The midterm psychological effect of cast removal procedures in children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the course of anxiety change in children who used headphones during cast removal with controls in midterm follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients who underwent forearm fracture treatment with closed reduction and long arm casting between June 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of headphones (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; mean age: 8.0±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) or not (n=39; 27 males, 12 females; mean age: 8.9±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) during cast removal with an oscillating saw. Primary outcome measures included preprocedure, postprocedure, and six-month anxiety assessments with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: There was an acute increase in the mean state anxiety scores after the procedure, which returned to below baseline at the six-month follow-up in the headphone (31.4±8.3, 33.3±8.7, and 25.1±4.1, respectively) and control groups (34.9±11.1, 37.4±9.5, and 27.3±5.3, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores before the procedure, after the procedure, and at six months remained similar in the headphone (33.6±3.0, 34.6±3.2, and 32.4±2.8; p>0.05) and control groups (34.1±2.7, 33.7±3.0, and 33.7±3.0, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the acute anxiety during cast removal did not create anxiety sequelae in the sixth month regardless of headphone use.

The Role of CD68 (+) Histiocytic Macrophages in Nasal Polyp Development.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CD68 (+) histiocytic macrophages (H-M) in the nasal polyp pathogenesis. Materials and Methods The study group consisted of 24 adult patients with nasal polyposis. The control group consisted of 11 adult patients without nasal polyps. A total of 36 nasal polyp samples (10-nasal cavity, 10-maxillary sinus, and 16-ethmoid sinus) from the study group and 11 inferior turbinate samples from the control group were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, with monoclonal antibodies against CD68 (+) H-M. Results CD68 positivity was significantly higher than the control group in the subepithelial (SE) layer of the ethmoid sinus, and deep layers of nasal cavity, maxillary, and ethmoid sinuses. In SE and deep layers of ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, CD68 positivity was significantly higher than that of the epithelial layer. In the deep layer, histiocytic macrophages tended to gather around eosinophils. Conclusion The high numbers of CD68 (+) histiocytic macrophages mainly located in deep layer of lamina propria may be responsible for the phagocytosis of eosinophils within the polyp tissue. Therefore, it may be concluded that increased macrophages in nasal polyps do not trigger the growth of nasal polyps. Instead, they may serve to reduce the number of eosinophils in already-developed nasal polyps.

Olfactory dysfunction and oxidative stress in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the first-trimester pregnancy serum total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and serum estradiol levels as well as the olfactory functions assessed using the brief smell identification test (BSIT) of women with healthy pregnancies and those with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). METHODS: In this prospective study, 60 pregnant women in the first trimester of their pregnancies were divided into two groups: 30 pregnant women with HG (study group) and 30 healthy pregnant women (control group). The following parameters were compared in the HG group and the healthy controls: TOS, TAS, serum levels of estradiol (E2), and olfactory function, which was measured using BSIT. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of age, gravida, and parity. The mean total smell score was lower in the HG group than the healthy control group (p < 0.05). TOS was significantly higher in the HG group than the control group. TAS was significantly higher in the control group than the HG group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The removal of sharp odors that will trigger the perception of odor in pregnant women with HG can contribute to the effective control of this disease; moreover, adding fetal-safe antioxidants to the treatment can contribute to the effective control of this disease.

A Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence in MDCT and MRI, and Coexistence with Tegmen Tympani Dehiscence.

