Investigation of the Efficacy of Bilateral Osteoligamentous Decompression via Hemilaminectomy in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical stability may deteriorate and kyphotic spinal deformities may develop in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) after laminectomy or laminoplasty. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the "bilateral osteoligamentous decompression via unilateral hemilaminectomy approach (UHBOLD)" technique in CSM patients. METHODS: The study included 34 adult patients who underwent UHBOLD surgery for CSM between 2016 and 2022. A record was made for all patients of age, gender, number of operated levels, preoperative and postoperative long-term follow-up VAS scores, Nurick grade values and mJOA scores, kyphosis angles measured on X-ray, and spinal canal areas measured on T2-weighted MR axial images. RESULTS: Preoperative VAS scores of the patients were 6 (4-9), Nurick grade values were 3 (2-5), mJOA scores were 10.50 ± 3.42, kyphosis angles were -13.34 ± 13.69° and spinal canal areas were 87.11 ± 28.30 mm2. In postoperative long-term follow-up of these patients, VAS scores were 2 (1-5), Nurick grade values were 1 (0-5), mJOA scores were 13.94 ± 3.09, kyphosis angles were -15.07 ± 12.78° and spinal canal areas were 149.65 ± 42.57 mm2. A statistically significant difference was determined between the preoperative and the postoperative long-term follow-up VAS scores, Nurick grade values, mJOA scores, and spinal canal areas (P < 0.001). Kyphosis angles were not different (P = 0.198), and no instability was observed in any patient in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The UHBOLD technique performed in multilevel CSM patients did not cause any change in cervical lordosis angle in long-term follow-up, did not cause cervical kyphotic deformity or cervical instability, and significantly improved Nurick grade values, and VAS and mJOA scores.

Analysis of radiological measurement parameters that can predict the type of treatment to be applied in odontoid fractures: Clinical research.

Introduction: Although various conservative and surgical treatment methods have been proposed, treatment options for patients with odontoid fractures remain controversial. This study was conducted to determine some demographic and radiological measurement parameters that can predict treatment options in patients with odontoid fractures. Materials and Methods: The patients were separated into the surgery (-) group (n = 9) and the surgery (+) group (n = 10). Patient data were recorded of age, gender, type of odontoid fracture, morphological measurement results obtained from computed tomography images, treatment regimens, duration of stay in the hospital, and mortality rate. In the operating room, a halo-vest corset or Philadelphia-type cervical collar was applied to the surgery (-) patients after the reduction of the fracture under fluoroscopy. Anterior odontoid lag screw fixation was performed on surgery (+) patients. Results: The amount of displacement of the fractured odontoid, the distance between the C1 vertebra and the odontoid process, the angle between the posterior wall of the odontoid process and the posterior wall of the clivus, the slip angle, and the anterior to posterior width of the spinal canal were not different between the groups. No difference was determined between the groups in respect of the amount of lateral displacement of the odontoid process in the spinal canal in the axial plane and the angle of the fractured odontoid process with the C2 vertebral body. Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that the demographic data and radiological measurement parameters analyzed in the present study could not be used as predictive markers either in decision-making for treatment modality or mortality risk.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of oxytocin and enalapril in the prevention of epidural fibrosis developed after laminectomy in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Except for methylprednisolone, there is no current low-cost and low-side-effect drug/barrier method to prevent epidural fibrosis after spine surgery. However, the use of methylprednisolone has led to substantial controversy because of its serious side effects on wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of enalapril and oxytocin on preventing the development of epidural fibrosis in a rat laminectomy model. MATERIALS: Under sedation anesthesia, T9, T10, and T11 laminectomy was performed on 24 Wistar Albino male rats. The animals were then separated into four groups; Sham group (only laminectomy was performed; n = 6), MP group (laminectomy was performed and 10 mg/kg/day methylprednisolone was administered intraperitoneally (ip) for 14 days; n = 6), ELP group (laminectomy was performed and 0.75 mg/kg/day enalapril was administered ip for 14 days; n = 6), OXT group (laminectomy was performed and 160 µg/kg/day oxytocin was administered ip for 14 days; n = 6). Four weeks after the laminectomy, all the rats were euthanised, and the spines were removed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. RESULTS: Histopathological examinations revealed that the degree of epidural fibrosis (X2=14.316, p = 0.003), collagen density (X2=16.050, p = 0.001), and fibroblast density (X2=17.500, p = 0.001) was higher in the Sham group and lower in the MP, ELP, and OXT groups. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that collagen type 1 immunoreactivity was higher in the Sham group and lower in the MP, ELP, and OXT groups (F = 54.950, p < 0.001). The highest level of α-smooth muscle actin immunoreactivity was seen in the Sham and OXT groups, and the lowest was in the MP and ELP groups (F = 33.357, p < 0.001). Biochemical analysis revealed that tissue levels of TNF-α, TGF-ß, IL-6, CTGF, caspase-3, p-AMPK, pmTOR, and mTOR/pmTOR were higher in the Sham group and lower in MP, ELP, and OXT groups (p < 0.05). The GSH/GSSG levels were lower in the Sham group and higher in the other three groups (X2=21.600, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that enalapril and oxytocin, which are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy-related regenerative properties, could reduce the development of epidural fibrosis after laminectomy in rats.

