Effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants and short-term intravaginal progestagen treatments on estrus induction and fertility of Kivircik ewes on seasonal anestrus

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of estrus induction and fertility by using subcutaneous melatonin (MEL, T1) and short-term intravaginal medroxyprogesteronacetate plus pregnant mare serum gonadotropin treatments (sMAP+eCG, T2) in ewes on seasonaly anestrus. In this study, 105 mature clinically healthy Kivircik ewes in anestrus season and 4 rams were used. After synchronization applications, ewes exhibiting estrus signs were hand-mated with rams known to be fertile. Blood samples were collected at different times in order to determine progesterone (P4) concentrations. Results showed that estrus manipulation protocols induced significant improvement in pregnancy rate. All the fertility results obtained with the sMAP+eCG or MEL groups were similar, in seasonal anestrus. The efficacy duration of P4 in the MEL group was longer than that in short-term progestagen group. Plasma P4 concentrations was significantly different between the first (I) and last (III) measurement days (p0.01). Increase in P4 concentration in T2 group was faster than that in T1 group, and blood P4 concentrations at higher levels could successfully be achieved by using any of the protocols in this study during the seasonal anestrus. In conclusion, according to the results obtained, the hormone application groups received very high estrus response. In addition, the twin ratio was found to be higher in T1 group compared to those determined in the other groups (T2 and Control group). Furthermore, plasma P4 concentrations and high birth rates were obtained in ewes in T1 and T2 groups. These procedures can be considered a good alternative to traditional procedures due to its flexibility under field conditions.

Effects of melatonin implantation on the fertility potentials of Kivircik and Charollais ewes and rams during the non-breeding season

This study examined the effect of melatonin implantation during the non-breeding season on the reproductive performance of ewes and the testicular dimensions of rams. In seasonally anestrus Kivircik and Charollais ewes and rams were subjected to melatonin. Estrus response was significantly higher in treated than control ewes of both breeds (p<0.001). The pregnancy rate was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the control than in the treated animals. The twinning rate was significantly lower in melatonin implanted Kivircik than Charollais ewes (p<0.05). The testicular dimensions after 42 days of melatonin treatment increased in both breeds. Scrotal length (SL) increased in Kivircik and Charollais rams (p<0.01). The increase in scrotal circumference (SC) was more marked in the Charollais (P<0.01) than in the Kivircik rams. There was a large increase in testicular volume (TV) in both Kivircik (p<0.01) and Charollais (p<0.001) rams. This study shows that melatonin implants can be applied to induce estrus in ewes approximately four months earlier than breeding season. Melatonin implantation in the non-breeding season significantly increased testicular dimensions in Kivircik and Charollais rams thus increasing their reproductive potential.

Comparison of sexual performance and testicular characteristics of melatonin treated Kivircik and Charollais rams during the non-breeding season

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of melatonin implantation on basic testicular characteristics and reproductive performance of Kivircik and Charollais rams and ewes during the non-breeding season. In this study, 8 Kivircik and 6 Charollais rams were used. Rams were implanted with 54 mg melatonin according to the manufacturer's instructions. At melatonin implantation and at ram introduction the reproductive performance and testicular characteristics were evaluated. Throughout the experimental period, rams were permanently kept outdoors under conditions of natural day length and at ambient temperature. The effects of exogenous melatonin treatments on the reproductive performances of rams and ewes, estrus response, pregnancy rate, litter size and twinning rate of ewes were evaluated in all groups. Libido values were significantly higher in Charollais rams compared to Kivircik rams (P<0.001). Testicular volume (TV) was increased in both ram breeds. Scrotal length (SL) was also increased in both Kivircik and Charollais rams (P<0.01). In conclusion, we showed that the treatment of rams with slow release melatonin implants increased scrotal diameters and testicular volumes in both Kivircik and Charollais rams. Furthermore, melatonin implantation improved the reproductive performances of ewes naturally mated with these melatonin implanted rams during non-breeding season.

Bicanalicular silicone tubes versus otologic T-tubes in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy

OBJECTIVE

We compared the efficacy of T-tubes and bicanalicular silicone tubes in endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed 54 eyes of 49 patients who had experienced nasolacrimal duct obstruction and undergone endoscopic DCR. Group one had bicanalicular silicone tube stents implanted (24 eyes), and group two consisted of patients who had otologic T-tubes (30 eyes). The duration of stent placement, follow-up time, and the subjective and objective success of the procedures were evaluated. Cases were grouped as failure or success according to improvement in epiphora complaint.

RESULTS

An endoscopic DCR procedure was successful in 19 (79.2%) cases in the silicone group and in 23 (76.7%) cases in the T-tube group. The success rate did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.83). The most common cause of failure was granuloma formation in the bicanalicular silicone tube group and spontaneous tube loss in the otologic T-tube group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed that both the otologic T-tube and the bicanalicular silicone tube had similar success rates (76.7% and 79.2%, respectively). We believe that otologic T-tubes, which are less expensive and more easily acquired, might be offered as an alternative to bicanalicular silicone tubes in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Surgical approaches for antrochoanal polyp: a comparative analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) and to perform a comparative analysis of surgical techniques in terms of recurrence.

