Comparison of wet and dried chickpea yeast in breadmaking

BACKGROUND

Chickpea yeast (CY), initiated by spontaneous fermentation of coarsely-ground chickpea in water, is considered a variant of conventional sourdough and contributes somewhat similarly to bakery products. As the preparation of wet CY prior to each baking process poses certain difficulties, its usage in dry form has been gaining interest. In this study, CY was used either directly in freshly prepared wet form or in freeze-dried and spray-dried forms at 50, 100 and 150 g kg^-1 levels (all on 14% moisture basis) in substitution with wheat flour to compare their effects on bread properties.

RESULTS

Utilization of all forms of CY did not noticeably change the contents of protein, fat, ash, total carbohydrate and damaged starch in the wheat flour-CY mixtures. However, falling numbers and sedimentation volumes of CY-containing mixtures decreased significantly, due probably to the increase in the amylolytic and proteolytic activities during chickpea fermentation. These changes somewhat corresponded to improved dough processability. Both wet and dried CY samples reduced pH levels of doughs and breads, and increased probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count. Total phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities and flavor scores of CY-containing breads were significantly enhanced. However, CY usage slightly influenced yield, moisture content, volume, color and hardness values of breads.

CONCLUSION

Effects of wet and dried forms of CY on bread properties were quite comparable, indicating that CY can be used upon properly drying similarly to the conventional wet form. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of flushing and various doses of β-Carotene and vitamin E applications on the reproductive performance of ewes

The aim of this study was to determine whether fertility could be enhanced in Kıvırcık ewes during the anoestrous period by flushing or by administering an injectable (Ovostim) containing β-Carotene and vitamin E. Three-year-old Kıvırcık ewes (n = 99) were used. The ewes were randomly divided into four groups: flushing, a single dose of Ovostim (5 ml/ewe) before the breeding season, a dose of Ovostim 10 days before the breeding season and a second dose at its start, and an untreated control. Results showed that pregnancy rate was higher in the treated groups than in the control (P <0.001). The single dose of Ovostim produced more multiple births (72%) and the highest litter size (1.64) compared with the other treatments. Although the double-dose of Ovostim influenced the ewes in the anoestrous period to the point of becoming pregnant, it failed to favourably affect the number of lambs born per ewe lambing. In conclusion, flushing the ewes or administering a single dose of Ovostim was shown to be advantageous in comparison with untreated ewes or those given two doses of Ovostim.

How Shame and Guilt Influence Perspective Taking: A Comparison of Turkish and German Cultures

Shame and guilt are negative social emotions that are sensitive to culture, and findings from past research have suggested that shame impairs perspective-taking cognitive ability more than guilt does. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of research that has considered culture and experimentally tested the effect of shame and guilt on perspective-taking. Taking an experimental perspective, this study aimed to examine how shame and guilt states affect perspective-taking performance in two different cultures (Turkish vs. German). Data from German and Turkish female college students provided support for the effect of emotional state and culture on perspective-taking, but there was no interaction between them. We discussed the results and possible explanations for them in light of the literature.

Reproductive performance with short-time controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based synchronization protocol for fixed-time artificial insemination in nulliparous and primiparous Saanen goats

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the reproductive performance of primiparous and nulliparous Saanen goats following the insemination made cervically via frozen commercial buck semen with short-time controlled internal drug release (CIDR, Eazi-Breed, Pfizer)-based synchronization. In the study, a total of 50 Saanen goats, 26 of which were aged 9 months and 24 of which were aged 2 years, were used. The CIDRs including 0.33 g of progesterone were applied to all the goats for 7 days and while the CIDRs were taken out of the vagina, the 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was injected intramuscularly. The first dose was administered in a fixed-time manner with mini straws of 0.25 ml including 300x106 motile frozen spermatozoa 24 hours after the injection without making estrus detection, and the second dose insemination was applied 24 hours later. In the study, although the pregnancy rate, fecundity, prolificacy and multiple birth rate values (83%, 1.25, 1.50 and 60%) obtained in the primiparous goats were found to be higher than those found in the nulliparous age group (80%, 0.84, 1.05 and 38%), they were not statistically significant. It was concluded that the effects of the CIDR-based double-dose insemination applications in the primiparous and nulliparous Saanen breed goats in breeding season for 7 days on fertility were similar and the cervical insemination method, a quick and more practical option compared to the intrauterine insemination, could be used successfully in both age groups.

