Reduction of the Incidence of Neuroma Formation By Proximal Epineural Stripping: an Experimental Study in Rats

The effect of proximal epineural stripping on neuroma formation was studied in the peroneal nerve stumps of the rat. After transection of the peroneal nerve, the epineurium of the proximal stump was stripped back by 6 to 8 mm and the nerve fascicles left uncovered in the study group. The transected nerve was left untreated in the control group. All nerves were evaluated by light microscopy 6 months after the operation. Two neuromas occurred in 20 stumps after epineural stripping while 15 neuromas occurred in the control group. Based on histological data, we conclude that stripping of the epineurium may inhibit neuroma formation in the rat.

The effects of lipopolysaccharide-induced endogenous hyperthermia and different antipyretic treatment modalities on rat brain

BACKGROUND

In the present study, the effects of fever and hyperthermia, and different anti hyperthermia treatment modalities on the brain by was investigated by using experimental animal model

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endogenous hyperthermia (41 degrees C) was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and the signs of probable neuronal damage were evaluated by healthy, necrotic and apoptotic cells, and heat-shock proteins (HSP 27 and HSP 70) in cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hypothalamus. The animals were treated with widely used treatment modalities for high fever in pediatric practice, namely hypothermia, dexamethasone, paracetamol and diclofenac, and their effect on the hyperthermia-induced brain changes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Generalized seizure was observed in fifteen rats of which rectal temperature achieved 41 degrees C (15/36, 41%); five of them died on second day (5/15, 33%). LPS-induced endogenous hyperthermia; (i) caused significant increase of necrotic cells in cerebral cortex and cerebellum and apoptotic cells in all three regions (p < 0.05), (ii) caused significant decrease of healthy cells in cerebral cortex (p < 0.05), and (iii) no significant change of HSP 27 and 70 in all three neuronal locations (p > 0.05). For the treatment modalities applied; (i) paracetamol had an effect of increasing the healthy cell count in cerebral cortex and hypothalamus and decreasing the necrotic cell count in cerebellum and hypothalamus (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The neuronal tissue in different regions of brain can show various degrees of damage in response to endogenous hyperthermia and the applied medications have varying degree of protection (Tab. 3, Fig. 6, Ref. 44).

Hamartoma of the breast

Breast hamartoma is a rare benign tumour that leads to unilateral breast enlargement without a palpable localized mass lesion. Histologically, a hamartoma consists of varying amounts of adipose, gland, fibre and smooth muscle tissue. The characteristic mammographic appearance of hamartoma of breast has distinct mammographic features with circumscription and fat and soft-tissue density surrounded by a thin radiopaque capsule or pseudocapsule. Ultrasonographic findings include a well-defined mass lesion consisting of echogenic and sonolucent areas. We present histopathological and radiological findings of a 42-year-old female patient with breast hamartoma who has no complaint.

Tuberculous tonsillitis

The epidemiology of tuberculosis has changed recently with an increasing incidence of unusual presentations. A case of tuberculous tonsillitis, which is a rare condition, is presented in this report. The manifestations of this entity are tonsillar hypertrophy and painful ulceration. Final diagnosis of tuberculous tonsillitis is usually made after histopathologic examination of tonsillectomy material. Cultures should be obtained from the tissue specimens, and acid-fast bacilli must be investigated to confirm the diagnosis. Systemic signs of tuberculosis may not be seen in this clinical form. These features may confuse tuberculous tonsillitis with malignancies. In this article, general information and literature about tuberculous tonsillitis are reviewed, and a case of tuberculous tonsillitis is reported to draw attention to this rare clinical form of tuberculosis.