Do trauma cue exposure and/or PTSD symptom severity intensify selective approach bias toward cannabis cues in regular cannabis users with trauma histories?

Trauma cue-elicited activation of automatic cannabis-related cognitive biases are theorized to contribute to comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and cannabis use disorder. This phenomenon can be studied experimentally by combining the trauma cue reactivity paradigm (CRP) with cannabis-related cognitive processing tasks. In this study, we used a computerized cannabis approach-avoidance task (AAT) to assess automatic cannabis (vs. neutral) approach bias following personalized trauma (vs. neutral) CRP exposure. We hypothesized that selective cannabis (vs. neutral) approach biases on the AAT would be larger among participants with higher PTSD symptom severity, particularly following trauma (vs. neutral) cue exposure. We used a within-subjects experimental design with a continuous between-subjects moderator (PTSD symptom severity). Participants were exposed to both a trauma and neutral CRP in random order, completing a cannabis AAT (cannabis vs. neutral stimuli) following each cue exposure. Current cannabis users with histories of psychological trauma (n = 50; 34% male; mean age = 37.8 years) described their most traumatic lifetime event, and a similarly-detailed neutral event, according to an established interview protocol that served as the CRP. As hypothesized, an AAT stimulus type x PTSD symptom severity interaction emerged (p = .042) with approach bias greater to cannabis than neutral stimuli for participants with higher (p = .006), but not lower (p = .36), PTSD symptom severity. Contrasting expectations, the stimulus type x PTSD symptoms effect was not intensified by trauma cue exposure (p = .19). Selective cannabis approach bias may be chronically activated in cannabis users with higher PTSD symptom severity and may serve as an automatic cognitive mechanism to help explain PTSD-CUD co-morbidity.

Expressions of MMP2, MMP9, and TIMP-1 in the inflammatory cells of nasal polyps: granulocytes, monocytes, and mast cells.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in nasal polyp (NP) pathogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In group 1 (n = 24), polyp specimens were obtained from maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, and nasal cavity. In group 2 without NP (control) (n = 11), inferior turbinate samples were taken. Inflammatory cell count and MMP2, MMP9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), positivity indexes (PIs) were evaluated. RESULTS: Granulocyte and mast cell-MMP2 and MMP9-PI were higher than the rate of monocyte-MMP2-PI and monocyte-MMP9-PI, respectively, in the ethmoid sinus, maxillary sinus, and nasal cavity. Mast Cell-TIMP1-PI was higher than the rates of granulocyte-TIMP1-PI and monocyte-TIMP1-PI in the maxillary sinus and was higher than the rate of monocyte-TIMP1-PI in the ethmoid sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive MMP2 and MMP9, compared to TIMP1, are present in granulocytes and mast cells, respectively. With matrix MMPs, the extracellular matrix is destroyed, leading inflammatory cells to pass through, causing polypoid degeneration.

Ruptured cystic teratoma associated with mucinous cystadenoma in a pregnant woman.

Mature cystic teratoma is the most common ovarian neoplasm. However, mucinous cystadenoma with teratoma has been very rarely reported in literature. This case report, which is very rare, describes a clinical entity not previously reported in literature. A 34-year-old pregnant woman presented in the 23rd gestational week with severe right lower quadrant pain. She was diagnosed with acute abdomen and was then treated surgically. During the surgical intervention, a spontaneously ruptured mass was detected in the right ovary. This was reported histopathologically as a mature cystic teratoma in collision with mucinous cystadenoma. To the best of our knowledge, this case report is the first to have identified a ruptured mature cystic teratoma in collision with mucinous cystadenoma in a pregnant woman.

Protective effects of udenafil citrate, piracetam and dexmedetomidine treatment on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of udenafil citrate (1.4 mg kg(-1) -2.8 mg kg(-1) ), dexmedetomidine 25 µg kg(-1) and piracetam 200 mg kg(-1) administered on ipsilateral/contralateral testes after ischaemia in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) and define its protective effect histologically. Fifty-six Wistar albino rats were included and randomly assigned into 6 groups. No intervention was performed in control group (Group 1, n = 8) and in torsion/detorsion group, (Group 2, n = 8). Udenafil 1.4 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 3, n = 10), udenafil 2.8 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 4, n = 10), piracetam 200 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 5, n = 10) and dexmedetomidine 25 µg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 6, n = 10) intraperitoneally after 60 mins of testicular torsion. Biochemical and histopathological testicular injury were evaluated. When the tissue was examined by TOS values, Group 3, Group 4 and Group 5 were significantly lower than Group 2. In contrary Group 6 values were significantly higher than Group 2. The increasing doses of udenafil demonstrated antioxidant properties on the testis tissue and histopathological that protects the testicles.

