Comparison of Six-strand and Four-strand Techniques on the Repair of Injured Deep Flexor Tendons of Zone II of the Hand: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background: Hand zone II flexor tendon repair had been associated with many complications thereby it was previously called no man's land. Although there is some agreement on the primary repair of flexor tendons in this area, it is challenging due to certain complications. We compared the six and four-strand techniques in the repair of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons of zone II. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20130812014333N139). Fifty patients with damaged FDP in zone II of the hand who were referred to Taleghani Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran in 2020 were included and divided into two groups (n=25). In group 1, the damaged tendons were repaired using the four-strand technique and prolene suture while in group 2, the six-strand technique was used. Postoperatively, the patients were examined every week for the first three weeks. In the second and third weeks, sutures were removed. At the end of 3rd month, the outcomes of surgery were compared in the groups. Results: Fifty patients (74% male) with 85 damaged fingers were investigated. Based on Buck-Gramcko criteria, the outcomes of surgery were excellent in 78%, good in 16%, fair in 4%, and bad in 2%. Complications after surgery were adhesion (8%) and 2 cases of rupture. There was no significant difference between 4 and 6-strand sutures regarding tendon adhesion and range of motion. Conclusion: Both 4 and 6-strand sutures were associated with favorable outcomes in patients with damaged FDP in zone II of the hand.

Two Forehead Flaps for Nasal Reconstruction of a Patient with Arhinia.

Complete or total arhinia, in which nasal soft tissue is absent, is an extremely rare disease. The embryological origin of the defect is thought to be the maldevelopment of paired nasal placodes. In this article, we introduce nasal reconstruction with two forehead flaps. The reconstruction was done with two forehead flaps in a 20-year-old male patient with arhinia. Using one frontal flap of the forehead as the inner layer and the other one as the outer layer. The postoperative care was uneventful. He was able to breathe through the nose. No chest pain or any difficulty was mentioned in daily activities. The principal advantage of this technique over previous techniques is that the operation is performed in two stages and at the end of the procedure the patient has the final shape of the nose and is able to breathe normally. Furthermore, this technique could be performed for all age groups.

Primary Closure of Pilonidal Sinus With Slide-Swing Skin Flap Compared With the Secondary Closure: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: There are many surgical approaches for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) therapy, ranging from wide excision repair to less morbid excisions with primary/flap closure. The off-midline flaps, which shift the incision line away from the midline natal cleft, have been associated with lower recurrence rates than the conventional mid-line closure techniques. This single-blinded randomized controlled trial aims to compare the short/long-term efficacy and outcome of the slide-swing flap technique with the conventional secondary wound closure. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted on patients with PSD. Patients were assigned into two groups: secondary closure (control) and slide-swing flap (trial). Patients were advised to visit the surgical clinic two times weekly for the two weeks after the operation for at least six months. RESULTS: In this study, 100 patients were enrolled. They were assigned into two groups of control, and trial. The mean age of all participants was 29.15 ± 8.36 years old (age range: 18-62 years old). The mean operation time was 39.65 ± 12.63 for both groups, with the control group being 29.70 ± 7.71 and the swing flap group 46.90 ± 7.81. Patient visual analog scale (VAS) scores in both groups revealed that the trial group was associated with lower VAS scores compared with patients who underwent secondary closure (p-value = 0.006). Also, the trial group demonstrated a higher rate of healing, better cosmetic outcomes, and quicker recovery time compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Compared with secondary closure, the slide-swing flap was associated with excellent cosmetic outcomes, disease recurrence, and recovery time. Also, the post-operative complications were significantly lower compared with the traditional method.

Effect of Nectaroscordum koelzi Methanolic Extract on Acute and Chronic Inflammation in Male Mice.

INTRODUCTION: The present study deals with the effect of Nectaroscordum koelzi fruit extract on acute and chronic inflammation. METHODS: A total of 84 NMRI mice were used in this study. The effect of the extract on acute inflammation was analyzed by increasing vascular permeability via acetic acid and xylene induced ear edema among mice. The extract was evaluated in terms of effects on chronic inflammation by means of the cotton pellet test among mice. For the assessment of inflammation degree, the mice paw edema volume was measured by the plethysmometric test. RESULTS: The findings showed that the extract was effective on acute inflammation induced by acetic acid in mice. In the xylene ear edema, N. koelzi extract indicated a significant activity in mice. In the cotton pellet method, the methanol extract produced a significant reduction in comparison with the control and dexamethasone. Mice paw edema volume decreased with the extract. CONCLUSION: In general, the data from the experiments indicated that the methanol extract of N. koelzi has an anti-inflammatory effect on acute and chronic inflammation. However, the exact contributing mechanisms have not been investigated for the pharmacological effects.