Objective Tegmen tympani dehiscence in temporal multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and superior semicircular canal dehiscence may be seen together. We investigated superior semicircular canal dehiscence in temporal MDCT and temporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods In this retrospective study, 127 temporal MRI and MDCT scans of the same patients were reviewed. In all, 48.8% ( n = 62) of cases were male, and 51.2% ( n = 65) of cases were female. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence and superior semicircular canal-temporal lobe distance were evaluated by both MDCT and MRI. Tegmen tympani dehiscence was evaluated by MDCT. Results Superior semicircular canal dehiscence was detected in 14 cases (5.5%) by temporal MDCT and 15 cases (5.9%) by temporal MRI. In 13 cases (5.1%), it was detected by both MDCT and MRI. In one case (0.4%), it was detected by only temporal MDCT, and in two cases (0.8%), it was detected by only temporal MRI. Median superior semicircular canal-to-temporal distance was 0.66 mm in both males and females in temporal MDCT and temporal MRI. In both temporal MDCT and temporal MRI, as superior semicircular canal-to-temporal lobe distance increased, the presence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence in temporal MDCT and temporal MRI decreased. Tegmen tympani dehiscence was detected in eight cases (6.3%) on the right side and six cases (4.7%) on the left side. The presence of tegmen tympani dehiscence in temporal MDCT and the presence of superior semicircular dehiscence in MDCT and MRI increased. Conclusion Superior semicircular canal dehiscence was detected by both MDCT and MRI. Due to the accuracy of the MRI method to detect superior semicircular dehiscence, we recommend using MRI instead of MDCT to diagnose superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Moreover, there is no radiation exposure from MRI.

Can MDCT Scan of the Temporal Bone Looking at Pneumatization Predict Surgical Vulnerability of the Facial Nerve?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the scutum-cochleariform process (CP) and scutum-promontorium distances according to the mastoid pneumatization condition. METHODS: Two hundred temporal multidetector computed tomography scans (90 males and 110 females) were evaluated retrospectively. The scutum-CP and scutum-promontorium distances were measured. Facial canal dehiscence (FCD) in the tympanic segment and mastoid pneumatization were also evaluated. RESULTS: The distances between scutum-CP and scutum-promontorium were not different between males and females and between right and left sides. Facial canal dehiscence in the tympanic segment was detected: 5.6% (right) and 7.8% (left) in males and 5.5% (right) and 10.0% (left) in females. Grade 4 (100%) pneumatization was detected mainly in 55.6% to 57.8% of the patients in both genders. Grade 0 (0%) pneumatization (sclerosis) was detected in 22.2% to 28.2% of both males and females. In more pneumatized mastoids, the scutum-CP and scutum-promontorium distances increased. In sclerotic mastoids, the scutum-CP and scutum-promontorium distances decreased. Facial canal dehiscence rates were not related to the mastoid pneumatization levels. CONCLUSION: Cochleariform process is an important landmark to localize the tympanic segment of the facial canal. In sclerosed mastoids, scutum-CP and scutum-promontorium distances decreased. There was no relationship between FCD rates and mastoid pneumatization levels. It may be due to the development of FCD that occurs during the intrauterine period. In endoscopic and classic ear surgeries, mastoid pneumatization must be evaluated preoperatively to avoid facial nerve injuries.

Does Mastoid Pneumatization Affect Facial Canal Dimensions and Distances of Facial Tympanic Segment-Scutum and Lateral Semicircular Canal-Scutum?

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated whether mastoid pneumatization affects facial canal dimensions and distances of facial tympanic segment and scutum, and lateral semicircular (LSS) canal and scutum. METHODS: One hundred sixty-one temporal multidetector computed tomography scans were reviewed. Patients with unilateral sclerotic mastoid pneumatization (no aeration) (group 1, n = 81) and unilateral total mastoid pneumatization (100.0% aeration) (group 2, n = 80) were included. Facial canal dimensions at the labrythine, tympanic, and mastoid segments; facial canal dehiscence and length; and facial tympanic segment-scutum and LSS canal-scutum distances were evaluated. RESULTS: In the present study, facial canal dimensions of labyrinthine, tympanic, and mastoid segments in total pneumatized mastoid group were significantly lower than sclerotic mastoids on axial and coronal images (P < 0.05). Facial tympanic segment and scutum distance of the sclerotic mastoid group was significantly lower than those of the total pneumatized mastoid group (P < 0.05). However, LSS canal-scutum distance was not different between both groups (P > 0.05). The LSS canal-scutum distance of the females was lower than those of the males (P < 0.05). Facial canal dehiscence ratio was 11.3% and 11.1% in sclerotic and total pneumatized mastoids, respectively. The mean ± SD length of the dehiscence was 2.46 ± 1.29 mm in pneumatized mastoids and 1.92 ± 0.68 mm in sclerotic mastoids. CONCLUSIONS: In cholesteatoma cases, scutum erosion may occur. Because facial tympanic segment and scutum distance decreased in sclerotic mastoids compared with completely pneumatized ones, maximum care must be taken in the operations for avoiding to damage facial canal and nerve. Revision cases may be more difficult because of distorted anatomy. However, in pneumatized mastoids, the mean length of the facial canal was more than 2 mm, which must be kept in mind during operations.