Antifungal and Anti-Virulent Activity of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil on Candida albicans and In Vivo Toxicity in the Galleria mellonella Larval Model

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare in detail both the antifungal activity in vitro (with planktonic and biofilm-forming cells) and the essential oil composition (EOs) of naturally growing (OMN) and cultivated (OMC) samples of Origanum majorana L. (marjoram). The essential oil composition was analyzed using GC-MS. The major constituent of both EOs was carvacrol: 75.3% and 84%, respectively. Both essential oils showed high antifungal activity against clinically relevant Candida spp. with IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ less than or equal to 0.5 µg mL⁻¹ and inhibition of biofilm with a concentration of 3.5 µg mL⁻¹ or less. Cultivated marjoram oil showed higher anti-biofilm activity against C. albicans. In addition, OMC showed greater inhibition of germ-tube formation (inhibition by 83% in Spider media), the major virulence factor of C. albicans at a concentration of 0.125 µg mL⁻¹. Both EOs modulated cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), but OMN proved to be more active with a CSH% up to 58.41%. The efficacy of O. majorana EOs was also investigated using Galleria mellonella larvae as a model. It was observed that while the larvae of the control group infected with C. albicans (6.0 × 10⁸ cells) and not receiving treatment died in the controls carried out after 24 h, all larvae in the infected treatment group survived at the end of the 96th hour. When the treatment group and the infected group were evaluated in terms of vital activities, it was found that the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The infection of larvae with C. albicans and the effects of O. majorana EOs on the hemocytes of the model organism and the blastospores of C. albicans were evaluated by light microscopy on slides stained with Giemsa. Cytological examination in the treatment group revealed that C. albicans blastospores were phagocytosed and morphological changes occurred in hemocytes. Our results indicated that the essential oil of both samples showed strong antifungal activities against planktonic and biofilm-forming C. albicans cells and also had an influence on putative virulence factors (germ-tube formation and its length and on CSH).

Garlic and onions: An eastern tale

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Garlic and its wild relatives have a long tradition of use world-wide dating back to the early ages as food and medicine. This exceptional group deserves to be taken into consideration to rethink its potential health effects in light of its cultural and historical background, as well as ethnobotanical practices.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Garlic, onion, and other related vegetables have been indispensable for Turkish daily life. This review focuses on the wild, as well as cultivated, Allium species from the broad historical perspective of Turkish culture. Its goal is also analyze how food and medicine have been perceived as closely connected entities in a specific cultural sphere.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature survey was conducted on these species by referencing scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Elsevier E-Book, Scopus, ISI-Web of Science, and E book Central (Ebrary).

RESULTS

The integration of historical and ethnobotanical data have enabled us to understand the unique position of Alliums in a specific human geography. Garlic and onions have been used in this region as food and for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The perceived health benefits of consuming garlic and onions are well documented in the literature. There are more than 200 Allium species naturally distributed in Turkey, and around 30 of those have been widely used for various purposes by local people as a vegetable, spice, condiment, and medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

The desire for good health and wellness has been traced across many cultures throughout history. Healthy foods like garlic were and will be a critical component of maintaining good health.