The Effect of Hirodoid Cream on Ecchymosis and Edema around Eyes after Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Several methods have been used to decrease the periorbital edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of hirudoid and dexamethasone in reduction of the periorbital edema and ecchymosis. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group H received hirudoid cream, 3 times per day for 5 days from postoperative-day (POD). Group D received 10 mg of dexamethasone IV, immediately before surgery; and group C (control) received neither dexamethasone nor hirudoid. Two surgeons who were unaware of administered medications rated the severity of edema and intensity of ecchymosis, on 2nd, 5th, and 7th POD. RESULTS: On 2nd POD, the edema in group D was significantly lower than groups H and C; but there was no significant difference in severity and intensity of ecchymosis between 3 groups. On 7th POD, the intensity of ecchymosis was significantly lower in group H in comparison to group C. When the difference between 2nd and 7th POD was evaluated, the resolution of severity of edema and intensity of ecchymosis was significantly better in group H (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Hirudoid was shown to be effective in reducing edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. The use of dexamethasone was effective in prevention of periorbital edema at early postoperative days, but it was not effective on resolution of ecchymosis.

Comparison between Wrapping Dice Cartilage with Temporal Fascia and Wrapping in Alloderm for Dorsal Nasal Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal augmentation of the nose for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes is an important issue in rhinoplasty surgery. This study aimed to compare the two methods of dice cartilage wrapping for dorsal augmentation of the nose including temporalis fascia and alloderm. METHODS: In a clinical trial study, 50 patients who needed to augment the nasal dorsum, were enrolled and randomly allocated to two equal groups. In the first group, diced cartilage graft of the patient was wrapped in temporalis fascia and in the second group, a thin sheet of alloderm was used for this purpose. After one year follow up, satisfaction of patients and the expert panel were compared in two groups. Also mean increase in dorsal height was measured and compared in two groups. RESULTS: The mean increase of dorsal nasal height one year after surgery in the alloderm and temporalis fascia was 3.13±0.49 and 3.42±0.33, respectively and in the fascia group was significantly higher (p=0.02). The mean of patients' satisfaction in the two groups of alloderm and temporal fascia groups was 7.48±0.92 and 8.04±0.89, respectively (p=0.03). The mean satisfaction of expert panel in the two methods was 7.56±0.81 and 7.7±0.63, respectively (p=0.5). CONCLUSION: The use of temporal fascia for covering the diced cartilage in augmentation of nasal dorsum had better results than the alloderm. Patients satisfaction and mean dorsal height was higher in temporal fascia group.

Promethazine and Oral Midazolam Preanesthetic Children Medication.

AIMS: Several kinds of drugs have been investigated in preschool children as a preanesthetic sedation after various routes of administration for surgeries. This study aims to compare the efficacy of promethazine and oral midazolam for premedication in children aged 3 to 9 years who were scheduled for surgeries. METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized controlled study conducted on 93 patients between the age of 3 and 9 years at Loresten University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Khoramabad, Iran. The subjects were grouped into P (promethazine), M (midazolam), and C (control). About 0.3 mg/kg of oral promethazine was administered to patients in group P, 0.5 mg/kg of oral midazolam was administered to patients in group M, and 3 mL of normal saline as placebo was administered to patients in group C. Patient satisfaction, sedation and emotional score, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups. However, the period after medication, it was observed that SBP, diastolic blood pressure, RR, and HR in group C were statistically significantly higher than those in groups M and P. These 2 groups are similar in terms of SBP, RR, and HR. The emotional scores were comparable for the 2 groups. It was between 3.97 ± 0.6 to 1.7 ± 0.5 in group M and from 3.45 ± 1.17 to 2.745 ± 0.997 in group P in a Kruskal-Wallis test. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that both test groups reduce stress at the time of anesthetic induction and separation from their parents with similar effect. Both of the anesthetics are easily administered without the necessity of an additional equipment. A shorter period to maximal sedation for midazolam is an advantage, thus, making the drug helpful, mostly in the outpatient setting.

