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Objectives: The aim of this study is to present novel diagnostic ultrasonography (USG)-based classification of inflammatory granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and to assess and compare dosage responses of locoregional steroid therapy. Methods: From January 2017 through March 2023, total of 230 biopsy-proven IGM patients were reclassified (grades I, II, and III) according to USG-based morphological features. The injection applications were grouped in Group1 (40 mg/mL between years 2017 and 2019) versus Group2 (80 mg/mL between years 2019 and 2023), and effectiveness was analysed for each grade in between groups. Results: The mean age was 31 years old (range: 19-60) with median follow-up period of 7 months. The most common clinical presentation was breast mass accompanying draining skin sinuses of the affected skin and hypoechogenic mass with tubular extensions was the most prevalent feature on USG examination. As per USG-based features, 79 (34.3%) patients were redefined as grade I, 64 (27.8%) as grade II, and 87 (37.8%) as grade III. All patients underwent locoregional steroid injection only. The average number of treatments in the first group was 6 (±3 SD) with an effective dose of 40 mg/mL in the first group, and 4 (±2 SD) with an effective dose of 80 mg/mL in the second group. The generalized linear mixed model was used to investigate effects between groups (P < .05). Conclusions: High-dose steroid treatment was effective in burnout lesions (grades II and III), and it was found to be statistically significant in lowering number of treatments irrespective of grade. Advances in knowledge: This novel classification could be a convenient tool in terms of common language between radiologists and clinicians. In addition, our study is a pioneer in comparing steroid dosage with no relapse in IGM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) likely secondary to an activated oculo-trigeminal reflex network is an important issue following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The relationship between the IOP and trigeminal ganglion (TGG) following experimental SAH was investigated in this study. Methods Twenty-three rabbits were used in this study. Five rabbits (n = 5) were used as the control group, another 5 as the sham group (n = 5), and the remaining 13 (n = 13) as the study group. The study group was further divided into two groups of animals with mild (n = 6) and severe (n = 7) TGG degeneration. The IOP values were recorded. After 2 weeks, the animals were decapitated. The mean degenerated neuron density of TGGs was estimated by stereological methods and analyzed statistically. Results The average IOP values were 11.85, 14.12, and 21.45 mm Hg in the control (n = 5), sham (n = 5), and study (n = 13) groups, respectively. The mean degenerated neuron density was 34, 237, and 3,165 mm3 in the control, sham, and study groups, respectively. Conclusion According to the findings of this study, the experimental SAH leads to changes in IOP by affecting the TGG. By predicting and preventing IOP elevation in the setting of SAH, our findings will shed light on secondary sequelae such as glaucoma and irreversible blindness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of olfactory bulb lesions on the induction time of sevoflurane has never been studied. We aimed to investigate this issue. In this study, we found that the volume of olfactory bulbs and the pore of the fila olfactoria were significantly lower with the fibrosis of olfactory bulbs in animals subjected to olfactory bulbectomy. Volatile anesthetics induction times were measured in all groups. Prolonged induction was observed in olfactory bulbectomy group. It was concluded that increased induction times of sevoflurane may be due to the olfactory bulb lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of artificial intelligence technology in medicine, which is remarkable with its increasing use in many areas recently, has allowed for rapid developments. This technology quantitatively solves many problems in medicine, such as increased workload, delayed diagnosis, and treatment processes. It has been seen in the literature that this technology, which has a wide range of applications in medicine, also has a place in medical pathology. The main purpose of this study is to provide a histomorphological classification of colon polyps in the medical pathology department with high accuracy in a short time. Besides accelerating the diagnosis and treatment process, it is desired to facilitate the workload of the pathology department. Methods: This study is based on the recognition of colon preparation images that come to the pathology department by using the image recognition techniques of artificial intelligence. VGG19, DenseNet201, and EfficientNetB7 models, which are convolutional neural networks (CNN) models, were used. A model based on a concatenation ensemble of 