Age-specific analysis of anti-müllerian hormone and liver biochemical parameters in freemartin holstein calves and heifers: A pilot study.

Freemartinism is the most common congenital anomaly among sexual disorders in dairy cows. This syndrome typically occurs in different-sex twin pregnancies and causes vascular anastomoses to form with the placenta in the early stages of fetal development. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in calves and heifers of different age groups for diagnostic factors and to investigate the potential consequences of different hormone levels in different age groups on some liver biochemical parameters. The study involved 50 cattle from diverse age categories, divided into the freemartin group (FM Group, n=25) and the control group (C Group, n=25). Both FM and control groups were further divided into early-age (3-5 months), middle-aged (5-9 months), and older-aged groups (9-12 months). Serum AMH levels, along with total protein, albumin, and total cholesterol levels, were measured. While no statistically significant difference in AMH levels was observed in the early-age group (P:0.53), significant differences were determined in the middle (P:0.015) and older-age groups (P:0.01), where the FM group exhibited significantly decreased AMH levels compared to the control group. The evaluation of liver biochemistry revealed a statistically significant difference in total protein levels between the FM and control groups in the older age group (P:0.033). Consequently, it is reasonable to suggest that AMH levels may serve as a valid parameter for diagnosing freemartin syndrome in calves aged older than five months. Conversely, particularly in young calves, no significant differences in liver functionality were observed between freemartin-affected and healthy calves.

Does maropitant provide more effective perioperative pain management than meloxicam in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy? The first report on the comparison of visceral algesia-analgesia for ovariohysterectomy.

Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is a widely used surgical procedure in small animal practice. In developing countries, injectable anesthetics such as ketamine and xylazine are commonly used in veterinary medicine. Pharmacological agents with analgesic activity, such as ketamine and meloxicam, are not sufficiently effective in reducing visceral pain. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the visceral analgesia and anti-inflammatory effectiveness of maropitant compared with those of meloxicam during and after OVH in bitches. In this study, thirty-six bitches were randomly divided into the maropitant, meloxicam, and control groups. The heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate were monitored during the procedure. Pain scores were assessed using the University of Melbourne pain scale (UMPS). Rescue analgesia was not necessary for any bitch at any time point. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia induction and 24 h after the operation to determine C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. No significant difference was observed in HR between the control and meloxicam groups when the right ovary was removed, and the HR of the maropitant group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the control group. The pain scores of the maropitant group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the other groups. However, no significant differences were observed in CRP levels between the groups. In conclusion, compared to meloxicam, maropitant provided more effective visceral analgesia in bitches undergoing OVH, although no significant difference was found in its anti-inflammatory effect.

Identification and molecular characterization of two papillomavirus genotypes in teat papillomatosis cases in hair goats, in Türkiye.

Papillomaviruses can cause benign or malignant proliferations on the host's skin and mucous membranes. Recent genetic studies have identified many new papillomavirus types. In this study, molecular detection and typing was performed on papilloma samples from eight hair goats with teat papillomatosis. The papilloma samples were tested with degenerate (FAP59/FAP64,MY09/MY11) and type-specific primers. One sample was positive with degenerate (MY09/MY11) and two samples were positive with Caprahircus papillomavirus-1 type specific primers. The MY09/MY11 primer sequence indicated identity to the closest Ovine papillomavirus type-2 (77.9%). The ChPV-1 primer sequence was similar to the closest ChPV-1 (99.4%). Investigating papillomavirus types in different animal species is important for determining the evolution, prevalence, host range, and interspecies transmission potential of papillomaviruses, and to indicate suitable therapeutics for later development.

A Rare Case of BRAF-mutated Metastatic Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma Patient who Developed Radiodermatitis After Receiving Anti-BRAF Treatment.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare type of grade 2 or 3 brain tumor that usually occurs in children and young adults. The standard treatment for PXA is maximally safe resection, usually with adjuvant radiation therapy, for high-grade tumors. BRAF V600E mutation is one of the most common molecular alterations in these tumors, with nearly 70% of cases carrying this mutation. Although BRAF inhibitors have shown promise in treating progressive or refractory disease, their use has been associated with various adverse effects, including radiodermatitis, which is a relatively common complication. This paper presents a case of a 16-year-old male patient with BRAF-mutated metastatic PXA, who developed mild radiodermatitis after receiving BRAF inhibitors with concurrent radiation therapy.

