Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in burn wound healing: uncovering the mechanisms of local regeneration and tissue repair.

Burn injuries pose a significant healthcare burden worldwide, often leading to long-term disabilities and reduced quality of life. To explore the impacts of the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the healing of burns and the levels of serum cytokines, 60 fully grown Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20 each): group I (control), group II (burn induction), and group III (burn induction + bone marrow (BM)-MSC transplantation). Groups II and III were further divided into four subgroups (n = 5 each) based on euthanasia duration (7, 14, 21, and 28 days post transplant). The experiment concluded with an anesthesia overdose for rat death. After 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, the rats were assessed by clinical, laboratory, and histopathology investigations. The results revealed significant improvements in burn healing potentiality in the group treated with MSC. Furthermore, cytokine levels were measured, with significant increases in interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon alpha (IFN) observed, while IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) decreased at 7 days and increased until 28 days post burn. Also, the group that underwent the experiment exhibited increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 when compared to the control group. Histological assessments showed better re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen deposition in the experimental group, suggesting that MSC transplantation in burn wounds may promote burn healing by modulating the immune response and promoting tissue regeneration.

Immunohistochemistry of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Integrin αVß3 in Mouse Endometrium Following Kisspeptin-54 Ovulation Trigger.

Kisspeptin (KP) is a group of hypothalamic neuropeptides encoded by KISS-1 gene. KP-54, a 54-amino-acid peptide, helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and plays a potential role in implantation. C57BL/6 J female mice were superovulated via intraperitoneal injection of 5 International Units (IU) pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (day 1). Forty-eight hours later, mice (5/group) were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (group A), 5 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (group B), or 3 nmol KP-54 (group C). On day 7, mice were euthanized and uteri excised to create paraformaldehyde-fixed paraffin-embedded sections that were immunostained for the implantation markers: leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrin αVß3 (ITG αVß3). Slides were scored for intensity of staining in endometrial glandular epithelium (GE) and stromal cells (SCs) via histoscore (H-score). Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparisons. LIF expression was significantly higher in GE and SCs of mice triggered with KP-54 compared to placebo (P = .009 for both), but only higher than hCG trigger group in SCs (P = .009). Meanwhile, ITG αVß3 expression was significantly higher in SCs of mice triggered with KP-54 compared to placebo (P = .028). In conclusion, using KP-54 as an ovulation trigger resulted in higher expression of the implantation markers LIF and ITG αVß3 in mice endometrium compared to hCG or placebo. This suggests a potential role for KP-54 trigger in improving embryo implantation in clinical IVF. However, further studies are needed to correlate these results with clinical implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes.

Toxicity and biochemical impact of methoxyfenozide/spinetoram mixture on susceptible and methoxyfenozide-selected strains of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Methoxyfenozide (M) is one of the selective insecticides used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for lepidopteran pests. However, recent studies reported a development of M-resistance, which prompted us to look for alternatives. Here, we investigate the potency of a mixture of M with spinetoram (Sp) on M-resistant insects. In the laboratory, a selection pressure with M has carried out on Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains. A dipping technique was used to evaluate the toxicity of a sublethal concentration of M and Sp. on S. littoralis larvae, and the same concentrations were used to assess the toxic impact of their combination on susceptible (SUS) and M-selected (MS) strains. The toxicity of M/Sp mixtures was computed using a combination index equation, and a potentiation effect was observed in the two tested strains. Synergism tests revealed that piperonyl butoxide had considerable synergistic effects on M toxicity in the MS strain. The results revealed that the M/Sp mixture's negative effect on both monooxygenases and esterases is most likely the cause of its potentiation effect on the SUS and MS strains. It was concluded that M/Sp mixtures are effective against M-resistant S. littoralis strains, so these can be used in IPM programs.

Objective assessment of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) potentiality in the treatment of Chronic leg Ulcer: RCT on 80 patients with Venous ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous leg ulcer reduces the patients' activities and their overall quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was previously investigated as promising less invasive management for leg ulcers. THIS STUDY AIMS: To re-assess the efficacy and safety of PRP in the management of chronic leg ulcers due to venous factors. PATIENTS/METHODS: RCT enrolled 80 patients who clinically presented with chronic venous leg ulcers. Forty patients were allocated randomly for the treatment with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Intradermal and subdermal injection of PRP by 27guage syringe weekly, in all edges and in the granular floor of the ulcer for 4-6 sessions. Another 40 patients managed by conventional treatment by compression and dressing for the same period were allocated as Group B. Objective assessment achieved by the percentage of reduction of the size of the ulcer area, rate of healing, incidence of recurrence, and if side effects have been reported. RESULTS: PRP therapy showed better results and high p value significance when compared to conventional therapy. CONCLUSION: This study shows that PRP is effective and significant in promoting the wound healing process in chronic leg venous ulcers. PRP is simple, safe, and has a short learning curve technique.