Clinicopathological analysis of parotid masses: six-year experience of a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and histopathological characteristics of parotid gland masses at a tertiary referral centre and to compare the results with those cited in literature. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey, and comprised data of patients undergoing parotid surgery between January 2011 and December 2016. They were evaluated in terms of age, gender, surgery method, fine-needle aspiration biopsy results, specimen reports and complications after the surgery for one year. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of 170 parotidectomies, 97(57.1%) had been performed on males and 73(42.9%) on females. There were 145(85.3%) benign and 25(14.7%) malignant tumours. Pleomorphic adenoma 67(39.4%) and Warthin's tumour 56(32.9%) were the two most common benign tumours. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma 7(4.1%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma 6(3.5%) were the two most prevalent malignant tumours. Superficial parotidectomy 133(78.2%) was the main type of surgical intervention. The sensitivity of fine needle aspiration cytology for identifying malignant tumours was 64.71%, the specificity was 100% and overall accuracy of the procedure was 94.92%. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated aspirations for sampling different parts of the lesion should be performed on suspicion of malignancy, especially if fine needle aspiration cytology reported pleomorphic adenoma.

Sonoelastographic Evaluation of the Lower Lateral Nasal Cartilage Lateral Crus, Auricular Conchal Cartilage, and Costal Cartilage.

We investigated the sonoelastographic features of the lower lateral nasal cartilage lateral crus (LLNC-LC), auricular conchal cartilage (ACC), and costal cartilage (CC). In this prospective study, group 1 consisted of 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) between 18 and 35 years of age. Group 2 consisted of 60 participants (30 males and 30 females) between 35 and 50 years of age. Strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) were performed. For all LLNC-LCs and ACCs, type I SE was detected more in group 2, type II SE was detected more in group 1, and type III SE was detected more in group 1 (p < 0.05). For CC, type I SE was detected more in both groups (p < 0.05). For LLNC-LC, type I SE was detected more in males compared with females in both groups (p < 0.05). For all LLNC-LC, ACC and CC, the SWE modulus of group 2 was significantly higher than that of group 1 (p < 0.05). In older participants, the SWE modulus increased. We recommend using ACC mainly in rhinoplasty operations for primary and revision cases as its SWE modulus is similar to that of the LLNC-LC. However, due to the higher SWE modulus of CC, CC grafts should not be used as the first choice in rhinoplasties, especially in the reconstruction of the nasal tip contour, but may be used in nasal dorsum augmentation.

Olfactory Fossa and New Angle Measurements: Lateral Lamella-Cribriform Plate Angle.

OBJECTIVES: The authors investigated the olfactory fossa (OF) in patients with unilateral nasal septal deviation (NSD) and presented the lateral lamella-cribriform plate angle (LLCPA). METHODS: Paranasal sinus computed tomography images of 300 adult subjects with unilateral NSD (111 males, 189 females) were evaluated retrospectively. Septal deviation angle (SDA), Keros Classification, OF depth and width, LLCPA; and orbital plate and cribriform plate (OPCP) distance were measured. RESULTS: The OF depth values (ipsilateral, contralateral) were found as Keros III >Keros II >Keros I (Padjusted <0.0175). The OF width values (ipsilateral) were detected as Keros I >Keros II and Keros I >Keros III (Padjusted <0.0175). In patients with higher SDA values, ipsilateral OF depth values decreased (P <0.05). The LLCPA and OPCP values were higher in Keros I and lower in Keros III (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with lower LLCPA and OPCP, endoscopic sinus surgery will be more dangerous for trauma to lateral lamella and intracranial penetration.