The curative effect of ozonated bidistilled water on Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Endometritis is a prevalent and challenging condition that affects livestock, and its effective treatment is the use of intrauterine antibiotics. Antibiotic use may lead to negative consequences, including residue in tissues and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of ozonated bidistilled water in the treatment of Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rat models, comparing it to conventional antibiotic treatment. METHODS: A total of 21 female Wistar Albino rats were used for this study. E. coli from the uterus of cows with endometritis at a concentration of 1.0 × 109 cfu/mL inoculated into rat uteruses. After inoculation, it was confirmed macroscopically that experimental endometritis was induced in all individuals. And, the rats with endometritis were randomly divided into three groups treated with intrauterine bidistilled water enriched with ozone, antibiotics and 0.9% NaCl. The uterine tissues were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: In the semiquantitative analyses, significantly lower histopathological scores were observed for both the bidistilled water enriched with ozone and antibiotic-treated endometritis groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ozone-enriched bidistilled water can be used in the treatment of experimentally induced endometritis in rats, and can provide effective microbiological and histopathological improvement. Further studies involving larger populations of different species are needed to determine the medical suitability of this new treatment.

Could the different estrus periods significantly affect body temperature on clinical examination in bitches?

Clinical examination is essential to make a differential diagnosis list, and body temperature measurement is an indispensable part of the clinical examination. Throughout the estrus cycle, body temperature may fluctuate high enough to affect the clinical examination results. Aim of this study, whether there were any differences between the different estrus periods, body parts (rectal, intravaginal and corneal), and methods (contact thermography and infrared thermography) in regard to temperature in bitches. The animal material of this study consisted of 61 healthy, non-pregnant, non-sportive bitches (2.78 ± 0.22 mean years of age; mean weight 23.81 ± 1.61kg) of different breeds. Corneal temperature measurement results were found the least constant and significant differences were observed between different estrus periods except in the anestrus period. Rectal temperature (RT) measurement results were the most constant. However, in ANOVA analysis, significant differences were observed between the different estrus periods, and the difference between the anestrus and diestrus periods was very close to 0.5 °C. Although, in the Bland-Altman plot analysis, the agreement was observed only between rectal and intravaginal temperature (p: 0.572, r2: 0.70), the limits of agreement were not clinically acceptable. In conclusion, neither corneal temperature measurement with infrared technology nor intravaginal temperature measurement should not be an alternative to RT measurement, and RT measurement results should evaluate carefully considering the estrus period.

The effect of multiple-dose ivermectin treatment on CD4+/CD8+ and the oxidative stress index in goats with udder viral papillomatosis.

This study aims to reveal the therapeutic effect of ivermectin against Capra hircus papillomavirus (ChPV-1) infection and on the CD4+/CD8+ (cluster of differentiation) and oxidative stress index (OSI). Twenty hair goats naturally infected with ChPV-1 were divided into two groups with equal numbers as the ivermectin group and the control groups. Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg to the goats in the ivermectin group on days 0, 7, and 21. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis on days 0, 21, 45, and 90. The cluster of differentiation4+/CD8+ ratio was significantly higher in the ivermectin group than in the control group on the 90th day. Furthermore, the CD8+ concentration was significantly decreased in the ivermectin group on the 90th day compared with the control group. Both total oxidant status (TOS) and OSI were found to be significantly higher in the control group on the 21st and 45th days than in the ivermectin group. On the 90th day, it was determined that the lesions in the ivermectin group improved significantly compared to those in the control group. Additionally, only in the ivermectin group was there a significant difference between the 90th day and the other days in terms of healing. As a result, it can be suggested that ivermectin has positive effects on the immune response and that its oxidative actions are of therapeutic value and do not harm the systemic oxidative status, as in untreated goats.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Developing after Aggressive Posterior Fossa Tumor Surgery.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurologic disorder, having such common radiological findings as vasogenic edema and white matter changes in watershed areas. The clinic and radiological outcome may not be reversible in 10 to 20% of patients, like in the case of our patient. Here, we discuss the pathogenetic factors that are essential in developing PRES after posterior fossa surgery. A 4-year-old female was admitted to our clinic with a recurrent/residual mass in the posterior fossa. She previously underwent posterior fossa surgery three times (for what was diagnosed as anaplastic astrocytoma through pathohistology) in another center. She was operated thrice in 5 days, and the tumor radically removed. Two days later, after the last surgery, while waking up, our patient developed seizures and altered consciousness. Her neurological condition was severe. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were compatible with those of PRES. Our patient had multiple risk factors for PRES that were as follows: multiple posterior fossa surgeries, anamnesis of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, high-dose steroid use, intracranial pressure changes, and hypertensive attacks due to surgical manipulation. In preventing the development of PRES, we should beware of sudden changes in blood pressure during surgery and meticulously manipulate the brain stem to avoid any disturbance of the central nervous system homeostasis. PRES may transform into real encephalopathy. If the patient has some of these risk factors, PRES would probably develop after surgery.