Pre-operative laparoscopic staging of gastric cancer in patients who are candidates for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the laparoscopic method in gastric cancer staging before surgery in patients undergoing Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study on patients with T3-T4 and node positive non-metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma who was candidates for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. The patients were excluded from the study when they were not in the condition to continue the study. All eligible patients underwent metastases work up by abdominal, pelvic and chest CT scans and then received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Pre-operative laparoscopy was performed before definitive surgery. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software. The statistical significance, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated from this data. Results In this study, out of 50 patients, 26 (52%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 62.44 ± 12.136 years. Most tumors were located in one-third distal of stomach (21 patients, 42%). The accuracy of the laparoscopic method, to determine the degree of involvement of the lymph nodes, revealed that the method had a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 47.62%, a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 1.6, a negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.33%, a positive predictive value of 65.62% and a negative predictive value of 71.43%. The accuracy of the laparoscopic method, regarding determining the presence or absence of metastasis, revealed that the method had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and a negative predictive value of 100%. Conclusion Based on the evidence of this study, and other studies in this field, it seems that the use of a step-by-step combination methods in gastric cancer staging would be logical. Alone, no singular method would be sufficient in providing the physician with sufficient information to successfully stage the tumor and thus determine the appropriate treatment. Therefore, the combination of methods should be used which, in view of the economic constraints of health systems, would be recommended for high-risk patients for metastasis (N+/ T3-T4), diagnostic pre-operative laparoscopy.

Contralateral medial pectoral nerve transfer with free gracilis muscle transfer in old brachial plexus palsy.

BACKGROUND: There is a very small chance of success for nerve reconstruction in patients with old total brachial plexus palsy who visit after 2 y or suffer from flail upper extremity after the failure of previous operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For these individuals, the surgeon has to find a recipient motor nerve to perform free gracilis muscle transplantation. In this study, contralateral medial pectoral nerve from the intact side was transferred to the damaged side as a recipient nerve. Then, in the second operation, approximately 15 mo later, the free gracilis muscle transfer was performed. The gracilis muscle was removed and transferred to provide elbow and finger flexion. RESULTS: In a retrospective study (over 10 y), we reviewed 68 patients for whom this method had been performed. After 1 y, the results were investigated using the Medical Research Council grading system. Five patients did not participate in the study, and the muscle underwent necrosis in two patients. M3 and M4 muscle power was regained in 26 (42.6%) and 21 (34.4%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral pectoral nerve transfer followed by free muscle transplantation can be a good option for patients with old total brachial plexus palsy.

Magnesium Sulfate Mediates Morphine Administration Reduction in Varicocelectomy Surgery.

AIMS: Varicocelectomy is the most common operation carried out by doctors for male infertility treatment. The aim of varicocele treatment is to hinder the refluxing venous drainage to the testis, retaining arterial inflow, and lymphatic drainage. A lot of pain is generated after this surgery, and the use of opium should be reduced to nearest minimum, as all drugs are toxins. Thus the aim of the present study is to facilitate morphine usage reduction after varicocelectomy surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred (100) patients who were varicocelectomy candidate were randomized into two groups: experimental group contain 50 patients and control group contain 50 patients as well. In experimental group, 2 mL magnesium sulfate in 2 mL normal saline was injected into patient immediately after surgery. The control group received only 4 mL normal saline. Morphine dosage administered, and severity of pain monitoring was accessed and recorded with a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULT: Result indicated that administration of morphine dosage in the test group 0.21 ± 0.64 mg was significantly lower as compared to the control group 0.75 ± 1.30 mg during the first 24-hour after surgery (p = 0.01). Average VAS scores in the experimental and control groups in the first 4-hour interval were 0.91 ± 1.30 and 2.9 ± 2.50 (p = 0.02) respectively. We observed a significant difference in the VAS score for pain severity and the dosages of morphine administered. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental group with magnesium sulfate in its drug formulation showed better pain control compared to the control group which received only normal saline, whose pain manifested after every few hours. This can be used for the formulation of opium for this surgery in a large scale.