Investigation of therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate in cerebral hypoxia/ reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral stroke is a serious clinical condition in which oxidative stress, inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy play important roles in its pathogenesis. This study investigated the neuroprotective and healing effects of calcium dobesilate (CD) on cerebral hypoxia/reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar albino male rats, each weighing 300-350 g, were separated into the Control group (no surgery and no pharmacological agent was administered); Sham-A group (only surgery was performed); DBL-A group (surgery was performed and CD 100 mg/kg/day was administered intraperitoneally for 3 days); Sham-C group (only surgery was performed); and DBL-C group (surgery was performed and 100 mg/kg/day CD was administered intraperitoneally for 10 days). Under sedation anesthesia, the bilateral common carotid arteries of all rats except the Control group were clipped for 30 min. After 4 h, the CD was given to the relevant groups, and then, all subjects were euthanized at scheduled times. The brain of each animal was removed for histopathological (hematoxylin and eosin staining), immunohistochemical (beclin-1, anti-MHC class II and anti-CD-68 staining), and biochemical (TNF, IL-1ß, IL-6, caspase-3, GSH/GSSG, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, LC3II/LC3I, and beclin-1 levels) evaluations. RESULTS: It was observed that CD could reduce necrosis and mitigate polarization of microglia to the M1 phenotype, autophagy, free oxygen radicals, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, IL-1ß, IL6, TNF, caspase-3, beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I levels in acute and chronic periods of hypoxia/reperfusion injury. CONCLUSION: From these results, it was observed that CD treatment could reduce neuronal necrosis and create anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic effects in hypoxia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Predictive Markers in Decision-Making for Screwing the Fractured Thoracolumbar Vertebra in the Short-Segment Instrumentation.