Effect of mesenchymal stem cells therapy in experimental kaolin induced syringomyelia model.

BACKGROUND: Syringomyelia is a pathological cavitation of the spinal cord. In this study, we examined whether a syrinx cavity would limit itself with axonal regeneration and stem cell activity in the cavity, and we evaluated subjects on a functional basis. METHODS: Groups were designated as kaolin, trauma, kaolin-trauma, and saline groups. Also divided out of the syringomyelia treated groups were those given human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). All groups were evaluated with immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and functionally. RESULTS: The kaolin-trauma group had a significant correction of BBB score with hMSCs therapy. The syrinx cavity measurements showed significant improvement in groups treated with hMSCs. The tissue surrounding the syrinx cavity, however, appeared to be better organized in groups treated with hMSCs. The process of repair and regeneration of damaged axons in the lesion were more improved in groups treated with hMSCs. Using confocal microscopy, fluorescence of hMSCs was observed in the central canal, in the ependymal tissue, and around the lesion. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that axonal repair accelerated in groups receiving stem cells, and thus, stem cells may be effective in recovery of neural tissue and myelin damage in syringomyelia.

Chitosan Channels Stuffed with Mesenchyme Originated Stem/Progenitor Cells for Renovate Axonal Regeneration in Complete Spinal Cord Transection.

AIM: To examine the implantation of chitosan channels stuffed with mesenchyme-originated stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) derived from adult rats in a spinal cord transection model. The level of axonal regeneration, the effect of chitosan channels on the survival of MSPCs, and the functional recovery results were also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chitosan channels stuffed with MSPCs were implanted at the level of T8 in a transected rat spinal cord. MSPCs were harvested from the pelvic bone marrow of adult rats, and the MSPC?chitosan channel group was compared with three control groups. The axonal regeneration capacity, the effect of chitosan channels on the survival of MSPCs, and the functional recovery results were compared among four groups. The survival of MSPCs was evaluated using histopathological techniques and electron microscopy, axonal regeneration/germination was evaluated by confocal microscopy, and locomotor function was assessed for 4 weeks using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor score. RESULTS: The MSPC-chitosan channel group exhibited enhanced survival of transplanted MSPCs compared with MSPCs transplanted directly into the lesion cavity, although no significant difference was detected in locomotor function between the treatment and control groups. The MSPC-chitosan channel group demonstrated thicker myelination of axons than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Chitosan channels promoted the survival of transplanted MSPCs and created a tissue bridge after complete spinal cord transection. They also induced axonal regeneration and germination. No significant improvement in functional recovery was found between the groups.

A simple and effective modified technique of twist drill craniostomy for bedside drainage and irrigation of chronic subdural hematoma: Technical and clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is an important health problem observed mostly in elderly population. Here, we aimed to describe and validate a simple modified technique of twist-drill craniostomy (TDC) using easily accessible tools for effective and safe bedside CSDH drainage. METHODS: A detailed description of the new modified TDC technique which allows for sequential drainage and irrigation under physiological conditions is provided. Clinical and radiological characteristics as well as surgical results of the patients undergoing this procedure are also presented. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients (30 M, 25 F) underwent this modified TDC. Mean age was 61.7 ±â€¯12.3 years. Medical comorbidities were common (76.4 %). Subdural hematoma was mostly unilateral (83.6 %). Maximum width of hematoma was 21 ±â€¯4 mm on average (range: 9-38 mm). In total, patients underwent 1.6 ±â€¯0.9 subdural tappings on average (median: 1, range: 1-5). Repeat tappings were performed in 43.6 % of the patients. No mortality, serious morbidity or infectious complications were noted. Pneumocephalus was either absent or minimal in most cases (96.4 %). Mean length of hospital stay was 4.9 ±â€¯4.0 days (median: 3; range: 2-20 days). The clinical outcomes were favorable in 92.7 % of the patients (no craniotomy required and no symptomatic recurrence detected). CONCLUSION: This modified technique of TDC utilizes easily available tools, yields satisfactory radiological and clinical results, allows repeated tappings even in outpatient settings and can thus be readily applied in every neurosurgical unit across the world. It can be an effective alternative to existing procedures for patients with multiple co-morbidities and/or high anesthesia risk, in emergency conditions and busy neurosurgical centers.

