Everything About Pulse Oximetry-Part 1: History, Principles, Advantages, Limitations, Inaccuracies, Cost Analysis, the Level of Knowledge About Pulse Oximeter Among Clinicians, and Pulse Oximetry Versus Tissue Oximetry.

Purpose: Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive medical technique that measures the amount of oxygen in a person's blood by shining light through their skin. It is widely used in medical care and is considered as important as the 4 traditional vital signs. In this article, it was aimed to review all aspects of pulse oximetry in detail. Materials and Methods: The international and national reliable sources were used in the literature review for critical data analysis. A total of 13 articles including 9 reviews, 1 comparative clinical research, 1 cost-saving quality improvement project, 1 cross-sectional and multicenter descriptive study, and 1 questionnaire study were used for the preparation of this part of the review. Results: The history, principles, advantages, limitations inaccuracies, cost analysis, the level of knowledge about pulse oximeter among clinicians, and pulse oximetry versus tissue oximetry were all reviewed in detail. Conclusion: The device has a significant impact on modern medicine, allowing continuous monitoring of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in arterial blood. Oximeters are valuable in managing oxygen levels in respiratory and nonrespiratory diseases and have become an essential tool in hospital settings. Detecting low levels of oxygen saturation early can alert patients to seek medical attention promptly. It is crucial to comprehend the working and limitations of pulse oximetry technology to ensure patient safety.

Everything About Pulse Oximetry-Part 2: Clinical Applications, Portable/Wearable Pulse Oximeters, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Recent Advances.

Purpose: Pulse oximetry is widely used in healthcare settings for both screening and continuous monitoring. In this article, it was aimed to review some aspects of pulse oximetry including clinical applications, portable devices, and recent advances in detail. Materials and Methods: The international and national reliable sources were used in the literature review for critical data analysis. A total of 31 articles including 19 prospective comparative clinical studies, 9 reviews, 1 meta-analysis, 1 retrospective study, and 1 experimental study were used for preparation of this part of the review. Results: In this part of the article, clinical applications of pulse oximeters, portable/wearable pulse oximeters, remote patient monitoring, and recent advances were all reviewed in detail. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry is a widely used and reliable noninvasive technique that provides useful information about blood oxygenation in individuals. This technique can guide oxygen therapy, reduce the occurrence of hypoxemia, and decrease the frequency of admissions to the intensive care unit, as well as arterial blood gas sampling. New multiwaveform sensors and advanced signal processing techniques can differentiate between different types of hemoglobin and may be useful for continuous measurement of total hemoglobin, as well as for detecting and providing information on blood loss and cardiac output.

A review of medical devices used for safe chemotherapy applications: Focus on ONCOERA® IV GROUP products.

OBJECTIVE: The healthcare workers and the workers in the manufacturing industry of chemotherapy drugs are exposed to the "hazardous" effects of these drugs during production, transportation, distribution, administration, and disposal. In order to be protected from these harmful effects, personal protective equipment and medical devices providing safe applications are used. The aim of the present article is to review of medical devices used for safe chemotherapy applications in line with the information obtained from the literature. DATA SOURCES: The international and national reliable sources, were used in the literature review for data analysis by using the keywords including chemotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, antineoplastic drugs, cytotoxic drugs, hazardous drugs, exposure to chemotherapy drugs, side effects of chemotherapy drugs, closed-system drug transfer devices, healthcare staff, needle-free devices, needle-free connectors, surface contamination, and phthalates. DATA SUMMARY: In order to minimize cytotoxic drug exposure, international standards were developed in the mid-1980s stating that all cytotoxic drugs should be prepared preferably in a ventilated biological safety cabinet, nurses dealing with the use of these drugs should use appropriate personal protective equipment, and in case of cytotoxic drug spillage, predefined cleaning and decontamination protocols should be followed. Although the risk of acute and long-term toxic effects in healthcare workers has decreased in recent years with these applications in the preparation and administration of cancer drugs, measurable contamination occurs in the workplace. A large number of medical devices have been developed for minimizing this type of contamination with chemotherapy drugs. In this article, these medical devices have been reviewed in detail under subtitles of closed system transfer devices, needle-free devices, and valve technology. CONCLUSIONS: Until the results of the evaluations to be made in new studies prove the opposite, the use of these devices with additional protection measures taken, especially during the application of dangerous drugs, is of great importance in terms of patient and employee safety.

