Comparative Evaluation of N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Silk Sutures on Healing of Periodontal Flaps: A Clinico Histological Evaluation.

Background The periodontal flap is one of the most frequently employed procedures. Closure of reflected flap is important step in flap surgery. Black silk sutures are most often used material in routine surgical procedures. These suture materials demand more time and effort and expertise from the surgeon. Tissue adhesives have been developed as alternatives to overcome these problems such as cyanoacrylates. Objective The present study is an attempt to compare effectiveness of the black silk suture with cyanoacrylate adhesives in closing reflected periodontal flap. Method Thirty systemically healthy patients who underwent bilateral flap surgery were given 3-0 black silk sutures on one side and N-butyl cyanoacrylate adhesive on the other side to close a surgical incision. All the participants in the study were recalled on the seventh, 21st, 42nd day. Participants were evaluated for healing and plaque accumulation by assessing the gingival index, plaque index, wound healing index. Biopsy specimens were obtained on seventh and 42nd postoperative day. Result The amount of inflammation was less during the first week of healing when cyanoacrylate was compared with silk. However, over a period of 21 days to 42 days, the sites treated with both the materials showed similar healing patterns without any significant difference in the evaluated parameter. Conclusion The result of the study showed that the use of cyanoacrylate for the closure of periodontal flaps results in better initial post-operative healing as compared to closure with silk suture and that this method of closure can be advocated in a routine surgical periodontal practice.

[Endoscopic treatment of renal diverticular stone (Single Centre Study of 45 cases)]. / Traitement endoscopique des calculs caliciels intradiverticulaires : à propos d'une série monocentrique de 45 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the outcome of flexible ureterorenoscopy (F-URS) with holmium laser in treating renal diverticular stone as a minimal invasive option. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the records of 45 patients who underwent F-URS using holmium laser from 2004 to 2011 for symptomatic renal diverticular stone. The presenting symptoms were renal colic, urinary tract infection or hematuria. The F-URS used after the Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) failure in 30 (66.7 %) patients. The repeated treatment by F-URS was carried out twice for four patients; in three patients, it was correlated to the size of the stone and it was because of failure to identify the diverticulum in one patient. The follow up visit range were between 4 to 6 weeks with plain radiograph (KUB) and renal ultrasound or non-contrast CT scan (NCCT). RESULTS: Of our data, there were 45 patients, 22 women and 23 men (mean age of 46.3 years, range 18-72). We found 28 patients (62.2 %) who had stone free (SF), 10 patients (22.2 %) with clinically insignificant residual fragments (less than 3mm in size) and residual fragments (RF) in seven patients (15.6 %). Success rate was considered as stone free or insignificant residual fragment, which was obtained in 38 patients (84.4 %). The symptom-free was in 42 patients (93.3 %). CONCLUSION: In our experience, F-URS using holmium laser was very effective minimally-invasive technique that could be the best option for the treatment of renal diverticular stone especially for those who resist the treatment with the SWL. It showed an excellent stone clearance rate, minimal morbidity rate and brief hospital stay.

Plant diversity in Sabkha ecosystems of arid region: spatial and environmental drivers.

This study investigated the effects of spatial and environmental factors and their interactions on plant species composition in salt marsh (Sabkha) ecosystem located in arid region (Saudi Arabia). The plant species and environmental variables were investigated in 38 sites located in three regions. A total of 15 environmental variables were measured in each site and the geographical coordinates were used to extract spatial variables (using PCNM). A total of 81plant species were reported from 38 sites. The three regions showed patterns of homogeneity of multivariate dispersions (i.e. beta diversity). The PCNM analysis extracted 18 PCNM vectors and only 3 vectors were retained after forward selection. The spatial variables (selected PCNM vectors) explained only 3.21% of the variation in species composition of plants (using variation partitioning technique). However, eight environmental variables were selected after forward selection (Lead, Copper, total organic matter, Potassium, Magnesium, pH, Zinc and Iron, F= 4.72, P<0.05) and explained 19.61% of the total variation in the species composition. In conclusion, the plant communities in Sabkhas were not spatially structured due to the low percentage of variation explained by the spatial variables (PCNM vectors). The environmental variables were corresponded to the high fraction of variation explained. On the other hand, Sabkhas in Saudi Arabia are considered a hot spot for diversity not only for plants but for other animals (birds, vertebrates and invertebrates). Therefore, immediate conservation plans should be implemented to reduce the adverse effect of urbanization, industrialization as well as other anthropogenic activities.