Introduction: In this study, it is aimed to compare the long-term results of patients with short-segment instrumentation where screws were inserted into the fractured vertebra with those of patients with long-segment instrumentation applied by skipping the fractured vertebra and reveal the predictive markers in decision-making for screwing fractured vertebra. Methods: Patients were separated into two groups, namely, Group A (patients in which the fractured vertebra and vertebrae above and below the fractured vertebra were screwed (short-segment instrumentation, n=22) and Group B (patients in whom the fractured vertebra was not screwed, whereas two vertebrae above and below the fractured vertebra were screwed (long-segment instrumentation, n=27). Results: The presence of pedicle fracture, AOSpine Classification Scale score, the height of the fractured vertebra, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, spinal canal diameter, and duration of stay in hospital were different between the groups, preoperatively (p<0.05). Fractured vertebra height, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, and Karnofsky Performance Scale score were different between the groups in long-term follow-up (p<0.05). The preoperative measurement values were similar to each group's postoperative long-term follow-up results. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of pedicle fracture, AOSpine Classification Scale score, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, and spinal canal diameter could be the best parameters in decision-making for screwing fractured vertebra (p<0.05). Conclusions: Both instrumentation procedures were observed to have similar effectiveness in preventing a collapse in fractured vertebra during long-term follow-up. It was thought that the AOSpine Classification Scale score, presence of pedicle fracture, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, and spinal canal diameter could be used as predictive markers in decision-making for screwing fractured vertebrae. Consequently, it was concluded that patients with pedicle fractures, more height loss in the vertebra below the fractured vertebra, and narrow spinal canal would not be suitable for screwing the fractured vertebra.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate in sciatic nerve crush injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Proinflammatory cytokines released from nerve endings and surrounding injured tissue after nerve damage can prolong the inflammation process, delay nerve healing or result in poor quality nerve healing. In this case, due to the loss of function in the muscles innervated by the damaged nerve, the patient may have neurological and functional difficulties which may reduce the patient's quality of life and create an economic burden. Although the attempts of many pharmacological agents to heal crush injury of peripheral nerves have been recorded in literature, a drug that can provide adequate recovery of the crushed nerve and can be applied in daily life has not been defined as yet. This study aimed to assess the effects of calcium dobesilate on sciatic nerve crush injury in a rat model. METHODS: A total of 26 male Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups as follows: CONTROL group (healthy subjects, n=6); SHAM group (crush injury was created, n=6); MP group (after created crush injury, methylprednisolone was administered, n=7); and CAD group (after created crush injury, calcium dobesilate was administered, n=7). A crush injury was created, then the electrophysiological findings and sciatic nerve functional index (SFI) were recorded before euthanasia. After the euthanasia of all the rats, samples of the crushed nerve and gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. RESULTS: Both pharmacological agents were histopathologically effective in axon regeneration and repair. Calcium dobesilate did not preserve total muscle mass but was seen to prevent atrophy microscopically. Immunohistochemistry and biochemistry results showed that calcium dobesilate and methylprednisolone had anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic activity in the crushed sciatic nerve. Neither calcium dobesilate nor methylprednisolone improved the nerve conductance level. SFI values obtained on day 30 from the CAD group were numerically closer to the values of the healthy animals but not at a statistically significant level. CONCLUSION: The study results demonstrated that calcium dobesilate could suppress inflammatory processes and provide histopathological and functional improvements in the injured nerve in rats. Therefore, further clinical studies are recommended to investigate in detail the therapeutic effects of calcium dobesilate on peripheral nerve crush injury.

Possible predictive clinical and radiological markers in decision making for surgical intervention in patients with Chiari Malformation type 1.

BACKGROUND: The first aim of this study was to compare the clinical data and posterior fossa morphometry obtained during the admission to the hospital between control group individuals (who had not Chiari Malformation (CM) type 1) and CM type 1 patients treated surgically or not. The second aim was to create a valid and reliable scale that can predict the decision-making for surgical intervention simply and easily in these patients. MATERIALS: Medical data and radiological images of 70 CM type 1 patients during their admission to the hospital were compared with the data of 69 control group individuals. RESULTS: Conservative treatment and/or follow-up was applied to 58 (82.9%) patients, and 12 (17.1%) patients underwent surgery. ROC analysis showed that the presence of myelopathy, tonsillar herniation >8 mm, Chamberlain line >84 mm, McRae line >44.50 mm, and odontoid process-McRae line angle <10.50 degrees could be used as predictive markers in decision-making for surgical intervention (p < 0.05). Logistic Regression analysis revealed that symptoms severity, and McRae line value would be the 'best parameters' in decision-making for surgical intervention (p < 0.05). A scale named the CHIASURG scale developed using this study's parameters showed that the parameters of 'depth of tonsillar herniation', 'Chamberlain line', and 'McRae line' could predict the surgical intervention risk. CONCLUSION: It was found that symptoms severity and McRae line value could be used as predictive markers in decision-making for surgical intervention. Additionally, it was concluded that a new scale called CHIASURG could predict surgical intervention risk validly and reliably.

Can Routine Blood Biochemistry Parameters be Predictive Prognostic Marker(s) in Operated Patients with Meningioma WHO Grade 1?

Background Today, there is a need for new and independent additional advanced markers that can predict the prognosis of meningioma patients, postoperatively. The present study aimed to find out postoperative short-term prognostic markers in patients with meningioma using their demographic data and routine blood biochemistry findings evaluated preoperatively. Methods The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores of the patients were recorded. Additionally, preoperatively obtained serum glucose, Creactive protein (CRP), sodium, potassium, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, and hemoglobin level values, platelet, leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, andmonocyte count results, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, plateletlymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) values were evaluated. Results In the present study, 23 operated patients with meningioma World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 (17 females, 6 males) were included. Correlation test results revealed that the GCS score, platelet count, and serum potassium level values could directly predict the short-term prognosis of these patients. Additionally, these test results suggested that the lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil count values, PLR, LMR, ESR, serum glucose, CRP, and AST level values could be indirect markers in predicting the short-term prognosis. However, likelihood ratio test results revealed that only monocyte count value, LMR value, and serum CRP level value could be the markers for prediction of the short-term prognosis. Conclusion At the end of the present study, it was concluded that the monocyte count value, LMR value, and serum CRP level value could be the best markers in predicting the short-term prognosis of the operated meningioma patients.

