The Effect of Altitude on Phenolic, Antioxidant and Fatty Acid Compositions of Some Turkish Hazelnut (Coryllus avellana L.) Cultivars

Turkey is the leading producer and exporter of hazelnuts, producing approximately 64% of global hazelnut production. This research investigated the effects of cultivars and altitude on the phenolic, antioxidant, and fatty acid compositions of five hazelnut cultivars grown at three different altitudes, 100 m, 350 m, and 800 m, in Ordu province, one of the territories that produce the most hazelnuts. The results showed that the cultivar and location significantly affected phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid (FA) content. The lowest (2.30 mg/kg-Yağlı) and highest (21.11 mg/kg-Kara) gallic acids were obtained at 100 m. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in the nuts grown at 350 m in the Kara and Palaz cultivars, at 100 m in the Yağlı and Sivri cultivars, and at 800 m in the Çakıldak cultivar. Oleic acid was the predominant FA in the cultivars and possessed a diverse trend according to the altitude and cultivar, ranging from 76.04% to 84.80%, increasing with altitude in all cultivars except Çakıldak. Palmitic acid was the predominant saturated FA followed by stearic acid, which significantly varied according to the elevations. This study suggests that the responses of hazelnuts to altitude depend on the cultivar; hence, a proper approach to producing nuts containing more phenolic, fatty acids, and antioxidant activity includes choosing a suitable cultivar for a specific elevation.

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.

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.

Determination of trace elements, heavy metals, and antimony in polyethylene terephthalate-bottled local raw cow milk of Iğdır region in Turkey

The presence of several trace elements, heavy metals, and antimony in polyethylene terephthalate-bottled local raw cow milk samples of Iğdır region in Turkey was investigated. The milk samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted digestion. Milk samples were categorized into three groups according to the element level intensity in the sample. While 70% of samples showed 2.5 times the maximum Turkish and European permissible level of lead, the lowest lead-contaminated sample exhibited 1.25 times this level. All the examined samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit administrated for arsenic and 35% of samples exhibited 5 times this limit. Results showed 40% of samples contain an antimony level higher than the Turkish maximum allowable concentration. The high antimony content of raw milk samples may be related to the release of antimony from the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. This study showed high contamination levels of the most toxic trace elements, i.e., lead and arsenic in milk and possible antimony contamination from PET bottles which may cause many health hazards for the consumers.

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.

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).

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.

The advantages of MRI and MRA for diagnosing Behçet's disease and internal jugular vein thrombosis

Behçet's disease is a multisystem disorder characterized by recurrent aphtous ulcers of mucosal membranes, skin lesions, and vasculitis. The prevalence of vascular involvement is about 25% and this is the leading cause of death in Behçet's disease. Jugular vein involvement is an unusual manifestation of Behçet's disease. Medical insertion of needles into veins or arteries can induce thrombosis or aneurysms. Thus, diagnostic studies or therapy can aggravate the disease and even be fatal. We report a patient with Behçet's disease and rare internal jugular vein thrombosis. We also demonstrate the ability of noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography to aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of vascular involvement in Behçet's disease, without risking iatrogenic complications.

Effects of otitis media with effusion on the vestibular system in children

Middle ear effusion has been considered the most common cause of vestibular disturbance in children. However, there have been only a few studies on vestibular disturbance in children with otitis media with effusion. We studied the vestibular systems of 30 children with otitis media with effusion aged 8 to 13 years and compared the results with 15 age- and sex-matched controls. A questionnaire relating to vestibular disturbance was given to patients and their parents. Spontaneous nystagmus and positional nystagmus were recorded by electronystagmography as diagnostic tests of the vestibular system. Romberg's and past-pointing tests were performed on children with otitis media with effusion and controls. After vestibular tests were completed, myringotomy was performed, and a ventilation tube was inserted. The questionnaire and the vestibular tests were repeated after the operation and during the first month after surgery. Our study showed that there was a history of vestibular disturbance in 33% of children with otitis media with effusion. Electronystagmography and Romberg's test findings demonstrated that 33% of the children had vestibular dysfunction (p < 0.05). After myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion, vestibular test results returned to normal, and symptoms related to vestibular disturbance improved. These findings confirm the assumption that middle ear effusion may affect the vestibular system, which can be resolved after myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion.

Doppler sonography of vertebral arteries and audiovestibular system investigation in leprosy

Thirty-six patients with leprosy and 12 sex- and age-matched controls were investigated for disorders of the audiovestibular system, and vertebral artery measurements were calculated using a color Doppler ultrasound technique. Sensorineural hearing loss found to be of cochlear origin was detected in 8 of the leprosy patients. Maximal flow velocity and mean flow velocity were measured, and the total vertebral artery flow was calculated by adding flows from the right and left sides. There was a significant reduction in the total maximal peak flow velocity of the vertebral artery of the lepromatous patients compared to the controls. Doppler sonography of the vertebral artery gave useful information about some pathology seen in lepromatous patients.

