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WOS: 000457047700003, PubMed ID: 30686013, AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the neuroprotective effects of 2-aminoethyl diphenyl-borinate (2-APB) on the brains of rats with experimentally-induced severe acute pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Spraque-Dawley male rats with an average weight of 200-250 grams were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1: Sham group, Group 2: Severe acute pancreatitis group, Group 3: Treatment group with severe acute pancreatitis, given 2 mg/kg 2-APB before pancreatitis onset. In Groups 2 and 3, severe acute pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 1.5 g/kg L-arginine with a 1-hour interval. Tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin 6, pancreatic amylase were all measured. Brain tissue samples were evaluated histopathologically. TUNEL staining method was used to visualize apoptotic cells. RESULTS: In Group 3, it was determined that the density of TUNEL-positive cells in the cerebral cortex has decreased, while the number of Bcl-2-positive cells had increased. In Group 3, it was observed that glial aggregation areas were diminished and histopathological changes were decreased as compared to Group 2. In Group 2, on the other hand, it was observed that in areas with glial cell aggregation, the density of TUNEL-positive glial cells had increased, while Bcl-2-positive cell reaction has been feeble. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that 2-APB decreases neuronal apoptosis and glial cell aggregation.

WOS: 000451638900005, PubMed ID: 30345771, OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of ozone in combination with insulin on cranial and spinal neuropathy in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (n = 10): control (C), ozone (O), diabetic (D), ozone-treated diabetic (DO), insulin-treated diabetic (DI), and ozone, insulin-treated diabetic (DOI). DM was induced by a single intraperitoneal (ip) streptozotocin injection (60 mg/kg), followed by 3 IU (ip) insulin administration for 60 days. Next, 1.1 mg/kg (50 mu g/ml) ozone was administered to the O, DO, and DOI groups for 60 days. After inducing diabetes, the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured; the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. The brain and spinal cord tissues were obtained for histopathological evaluation. This cross sectional study was conducted in Dumlupinar University Laboratory Animals Research Center e.g 11.03.2015 - 15.05.2015. RESULTS: TAS was higher in the DO, DI, and DOI groups than in the D group. TOS and OSI were lower in the DO, DI, and DOI groups than in the D group. Little pathological alterations with degenerated axons and vascular congestion were observed in the DO, DI, and DOI groups compared with the D group. CONCLUSION: Ozone with insulin can stimulate the endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism in diabetic neuropathy, thereby preventing reactive oxygen species-induced damage and protecting against cranial and spinal neuropathies.

Eser, Olcay (Balikesir Author), BACKGROUND: Symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) is rare in children and adolescents. To date, the treatments available for child and adolescent LDH, and the effect of each treatment, have not been fully reviewed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study is to report the etiology, familial history, presenting symptoms, level of herniation, duration of symptoms, radiological findings, as well as treatment methods and outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with inclusion criteria of being younger than 20 years. (10'19 years); we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm lumbar disc herniations between 2013 and 2016. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and discharged if they remained almost asymptomatic for 6 months. All patients were treated conservatively and 6 patients they have progressive neurological deficit and persistent back pain, were treated with surgical procedures. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), as well as the Oswestry Disability Scale (ODS) and the modified Ashworth Scale (AS) were used to analyze physical examination findings both before and after treatment. To detect lumbar disc degeneration, we used the modified Pfirrmann grading system with MRI. All statistical analyses were performed with commercially available SPSS 15.0 software, while p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 70 cases with lumbar disc herniation have been treated. The mean age was 17.14 ± 2.15 years (range 9'19 years). The male to female ratio was 35:35. The mean duration of symptoms was 7.21 ± 1.69 months. The follow-up duration was 17.31 ± 4.17 months. The most common level was L4'5 in 38 (54%) patients and the second was L5-S1 in 24 (34%) patients. Subligamentous protruded discs were found in 42 (60%), extruded in 6 (9%), and disc bulge with intact annulus in 22 (31%) cases. VAS before treatment was 6.05 ± 0.83, while at 6 months after treatment it was 3.1 ± 0.6. However, at the first-year examination, VAS was 2.17 ± 0.76. The ODS was indexed before treatment 42.03 ± 3.75, at 6 months being 25.01 ± 2.75 and at the first year 9.92 ± 2.67. VAS and the OSD were both significantly decreased after treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Either conservative or surgical methods can be performed comfortably for adolescent lumbar disc herniations. We proposed surgical treatment for patients with incapacitating persistent low back pain or radicular pain that lasted more than 6 weeks, despite rest and medication. We also pursued the development of neurological deficits, including recurrent pain that disturbed routine life activities.