METHODS

The clinical, radiological and histopathological features of 42 patients with a diagnosis of ACP who underwent surgery in a period of 6 years (January 2000 - January 2006) were investigated retrospectively. Histopathological examinations were present for all patients and were re-examined for histological analysis.

RESULTS

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was performed in all patients. Transcanine sinoscopy (TS) and the Caldwell-Luc approach (CL) were used in addition to ESS in 14 and 13 patients respectively. The attachment site was detected in 21 patients (50%) and the most frequent site was found to be the lateral wall in 15 patients (71.4%). There was no relationship between the choice of surgery, the attachment site or accessory ostium, or any sinusitis with ACP. Histological examination showed prominent eosinophilia in 29 patients (69%). The follow-up time was a minimum of 12 months with a mean of 28.9 months. Three recurrences were seen after ESS. However, there was no recurrence after ESS+TS and ESS+CL.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the most important factors affecting the choice of surgical approaches are the preference of the surgeon, the age of the patient and the presence of recurrent disease. Combined approaches with either TS or CL should be considered, particularly when the attachment site of the antral part of ACP is undetected, in order to prevent incomplete excision and recurrences.

Retropharyngeal submucosal dissection due to nasotracheal intubation

PROBLEM

Nasal intubation is used often by anaesthetists because it offers many advantages; however, rare complications do arise. A 67-year-old man was admitted to our otorhinolaryngology clinic for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Nasotracheal intubation was performed without difficulty. At the beginning of surgery, the surgeon noticed that the nasotracheal tube had penetrated the oropharyngeal mucosa through a channel in the retropharyngeal space.

METHODOLOGY

The tube was left in place during surgery to prevent bleeding. After surgery, a vertical incision was made through the mucosa surrounding the tube from the inferior pouch up to the nasopharynx to prevent hematoma.

RESULT

The patient was extubated without complication and discharged on the second day postoperative. The oropharyngeal mucosa was healed by the 15th day postoperative.

CONCLUSION

Nasal intubation tubes should be lubricated and inserted without force; the oropharynx should be examined carefully after intubation to rule out complications.

Parotid duct cyst: a case report

Salivary gland cysts can be benign or malignant. Salivary duct cysts are benign tumours that occur mainly in the parotid gland and represent 10% of all salivary gland cysts. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with a painless preauricular mass on the right side. Superficial parotidectomy was performed based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathologic examination of the specimen revealed a parotid duct cyst. Here we report clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the case as well as a review of the literature.

Relationship of vestibular aqueduct and inner ear pressure in Ménière's disease and the normal population

OBJECTIVE

Etiopathogenesis of Ménière's disease has not been resolved. The principal histopathologic finding in this disease is endolymphatic hydrops. The majority of radiologic and histopathologic studies demonstrated a narrow vestibular aqueduct in Ménière's disease. There is no study in the literature investigating the relationship between inner ear pressure and vestibular aqueduct dimensions. Static acoustic compliance is a noninvasive procedure that is thought to measure perilymphatic pressure at the footplate. An increase in mechanical fluid pressure in the inner ear is transmitted to the footplate of the stapes. This causes a reduction in the compliance at the drum. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between vestibular aqueduct dimensions and static acoustic compliance in Ménière's disease and the normal population.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

Forty patients with Ménière's disease and 40 healthy individuals with no otolaryngologic disorders were the subjects of this study. Each group was further divided into two according to static compliance value (normal and low static compliance). In these four groups dimensions of vestibular aqueduct were determined radiologically by high-resolution computerized tomography and correlated with normal and low static acoustic compliance values (normal and high perilymphatic pressure).

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that vestibular aqueduct is narrower in patients with Ménière's disease than the normal population. However, there is no relationship between vestibular aqueduct dimensions and inner ear pressure obtained by static acoustic compliance measurements.

Relationship of the cochlear aqueduct and inner ear pressure in Ménière's disease and in a normal population

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the dimensions of cochlear aqueduct radiologically in patients with Ménière's disease and in normal subjects, and to correlate these findings with normal and low static acoustic compliance (SAC) (high and normal perilymphatic pressure) to see whether the dimensions of the cochlear aqueduct play any role in the perilymphatic pressure in normal individuals and patients with Ménière's disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective double-blind study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Forty patients with Ménière's disease with bilateral involvement, diagnosed by vertigo attacks, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, fullness in the ear, and cochlear sensitivity constituted the patient group. Forty healthy individuals with no otolaryngologic symptoms constituted the control group.

INTERVENTIONS

All individuals underwent SAC measurement in terms of equivalent volume in milliliters, based on two volume measurements. To measure the dimensions of the cochlear aqueduct, high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone in the axial plane was performed.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the width of the cochlear aqueduct between patients with Ménière's disease and normal subjects. When SAC measurements were also taken into account, there was no difference in cochlear aqueduct dimensions between individuals with normal and low SAC values in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The dimensions of cochlear aqueduct are not significantly different in Méniére's disease patients and normal individuals. Also, the cochlear aqueduct does not appear to play a significant role in normal and low SAC values in the two groups of individuals.