3 CNN architectures was also used in this study. Results: Within the scope of the study, a total of 515 preparation images, including normal epithelium, tubular adenoma and villous adenomas of the colon, were procured as data and introduced to artificial intelligence, and the diagnoses of these preparations were estimated histomorphologically by artificial intelligence. Conclusion: As a result of the study, an accuracy rate of 94.17% was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many theories have been established to explain the mechanism of aneurysm development following steno-occlusive or hypertensive disease, the effect of the geometrical shape of the inner elastic membrane on the maximum dilatation capacity of arteries has not been adequately investigated so far. This subject was investigated. This study was conducted in 24 rabbits. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups: as the control, (n = 5), the SHAM (n = 5), and the study group (n = 14). In the study group, BCCAL was performed. After decapitation, the basilar artery vasodilatation index (VDI) and the actual length of the inner elastic membrane (IEM) were estimated. The relationship between the true length of IEM and VDI values was compared statistically using the Mann-Witney –U test. Mean blood pressures were 113 ± 7 mmHg in animals at the beginning of the experiment (n = 24), and 119 ± 9 mmHg in GII and 122 ± 11mmHg in GIII after BCCAL (n = 12). Before decapitation, the mean blood pressures were 115 ± 10 mmHg in GI, 116 ± 10 mmHg in GII, and 127 ± 11mmHg GIII. The DADA values of animals were 20 ± 4mm in GI; 28 ± 6mm in GII and 37 ± 9mm in GIII. The VDI value of BA was 1.390 ± 0.220 in GI; 1.013 ± 0.108 in GI; 0.019 ± 0.011in GII group. An inverse relationship was discovered between the DADA/VDI values. BCCAL may lead to severe dangerous histopathological changes at the BA. Lower DADA or higher VDI values may lead to severe basilar enlargement, endothelial losing, inner elastic membrane rupture, and aneurysm formation after BCCAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in experimental studies induces neurochemical, neurodegenerative changes in various parts of the body. But no information is available about how OBX affects the spinal cord in rats. Our study aims to investigate this question. Methods: Twenty‐eight male rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: six as the control, six as the SHAM, and 16 as the study group in which OBX was performed. The animals were followed for 10 weeks. After decapitation of the animals, olfactory bulb (OB) volumes, the olfactory glomerulus (OG), and the neuron density of the ON (Onuf nucleus) per cubic centimeter at the L4‐S4 level were examined histopathologically and analyzed stereologically. Results: The mean OB volume, remaining normal OG density, and degenerated neuron density (DND) of the ON was measured as 4.32 ± 0.21/mm3, 1842 ± 114/mm3, and 4 ± 1 /mm3 in the control (group I); 3.3 ± 0.14/mm3, 1321 ± 114/mm3, and 43 ± 8/mm3 in the SHAM (group II); and 1.672 ± 0.12/mm3, 852 ± 93/mm3, and 154 ± 11/mm3 in the study group (group III). There was a statistically significant difference between the SHAM and the study group (P <.05). Conclusions: In this study, histopathological bridging between ON‐related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and OBX was shown the first time. According to the findings, LUTS may be reversed by the protection of the affected spinal cord through the correction of olfaction impairment in neurodegenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anosmia has been considered as the first diagnostic criteria of Parkinson disease (PD), we investigated the effect of the olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) on histopathological features of the substantia nigra in an animal model. Methods: Twenty-seven male rats were used in this study. Animals were divided into three groups as five (control), six SHAM and sixteen study (OBL) groups. Nothing was done in the control group, the only burr hole was done in the SHAM group, OBL was not applied, and bilateral OBL was performed in the study group, and followed ten weeks, then animals were decapitated. Olfactory bulb volumes were measured by macro anatomically. The olfactory bulbs and substantia nigra sections were analyzed by a stereological method to evaluate olfactory glomerulus and neuron density of substantia nigra per cubic centimeter and compared with statistically. Results: The mean olfactory bulb volume, degenerated olfactory glomerulus density and degenerated neuron density of substantia nigra were measured as:(4.14 ± 0.20) mm3, (1 ± 1)/mm3 and (7 ± 2)/mm3 in control (Group I); (3.6 ± 0.16)/mm3, (4 ± 1)/mm3 and(32 ± 7)/mm3 in SHAM (Group II) and (2.2 ± 0.9)/mm3, (112 ± 18)/mm3 and (1543 ± 115)/mm3in study group (Group III). Diminished olfactory bulb volume was observed in Group III animals. Conclusions: We concluded that OBL may lead to the