This paper shows an investigation of the expressions of MMP-3,-13 and their polymorphisms in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Hypertrophied LF tissues and peripheral bloods were obtained...

Hydatid cyst (HC) disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus. We report our experience of treating HC manifesting aggressive characteristics. Between January, 2010 and December, 2013, 40 patients underwent surgery for HC disease in our department. The subjects of this study were six patients whose disease followed an aggressive and invasive clinical course. The HC disease in these patients involved the vertebrae, chest wall, mediastinum, diaphragm, and lung, with destruction of the lung. There were four men and two women, with a mean age of 47 years (range 12–81 years). Treatment consisted of cystectomy and additional procedures, such as corpectomy and resection of the chest wall, approaching the liver and spleen with phrenotomy and lobectomy. One patient suffered prolonged biliary drainage, and another had a bronchopleural fistula and atelectasis. One patient died of empyema 1 month postoperatively. The mean hospital stay was 9 days. In some patients, HCs can act as an aggressive tumor, involving the surrounding tissues, organs, and even bony structures. Aggressive HCs may cause various sequelae and require extended surgical interventions in addition to cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION Pituitary surgery involving different techniques is often applied to the excision of benign adenomas. Operative interventions involved various approaches and techniques. Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is the less traumatic route to the sella turcica, avoiding brain retraction, and also permitting good visualization, with lower rates of morbidity and mortality. Although mortality of pituitary surgery decreased by advances in surgical techniques morbidities such as synechiae formation, anosmia, bleeding, nasal septal perforations, drying, and incrustation due to traumatization of the nasal structures such as septum, nasal mucosa, and middle concha are the current problems in pituitary surgery. Here, the authors described an endoscopic transseptal subpericondrial hypophysectomy with minimal damage to normal anatomy and physiology and discussed advantages of this technique. METHODS The authors performed endoscopic transseptal subpericondrial hypophysectomy to 2 patients and evaluated intraoperative and postoperative results. RESULTS No complication was noted during surgery or postoperative period with endoscopic transseptal subpericondrial hypophysectomy technique. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic transseptal subpericondrial hypophysectomy is a safe technique and, requires only a short surgery time and does not require the removal of any physiological tissue or cause any bleeding.

In our study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine on oxidant–antioxidant systems, pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and number of apoptotic neurons on hippocampus and dentate gyrus after transient global cerebral I/R injury. Eighteen rats divided into 3 groups, equally. Group I rats were used as shams. For group II and III rats, they were prepared for transient global cerebral ischemia using a four-vessel-occlusion model. 5 mL/kg/h 0.9% sodium chloride was infused to the Group II and 3 µg/kg/h/5 ml dexmedetomidine was infused to the Group III for 2 h after I/R injury. The levels of MDA and NO and activities of SOD and CAT were measured in the left hippocampus tissue. The levels of TNF-α concentration were measured in the plasma . The number of apoptotic neurons was counted by TUNNEL method in histological samples of right hippocampus tissue. MDA and NO levels increased in Group II compared with Group I rats ( p = 0.002, p = 0.002, respectively). In group III, MDA and NO levels decreased as compared to Group II ( p = 0.015, p = 0.002, respectively). SOD and CAT activities increased in Group III as compared to Group II rats ( p = 0.002, p = 0.002, respectively). The decrease in TNF-α levels of group III was significant as compared to group II ( p = 0.016). The number of apoptotic neurons in group III was lower than Group II rats. Our study showed that dexmedetomidine has a neuroprotective effect on hippocampus and dentate gyrus of rats after transient global cerebral I/R injury.