Clinical and Radiological Comparison of Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, and Corticosteroid Injections on Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis.

There are few studies in the literature that comparatively evaluate the use of intra-articular orticosteroids (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In this study, the authors aimed to compare the clinical results of intra-articular CS, HA, and PRP injections in patients who presented to the authors' clinic with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and clinically diagnosed with TMJ-osteoarthritis. Patients were evaluated in 2 groups as those patients who felt pain on lateral (n = 31), and posterior (n = 43) palpation. Patients who were evaluated in the study were randomly assigned to 3 different treatment groups as Group 1 (PRP), Group 2 (HA), and Group 3 (CS). Pain felt on the TMJ on lateral and posterior palpation was assessed before treatment and every month for 3 months using a 5-point pain scale. Presence of crepitation, loss of function, and loss of strength were assessed before treatment and every month for 3 months. Significant changes were observed in the PRP and HA groups when the patients were evaluated according to the VAS scores evaluated at different follow-up times for TMJ pain on lateral palpation. Significant changes were observed in the PRP, HA, and CS groups when VAS scores were evaluated according to the patients' follow-up times for TMJ pain on lateral palpation. In conclusion, the findings of this study have shown that intra-articular PRP injections decreased TMJ palpation pain more effectively compared with the HA and CS groups.

Evaluation of the effects of open and closed rhinoplasty on the psychosocial stress level and quality of life of rhinoplasty patients.

AIM: To investigate patient-reported functional and aesthetic outcomes and psycho-social distress levels in patients undergoing rhinoplasty with regard to technique, type, and indications of surgery. METHODS: A total of 90 patients (mean(SD) age: 27.4(6.5) years, 64.4% females) undergoing rhinoplasty were included prospectively. Data of Nasal Symptom Obstruction Evaluation (NOSE) scale for the functional outcome, the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) scale for the esthetic outcome, and the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS-24) for psychosocial outcomes were recorded preoperatively and in the postoperative 1st, 3rd, and 6th month. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted in ROE or NOSE scores with regard to technique (open vs. closed), type (primary vs. secondary), and indication (functional vs. cosmetic) of rhinoplasty during study visits. Open vs. closed surgery, secondary vs. primary rhinoplasty, and cosmetic vs. functional indication for rhinoplasty were associated with significantly higher DAS-24 scores at the preoperative visit (p < 0.001 for each) and postoperative 1st (p < 0.001 for each) and 3rd month (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively) visits. NOSE, ROE, and DAS-24 scores significantly decreased from the preoperative to the postoperative period and from 1st month to 3rd and 6th months of postoperative follow-up in all patients, regardless of the rhinoplasty subgroup (p < 0.001 for each). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our findings revealed favorable postoperative functional and esthetic outcome and improved psycho-social distress in patients undergoing rhinoplasty, with significantly improved NOSE, ROE, and DAS-24 scores after rhinoplasty during the entire 6-month follow-up, regardless of the technique (open vs. closed), type (primary vs. revision), and indication (cosmetic vs. functional) of rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty may be a more preferable method because of less psycho-social distress.

Carotid canal and optic canal at sphenoid sinus.

