The protective role of curcumin against toxic effect of nonylphenol on bone development.

INTRODUCTION: In the study, it was aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of curcumin, a potent antioxidant, against the toxic effect of nonylphenol on bone development. METHODS: Thirty pregnant female Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into the following five groups; the control group, corn oil group (150 µl/kg/day), nonylphenol group (50 µl/kg/day), curcumin group (100 mg/kg/day) and curcumin + nonylphenol group (100 mg/kg/day + 50 µl/kg/day). The doses were given by gavage from the 5th day to the 20th day of gestation. The fetuses were removed out on the 20th day of pregnancy by cesarean at the end of the study. After the sacrifice of the animals, double skeletal staining in front extremity (clavicula, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna) and hind extremity (femur, tibia, fibula), additionally histological and immunohistochemical examinations in femur bone were performed. RESULTS: The nonylphenol group offspring have the lowest weights of fetuses and placenta, head-to-hip lengths, biparietal and occipitofrontal length, and also, bone length percentage and percentage of the ossification area in all measurements of the front extremity and hind extremity Interestingly, the groups treated with curcumin showed close to the control group in terms of double skeletal staining, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated an association between bone development and exposure to nonylphenol. The findings suggest that curcumin treatments may be effective in accelerating bone formation.

Production of activated carbon from Elaeagnus angustifolia seeds using H3PO4 activator and methylene blue and malachite green adsorption.

In this study, activated carbon was obtained from Elaeagnus angustifolia seeds and its usability in the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution was investigated. Activated carbon was synthesized by chemical activation method using H3PO4 as an activator. In the synthesis of the activated carbon, the effects of various parameters such as the rate of impregnation, duration of activation, temperature of activation and duration of activation were investigated. The characterization of the synthesized activated carbons was carried out by FTIR, SEM and BET analyses and the surface area of the produced activated carbon was determined to be 1,194 m2 g-1. The effects of solution initial pH, solution initial concentration and amount of activated carbon on MB and MG adsorption were investigated. The adsorption capacity was found to be higher when the pH of the solution was 8 for MB and 4 for MG. The adsorption kinetics of MB and MG were found to fit the Elovich kinetic model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model, respectively. Adsorption equilibrium data were found to be compatible with Langmuir isotherm for both dyes. According to the Langmuir isotherm, qmax adsorption capacity was found to be 72 mg/g and 115 mg/g for MB and MG, respectively. Novelty Activated carbon was obtained from Elaeagnus angustifolia seeds and its usability in the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution was investigated. A high surface area activated carbon was synthesized. The surface area of the produced activated carbon was determined to be 1,194 m2 g-1. According to the Langmuir isotherm, qmax adsorption capacity was found to be 72 mg/g and 115 mg/g for MB and MG, respectively. It has been determined that the adsorption capacity of synthesized activated carbon is high.

A case of Amyopathic Dermatomyositis associated with Interstitial Pulmonary Disease.

Inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with unknown etiology characterized by inflammation of the skeletal muscles and proximal muscle weakness. Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with characteristic cutaneous findings such as heliotrope rash, Gottron's sign, Gottron's papules, shawl sign and machinist hand. Amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) is a rare but well-recognized clinical subtype of DM, constituting aproximately 10-20% of patients with this disease. It generally manifests only pathognomonic skin findings without clinical and laboratory evidence of muscle involvement. In this report, we present a rare case of ADM associated with interstitial pulmonary disease.

Does the STOP-Bang, an obstructive sleep apnea screening tool, predict difficult intubation?