Human Papillomavirus in Laryngeal Cancer in Northern Region of Turkey

Background and context: Human papilloma virus (HPV) has recently emerged as a new important etiological factor in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The association of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is investigated in several studies but controversial results are established. Aim: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the HPV DNA positivity in LSCC patients diagnosed and treated in 2 otorhinolaryngology referral center in northern region of Turkey. Strategy/Tactics: 52 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks of laryngeal cancers, diagnosed and treated between 2010 and 2016, were included. Detection and genotyping of HPV genotypes were done using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol. Program/Policy process: The study was planned as a retrospective investigation of laryngeal squamous cell cancer patients who had been diagnosed and treated in Samsun 19 Mayis University Hospital and Samsun Training and Research Hospital - otorhinolaryngology referral centers - between January 2010 and December 2016. Samsun is in the middle part of northern Turkey and stated as an oncology center in this region. Approval for the study was granted by the 19 Mayıs University Ethics Committee. The clinical characteristics of the patients were obtained from the computerized database. LSCC tissue samples fixed using 10% neutral buffered formalin and embedded blocks were used. Outcomes: PCR amplification was successful in 40 of 52 patients. Among the 40 LSCC samples HPV DNA was detected in 1 patient (2.5%). HPV 16 subtype was detected in this male patient aged 70 years, with a smoking history and stage III laryngeal cancer. After surgery, the patient received adjuvant radiotherapy and was still alive at 48 months without relapse. What was learned: In northern region of Turkey, this is the first study that evaluated HPV positivity in LSCC. Our results may suggest that HPV-related LSCC has not yet emerged as a significant health burden in our region. This finding may be due to the genetic, cultural or religious characteristics of our patients that are not conducive to oral HPV transmission. Unfortunately tobacco smoking is still the main reason for HNSCC in our city. There is a need for a nationwide screening study to investigate HPV prevalence variability among different regions in Turkey.

The value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio in salivary gland tumors

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Background: Salivary gland tumors are rare, comprising only 6 to 8 percent of head and neck neoplasms. Most of them are benign and commonly occur in the parotid gland. In the last decade elevated hematological inflammatory parameters like neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were identified as predictive and prognostic factors in various malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of preoperative of NLR and PLR levels in benign and malignant causes of salivary gland tumors. Methods: This retrospective study was made of a total of 133 patients with salivary gland tumors (age range: 17-89 years; 68 male and 65 female) who were treated between January 2006 and May 2016. Preoperative counts and levels of hematological parameters were obtained from the recorded computerized database in benign and malignant tumors. Results: NLR and PLR levels were significantly higher in the malignant salivary gland tumor group than the benign group( NLR: 0.66±1.3 vs 0.59±0.31 p=0.001, PLR: 160.3±85.7 vs 124.6±44.1 p=0.014). Conclusions: The results of the current study revealed the potential predicitve role of NLR and PLR in patients with salivary gland tumors. These cheap and easily available blood count parameters could be useful biomarkers in the future; but further investigations are needed to confirm our findings. [Table: see text]

Human papillomavirus detection in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Turkey

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Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. In Turkey, 5538 new cases and 2340 deaths from head and neck cancer are estimated to occur every year. Tobacco and alcohol are the most important etiological risk factors but in the past three decads tobacco usage is decreased and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has changed HNSCC epidemiology. Many new reports suggests that almost 25% of all cases of HNSCC are related to HPV. But its prevelans shows a wide variation among different populations.Today in Turkey HPV positivity in HNSCC is currently not known and this retrospective study aimed to to evaluate the HPV infection in our HNSCC patients. Methods: We included 125 HNSCC patients diagnosed and treated in our hospital beween January 2010 and December 2016. Oral cavity, oropharyngeal, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers were included. Nasopharyngeal and salivary gland cancers were exculuded. Head and neck cancer tissue samples fixed using 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin and embedded blocks were used. From an initial evaluation of 125 patients records 77 of the paients blocks could be adequate for the HPV testing. Detection and genotyping of HPV genotypes were done using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol. Results: PCR amplification was succesful in 61 of 77 patients. Among the 61 HNSCC patients only 3 patients were HPV positive(4.9 %). HPV 16 subtype was detected in one patient who was 70 years old male, stage III laryngeal cancer with a smoking history. The subtypes detected in other two patients were different from 16 and 18. One of these patients was 42 years old nonsmoker female stage IVa hypopharyngeal cancer and the other one was 56 years old smoker male with stage II oropharyngeal cancer. Conclusions: In Turkey, this is the first study that evaluated HPV positivity in HNSCC. Our results suggest a low prevelance of HPV in Turkish HNSCC patients; large scale population based studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Comparison of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Parotid Tumors

OBJECTIVE

The role of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of parotid tumors was investigated.

