Nephrotic-range proteinuria with small glomerular fibrillary deposits in a patient on diphenylhydantoin treatment.

BACKGROUND: Although the exact role of the diphenylhydantoin treatment on the immune system is still unclear, prolonged administration of diphenylhydantoin has been suggested to be associated with immune-based disorders and syndromes. CASE REPORT: A case of fibrillary glomerulonephritis associated with DPH treatment is reported. This is the first reported case of fibrillary glomerulonephritis associated with this commonly used common anticonvulsive drug. CONCLUSIONS: A more routine surveillance for proteinuria in patients receiving DPH is recommended.

Exposure to gamma rays induces early alterations in skin in rodents: Mechanical, biochemical and structural responses.

In this study, the effect of gamma rays has been investigated on the normal rat skin using biomechanical, biochemical and histological techniques. Seventeen male Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups (control (n=7) and irradiated (n=10)). The irradiated group was treated with a (60)Co gamma source at a dose of 10Gy at room temperature. Skin biomechanics were measured with tensile test using biomaterial testing machine and maximum load, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, ultimate stress, ultimate strain and elastic modulus were calculated. In the irradiated group, energy, strain and toughness were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). However, strength, displacement, stiffness, stress and elastic modulus were similar to that of the control group (p>0.05). Catalase (CAT) activities and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the skin of rats were measured using the biochemical methods. MDA levels significantly increased whereas CAT activities decreased in the irradiated group as compared with the control group (p<0.05). Diameters of collagen fibers were measured by transmission electron microscopy. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between control and irradiated groups for collagen fiber diameter. Thickness of epidermis was significantly lower than the control group. There were no changes in the epidermis between the irradiated group and the control group ultrastructurally. The results of this study show that the gamma irradiation has a significant effect on normal healthy skin.

[The effect of low-intensity pulsed sound waves delivered by the Exogen device on Staphylococcus aureus morphology and genetics]. / Exogen cihazi kaynakli düsük yogunluklu ses dalgalarinin Staphylococcus aureus morfolojisi ve genetigi üzerine etkileri.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of low-intensity pulsed sound waves delivered by the Exogen device, which is recommended for the treatment of delayed union and nonunion in orthopedic surgery, on the colony number, antimicrobial susceptibility, bacterial morphology, and genetics of Staphylococcus aureus, which is a frequent pathogen in orthopedic infections. METHODS: Thirty tubes containing 0.5 McFarland suspensions of S. aureus (ATCC 25923) were used. Fifteen tubes forming the test group were subjected to low-intensity sound waves by the Exogen device for 20 minutes. The remaining 15 tubes were untreated as controls. The two groups were then compared with respect to colony number, antibiotic susceptibility, and genotypic properties. The tubes were examined histologically by electron microscopy. RESULTS: The test tubes treated with sound waves showed a significantly lower number of bacteria colonies compared to the control tubes (p<0.001). The two groups were similar with respect to antibiotic susceptibility and genotypic properties. Bacterial cell wall structure in the control group was of normal appearance, whereas partial destruction and break-up were observed in test samples. Bacterial cell wall thickness was significantly higher in the test group compared to the control group (41.54 nm and 24.27 nm, respectively; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Low-intensity sound waves may be beneficial as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections in primary orthopedic operations and as an adjuvant therapy for infected nonunions.

Interferon-alpha2b may impair myelinization of rat optic nerve.

This story investigated the effects of interferon-alpha-2b (IFN-alpha2b) on the optic nerves of 17 adult male Wistar albino rats. Animals were divided into 3 groups: 6 rats (group 1) received 7.5 units (5 mIU/m2) IFN-alpha2b-a normal treatment dose, and 6 (groups 2) received 30.0 units (20 mIU/m2)-a high dose; 5 rats (control group) received 0.5 mL saline. Test substances were delivered by intraperitoneal injection 3 times a week for 3 weeks with animals under inhalation anesthesia. After the rats were sacrificed, their optic nerves were dissected, sectioned, and examined under an electron microscope. The mean thicknesses of the basal membranes of blood vessels were 86.354 nm in the control group, 104.297 nm in group 1, and 140.181 nm in group 2. Basal membrane changes in IFN groups were dose dependent. Mitochondrial swelling, degeneration, increased diameter of vacuoles, and vacuolization in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes were also observed. IFN-alpha2b has histopathologic effects on blood vessels and cells of the optic nerve.

Assessment of biological effects of environmental pollution in Mersin Bay (Turkey, northeastern Mediterranean Sea) using Mullus barbatus and Liza ramada as target organisms.

The increasing emphasis on the assessment and monitoring of marine ecosystems has revealed the need to use appropriate biological indicators for these areas. Enzyme activities and histopathology are increasingly being used as indicators of environmental stress since they provide a definite biological end-point of pollutant exposure. As part of an ecotoxicological assessment of Mersin Bay, EROD enzyme activity and histopathological response in selected organs and tissues of two species of fish, Mullus barbatus (red mullet) and Liza ramada (thinlip grey mullet), captured from area were examined. Pollutant (Organochlorines (OC), alkylphenols (APs) and BPA) levels and biomarker responses in tissue samples were evaluated together for their potential to alter the metabolism and cellular aspects in liver and gonad. Elevated induction of EROD activity and histopathological alterations in contaminated samples from Mersin Bay was observed compared to reference site indicating the exposure to potential pollutants.