Synergistic effect of curcumin and chitosan nanoparticles on nano-hydroxyapatite-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Although the toxicity/biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAPNPs), a prospective nano-biomaterial, is extensively studied, its interaction on the reproductive system following exposure is less exploited. In the present study, male rats were exposed to HAPNPs (300 mg/kg BW) to determine its possible reproductive toxicity. Also, the protective effects of chitosan (CSNPs, 280 mg/kg BW) and/or curcumin (CurNPs, 15 mg/kg BW) nanoparticles against HAPNPs-induced reproductive toxicity were studied. Animals were orally gavage daily with respective doses for 45 consecutive days. The obtained results indicated that HAPNPs caused a significant decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, testosterone hormone, steroidogenic enzymes (17-ketosteroid reductase and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) in addition to total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione. LH and FSH, abnormal sperm, oxidative stress parameters (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), p53, TNFα, and interleukin-6 were significantly increased. The DNA damage was also analyzed by assaying 8-OHdG level which is considered as an indicator of genotoxicity and also suppression of the gene expression of mtTFA, induction of UCP2. Similarly, the histopathological evaluation was also changed following exposure to HAPNPs. The antioxidant activity of CSNPs and CurNPs showed mitigating effect against reproductive deterioration induced by HAPNPs throughout improvements in semen characteristics, sex hormones, inflammatory factors, and antioxidant status. The present study concluded that HAPNPs induced reproductive toxicity and it is important to use nano-antioxidants CSNPs and CurNPs as protective agents.

Immunoreactivity of Kisspeptin and Kisspeptin Receptor in Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrial Tissue of Women With and Without Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissues. Mechanisms of tissue dissemination in endometriosis may be similar to those involved in tumor metastasis. We hypothesize that dysregulation of kisspeptin (KISS1), a metastasis suppressor in endometrial carcinoma, may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. In this study, we characterized the immunoreactivity of kisspeptin and its receptor, KISS1R, in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue of women with and without endometriosis, in proliferative and secretory menstrual cycle phases. Immunohistochemistry was performed using KISS1 and KISS1R antibodies on samples from women with (n = 35) and without (n = 14) endometriosis. Samples from women with endometriosis included eutopic endometrium (n = 20) samples, superficial endometriotic implants (SUP, n = 10) deep infiltrating endometriotic implants (DIE, n = 15), and ovarian endometriomas (OMA, n = 15). Immunoreactivity was quantified using histoscores. KISS1 and KISS1R immunoreactivity was significantly lower in eutopic endometrial stroma of women with versus without endometriosis, regardless of the menstrual cycle phase (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015 respectively). In endometriotic implants, KISS1 levels were significantly lower in both glandular and stromal components of DIE (P < 0.01) and OMA (P < 0.01) compared to SUP. KISS1R immunoreactivity was lower in the glandular component of OMA (P = 0.035) compared to SUP. KISS1 and KISS1R levels are lower in eutopic endometrial stroma from women with versus without endometriosis, consistent with a role for decreased KISS1 expression in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. As deeply invasive lesions showed lower KISS1 levels than superficial lesions, downregulation of KISS1 levels may contribute to implant invasiveness.

The protective role of CsNPs and CurNPs against DNA damage, oxidative stress, and histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations induced by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in male rat kidney.

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP-NPs) are an inorganic component of natural bone and are mainly used in the tissue engineering field due to their bioactivity, osteoconductivity, biocompatibility, non-inflammatory, and non-toxicity properties. However, the current toxicity data for HAP-NPs regarding human health are limited, and only a few results from basic studies have been published. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the beneficial role of chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) and curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) in alleviating nephrotoxicity induced by HAP-NPs in male rats. The results showed that HAP-NPs caused a reduction in antioxidant enzymes and induced lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide production and DNA oxidation. Moreover, HAP-NP administration was associated with intense histologic changes in kidney architecture and immunoreactivity to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). However, the presence of CsNPs and/or CurNPs along with HAP-NPs reduced the levels of oxidative stress through improving the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Also, the rats administered the nanoparticles showed a moderate improvement in glomerular damage which matched that of the control group and showed mild positive reactions to PCNA-ir in glomeruli and renal tubules in the cortical and medullary portions. These novel insights confirm that the presence of chitosan and curcumin in nanoforms has powerful biological effects with enhanced bioactivity and bioavailability phenomena compared to their microphase counterparts. Also, they were able to ameliorate the nephrotoxicity induced by HAP-NPs.

Synergistic antioxidant capacity of CsNPs and CurNPs against cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and pro-inflammatory mediators induced by hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in male rats.