Using of the Synthetic Dural Graft as Described in Bogota Bag Technique to Decrease the Adhesions in Decompressive Craniectomy.

AIM: To create an alternative synthetic dural graft using a parenteral solution bag made of polyvinyl chloride/polypropylene (PVC/ PP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two albino rats were divided into the Sham, DC and BAG groups. Except for the Sham group animals, the right parietal bone of the rats was totally drilled in a diameter of 1.0 x 0.5 mm. Then, the PVC/PP BAG was layered over the craniectomized bone of the BAG group animals. Thirty days later, all animals were sacrificed, and inflammatory processes consisting of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, inflammation, edema, hyperemia, lymphocytosis, histiocytosis, vascular proliferation, and fibrosis were graded at the craniectomy site. RESULTS: The grade values of inflammation, edema, histiocytosis, and fibrosis were found different among the groups (p < 0.017). It was observed that placing a synthetic graft to the surgical site undergoing craniectomy could prevent fibrotic adhesions that might occur between the brain tissue and scalp in the chronic period. Furthermore, it was considered that this synthetic material did not increase inflammatory processes secondary to surgery at the surgical site and did not produce a foreign body reaction, toxicity, or infection. CONCLUSION: As a result of this study, it was argued that the synthetic material used in this study could be compatible with dermal and neural tissues and reduce adhesions at the craniectomy field. Therefore, it was considered that this material could be used as an alternative synthetic dural graft in decompressive craniectomy in human subjects after detailed toxicity studies.

Predictive diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers obtained from routine blood biochemistry in patients with solitary intracranial tumor.

BACKGROUND: Radiological and/or laboratory tests may be sometimes inadequate distinguishing glioblastoma from metastatic brain tumors. The aim of this study was to find possible predictive biomarkers produced from routine blood biochemistry analysis results evaluated preoperatively in each patient with solitary brain tumor in distinguishing glioblastoma from metastatic brain tumors as well as revealing short-term prognosis. METHODS: Patients admitted to neurosurgery clinic between January 2015 and September 2018 were included in this study and they were divided into GLIOMA (n=12) and METASTASIS (n=17) groups. Patients' data consisted of age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, duration of stay in hospital, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores and histopathological examination reports, hemoglobin level, leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil and platelet count results, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio values, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were evaluated preoperatively. RESULTS: The CRP levels of METASTASIS group (143.10 mg/L) were higher than those of GLIOMA group (23.90 mg/L); and it was 82% sensitive and 75% specific in distinguishing metastatic brain tumor from glioblastoma if CRP value was >55.00 mg/L. A positive correlation was determined between GOS score and hemoglobin level and between ESR and CRP values. However, GOS scores were negatively correlated with the ESR level and duration of stay in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Study results demonstrated that CRP values could be predictive biomarker in distinguishing metastatic brain tumor from glioblastoma. In addition, ESR, CRP, hemoglobin levels and duration of stay in hospital could be prognostic biomarkers in predicting short-term prognosis of patients with solitary brain tumor.

In spontaneous intracerebral hematoma patients, prediction of the hematoma expansion risk and mortality risk using radiological and clinical markers and a newly developed scale.