Meckel's diverticulum: clinical features, diagnosis and management.

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common anomalous development of the gastrointestinal system that results from an incomplete vitelline canal. A diagnosis is usually made during the clinical examination of presentations such as unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, inflammation or perforation. The purpose of this review is to provide an adequate level of knowledge of the clinical and diagnostic features as well as the management of Meckel's diverticulum. Diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum may be challenging as the condition remains asymptomatic or may mimic various diseases and obscure the clinical picture. Life-threatening complications include bleeding, obstruction, inflammation and perforation. Therefore, it is essential that anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics are known in detail in order to prevent complications which will result in morbidity and mortality.

Beneficial effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on dermal wound healing: an experimental study.

Ankaferd Blood Stopper(®) (ABS) is a folkloric medicinal plant extract used as a haemostatic agent in traditional Turkish medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ABS on the healing of dermal wounds in a rat model. Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. Standard full-thickness skin defects were created on the back of the rats. In the control group (group 1), dressings moisturised with saline were changed daily. In the study group (group 2), the wounds were cleaned daily with saline, Ankaferd solution was applied, then the wounds were covered with moisturised dressings. The contraction percentage of wound areas were calculated on the 3rd, 7th, 10th and 14th days using a planimetric programme. On day 14, the wound areas were excised for histopathological examination, inflammatory scoring and evaluation of collagen deposition. The study group was superior to the control group in terms of inflammatory scoring, type I/type III collagen ratio and wound contraction rates. ABS(®) may be used effectively and safely on full-thickness wounds as a natural product.

Oxygen transmission rates of skin substitutes and graft survival.

AIM: Oxygen is required for cell migration into the scaffold and for the survival of the overlying graft in the use of a single-layer scaffold. In the absence of diffusion from the avascular wound base, such as in areas above the bone/tendon, oxygen delivery from the lateral edges of the scaffold is important. This study compared the oxygen permeability of skin scaffolds, currently commercially available in Turkey (Nevelia®, MatriDerm®, and Pelnac®), in the lateral plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To measure oxygen permeability, an interconnected closed system was created. Oxygen permeability was evaluated based on the color change that occurred as a result of the reaction of iron with oxygen. After the dermal matrices placed in the closed system were exposed to oxygen, the color change on the surface of the dermal matrices was measured, and electron microscopic images were recorded to compare deformation before and after the procedure. RESULTS: Two scaffolds did not show deformation after the procedure while Pelnac® had minimal deformation. The oxygen rates on the nitrogen side of the test apparatus were found to be 29%, 34%, and 27% for Nevelia®, MatriDerm®, and Pelnac®, respectively; and the oxygen transmission lengths (length of color change) of these scaffolds in the lateral plane were 1, 2, and 0.5 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although none of the scaffolds showed significant deformation, and all continued to exhibit their scaffold properties after the procedure, MatriDerm® was determined to be the most suitable scaffold for use in avascular areas, with a 2-cm oxygen transmission length in terms of lateral oxygenation.

Treadmill versus overground gait training in patients with lower limb burn injury: A matched control study.

