Ameloblastic carcinoma arising from anterior skull base.

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is an aggressive malignant epithelial odontogenic tumor. It may appear de novo or originate from a pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst. To our knowledge, an AC that originates from the anterior skull base has not been reported before in the English literature. We report a case of an AC that originated from the anterior skull base and invaded the dura of the anterior fossa and discuss its clinical course and treatment.     

Effects of human amniotic fluid on cartilage regeneration from free perichondrial grafts in rabbits.

After the chondrogenic potential of free grafts of perichondrium was shown in several experimental studies, perichondrium has been used to reconstruct cartilage tissue in various clinical situations. This study investigates the effects of human amniotic fluid on neochondrogenesis from free perichondrial grafts in a rabbit model. Since this fluid contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid-stimulating activator, growth factors, and extracellular matrix precursors during the second trimester, it may have a stimulating effect on neochondrogenesis. Perichondrial grafts, measuring 20 x 20 mm2 were obtained from the ears of 144 New Zealand young rabbits and were sutured over the paravertebral muscles. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with 48 rabbits per group. In group 1, 0.3 ml human amniotic fluid, and in group 2, 0.3 ml saline were injected underneath the perichondrial grafts. Group 3 formed the control group in which no treatment was given. Histologically, neochondrogenesis was evaluated in terms of cellular form and graft thickness at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery. In group 1, the mature cartilage was generated quickly and the cartilage plate in this group was significantly thick and extensive when compared with groups 2 and 3 at 8 weeks ( p<0.05 ANOVA). In conclusion, our study shows that human amniotic fluid enhances neochondrogenesis from free perichondrial grafts. The rich content of hyaluronic acid and growth factors possibly participate in this result.     

Sentinel Bleeding After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Disregarded Sign

Introduction Delayed massive hemorrhage induced by pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy is a rare but life-threatening complication. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical course of patients with late hemorrhage, with or without sentinel bleeding, to better define treatment options in the future. Material and Methods From April 1998 to December 2006, 189 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed. Eleven patients, including two patients referred from other hospitals, were treated with delayed massive hemorrhage occurring 5 days or more after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Sentinel bleeding was defined as minor blood loss via surgical drains or the gastrointestinal tract with an asymptomatic interval until development of hemorrhagic shock. The clinical data of patients with bleeding episodes were analyzed retrospectively. Results Eight of the 11 patients had sentinel bleeding, and seven of them had it at least 6 h before acute deterioration. Seven out of 11 patients died, five out of eight with sentinel bleeding. No differences could be detected between patients with or without sentinel bleeding before delayed massive hemorrhage. The only difference found was that non-surviving patients were significantly older than surviving patients. Delayed massive hemorrhage is a common cause of death after pancreaticoduodenostomy complicated by pancreatic fistula formation. The observation of sentinel bleeding should lead to emergency angiography and dependent from the result to emergency relaparotomy to increase the likelihood of survival.     

Using diazepam and atropine before strabismus surgery to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting: a randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of diazepam and atropine sulfate premedication in preventing nausea and vomiting after strabismus surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: Fifty children age 4 to 15 years who underwent strabismus surgery at Cukurova University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology, from February 2000 to June 2000 were randomized into 2 groups: 25 children in the control group did not receive premedication, whereas 25 children in the treatment group received premedication with 0.15 mg/kg diazepam and 0.015 mg/kg atropine sulfate. Occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV was lower in the premedicated group (P <.018, chi(2) test). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that diazepam and atropine sulfate premedication decreases nausea and vomiting after strabismus surgery.     

Inductively coupled transmission of neuro-active signals: analysis of optimal parameters

Fifteen parameters that play a role in the optimal transmission of therapeutic signals by inductively coupled implantable neurostimulator have been investigated. For this purpose, at first, a model of the system was constructed from which the system transfer function was obtained. Then, the relationship between the transfer gain and each parameter was evaluated using mathematical equations and a specifically built computer program. This study showed that the gain could be increased selecting small values for some parameters (the number of active coil windings, first radii of inner and outer paths of the core, heights of the core base and windings, position under the skin, internal resistances of the active and passive coils, tissue impedance between the contacts of electrode), and high values for the others (the number of passive coil windings, second radii of inner and outer paths of the core, frequency of the signal, relative magnetic permeability of the core). Critical saturation values were another considerable point. The nearest commercially available standard values should be preferred in practical applications.     

Homozygous microdeletion of chromosome 4q11-q12 causes severe limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E with joint hyperlaxity and contractures

Microdeletion syndromes are commonly transmitted as dominant traits and are frequently associated with variably expressed pleiotropic phenotypes. Nonlethal homozygous microdeletions, on the other hand, are very rare. Here, we delineate the fifth and so far largest homozygous microdeletion in nonmalignancies of approximately 400 kb on chromosome 4q11-q12 in a large consanguineous East-Anatolian family with six affected patients. The deleted region contains the beta-sarcoglycan gene (SGCB), the predicted gene SPATA18 (spermatogenesis associated 18 homolog) and several expressed sequence tags. Patients presented with a severe and progressive Duchenne-like muscular dystrophy phenotype, a combination of hyperlaxity and joint contractures, chest pain, palpitations, and dyspnea.     

A survey study on some neurological symptoms and sensations experienced by long term users of mobile phones

A survey study was conducted to investigate the possible effects of mobile phone on headache, dizziness, extreme irritation, shaking in the hands, speaking falteringly, forgetfulness, neuro-psychological discomfort, increase in the carelessness, decrease of the reflex and clicking sound in the ears. There is no effect on dizziness, shaking in hands, speaking falteringly and neuro-psychological discomfort, but some statistical evidences are found that mobile phone may cause headache, extreme irritation, increase in the carelessness, forgetfulness, decrease of the reflex and clicking sound in the ears.     

Neuraminidase produces a decrease of adherence of slime-forming <Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> to gelatin-impregnated polyester fiber graft fabric: an experimental study

Because slime-forming microorganisms are the major causative agents of graft infections, we aimed to investigate bacterial adherence in slime-forming and nonslime-forming Staphylococcus aureus and to determine the role of neuraminidase (NANase) on adherence to gelatin-impregnated polyester fiber graft fabric. An in vitro model was developed to quantitatively measure bacterial adherence to the surface of the graft. The grafts were divided into two groups – those colonized with slime-forming S. aureus and those colonized with nonslime-forming S. aureus. The grafts were put into sterile tubes and human plasma was instilled and incubated at 37°C to perform fibrin deposition on the grafts. After 48 h of incubation, grafts were drained and inoculated with slime-forming or nonslime-forming S. aureus in triptic soy broth in the presence or absence of NANase. Following 36 h of incubation at 36°C, grafts were vortexed and cultured to perform a colony count. Bacterial counts were expressed as total colony-forming units per square centimeter of graft. Slime-forming S. aureus had greater affinity with the graft compared with nonslime-forming S. aureus (P < 0.05). The adherence of slime-forming S. aureus was impaired by NANase treatment (P < 0.001) but NANase treatment of nonslime-forming S. aureus did not change the adherence to the graft (P > 0.05). These results show that slime plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular graft infection. Adherence of slime-forming S. aureus can be decreased by NANase treatment. This may have implications for the development of neuraminidase-embedded vascular grafts to diminish biomaterial-related infections.