Eser, Betül (Balikesir Author), "AIM: It has been proposed that apoptosis is effective on intervertebral disc degeneration. This study is the first study in which both polymorphisms and expressions of apoptotic genes in patients with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) are evaluated together. The aim of our study is to determine whether polymorphisms and expressions of apoptotic genes involved in both pathways are related with grades of IVDD or not. MATERIAL and METHODS: Blood and tissue samples of 100 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their radiological degeneration grades; grade 2 (mild), and grade 3 and 4 (severe). Polymorphisms in Fas (rs 2234767), Bcl-2 (rs 1801018) and Bax (rs 4645878) genes were determined with real-time PCR. Expressions of these genes were analyzed immunohistochemically following histological degeneration scoring.RESULTS: Whereas no relationship was found among polymorphisms of Fas and Bax genes and their expressions, we have determined a relationship among GG genotype of Bcl-2 and their expressions. Additionally, the ratio of Bax-positive cells was related with IVDD grades. Moreover, radiological degeneration grades were compatible with histological degeneration scores. CONCLUSION: GG genotype of Bcl-2 gene may influence the level of its expression and may be effective on the development of IVDD. Additionally, expression of Bax gene may be related with different grades of IVDD.", Research Fund of Balikesir University

Kocatepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Neurosurgery1, Otorhinolaryngology2 and Pathology2, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey Paranasal sinus osteomas are benign slow growing tumors, occasionally known to cause complications for a long time. Frontobasal extension of paranasal sinus osteoma is an uncommon localization. We present a 20 year-old-man admitted to our clinic with a complaint of pus drainage and wound from forehead for 2 weeks. The radiological images of the patient revealed a mass mimicking osteoma and extending into the frontal sinus and frontobasal area with a chronic infection. The patient was initiated antibiotics for 2 weeks and the mass was extirped through the destructed anterior wall of frontal sinus. The histopathological diagnosis was osteoma and the patient was discharged uneventfully at the 7th day after the operation

It is important to define the dural sinuses during assessment of the clinical presentations in neurosurgery and neurology and especially before performing surgical interventions involving the brain. Variations of dural sinuses are frequently seen in confluence of the sinuses. In our case, cranial venous MRI angiography of a 49-year-old male patient demonstrated that the superior sagittal sinus bifurcated near sutura lambdoidea of the cranium. These coursed as two separate branches and drained into the transverse sinus without forming the confluence of the sinuses. Sinus rectus joined to the left transverse sinus. We think that this unusual variation which was not reported before will contribute to the assessment of the neurologic presentations and also to the surgical interventions, Nöroşirürji ve nöroloji ve özellikle beyin ile ilgili cerrahi müdahaleler öncesindeki klinik değerlendirmede, dural sinüsleri tanımlamak önemlidir. Dural sinüs varyasyonları, confluens sinuum içinde sık olarak görülür. Olgumuzda, 49 yaşındaki erkek hastanın çekilen kraniyal venöz MR anjiyografisinde süperior sagittal sinüs, kafatasındaki sutura lambdoidea hizasında çatallaştığı gösterilmektedir. Bunlar, iki ayrı dal şeklinde ve confluens sinuum’u oluşturmadan transvers sinüs’e drene olmaktadır. Sinüs rektus, sol transvers sinüs’e katılmaktadır. Biz, daha önce bildirilmemiş bu sıradışı varyasyonun, nörolojik prezentasyonlar ve de cerrahi müdahaleleri değerlendirmede katkı sağlayacağı düşüncesindeyiz

