We explored the effects of topical curcumin on the healing of nasal mucosal wounds. A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley Albino rats were randomized in equal numbers into four groups, and unilateral nasal wounds were created using an interdental brush. Group 1 (the sham-control group) contained untreated rats with traumatized right-side nasal cavities; Group 2 and 3 rats were similarly traumatized and treated with topical curcumin (5 and 10 mg/mL) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide daily for 7 days after trauma; Group 4 rats were treated with topical dimethyl sulfoxide only. All rats were decapitated on day 15 and the healing sites evaluated by blinded observers in terms of the presence of cellular hyperplasia, goblet cell hypertrophy and degeneration, leucocytic infiltration, ciliary loss and degeneration, edema, and vascular dilation. On histopathological evaluation, all of cellular hyperplasia, leukocytic infiltration, and edema were significantly reduced in Group 3 compared with Group 1 (p = 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.008, resp.). Thus, curcumin reduced the inflammatory response and significantly accelerated wound healing.

The wideband acoustic absorbance test is more accurate for detecting middle-ear effusion compared with conventional 226-Hz tympanometry. Its practicality and objectivity suggest that the wideband acoustic absorbance test may be a better alternative for diagnosing otitis media with effusion.

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OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). MATERIALS and METHODS:The radiological records of patients who were admitted to our clinic with complaints of otologic and neuro-otologic symptoms between October 2014 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients, those who underwent both computed tomography and MRI and were reported to have SSCD in the temporal bone on at least one side were included in the study group. MRI records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis were then assessed for the presence of SSCD. RESULTS:The left and right semicircular canals of 52 patients were evaluated in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in the diagnosis of SSCD was 89.06% and 90%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 93.44% and 83.72%, respectively. CONCLUSION:The use of multiplanar reformats and angulation techniques during MRI assessment of patients with neuro-otologic symptoms can improve the diagnostic process for patients with SSCD. This may allow early diagnosis of the disease by using just one imaging method, which would also reduce the costs per patient during the diagnosis period.