Doppler sonography of vertebral arteries in patients with tinnitus

The accuracy and the reliability of extracranial vertebral artery Doppler flow for the detection of the possible cause of the tinnitus was studied prospectively and Doppler findings were compared with controls. Vertebral artery measurements have been made in 28 patients (56 vertebral arteries) with tinnitus and 12 sex- and age-matched controls. Maximal flow velocity and mean flow velocity were measured and total vertebral artery flow was calculated by adding flows from the right and left sides. When compared with each other and controls, there was significant difference with respect to mean flow velocities of the right and left vertebral arteries in the patients with tinnitus (p < or = 0.05), and also total mean flow velocity between patients with tinnitus and controls (p < or = 0.05). It has been concluded that Doppler sonography gave useful information on the vertebral artery flow in patients with tinnitus.

Audiovestibular system, fifth and seventh cranial nerve involvement in leprosy

Thirty-nine patients with leprosy and fifteen sex- and age-matched controls were investigated for disorders of the fifth and seventh cranial nerves and that of the audiovestibular system. Sensorineural hearing loss found to be of cochlear origin was detected in eight (22%) of the patients with leprosy compared to none in the control group (p > 0.05). Vestibular dysfunction was noted in four patients (11.1%) compared to none in the control group (p < or = 0.05). Two cases were found to have fifth nerve involvement and one (2.8%) had seventh nerve involvement. None in the control group had fifth or seventh nerve deficit.

Electrocochleography in endolymphatic hydrops using tone-pip and click stimuli

The use of electrocochleography (ECochG) in the identification of endolymphatic hydrops in Menière's disease, using either trans-tympanic or extra-tympanic recording techniques, has become very popular. The presence of an enhanced summating potential (SP) component is considered to be a diagnostic indicator of hydrops. The response evoked by a click stimulus is widely used in this investigation. The aim of this study was to assess the value of tone-pip stimuli for measurement of the SP component in patients with suspected Menière's disease. Extra-tympanic ECochG was recorded from a surface electrode positioned on the postero-inferior quadrant of the ear canal close to the tympanic annulus. Forty patients referred to the Evoked Potentials Clinic at the Queen's Medical Centre were studied. The combined summating potential and action potential waveform (SP/AP) were recorded using click and tone-pip stimuli. The pips had tone frequencies of 1 and 4 kHz and all stimuli were presented with alternating phase at a repetition rate of 10 per second. The percentage SP (%SP), width and latency characteristics of the SP/AP waveform were calculated for each stimulus condition. There were four patients (10%) with an enhanced tone-pip %SP when the click %SP was within normal limits. Width measurement of the tone-pip waveform at the onset point of the response was abnormal in 13 patients (33%) when a similar measurement of the click-evoked response was normal. There were nine of these patients identified by an abnormal width measurement at the 50% amplitude point of the SP/AP waveform. Both tone-pip frequencies were required in order to identify all these abnormal measurements.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of hearing loss in electrocochleographic investigation of endolymphatic hydrops using tone-pip and click stimuli

Extratympanic electrocochleography (ECochG) was performed on 37 patients referred to the Evoked Potential Clinic with suspected Ménière's disease. The patients were classified according to their hearing impairment and audiometric configuration. Click and tone-pip stimuli with tone frequencies of 1 and 4 kHz were presented at a rate of 10 per second. Amplitude, latency and general waveform characteristics of the summation potential (SP) and action potential (AP) were analysed for each averaged response with respect to the level and configuration of the hearing loss. The highest incidence of abnormal percentage SP was in patients with average hearing loss in the range of 40-64 dB HL using the click stimulus. In low tone hearing loss, hydrops was identified from an enhanced SP in significantly more patients using the click and 4 kHz tone-pip than the 1 kHz stimulus. Measurement of the width of the 1 kHz tone-pip response waveform was abnormal in some patients even though the click and 4 kHz responses were normal. The optimum stimulus for identification of hydrops from an enhanced SP is dependent on the level and configuration of the hearing loss.

Chemical constituents of tagetes patula L

The tubers of Corydalis rutifolia subsp. erdelii were analyzed for their alkaloidal content. Chromatographic separation of the alkaloid extract of the plant material resulted in the isolation of 25 isoquinoline alkaloids. Among these, oxosarcocapnidine and oxocularin have been isolated for the first time from this plant.

[The existence of sinusitis in rabbits and the use of bromhexine as a mucolytic nose drop in the treatment of sinusitis]

To make an experimental sinusitis, 38 maxillary sinus ostia of 19 rabbits were closed by silicon plastic and 24 hours later 10(8)-10(10) germs/ml. of Streptococcus pneumoniae type C III were given to the antrums of sinuses. 5 days later all the rabbits showed sinusitis clinically, radiologically, bacteriologically and histopathologically. Viscous, purulent secretions collected in the antrums of sinuses. We thought that the medical treatment of sinuses which had drainage treatment necessitated to decrease the viscosity of secretions. Because of this bromhexine as a mucolytic nose drop was investigated for the first time for the treatment of sinusitis in two groups of rabbits. As a result of the study bromhexine as a nose drop in the eradication of sinus infections was seen a useful drug.