Objective: In this article our aim was to emphasize the possibility of development of epidural abscess after repeated injections in a patient into the spinal epidural space. Methods: Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed due to worsening of low back pain, inability to walk, fever and sweating. Surgical drainage of the abscess was carried out by bilateral L5 hemi-partial laminectomy. Antibiotic therapy was recommended for two months and neurological examination was normal after 6 months. Results: Two months after repeated injections, the patient was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of low back pain, inability to walk, fever and fatigue. T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) examination of the lumbosacral spine showed spinal epidural abscess at L5-S1 level and concomitant intervertebral discitis. Staphylococcus aureus grew on cultures. Conclusion: The frequent use of invasive procedures into the spinal cord such as epidural injections increases the incidence of abscesses whic...

Eser, Olcay (Balıkesir Author), Trauma is a common cause of pneumocephalus, or air in the cranial cavity, and of pneumorrhachis, or the presence of intraspinal air. After spinal surgery, occurrence of pneumocephalus, especially with pneumorrhachis, is extremely rare. We report the case of a patient who developed pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis after lumbar disc surgery and pedicle screw fixation. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leakage during surgery. On postoperative day 1, the patient complained of headache, nausea, and dizziness. Brain and lumbar computed tomography scans revealed pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis. With conservative treatment, the patient's complaints resolved within 10 days., yok

Objective: In this study we aimed to investigate the ef­ficacy, long term result and associated complications of Halo Vest treatment for patients with upper cervical spine fractures. Methods: This study included 13 patients (11 men and 2 women) who applied Halo Vest treatment for traumatic upper cervical vertebral fracture between 2006 and 2011. We reviewed the radiological and clinical findings of pa­tients before and after the treatment. Results: Six of 13 patients had odontoid type 3 fracture, 2 patients had odontoid type 2 fracture with C1 type 1 fracture, 2 patients had odontoid type 2 fracture with Jef­ferson fracture, one patient had type 2 hangman fracture and two patients had unclassified C2 corpus fractures. The mean follow-up time with Halo Vest was 14 weeks (10-21 weeks). Ten patients had bone fusion and the mean time of bone fusion was 12 weeks. Conclusions: Halo Vest treatment for upper cervical spine fracture is a safe and effective method but the pa­tients comfort and satisfaction are low. J Clin Exp Invest 2013; 4 (2): 171-174, Amaç: Bu çalışmada üst servikal vertebra fraktürü nede­niyle cerrahi uygulanmayan hastalarda Halo Vest uygu­lamasının etkinliğini, uzun dönem sonuçlarını, eşlik eden komplikasyonlarını ve hasta memnuniyetini araştırdık. Yöntemler: 2006-2011 yılları arasında travma sonrası üst servikal vertebra fraktürü nedeniyle kliniğimizde Halo Vest uygulanan 11\'i erkek 2\'si bayan toplam 13 hasta ça­lışmaya alınmıştır. Hastaların işlem öncesi ve sonrası kli­nik ve radyoljik bulguları da analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Halo Vest uygulanan 13 hastanın 6 tanesinde izole odontoid Tip 3 kırığı, 2 tanesinde odontoid Tip 2 ve C1 Tip 1 kırığı, 2 tanesinde odontoid Tip 2 ve Jefferson kırığı, 1 tanesinde Tip 2 asılmış adam kırığı ve 2 tane­sinde de sınıflandırılamayan C2 korpus kırığı mevcuttu. Hastalar Halo Vest immobilizasyon ile ortalama 14 hafta (10-21 hafta) takip edilmiştir. 10 hastada füzyon gelişmiş olup ortalama süre 12 haftaydı. Sonuç: Üst servikal vertebra fraktürlerinde Halo Vest uy­gulaması güvenilir ve etkili bir tedavi yöntemi olmakla bir­likte, hasta konforu ve memnuniyeti düşüktür.

