The effects of Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract on wound healing in rats: a stereological and molecular study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract using stereological and molecular methods in experimental rat models. MATERIALS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups: non-treated, vehicle, Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract ointment (5% weight/weight) and the reference drug (madecassol). All animals were treated topically once per day. At the end of the study, wound samples were harvested for histological, stereological, immunohistochemical and molecular assessments to determine the in vivo healing potential and anti-inflammatory activity. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed for the characterisation of the phenolic acids in the extract. RESULTS: The study included 64 rats in total. Our results showed that the wound closure, volume of new epidermis and dermis, density of fibroblasts and blood vessels, and the deposition of collagen were significantly higher in both extract and madecassol groups compared to the non-treated and vehicle groups, with superior healing in the extract group. The transcript for the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß gene was significantly upregulated in both extract and madecassol groups compared to non-treated and vehicle groups and was highest for the extract group. The density of inflammatory cells and expression levels of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α gene in the extract and madecassol groups, especially in the extract group, were significantly reduced compared to non-treated and vehicle groups. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract is a valuable source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and can allow for damaged tissue in wounds to recover markedly.

Evaluation of all Types of Metabolic Bariatric Surgery and its Consequences: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Considering conflicting results on the consequences of all types of obesity surgery, we were to summarize them via a systematic review. METHODS: Electronic literature search was done via scientific search engines. After the removal of duplicates and selection of articles of interest, 771 studies were included. RESULTS: Insulin resistance indicators were significantly improved after bariatric surgery. Leptin was also significantly decreased while adiponectin was significantly increased. Although the level of metabolic hormones changed after bariatric surgery, they were not statistically significant. Inflammation indicators were significantly decreased. Significant reduction was also detected in PAI-1 and sICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery is beneficial in morbidly obese patients. Although treating obesity in a surgical way may cause some complications, the weight loss is generally safe and effective.

Introducing a Favourite Tip Definition and Projection with Tripod Suture in Rhinoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical manipulation of the lower lateral cartilages of nasal tip could cause subtle but significant responses to the manipulation. The suture-techniques almost always offer a reliable and dramatic method of tip reshaping without a need to break or interrupt the alar rim strip or even adding tip graft. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe and assess outcomes of a new suture technique in rhinoplasty by using cephalic dome septal rotation suture for better tip definition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive women (62 women) who attended our centre with nasal tip drooping and some degree of columellar retraction, underwent this technique from January 2005 to September 2009. Their ages ranged from 17 to 32 years old. Fifty one primary open and 11 secondary open rhinoplasties were performed using the conventional techniques and then the new suture technique was applied before closing the incisions on each patient. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up from 22 to 72 months (mean = 52.3). The projection and rotation was satisfactory in all patients and the final results persisted with only minimal changes over time. CONCLUSION: It is important to say that this new suture is different from 'tip rotation suture' that was described by Tebbets. Our suture maintains the favorite tip definition with slight dorsal tip inclination. Indeed, it causes a two-point definition as the columellar lobular angle and the supra tip break definition. In addition, long-term follow-up has shown that this new suture (i.e., cephalic dome-septal rotation suture) is able to maintain optimal position of the nasal tip projection and definition.

Evaluating the Time Interval for Presenting the Signs of Hypocalcaemia after Thyroidectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroidectomy is one of the most prevalent treatments for thyroid malignancies. It has very low rate of complications except the hypocalcaemia. Only a small number of studies have evaluated the clinical signs of hypocalcaemia but no study have reported the time interval between the procedure and signs of hypocalcaemia. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine that time interval in those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical files of a group of patients who underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed. Demographic characteristics of the patients and the time interval to hypocalcaemia were recorded and analysed by SPSS software. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients, 65 women (60.2%) and 43 men (39.8%) with a mean age of 42.6+12.2 years were included. Perioral numbness was reported in 30 (27.8%) patients while 29 (26.8%) patients had lip numbness. Numbness in extremities and muscle spasm were found in 19 (17.6%) and 13 (12%) patients respectively. Seizure was reported in 3 (2.8%) patients. The Trousseau and Chvostek signs were found in 17 (15.7%) and 9 (8.3%) patients respectively. Only the Trousseau sign was different between the two surgical groups. The mean time interval was 41.25±11.5 hours postoperatively. However the time interval was shorter for the total thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Physical examination is useful for diagnosing hypocalcaemia due to the presentation of sings during the first 48 hours of thyroidectomy. Total thyroidectomy is associated with shorter time interval.