Comparison of Two Methods: Spinal Anesthesia and Ischiorectal Block on Post Hemorrhoidectomy Pain and Hospital Stay: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Hemorrhoidectomy is one of the most common hemorrhoid surgery. Many areas are innervated by nerves, and this makes the surgery to be very painful. Various anesthetic methods have been proposed, and the number of investigations and procedures demonstrated the absence of a reliable method for reducing pain. This study compares the cavity ischiorectal block with spinal anesthesia in reducing postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and hospital stay. RESEARCH DESIGN: This study is a randomized control trial carried out on seventy patients sampled. Thirty-five (35) among them were placed in spinal anesthesia group, and the other 35 were placed in the ischiorectal block group. According to the study, questionnaire was designed in such a way that postoperative variables such as postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, changes in blood pressure, heart rate and hospital stay in both groups were evaluated and compared. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2015111616516N3 ( http://en.search.irct.ir/search?query=IRCT2015111616516N3 ) Results: In this study, the pain scores on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hr for spinal anesthesia group after surgery were 0, 3.08 ± 0.78, 2.05 ± 1.02, 1.11 ± 0.83, respectively (p < 0.05). That of ischiorectal blocks were 0.98 ± 0.25, 1.57 ± 0.81, 0.91 ± 0.91, and 0.63 ± 0.31 respectively, which indicated lesser pain after surgery in the ischiorectal block at 6, 12, and 24 hr. In this study, out of the 35 patients that underwent spinal anesthesia, 28 patients (80%) were hospitalized in the first 6 hr, 13 patients (37.1%) in the second 6 hr, 3 patients (8.6%) in the second 12 hr after surgery. For patients under the ischiorectal block, the number of patients hospitalized were 13 patients (37.1%), in the first 6 hr, 4 patients (11.4%) in the second 6 hr, and 1 (2.9%) were hospitalized in the second 12 hr after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ischiorectal blocks causes less pain, require fewer painkillers, and reduces the hospital stay after surgery than spinal anesthesia.

In vitro Protoscolicidal Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil and Its Toxicity in Mice.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the scolicidal effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil against the protoscoleces of hydatid cysts and its toxicity in the mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analyses were used to identify the constituents of essential oil. Protoscoleces were treated with different concentrations of the essential oil (6.25-100 µL/mL) in each test tube for 5-30 min. The viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining). Forty-eight male NMRI mice were also used to determine the toxicity of C. zeylanicum essential oil (0.5-4 mL/kg). RESULTS: The main components were found to be cinnamaldehyde (91.8%), ρ metoxicinamate (1.57%), and α pinene (1.25%). Findings indicate that C. zeylanicum essential oil with the concentrations of 100 and 50 µL/mL killed 100% of protoscoleces after 5 min of exposure. Also, the lower concentrations of C. zeylanicum essential oil motivated a late protoscolicidal effect. The LD50 value of intraperitoneal injection of C. zeylanicum essential oil was 2.07 mL/kg body weight after 48 h, and the maximum nonfatal dose was 1.52 mL/kg body weight. The results also showed that there was no significant toxicity following oral administration of C. zeylanicum essential oil for 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: The results exhibited the favorable scolicidal activity of C. zeylanicum, which could be applied as a natural scolicidal agent in hydatid cyst surgery. SUMMARY: We evaluated the efficacy of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil against hydatid cyst protoscolecesThe viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining)Forty-eight male NMRI mice were also used to determine the toxicity of C. zeylanicum essential oilC. zeylanicum with potent scolicidal activity could be applied as a natural scolicidal agent in surgery. Abbreviations used: GC/MS: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis; CE: Cystic echinococcosis; LD50: Lethal dose 50%; I.p: Intraperitoneally.

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Surgical Repair in Inguinal Hernia with Classic versus Preperitoneal Methods on Reduction of Postoperative Complications.

Background. This study aims to evaluate and compare the results of inguinal herniorrhaphy with mesh in classic and preperitoneal method. Methods. Our study community includes 150 candidate patients for inguinal herniorrhaphy with mesh. Totally, 150 candidate patients for inguinal herniorrhaphy were randomly divided into two groups: (1) classic group in which the floor of the canal was repaired and the mesh was located on the floor of the canal and (2) preperitoneal group in which the mesh was installed under the canal and then the floor was repaired. Results. The frequency of recurrence was 10 (13.3%) and 2 (2.66%) in the classic and preperitoneal group, respectively. The frequency of postsurgical pain was 21 (28%) in the classic group and 9 (12%) in the preperitoneal group. The postsurgical hematoma was observed in 7 (9.3%) and 9 (12%) in the classic and preperitoneal group, respectively. Also, the frequency of postsurgical seroma was 8 (10.7%) and 1 (1.3%) in the patients treated with the classic and preperitoneal method, respectively. Conclusion. The findings of the present study demonstrated that the preperitoneal method is a more suitable method for inguinal herniorrhaphy than the classic one because of fewer complications, according to the findings of this study.