Şimşek, Nejdet (Balikesir Author), PURPOSE: To evaluate the central nervous system toxicity of cisplatin and neuroprotective effect of selenium. METHODS: Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control (C), cisplatin (CS), cisplatin and selenium (CSE, n=7 in each group). Cisplatin (12 mg/kg/day, i.p.) was administered to CS and CSE groups for three days. Furthermore, CSE group received 3mg/kg/day (twice-a-day as 1.5 mg/kg) selenium via oral gavage five days before cisplatin injection and continued for 11 consecutive days. The same volumes of saline were administered to C group intraperitoneally and orally at same time. RESULTS: Heterochromatic and vacuolated neurons and dilated capillary vessels in the brain were observed in the histochemical examinations of cisplatin treated group. Rats that were given a dose of 3mg/kg/day selenium decreased the cisplatin induced histopathological changes in the brain, indicating a protective effect. In addition, cytoplasmic staining of the cell for bcl-2, both cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for bax were determined to be positive in the all groups. Bax positive cells were increased in the CS group compared to C group, in contrast to decreased bcl-2 positivity. CONCLUSION: Selenium limited apototic activity and histological changes due to the cisplatin related central neurotoxicity.

The aim of this study is to investigate the putative neuroprotective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on spinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rabbits.Thirty-five adult female New Zeland rabbits, weighing 2,000-3,500 g (mean: 2,800), were divided randomly into five groups of seven rabbits each (n: 7) as Group 1: sham, only laparotomy; Group 2 (İ/R): I/R; Group 3 (LA): I/R and 100 mg/kg of LA; Group 4 (MP): I/R and 30 mg/kg of methylprednisolone (MP); and Group 5 (LA + MP): I/R and 100 mg/kg of LA plus 30 mg/kg of MP.A statically significant effect of LA, MP, and LA plus MP on lowering malondialdehyde levels both in the blood and in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been observed. Nitric oxide is significantly decreased in the blood and spinal cord tissues, and also in the CSF but it is not significant. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels were increased by LA administration.LA exhibits antioxidant efficacy in spinal cord I/R injury, but it cannot decrease the oxidative stress. The histopathological result of the present study also demonstrated that LA has neuroprotective effect in spinal cord injury.

Objective: Posterior dynamic stabilization is an effective alternative to fusion in the treatment of chronic instability and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of dynamic stabilization in chronic degenerative disc disease with Modic[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], 65. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (DGNC)

Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the spine is most commonly seen in lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Cervical spine tuberculosis is a very rare condition, and it represents a very small part of all patients with Pott's disease. We present a case with thoraco-cervical Pott's disease, with left-sided neck mass and left arm and hand weakness and numbness. The patient had a paraspinal abscess under the sternocleidomastoid muscle that was compressing the brachial plexus.