degeneration of substantia nigra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acidosis is the most troubling complication in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) if carotid body (CB) networks are disrupted. However, histopathological examination of the choroid plexus (CP) in acidic CSF has not been evaluated so far. In this study, we aimed to investigate the CP in acidic CSF following SAH. Twenty‐eight rabbits were used. Five rabbits were used to analyze CB network (control group; n = 5); seven rabbits were injected 1 mL of saline (Sham group; n = 7); and the rest 16 rabbits were given 1 mL of autologous arterial blood inject into the cisterna magna to create SAH (SAH group; n = 16). Blood and CSF pH values were recorded before/during/after the experimental procedures. Nuclear darkening, cellular shrinkage and pyknosis suggested the presence of apoptosis of epithelial cells of CP. The densities of normal and degenerated epithelial cells of CPs were estimated using stereological methods. The relationship between the pH values and degenerated epithelial cell densities of CPs were statistically compared by Mann–Whitney U‐test. The pH values of blood were estimated as 7.359 ± 0.039 in the control group, 7.318 ± 0.062 in the Sham group, 7.23 ± 0.013 in the SAH group. CSF pH values were 7.313 ± 0.028 in the control group, 7.296 ± 0.045 in the Sham group, and 7.224 ± 0.012 in the SAH group. Degenerated epithelial cell density of CP was 25 ± 7 in the control group, 226 ± 64 in the Sham group, and 2115 ± 635 in the SAH group. There was a considerable link between CSF pH values and degenerated epithelial cells of CP (P < 0.0001). This study shows that CB insult causes acidosis of CSF as well as cellular degeneration of CP during SAH. This is the first description of this in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Thyroid functions regulate higher brain centers and olfactory informations are wireless universal stimulators for thyroid hardware and software development by way of vagal complex management. We wonder if thyroid architecture and functions are regulated by vagal nerve. Material and Methods: The animals were divided to three groups according to their T4 hormone levels which 1.89±0.10 µg/dl values was accepted as normal (G0; n=12); 2.13±0.19 µg/dl values was accepted as hyperfunctioned (GI; n=7) and 1.61±0.09 µg/dl values was accepted as hypofunctioned (GII; n=5). All of the thyroid glands, thyroidal branches of vagal nerves and brainstem section at the level of motor nucleus of vagal nerves sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, GFAP and tunnel dye for histological examination. All microscopical Stereological evaluations were done to understand how vagal morphology effects thyroid tissue architectures and T4 levels. All of the thyroid glands, thyroidal branches of vagal nerves and vagal motor nucleus evaluated stereologically to recognise whether some histomorphological variations thyroid follicles and volumes per cubic centimeter compared with thyroid hormone levels statistically. Results: The mean neuron density of vagal nucleus (NDVN), axon density of thyroidal branches of vagal nerves (TBVN), TFV, and T4 levels were measured as G0;GI and GII consequtively: (312±91)x106 /mm³, 19.543±2.321/mm², 1.89±0.10 µg/dl and (296±72)x106 µm³ /cm³ in G0; (387±93)x106 /mm³, 22.576±2.864/mm², 2.13±0.19 µg/dl and (331±65) x106 µm³ /cm³ in GI and (245±56)x106 /mm³, 12.432±1.234mm², 2.13±0.19 µg/dl and (231±45)x106 µm3 /cm3 in GII. Conclusion: It seems that decrased hormone levels due to ineffective/unadequate thyroid gland development results from inadequately developing vagal complex architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: : In this study, our objective was to demonstrate the relationship of progesterone receptor (PR) expression with histological grade and other prognostic factors in patients with meningiomas. Material and Methods: Brain biopsy materials, which were examined and diagnosed with meningioma between January 2011 and January 2015, were screened in a retrospective study design. Ninety-six of the cases, who were diagnosed with meningioma with a grade of I, II, and III according to WHO and had undergone immunohistochemically PR expression, were included in the study. Results: JThere was a weak correlation between WHO grade and PR expression rate and intensity in our study. PR expression rate and intensity showed increment as the grade progressed. On the other hand, there was no correlation of PR expression rate and intensity with other prognostic parameters such as Ki67 proliferation index and mitotic index. Conclusion: Although we have detected a weak correlation between PR expression rate and intensity with WHO grade, we think that PR expression rate and intensity do not have prognostic role in the meningiomas due to the absence of a similar relationship between other important parameters in prognosis. In most of the studies in the literature, it