METHODS

Forty patients with the clinical suspicion of a parotid mass underwent both CT and MRI of the parotid region. Two radiologists independently assessed the CT and MRI results with respect to tumor localization, tumor margin characteristics, and infiltration of surrounding tissue. Histopathologic specimens were obtained in all cases and correlated with the radiologic findings.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of CT and MRI were nearly the same for tumor location, tumor margin, and tumor infiltration.

CONCLUSION

The 2 imaging techniques provided the same information with respect to the presurgical planning and contribute to the diagnosis and therapy planning of parotid tumors.

Allium ekimianum: a new species (Amaryllidaceae) from Turkey

Allium ekimianum is described here as a new species. This taxon belongs to the genus Allium section Allium and grows in Elazığ Province (East Anatolia, Turkey). It is a narrowly distributed species and morphologically most similar to Allium asperiflorum and Allium sintenisii, and Allium erzincanicum but it is clearly differentiated due to the curved stem, smooth pedicel surfaces, bracteole arrangements at pedicel bases, tepal lengths and surfaces. In this study, a comprehensive description, distribution map of Allium ekimianum, identification key, and detailed illustrations are provided for Allium ekimianum and related taxa.

Comparison of milk yield and animal health in Turkish farms with differing stall types and resting surfaces

The current study was carried out to determine the influence of different resting surfaces and stall types on milk yield and animal health. Study was carried out in Bursa that is one of the most important cities of Turkey in terms of dairy production. Effects of resting surfaces and stall types on milk yield were found to be important. Also influence of different resting surfaces and stall types on lactation length was examined and found that rubber mats were different from the two other options. Relationships between different resting surfaces or stall types and health problems were examined and connection between stall type and repeat breeding (RB), dystocia, retained placenta and a connection between resting surface types and RB and clinical mastitis were found to be important. Considering their economic reflections, it can be said that results are quite important to the Turkish dairy industry.

How accurately do drivers evaluate their own driving behavior? An on-road observational study

Self-assessment of driving skills became a noteworthy research subject in traffic psychology, since by knowing one's strenghts and weaknesses, drivers can take an efficient compensatory action to moderate risk and to ensure safety in hazardous environments. The current study aims to investigate drivers' self-conception of their own driving skills and behavior in relation to expert evaluations of their actual driving, by using naturalistic and systematic observation method during actual on-road driving session and to assess the different aspects of driving via comprehensive scales sensitive to different specific aspects of driving. 19-63 years old male participants (N=158) attended an on-road driving session lasting approximately 80min (45km). During the driving session, drivers' errors and violations were recorded by an expert observer. At the end of the driving session, observers completed the driver evaluation questionnaire, while drivers completed the driving self-evaluation questionnaire and Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). Low to moderate correlations between driver and observer evaluations of driving skills and behavior, mainly on errors and violations of speed and traffic lights was found. Furthermore, the robust finding that drivers evaluate their driving performance as better than the expert was replicated. Over-positive appraisal was higher among drivers with higher error/violation score and with the ones that were evaluated by the expert as "unsafe". We suggest that the traffic environment might be regulated by increasing feedback indicators of errors and violations, which in turn might increase the insight into driving performance. Improving self-awareness by training and feedback sessions might play a key role for reducing the probability of risk in their driving activity.

A forgotten diagnosis in emergency department: tetanus

INTRODUCTION

Tetanus is a serious and acute life-threatening disease caused by toxins of "Clostridium tetani". Although it is generally a disease of developing countries, its lower incidence is encountered also in developed countries. Since the principal treatment of this disease is known to be based on vaccination and wound care, the emergency physicians play a key role in its management.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In the present study, we reviewed its uncommon clinical course along with demographic and clinical features of five cases that have presented with various complaints to our Emergency Department. Presenting signs, demographic features, injury history, and the time from the occurrence of injury to the beginning of symptoms were evaluated.