We investigated the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Twenty-one adult male rats were divided into three groups: sham, I/R, and I/R+IL-18BP. Proinflammatory cytokines were determined in rat blood samples by using ELISA, while apoptosis was immunohistochemically evaluated in spinal cord tissue using caspase 3. Both IL-18 and TNF-? were significantly decreased in the IL-18BP group compared to that in the sham group. The highest caspase 3 levels were observed in the I/R group, while the lowest levels were found in the sham group. The mean Tarlov score of the I/R group was significantly lower than that of the sham group. However, the mean Tarlov score of the IL-18BP group was significantly higher than that of the I/R group. The results of the current study demonstrate that IL-18BP plays both anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic roles in spinal cord I/R injury. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the structural changes of electromagnetic waves in the frontal cortex, brain stem and cerebellum. MATERIAL and METHODS: 24 Wistar Albino adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I consisted of control rats, and groups II-IV comprised electromagnetically irradiated (EMR) with 900, 1800 and 2450 MHz. The heads of the rats were exposed to 900, 1800 and 2450 MHz microwaves irradiation for 1h per day for 2 months. RESULTS: While the histopathological changes in the frontal cortex and brain stem were normal in the control group, there were severe degenerative changes, shrunken cytoplasm and extensively dark pyknotic nuclei in the EMR groups. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that the Total Antioxidative Capacity level was significantly decreased in the EMR groups and also Total Oxidative Capacity and Oxidative Stress Index levels were significantly increased in the frontal cortex, brain stem and cerebellum. IL-1 beta level was significantly increased in the EMR groups in the brain stem. CONCLUSION: EMR causes to structural changes in the frontal cortex, brain stem and cerebellum and impair the oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine system. This deterioration can cause to disease including loss of these areas function and cancer development. Turkish Neurosurgery Society Scientific Research Committee This study was supported by the Turkish Neurosurgery Society Scientific Research Committee. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Eser, Olcay (Balikesir Author), Kronik subdural hematom genellikle erişkin hastalığı olmakla birlikte çocuklarda nadirdir.Bu yazıda 9 yaşında erkek hastada futbol oynarken kafasına top çarpmasına bağlı gelişen araknoid kist ile ilişkili kronik subdural hematom olgusunu sunduk. Mental durum değişikliği veya nörolojik bozukluk gözlenmedi.Tek burr hole ile hematom drenajı yapıldı. Bir hafta sonra, hasta saçlı deride şişlik şikayetiyle kliniğimize başvurdu. Fizik muayenede verteksten başlayan subkütanöz fluktuasyon mevcuttu. Yazarlar kronik subdural hematomun ameliyat sonrası döneminde gelişen nadir bir komplikasyonunu ve araknoid kist ile ilişkili spora bağlı kronik subdural hematom olgusu bildirmektedir., Chronic subdural hematoma is predominantly a disease of the elderly and is rare in children. We report here a rare case of chronic subdural hematoma associated with arachnoid cyst in a 9-year-old child due to ball struck to his head while he was playing football. No altered mental state or focal neurological deficits were observed. The hematoma drainage was performed with one burr-hole. One week later, the patient was admitted to our clinic with complaint of scalp swelling. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous fluctuation beginning from the vertex. The authors reported a case of sports related chronic subdural hematoma in association with arachnoid cyst and a rare complication of subdural hematoma during postoperative period.

WOS: 000280396600061, PubMed: 20589617, Association between neural tube defects (NTDs) and C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene was suspected, because the MTHFR gene codes for a key enzyme in folate metabolism. Its deficiency usually leads to significant reductions in plasma concentrations of folate, vitamin B-12 and methionine, whereas homocysteine levels are increased. We examined folate, vitamin B-12 and homocysteine serum concentrations and polymorphism of the C677T MTHFR gene in Turkish children with neural tube defects. Thirty-three children with NTDs, 26 mothers and 48 healthy individuals were studied. C677T MTHFR polymorphism was determined by melting curve analyses (LightCycler (R)). The levels of folate, vitamin B-12 and homocysteine serum concentrations in NTDs were evaluated and compared, along with information concerning alleles of the MTHFR gene. C677T allele frequencies in NTD children and their mothers were similar to those found in controls. Serum folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations were significantly higher in NTD children than that of controls. Serum homocysteine concentrations were not significantly higher in NTD children and mothers. We concluded that C677T MTHFR gene polymorphism does not affect folic acid, vitamin B-12 and homocysteine metabolism in Turkish children with NTDs. C677T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene cannot be regarded as a major risk factor for NTDs in Turkish children., Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects CommissionAfyon Kocatepe University [051.TIP.40], Research supported by the Afyon Kocatepe University Scientific Research Projects Commission (#051.TIP.40).