Due to their dynamic characteristics, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP-NPs) have been employed numerous times in nanomedicine and in tissue engineering, particularly as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. However, there are outstanding findings from various studies that question whether these NPs are safe when they are used in the human body. Therefore, a more in-depth toxicity assessment should be carried out to give a clear answer regarding the fate of these particles. Here we aim to investigate the possible cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and inflammation induced by HAP-NPs, as well as predict the synergistic antioxidative effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) and curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) in mitigating this pronounced toxicity. The present study was conducted on eighty Wistar male rats, divided into eight equal groups. The results showed that, at the molecular level, HAP-NPs significantly induced gene expression of tumor suppressor protein p53, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and also Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) and Lipocalin-2 (LCN2). In addition, kidney biochemical parameters (total bilirubin, urea, uric acid and creatinine) increased, but albumin levels decreased in the group treated with HAP-NPs alone. Meanwhile, co-treatment with CsNPs and/or CurNPs with HAP-NPs showed an improvement in the activities of the kidney parameters and reduced inflammation. This study shows that the nephrotoxicity mechanism of HAP-NPs may involve various signaling pathways including alterations in biochemical parameters, gene expression of KIM-1 and LCN2 and disturbing the production of cytokines and p53. Furthermore, these insights showed that the combined effect of both CsNPs and CurNPs was more pronounced than the effect of each one on its own.

Salvaging Digital Replantation and Revascularisation: Efficiency of Heparin Solution Subcutaneous Injection.

BACKGROUND: Distal digital replantation and revascularisation remains one of the demanding microsurgical procedures due to the difficulty of vascular anastomosis. Venous congestion is the most commonly encountered problem after replantation due to the difficulty of venous anastomosis in traumatic injuries. Heparin, among other drugs, is commonly used to facilitate venous drainage and prevent thrombosis. However, systemic heparin can be contraindicated in some patients. The senior author has experience of subcutaneous heparin injection for venous congestion in thirteen patients. METHODS: An amount of 1 ml of calcium heparin (25,000 U) was mixed in 2.4 ml of normal saline making a solution that has 1000 U per 0.1 ml. 1000 U (0.1 ml) of the solution was injected directly into the congested replanted digits. This was repeated twice daily until venous congestion improved. RESULTS: All the congested replanted digits survived without systemic side effects. There were no local side effects of the treatment. The PT and APTT have shown slight increase but they remained within the normal range. Haemoglobin levels have dropped slightly but no patients were at any risk of developing anaemia or needed blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous heparin injections can salvage the replanted digits when venous congestion is a warning flag for replantation failure. It is safe and very efficient in patients where systemic heparin cannot be administered. However, this article shows the results in only thirteen patients which is a small number to show the efficacy, safety, and side effects.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty using filler, Botox, and thread remodeling: Retro analysis of 332 cases.

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical nasal job has been practiced and published with doubtful concerns about efficiency and safety among physicians and aesthetic surgeons. AIM: of the work to share our experiences in non-surgical rhinoplasty using filler, Botox, and thread with presentation of aesthetic and complication outcome. PATIENT AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the aesthetic and complication outcomes and techniques for non-surgical remodeling rhinoplasty using fillers, Botox, and PDO absorbable threads in 332 cases. RESULTS: Non-surgical nasal remodeling provides temporary correction of small nasal deformities with achieved satisfactory aesthetic outcome and very low incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical nasal remodeling with injection precautions could work efficiently and safely in outpatient clinic with good temporary results up to 6 months.

Bifurcated Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap for the Reconstruction of a Periorbital Burn: An Innovation.

BACKGROUND: Facial burns represent between one-fourth and one-third of all burns. The long-term sequelae of periorbital burns include significant ectropion and lagophthalmos as a result of secondary burn contractures in the lower and upper eyelids, in addition to complete or incomplete alopecia of the eyebrows. METHODS: A retrospective study of 14 reconstructive procedures for 12 postburn faces was conducted with all procedures performed since 2010 at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Al-Hussein University Hospital, and at the Craniofacial Unit, Nasser Institute Hospital. Four patients experienced chemical burns, and 8 patients experienced thermal burns. All patients underwent periorbital reconstruction using a bifurcated superficial temporal artery island flap to reconstruct the eyebrows, correct the lagophthalmos, and release the ectropion in both the upper and the lower eyelids. Two patients underwent bilateral periorbital flap reconstruction. The mean age of patients was 29 years, and the study was conducted on 8 males and 4 females. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire completed by all patients postoperatively. RESULTS: The complete release of both the upper and the lower eyelids was achieved in all cases, together with ideal replacement of brow hair; no complications were noted, apart from one case in which a loss of hair density in the new eyebrow was observed, combined with the partial loss of the flap in the lower eyelid. Patient satisfaction results were collected and assembled in a table. CONCLUSION: A bifurcated superficial temporal artery island flap is an innovative flap for reconstructing both burned eyebrows and eyelids.