RESULTS

Four of five cases were female. The mean age of cases was 56.8 (34-73). Three of them had hand injury, one had foot injury, and the fifth case had facial injury. The initial symptoms included difficult jaw movement, back muscle spasm, and pain. Two cases died.

CONCLUSION

Tetanus cases may present to ED with different symptoms. Therefore, physicians should be aware of the early signs of tetanus. Careful and meticulous wound management of cases presented to ED following an injury should be considered a significant factor, which can help in reducing the tetanus cases (Tab. 2, Ref. 18).

Tympanic membrane cholesteatoma: a rare finding

We report a rare finding of tympanic membrane cholesteatoma in a two-year-old girl. Tympanic membrane cholesteatoma without trauma or surgery to the ear is a rare entity, with few cases documented in the literature. The exact etiology of this lesion is still unclear. The presentation, clinical course and management are discussed. A whitish spot on the tympanic membrane should raise suspicion for cholesteatoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to allow an easy removal and avoid middle ear involvement.

Body image satisfaction and dissatisfaction, social physique anxiety, self-esteem, and body fat ratio in female exercisers and nonexercisers

We aimed to determine the relationship between social physique anxiety (SPA), body image dissatisfaction (BID), self-esteem (SE), and body fat ratio (BFR) in female exercisers and nonexercisers. Participants included 290 female exercisers and nonexercisers ranging in age from 18 to 60 (M = 24.0, SD = 10.0). One-way ANOVA and the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used to analyze data. Significant relationships were found between SPA, body image satisfaction (BIS), and SE. Differences between each group's SPA, BID, and SE scores were also notable. It was concluded, therefore, that exercising behavior had a moderating effect on SPA, BIS, and SE.

Preliminary screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of Anatolian Heptaptera species

The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts prepared from the fruits, aerial parts, and roots of Heptaptera anatolica (Boiss.) Tutin, (Umbelliferae), H. anisoptera (DC.) Tutin, H. cilicica (Boiss. & Balansa) Tutin (endemic), and H. triquetra (Vent.) Tutin were tested for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory and antioxidant activities. AChE inhibition was evaluated using ELISA microplate reader at 500, 1000, and 2000 microg mL(-1). Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test and Fe(+2)-ferrozine test system for metal chelating power at the same concentrations. Total phenol contents of the extracts were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. At 2000 microg mL(-1), only the aerial parts and fruits of H. anatolica showed moderate anti-AChE effect (61.97% and 49.80%, respectively), while the aerial parts and fruits of H. triquetra had the highest DPPH scavenging effect (80.48% and 86.19%, respectively). All of the methanol extracts exhibited significant ferrous ion-chelating effect varying between 72.97% and 92.36%, whereas only four of the ethyl acetate extracts exerted chelating effect over 70%. These results indicate that Heptaptera species could be a good source for antioxidant compounds.

Does exogenous nitric oxide influence tympanosclerosis? An experimental study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to elucidate the effects of exogenous nitric oxide application via myrigotomized rat tympanic membranes on tympanosclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male rats were included in the study. After myringotomy, nitric oxide was given to the left tympanic cavities and saline was given to the right as the control group. The procedure was repeated 3 times with weekly intervals. Three months after the first procedure, otomicroscopic examination was made and the rats were sacrificed for histologic examination.

RESULTS

Neither otomicroscopic examination, nor histologic examination of middle ears and tympanic membranes revealed any significant difference between the right and left sides. Tympanic membrane thicknesses were also similar on both sides without showing any significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this study indicate that exogenous nitric oxide application did not change the occurence of tympanosclerosis in the rat model. Other cytokine interactions are needed to start the reaction sequence leading to tympanosclerosis.