Objective: In patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (ICH), early-stage hematoma expansion has been associated with poor prognosis in literature. This study aimed to develop predictive parameter(s) as well as a new scale to define hematoma expansion and short-term prognosis in patients with ICH.Methods: In 46 patients with ICH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, non-contrast CT (NCCT) markers (hematoma volume on admission and follow-up, hypodensity, intraventricular hemorrhage, blend and island sign, BAT score), and modified Rankin Scale scores were evaluated for predicting the hematoma expansion risk and mortality risk. Furthermore, a newly developed scale called the 'HEMRICH scale' was constituted using the GCS score, hematoma volumes, and some NCCT markers.Results: Roc-Curve and Logistic Regression test results revealed that GCS score, initial hematoma volume value, hypodensity, intraventricular haemorrhage, BAT score, and HEMRICH scale score could be the best markers in predicting hematoma expansion risk whereas GCS score, intraventricular haemorrhage, BAT score, hematoma expansion, and HEMRICH scale score could be the best markers in predicting mortality risk (p = 0.01). Moreover, Factor analysis and Reliability test results showed that HEMRICH scale score could predict both hematoma expansion and mortality risks validly (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test value = 0.729) and reliably (Cronbach's alpha = 0.564).Conclusion: It was concluded that the GCS score, intraventricular haemorrhage, and BAT score could predict both hematoma expansion risk and mortality risk in the early stage in patients with ICH. Furthermore, it was suggested that the newly produced HEMRICH scale could be a valid and reliable scale for predicting both hematoma expansion and mortality risk.

The Healing Effects of Thymoquinone and Dexpanthenol in Sciatic Nerve Compression Injury in Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Functional healing of peripheral nerve injuries is still difficult. In this study, potential healing effects of thymoquinone and dexpanthenol in sciatic nerve compression injury (SCI) were investigated. Method: Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats which were applied compression injury to their sciatic nerves were randomly separated into four groups as following: "control" group contained six rats administered no pharmacological agent; "TMK" group consisted of six rats administered 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal thymoquinone once a day for one week; "DXP" group contained six rats administered 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal dexpanthenol once a day for one week; and "TMK-DXP" group consisted of six rats administered separately 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal thymoquinone and 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal dexpenthanol once a day for one week. Four weeks later from SCI, sciatic nerve function index (SFI) was applied before sacrifice of all rats, and then their crushed sciatic nerves were histopathologically examined, in terms of "Schwann cell count", "axon and myelin degeneration", "axon shape/size differences", "fibrosis", and "neovascularisation". Results: "Schwann cell count" (p = 0.011), "axon and myelin degeneration" (p = 0.001), "axon shape/size differences" (p = 0.011), and "fibrosis and neovascularisation" (p = 0.026) scores were different between the control and TMK-DXP groups. SFI scores were different between the control and TMK groups (p = 0.002), between the control and TMK-DXP groups (p < 0.001), and between the DXP and TMK-DXP groups (p = 0.029). Conclusions: This study results revealed that these pharmacological agents used alone had no histopathological healing effect in rats with SCI, but thymoquinone could improve walking function. However, thymoquinone and dexpanthenol used together had a significant histopathological and functional healing effect.

Effects of Nimodipine and Nigella sativa on Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Serum and Brain Tissue of Rats with Experimental Head Trauma.

AIM: To investigate whether Nimodipine (N) and Nigella sativa (NS) oil have protective, antioxidant effects in brain injury caused by experimental head trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups that underwent experimental head trauma. Oxidative parameters were compared in the serum and brain tissue of the different groups. In addition, apoptosis and caspase-3 immunoreactivity were evaluated by histopathological examination. RESULTS: Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were significantly increased in N and N+NS groups when compared with controls (p=0.001, p < 0.01). Tissue TAS levels were significantly higher in the NS and N+NS groups compared to controls (p=0.001, p < 0.01). Total oxidant status levels in the brain tissue were significantly higher in the NS group than in the control group (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: N and NS were shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress in secondary brain injury due to head trauma. We also found that apoptosis levels decreased in response to N, NS and N+NS treatments after head trauma.

Research on the Effects of Levetiracetam in Spinal Cord Injury Model in Rats: An Experimental Study.

Purpose: Despite advances in spinal biomechanic research, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation processes, no significant improvement has been identified in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurological recovery. Aim of the Study: This study was designed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of methylprednisolone and levetiracetam on SCI. Materials and Methods: In this study, 42 male Wistar Albino rats, each weighing 300-350 g, were separated into three main groups: control group, acute and subacute stage groups. With the exception of the control group, a T7-8 dorsal laminectomy was performed on the spinal column of the rats. A temporary vascular aneurysm clip was then applied to the spinal cord for 1 min to create SCI and methylprednisolone or levetiracetam was administered intraperitoneally to all except the control and SHAM control groups. The damaged spinal cord was removed for histopathological and biochemical examinations. Results: Both pharmacological agents were determined to have improved the histopathological architecture in damaged neural tissues during the acute period of SCI, but could not sustain this activity in the subacute period. Neither pharmacological agent affected the biochemical data in the acute nor subacute stages. Conclusions: Both pharmacological agents showed histopathological healing effects in injured tissues during the acute phase of SCI in this rat model but these effects could not be sustained in the subacute period. No effect on biochemical data was seen in either the acute or subacute period. There is a need for further advanced studies to determine the effects of levetiracetam on the healing processes in SCI.