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and aggrecan genes and degenerative disc disease in young Turkish patients. Aggrecan and VDR proteins are the main components of bone and cartilage. In our study, the polymorphisms of the VDR and aggrecan genes were investigated in a total of 300 individuals regarding disc degeneration and herniation. An association was found in the patients having VDR gene TT, Tt, FF, and Ff genotypes with the protrusion type of disc herniation, whereas the patients having tt and ff genotypes were associated with extrusion/sequestration types of the disease. Also, an association was observed between TT and FF genotypes of the VDR gene and mild forms of disc degeneration; and tt, ff, and Ff genotypes and severe forms of the disease. There was also an association between shorter, normal, and longer alleles of the aggrecan gene and a protrusion type of disc herniation. An association was found between short alleles and multilevel and severe disc degeneration, as well as normal and long alleles and mild disc degeneration. This study revealed that the polymorphisms of the VDR and aggrecan genes are associated with disc degeneration and herniation.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the possible protective effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Twenty-two New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: sham (no drug or operation, n = 6), Control [SCI + single dose of 1 mL saline intraperitoneally (i.p), after trauma; n = 8] and DEX (SCI + 1 microg/kg dexmedetomidine in 1 mL, i.p, after trauma, n = 8). Laminectomy was performed at T10 and balloon angioplasty catheter was applied extradurally. Four and 24 h after surgery, rabbits were evaluated by an independent observer according to the Tarlov scoring system. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), tissue samples from spinal cord were taken for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. After 4 h of SCI, all animals in control or DEX treated groups became paraparesic. On the other hand, 24 h after SCI, partial improvements were observed in both control and DEX treated groups. Traumatic SCI leads to increase in the lipid peroxidation and decreases enzymatic or nonenzymatic endogenous antioxidative defense systems. Again, SCI leads to apoptosis in spinal cord. DEX treatment slightly prevented lipid peroxidation and augmented endogenous antioxidative defense systems in CSF or spinal cord tissue, but failed to prevent apoptosis or neurodeficit after traumatic SCI. Therefore, it could be suggested that treatment with dexmedetomidine does not produce beneficial results in SCI.

Intradiploic cavernous hemangioma of the skull is seen rarely. Intradiploic cavernous hemangiomas arise from the intrinsic vasculature of the bone and generally picks up at the fourth and fifth decades. In this report, we present a 16-year-old child who was admitted with a swelling lesion in the right parietal bone and diagnosed as cavernous hemangioma after total extirpation.

WOS: 000244192200010, PubMed: 16598483, Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum and has wide usage in different areas. The current study aimed to analyze the effects of C. botulinum toxin on the central nerve system in chick embryos. Forty fertile Hubbard Broil eggs, all at Stage 8 of development, were divided into four equal groups: Group 1 embryos (n=10), the control group, were explanted and grown for 18 h in a nutrient medium (thin albumin). Group 2 embryos (n=10) were grown in medium containing 5 U BTX, Group 3 embryos (n=10) in a medium containing 10 U BTX and Group 4 embryos (n=10) in medium containing 20 U BTX. After the incubation period, 80% of Group 1 and 2 embryos and 90% of Group 3 and 4 embryos had intact neural tubes (P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that BTX had no additional effect on neural tube development in early chick embryos.

Objectives An unusual case of hydatid disease is reported. Review of the pertinent literature did not reveal any hydatid disease located simultaneously in both the intracranial and submandibular glands. This is the first case with hydatid disease occurring in both locations at the same time. Study Design The case of an 18-year-old is presented; the symptoms, findings, methods of diagnosis, and our approach for treatment are discussed; and the literature is reviewed. Results The intracranial lesion was completely excised by left-sided frontoparietal craniotomy, and the mass in the right side of the submandibular gland was removed through a submandibular approach at the same session. The intact cyst was completely excised. Histological examination of both lesions confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst by Echinococcus granulosus. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the seventh day. Conclusions Hydatid cyst should be suspected during the evaluation of cervical masses, particularly in endemic regions. Hydatid disease infestations are best treated with complete excision of the intact cyst.