Effect of injecting with dexamethasone and progestagen-PMSG on reproduction and rearing of lambs in semi-intensive conditions

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different doses dexamethasone and progestagen-PMSG on fertility and prolificacy in Kivircik ewes during the breeding season. For the experiment, 100 ewes were divided into four groups, with 25 females in each group. Groups were fluorgestone acetate (FGA, 30 mg), administered via intravaginal sponges. Experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 mL dexamethasone injection were given 72 h before mating season. The fertility rates control, 2, 3 and 4 mL were 88.0, 92.0, 100.0 and 100.0%, respectively (p<0.05). The prolificacy rates for the same groups were 122.7, 130.4, 144.0 and 156.0%, respectively (p<0.01). The injections dexamethasone significantly increased lamb birth weight and daily weight gain for 60 days (p<0.05).

Secondary Metabolites from Eremostachys Laciniata

From the aerial parts of Eremostachys laciniata (Lamiaceae), a new acidic iridoid glucoside, 5-desoxysesamosidic acid (1) was isolated in addition to thirteen known iridoid glucosides, 5-desoxysesamoside (2), sesamoside (3), 6β-hydroxy-7- epi-loganin (4), chlorotuberoside (5), 5-deoxypulchelloside I (6), lamalbide (7), lamalbidic acid (8), phloyosides I (7- epi-phlomiol) (9), and II (10), phlomiol (11), shanzhiside (12), shanzhiside methyl ester (13), and barlerin (8- O-acetylshanzhiside methyl ester) (14), four phenylethanoid glycosides, verbascoside (15), leucosceptoside A (16), martynoside (17), and forsythoside B (18), and five flavone derivatives, luteolin (19), luteolin 7- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (20), luteolin 7- O-(6″- O-β-D-apiofuranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (21), apigenin 7- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (22), and apigenin 7- O-(6″- O-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (23). The structures of the metabolites were elucidated from spectroscopic (UV, IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR) and ESI-MS evidence, as well as from their specific optical rotations. The presence of these metabolites of three different classes strongly supports the close relationship of the genera Eremostachys and Phlomis.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the external auditory canal

Pleomorphic adenoma of the external auditory canal is a rare disease. It is considered to derive from the ceruminous glands. The objective of this study is to familiarize the clinician with the clinical presentation and treatment of this disease. We report the case of a 58-year-old woman. Complete resection should be applied for cases in which magnetic resonanace imaging (MRI) and computerize tomography (CT) examination indicate no erosion in the bone and cartilage tissue. The patient should be seen regularly for recurrence.

Repair of subtotal tympanic membrane perforations with Seprafilm®

Objectives: We studied the experimental use of Seprafilm, a sheet-like filmform of hyaluronic acid, in the repair of subtotal perforations of the tympanic membrane (TM), and the durability of such repairs.

Method: The research was conducted on 42 Sprague–Dawley rats. Right TMs of all rats were subtotally and thermally perforated in the same fashion. Seprafilm was applied to the perforated TMs of the 21 rats comprising the experiment group. The perforated TMs of the remaining 21rats, the control group, were left to heal spontaneously.

Results: The mean healing times were recorded as 7.8 ± 0.6 days for the Seprafilm group and 14.9 ± 1.1 days for the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: These results suggest that Seprafilm may be a possible first choice (before thedecision to operate) in subtotal perforations, considering its easy application and patient follow-up.

Deep neck infection due to Lactococcus lactis cremoris: a case report

This report describes the first case of deep neck infection resulting from Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris. The case is associated with the consumption of unpasteurized milk and occurred in a patient with a buccal mucosa tumor. Anti-infective therapy with ceftriaxone and metronidazole resulted in complete resolution.

