Lysyl oxidase-like 1 polymorphisms in a southwestern Greek cataract population with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the possible association of rs1048661 and rs3825942 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) gene of cataract patients from southwestern Greece with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome.

Patients And Methods: Ninety-three patients with PEX syndrome and 74 without PEX syndrome were recruited with the principal diagnosis being cataract. LOXL1 SNPs, rs1048661 and rs3825942, were genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction.

The chondroitin/dermatan sulfate synthesizing and modifying enzymes in laryngeal cancer: expressional and epigenetic studies.

Background: Significant biochemical changes are observed in glycosaminoglycans in squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma. The most characteristics are in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate fine structure and proportion, which might be due to differential expression of the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. The aim of the present work was the investigation in expressional and epigenetic level of the enzymes involved in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate biosynthesis in laryngeal cancer.

Exfoliation syndrome related to sensorineural hearing loss.

Background: To investigate the relationship between exfoliation syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods: A prospective study was designed. Patients with evidence of ocular exfoliation syndrome (study group) and individuals without any clinical signs of exfoliation syndrome (control group) were selected.

Taste function evaluation after tonsillectomy: a prospective study of 60 patients.

Tonsillectomy is regarded as a safe procedure, with post-operative taste disturbances rarely reported. The aim of this study was to access taste function after tonsillectomy in a series of 60 patients. Sixty patients (age range 14-40 years; mean 24.

Bilateral ossification of the auricles: an unusual entity and review of the literature.

Background: True ossification of the auricle with cartilage replacement by bone, is a very rare clinical entity and can result in an entirely rigid auricle.

Case Presentation: We present a rare case of bilateral ossification of the auricles in a 75-years old man with profound progressive rigidity of both auricles. His main complaint was a mild discomfort during resting making sleeping unpleasant without any other serious symptoms.

Tuberculosis of the parotid gland.

Tuberculosis (Tbc) presented as an isolated parotid mass is rare. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and the symptomatology is nonspecific. In the majority of the cases an initial diagnosis of a parotid tumor, often a pleomorphic adenoma, is made.

Impaired mucociliary clearance in allergic rhinitis patients is related to a predisposition to rhinosinusitis.

Although mucociliary clearance has been shown to be impaired in patients with allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, its exact role in relation to a predisposition to rhinosinusitis is unknown. To investigate this possible association, we conducted a prospective study of 125 patients with allergic rhinitis. Of this group, 23 patients were classified as being sinusitis-prone based on their history of antibiotic consumption for the treatment of rhinosinusitis; the remaining 102 patients were deemed to be not sinusitis-prone.

Biochemical changes of extracellular proteoglycans in squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma.

Larynx is a complicated organ with peculiar properties, having a noticeable impact in vocal and respiratory physiology. In squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma, the extracellular matrix components underwent significant modifications concerning their fine chemical structure. Degradation of aggrecan is observed, whereas versican and decorin amounts are increased.

Sinus fluid penetration of oral clarithromycin and azithromycin in patients with acute rhinosinusitis.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the extracellular concentration and the degree of sinus fluid penetration of newer macrolides, within the first 24-48 hours of treatment in patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), choosing clarithromycin and azithromycin as model antibiotics. An open, noninterventional pharmacokinetic study was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital.

Methods: In 36 outpatients with ABRS, sinus fluid aspirates and serum samples were collected 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours or 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the administration of three doses of oral clarithromycin, 500 mg, twice daily or two doses of oral azithromycin, 500 mg, once daily, respectively.

The effect of nasal steroid administration on intraocular pressure.

The effect of systemic steroid administration on intraocular pressure (IOP) is well established. However less attention has been paid to the effect of steroids when administered in a nasal spray. We conducted a study to investigate a possible association between nasal steroids and elevated IOP in 54 patients who were being treated for allergic rhinitis.