Radiological and Clinical Comparison of Posterolateral Fusion and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion Techniques in Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative stenosis is an established treatment mode. Despite comparable patient-related outcomes and radiologic results, the necessity of adding interbody fusion to posterolateral fusion remains controversial. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of posterolateral fusion and transforaminal interbody fusion techniques in degenerative lumbar stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of 48 patients who underwent decompression plus either posterolateral fusion (PLF; n = 23) or transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) plus PLF (TLIF+PLF; n = 25) procedures, which incorporated 71 segments for degenerative lumbar stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration for the PLF and TLIF groups were 26 and 31 months, respectively. Both procedures significantly improved the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores; however, the postoperative ODI and VAS scores were unaffected by the procedure type. Postoperative disc heights and percent changes in disc heights did not change by operation type; however, the percent change in the foramen areas was significantly greater in the TLIF group. The addition of TLIF to the PLF procedure resulted in significantly longer operating time and more intraoperative blood loss. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula was the only major complication noted. The radiologic fusion rates were similar between both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both PLF and TLIF+PLF procedures were effective in ameliorating the symptoms of degenerative lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Although some radiologic parameters favor TLIF, this was not reflected in the clinical outcomes.

Regenerative potential of chitosan-coated poly-3-hydroxybutyrate conduits seeded with mesenchymal stem cells in a rat sciatic nerve injury model.

OBJECTIVES: A number of chemical and biological factors, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have been developed to enhance nerve regeneration by introduction through a variety of nerve conduits. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of using chitosan-coated poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) nerve conduits seeded with human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hMSC-bm) to augment repair in an experimental rat model of sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: A total of 30 rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 10). In each rat, a 10 mm segment of the sciatic nerve was removed and was replaced by a chitosan-coated PHB conduit seeded with hMSC-bm (PHB/chitosan-hMSC-bm group), a chitosan-coated PHB conduit (PHB/chitosan group), or an autograft (autograft group) as the control. The results were evaluated 8 weeks postoperatively by observation, electromyography and histologic examination with light microscopy and immunostaining. RESULTS: Histologic examination showed that both PHB/chitosan-hMSC-bm conduits and PHB/chitosan conduits led the damaged axons through the injured area. When the effects were compared, the results with the PHB/chitosan-hMSC-bm conduits were superior to those with the PHB/chitosan conduits (p < 0.05) but not as successful as with the autologous nerve grafts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PHB/chitosan-hMSC-bm nerve conduits may be a useful artificial guide for nerve regeneration.

Histopathologic Analysis of Tamoxifen on Epidural Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Epidural fibrosis is a challenging topic in spinal surgery. This phenomenon constitutes one of the main reasons behind postlaminectomy syndrome or failed back surgery syndrome, which leads to persistent back and leg pain in association with compression and/or stretching the nerve root or the dura. The exact mechanism of action in epidural fibrosis is complex and remains uncertain. Excessive deposition of collagen, fibronectin, and dermatan sulfate, known as the "extracellular matrix," and decrease of tissue cellularity results in epidural fibrosis. The most investigated and important actor in epidural fibrosis as well as in other forms of aberrant wound healing is presumed to be transforming growth factor-1ß formation. Tamoxifen (TAM), a synthetic nonsteroidal antiestrogen used in breast cancer, is also effective in inhibiting fibroblast proliferation via downregulation of transforming growth factor-1ß. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Laminectomy was the sole intervention in the control group. Spongostan was placed in the operation lodge after laminectomy in the second group. In the treatment group, TAM was administrated orally after laminectomy. Epidural fibrosis, dural thickness, inflammatory response, and arachnoidal involvement were evaluated and graded histopathologically. RESULTS: Epidural fibrosis, dural thickness, and inflammatory response in the subjects treated with TAM were significantly less than in the control and Spongostan group and the differences were statistically significant. Although arachnoidal involvement was observed in a subject in the TAM group, the differences between all groups weren't statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Tamoxifen reduced epidural fibrosis, dural thickness, and inflammatory response after laminectomy in rats.