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between sphenoid sinus, carotid canal, and optic canal on paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNSCT). This study was performed retrospectively. PNSCT images of 300 adult subjects (159 male, 141 female). Sphenoid sinus (pneumatisation, dominancy, septation, inter-sinus septa deviation), anterior clinoid process pneumatisation, Onodi cell, carotid and optic canals (width, dehiscence, classification) were measured. In males, type 3 pneumatised sphenoid sinus (in both sides) and in females type 2 pneumatised sphenoid sinus (right side) and type 3 pneumatised sphenoid sinus (left side) were detected more. Anterior clinoid pneumatisation was present 47.2% in males and 39.7% in females. In male group, more septation (i.e. 22.6%, ≥ 3 septa) in sphenoid sinus were detected. Onodi cell was present 26.6 and 19.1% in males and females, respectively. Carotid canal protrudation to the sphenoid sinus wall was present 23.9-32.1% in males and 35.5-36.2% in females. Dehiscence in carotid canal was detected more in females (34%) compared to males (22%). Optic canal protrudation was 33.3 and 30.5% in males and females. Type 4 optic canal was detected more in both gender. Optic canal dehiscence was detected 11.3 and 9.9% in males and females. Carotid and optic canal diameters were higher in males. In pneumatised sphenoid sinuses and in females, type 3 carotid canal (Protrudation to SS wall) (bilaterally) and type 1 optic canal type (No indentation) (ipsilateral side) were detected more. In elderly patients, carotid and optic canal width increased. When carotid canal protrudation was detected, there was no indentation in optic canals In pneumatised SS, carotid canal protrudation was observed with a greater risk in surgery. However, type 1 (non indentation) optic canal was present in highly pneumatised SS with lower risk for the surgery. In women, the risk of carotid canal protruding (about 1/3) is greater than that of males, and carotid canal dehiscence rates are also higher in females. Therefore, physicians should be very careful during the preparatory stages of the sphenoid sinus surgery. Otherwise, it may not be possible to prevent lethal carotid artery bleeds.

Carotico-vertebral Doppler Ultrasonography in Patients with Idiopathic Vertigo.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between caroticovertebral Doppler USG measurement results and Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form (VSS-SF) in patients with idiopathic vertigo. METHODS: Fifty patients with idiopathic vertigo and 30 healthy subjects were included into the study. Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) examination, audiological examination, routine hemogram, biochemichal tests and temporal magnetic resonance imaging were performed to diagnose "idiopathic vertigo". By carotico-vertebral Doppler ultrasonography (USG), common carotid artery (CCA) area, intima media thickness; and vertebral artery dimension were measured on the right and left side of the study and control groups. RESULTS: CCA area values were not different between the study and control groups; and between the right and left sides of the each group. On the left side, intima media thickness and vertebral artery dimension values of the vertigo group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Correlation tests showed that CCA area and intima media thickness values on the right and left side were positively correlated with each other. Moreover, in patients with higher right; or left intima media thickness values, left vertebral artery dimensions decreased. Older age was associated with higher intima media thickness in right and left sides. When CCA values decreased on the right side, VSS-SF values increased; and patients' complaints for vertigo got higher. Linear regression analysis (Backward LR) results also showed that the significant compounding factor on VSS-SF was right CCA area. As right CCA area decreased, VSS-SF increased with more vertigo complaints. Whereas, vertigo complaints and VSS-SF decreased when right CCA increased. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a decrease in the right CCA were linked with higher VSS-SF scores and increasing vertigo symptoms. Whereas, a decrease in the left CCA area and left crabial blood supply are more important related to the left hemispheric dominance in right-handed people. Moreover, an increase in the intima media thickness was also detected in the vertigo patients and it probably causes a decrease in the central blood flow.

Can the number of eosinophils in adenoid and tonsil tissue determine the allergy in children?