INTRODUCTION: Gait impairment is commonly seen in patients with a lower limb burn injury (LLBI). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different gait training modes on gait symmetry, functional mobility and kinesiophobia in patients with LLBI. METHODS: This matched control study was conducted between January 2017 and August 2018. Patients with LLBI (n=28) were allocated to 2 different groups by matching according to burn localization, age, and gender. Group 1 (overground group: n=14) received overground gait training in addition to standard burn rehabilitation, and Group 2 (treadmill group: n=14) received treadmill gait training in addition to standard burn rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program and gait training were started when the patient was admitted to the hospital and ended on discharge. These physical therapy interventions were performed 5 days per week. The gait training intensity, including walking speed and duration, was determined according to patient tolerance. Gait parameters, functional mobility, kinesiophobia and pain values were evaluated with GAITRite, the timed up-and-go test (TUG), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Visual Analogue Scale, respectively. These evaluations were made twice; on admission and immediately prior to discharge. Gait symmetry was calculated using the Symmetry Index. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the groups and initial outcome values were similar. In the comparison of the differences between the overground and treadmill groups, the change in kinesiophobia and TUG values were significantly higher in the treadmill group (p=0.01, p=0.02, respectively). The intragroup comparisons showed significant differences in SI in respect of step length (p=0.004), swing (p=0.006), stance (p=0.008) and velocity (p=0.001), cadence (p=0.001), TUG (p=0.001), kinesiophobia (p=0.001) and pain (p=0.001) in the overground group. Statistically significant differences were determined in step length (p=0.01), swing (p=0.01), stance (p=0.02) and velocity (p=0.001), cadence (p=0.001), TUG (p=0.001), kinesiophobia (p=0.001) and pain (p=0.001) in the treadmill group, when pre and post-training values were compared. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have shown that treadmill gait training was more effective in the improvement of functional mobility and reduction in kinesiophobia levels of patients with LLBI compared to overground gait training. Both overground and treadmill gait training also provide greater improvements in the velocity and cadence, and gait symmetry for step length, swing and stance in patients with LLBI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03217526.

Artichoke for biochemistry, histology, and gene expression in obstructive jaundice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Rats were separated into three groups, namely, sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract. Ischemia was created for 60 min, and then liver tissue and blood samples were taken at the 90th minute of reperfusion. Artichoke leaf extract was given at a 300 mg/kg dose 2 h before the operation. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum. Histopathological findings of the liver were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Antioxidant enzyme activities in the artichoke leaf extract group were statistically significantly higher than that in the other two groups. Biochemical parameters, which show hepatocellular damage, were found to be similar in both sham and artichoke leaf extract groups. Although the values in the sham group were higher than the artichoke group in terms of protein and gene expressions, no statistically significant difference was found between these two groups. Regarding the hepatocellular effects of obstructive jaundice, the artichoke leaf extract group showed lower scores than the control group in all histopathological scores. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect that was associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke leaf extract.

The effects of Capparis ovata seed oil on the healing of traumatic skin wounds.