First multifocal bullous fixed drug eruption due to etodolac

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The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the pathogenesis of sinonasal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of sinonasal polyps has not been known completely. We investigated the role of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) in the pathogenesis of sinonasal polyps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study group (Groups 1-3) consisted of nasal polyp samples of patients with sinonasal polyps; and control group consisted of inferior turbinate samples of patients without nasal polyp. In Group 1: 14 specimens from ethmoid sinus; in Group 2: 10 specimens from nasal cavity; in Group 3: 10 specimens from maxillary sinus; and in Group 4 (Control): 9 specimens from inferior turbinate were included. By immunohistochemical staining technique, eNOS Positivity Index in mucosal layers; and in the inflammatory cells were assessed. RESULTS: eNOS Positivity Index was higher at apical layer of epithelium; and perivascular and glandular parts of subepithelial layer. As a rate of mononuclear cells increased, eNOS positivity increased at basal part of epithelium. In eNOS Positivity Index of mononuclear cells increased ones, eNOS values also increased at glands of subepithelial layer. In nasal cavity, eNOS positivity index of all cells was significantly higher than that of the control group. Increased eNOS all cells positivity index values were seen with decreased glandular and endothelial eNOS values. In all cells group, fibroblasts were seen beside the mononuclear cells. It was observed that eNOS was not expressed in PMNC (mainly neutrophils), growing more in acute inflammatory process; and was expressed in MNCs and all cells group with fibroblasts which were the cells of chronic inflammatory process. Especially MNCs and fibroblasts may play a role in the polyp formation process. In males and in patients with longer polyp duration, eNOS values decreased. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that eNOS Positivity Index was higher at apical layer of epithelium; and perivascular and glandular parts of subepithelial layer. eNOS plays role in vascular dilatation, increases in vascular permeability; increases in nasal secretion due to glandular secretion; and edema in subepithelial and deep layers of the mucosa by affecting glands. Irritant agents in the breathing air and environment may cause increase in eNOS values at apical part of epithelium and may promote polyp formation by vasodilatation and increased glandular secretion due to increased nitric oxide values. In elderly patients and in long standing polyps, eNOS values decreased causing more fibrotic polyps.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in sinonasal polyp pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the pathogenesis of sinonasal polyps. METHODS: Adult patients (21 men, 3 women) with nasal polyposis underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Nine adults without polyps (6 men) who underwent septoplasty and/or rhinoplasty served as controls. Polyp specimens came from three regions: the maxillary sinus (10), ethmoid sinus (14), and nasal cavity (10). Control group samples (9) came from the inferior turbinate. Specimens were evaluated in eight mucosal layers for count and distribution of inflammatory cells and iNOS expression. An iNOS positivity index (PI) was determined for the epithelium (E), subepithelial layer of the lamina propria (SE), and deep paraglandular layer of the mucosa (D). RESULTS: Polymorphonuclear cell (PMNC) % values of the ethmoid and maxillary sinus and overall ethmoid sinus PI were significantly higher in the polyp group. Patients with longer polyp duration, D-perivascular (D-pv), and a higher Brinkmann index had decreased ethmoid sinus D PIs. However, in older patients and patients with longer polyp duration, perivascular PIs increased in maxillary sinus SE and D, respectively. Furthermore, as PMNC % and iNOS-PMNC PI increased, SE_glandular and epithelial_apical iNOS values decreased. In the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, iNOS_D_. endothelial values increased but decreased in the nasal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: iNOS may play a role in sinonasal polyp pathogenesis, especially in mucosal SE and D layers. Increased vascular permeability, stromal edema, inflammatory cell migration into the stroma of the mucosa, and increased mucosal gland secretion may result in polyp formation.

Continence recovery time after radical prostatectomy: implication of prostatic apical tumor.

