Cross-sectional imaging and laparoscopic findings of diaphragmatic mesothelial cysts.

AIM: To present cross-sectional imaging, surgical findings, and follow-up results of diaphragmatic mesothelial cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiological findings for location, size, shape, and internal structure of cysts were reviewed retrospectively. For patients that underwent surgery, surgical reports and laparoscopy images were reviewed. In conservatively managed patients, changes in size and imaging findings of the cyst were assessed during follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 13 paediatric cases with an imaging and/or pathological diagnosis of diaphragmatic mesothelial cyst were identified. In all cases, the cystic lesions were located between the diaphragm and the posterolateral aspect of the right lobe of the liver. Eleven lesions (84.6%) had a bi-lobulate shape. Eight of these cases underwent laparoscopic cyst aspiration/unroofing. The postoperative course was uneventful and there were no cases of recurrence. The remaining five cases were managed conservatively with follow-up available in four cases. In three cases (75%), there was reduction in the size of the cysts with a mean volume reduction of 55%. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic mesothelial cysts are congenital cystic lesions that are usually detected incidentally. A common pitfall is incorrect interpretation of the lesion as a hepatic cyst. Conservative management with imaging follow-up can be adopted in asymptomatic cases with typical imaging findings.

Differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma from non-hepatocellular malignant tumours of liver by chemical-shift MRI at 3 T.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) from non-hepatocellular malignant tumours (non-HCCs) of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of malignant liver tumours examined at 3 T MRI were included in this retrospective study. Forty-seven HCCs and 75 non-HCCs that were studied with chemical-shift MRI between January 2012 and October 2016 were retrieved from the radiology database. Two blinded observers measured the signal intensities of the tumours, adjacent normal-looking liver parenchyma, and spleen on chemical-shift MRI. The fat quantification for HCCs, non-HCCs, and adjacent normal-looking liver parenchyma were calculated by using the spleen as a reference standard. The subtraction scores were calculated by subtracting fat percentages in liver parenchyma from those in tumours. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the fat percentage subtraction scores in distinguishing HCCs from non-HCCs were calculated. RESULTS: According to the optimal cut-off value acquired from both readers, a subtraction score >-0.26 was considered to be a HCC. Fat signal percentage subtraction scores were ≥-0.26 in 45 of 47 HCCs and were <-0.26 in 69 of 75 non-HCCs. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of fat signal percentage subtraction score to differentiate HCCs from non-HCCs were found to be 95.7%, 89.3%, 84.9%, and 97.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intracytoplasmic lipid in HCCs demonstrated by quantitative chemical-shift MRI may be a potentially powerful imaging biomarker to distinguish HCCs from the other malignant liver tumours.

Where we are in the fight against Hepatitis B Infection; Trends in Hepatitis B virus seroprevalence in Black Sea Region of Turkey.

CONTEXT: To determine new strategies for complete coverage of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, every country needs to take into concern factors of infection transmission in its own region. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among all age groups in northern Turkey using HBsAg and anti-HBs serological markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The laboratory records of a total of 101648 patients of all ages attending a tertiary level hospital in Samsun, a Black Sea coastal city, between January 2014 and May 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: HBsAg and anti-HBs seropositivity was found to be 4% and 38.3%, respectively. There was a significant difference between HBsAg (χ2 = 209.08; P = 0.00), anti-HBs (χ2 = 124.12; P = 0.00) seropositivity, and immunization status. Although we found a statically difference between men and women (χ2 = 32.2 P = 0.00) for HBsAg seropositivity, there was no significant difference for anti-HBs (P = 0.22). In 1998, the universal infant immunization program changed the HBV epidemiology in Turkey, and resulted in an apparent trend towards reduced disease levels. However, prevalence of HBV infection is still high in adolescent and young adults. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, a catch-up immunization program, education, and follow-up policy for these groups, in addition to routine infant immunization, will decrease the HBV infection rate, reducing morbidity and mortality rates, and will help to reduce hepatitis B transmission in Turkey.

The evaluation of the angles of Eustachian tubes in the patients with chronic otitis media on the temporal computerized tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic otitis media (COM), affecting all over the world and in a wide range of age groups in Turkey, is an important cause of ear discharge and hearing loss. The main clinical manifestations are tympanic membrane perforation, ear, nose and throat problems. On the tympanic membrane perforation becomes persistent and cholesteatoma development, there are a lot of opinions today. Especially in the pathology associated with otitis media with effusion eustachian tube, it is known that COM and cholesteatoma develop. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, we interpreted 210 patients' temporal computed tomography (CT). Seventy of these 210 patients had otitis media with cholesteatoma, 70 patients had only otitis media without cholesteatoma, and 70 patients had no otitis media. The eustachian tubes were evaluated using temporal CT multiplanar reconstruction method. Angles with the horizontal plane of the eustachian tube and Reid and tubotympanic angles were measured. RESULTS: The angles between eustachian tube and horizontally oriented Reid plane of the patients with cholesteatoma were found to be significantly lower than the patients with otitis media without cholesteatoma and the patients with no history of otitis media. For the tubotympanic angle, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the decrease in the angle with the horizontal plane of Reid in the eustachian tube in adults may play a significant role in the etiology of cholesteatoma.