BACKGROUND: Capparis ovata contains alkaloids, lipids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and also is rich in antioxidants. Conventionally, in Turkey, the flower buds, root, bark, and fruits of C. ovata are used for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatism, tonic, and diuretic effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on wound healing of C. ovata seed oil (COSO), which is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. METHODS: In the study, 20 Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 animals each. A standard full-thickness skin defect was created on the back area of the rats. In both groups, after cleaning the wounds with saline daily, no active substance other than saline was applied to the control group, while 1 cc/day COSO was applied to the wounds of the rats in the study group. On the post-operative 14th day, the rats were reanesthetized and wound area measurements were made. Then, excision was performed to include 1 cm of intact tissue around the wound, which remained unhealed, and samples were taken for histopathological examination. RESULTS: The changes in wound areas showed that after 14 days, the improvement in the group treated with caper oil (32.78; 95% confidence interval, 17.21-48.36) was significantly higher than that of the control group (65.41; 95% confidence interval, 49.84-80.98) (p=0.009). The histopathological scores showed a significant difference between the groups in respect of epithelial formation, inflam-mation, and fibrosis development. No epithelial tissue formation was observed in the control group (90%), and more incomplete re-epithelization and focal epidermal hyperplasia were observed in the treatment group (60%). Fibrosis development was mild and weak (70%) in the control group and was evaluated as severe and intense (60%) in the treatment group. Perivascular edema was mild (50%) and vascularity was immature (60% - an indicator of neovascularization) in the treatment group. These histopathological results showed that the treatment group inflammation phase was completed and the proliferation phase started, as well as the effectiveness of the use of caper oil on epithelization, angiogenesis, and fibrosis, which are important histopathological parameters in the evaluation of wound healing compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, it was concluded that COSO significantly enhances the healing of full-thickness skin wounds and this effect is primarily related to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Effect of Topical Application and/or Systemic Use of Red Ginseng Extract on Wound Healing in Rats With Experimentally Induced Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Red ginseng (Rg) is an herbal product that has been used in traditional medicine in Asian and European countries for many years. PURPOSE: To study the effects of Rg extract on wound healing when used systemically, locally, or in combination in rats with experimentally induced diabetes. METHODS: A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: saline (control), local Rg (LRg), systemic Rg (SRg), and local + systemic = combined Rg (CRg). A full-thickness wound (2 cm × 1 cm) was created on the back of the rats, and treatment protocols were carried out for 14 days. Wound areas of all rats were measured on days 0 and 14. Tissue samples were taken from the wound areas for histopathologic evaluation of inflammation, epithelialization, and fibrosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD4+, and CD8+ expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Wound contraction measurements were 63.8%, 80.5%, 88.5%, and 86.6% in the control, LRg, SRg and CRg groups, respectively. Although significant differences were observed for all treated groups (LRg, SRg, and CRg) compared with the control group in terms of wound contraction, there was no difference among the treatment groups. VEGF-positive vessel/mm2 was observed 4.00 ± 0.75, 5.93 ± 0.70, 5.93 ± 1.93, and 7.93 ± 0.70 in the control, LRg, SRg and CRg groups, respectively. There was no difference between LRg and SRg in terms of VEGF expression, but there was significant difference for all other groups compared with each other. CONCLUSION: All usage methods of Rg extract increased wound contraction, and differences were observed compared with the control group. However, the authors believe that the combined usage was more effective due to higher VEGF expression levels and lower CD4+:CD8+ ratio.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of action of artichoke leaf extract in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups such as sham, control, and artichoke leaf extract groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical parameters were examined from the tissue and serum obtained from the subjects. Histopathological findings were scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: Statistically, the antioxidant activity was highest in the artichoke leaf extract group, the difference in biochemical parameters and C-reactive protein was significant compared with the control group, and the histopathological positive effects were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, artichoke leaf extract had a hepatoprotective effect and that this effect was related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke.

Pathological and biochemical effects of therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of celecoxib in Wistar albino male rats.

Celecoxib is intended for acute pain, menstrual cramps, pain, and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of celecoxib (10 and 50 mg/kg/day) treatment on rats orally for 28 days. We examined effects on some biochemical parameters and kidney and liver tissues of celecoxib-treated Wistar albino male rats. At the end of the study, hepatic and renal function tests were performed and liver and kidney of rats were microscopically examined to detect systemic toxicity of celecoxib. Celecoxib-treated rats had statistically significant decreases of cholesterol, total bilirubin, total protein, urea, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. Serum gamma glutamyl transferase levels increased in 10- and 50-mg/kg/day celecoxib-treated rats. Histological examinations showed mononuclear cell infiltration, hyperplasia, and cellular degeneration in liver and tubular damage and mononuclear cell infiltration in kidney. We suggest that high doses of celecoxib may cause changes in liver and kidney histopathology, liver function, and in some biochemical parameters.

Ultrastructural changes in the liver after experimental spinal cord injury in rats: effects of methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin g and albumin.

AIM: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is routinely treated with standardized methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) dose, so it is reassuring to find its effects on liver. We also evaluated the effects of albumin and immunoglobulin G (Ig G) therapies on liver if they are used in case of experimental SCI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were allocated into six groups as control, trauma, vehicle, MPSS, Ig G and albumin consisting 8 rats for each. The rats with SCI were assigned to 30mg/kg MPSS, 5 mg/kg albumin and 400 mg/kg Ig G treatments. Tissue samples from liver were obtained for light and electron microscopy examinations and determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. RESULTS: Trauma increased MPO activity and caused cellular changes of liver tissue. Both albumin and Ig G treatments decreased MPO activity significantly. The light and electron microscopic evaluations showed remarkable preservation of liver ultra-structure with all treatments including MPSS. CONCLUSIONS: SCI resulted in neutrophil infiltration and changes in ultrastructure of liver. It was revealed that MPSS has no detrimental effects on liver. Although all treatments preserved liver tissue structure, Although all treatments preserved liver tissue structure, Ig G and albumin treatments also prevented neutrophil infiltration. To provide protection from secondary liver injury after SCI, use of albumin and Ig G treatments may be beneficial.

