Silicone Gel Sheet Dressings for Prevention of Post-Minigraft Cobblestoning in Vitiligo

Punch grafting was performed in 15 patients using punches varying in size from 2 to 3 mm in diameter. Silicone gel sheets were used as a post-operative dressing. Removal of the dressings after 7 days revealed no lifting of grafts in 13 patients. A minimally raised surface seen in two patients flattened after 6 to 8 weeks of continuous use of the dressing. At two months of follow-up, no cobblestoning or any other untoward effect was evident. Firm pressure provided by silicone gel sheets probably prevents cobblestoning by counteracting forces which tend to lift the grafts. Additionally, the sheets act as a brace preventing graft dislocation, provide a sterile atmosphere underneath the grafts, facilitate periodic observation due to their transparency, and are easily removed at the time of follow-up.     

A comparative assessment of in vitro cytotoxic activity and phytochemical profiling of Andrographis nallamalayana J.L.Ellis and Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS approach

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Andrographis nallamalayana J.L.Ellis have traditionally been used to treat various ailments such as mouth ulcers, intermittent fever, inflammation, snake bite. This study compares the comparative in vitro cytotoxic activity, and phytochemical profiling of methanol extract of A. nallamalayana (ANM) and A. paniculata (APM). UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis has been performed. The cytotoxic activity of crude methanol extracts were evaluated against three different cancer cell lines (HCT 116, HepG2, and A549 cell line). Both plants'' extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against tested cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. IC₅₀ of ANM and APM in HCT 116 cell was 11.71 ± 2.48 μg ml⁻¹ and 45.32 ± 0.86 μg ml⁻¹ and in HepG2 cell line was 15.65 ± 2.25 μg ml⁻¹ and 60.32 ± 1.05 μg ml⁻¹ respectively. Cytotoxicity of these two extracts was comparatively similar in A549 cells. ANM induced cytotoxicity involved programmed cell death, externalisation of phosphatidylserine, ROS generation, up-regulation and down-regulation of major apoptotic markers. HRMS analysis of ANM and APM resulted in the identification of 59 and 42 compounds, respectively. Further, using the MS/MS fragmentation approach, 20 compounds, of which 18 compounds were identified for the first time from ANM, which belongs to phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their glycosides. Three known compounds, echioidinin, skullcapflavone I and 5,2′,6′-trihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone 2′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, were isolated from A. nallamalayana and their crystal structures were reported for the first time. Subsequently, seven major compounds were identified in A. nallamalayana by direct comparison (retention time and UV-spectra) with authentic commercial standards and isolated compounds using HPLC-UV analysis. The cytotoxicity of phytochemicals from both the plants using in silico tools also justify their in vitro cytotoxic activity. It is the first report on the comparative characterisation of phytochemicals present in the methanolic extract of both the species of Andrographis, along with the cytotoxic activity of A. nallamalayana.

A comparative study of two Andrographis species have been done, and it was found that Andrographis nallamalayana J.L.Ellis is phytochemically and biologically different from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees.     

Update on the utilization of grafts in pelvic reconstruction surgeries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Implanted grafts are increasingly used by pelvic reconstructive surgeons and gynecologists. In addition, the marketing of a variety of grafts has been aggressively expanded without scientific evidence to support their use. This review aims to provide an update of the current status and role of grafts in reconstructive pelvic surgery and to review the current knowledge of the biology of currently marketed synthetic and biologic grafts. RECENT FINDINGS: Xenografts are preferable to human tissue-banked grafts due to more predictable integrity. How these biomaterials compare to synthetics in terms of surgical outcomes has not been well studied, however. Absorbable materials that mimic some behaviors of synthetic and biological materials have been developed. Furthermore, several new techniques have been advocated with limited studies. SUMMARY: While the reduction of surgical failure rates in vaginal surgery is desirable, the addition of graft materials must demonstrate improvement in anatomical, functional, and quality of life outcomes over time. Furthermore, future complications due to improper placement or movement of a graft and the possible shrinkage of the graft are of concern. Therefore, significant research is necessary for the preclinical testing of materials, and expertise needs to be developed for the management of complications.     

In vivo biodistribution of a highly attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing HIV-1 Gag following intramuscular,intranasal, or intravenous inoculation

Recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (rVSVs) are being developed as potential HIV-1 vaccine candidates. To characterize the in vivo replication and dissemination of rVSV vectors in mice, high doses of a highly attenuated vector expressing HIV-1 Gag, rVSV_IN-N4CT9-Gag1, and a prototypic reference virus, rVSV_IN-HIVGag5, were delivered intramuscularly (IM), intranasally (IN), or intravenously (IV). We used quantitative, real-time RT-PCR (Q-PCR) and standard plaque assays to measure the temporal dissemination of these viruses to various tissues. Following IM inoculation, both viruses were detected primarily at the injection site as well as in draining lymph nodes; neither virus induced significant weight loss, pathologic signs, or evidence of neuroinvasion. In contrast, following IN inoculation, the prototypic virus was detected in all tissues tested and caused significant weight loss leading to death. IN administration of rVSV_IN-N4CT9-Gag1 resulted in detection in numerous tissues (brain, lung, nasal turbinates, and lymph nodes) albeit in significantly reduced levels, which caused little or no weight loss nor any mortality. Following IV inoculation, both prototypic and attenuated viruses were detected by Q-PCR in all tissues tested. In contrast to the prototype, rVSV_IN-N4CT9-Gag1 viral loads were significantly lower in all organs tested, and no infectious virus was detected in the brain following IV inoculation, despite the presence of viral RNA. These studies demonstrated significant differences in the biodistribution patterns of and the associated pathogenicity engendered by the prototypic and attenuated vectors in a highly susceptible host.     

Dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain after polypropylene mesh augmentation for transvaginal repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse

Synthetic mesh augmentations for pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries are increasing in usage and popularity. Many studies are focusing on the anatomical success rates of transvaginal anterior compartment repairs with synthetic mesh, with minimal attention on its postoperative complications. We present a case report on a 59-year-old postmenopausal woman who underwent an anterior repair with 6×4-cm polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, she developed severe dyspareunia and debilitating chronic pelvic pain. The patient failed conservative medical therapy and now requests complete removal of the synthetic mesh. No financial support or corporate sponsorship was obtained for this project.     

Chronic (−) deprenyl administration increases dendritic arborization in CA3 neurons of hippocampus and AChE activity in specific regions of the primate brain

The mechanism by which (−) deprenyl enhances cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not yet understood. (−)Deprenyl (0.2 mg/kg/day) was administered intramuscularly to adult male monkeys (n=6) for 25 days. Control monkeys (n=6) received physiological saline by the same route. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in different brain regions and the dendritic arborization in CA3 pyramidal neurons of hippocampus were analysed. (−) Deprenyl-treated monkeys showed a significant increase in the AChE activity by 43% (p<0.001) in the frontal cortex, by 39% (p<0.025) in the motor cortex, by 66% (p<0.001) in the hippocampus and by 26% (p<0.05) in the striatum compared to controls. The branching points and the intersections of both apical and basal dendrites of CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurons were also significantly increased in (−) deprenyl-treated monkeys. Enhanced AChE activity may increase dendritic arborization in the hippocampus and it may also play a role in improving cognitive functions observed in AD, following (−) deprenyl treatment.     

Mesenteric leiomyoma in infancy

Leiomyoma of the mesentery is an uncommon tumor. This has been documented in adults and children. However, there is no such case reported in an infant, which is being presented in this report.