OBJECTIVE: Previous reports have indicated the association of allergy with Waldeyer's ring. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the correlation between the allergy and the number of eosinophils in the adenoid and tonsil tissue. METHODS: 101 children who were underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy were prospectively enrolled in this study. 46 children who had positive skin-prick test for at least one of the allergen panel were sensitized and 55 children were nonsensitized as a result of skin-prick test. Hematoxylin-eosin stained sections were examined under 400× magnification in a blinded fashion in 10 random sections for all samples and compared the groups. RESULTS: The number of eosinophils in adenoid and tonsil tissue was significantly higher in sensitized patients. The number of eosinophils in the adenoid and tonsil samples also were interrelated too (p < 0.001, kappa coefficient: 0.617). As a result of ROC analysis, patients with a cut-off of ≥5 eosinophils was in the sensitized group for adenoid samples [Sensitivity value: 72.09 and specifity value: 91.84]. Patients with a cut-off of ≥3 eosinophils are in the sensitized group for tonsil samples [Sensitivity value: 52.94 and specifity value: 92.11]. CONCLUSION: Presence of sensitization can be distinguished by looking at the number of eosinophils in the adenoid and tonsil tissue. It can be used to determine whether the patient is allergic or not. Examination of the routine hematoxylin-eosin stained adenotonsillary specimen for eosinophilia will guide us the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis and also reduce the cost considerably.

Comparison of anterior palatoplasty and uvulopalatal flap placement for treating mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

We prospectively compared the efficacy of anterior palatoplasty and the uvulopalatal flap procedure for the treatment of patients with mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Our study group was made up of 45 patients who had been randomly assigned to undergo one of the two procedures. Palatoplasty was performed on 22 patients-12 men and 10 women, aged 28 to 49 years (mean: 39.2)-and the flap procedure was performed on 23 patients-14 men and 9 women, aged 28 to 56 years (mean: 41.3). Our primary outcomes measure was the difference in pre- and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as determined by polysomnography at 6 months after surgery. Surgical success was observed in 18 of the 22 palatoplasty patients (81.8%) and in 19 of the 23 flap patients (82.6%). Compared with the preoperative values, mean AHIs declined from 17.5 to 8.1 in the former group and from 18.5 to 8.6 in the latter; the improvement in both groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). In addition, significant postoperative improvements in both groups were seen in mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores for snoring, in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index values, and in Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores (p < 0.001 for all). VAS scores for pain at rest were significantly lower in the palatoplasty group than in the flap group at 2, 4, and 8 hours postoperatively and on postoperative days 4 through 7 (p < 0.002). Likewise, VAS scores for pain during swallowing were significantly lower in the palatoplasty group at 2, 4, 8, and 16 hours and on days 4 through 7 (p < 0.009). We conclude that both anterior palatoplasty and uvulopalatal flap procedures are effective for the treatment of mild and moderate OSAS in patients with retropalatal obstruction. However, our comparison of postoperative pain scores revealed that anterior palatoplasty was associated with significantly less morbidity.

The fate and effect of monensin during anaerobic digestion of dairy manure under mesophilic conditions.

There is growing concern about residual antibiotics and feed additives in the manure of treated animals because of the effects of these residues in the environment. Monensin is the most widely used ionophore coccidiostat in the U.S. The objective of this study was to determine the fate and effect of monensin during the anaerobic digestion of dairy manure. Duplicate plug flow field-scale digesters were operated using non-amended dairy manure and dairy manure amended with monensin to 1 and 10 mg/L for 56 days at 30°C at an organic loading rate of 1.4 kg VS/m3-d and 17-day hydraulic retention time. Results showed that monensin was reduced approximately 70% during anaerobic digestion. Methane production from digesters using manure amended with 1 mg/L monensin was comparable to that from digesters operated without added monensin. However, digesters using manure amended with 10 mg/L monensin yielded 75% less methane than digesters using manure without added monensin. These results suggest that anaerobic digestion is an effective treatment for reducing, but not eliminating, monensin in dairy manure. Monensin did not reduce methane production at concentrations expected in dairy manure at recommended dosage rates.

Effects of septoplasty on olfactory function evaluated by the Brief Smell Identification Test: A study of 116 patients.