Comparison of upper limb burn injury versus simulated pathology in terms of gait and footprint parameters.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about whether a simulated upper limb condition reflects a real (burn-injury) upper limb pathology in terms of gait/footprint parameters. RESEARCH QUESTION: The main aim of this study was to investigate the differences in these parameters between two conditions (real-simulation). METHODS: The study included burn patients (n = 30) and a control group of 30 healthy subjects. Gait and footprint parameters were evaluated using the GAITRite electronic walkway. Kinesiophobia and pain were assessed with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Visual Analog Scale, respectively. Gait evaluation of the control group was performed randomly in two conditions:1. Normal arm swing (control group) 2.Elbow flexed at 90° with a bandage (simulated group). RESULTS: Step and stride length in the burn group were significantly shorter than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Stance phase was significantly higher while swing phase, velocity and cadence were lower in the burn group (p < 0.05). Peak time in the midfoot for both sides were significantly higher in the burn group (p < 0.05). Peak time in the hindfoot for the affected side was significantly lower while peak time in the hindfoot for the intact side was significantly higher in the burn group compared to the simulated group (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between pain, kinesiophobia and velocity, and cadence in the burn group (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Compared to the other groups, patients with burn injury have different gait/footprint parameters due to increased pain and kinesiophobia. To determine the effects of upper limb injury and arm swing on gait parameters, a real pathology should be considered rather than a simulated pathology.

Evaluation of spatio-temporal gait parameters and gait symmetry in diabetic polyneuropathic patients with burn injury: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of burn injury on spatio-temporal gait parameters and gait symmetry in individuals with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN)-related lower extremity burn injury. METHODS: Demographic information and the physical examinations of the lower extremities of 14 patients with unilateral lower extremity burn injury due to DPN (DPNB) and 14 uninjured patients with DPN (DPN0) were recorded. The GAITRite computerized gait analysis system was used to evaluate the spatio-temporal parameters of gait. Symmetry Index (SI) was calculated to determine gait symmetry. The Mann Whitney U test was used to determine the demographical and clinical differences between the groups, the Wilcoxon's test was used to compare both sides of all the participants for all gait parameters and linear regression analysis was used to find the variables that affect gait parameters. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of their demographic information except for age. Compared with the DPN0 group, DPNB group had increased extent of area with sensory loss and severity of DPN, decreased ankle joint range of motions and intrinsic foot muscles strength and they displayed lower gait speed, step length, stride length and swing percentage but their double support and stance percentage were increased. CONCLUSION: This study results have shown that, spatio-temporal gait parameters of DPNB patients are different. These differences in spatiotemporal parameters are found on both sides, probably owing to the symmetric and bilateral sensory loss is superior to unilateral burn injury due to symmetrical and bilateral sensory loss. Gait analysis should be considered in order to reveal the changes in gait parameters and to improve appropriate healing process of patients with DPN-related lower extremity burn injury.

Risk factors special to eastern culture for the development of anal fissure.

AIM: To reveal the effect of diet, bowel functions and toilet habits on the development of anal fissure. METHODS: One hundred patients complaining of anal fissure were included to the case group; and one hundred age- and gender-matched patients referred for other reasons except for anorectal complaints were included to the control group. The information was obtained by face to face interviews using questionnaires. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in coffee, fruit, and meat consumption between the groups. The patients suffering from anal fissure avoided paprika consumption. The rate of anal fissure incidence was higher in squat toilet users. CONCLUSION: This study is the first study which evaluates the risk factors such as paprika consumption and squat toilet usage that are specific to Eastern culture. Further studies including large numbers of population are needed to evaluate different risk factors for anal fissure development (Tab. 2, Ref. 11). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.

The Effect of Calcium Dobesilate on Liver Damage in Experimental Obstructive Jaundice.