Radioprotective effects of dexmedetomidine on X-ray-induced testicular damage.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 70% of cancer patients require radiotherapy. However, despite its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer, radiotherapy can also affect and damage surrounding healthy tissues in addition to tumorous tissues. Since testicular tissues are highly radiosensitive, radiotherapy can cause impairments in spermatogenesis leading to infertility. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential radio-protective effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, on oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular tissues caused by x-irradiation in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups of ten (n=10): control, irradiation (IR), and IR + Dex groups. The IR group was exposed to a single dose of 2 Gy IR. The IR+Dex group was given a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 100 µg/kg Dex before IR. The control group received a single dose of saline solution i.p. Testicular tissues removed 24 hours after IR were subjected to histochemical, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: IR resulted in increased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and significant changes in testis tissues. However, the application of Dex elevated glutathione levels by preventing MDA formation. In addition, Dex decreased tubular epithelial apoptosis via elevated Cleaved Caspase-3 expressions. CONCLUSIONS: Dex exhibited a radio-protective effect against lipid peroxidation and apoptosis caused by IR.

Effectiveness of Ericksonian hypnosis in tinnitus therapy: preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Ericksonian hypnosis in reducing the impact of tinnitus on patients' quality of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A controlled prospective longitudinal study was designed. The severity of tinnitus was assessed with Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before hypnotherapy and then 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after therapy. Health Survey SF-36 was used to assess health-related quality of life before and after hypnotherapy. Thirty-nine patients with severe idiopathic subjective tinnitus were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: The mean SD age of the patients was 44.5 +/- 12.5 years, ranging from 21 to 65 years; 48% were female. Mean THI scores assessed at the beginning and 4 times after commencement of therapy were evaluated. The changes in THI scores were significant. Health Survey SF-36 was assessed separately. The greatest increases were seen in physical role followed by emotional role difficulty. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of our study demonstrated the effectiveness of Ericksonian hypnosis in the study group.

Effect of boron supplementation on plasma element distribution in ovariectomized rats subjected to acute swimming exercise.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine how boron supplementation affects distribution of elements in the plasma of rats whose ovaries were removed and who were subjected to swimming exercise. METHODS: The study included 80 Sprague-Dawley type female rats, which were equally allocated to 8 groups. Group 1: General control, Group 2: Exercise control; Group 3: Ovariectomized control, Group 4: Ovariectomized exercise, Group 5: IP (intraperitoneal) boron-supplemented control, Group 6: IP boron-supplemented exercise, Group 7: Ovariectomized, IP boron-supplemented exercise, group 8: Ovariectomized, IP boron-supplemented. Following the exercise, blood samples were collected from all animals by decapitation, and analyzed in terms of plasma copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and zinc using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 5 had the lowest copper (p < 0.01) and the highest zinc and calcium (p < 0.01) levels, in comparison to other groups. Phosphorus levels in groups 3, 5 and 8 were significantly lower than those in other groups (p < 0.01). Magnesium levels in groups 3, 5 and 8 were higher, relative to the levels in other groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Results of the study indicate that acute swimming exercise in ovariectomized rats supplemented with boron leads to significant modifications in the distribution of some trace elements in the plasma. It can be emphasized as a separate result of this study that changes in copper, zinc and calcium levels were independent of boron supplementation (Tab. 2, Ref. 14).

Hydration and sweating responses to hot-weather football competition.

During a football match played in warm (34.3 ± 0.6 °C), humid (64 ± 2% rh) conditions, 22 male players had their pre-match hydration status, body mass change, sweat loss and drinking behavior assessed. Pre-match urine specific gravity (1.012 ± 0.006) suggested that all but three players commenced the match euhydrated. Players lost 3.1 ± 0.6 L of sweat and 45 ± 9 mmol of sodium during the 90-min match and replaced 55 ± 19% of their sweat losses and hence by the end of the game were 2.2 ± 0.9% lighter. The water volume consumed during the game was highly variable (1653 ± 487 mL; 741-2387 mL) but there was a stronger relationship between the estimated pre-game hydration status and water volume consumed, than between sweat rate and water volume consumed. In a second match, with the same players 2 weeks later in 34.4 ± 0.6 °C, 65 ± 3% rh, 11 players had a sports drink available to them before and during the match in addition to water. Total drink volume consumed during the match was the same, but approximately half the volume was consumed as sports drink. The results indicate that substantial sweat water and electrolyte losses can occur during match play in hot conditions and a substantial water and sodium deficit can occur in many players even when water or sports drink is freely available.