Massive Primary Intraventricular Hemorrhage Due to Idiopathic Lateral Posterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysm: Case Illustration.

Peripheral aneurysms of the lateral posterior choroidal artery are rare and mostly in association with vascular and occlusive pathologies such as moyamoya disease. To the best of our knowledge, pure lateral posterior choroidal artery aneurysms without association of any other vascular diseases are unique and only 3 cases have been reported in the literature.

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus misidentified as Brucella spp. in an immunocompetent patient with brain abscess.

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus rarely causes brain abscesses. Here we report a case of the brain abscess caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus. Cultivated gram negative coccobacilli from cerebral abscess were initially misidentified as Brucella spp. because it gave false positive agglutination with anti-Brucella sera. Definite identification was made with MALDI-TOF assay. Right to left shunt through the pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was speculated to be the underlying cause for the brain abscess. The patient was treated successfully with ampicillin-sulbactam after failing ceftriaxone treatment.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Presenting with Seizure due to Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage after Spinal Surgery.

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage may commonly occur during spinal surgeries and it may cause dural tears. These tears may result in hemorrhage in the entire compartments of the brain. Most common site of such hemorrhages are the veins in the cerebellar region. We report a case of hemorrhage, mimicking aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a cerebrospinal fluid leakage following lumbar spinal surgery and discuss the possible mechanisms of action.

Aligned bacterial PHBV nanofibrous conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration.

The conventional method of peripheral nerve gap treatment is autografting. This method is limited. In this study, an aligned nanofibrous graft was formed using microbial polyester, Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). The regenerative effect of the graft was compared with that of autografting in vivo. To determine the regenerative effect, rats were assessed with sciatic nerve functional index, electromyographic evaluation, and histological evaluation. Results found in this study include PHBV grafts stimulated progressive nerve regeneration, although regeneration was not comparable with that of autografting. We conclude that the study results were promising for aligned bacterial polymeric grafts for peripheral nerve regeneration.

The effect of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) and human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) on axonal regeneration in experimental sciatic nerve damage.

This study is designed to evaluate the treatment effect of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) on axonal regeneration in experimental rat sciatic nerve damage, and compare the results of this modality with autologous nerve grafting. In Spraque-Dawley albino rats, 10-mm-long experimental nerve gaps were created. Three groups were constituted, the gap was repaired with autologous nerve graft (autograft group), PHBHHx nerve graft alone (PHBHHx alone group), and PHBHHx nerve graft with hMSCs inside (PHBHHx with hMSC group), respectively. The results were evaluated with functional recovery, electrophysiological evaluation, and histological evaluation either with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy for axonal regeneration and myelin formation. In functional evaluation, autograft and PHBHHx with hMSC groups showed functional improvement with time, whereas PHBHHx alone group did not. Electrophysiological evaluation showed better results in autograft and PHBHHx with hMSC groups when compared to PHBHHx alone group. There was no statistical difference between autograft and PHBHHx with hMSC groups. Histological evaluation showed regenerated axons in each group. Autograft group was better than the others, and PHBHHx with hMSC group was better than PHBHHx alone group both for axonal regeneration and myelin formation. This study showed that the nerve grafts which were prepared from PHBHHx with oriented nanofiber three-dimensional surfaces aided to nerve regeneration, either used alone or with hMSC. PHBHHx provided better nerve regeneration when used with hMSCs inside than alone, and reached the same statistical treatment effect in functional evaluation and electrophysiological evaluation when compared to autografting.

Spring-mediated cranioplasty in patients with multiple-suture synostosis and cloverleaf skull deformity.

The concept of using implantable springs in craniofacial surgery was developed to dynamically remodel the cranium at the postoperative period. Springs have been shown as an effective treatment modality especially for single-suture synostosis patients and had several advantages over traditional techniques. This report presents 2 patients with cloverleaf skull and 1 patient with multiple-suture synostosis, with severe lacunae, who showed signs of increased intracranial pressure. Decompression and reconstruction were performed using implantable springs after Pi craniectomy. In all patients, lacunae disappeared and calvarial bones ossified almost completely. The shape of the patients' cranium improved as well. Implantable springs could be a useful addition to the armamentarium of every craniofacial surgeon.