Effect of myrrh and thyme on Trichinella spiralis enteral and parenteral phases with inducible nitric oxide expression in mice

Trichinellosis is a serious disease with no satisfactory treatment. We aimed to assess the effect of myrrh (Commiphora molmol

Microsurgical free tissue transfer as a valuable reconstructive procedure in foot reconstruction

Background: Owing to the limited soft tissue donor sites in the foot area, the use of microsurgical tissue transfer is frequently becoming mandatory in this area, especially in cases of massive defects due to the common motor vehicle accidents in the territory of Upper Egypt. Free flaps offer a great variety of available tissues to cover larger, multifocal or multistructural defects. They also improve the perfusion of the infected poorly perfused areas. Objectives: In this study, we tried to evaluate foot defects according to their size, shape and site and to determine the general and specific parameters of free tissue transfer to the foot area in concomitance with the patients needs. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients were included in this study. For each patient, complete history was taken, general and local examination, photographic documentation, laboratory investigations, imaging and other investigations were performed. Free flap transfers were applied in all cases as follows: Latissimus dorsi flap in five cases, Rectus abdominis flap in three cases, Scapular flap in one case, Gracilis flap in one case and Radial forearm flap in one case. Results: Nine flaps survived. No infection or donor site complications were recorded. Every patient had the optimum free flap as regards the defect size, site, depth, condition, shape, donor site availability and the recipient vessels′ condition. Conclusion: The study of the optimum free flap for foot reconstruction in relation to the defect present and patient conditions is crucial to have significant results

Simple flaps for reconstruction of pediatric scalp defects after electrical burn

【Abstract】 Objective: To analyze the management of high-voltage electrical burn injury of the scalp in our hospital. Methods: This study involved 10 patients who suf-fered from high-voltage electrical burn injury of the scalp. Scalp reconstruction was done by different modalities ac-cording to the size and location of the defect. Results: Complete flap viability was achieved in all the cases. We had one case of gapped wound which was managed only by dressing. Widening of the scar was found in 2 cases. Conclusion: Rotation, advancement and transposi-tion scalp flaps are used for reconstructing scalp defects caused by electrical burn. The choice of ideal flaps for re-construction depends upon the size and site of scalp defect. Key words: Burns, electric; Scalp; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Surgical flaps; Skul

Phytochemical Screening and chemical investigation of lipoidal matter of the leaves of Latania verschaffeltii Lem. Family Arecaceae cultivated in Egypt

Abstract This study presents the first preliminary phytochemical screening and investigation of the lipoidal matter of Latania verschaffeltii Lem. leaves, belonging to the Arecaceae family. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was used to analyze and identify compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable content. The preliminary phytochemical screening of total methanolic extract of Latania verschaffeltii Lem. leaves revealed the presence of unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenes, carbohydrates and/or glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids in the leaves. However, cardenolides, cyanogenic compounds, alkaloids, and iridoids were not detected. The results of the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis indicated that the percentage of saturated fatty acids (83.82%) is higher than that of unsaturated fatty acids (9.42%). The predominant methyl ester of a saturated fatty acid detected in the sample was hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, accounting for 41.68% of the total. The composition of the unsaponifiable matter consisted of hydrocarbons (5.66%), fatty alcohols (0.96%), terpenes (85.97%), and sterols (2.18%). The major terpenes observed were phytol (43.62%) and squalene (39.27%)

Long-term follow-up and patient satisfaction after reduction mammoplasty: Superomedial versus inferior pedicle

Background: Surgery for hypertrophied breasts represents a challenge for plastic surgeons. The search for a good post-surgical cosmetic breast has led to the development of many techniques. Objectives for reduction mammoplasty are to achieve elevated, symmetrical breasts, a round shape, good projection, small cicatrices that are not very perceptible, and a lasting result. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on sixty cases who had done reduction mammoplasty from January 2009 to December 2014. All patients were examined and were asked for late post-operative results and overall patients’ satisfaction. Results: Long-term projection and contour of the breast were more satisfactory among patients who had superomedial pedicle with a statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference was observed between patients underwent either superomedial or inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty with regard to breast shape symmetry, nipple symmetry and sensation. The mean score for satisfaction was higher among patients who underwent superomedial pedicle rather than the inferior pedicle method. Conclusion: The superomedial pedicle shows better long-term cosmetic results

Monosodium glutamate affects cognitive functions in male albino rats

Abstract Background Monosodium Glutamate is a silent toxin in our food, especially our kids’ food. Some of the products in the market contain MSG in a level exceed the European limit. Method Sixty male albino rats divided into three groups, control group, and treated groups, the first with a low dose of MSG (1/20 LD50) and the second with a high dose of MSG (1/10 LD50). All animals examined for cognitive function, serotonin level. The second part in this study, examination of some commercial food for the presence of MSG and its level by HPLC. Results MSG affected the cognitive function of treated rats in small and high doses of MSG. The weight of the animals in treated group with a high dose of MSG was significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Also, the cognitive function of the rats administered MSG affected significantly either in low dose and in high dose. Some of the studied commercial food in the market like Kapsa and Indomi contains a higher level of MSG more than the European limit. Conclusion MSG has many dangerous effects on health especially kids, so it is so necessary to declare its presence or absence and level on the labels of the products

Effect of myrrh and thyme on Trichinella spiralisenteral and parenteral phases with inducible nitric oxide expression in mice

Trichinellosis is a serious disease with no satisfactory treatment. We aimed to assess the effect of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) and, for the first time, thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) against enteral and encysted (parenteral) phases of Trichinella spiralis in mice compared with albendazole, and detect their effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of myrrh and thyme led to adult reduction (90.9%, 79.4%), while 1,000 mg/kg led to larvae reduction (79.6%, 71.3%), respectively. Administration of 50 mg/kg of albendazole resulted in adult and larvae reduction (94.2%, 90.9%). Positive immunostaining of inflammatory cells infiltrating intestinal mucosa and submucosa of all treated groups was detected. Myrrh-treated mice showed the highest iNOS expression followed by albendazole, then thyme. On the other hand, both myrrh and thyme-treated groups showed stronger iNOS expression of inflammatory cells infiltrating and surrounding encapsulated T. spiralis larvae than albendazole treated group. In conclusion, myrrh and thyme extracts are highly effective against both phases of T. spiralis and showed strong iNOS expressions, especially myrrh which could be a promising alternative drug. This experiment provides a basis for further exploration of this plant by isolation and retesting the active principles of both extracts against different stages of T. spiralis