauricular region.

Etiological and epidemiological factors in hearing-impaired students in Van, East of Turkey: A case series.

The aim of the present case series was to investigate the causes of hearing loss in the children studying at a primary School for the deaf in Van Province, Turkey. The present series included 95 children with sensorineural hearing loss. Otoscopic and ophthalmological examinations, pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry were performed for each patient. Measles IgG, rubella IgG, cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, toxoplasma IgG, herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type I (HSV-I) IgG, HSV Type II (HSV-II) IgG, and Mycoplasma pneumonia IgG were evaluated in serum samples. Temporal bone anomalies were analyzed on temporal bone computed tomography (CT). A total of 7 radiologically distinct inner ear malformations were detected in 19 children. Twelve children were detected with various fundus pathologies. The most common cause of hearing loss was family-related factors (52%). In conclusion, the etiological and epidemiological factors were consistent with those reported in the literature.

A huge Thornwaldt's cyst causing hearing loss in an adult patient.

Nasopharynx (NP) is anatomically difficult to explore adequately. The pharyngeal bursa (PB) is a recess lined with respiratory epithelium along the posterior wall of the nasopharynx between the longus capitis muscles. If the opening through which the bursa drains into the nasopharynx becomes obstructed, a Thornwaldt's cyst (TC) might develop. Small-sized cysts are mostly asymptomatic, whereas large-sized cysts may lead to various nasal and otologic symptoms depending on their localization. In this report, we present a 71-year-old case with a huge TC who presented to our clinic with the complaints of snoring, nasal obstruction, periodic halitosis, postnasal drip, headache, and hearing loss in the left ear and underwent total excision of the cyst through transnasal endoscopy. The diagnosis and treatment characteristics of the case are presented with the review of the literature.

The Effect of the Active Ingredient Thymoquinone on Flap Viability in Random Pattern Flaps in Rats.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a plant extract that has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic effects. The aim of this study is to research how the use of TQ affects flap viability. 42 rats were placed into 6 groups, with 7 rats in each. A 3 × 10 cm McFarlane flap model was used on the test animals. The sham group had used neither surgical nor TQ treatment. The control group had surgery but no treatment afterwards. The preoperative TQ group was given oral doses of 2 mg/kg. TQ for 10 days preoperatively with no treatment after the surgical procedure. The postoperative TQ group received oral doses of 2 mg/kg TQ for 10 days after the surgical process. The preoperative + postoperative (pre + postoperative) TQ group was given oral doses of 2 mg/kg TQ for 10 days both preoperatively and postoperatively. Finally, the dimethylsulfoxide group received 10 mg/kg dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 10 days both preoperatively and postoperatively. Ten days after surgery the findings were evaluated. The average rates of necrosis were found to be 29.7 % in the control group, 19.18 % in the preoperative TQ group, 13.05 % in the postoperative TQ group, 8.42 % in the pre + postoperative TQ group, and 29.03 % in the DMSO group. The experimental groups had better area measurement, histopathological, and electron microscopic results than the control group (All; p < 0.05). We believe that, because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties, thymoquinone is an agent that can prevent ischemia-reperfusion damage and, therefore, prevent necrosis.

Comprehensive analysis via exome sequencing uncovers genetic etiology in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness in a large multiethnic cohort.

PURPOSE: Autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness (ARNSD) is characterized by a high degree of genetic heterogeneity, with reported mutations in 58 different genes. This study was designed to detect deafness-causing variants in a multiethnic cohort with ARNSD by using whole-exome sequencing (WES). METHODS: After excluding mutations in the most common gene, GJB2, we performed WES in 160 multiplex families with ARNSD from Turkey, Iran, Mexico, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico to screen for mutations in all known ARNSD genes. RESULTS: We detected ARNSD-causing variants in 90 (56%) families, 54% of which had not been previously reported. Identified mutations were located in 31 known ARNSD genes. The most common genes with mutations were MYO15A (13%), MYO7A (11%), SLC26A4 (10%), TMPRSS3 (9%), TMC1 (8%), ILDR1 (6%), and CDH23 (4%). Nine mutations were detected in multiple families with shared haplotypes, suggesting founder effects. CONCLUSION: We report on a large multiethnic cohort with ARNSD in which comprehensive analysis of all known ARNSD genes identifies causative DNA variants in 56% of the families. In the remaining families, WES allows us to search for causative variants in novel genes, thus improving our ability to explain the underlying etiology in more families.Genet Med 18 4, 364-371.

Is Nasal Polyposis Related to Levels of Serum Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor Gene Expression?

BACKGROUND Nasal polyposis (NP) is the most frequent cause of nasal masses. Despite considerable research on the subject, its etiology has not been fully elucidated, and effective treatment methods have not been developed. Some etiological factors causing low or high expression of genes in genetically predisposed individuals may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene expression and serum vitamin D with NP. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 46 subjects with NP (NP group) and 40 volunteers (control group). Nasal polyp tissue samples were taken from the NP group and nasal mucosa samples were taken from the control group. Levels of VDR gene expression in the tissue samples were assessed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were 13.38±14.08 ng/ml in the NP group and 10.57±6.44 ng/ml in the control group (p=0.249). VDR gene expression was present in 17.5% of the NP group and 3.3% of the control group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (likelihood ratio χ²=3.887; p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to assess levels of VDR gene expression in subjects with NP. Our results suggest that VDR gene expression may be associated with the pathogenesis or progression of NP.