The Effects of Microdecompression on Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Spinal Stenosis with or without Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

AIM: To investigate the mid-term efficacy of bilateral decompression with a unilateral approach (BDUA) on symptoms and quality of life of in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), with low grade (with percentage slip < 25%) degenerative spondylolisthesis or without spondylolisthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients who underwent BDUA due to one or two-level LSS related to degenerative spondylosis and/ or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Pre- and postoperative data of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and walking distance were compared. RESULTS: Evaluation was made up of a total of 53 patients, comprising 32 males and 21 females with a mean age of 60.6 ± 9.0 years. Compared with the preoperative data, VAS, ODI and walking distance improved significantly in all patients at the 3-year follow-up examination. Furthermore, a significant improvement was determined in the clinical parameters of patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, with no worsening of slip and no requirement for instrumentation. Moreover, when patients were separated into two groups according to age, as elderly ( > 60 years) and adult ( < 60 years), similar improvements were seen in both groups. CONCLUSION: BDUA could be quite effective in reducing pain, improving quality of life and walking distance with no worsening of the grade or degree of slipping.

Effectiveness of the Biophysical Barriers to the Peridural Fibrosis in Rat Laminectomy Model.

Purpose: Peridural fibrosis which could occur after the spinal surgery could adhere neural tissue closely and may cause to neural entrapment symptoms and require surgical reintervention. Aim of the study: Present study was designed to reduce occurrence of peridural fibrosis in rat laminectomy model by using biophysical barriers called hyaluronic acid (HAS) dural barrier, activated polyethylene glycol and polyethylene imine (PEG) dural barrier, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Materials and methods: In this study, 2 of 26 male Wistar albino rats (325-350 g body weight), which were not included into study groups were sacrificed by removing their total blood and their blood was used for preparation of PRP, and remaining rats were randomly delivered into four groups called SHAM, HAS, PEG, and PRP groups. Then L3-4-5 laminectomy was performed to all animals and experimental agents were administered to the selected groups mentioned above. Spinal colons of all animals were removed gross total after 6-week period and investigated histopathologically. Additionally, real-time-polymerase chain reaction was used to obtain collagen type I and type III, transforming growth factor-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expressions. Results: All results demonstrated that polyethylene glycol and polyethylene imine dural barrier and PRP could decrease peridural fibrosis formation efficiently in rat. Conclusion: Present study results suggested that to reduce or block formation of peridural fibrosis, either polyethylene glycol and polyethylene imine dural barrier or PRP could be used effectively in human subjects after they will be closely investigated in future studies.

The Investigation of the Cox-2 Selective Inhibitor Parecoxib Effects in Spinal Cord Injury in Rat.

Aim: Today, spinal cord injury (SCI) can be rehabilitated but cannot be treated adequately. This experimental study was conducted to investigate possible beneficial effects of methylprednisolone and parecoxib in treatment of SCI. Materials and methods: Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats were assigned into CONTROL, acute (MP-A, PX-A, and PXMP-A), and subacute (MP-S, PX-S, and PXMP-S) stage groups. Then, to induce SCI, a temporary aneurysm clip was applied to the spinal cord following T7-8 laminectomy, except in the CONTROL group. Four hours later parecoxib, methylprednisolone, or their combination was administered to rats intraperitoneally except CONTROL, SHAM-A, and SHAM-S groups. Rats in the acute stage group were sacrificed 72 h later, and whereas rats in the subacute stage were sacrificed 7 days later for histopathological and biochemical investigation and for gene-expression analyses. Results: Parecoxib and methylprednisolone and their combination could not improve histopathological grades in any stage. They also could not decrease malondialdehyde or caspase-3, myeloperoxidase levels in any stage. Parecoxib and methylprednisolone could decrease the TNF-α gene expression in subacute stage. Methylprednisolone could increase TGF-1ß gene-expression level in acute stage. Conclusion: Neither of the experimental drugs, either alone or in combination, did not show any beneficial effects in SCI model in rats.

