Sensory nerve endings in the human female umbilical skin: light and electron microscopic study

Sensory innervation consists of free nerve endings and endings terminated with corpuscular structures. Cutaneous innervation is closely associated with major skin functions such as wound healing, thermoregulation, and hair growth. Diminution in erotic sensation has been reported by some women after abdominal lipectomy. Hence, the lack of knowledge about the normal sensory distribution in the umbilical skin has been a problem. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to map the sensory innervation of the human umbilical skin using histological, immunohistochemical [S-100 protein], and ultrastructural techniques. Umbilical skin biopsies were obtained during surgical procedures for abdominal lipectomy in female participants. The specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. With light microscopy, abundant Meissner's, Ruffini, and innervated Merkel cells were observed. Numerous free nerve endings, comparable with those observed in male and female external genitalia, were observed surrounding the ducts and the acini of sweat glands. Pacinian corpuscles were also observed, but less frequently. Neurovascular bundles, closely related to those observed in female external genitalia, were also observed. The relatively dense sensory innervation in the umbilical skin that was comparable with that in lip, as well as in male and female external genitalia, can be correlated with the observed retardation in the erotic sensation in clinical studies after removal of a part of the umbilical skin. The frequently observed innervated Merkel cells and the widely scattered Meissner's corpuscles in the umbilical skin could explain the relatively high tactile sensation in this skin

Effect of major burn on immunophenotype of peripheral blood T lymphocytes

The immunosuppressive effect of a major burn has been known for many years. However, a complete understanding of the effects of a burn on the immune system remains elusive. Lymphocytes immunophenotype is a reflection of the functional level of immune system. There is little knowledge concerning the expression of HLA-DR on peripheral blood [Pb] T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes of 26 major burn [25-40%] patients were analyzed in 24 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks after burn, using, monoclonal antibodies of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25 [IL2R,] and HLA-DR by flow cytometry and comparing them with those of26 apparently healthy donors. There was statistically significant reduction in absolute number of CD3 [p<0.0001], CD4/CD8 ratio [p=0.01] in the first 24 h in comparison with controls. CD25 [IL2R] shows insignificant upregulation on T lymphocytes after burn with significant upregulation of HLA-DR. The absolute number of CD3[+] cells began to increase after 2 weeks [p=0.03]. but still reduced than controls [p=0. 08,]. CD4/CD8 ratio was more or less as healthy control after 2 weeks. Upregulation of CD25 was insignificantly increased and that of HLA-DR were marked increased after 2 weeks. The absolute number CD25 and HLA-DR[+] T lymphocyte subsets all over the time of the study are low than controls except that of HLA-DR[+] T lymphocytes after 2 weeks [p=0.009]. The data obtained suggest persistent activation of T lymphocytes 2 weeks post major burns. HLA-DR expression can reflect post burn lymphocyte activation

Evaluation of the different technique for repair of distal hypospadias

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies occurring in approximately 1:520 to 1:300 live births [Baskin, 2000]. Hypospadias in boys, may be defined classically as an association of the penis: 1. An abnormal ventral opening of the urethral meatus, 2. An abnormal ventral curvature of the penis [chordee]; 3. An abnormal distribution of the foreskin, with a hood present dorsally and deficient foreskin ventrally [Mouriquand et al, 1950]. The aim of this work was to adequately describe the abnormal anatomy met with distal hypospadias cases and to evaluate the results of repair of distal hypospadias comparing the results of the different techniques of repair to be aware about the most suitable technique. This study was done on 40 patients with distal hypospadias in the age range 6 months to 12 years in the period from October 2004 to October 2005 in Plastic Surgery Department, Sohag university Hospital. Full history, clinical examination and routine investigations was done for every patients. We used three operative procedures: a-Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty [Snodgrass] [TIP], be-Meatal based flap [Mathieu] repair, and c-Meatal advancement and glanuloplsty incorporated technique [MAGPI]. Pin hole meatus was the commonest finding to be present in association with hypospadias in this study [12.5%]. Edema is the most common complication in the early postoperative period; represent, 83% in Mathieu, 80% in TIP75% in MGAPL. As regard the chronic complication, fistula is the most important complication of hyospadius repair, it was recorded in 4 out of 20 cases with TIP repair, 3 out of 12 cases with Mathieu repair and one case out of 8 cases with MAGPI repair

Epidemiology of burns in Assiut province during the last two years

Between January 1988 and January 1990, 599 cases of burn patients were admitted to the burn units of Assiut General Hospital [El-Shamla] and Assiut University Hospital. A retrospective study was carried out to analyze age, sex distribution, burn etiological factors, modality of treatment, hospital stay and mortality rate. It was found that males and females were equally affected by burn accidents. Children were involved in 50.9% of the cases. The burn was due to flame [67.9%], hot liquids [29.9%], electricity [1.2%] and chemicals [1%]. The number of deaths was 201 [33.5%]. The causes of this high mortality were discussed