We conducted a prospective study of 116 patients-61 men and 55 women, aged 17 to 64 years (mean: 26.4)-to investigate the effects of septoplasty on olfactory function in patients with septal deviation (SD). The Mladina classification system was used to define SD types, and olfactory function was assessed with the Brief Smell Identification test (BSIT). The BSIT, which includes 12 odorants, was administered preoperatively and at postoperative months 1 and 3. The most common SD types were types 2 (20.7% of patients) and 1 (19.0%), followed by types 3 and 5 (both 16.4%). At postoperative month 1, the mean BSIT score was significantly higher in men than in the women. For patients with types 1 and 2 SD, BSIT scores at 1 month were significantly lower than the scores preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. For types 3 and 4, BSIT values were significantly higher at 3 months than preoperatively or at 1 month. For type 3 SD, the preoperative mean score was significantly lower than those for types 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7; for type 2 SD, the BSIT score was significantly lower than those of types 5 and 6 only. At 1 month, the scores for types 2 and 3 were significantly lower than those for types 4, 5, 6, and 7. At 3 months, the BSIT score for type 2 was significantly lower than those of types 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6; the type 3 SD score at 3 months was significantly higher than those for types 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7. We conclude that septoplasty surgery for patients with a type 3 SD may improve olfactory function. In contrast, we found that olfactory function in patients with a type 2 SD did not improve to a satisfactory degree, even when good nasal patency was achieved with a corrected septum and an enlarged intranasal volume. Our findings should be investigated further in future studies.

Effects of Cartilage Scoring in Correction of Prominent Ear with Incisionless Otoplasty Technique in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy, complication rates, patient satisfaction, and recurrence risks of the incisionless otoplasty technique performed with or without cartilage scoring for correcting the prominent ear in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 49 patients with prominent ears were operated with incisionless otoplasty. In Group 1, 44 ears of 24 patients were operated with incisionless otoplasty without cartilage scoring. In Group 2, 46 ears of 25 patients were operated with incisionless otoplasty with cartilage scoring. For comparison, auriculocephalic distances were measured at three different levels: preoperatively, at the end of surgery, and at 1th and 6th month post-operatively. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). The global esthetic improvement scale (GAIS) was applied by an independent, non-participating plastic surgeon at 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Prior to surgery and at the end of surgery, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of auriculocephalic distances at the three levels. At the and 6th month after surgery, auriculocephalic distances were significantly higher in Group 1. There were no significant differences in VAS results and GAIS values between the groups. The recurrence rate was 9.1% in Group 1 and 4.3% in Group 2. The suture extrusion rate was 18.2% in Group 1 and 13% in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Although there was a significant difference of 1-2 mm in auriculocephalic distances, our study showed that cartilage scoring is not mandatory to correct the prominent ear in pediatric patients with soft cartilages and to achieve patient and surgeon satisfaction.

The effect of composting on the persistence of four ionophores in dairy manure and poultry litter.

Manure composting is a well-described approach for stabilization of nutrients and reduction of pathogens and odors. Although composting studies have shown that thermophilic temperatures and aerobic conditions can increase removal rates of selected antibiotics, comparable information is lacking for many other compounds in untreated or composted manure. The objective of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of composting conditions to reduce concentrations of four widely used ionophore feed supplements in dairy manure and poultry litter. Replicate aliquots of fresh poultry litter and dairy manure were amended with monensin, lasalocid, salinomycin, or amprolium to 10mgkg(-1)DW. Non-amended and amended dairy manure and poultry litter aliquots were incubated at 22, 45, 55, or 65°C under moist, aerobic conditions. Residue concentrations were determined from aliquots removed after 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12weeks. Results suggest that the effectiveness of composting for contaminant reduction is compound and matrix specific. Composting temperatures were not any more effective than ambient temperature in increasing the rate or extent of monensin removal in either poultry litter or dairy manure. Composting was effective for lasalocid removal in poultry litter, but is likely to be too slow to be useful in practice (8-12weeks at 65°C for >90% residue removal). Composting was effective for amprolium removal from poultry litter and salinomycin in dairy manure but both required 4-6weeks for >90% removal. However, composting did not increase the removal rates or salinomycin in poultry litter or the removal rates of lasalocid or amprolium in dairy manure.