Superoxide dismutase activity and the effects of NBQX and CPP on lipid peroxidation in experimental spinal cord injury

The endogenous activity of the neuroprotective enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the amount of lipid peroxidation in the early phase of experimental spinal cord injury, together with the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist CPP and non-NMDA antagonist NBQX on lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The clip compression model was used for the production of a standardized spinal cord trauma. SOD activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels — as an indicator of lipid peroxidation — were determined in the injured segment of the spinal cord 30 and 60 min after injury. SOD activity did not change in this period, whereas MDA levels at 30 and 60 min after trauma were significantly elevated. Intrathecal administration of CPP or NBQX 15 min after injury produced statistically significant reductions in MDA elevation 60 min after injury. NBQX was found to be more effective than CPP. These results demonstrated that intrathecal local application of excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists can protect the spinal cord from secondary damage caused by the generation of lipid peroxides in experimental spinal cord injury.     

Reversal of Osseointegration as a Novel Perspective for the Removal of Failed Dental Implants: A Review of Five Patented Methods

Osseointegration is the basis of successful dental implantology and the foundation of cementless arthroplasty and the osseointegrated percutaneous prosthetic system. Osseointegration has been considered irreversible thus far. However, controlled heating or cooling of dental implants could selectively damage the bone at the bone–implant interface, causing the reversal of osseointegration or “osseodisintegration”. This review compares five methods for implant removal, published as patent documents between 2010 and 2018, which have not yet been discussed in the scientific literature. We describe these methods and evaluate their potential for reversing osseointegration. The five methods have several technical and methodological similarities: all methods include a handpiece, a connecting device for coronal access, and a controlling device, as well as the application of mechanical and/or thermal energy. The proposed method of quantifying the temperature with a sensor as the sole means for regulating the process seems inadequate. A database used in one of the methods, however, allows a more precise correlation between a selected implant and the energy needed for its removal, thus avoiding unnecessary trauma to the patient. A flapless, microinvasive, and bone-conserving approach for removing failed dental implants, facilitating successful reimplantation, would benefit dental implantology. These methods could be adapted to cementless medical implants and osseointegrated percutaneous prosthetics. However, for some of the methods discussed herein, further research may be necessary.     

The value of serum Bcl-2 levels in advanced lung cancer patients

Overexpression of the Bcl-2 protein was associated with a favorable prognostic factor for survival in lung cancer patients, especially nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. The present study was conducted to investigate the value of serum Bcl-2 levels in advanced lung cancer patients. Fifty patients with advanced lung carcinoma pathologically verified and 18 healthy controls were investigated. Serum samples were obtained on the first admission before the chemotherapeutic treatment were given. Serum Bcl-2 levels were determined by using anti-Bcl-2 monoclonal coating antibody. The baseline serum Bcl-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with lung cancer than in the control group (p<0.001). Serum Bcl-2 levels were elevated in 48 (96%) advanced lung cancer patients. None of the prognostic parameters analyzed, such as age of patient, gender, histology, stage of disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum albumin, hemoglobin, CEA, NSE, LDH, performance of patient, weight loss, and response to chemotherapy, was significantly correlated with Bcl-2 serum concentrations. The serum Bcl-2 concentrations were not changed with cisplatin-based cytotoxic chemotherapy regardless of response (p=0.76). No prognostic value of serum Bcl-2 was determined. In conclusion, the results of the present study, which is the first study to determine serum Bcl-2 levels in lung cancer, suggest that decreased apoptosis occurred due to the effect of serum Bcl-2 elevation in lung cancer patients. Serum Bcl-2 level was of diagnostic but not prognostic value in lung cancer patients. However, more studies are needed to define the role of Bcl-2 in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.     

Disappearing drain--disaster averted and lesson learnt!

The use of postoperative drains date back to Hippocrates. We report an iatrogenic case of migrated drain into the retroperitoneum. A novel technique using a rigid cystoscope for retrieval is described that prevented another laparotomy.     

Prevalence of antibodies to Brucella spp. and risk factors related to high-risk occupational groups in Eritrea

In a study of three high-risk occupational groups using Rose Bengal and complement fixation tests, the highest prevalence (7.1%) was found among dairy farm workers and owners in randomly selected dairy-cattle farms, followed by veterinary personnel (4.5%) and inhabitants in pastoralist areas (3.0%). There was no evidence for significant differences between the three populations. Among dairy farm workers, a higher risk was associated with the presence of sheep in the farm (OR = 13.2, CI = 2.2-76.7). In the pastoral area, a high risk was linked to having close contact with animals (OR = 6.32, CI = 0.88-infinity), while a reduced risk was seen for contact with cattle (OR = 0.18, CI = 0-1.30). Symptoms suggestive of brucellosis were more commonly observed among the dairy farm workers, mainly found in the highlands, than among the pastoralist area inhabitants, where malaria is prevalent. The study documents not only the presence of serological and clinical evidence of human brucellosis, but also risk factors related to it in Eritrea, for the first time.     

Treatment of Clubfoot With Ponseti Method Using Semirigid Synthetic Softcast

Randomized controlled clinical trial.The main purpose of the present study was to comparatively analyze the effectiveness, advantages, and the complications of using semirigid synthetic softcast with respect to plaster of Paris (POP) during the treatment of clubfoot deformity.The study group consisted of 196 babies (249 feet). A total of 133 feet treated by an orthopedic referral center using semirigid synthetic softcast were included in group A whereas the other 116 feet treated by another orthopedic clinic using POP cast were included in group B. The Pirani scores, number of cast applications, time period until Achilles tenotomy, any skin problems due to the cast itself, and/or cast removal were recorded. A final parent satisfaction score was also obtained.The mean Pirani sores were significantly improved from the first administration to the time before Achilles tenotomy in both groups. There was no significant difference according to the number of casts applied until tenotomy. The slippage of the cast and skin lesions was significantly more common in group B. Higher parent satisfaction levels were detected in group A.Semirigid softcast has been found as superior to POP in the aspects of parent satisfaction and cast-related complication rates.