Effect of hot environmental conditions on physical activity patterns and temperature response of football players.

Heat stress may contribute to decreased match performance when football is played in extreme heat. This study evaluated activity patterns and thermal responses of players during soccer matches played in different environmental conditions. Non-acclimatized soccer players (n=11, 20±2 years) played two matches in conditions of moderate heat (MH) and high heat (HH) index. Core temperature (T(c) ) and physical performance were measured using a telemetric sensor and a global positioning system, respectively. The average ambient temperature and relative humidity were MH 34±1 °C and 38±2%; HH 36±0 °C and 61±1%. Peak T(c) in the MH match was 39.1±0.4 °C and in the HH match it was 39.6±0.3 °C. The total distance covered in the first and second halves was 4386±367 and 4227±292 m for the MH match and 4301±487 and 3761±358 m for the HH match. Players covered more distance (P<0.001) in the first half of the HH match than in the second half. In football matches played at high environmental temperature and humidity, the physical performance of the players may decrease due to high thermal stress.

An investigation of the seroprevalence of CrimeanCongo Hemorrhagic Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease in domesticated water buffaloes in northern Turkey.

This study was conducted in Samsun Province of Turkey to investigate the serological status of domesticated water buffaloes for both Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). Serum was collected from a total of 272 water buffaloes from different age groups and both genders; of the total, 48.1% had been vaccinated against LSD with heterologous sheep-goat pox vaccine. The serum samples were individually assessed by using a commercial ID screen enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) to detect neutralizing antibodies against both CCHF virus and LSD virus. All 272 buffaloes were negative for antibodies against the CCHF virus. All the unvaccinated buffaloes (141) were seronegative for LSD virus but of the 131 vaccinated buffaloes, 10 (7.6%) were seropositive for the LSD virus. In addition, 8.6% of vaccinated animals age >1 year old were seropositive for LSD, whereas the seropositivity was 5.1% for the animals age <= 1 year old. There was no significant difference for seropositivity between male and female animals in the >1 year old or <= 1 year old age groups. When seroprevalances for LSD in the tested water buffaloes are evaluated by gender, there was a significant difference between females (8.6%) and males (0%) in the <1 year old water buffaloes (X2=20.24; P<0.001). Separately, the results of this study indicate that Bafra district water buffaloes are not infected by CCHFV and LSDV and some of the buffaloes that vaccinated with LSDV did not develop sufficient antibodies to protect them after they were vaccinated for the LSD virus. Furthermore, the authors of this study conclude that both the commercially produced vaccine that is currently administered and the vaccination strategy have to be urgently evaluated by the veterinary authorities in Turkey. This is essential in order to combat the spread of LSD virus infection with an effective vaccine and a comprehensive management strategy across Turkey.

Epidemiological findings on Hepatitis C infection in a tertiary level hospital in mid-northern Anatolia in Turkey: A four-year analysis.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen that causes acute or chronic infection of the liver, sometimes leading to serious liver damage and fatality. The objective of this study was to evaluate HCV prevalence in patients attending the Regional Training and Research Hospital for Medical Examination and Surgery in Samsun Province of Turkey between 2014 and 2017. Blood specimens taken from 152 596 patients were screened for HCV infection by using the anti-HCV assay. Seropositive samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in order to determine whether the HCV infection was active. Genotyping was then performed. Overall, HCV seropositivity and active HCV infection were 2.76% and 2.05%, respectively. Foreign nationals accounted for 5.61% of the seropositive samples and 1.37% of active HCV infective samples. We further report that 2017 was the year with the highest seroprevalence which was 3.64%. HCV genotype 1 was the most common genotype detected in residents of Samsun Province at 89.86%, followed by Genotype 3 at 4.54%. This study provides important information on the levels of HCV infection in the Samsun region of Turkey. The data indicate that there was a rising trend of HCV infection between 2014 and 2017.

The first serological report for genotype C bovine parainfluenza 3 virus in ruminant species of mid-northen Turkey: Traces from the past.

Bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V)is one of the most important respiratory pathogens and a leading cause of serious respiratory illnesses in cattle, both independent of and in connection with other pathogens involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). In this study, we aimed to identify the historical circulation of genotype C bovine BPI3V (BPI3Vc) in Turkey using the archival serum samples of domestic ruminants that had been collected from six provinces of northern Anatolia in Turkey between 2009-2010. A total of 896 sera from cattle (n=442), sheep (n=330), and goats (n=124) were randomly selected and screened with a virus neutralization test in order to detect antibodies for BPI3Vc. The overall seropositivity rate was 21.09%, with seropositivity rates for cattle, sheep, and goats of 21.04%, 20.00%, and 24.19%, respectively. Neutralizing antibody titers for selected samples ranged between 1/4 to 1/512. This study represents the first serological study conducted using the first BPI3V isolate of Turkey.

Reference values for neonatal thyroid volumes in a moderately iodine-deficient area.

BACKGROUND: The reference ranges of thyroid volumes in neonates vary according to the iodine status of a specific region. In different studies, it ranged between 0.47 and 1.62 ml. It has been previously shown that Bursa city was a moderately iodine-deficient area. We therefore aimed at determining normal reference ranges of neonatal thyroid volumes in our moderately iodine-deficient area. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, thyroid volumes of 100 healthy fullterm neonates (51 boys and 49 girls; mean gestational age 38.9+/-1.1 weeks; and mean birth-weight 3370+/-446 g) were measured during the first week of life using thyroid ultrasonography. These data were compared with the gestational age, birth weight, gender, and TSH values of neonates as well as with maternal factors such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, smoking, medication use, and heart disease. RESULTS: All blood samples for TSH were taken during the first 5 days (mean 1.09+/-0.9 days). The mean TSH levels in all male and female neonates were 3.77+/-3.71, 4.57+/-3.61, and 2.93+/-3.66 mIU/l, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.006). Mean thyroid volumes for all male and female neonates were calculated as 0.82+/-0.18 (range 0.51-2.04), 0.84+/-0.21 (range 0.51-2.04), and 0.80+/-0.14 ml (range 0.58-1.30), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in thyroid volumes with respect to gestational age, birth weight, gender, TSH values of neonates and maternal factors. CONCLUSION: Normal thyroid volumes in neonates vary between different regions. Local reference values should be used in thyroid volume assessment. Our results are in concordance with the literature and can be used as reference values for our region.

Facial nerve anomalies in paediatric cochlear implant candidates: radiological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative radiological identification of facial nerve anomalies can help prevent intra-operative facial nerve injury during cochlear implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and configuration of facial nerve anomalies and their concurrence with inner-ear anomalies in cochlear implant candidates. METHODS: Inner-ear and concomitant facial nerve anomalies were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and temporal high-resolution computed tomography in 48 children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss who were cochlear implant candidates. RESULTS: Inner-ear anomalies were present in 11 out of 48 patients (23 per cent) and concomitant facial nerve anomalies were present on 7 sides in 4 patients (7 per cent of the total). Facial nerve anomalies were accompanied by cochlear or vestibular malformation. CONCLUSION: Potential facial nerve abnormalities should always be considered in patients with inner-ear anomalies. Pre-operative facial nerve imaging can increase the surgeon's confidence to plan and perform cochlear implantation. Magnetic resonance imaging should be used to detect inner-ear anomalies; if these are identified, temporal high-resolution computed tomography should be used to evaluate the facial nerve.

Lasting hepatotoxic effects of prenatal mobile phone exposure.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the livers of rats born to mothers exposed to electromagnetic field (EMF) were examined 60 days postpartum for biochemical and histopathological changes. METHODS: Pregnant rats were exposed to radiation (900 MHz EMF, 24 h/day for 20 days) using a digital signal generator by placing the device centrally under the cage, which formed the study (EMF) group, while untreated matching rats served as controls. Livers and blood were obtained from litters (seven males and seven females) of both groups 60 days after birth, which were used for biochemical and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) that was accompanied by a significant fall in glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01) in the liver. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, the liver sections of the EMF group showed intense degeneration in hepatocytes with cytoplasmic eosinophilic structures, pyknotic nuclei and fibrosis. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that the intrauterin harmful effects of EMF on the livers of rats persist into adulthood.

Occurrence of ovine herpesvirus type-2 infection in sheep and cattle in Samsun Province, Turkey.