The Relationship Between Hearing Thresholds and Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hearing thresholds. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty women diagnosed with PCOS (mean age, 24.33±6.38 years) and 40 healthy women controls (mean age, 26.38±6.75 years) were included in prospective study. Each case was tested with low (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz), high (4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz) and extended high (EH) (9000-20000 Hz) frequency audiometry. The fasting plasma glucose, insulin, FSH, LH, total testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured in all patients. RESULTS The mean hearing thresholds at EH frequencies were statistically significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p=0.001 right ear and p=0.015 left ear). There were significant positive correlations among free testosterone index (FTI) values and hirsutism scores with EH frequency hearing thresholds. CONCLUSIONS At pure-tone audiometry (PTA) EH frequencies, we detected significantly higher hearing thresholds in PCOS patients than in controls. We also determined that elevated FTI and hirsutism score were positively correlated with elevated hearing thresholds in EH frequencies. These findings support that hyperandrogenism can play a role in the elevation of hearing thresholds in PCOS.

Mean platelet volume, red cell distribution width, platelet-to-lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and their relationships with high-frequency hearing thresholds.

The mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) comprise laboratory markers in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). There is a controversy in the literature regarding which type of ear involvement is characteristic of AS. The aim of this study was to simultaneously investigate the MPV, RDW, platelet to lymphocyte (PLR) and NLR in patients with AS and their relationships with high-frequency hearing thresholds. Thirty patients with AS and 35 age-matched healthy subjects were included. Each subject was tested with low- (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) and high- (4000, 8000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000 and 16,000 Hz) frequency audiometry. Additionally, the case and control groups were evaluated regarding the average hearing thresholds in bone conduction. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. The RDW, MPV, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelet counts were evaluated with the complete blood count. Furthermore, the NLR and PLR were calculated. The complete blood count, platelet numbers, ESR, CRP and NLR levels were significantly increased in the AS patients compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.047, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the RDW, PLR or MPV levels (p > 0.05) in the AS patients compared with the healthy controls. The BASDAI score and disease duration were not correlated with the ESR, CRP levels, MPV, PLR, RDW or NLR in patients with AS (all; p > 0.05). The AS patients had increased average measurement values for the hearing threshold in both ears at frequencies of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz; however, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The average values of the hearing threshold in both ears at the high frequencies of 4000, 6000, 8000, 10,000, 12,000 and 14,000 Hz were significantly increased in the case group; however, it was not significantly increased at 16,000 Hz. The current study is the first to investigate the PLR, NLR, MPV and RDW levels in acute AS. We identified a significantly increased NLR, leukocyte count, ESR and CRP in AS patients. Sensorineural hearing loss, especially at extended high frequencies, is common in patients with AS and may represent an extra-articular feature of the disease. The combined use of NLR with the leukocyte count and other clinical assessments may facilitate the diagnostic process of ankylosing spondylitis.

Suppurative Cervical Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Mimicking a Metastatic Neck Mass.

Tuberculosis is an important public's health problem in developing countries. Although tuberculosis is commonly found in lungs, it could also be found in lymph nodes, mouth, tonsils, tounge, nose, epiglottis, larynx, and pharynx of head-neck region. The most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis placed outside the lungs is tuberculous lymphadenitis. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the most commonly seen form of the extrapulmoner tuberculosis and usually invades the lymph nodules of the cervical region. An adult patient with tuberculous lymphadenitis has been presented within the context of the literature reviewed. A 42-year-old woman, who has admitted to our clinic with a fistulized mass in the right side of her neck, has been diagnosed and treatment has been performed. No other problems were found in the systemic examination of the patient. Since there is no specific finding of pulmonary tuberculosis, detailed investigations are required in patients admitted with the sypmtomps of neck mass.

A Thyroglossal Cyst With Double Duct Seen in an Adult Patient.

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) are one of the most common congenital cervical masses that develop in children. Double TDCs are reported in very few patients in the literature. However, the authors did not come across any thyroglossal cyst with double duct in the English literature. A 35-year female patient consulted to authors' clinic with complaints of a swelling localized on the left side of the neck and recurrent purulent discharge. A Sistrunk operation was planned and during the operation, 2 fistula tracts, both terminated in the hyoid bone, were exposed.Usually, only one fistulous tract opens onto the skin; however, in the authors' patient, the authors encountered TDC with double ducti. To authors' knowledge, no similar patients were reported in the literature.

Tympanic Membrane Perforation Caused by Thunderbolt Strike.

Thunderbolt strike is a life-threatening entity. In the patients presenting with thunderbolt strike, the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system should be primarily evaluated, followed by tympanic membrane lesions. The most important symptom connected with ear is the loss of hearing. In this report, a 43-year-old male patient with unilateral tympanic membrane perforation, tinnitus, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss caused by thunderbolt strike is presented through a review of the literature.

Reattachment of a partially amputated ear without microsurgery.

Traumatic ear amputations are relatively rare. Whenever possible, ear re-implantation should be attempted; however the choice of the surgical procedure must be judicious. In the current report, a case of complete non-microsurgical salvage of a partially amputated ear treated by the pocket technique described by Mladick was presented. The surgical technique is described in detail by serial photographs, along with the postoperative management and outcome of the patients. The revascularisation of the severed part was successful. Morphological result was very good when the ear was freed from the pocket. We recommend the Mladick's procedure for reimplantation of fragments less than 1/2 of the auricle with favourable tissue condition.