Inhibition of volatile sulphur compounds production in fermenting saliva

Oral malodour is mainly due to volatile sulphur compounds [VSC]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of different reagents to reduce VSC production by oral micro-organisms in vitro, and comparatively assess the degree of bacterial growth. A Halimeter[TM] [Interscan Corp., Chatsworth, CA] was used to enable VSC detection in saliva. Samples of saliva were collected from ten healthy individuals, incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, in presence or absence of the following reagents; Vitamin C, Citric acid [with or without chitosan], Calcium, Glucose, Magnesium, Manganese, and Zinc. The results showed a decrease of VSC production varying from 29.9 +/- 3.1% [magnesium], to 9.8 +/- 1.5% [citric acid plus chitosan], and no VSC inhibition was achieved with calcium alone 91.7 +/- 8.6%, of control values. Interestingly the citric acid with chitosan decreased also the bacterial growth down to 43.7 +/- 2.0% of the control values of CFU-total bacteria. All the differences were statistically significant [ANOVA, at least p<005]. In conclusion malodour inhibition by the above mentioned reagents was ascertained. The inhibitory effect of glucose pointed out the shift of metabolism in the presence of this metabolite

Correction of tibia vara using Ilizarov technique

Fifty-two lower limbs of 44 patients with tibia vara were treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. Eight patients were bilaterally affected. Their mean age was 12 years and 6 months. Their main complaint was pain on walking and cosmoses. They were assessed clinically and radiologically. CT scanogram was done for lower limb discrepancy. llizarov external fixator was applied and gradual correction was performed. Varus tibiofemoral angle, procurvatum, recurvatum, lower limb discrepancy, and knee range of motion were measured preoperatively; postoperatively and at last follow up. Three patients showed residual deformity. There were no neurovascular complications, delayed union, or nonunions. The llizarov method provides deformity correction and secure early weight bearing with no serious complications

protective effect of nigella sativa seeds against ethanol-induced liver damage in rats: physiological and pathological studies

Various mechanisms are involved in the process of ethanol-induced tissue impairment. Oxidative stress and its effects are among the most important. In this study, the mechanism of action of Nigella sativa seeds [N. sativa] against ethanol-induced liver damage was examined. LA total of 60 healthy male rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups [15 animal each]. A control group received only distilled water [D.W] for 4 weeks. N. sativa treated group received No. sativa seeds suspension orally in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Ethanol treated group received ethanol 20% [7 ml] orally daily for 4 weeks. Ethanol-N. sativa treated group received both ethanol and N. sativa simultaneously daily for 4 weeks. In ethanol treated group, histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in hepatic tissue. Also, ethanol caused significant increase in the serum activities of transaminases [ALT, AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] enzymes. Also, a significant increase of free radicals [lipid peroxide products] and a significant decrease of antioxidant [total glutathione] levels in serum and liver tissue were observed in ethanol treated rats as compared to control. Concomitant administration of N. sativa seeds. Along with ethanol decreased degenerative changes in liver tissue, prevented the leakage of enzymes into the circulation, decreased free radicals generation and restored total glutathione levels nearly to normal. This emphases the protective role of N. sativa seeds against ethanol-induced liver damage. In conclusion, ethanol-induced liver damage was associated with oxidative stress, and co-administration of N. sativa seeds attenuates this damage effectively in rat model through decreasing free radicals production and increase antioxidant defense system activity

additional procedures and complications in bone transport

In this study, bone transport using the Ilizarov external fixator was performed to treat 44 males and 5 females with an average age of 27.8 years. The average number for previous surgical interference to achieve union was 3.1. According to the situation of the removal of any hard ware, segmental excision and debridement were done. Skin coverage, reconstruction of the soft tissue or corticotomy was done earlier or simultaneously with the application of the Ilizarov apparatus. Distraction started at 10 days after corticotomy at a rate of 1 mm a day. Additional procedures were performed as necessary. The study concluded that despite of obstacles, complications and drawbacks [OCD], bone transport using Ilizarov external fixator would provide an excellent option in the management of skeletal defects of the lower limbs

Versatility of llizarov external fixator in management of foot and ankle deformity

Traditional methods of correction of foot deformities may be difficult to treat some conditions, especially if associated with other lower limb problems. This study discusses the versatility of llizarov external_fixator in such cases. It was performed in 34-foot deformities in 33 patients. They had been treated using the llizarov external fixator [IEF] between 1997 and 1999. The average age of the patients was 15 years. The aetiology of foot deformity was recurrent congenital talipes equinovarus [10], neglected congenital talipes equinovarus [3], poliomyelitis [9], post traumatic deformity [6], post burn deformity [1], arthrogryposis multiplex congenita [2], cerebral palsy [1], fibular hemimelia [1] and tibial hemimelia [1]. Unconstrained IEF was applied for the foot in all cases. The leg construct was applied according to the target: foot deformity alone or associated with other leg problems. IEF construct was extended to the femur in cases with flexion knee deformity and hinges were added. Follow-up continued until overcorrection was maintained to the same period of correction followed by an appropriate cast for 8 weeks. The mean time for deformity correction and Ilizarov stabilization was 16 weeks, and follow-up period was 23.1 months. The results were good in 31, fair in 2 and had in 1. Additional procedures were performed and most of them in the same operating time. Primary arthrodesis was done for 5 feet and revision of failed previous arthrodesis in one. Open corrective osteotomy for arthrodesis was performed in 2 cases. Two females had been treated for flexion knee with bloodless technique. Wire-site infections, wires cut-through a calcaneum and metatarsals and fracture post IEF removal were reported. Although it is technically difficult, IEF can be considered an effective and versatile way of treating foot and other associated lower limb problems through one-reconstruction attack

Labral stitch for open repair of bankart lesion. Simple, safe and effective technique

In this study, 32 patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability were treated prospectively by vertical apical labral stitch technique. All had many episodes of documented complete anterior dislocation. All were men with an average age of 23 years. The minimum follow up duration was 2 years [range 24-41 months]. The patients were evaluated according to the shoulder instability score of Rowe et al. Rowe score was excellent and good in 94% of the patients and fair in 6%. The limitation of movement did not exceed 5 degrees in forward flexion and 10 degrees for external rotation with the arm to the side. There was no postoperative re-dislocation or reoperation. Apprehension was persistent in two patients. All patients returned to preoperative work