Why do the patients reject spinal operations? A preliminary study.

AIM: Cases of failed back and spine surgery have increased significantly recently, which leads to patient hesitation in deciding about whether to be operated on. In this article, we present a survey investigating refusal reasons for spinal surgery, and we emphasize the effect of failed back surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among 100 patients who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of neurosurgery at the Elazig Training and Research Hospital. All of the patients were recommended spinal surgery for various reasons, but did not want to be operated on. Demographic data for the patients, indication of the recommended surgery, the reason for the patient's refusal of the operation, information about previous neurosurgical operations and the history of dissatisfaction with the surgery of an acquaintance were recorded. The data obtained were evaluated statistically and analyzed by percentage. RESULTS: 46 patients stated they had distrust of surgery, and 54 patients did not want to be operated on for personal reasons. When the two groups were compared, neurosurgical operations and the history of dissatisfaction of the patient or an acquaintance was significantly higher in the first group (p < 0.001). It was found that 40% of all the patients (n = 40) had a past unpleasant neurosurgical experience that was either personal or relevant. CONCLUSION: Spinal surgery is a preferred subspecialty of neurosurgery. However, patients' discontent with spinal surgery has been rising gradually in recent years. An accurate indication and proper surgical technique is essential for increasing satisfaction with spinal surgery. Minimally invasive interventions must be considered if necessary. The postoperative expectations of the physician and the patient must also be carefully defined.

Cavernous hemangioma of the parietal bone.

PATIENT: Male, 38 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Cavernous hemangioma Symptoms: Headache • parietal mass MEDICATION: - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Neurosurgery. OBJECTIVE: A rare disease. BACKGROUND: Bone hemangioma is a vascular hemartoma of bone structures. In general, this pathology is detected on incidentally investigated patients' films. Bone hemangioma is most commonly seen in 4(th) decade of life and the male/female ratio is 1/1.5. The locations of these lesions are commonly long bones of the vertebral column and the skull. Primary bone hemangiomas constitute less than 1% of all bone tumors, and they are seen at 0.2% in the calvarial region. CASE REPORT: Cases with this pathology are seen on incidental radiological evaluations. We report the case of a 38-year-old man with localized headache and a palpable mass in the left parietal region, admitted and operated on after cranial CT and MRI. Pathology investigation revealed a cavernous hemangioma. CONCLUSIONS: We suspected that in our case head trauma may have been the cause of cavernous hemangioma in the calvarial region, because cavernous hemangiomas are rarely located there. Localized headache and minor discomfort can be seen with this pathology. The best treatment for cavernous hemangiomas is the removal of the mass within the limits of safe surgery.

Effects of strontium ranelate on cortical bone collagen integrity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of strontium ranelate on bone collagen cross-linking in an ovariectomized rat model. METHODS: Twenty-eight adult (12 weeks) albino female Wistar rats weighing between 200-250 g (n=7 per group) were divided into sham-operated, ovariectomized, prevention, and treatment groups. Animals in the prevention group were treated with strontium ranelate (500 mg/kg/day orally) for 120 days, starting immediately after ovariectomy. Animals in the treatment group were treated with strontium ranelate (500 mg/kg/day orally) for 120 days, starting 90 days after ovariectomy. At the end of the experimental period, stress, strain, and toughness of the cortical femur was measured, and collagen ultrastructure was evaluated. The study was conducted in Mersin University Biophysics Laboratory, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey from January to May 2008. RESULTS: Stress, strain, and toughness values decreased in ovariectomized, prevention, and treatment groups when compared with the sham-operated group. In this study, fiber organization was observed in the sham-operated group, whereas the parallel packing of fibrils was completely replaced by a random arrangement in the ovariectomized, prevention, and treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Strontium ranelate treatment did not repair collagen cross-linking in ovariectomized rats.

The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on spermatogenesis and apoptosis in experimentally varicocele-induced adolescent rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection into the testes on spermatogenesis and apoptosis in a varicocele-induced adolescent rat model. SETTING: University hospital urology research laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Six-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 32). INTERVENTION: The rats were divided into six groups: control group (n = 6), sham operated group (n = 6), left varicocele-induced group (n = 6), varicocele + varicocelectomy group (n = 6), varicocele + VEGF-injected group (n = 4), and varicocele + varicocelectomy + VEGF-injected group (n = 4). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Johnsen's score and apoptotic cells. RESULT(S): The mean Johnsen's score was lower in the varicocele group compared with in the control and sham groups. The mean apoptotic index was significantly higher in the varicocele group compared with in the control and sham groups. Compared with the varicocele group, the mean apoptotic index was significantly lower in the varicocele + varicocelectomy, varicocele + VEGF, and varicocele + varicocelectomy + VEGF groups. CONCLUSION(S): Varicocele may cause a decrease in spermatogenesis and an increase in the apoptotic index. VEGF may play a positive role in improving testicular damage and may also play a significant role in decreasing apoptosis in a varicocele-induced adolescent rat model.

