Intradural Extramedullary Epidermoid Cyst at the Conus Medullaris Level with Thoracic Syringomyelia: A Case Report.

Spinal epidermoid cysts are benign tumors. Syringomyelia secondary to intramedullary tumors are frequently observed. However, the association between syringomyelia and spinal intradural extramedullary epidermoid cyst in the conus medullaris region is extremely rare. We present the case of a 3-year-old male who was admitted with paraparesis and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine demonstrated intradural extramedullary lesion, compatible with epidermoid cyst, that at the conus medullaris level and a large syringomyelia extending from T4 to L1 vertebrae. Total microsurgical excision of the cyst was performed. No additional drainage was carried out for the syringomyelic cavity. Histopathological examination verified the diagnosis of the epidermoid cyst. Total excision of the cyst and disappearance of the syringomyelia were observed on MRI at 15 days postoperatively. We have clarified the etiology, clinical, histopathological and radiological features, differential diagnosis, and treatment modalities of spinal epidermoid cysts. In addition, we have discussed the possible mechanisms of syringomyelia formation in spinal intradural lesions.

Effect of lactulose supplementation on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, cecal microbial population, and short-chain fatty acid composition of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the effects of dietary lactulose supplementation on broiler growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, cecal microflora, and cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. A total of 245 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 5 different treatments, with 7 replicates including 7 birds each. The birds received the same basal diet based on corn--soybean meal, and lactulose was included in the diet at 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, or 0.8% at the expense of corn and/or soybean meal. The body weight gain (linear, P=0.027) and feed conversion (linear, P=0.003) from 0 to 21 d showed significant improvement as dietary lactulose was increased from 0.2 to 0.8%. However, dietary lactulose did not affect broiler performance at the end of the experiment (42 d). Furthermore, intestinal measurements and the goblet cell count of broilers fed a lactulose-containing diet differed from those of birds fed a diet that did not contain lactulose. In addition, a significant quadratic response in the Lactobacillus count (P≤0.001) was observed at 42 d on increasing the level of lactulose. The cecal coliform bacterial population was not affected by the dietary treatments. Supplementation with lactulose significantly increased the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA measured on d 7 and d 42. In conclusion, inclusion of lactulose in the diet can enhance broiler performance and intestinal morphology by selectively stimulating intestinal microflora and increasing cecal SCFA concentrations.

Does N-acetylcysteine have an effect on acetylcholine-induced contractions and histopathological changes on isolated rat ileum?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the action of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on rat isolated ileal contractility, and to determine the effects of NAC on histopathological changes on ileal tissue. METHODS: The study took place at the Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey, in January 2003. Adult Wistar rats were used in all experiments. Two groups were designed. The experimental group, to which NAC 0.5 g/Kg/day was administered orally by adding to their water for 7 days, and the control group to which only saline was administered. At the end of the experimental periods, one cm pieces of terminal ileum segments were removed for testing ileal contractility, and one cm pieces of ileum segments were removed for histopathological experiments. The acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction was recorded, and the ileal tissue examined using light and electron microscopic technics for histopathological changes. RESULTS: The average peak amplitude of ACh-induced contraction recorded in standard tyrode solution of the experimental group was decreased significantly when compared to the control group in standard and calcium-Free tyrode solution. On histopathological findings, there were swollen mitochondria with disturbed cristae in the ileal muscle. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the NAC in the present experiment decreased the ACh-induced contractility on rat-isolated ileum.

Environmental tobacco smoke in rats.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to identify the effect of subchronic cigarette smoke inhalation on the vocal cord mucosa of the rat. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided randomly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group of rats was exposed to cigarette smoke for 2 hours each day over 60 consecutive days, and the control group was treated in an identical fashion but was exposed only to room air. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Transmission electron microscopic examination of the rat vocal cords. RESULTS: We found very high levels of plasma thiocyanate after exposure to smoke in the experimental group but no increase in the control group. In the experimental group, mean plasma thiocyanate concentrations of 3.7 +/- 0.5 and 119 +/- 11.4 mmol/L were measured before and after exposure to tobacco smoke, respectively (p < .05). On the contrary, mean plasma thiocyanate levels of control rats were found to be 3.0 +/- 0.4 and 3.9 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, respectively, before and after exposure. In the experimental group, the epithelium covering the true vocal cords shows disturbed stratification. Some cells exhibit loss of desmosomal connections between cells and enlargement of the intercellular space. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the larynx in laboratory animals is one of the sensitive and useful targets for assessing the harmful effects associated with environmental tobacco smoke.

[Pulmonary function test before and after operation of coronary artery by-pass surgery]. / Koroner Arter Greflemesi Ameliyatindan Once ve Sonra Solunum Fonksiyon Testleri.

Respiratory complications after successful CABG operation continuous to have on influence on the immediate recovery of a patient. It was reported that the mortality risk of the CABG patients increased, proportional to the reduction of pulmonary function tests (PFT). In the present study we aimed to investigate PFT values (vital capacity: VC, total lung capacity: TLC, residual volume: RV, functional residual capacity: FRC, force expiratory volume first second: FEV1, force mid expiratory flow: FEF25-75, duration force expiratory flow in vital capacity 25%: FEF25, duration force expiratory flow in vital capacity 50%: FEF50, duration force expiratory flow in vital capacity 75%: FEF75, peak expiratory flow: PEF, RV/TLC, FEF/FIF, FEV1/FVC) and arterial blood gases (pH, PaCO2, PaO2, SaO2) pre- and postoperatively which undergo CABG. The PFT and arterial blood gases values of 20 patients, age between 39-74 years, were measured that were undergo CABG operation before a week and three months after.The measured PFT values of 20 patients were recorded by system 2400 computerized and sensor medix 6200 and arterial blood gases analysed by radiometer ABL 300. The results were compared by the time and periods of before and after CABG operation, statistically evaluated the pearson's correlation and Student's t-test. In the results the postoperative PFT values were significantly decreased (p< 0.05, p< 0.001). But the RV, RV% and RV/TLC values were not changed significantly. In arterial blood gases values were not significantly changes. To avoid the postoperative complications we suggested that should be done the PFT and arterial blood gases measurement preoperatively.