Purpose/Aim of the study: Inflammation and oxidative stress are two significant factors affecting the degree of liver damage in obstructive jaundice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium dobesilate (CaDob), an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug, on damage to liver caused by experimental obstructive jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 rats in total were randomly placed into three groups, each group consisting of 10 rats. The sham group (Group 1) only received solely laparotomy. In the control group (Group 2), ligation was applied to the biliary tract and no treatment was implemented. In the CaDob group (Group 3), following ligation of the biliary tract, 100 mg/kg/day CaDob was implemented via an orogastric tube for a 10-day period. Liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical examination. RESULTS: The CaDob group had significantly lower test values for serum liver functions when compared to the control group. Statistically lower levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and fluorescent oxidation products (FOP) were detected in the CaDob group, and the CaDob group had significantly higher levels of sulfydryl (SH) than the control group. Histopathological scores in the CaDob group were found out to be statistically less than the scores the control group received (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CaDob treatment repaired the histpatological changes induced by bile duct ligation. The hepatoprotective effects of CaDob can be associated with its antioxidant properties of the drug.

Topical and Systemic Effects of N-acetyl Cysteine on Wound Healing in a Diabetic Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of topical and systemic N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment on wound healing in a diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 12. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. A 2-cm x 1-cm full-thickness wound was created on the back of each animal. In group 1 (control) and group 3 (systemic NAC), the wounds were closed with 0.9% sodium chloride-treated sterile gauze. In group 2 (topical NAC) and group 4 (topical + systemic NAC), the wounds were closed with sterile gauze treated with 3 mL (300 mg) of NAC. The animals in groups 3 and 4 were administered 200 mg/kg of NAC once daily through an orogastric tube. On days 1 and 14, the wounded areas were measured. Tissue and blood samples were taken on day 14 for histopathological and biochemical examination. RESULTS: On day 14, the wounded area in groups 2, 3, and 4 was found to be smaller than in group 1 (control). Histopathologically, epithelialization and fibrosis scores were significantly lower, whereas the inflammation score was higher in group 1 than in the other groups. Tissue oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, fluorescent oxidation products, total oxidative stress) were higher in the control group than in the other groups. In groups 3 and 4 (which received systemic NAC), the oxidative stress parameters in serum samples were lower than those of the control group and group 2. Serum sulphydryl levels were the lowest in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that both topical and systemic administration of NAC improved wound healing in a diabetic rat model. This effect of NAC may be related to its antioxidant properties since a reduction in oxidative stress parameters in both tissue and serum were shown in the present study.

Honey prevents hepatic damage induced by obstruction of the common bile duct.

AIM: To examine the possible effects of honey supplementation on hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct in an experimental rat model. METHODS: The study was performed with 30 male rats divided into three groups: a sham group, an obstructive jaundice group, and an obstructive jaundice plus honey group. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), and NO synthase (NOS) activities were measured in liver tissues, and levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities were measured in serum. RESULTS: Blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly elevated in the jaundice group as compared to those of the sham group. In the obstructive jaundice plus honey group, blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly decreased as compared to those of the jaundice group. In erythrocytes and liver tissues, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group compared to those of the sham group. Additionally, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in liver tissues from the animals in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group than those of the jaundice group. CONCLUSION: Honey was found to be beneficial in the prevention of hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct.

Effects of honey as a scolicidal agent on the hepatobiliary system.

AIM: To examine the effects of 10% diluted honey, which has been shown to be scolicidal, on the liver and biliary system and determine whether it could be used as a scolicidal agent in the presence of biliary-cystic communication. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into two groups. Honey with 10% dilution in the study group and 0.9% saline (NaCl) in the control group were injected into the common bile ducts of rats through a 3-mm duodenotomy. The animals were sacrificed 6 mo after the procedure. Histopathological, biochemical, and radiological examinations were performed for evaluation of side effects. RESULTS: At the end of the sixth month, liver function tests were found to be normal in both groups. The tissue samples of liver and ductus choledochus of the honey group showed no histomorphologic difference from the control group. No stricture on the biliary tree was detected on the retrograde cholangiograms. CONCLUSION: According to these results, we concluded that 10% diluted honey could be used as scolicidal agent safely in the presence of biliary-cystic communication.