Gastrointestinal transit in mice treated with various extracts of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Dates are commonly consumed, especially in the Middle East, but their effect on gastrointestinal transit (GIT) has not been quantified. The effect of water and ethanol extracts from date flesh and date pits on the GIT in mice was studied. Fasted unanaesthetized male mice received by gavage either the vehicle (0.02 m/kg), or the extracts at doses of 0.01, 0.02 or 0.04 ml/kg. Two separate groups received either clonidine (1 mg/kg) or yohimbine (2 mg/kg). Two hours later, all animals were given a test meal containing charcoal and gum arabic in water. Thirty min thereafter, they were killed and the distance the charcoal column had traveled along the small intestine was measured. Compared with the control, the animals that received the ethanol and water extracts of both date flesh and pits emptied, in a dose-dependent manner, more of their gastrointestinal content. The increase in the GIT ranged from 4 to 22%. However, water extract from dialyzed date flesh induced a dose-dependent decrease in GIT that ranged from 4 to 24%. Clonidine exerted a significant decrease (68%), and yohimbine a significant increase (30%) in the GIT. Depending on the method of extraction, the date extracts may exert an increase or a decrease in GIT.     

Nodus migrans: the case of the migrating knot.

Flow-directed pulmonary artery catheters provide important information regarding intravascular volume status, cardiac function and vascular resistance. We describe an unusual complication of pulmonary artery catheterization in which a knot formed at the distal end was torn away from the catheter body and migrated from its original position in the right subclavian vein to a distal branch of the right pulmonary artery. Careful attention to insertion and withdrawal techniques could prevent this potentially serious complication.     

Locked intramedullary nailing for complex non-union of the tibia

Ten patients with complex non-union of the tibia were treated by locked intramedullary nailing. These patients had scarred skin as a result of initial severe open fractures, multiple debridement or fasciotomies with external fixators and skin grafts applied. Seven of the patients also had previous osteomyelitis or pin track infections. Fully pain-free walking was achieved in all patients and radiological union in nine patients without the need for a bone graft. Four patients developed infection after nailing, of which three resolved with treatment.     

Serum fructosamine correlates with gingival index in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

Abstract Fructosamine assay, which is used in diagnosing and monitoring diabetic patients, is compared with the hemoglobin and plasma glucose assays in children and adolescent insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. We demonstrated that the gingival index scores were correlated with fructosamine values in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients but not in non-diabetic controls. We also found that there was no correlation between gingivitis scores and fasting plasma glucose and HbAlc values. Periodontitis was found to be rare in diabetic children and adolescents.     

The use of autogenous costal cartilage graft in septorhinoplasty

INTRODUCTION: Reconstructive septorhinoplasty in complex nasal deformities often requires harvesting a large amount of tissue for grafting. Autogenous septal cartilage has generally been considered the gold standard grafting material. The aim of this paper was to report our experience with the use of costal cartilage grafts in cases with significant structural deformities and insufficient septal cartilage. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS: Between 1998 and 2006, 37 patients underwent septorhinoplasty using costal cartilage as the primary source for grafting. Twenty-two men and 14 women with a median age of 42 were enrolled in the study. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, and immediate and late complications were reviewed. The follow-up range was 3 to 72 months. CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous costal cartilage graft is a viable option in reconstructive septorhinoplasty. We advocate the use of this graft in septorhinoplasty cases requiring a large volume of tissue and insufficient septal cartilage.     

Deletion of the carboxy-terminus of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein B does not affect oligomerization,heparin-binding activity,or its ability to protect against HSV challenge

Summary A recombinant vaccinia virus designated VgBt which expresses a truncated secreted herpes simplex virus gB (gBt) was constructed and compared to V11gB, a vaccinia recombinant previously studied which expresses gB exclusively on the surface of infected cells. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) revealed that gBt was strongly associated with the surface of infected cells despite being released slowly into the cell culture medium. Both gB and gBt existed as oligomers, and both membrane bound and secreted forms of gBt exhibited heparin-binding activity. In protection studies VgBt and V11gB conferred equivalent protection against both homologous (HSV-1) and heterologous (HSV-2) challenge with HSV.