Investigation of the vertebrobasilar arterial system in vertigo by vestibulocochlear test, SPECT and angiography

OBJECTIVE

Perfusion of the areas of cochleovestibular structures was investigated using Tc-99m HMPAO single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in the young patients with vertigo presumed to have peripheral vestibular abnormalities and compared the results with cochleovestibular test results, and vertebrobasilar angiography findings.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

The study was performed on 20 patients with vertigo and 17 control subjects who had performed vertebral arteriography due to another disease. The patients with vertigo presumed to be on peripheral vestibular disorder were included in the study. Systemic and otorhinolaryngological examination were carried out. Audiovestibular function was evaluated in all patients and control subjects. Brain SPECT was performed with a one-head rotating gamma camera system from 64 projections into a 64x64 matrix, using low energy and high-resolution fan beam collimators with a sampling time of 30 s. The images taken from cerebellum, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes which are supplied by a vertebrobasilar system were compared visually with the other side and asymmetry in the perfusion was searched. After cochleovestibular tests and laboratory had been completed, vertebral arteriography was performed bilaterally in all patients. Results of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the vestibulocochlear test were compared with images of SPECT. Data analysis was done with Yates Chi(2) and percentages of sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

There was vestibular test and cochlear test abnormalities in eight and ten of the patients with vertigo, respectively. SPECT imaging showed hypoperfusion and decreased regional blood flow in 12 of the patients. There was statistically significant differences between the study and control groups in SPECT (P<0.05). Five patients showed abnormal findings in DSA examinations.

CONCLUSION

It is believed that SPECT may be helpful in the detection of vascular pathology in the patients with vertigo.

Giant polypoid tumor of the esophagus

A patient with a giant polypoid tumor of the esophagus, measuring 22 cm in length is described in this report. The patient presented with cough attacks and respiratory distress. Diagnostic and therapeutic intervention required aggressive airway management, radiographic and endoscopic evaluation, and definitive surgical treatment. Benign esophageal tumors are rarely seen and originate from the upper third of esophagus, frequently close to the cricopharyngeus muscle. They may attain giant proportions. A variety of clinical presentations are described, the most serious being asphyxia secondary to laryngeal obstruction. We observed a giant esophageal tumor which was interpreted as angiofibromyolipoma that caused laryngeal obstruction. We present the clinical picture and histopathological findings of the tumor.

The effects of natural ostium and nasoantral window on mucosal regeneration after maxillary sinus surgery in rabbits

The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of natural ostium and the nasoantral window on the mucosal regeneration after maxillary sinus surgery and to detect the changes in the mucociliary clearance during regeneration process. Twenty-eight rabbits were studied. In the study group consisting of 21 rabbits, the mucosa of each right maxillary sinus was totally removed, natural ostium was occluded with bone-wax and a nasoantral window was created, while the left sinus mucosa was removed and the natural ostium was left open without creating a nasoantral window. Maxillary sinus mucosa taken during surgery was investigated by light and electron microscopy. The study group was divided into three subgroups. The first group was followed for 2, the second for 4, and the last group for 8 weeks. At the end of these periods, the mucociliary function was evaluated scintigraphically using 99mTc-Human serum albumin. Following this investigation mucosal biopsies were taken from the right and left sinuses and the rabbits were sacrificed. In the control group consisting of 7 rabbits a small hole was opened in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus of each rabbit and the scintigraphic evaluation was performed for this group at the end of each follow up period as well. In the histopathologic investigation, no difference was found between the natural and the nasoantral window using light microscopy, but there was a difference between them in the electron microscopic findings (p < 0.05, Chi-square test). The scintigraphic, light and electron microscopic findings and gross appearances of the sinuses are discussed.

Huge osteoma of the frontoethmoidal sinus with secondary brain abscess

Osteomas of paranasal sinuses are usually asymptomatic. When enlarged, they may cause serious complications. We report a case of huge frontoethmoidal osteoma associated with brain abscess. If an osteoma associated with an intracerebral pathology is detected, it should be remembered that this could have been a complication of the osteoma and a detailed radiological examination should be performed to show the extent of the osteoma and to confirm any defect at the posterior wall of the sinus which may lead intracerebral complications. Such an osteoma should be operated after the abscess was resolved and patient became stable neurologically.