is reported that PR expression rate and intensity decreases with increasing WHO grade. However, the number of studies with the opposite results is high. In the presence of conflicting data in the literature and considering that almost all of these studies were performed according to the WHO classification before 2016 (before the new WHO classification), we concluded that further multi-centre studies utilizing new classification system and have more homogeneous distribution of the grades are required to investigate the relationship between PR and histopathologic grade and other prognostic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the study: Hypofunctioning breasts are typically considered a dysfunction of higher brain centers that regulate hormonal feedback, and olfactory information has been proposed as a triggering factor for lactation in the maternal body. However, there are no substantive studies regarding whether olfaction disorders and/or loss of olfactory sense may result in breast gland atrophy by causing diminished olfactory stimulation. To fill this gap in the literature, we studied the histologic features of breast glands as a sample model in animals that had undergone an olfactory bulb lesion (OBL). Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 22 rats. Six, eight, and six of them were used as control, SHAM, and OBL groups, respectively. After 10 weeks, the animals were decapitated. Olfactory bulbs and breast glands were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and tunnel dye. Specimens were analyzed stereologically to evaluate the loss in volume of the olfactory bulbs, total breast follicle volume (TBFV) and Meissner's corpuscles per cubic centimeter, and these two senior metrics were compared with each other statistically. Results: Olfactory bulb volume loss and breast gland atrophy were both detected in study group. Mean TBFV and OB volumes were measured as: (296 ± 89) × 106 µm3/cm3 and 4.43 ± 0.98 mm3 in control (Group I); (264 ± 63) × 106 µm3/cm3 and 3.86 ± 0.81 mm3 in SHAM (Group II) and (194 ± 52) × 106 µm3/cm3 and 1.52 ± 0.36 mm3 in OBL group (Group III). It was noted that the TBFV was significantly diminished, with apoptotic degradation in the olfactory bulbs and breast glands of OBL-applied animals (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that diminished milk secretion is attributable to the degradation of breast glands that results from olfaction loss in OBL animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) and ophthalmic arteries (OpAs) have important roles in ocular autoregulation and retinal and visual functions. The relationship between PPG neuron density, OpA vasospasm, and retinal detachment in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has never been studied. Methods This study was conducted on 25 rabbits. Five animals were in the control group (GI; n = 5), five in the sham group (GII; n = 5), and 15 in the study group (GIII; n = 15). After injection of 1 cc serum saline into the cisterna magna in the sham group, and autologous blood in the SAH group, the animals were followed for 3 weeks. All animals underwent a retinal examination five times a week for 3 weeks before and after the experiment. After the experiment, the neuron density of PPGs of the facial nerves, vasospasm index (VSI) of OpAs, and total basal surface values of the detached retinal parts (DRPs) were calculated. Results In the funduscopic examination, intravitreous hemorrhage (Terson's syndrome) was detected in four animals in the SAH group. In the control groups, neuron density was 12,000 ± 1,240/mm3 , VSI = 0.345 ± 0.076, and DRP = 0 to 1.5 mm2. Mean neuron density was 9,450 ± 940/mm3 , VSI = 1.645 ± 0.940, and DRP = 6.23 ± 1.61 mm2 in the sham group (p < 0.05). Neuron density was 6,890 ± 932/mm3 , VSI = 2.92 ± 0.97, and DRP = 9.43 ± 2.54 mm2 in SAH group. Conclusion Mean neuron density, VSI of OpAs, and DRP values differed statistically significant between the SAH group and other groups (p < 0.005). There is an inverse relationship between PPG neurons and DRP. However, a direct relationship was observed between the mean VSI and DRP values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidosis is the most dangerous complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although the carotid bodies (CBs) network is essential for pH regulation, neither binuclear neurons (BNN) nor their functions have been mentioned so far in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the crucial roles of mononuclear (MNN) or BNN in CBs on acidosis following SAH. Twenty‐five hybrid rabbits were used. Five rabbits were used as a control group, six for sham, and the remaining 14 rabbits were used as the study group by injection of 1 mL of autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna to produce SAH. Normal and degenerated MNN/BNN densities of CBs were counted by stereological methods. The mean blood pH values were: 7.362 ± 0.041 in the