Optical coherence tomography classification of diabetic cystoid macular edema.

PURPOSE: To propose a new classification of diabetic cystoid macular edema (CME) based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and cover all new important findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in the El-Minia Investigation Eye Center between January 2012 and November 2012. It included 104 eyes of 86 patients, aged between 50 and 71 years, all with type II diabetes mellitus of duration from 5 to 20 years. All patients were diagnosed to have CME, as assessed by OCT, with measurement of the vertical size of the largest macular cyst and maximum macular thickness, and the relation between them. RESULTS: Patients were divided into four groups. Eyes with cysts less than 30% of macular thickness were considered to have CME I (n = 4, 3.84%), while those between 30% and 60% were considered to have CME II (n = 62, 59.62%). Eyes with cysts between 60% and 90% of macular thickness were considered to have CME III (n = 36, 34.62%). CME IV was diagnosed when the size of the cyst became more than 90% of the macular thickness, and this was encountered in two eyes (1.92%). CONCLUSIONS: OCT is a useful technique for quantitative measurement and helps in better anatomical characterization of CME, and this classification of diabetic CME may be of value in classification of CME due to causes other than diabetes.

In vivo animal histomorphometric study for evaluating biocompatibility and osteointegration of nano-hydroxyapatite as biomaterials in tissue engineering.

UNLABELLED: The coming decade will bring new and even more complex advances that will transform oral and maxillofacial surgery practice if the specialty is capable of transferring the advances of basic science into clinical practice. Such advances include those in tissue engineering and nanotechnology. Three groups of eight animals (rats), each was evaluated by grouting bone graft substitutes into 3 mm holes that were made into the anteromedialtibialmetaphyses of rats. Two different formulations varying as to the type of hydroxyapatite (HA) were used; Group 1: Nano-hydroxyapatite, Group 2: Control with HA only. Group 3: Control without any bone graft substitutes (empty defects). Animals of each of the three groups were sacrificed in groups of eight at postoperative week four. Histologic analysis revealed superior biocompatibility and osteointegration of bone graft substitutes when nanohydroxyapatite was employed. At four weeks, there was more reactive new bone formation in this group when compared to the hydroxyapatite group. The control group showed incomplete closure of the defect. This study demonstrated that nano-hydroxyapatite improves the bioactivity of bone implant and repair materials. Nanohydroxyapatite has good biocompatibility, finer mechanical properties, adjustable degradation properties, good osteointegration and offers a wide range of potential applications in the tissue engineering. KEY WORDS: Osteointegration- Nano-Hydroxyapatite- Biomaterials- Tissue engineering.

Prevalence and characteristics of female sexual dysfunction in a sample of women from Upper Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and associated risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Upper Egypt. METHODS: Married women attending the outpatient clinic of Sohag University Hospital between February 2008 and March 2009 were recruited. Through direct interviews, each woman completed a questionnaire that included questions on sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: From 648 recruited patients, 47 declined to participate in the study. Of the 601 remaining participants, 462 women (76.9%) reported 1 or more sexual problems. Low sexual desire was the most common sexual problem (66.4%). Patients with FSD were significantly more likely to be older than 40 years, have sexual intercourse fewer than 3 times a week, have been married for 10 years or more, have 5 children or more, be circumcised, have a husband aged 40 years or more, and be postmenopausal. Age of the women maintained a statistically significant positive relationship with FSD in the regression model (odds ratio 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.53). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of FSD in this sample of women from Upper Egypt. The prevalence of sexual problems increased with increasing age of the women.

Psychiatric morbidity following hysterectomy in Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate psychiatric morbidity in Egyptian women before and after hysterectomy for benign indications. METHOD: A 2-year prospective observational study at Sohag University Hospital, Egypt, in which 96 women scheduled for hysterectomy were assessed for psychiatric comorbidity before and after the operation using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Beck Depression Inventory, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale. RESULTS: Of these, 35 (36.5%) had scores of 4 or higher, signifying psychiatric comorbidity (group 1), and 61 (63.5%) had scores less than 4, suggesting no psychiatric comorbidity (group 2). Postoperatively, severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were common in group 1. In group 2, 48 (78.7%) of the 61 women had scores of 4 or higher. In that subgroup, depressive and anxiety symptoms were more common among nulliparas whereas women with a high parity experienced the least psychiatric comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: As women undergoing hysterectomy risk psychiatric morbidity, gynecologists should consider less invasive interventions to treat benign conditions.