OBJECTIVE: A close relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and difficult intubation has been suggested. We hypothesized that the STOP-Bang questionnaire, a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can predict difficult intubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 200 adult surgical patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia were studied to evaluate the usefulness of the STOP-Bang questionnaire for predicting difficult intubation. STOP-Bang questionnaire results, Mallampati score and tonsil size, as well as demographic data, were recorded preoperatively. Cormack & Lehane grading and difficulty of intubation (Cormack & Lehane grade III or IV, need of an intubation aid, or need of three or more intubation attempts) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-three out of 200 patients had a high risk of OSA based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire. The occurrence of difficult intubation was higher in the patients at a high risk of OSA (i.e., a STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3) than in the patients at a low risk (13.3% vs. 2.6%) (p = 0.004). Higher age, greater weight, higher body mass index, greater neck circumference, male gender, presence of comorbidities, lower preoperative SpO2, longer extubation times, higher Mallampati score, higher Cormack & Lehane grading, tonsil size and difficult intubation were significantly correlated with a high risk of OSA (p < 0.001). Fourteen out of 200 patients had difficulty in intubation. A STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 was seen more frequently in the difficult intubation patients (78.6% vs. 38.7%) (p = 0.009). Greater weight, greater neck circumference, greater Mallampati score, a STOP-Bang score ≥ 3 and male gender were significantly correlated with difficult intubation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 was a predictor for difficult intubation.

Comment on Kesici and Sahin (2009): measurement of negative consequences of Internet use.

In an ongoing discussion regarding use of the concept of Internet addiction, it does not seem reasonable to use the concept in studies which are conducted in nonclinical settings and describe negative situations experienced by the general population during Internet use. It may be more appropriate to discuss problematic Internet use. Dimensional rather than categorical measures would be more appropriate than Young's diagnostic criteria alone to specify whether Internet use is within a healthy range.

A giant scrotal cavernous hemangioma extending to the penis and perineum: a case report.

Cavernous hemangioma is a congenital, benign vascular tumor that occurs in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Scrotal hemangiomas are rare entities and are usually diagnosed in childhood. Adult scrotal hemangiomas are also extremely rare. They are infrequently encountered in adults because they are usually removed in childhood. Urologists often face difficulties in deciding surgery to treat a genital cavernous hemangioma. Here, we report a case of scrotal cavernous hemangioma that involved the entire penis and scrotum, and extended to the perineum in a 44-year-old man, and we review the literature.

Is there any relationship between serum and urine neopterin and serum interferon-gamma levels in the activity of Behcet's disease?

BACKGROUND: Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem vasculitic disorder. There is no reliable laboratory marker that indicates disease activity. Neopterin is an immunological marker of cellular immune activation, which is secreted by monocytes/macrophages as a result of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion by activated T lymphocytes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate serum and urine neopterin levels in BD patients. METHODS: Forty-five patients who were diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Study Group for BD and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was considered by clinical findings. Serum and urine neopterin levels and serum IFN-gamma levels were measured. RESULTS: The mean values of serum and urine neopterin levels were 12.68 +/- 4.87 nmol/L and 167.53 +/- 148.73 micromol/mol creatinine, respectively, in BD patients (P = 0.000 and P = 0.008, respectively), which were statistically significantly different from the control group. However, there was no significant statistical difference between serum and urine neopterin levels of the clinically active and inactive patients. It was also found that the mean value of serum IFN-gamma levels was higher in healthy controls than in BD patients (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that serum and urinary neopterin measurement can not be used as a reliable laboratory marker as the BD patients' serum and urinary neopterin levels do not increase in the active stage even though these levels increase when compared to healthy controls.

Traumatic lingual ulcer in a child: Riga-Fede disease.

Riga-Fede disease RFD is an extremely rare, benign inflammatory disorder characterized by reactive, traumatic ulceration of the oral mucosa especially located on the tongue. It is most commonly associated with natal or neonatal teeth in newborns. Mucosal lesions are often caused by repetitive traumatic damage due to backward and forward motions of the tongue over the lower incisors. Failure to diagnose and treat these lesions properly may result in inadequate food intake, growth retardation and permanent lingual deformity. We report a 15-month-old healthy infant with tongue ulcer diagnosed as RFD based on history and clinical features.

Loneliness, depression, and computer self-efficacy as predictors of problematic internet use.

This study investigated whether university students' levels of loneliness, depression, and computer self-efficacy were significant predictors of their problematic Internet use levels. The study was carried out with 559 Turkish university students. The research data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that loneliness, depression, and computer self-efficacy were significant predictors of problematic Internet use. Loneliness was found as the most important predictive variable. Depression predicted problematic Internet use on the second rank, and computer self-efficacy on the third rank.

Predictors of problematic Internet use on Turkish university students.