Effect of magnesium sulfate on morphine activity retention to control pain after herniorrhaphy.

AIM: This research was carried out to compare magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) with isotonic saline in terms of pain control after herniorrhaphy. PATIENTS & METHODS: A randomized double-blind study, in which the patients were blind to all. A total of 100 patients who were candidates of herniorrhaphy were randomized into two groups: experimental and control (50 patients in each). Anesthesia was induced with 20% of 4 cc of morphine. The experimental and control group received postoperative 20% of 2 cc MgSO4 in 2 cc of isotonic saline and 4 cc of isotonic saline, respectively. RESULT: The administration of postoperative morphine in control group 0.79 ± 1.48 mg was significantly higher to the experimental group 0.17 ± 0.63 mg during the first 24 h (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: MgSO4 increased the potency of morphine thereby reducing the amount of postoperative pain killer needed.

Magnetic nanogel polymer of bupivacaine for ankle block in rats.

INTRODUCTION: In an effort of designing an alternative method for local nerve block, we demonstrated the possibility of inducing ankle block in the rat with intravenous (IV) injection of magnetic nanoparticles conjugated bupivacaine and application of a magnet at the ankle. METHODS: The anaesthetic effect of magnet-directed bupivacaine-associated MNPs (NIPAAM-MAA-bupivacaine) was tested in rat using paw withdrawal latencies from thermal stimuli on the hind paw. Thirteen (13) experimental animals were grouped into two; untreated left hind paw (control group) and test group with treated right hind paw. The morphology of the synthesised nanogel was analysed using scanning electron micrograph (SEM), chemical characterisation using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and finally the in vivo drug release using UV spectroscopy. RESULTS: UV spectroscopy result show that, at 37 °C a sharp increase was observed from 24-72 h (40-75%) cumulative drug release at pH 5.3, a steady increase from 21-60% and 20-40% at pH 6.8 and 7.4m respectively. At 43 °C, a steady increase was observed at the three pH, 37-72%, 20-35% and 10-19% at pH 5.3, 6.8 and 7.4, respectively. It was shown also that drug release at higher pH (6.8 and 7.4) does not become significantly faster when temperature is high, compared to the release at a pH of 5.3. This depicts that the decreasing pH has more impact on the speed of the release of drug than increasing temperature. NMR and FTIR results displayed a comparable chemical structure as expected. The NMR peak displayed high purity of the final product. Morphology using SEM showed that the nanocomposite size is slightly greater than that of the nanogel, and the nanocomposite particles are nearly mono dispersed. Paw withdrawal latency highest peak of 15% was observed for NG/PU/30 at 40hours, and lowest peak for NG/30 at 50 h for the left paw. Group BU0.15 at 30 h shows the highest peak (20%) and NG/30 at 120 h shows the lowest peak for the right treated paw, which is significantly difference from the untreated left paw group (p< 0.0001). However, there wasn't a significant difference amongst NG/30, NG/Pub/15, or NG/Pub/60. CONCLUSIONS: The current study verifies the findings that we can induce ankle block in rat through IV injection administration of NIPAAM-MAA-bupivacaine complexes and the application of magnet at the ankle. We however suggest a lower temperature and pH for optimum release of this nanoanaesthetics, there is a probability of translating this mechanism to clinical practise.

Efficacy and Safety of Bunium Persicum (Boiss) to Inactivate Protoscoleces during Hydatid Cyst Operations.