AIM: Despite the role of prostatic apex on post-radical prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) has been encountered, the impact of prostatic apex tumor on urinary recovery has been poorly adressed. We aimed to evaluate the effect of prostatic apex tumor on PPI. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2011, a total 36 consecutive patients who underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate adenocancer (PCa) were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of prostatic apical tumor. Urinary incontinence was assessed at regular intervals following RP using validated Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and 24-hour pad use based on patients' reports. Urinary continence was defined as wearing no pads. All patients' functional and oncological data were recorded. RESULTS: Overall urinary continence rate at one year was 90%. There was a statistical difference between two groups in terms of urinary recovery (P=0.024). The 1 week, 1 month, 3 month, 6 months and 1 year postoperative continence rates were 28%, 50%, 85%, 92.9% and 92.9%, respectively, in patients with apex infiltration (-) group, compared with 0%, 22.7%, 45.5%, 72.7% and 86.4%, respectively, in patients with infiltration (+) group. CONCLUSION: The results provided that infiltration of the prostatic apex could significantly affect urinary continence recovery time after RP and advanced pathologic stage could be a risk for PPI.

Clinical impact and biomaterial evaluation of autologous platelet gel in cardiac surgery.

We compared the clinical efficacy of autologous platelet gel (APG) and gelatine (CONT), including biomaterial evaluation. In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 64 patients undergoing complex coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and/or aortic surgery, in whom the surgeon was able to identify a bleeding site for which conventional means to stop bleeding were impractical or proved unsuccessful, were enrolled. Aortic punch biopsy from each patient was harvested in explant cell (EC) culture media. Hemostasis success for the "oozing" category was 89% in APG and 60% in CONT (p< 0.05). For the "heavy bleeding" category, the success rates were 92% in APG and 45% in CONT (p<0.01). Contact of gelatine inhibited EC proliferation and APG increased cell cycling and EC quantity. Phagocytic capacity (PC) was significantly higher in the APG group (p<0.001). APG was significantly better than CONT with respect to hemostatic success rate, effects on wound healing and increased resistance to infection (PC).

Myometrial involvement of tumor-like cystic endosalpingiosis: a rare entity.

Endosalpingiosis is characterized by the presence of benign glands lined by tubal-type epithelium involving the pelvic and lower abdominal peritoneum and pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes in women. Rarely, cystification can occur, resulting in a neoplasm-like mass associated with clinical manifestations, an intraoperative abnormality, or a striking finding on gross examination. Here we report the transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological appearance of an unusual case of cystic endosalpingiosis involving the right ovary and full thickness of the wall of the uterine fundus in a patient who presented with a 6-month history of menorrhagia and pelvic pain. Clinicians should be aware of this type of uterine benign manifestation so as to refrain from overtreatment.

A case of porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct naevus of late onset.

We describe the case of a 21-year-old man with an 8-year history of porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct naevus (PEODDN) of late onset. The patient had pruritic, keratotic papules on the dorsal surface of his left hand, bilaterally on his palms and multiple yellowish lesions on the plantar surface of his feet. On histopathological examination cornoid lamella-like parakeratotic columns above eccrine sweat ducts were observed. The acrosyringium was also dilated. The lesions were refractory to treatment with salicylic acid in petrolatum and acitretin for 2 months. This entity should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of linear keratotic cutaneous eruptions.

Prostatic urethral leukoplakia with prostatic abscess.

We present a case of prostatic abscess and coexistent leukoplakia of the urethra in a 51-year-old man. He had been suffering from diabetes mellitus for 10 years and following cessation of high fewer, transurethral electrovaporesection was performed.

Radiographic, CT, and MRI findings in primary pulmonary angiosarcoma.

We report a rare instance of primary pulmonary angiosarcoma presenting as a large solitary mass in the left upper lobe with mediastinal invasion. In particular, we emphasize the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, which included a markedly heterogeneous pattern consisting of hyperintense areas scattered throughout a background of intermediate signal intensity, rendering the lesion a cauliflower-like appearance especially on T2-weighted images. Being unreported so far in primary pulmonary angiosarcomas, these distinct MR imaging findings may be helpful in the differentiation of these neoplasms from lung cancers.