The current study set out to examine the relationships between the levels of problematic Internet use and gender, having any addiction problems, the level of psychological symptoms, and some online experiences related to the Internet use of university students. Data was gathered from 437 university students. The results indicated that factors such as gender, level of psychological symptoms, connecting to the Internet most often at night, and using the Internet primarily to communicate with their relatives and friends and to have a good time predicted significantly the level of the problematic Internet use of the students. Moreover, the predictors differentiated in terms of the domains of the problematic Internet use.

Earthquake survivors' quality of life and academic achievement six years after the earthquakes in Marmara, Turkey.

This study investigates the quality of life (QOL) and academic achievement of earthquake survivors six years after the earthquakes in Marmara, Turkey. Data were collected from 407 Turkish university students. Of these, 201 were earthquake survivors and 206 had not been exposed to an earthquake. The Turkish adaptation of the brief version of the World Health Organisation's QOL instrument (WHOQOL-BREF, TR) was used to measure QOL. The results reveal that the earthquake survivors' psychological and environmental domains of QOL and academic achievement were significantly lower than those of individuals not exposed to an earthquake. The results also highlight the risk factors that affect the QOL of the earthquake survivors significantly. These are their gender, their age at the time of earthquake and the continued existence of financial difficulties linked to the earthquakes.

Effects of exposure to new inhalational anesthetics on spermatogenesis and sperm morphology in rabbits.

The effects of chronic exposure to new inhalation anesthetics (sevoflurane and isoflurane) on spermatogenesis and sperm morphology were examined in 23 rabbits, randomly divided in 3 groups. Rabbits received 20 exposure hours (four hours/day x 5 days), as follows: group I: 2.3% (1.2 MAC) sevoflurane + 2L/min oxygen, group II: 1.3% (1.2 MAC) isoflurane + 2L/min oxygen, and group III (control): 2L/min oxygen. Semen was collected on the 12th, 19th, 26th, 33rd, and 41st days of exposure. Sperm concentration, motility and morphological changes were evaluated. On the 41st day, testicular biopsies were taken and observed with light microscopy. Sperm concentration and motility significantly decreased in the sevoflurane and the isoflurane groups, compared to control. There were no significant changes in the control group. It is concluded that chronic exposure to the new inhalational anesthetics had negative effects on spermatogenesis and sperm morphology.

Is metoclopramide an alternative to tramadol in management of post-operative pain? An experimental study.

In this study, metoclopramide was compared with other pharmacological agents for preventing post-operative pain. Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats, weighing 310-345 g were included in the study; 1 cm surgical incision, including skin, facia, and muscle was made to the plantar surface of rear foot of all anaesthetized rats. Rats were randomized into four groups. In group 1 (group S) 2 cm3 saline, in group 2 (group M) 2 cm3 metoclopramide (5 mg/kg) in group 3 (group T) 2 cm3 tramadol (45 mg/kg), in group 4 (group M+T) half doses of group M and group T was given intraperitoneally. Post-operative pain was assessed after 2 h, first and second days of incision. Post-operative pain scores were found to be significantly lower in group M, group T and group M+T when compared with the control group. But there was no significant difference between these groups. We concluded that metoclopramide, with low cost, fewer side-effects and being significantly effective for preventing post-operative pain, can be an alternative to tramadol.

Effects of sodium benzoate on the complications of 1.5% glycine solution using two different intravesical pressures during bladder irrigation.