Analysis of biochemical laboratory values to determine etiology and prognosis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish prognostic and predictive markers in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) using simple laboratory methods. METHODS: A retrospective examination was made of patients with SAH diagnosed secondary to isolated head trauma, isolated anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture, and angiography-negative SAH. Age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and Fisher's grade scores, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio results (PLR) were evaluated. RESULTS: NLR and PLR values, which were similar in patients with spontaneous SAH, were significantly high in patients with traumatic SAH. NLR and PLR values could be 80% sensitive and 75% specific for distinguishing traumatic SAH from spontaneous SAH. Eosinophil count was lower in patients with angiography-negative SAH and patients with aneurysmal SAH than in patients with traumatic SAH. Initially measured GCS score, Fisher's grade score, eosinophil, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts could be prognostic in all patients with SAH. Moreover, it was concluded that the initially measured number of eosinophils might be directly related to patient prognosis. The eosinophil count was generally found to be high in traumatic SAH patients and it was observed that this parameter could be predictive for these patients. Lymphocyte count and NLR values could be prognostic markers in patients with angiography-negative SAH. CONCLUSION: NLR, PLR and eosinophil count values could be predictive for etiological factors (traumatic SAH or spontaneous SAH) of patients who were admitted unconscious to the emergency room with SAH detected on radiological imaging.

An Evaluation of the Quality of Sleep Before and After Surgical Treatment of Patients with Cervical Disc Herniation.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported in recent studies that 50-80% of patients with cervical disc hernia have concomitant sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of sleep before and after surgical treatment in patients with cervical disc hernia and to assess the effects on treatment. METHODS: The study included 32 patients performed discectomy and fusion with an intervertebral cage through the right anterior cervical approach. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were applied to all patients preoperatively and at one month postoperatively. RESULTS: The postoperative PSQI total points and all the PSQI subscale points, the ODI and VAS scores were significantly reduced compared to the preoperative values. A positive correlation was determined between the preoperative ODI points and the PSQI total points and sleep duration, sleep latency and daytime functional loss subscale points. A positive correlation was also found between preoperative ODI points and VAS points. A positive correlation was determined between the preoperative VAS points and and the PSQI total points and sleep duration, and sleep latency subscale points. A negative correlation was determined between the postoperative ODI and the daytime functional loss subscale points. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that in patients with cervical disc hernia, sleep quality and daytime functionality were negatively affected by severity of pain that limited daily activities. Bringing the pain under control with surgical treatment was observed to increase sleep quality. It can be concluded that when planning treatment for these patients, it should be taken into consideration that there could be a sleep disorder in addition to the complaints and symptoms such as pain, hypoestesia and loss of strength.

Cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury could be managed by using tramadol.

OBJECTIVES: No valid treatment modality that will repair stroke damage and provide neurological recovery has yet been identified in literature. Studies demonstrated that adequate quality of life could be provided if post-stroke pain could be treated sufficiently and timely. Besides its pain relief effects, tramadol has oedema-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties. With these in mind, this study investigated the influence of tramadol in acute and/or chronic ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Putting aside the Control group, 23 Wistar albino rats were distributed to four groups to investigate the acute (Sham-A, TR-A) and chronic (Sham-C, TR-C) periods of I/R injury, and temporary aneurysm clips were applied to their internal carotid arteries for 30 min. Four hours after clippage, tramadol was administered to animals of TR-A and TR-C groups intraperitoneally. After sacrificing all animals, pyknotic and necrotic neuronal cells in hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA)1, CA2, CA3 and parietal cortical regions were counted, and perivascular oedema, intercellular organization disorder (IOD) and inflammatory cell infiltration were scaled histopathologically. Additionally, tissue interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-10, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-α, caspase-3, beclin-1, Atg12, LC3II/LC3I levels were measured biochemically. RESULTS: Tramadol could minimize perivascular oedema, IOD, parietal and hippocampal neuronal necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration in both periods of I/R injury histopathologically. Apart from inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing autophagy, tramadol had no influence on any other biochemical result. DISCUSSION: Tramadol can ameliorate the histopathological structure of ischaemic tissue in both periods of I/R injury in rat. We suggest further research investigating various dosages with different administration methods of tramadol in stroke should be conducted by adopting different explorative techniques.