Prevention of calcification with TPEN in pericardial bioprosthetic heart valve material.

OBJECTIVE: Calcification is a frequent cause of the clinical failure of bioprosthetic heart valves fabricated from glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium. The major object of the present study is to prevent calcification of pericardial bioprosthetic heart valve materials with TPEN. METHODS: Bovine pericardium was cut into 2-cm 2 pieces, rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline solution, transferred into +4 degrees C phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.625% glutaraldehyde for initial fixation for 48 h, and allocated into two groups. Control samples were treated in an identical fresh solution for five more days. Others underwent additional fixation in phosphate-buffered saline 2microM TPEN for 48 h. They were then transferred into phosphate-buffered saline + 0.625% glutaraldehyde solution at 37 degrees C (pH 7.4) for three more days. Pericardial patches were inserted into the dorsal pouches of 18 juvenile male Wistar rats as control and study groups. Rats were divided into two groups and sacrificed consecutively by the end of 9th and 12th weeks. The biomechanical properties and calcium contents of explanted tissues were tested and were also assessed histopathologically. RESULTS: The difference in the calcium contents of the control and study groups' pericardial tissues at the 9th, and 12th weeks were statistically significant (p=0.0001, p=0.0001). The comparison of calcium contents between controls of 9th and 12th weeks and study groups' of the 9th and 12th weeks pericardial tissues were also significant (p=0.0001 and p=0.0001). Histopathologic and biomechanical assessment also supported these findings. CONCLUSION: Calcific degeneration of glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium can be reduced by using TPEN without any effect on durability.

Two stage EDTA anti-calcification method for bioprosthetic heart valve materials.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two-stage EDTA treatment in diminishing calcific degeneration in bovine pericardial bioprosthetic heart valve material. MATERIAL/METHODS: Conventionally preserved pericardium specimens were divided into two groups. Group I (controls, n=18) pieces were first fixed in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS)+0.6% glutaraldehyde at +4 degrees C for 24 hours, then stored in PBS+0.2% glutaraldehyde at room temperature for 6 days. Group II (study group, n=18) pieces were treated with PBS containing 100 microg/ml ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at +4 degrees C for 24 hours, then fixed in PBS+0.6% glutaraldehyde as was group I at +4 degrees C for 24 hours. After a second exposure to PBS containing 100 microg/ml EDTA at room temperature for 24 hours, they were stored in PBS+0.2% glutaraldehyde at room temperature for 4 days. Pericardial patches were inserted into the dorsal pouches of 18 juvenile male Wistar rats. After 7 weeks of implantation, all the pericardium pieces were harvested from sacrificed rats. The calcium content and biomechanical properties of the explanted tissues were evaluated and also examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The difference in the calcium content of the control and study groups was statistically significant. Biomechanical and histopathologic assessment also supported these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Application of two-stage EDTA was found to be useful in the attenuation of calcification in bioprosthetic heart valve materials with mildly increased durability. As calcification was reduced by approximately 50%, it can be considered for use with other agents as an adjuvant treatment.

Effects of methylprednisolone and dextromethorphan on lipid peroxidation in an experimental model of spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effects of agents purported to improve recovery following spinal cord trauma, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, dextromethorphan, and the combination of both, on the post-traumatic alterations of membrane lipid metabolism. METHODS: After sparing ten rats for a control group (G1) and performing T3-T6 laminectomies in 150 rats, spinal cord injuries were accomplished in 120 of 150 Wistar rats with an aneurysmal clip compression at the level of T4-5 for 30 sec. Hence the G2 group ( n 30) included the "only laminectomy/sham" group. The 120 injured animals were subdivided into four equal groups ( n 30 each). Group G3 underwent no therapy, G4 methylprednisolone (MP), G5 dextromethorphan (DM), and G6 MP+DM therapies. Groups G2-G6 were killed ten by ten at 10 min, 30 min, and 120 min after the operation. We measured tissue (MDA) and blood malonyldialdehyde (MDAb), (a product of lipid peroxidation) levels as an indicator of oxidative damage by thiobarbituric acid method and activity levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. Intergroup and intragroup results were compared statistically. RESULTS: Methylprednisolone was able to keep the levels for all parameters close to baseline except for 30-min MDA, MDA(b), and SOD values. But their results were all different from those of G3. Dextromethorphan was successful in this respect at 30-min GSH-Px and 120-min SOD and GSH-Px, and all values were also different from G3 values except for 10-min MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px. Combined therapy was not able to keep levels close to baseline for all parameters, but they were different from G3's except for the GSH-Px values. Methylprednisolone values displayed minimal alterations according to baseline at 120 min. Dextromethorphan was relatively unsuccessful at 10 min. Combined therapy did not show benefit superior to MP/DM single therapies.