BACKGROUND: In this experimental study we researched the effects of sodium benzoate on the complications of 1.5% glycine solution using with two different intravesical pressures during bladder irrigation. METHODS: Thirty-six male adult New Zealand rabbits with body weight ranging from 1500 to 2800 g were used in the experiments. The rabbits were randomly allocated to four groups. In groups 1 and 2, 500 ml of 1.5% gylcine was used as irrigating fluid during 30 min, but only group 2 received 500 mg kg(-1) of sodium benzoate treatment by oral route immediately after irrigation. In groups 3 and 4, 500 ml of 1.5% glycine was used as irrigating fluid during 60 min, but only group 4 received the same treatment as group 2. Ammonia, urea, sodium, potassium, hemoglobin, hemotocrit and platelet levels were studied at preirrigation and postirrigation on the 4 h and 24 h. Also electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were monitored at the same time with blood parameters. RESULTS: At 4 h postirrigation, Na+ levels were decreased significantly in group 1 and non-significantly in group 3 when compared with preirrigation levels. But these levels were not changed in groups 2 and 4. Both at 4 h and 24 h, ammonia and urea levels were significantly increased in groups 1 and 3. Ammonia level was decreased but the urea level was not changed in groups 2 and 4 at the same time points. K+ level was significantly changed only in group 1 at 4 h and 24 h. Hemoglobin and hemotocrit concentrations were decreased both at 4 h and 24 h compared with preirrigation levels in all groups. Also there were ECG changes between the treated and untreated groups. CONCLUSION: Sodium benzoate was very effective against the complications of 1.5% glycine during bladder irrigation experimentally. But this needs further investigation, especially for the applicability of this new treatment model in human TURP syndrome.

Itraconazole in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a new treatment modality.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high rate of recurrence, seborrheic dermatitis (SD) represents a therapeutic problem. AIM: To evaluate the role of oral itraconazole in the treatment of SD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with SD were enrolled in the study. All topical and oral treatments were stopped. The patients applied 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 1 month. In addition, they took itraconazole, 200 mg/day, during the first week of the first month and then hydrocortisone cream was stopped and itraconazole (200 mg/day) was given on the first 2 days of the following 11 months. The patients were followed for 2 months without medicine. The severity score was measured at the initial evaluation, and at the first, 12th, and 14th months. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients completed the study. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean severity score at the first, 12th, and 14th months. On the final evaluation at the 12th month, 19 of the 28 patients showed a complete improvement, and three patients showed a slight improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that itraconazole plays an important role in the treatment of SD.

C2/C3 nerve blocks and greater occipital nerve block in cervicogenic headache treatment.

In the diagnosis of cervicogenic headache, greater occipital nerve (GON), cervical nerve, minor occipital nerve, and cervical facet joint blocks are used. In our study we compared the GON and C2/C3 nerve blocks in the diagnosis and treatment of cervicogenic headache. In both cases, repeated blocks proved to have a long-lasting effect in the treatment of this disorder, with both GON and C2/C3 blocks being found to be equally effective.

Anaesthesia for Proteus syndrome.

A 4-month-old boy with Proteus syndrome underwent a successful operation for a left abdominal mass due to hydroureter and hydronephrosis with left ureterovesical stenosis. The operation lasted 4.5 h under general anaesthesia; there were no anaesthetic complications. There is only one previous report on anaesthesia in a patient with Proteus syndrome.

Anaesthesia for Sturge-Weber syndrome.

A 6-month-old boy with Sturge-Weber syndrome was scheduled for congenital glaucoma and left buphthalmus surgery. Physical examination revealed haemangioma throughout the right trigeminal nerve, congenital glaucoma, left megalocornea and bilateral buphthalmus. Examination of the eye was performed under general anaesthesia, was followed 2 days later by trabeculotomy. No premedication was given to the patient. After induction of anaesthesia with halothane, O2 and N2O muscle relaxation was achieved with atracurium and he was intubated gently. No difference was observed in vital signs during surgery. At the end of the operation he was given oxygen 100% and extubated, muscle relaxant reversal was with atropine and neostigmine. No complication was observed in the post-operative period.

The effect of different anaesthetic agents in hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia.

The cause of hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia is unknown. Up until now, the only factor studied has been the effect of the diameter of the spinal needle on post-operative sensorineural hearing loss. The aim of this study was to describe this hearing loss and to investigate other factors influencing the degree of hearing loss. Two groups of 22 similar patients were studied: one group received 6 mL prilocaine 2%; and the other received 3 mL bupivacaine 0.5%. Patients given prilocaine were more likely to develop hearing loss (10 out of 22) than those given bupivacaine (4 out of 22) (P < 0.05). The average hearing loss for speech frequencies was about 10 dB after prilocaine and 15 dB after bupivacaine. None of the patients complained of subjective hearing loss. Long-term follow-up of the patients was not possible.