Healing effect of pistacia atlantica fruit oil extract in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Considering the anti-oxidant properties of Pistacia atlantica and lack of data regarding its efficacy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, this study aims at investigating the effect of the Pistacia atlantica fruit extract in treating experimentally induced colitis in a rat model. Seventy male Sprague-Dawley rats [weighing 220 +/- 20 g] were used. All rats fasted 24 hours before the experimental procedure. The rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, each containing 10 induced colitis with 2ml acetic acid [3%]. Group 1 [Asacol], group 2 [base gel] and group 7 [without treatment] were assigned as control groups. Group 3 [300 mg/ml] and group 4 [600 mg/ml] received Pistacia atlantica fruit orally. Group 5 [10% gel] and group 6 [20% gel] received Pistacia atlantica in the form of gel as enema. Macroscopic, histopathological examination and MDA measurement were carried out. All groups revealed significant macroscopic healing in comparison with group 7 [P<0.001]. Regarding microscopic findings in the treatment groups compared with group 7, the latter group differed significantly with groups 1,2, 4 and 6 [P<0.001]. There was a significant statistical difference in MDA scores of the seven treatment groups [F[5,54]=76.61, P<0.001]. Post-hoc comparisons indicated that the mean +/- SD score of Asacol treated group [1.57 +/- 0.045] was not significantly different from groups 4 [1.62 +/- 0.024] and 6 fl.58 +/- 0.028]. Our study showed that a high dose of Pistacia atlantica fruit oil extract, administered orally and rectally can improve colitis physiologically and pathologically in a rat model, and may be efficient for ulcerative colitis

Interposition of ileal J-pouch for rectum reconstruction in dog

Background: The gold standard of the management of rectal cancer in the middle and lower parts is low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis. About 50% of the patients undergoing this procedure might experience some complications because of the low capacity of the neorectum. The aim of this study was to evaluate ileal J-pouch interposition as a neorectum between the anal canal and the remaining colon in comparison to coloanal anastomosis and transverse coloplasty

Methods: Twelve dogs, weighing 23-27 kg, were divided into three groups. After laparotomy, the volume of the primary rectum was measured so that it could be compared with that of the neorectum at the end of the study. After rectal resection in Group A, the colon was directly anastomosed to the anus. In Group B, a 5-cm longitudinal incision was made 2 cm proximal to the anastomosis and was sutured transversely [coloplasty]. In Group C, a 5-cm ileal J-pouch was interposed between the colon and anus. After 8 weeks, the neorectum was evaluated for volume, radiology, and pathology

Results: All the samples were alive until the end of the study. The healing of the anastomotic lines was acceptable [pathologically] in all. The mean volume expansion was 20.9% in Group A, 21.7% in Group B, and 118.2% in Group C, with the latter being significantly higher than that of the other groups [P=0.03]. Colon J-pouch and coloplasty after proctectomy in some situations have not been performable. This study evaluated the performance of ileal J-pouch interposition

Conclusion: This study showed that ileal J-pouch interposition might produce an acceptable reservoir function and that it seems feasible and safe in selected cases

Role of physical examination in decision making for selective exploration in patients with penetrating zone ii neck injury

Objective: To evaluate the role of physical examination in decision making for exploring patients with penetrating zone II neck injury

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study being performed in a level I trauma center between 2006 and 2010. The present study reviewed the records of 150 patients with penetrating neck injuries. Of 46 cases with zone II deep platysma neck injuries, 3 patients died before taking any significant medical measure

Results: Thirty of 43 patients [70%] presented with hard sings while 13 [30%] did not show these sings. All patients underwent neck exploration. Two patients [4.6%] without hard sings exhibited positive findings, whereas 29 cases [67%] with hard sings reported positive on exploration

Conclusion: Briefly, we hold the view that it seems reasonable to follow an algorithmic approach by using physical examination of the patients with zone II penetrating neck injuries. This prevents unnecessary exploration for management of such patients