control group; 7.324 ± 0.064 in sham, 7.272 ± 0.062 in the SAH group. The degenerated MNN and BNN values were 5 ± 1/mm3 and 9 ± 3/mm3 in the control group; 15 ± 5/mm3 and 22 ± 6/mm3 in sham, 965 ± 113/mm3 and 1532 ± 176/mm3 in the SAH group. Mean pH values were under 7.212 ± 0.130 in animals with prominent degenerated BNN. The differences between MNN/pH changes were significant between the SAH and control groups (P < 0.005); whereas BNN/pH values were significant between the SAH and sham groups (pH < 0.005), SAH and control (P < 0.0001). BNN degeneration could result in more severe acidosis than MNN following SAH which has not been described so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the prostatic adenocarcinoma (PA) detection rate in follow up biopsies with an initial diagnosis of atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). Materials and Methods: In this study, the cases of ASAP diagnosis in prostate needle biopsy materials between January 2010 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed and the correlation between the results and the follow-up diagnoses of ASAPdiagnosed cases was investigated. Results: 62 cases with ASAP were included in the study and 21 (34%) of them were detected as PA after the follow-up diagnoses. Also ASAP and PA were detected at different localizations in 38% of the cases. Conclusion: We are on the opinion that it is important to increase the number of samples taken from other localizations as well as ASAP diagnosed quadrants when taking follow-up biopsies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effects of misoprostol in ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis (AR). The second purpose was to compare the effect profile of the combination of an antihistamine with misoprostol during treatment of AR. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult male rats were used and were randomly classified into five groups (n=5): healthy+saline, AR, AR and desloratadine (D)-treated group, AR and misoprostol (M)-treated group, and AR and combined-treated group. Results: Desloratadine administration had significantly lower nasal symptoms than the AR group, but nasal symptoms in the AR+M group were better than those in the AR+D group. The best improvement in serum IgE levels was seen in the misoprostol alone and combination treatment groups. Conclusion: We suggest that prostaglandins should be considered in the treatment of AR, and that the effects of these types of drugs should be tested clinically in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The vast majority of esophageal tumors are cancer. Benign esophageal tumors constitute less than 1% of all esophageal tumors. Approximately 80% of benign esophagus tumors are leiomyomas. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of thoracoscopic management of esophageal leiomyomas. Methods Between January 2010 and December 2017, eleven cases (5 females, 6 males; mean age 45 years; range 30 to 59 years) who were operated with thoracoscopic resection due to esophageal leiomyoma were retrospectively analyzed. Age and sex of the patients, symptoms, localization of lesions, diagnosis, surgical modality, length of hospital stay and morbidity and mortality rates were reviewed. All cases were preoperatively examined using direct chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), and esophagoscopies, with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) also being employed in seven cases. Results Five patients had dysphagia and four patients were asymptomatic. Leiomyoma was located in 1/3 of the middle esophagus in all cases. All patients underwent right thoracoscopic enucleation (Single port incision in three cases). Leiomyoma was a solitary lesion in all cases. After the enucleation, 0.9% NaCl was inserted into the posterior mediastinal region. Nasogastric tube was inflated to check for leakage. Except for two cases, in all cases, the esophageal muscle layer was closed as an absorbable suture. The mean diameter of leiomyoma was 5.1 cm (range, 2 to 9 cm). Postoperative mortality was not observed in any of the cases. Postoperative pseudodiverticulum occurred in one of the cases. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.8 days (range, 4 to 11 days). Conclusion In esophageal leiomyomas, surgery provides both definitive diagnosis and treatment. Thoracoscopic enucleation in esophageal leiomyomas is an effective and safe treatment method. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Schwannomas esophagus is very rarely seen. In this study, a schwannoma case with cervical esophagus was presented. Methods A 26-year-old female presented with dysphagia. In esophageal ultrasonography, a homogeneous, hypoechoic, and smooth-sided lesion originating from the proximal esophagus muscularis propria was detected. MRI revealed a well-defined mass lesion located in the cervical esophagus. Results The left cervical incision was performed and the lesion was enucleated. After the enucleation, saline was inserted into the enucleated area, and air was injected into the nasogastric tube to investigate the possibility of mucosal injuries. The esophageal muscle layers were then primarily closed with absorbable sutures. Frozen section examination was benign. Postoperative histopathological evaluation was assessed as accordance with schwannoma (Figure). Oral diet was started on the 3th postoperative day. There were no complications postoperatively. The patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day. Figure. View large Download slide The tumor is apparently composed of capsular and schwann cells. Figure. View large Download slide The tumor is apparently composed of capsular and schwann cells. Conclusion The vast majority of esophageal tumors are cancer. Benign esophagial tumors constitute less than 1% of all esophageal tumors. Approximately 80% of benign esophagus tumors are leiomyomas. Esophageal schwannoma is very rare and difficult to diagnose by endoscopy and imaging methods. In these cases, surgery provides both definitive diagnosis and treatment. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue tumor originating from mesenchymal precursor stem cells. It is usually seen in young males and lower extremities. It is only seen in 10% of head and neck region and nasopharynx which is a very unexpected location. We report a rare case treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Aim: To understand possible mechanisms underlying lacrimal gland degeneration when facial nerve root ischemia induces pterygopalatine ganglion injury and subsequent dry eye in a rabbit model of subarachnoid hemorrhage., Material and Methods: Rabbits were divided into four groups: control, sham, moderate subarachnoid hemorrhage, and severe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Autologous blood recovered from the auricular artery was injected into the cisterna magna to induce subarachnoid hemorrhage in the two subarachnoid hemorrhage groups; animals were then monitored for dry eye development over 21 days before removal of their facial nerve roots, pterygopalatine ganglia, and lacrimal glands for immunohistochemical analyses. Neuronal viability in the pterygopalatine ganglia was measured; lacrimal gland vesicles were counted by stereological methods., Results: The mean tear-filled vesicle number and lacrimal gland volumes significantly decreased with an increase in facial nerve root injury severity and damaged neuron numbers in the pterygopalatine ganglion. Increase in injury severity most significantly decreased the tear-filled vesicle numbers in the pterygopalatine ganglion., Conclusion: Subarachnoid hemorrhage degenerates facial nerve parasympathetic branches entering the pterygopalatine ganglion, and neuronal density in this ganglion may be correlated with tear secretion. Our data suggest that pterygopalatine ganglion degeneration following subarachnoid hemorrhage induces dry eye.

Context: The c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family and has been associated with a more aggressive breast tumor biology and resistance to some types of treatments., Aims: The aim is to investigate the correlation among bcl-2 and c-erbB-2 and the micronucleus (MN) formation in patients with early breast cancer (BC)., Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between May 2010 and December 2011. We analyzed the MN frequencies in 15 patients with invasive breast carcinoma (IBC), 13 patients with intraductal proliferative lesion (IDPL) and 12 benign breast lesion (BBL). The sample consisted of 40 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of benign and malignant breast tissue. The specimens were evaluated for bcl-2 or c-erbB-2 immunoreactivity was semi-quantitatively evaluated in at least 1000 cells examined under the microscope at 40Χ magnification and recorded as the percentage of c-erbB-2 and bcl-2 positive tumor cells over the total number of cells examined in the same area. The percentage scores were subsequently categorized using the 5% cut-off point for positive staining., Results: The MN was significantly increased in IBC and in IDPL patients compared to BBL patients (3.82 ± 0.17 and 2.37 ± 0.52, respectively, vs. 1.61 ± 0.40, P < 0.001). On other hand, the MN frequencies in IBC patients were higher than those in IDPL patients (3.82 ± 0.17 vs. 2.37 ± 0.52, P < 0.01). c-erbB-2, had the highest record in IBC (60%), and the score was not observed in both IDPL and BBL: bcl-2 immunostaining was also assessed, the lowest recorded score was in IBC (46.66%) and the highest in both BBL and IDPL (100%). Furthermore, there was a significantly difference in the mean MN frequency between c-erbB-2 positive IBC patients (4.06 ± 0.48) and c-erbB-2 negative IBC patients (3.44 ± 0.39) (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Our results suggest that increased chromosome / DNA instabilities may be associated with the pathogenesis of early BC.