BACKGROUND: Current scolicidal agents, which have been used for inactivation of protoscoleces during surgical procedures, are associated with adverse side effects including sclerosing cholangitis. This investigation aimed to evaluate the scolicidal effects of Bunium persicum (Boiss) essential oil against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts and also its toxicity in a mice model. METHODS: Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Various concentrations of the essential oil (3.125-50 mcL/mL) were used for 5-30 min. The viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using the eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining). Further, 48 male NMRI mice were used to determine the acute and sub-acute toxicity of B. persicum essential oil. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that the B. persicum essential oil at the concentrations of 25 and 50 mcL/mL after 5 min of exposure killed 100% protoscoleces. The mean mortality rate of protoscoleces after 10 min of exposure to the concentration of 12.5 mcL/mL was 100%. Lower concentrations (6.25 and 3.125 mcL/mL) of B. persicum essential oil, however, indicated a delayed protoscolicidal effects. The LD50 value of intra-peritoneal injection of the B. persicum essential oil was 1.96 mL/kg body wt. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in the clinical chemistry and hematologic parameters after oral administrations of B. persicum essential oil at the doses 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 4 mL/kg for 14 d. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated the potent scolicidal activity of B. persicum with no significant toxicity; it might be used as a natural scolicidal agent in hydatid cyst surgery.

Efficacy of Myrtus communis L. to Inactivate the Hydatid Cyst Protoscoleces.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to investigate the scolicidal effects of Myrtus communis L. essential oil against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts and also its toxicity in mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Various concentrations of the essential oil (12.5-100 µl/ml) were used for 5-30 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining). Moreover, 48 male NMRI mice were used to determine the acute and sub-acute toxicity of M. communis essential oil. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test was used to assess differences between experimental groups. RESULTS: Findings of the present study demonstrated that the M. communis essential oil at the concentration of 100 µl/ml after 5 min of exposure killed 100% protoscoleces. Similarly, the mean mortality rate of protoscoleces after 10 min of exposure to concentration of 50 µl/ml was 100%. However, lower concentrations (12.5 and 25 µl/ml) of M. communis essential oil provoked a delayed protoscolicidal effects. The LD50 values of intraperitoneal injection of the M. communis essential oil was 2.23 mL/kg body wt. No significant difference (p > .05) was observed in the clinical chemistry and hematological parameters following oral administrations of M. communis essential oil at the doses 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL/kg for 14 days. CONCLUSION: The results showed potent scolicidal activity of M. communis with no significant toxicity, which might be used as a natural scolicidal agent in hydatid cyst surgery.

Report: Evaluation of the scolicidal effects of Nectaroscordum tripedale extract and its acute toxicity in mice model.

Current scolicidal agents, which have been used for inactivation of protoscoleces during hydatid cyst surgery are associated with adverse side effects. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effects of Nectaroscordum tripedale L. leave extract against protoscoleces of hydatid cysts and its acute toxicity in mice model. Various concentrations of the extract (12.5-100 mg/mL) were used for 5 to 30 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1% eosin staining). In addition, the acute toxicity of N. tripedale extract was determined for 2 days in mice model. The results showed that the N. tripedale extract at the concentration of 100 mg/mL after 5 min of exposure killed 100% protoscoleces. Similarly, the mean of mortality rate of protoscoleces after 10 min of exposure to concentration of 50 mg/mL was 100%. The LD50 values of intraperitoneal injection of the N. tripedale extract was 3.36 g/kg body wt. and the maximum nonfatal doses were 2.98 g/kg body wt. The results showed the potential of N. tripedale extract as a natural source for the production of new scolicidal agent for use in hydatid cyst surgery.

Complications of primary realignment of posterior urethral disruption after pelvic trauma.

BACKGROUND: There are two fundamental selections for the management of traumatic posterior urethral injury, delayed repair or early primary realignment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the complications of primary realignment of posterior urethral disruption. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was done at the Shohada-ye Ashayer University Hospital in Khorramabad. All male patients admitted to the hospital with posterior urethral disruption and had undergone primary realignment of the urinary tract between 2003 and 2010 were included. Primary realignment of the urinary tract was done up to 24 hours after injury. The patients underwent open cystostomy and then a nelaton catheter was inserted from the bladder neck to the distal urethra anterogradely. Upon voiding from the catheter, another nelaton catheter was fixed to it and was pulled into the bladder. The catheter was removed if the urethra was intact in the retrograde urethrography after three weeks. The patients were followed for six months. The data were presented as mean and percentage. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were evaluated while seven, eleven, four, and two patients were aged under 20, 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and over 60 years old, respectively. Thirteen patients (54.16%) had urinary tract stenosis after the primary realignment. Erectile dysfunction was reported in three of them. Urinary incontinence did not occur in patients without stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Early primary realignment of posterior urethral disruption had significant complications. In this study we did not have a control group, thus we could not compare the complications of delayed repair and early primary realignment of the posterior urethra. We recommend further case-control studies with larger sample size.