July 2004, a cow with clinical signs of ovine herpesvirus type-2 infection which is known as sheep associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) was reported in Samsun Province in Turkey. Blood samples were collected from the suspected cow, 10 sheep housed with it, and from 150 healthy sheep and 29 healthy cattle randomly selected from different places in Samsun Province. Nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) was used to detect ovine herpesvirus type-2 (OvHV-2) DNA in the suspected cow and competitive- ELISA (c-ELISA) kits were used to detect antibodies against OvHV-2. The suspected cow was found to be n-PCR positive and c-ELISA negative. The serological results were as follows: All 10 (100%) of sheep housed with the suspected cow and 18 of 29 (62%) of the randomly selected cattle were found seropositive. All 150 randomly selected healthy sheep were seronegative. The overall percentage of seropositivity was 14.7% (28/190). OvHV-2 DNA was detected in the peripheral blood leucocyte (PBL) samples of the cow and of the 10 sheep housed with the suspected cow.

Selective apoptotic behaviour of bovine herpesvirus 1 in an epithelial-like microenvironment.

Apoptosis seems to play an important role in the pathogenic profile of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) infection. Nitric oxide (NO) is also important as a signal molecule. In this study, apoptosis was selectively induced in HEp-2 cells in the early stage [1-3 h postinfection (PI)] of BHV-1 multiplication, and this apoptotic process was realised through the caspase-8, and partially through the caspase-3, pathway. BHV-1 infection inhibited staurosporine- (SS-) induced apoptosis only if the SS was added at 6 h PI. The results of this study showed that the 'NO-apoptosis' relation was realised through the caspase-8 pathway ('outer membrane receptor' pathway) at a later stage of infection in apoptosis induced by BHV-1 + SS. Our previous report (Yazici et al., 2004) and this study together showed that BHV-1 might induce and inhibit cell-type-specific pathways of apoptosis.

The effect of tobacco smoking on septoplasty outcomes: a prospective controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effects of tobacco smoking on functional outcomes of septoplasty and complication rates. METHODS: In total, 183 patients (127 males, 56 females) who had septum deviations and underwent septoplasties from January 2012 to December 2013 were evaluated. Subjects were divided into three groups: non­smokers (Group A), light smokers (<20 cigarettes/day, Group B), and heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes/day Group C). Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scoring was used to evaluate the effects of tobacco smoking on septoplasty outcomes. Clinical evaluations were performed preoperatively and at one and six months postoperatively. Complications were evaluated during the clinical examinations. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen between the preoperative and 1-month postoperative NOSE scores, the 1- and 6-month postoperative NOSE scores, or the preoperative and 6-month postoperative NOSE scores among the groups (p =0.352, 0.737, and 0.344, respectively). The overall complication rate also did not differ among the three groups (p =0.860). CONCLUSIONS: Active smoking status does not affect operation outcomes and does not increase the postoperative complication rate among patients undergoing septoplasty. Although we should advise our patients to stop smoking because of its known harmful effects, smoking may not be a selection criterion for septoplasty. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 219-224.

Methotrexate alters the fatty acid composition of NC adenocarcinoma cells in culture.

The effects of methotrexate and indomethacin alone and in combination have been examined on the fatty acid (FA) composition of total cellular lipids in cultured NC adenocarcinoma cells. These studies show that methotrexate can alter the lipid content of cancer cells. Methotrexate 16 ng/ml incubated with NC cells for 2 days increased the content of various FAs. When used alone, indomethacin 1 microgram/ml or methotrexate 8 ng/ml had no significant effect, but in combination caused FA increases, usually to about the same extent as with the higher concentration of methotrexate alone. No FA changes were seen up to 3 h with these drug concentrations or with methotrexate up to 10 micrograms/ml alone or with INDO 1 microgram/ml. These effects may explain previous findings that indomethacin potentiates methotrexate, an interaction which may be important in cancer therapy.

Prostaglandin E2 levels in human brain tumor tissues and arachidonic acid levels in the plasma membrane of human brain tumors.

Arachidonic acid is stored in the cell membrane and released when the cell is activated by appropriate stimuli. It is the substrate for prostaglandins. Both experimental and human tumors often synthesize high levels of prostaglandins, most notably prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Some experiments suggest that these compounds increase tumor growth through their actions on host immunocytes. In this study, 22 patients with various brain tumors and 12 control brain tissues were studied. PGE2 levels in tissue samples were measured by ELISA. Arachidonic acid levels in the plasma membrane of tissue samples were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The levels of PGE2 were significantly higher in gliomas (n = 10) and meningiomas (n = 7) compared with control tissues (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). Also, PGE2 levels in meningiomas were significantly higher than in gliomas (P = 0.000). Arachidonic acid levels in the plasma membrane of gliomas (n = 9) and meningiomas (n = 6) were significantly higher than in the control tissues (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). These results suggest that the increased production of PGE2 may suppress the immune system and play an important role in tumor growth.