An investigation of the acaricidal activity of benzyl alcohol on Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus and its synergistic or antagonistic interaction with commonly used acaricides.

The most economically significant ectoparasites in the tropics and subtropics are ixodid ticks, especially Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Years of extensive use of the readily available acaricides have resulted in widespread resistance development in these ticks, as well as negative environmental consequences. Benzyl alcohol (BA) has been frequently used to treat pediculosis and scabies, and it may be an effective alternative to commonly used acaricides. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the acaricide activity of BA and its combination with the regularly used chemical acaricides against R. annulatus and R. sanguineus. Different concentrations of BA alone and in combination with deltamethrin, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos were tested in vitro against adult and larvae of both tick species. The results showed that BA is toxic to R. annulatus and R. sanguineus larvae, with 100% larval mortality at concentrations of ≥50 mL/L, and LC50 and LC90 attained the concentrations of 19.8 and 33.8 mL/L for R. annulatus and 18.8 and 31.8 mL/L for R. sanguineus, respectively. Furthermore, BA in combination with deltamethrin, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos exhibited synergistic factors of 2.48, 1.26 and 1.68 against R. annulatus larvae and 1.64, 11.1 and 1.14 against R. sanguineus larvae for deltamethrin + BA, cypermethrin + BA and chlorpyrifos + BA, respectively. BA induced 100% mortality in adult R. annulatus at concentrations of ≥250 mL/L with LC50 and LC90 reached the concentrations of 111 and 154 mL/L, respectively. Additionally, BA had ovicidal activity causing complete inhibition of larval hatching at 100 mL/L. The combination of BA with deltamethrin and cypermethrin increased acetylcholinesterase inhibition, whereas the combination of BA with chlorpyrifos decreased glutathione (GSH) activity and malondialdehyde levels. In the field application, the combination of BA 50 mL/L and deltamethrin (DBA) resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of ticks by 30.9% 28 days post-treatment when compared with groups treated with deltamethrin alone. In conclusion, BA causes mortality in laboratory and field studies alone and in combination with cypermethrin or deltamethrin. BA can be used for control of ticks of different life stages, that is, eggs and larvae, through application to the ground.

D-limonene nanoemulsion: lousicidal activity, stability, and effect on the cuticle of Columbicola columbae.

The current study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and stability of D-limonene (DL) and its nanoemulsion (DLN) against pigeon feather lice (Columbicola columbae) and their mode of action. DL pure form and DLN were prepared and characterized freshly and after storage for 50 days. In vitro bioassay on live lice was conducted with different concentrations of DL, DLN, and deltamethrin (DM). The results revealed significant mortality rates in the DL-, DLN-, DM-treated groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). The scanning electron micrographs of lice treated with DL and DLN revealed collapsed bodies with destruction in the cuticle of the mouthparts and damaged antennae. The 50 days stored DLN showed stability in their effectiveness when compared with the freshly prepared formulation. DL and DLN caused significant inhibition (p ≤ 0.05) in acetylcholinesterase activity (AchE). Malondialdehyde level (MDA) was significantly increased while glutathione was significantly decreased in DL- and DLN-treated lice. In conclusion, DL and DLN have significant lousicidal activities. DLN showed better stability than DL after storage for 50 days. In addition, the mode of action of DL may associate with its effect on the cuticle of the lice body, inhibition of AchE, and increasing oxidative stress in the treated lice.

Role of antioxidant activity of essential oils in their acaricidal activities against Rhipicephalus annulatus.

Essential oils of Origanum majorana and Satureja thymbra as well as carvacrol are natural products that are known to have potent antioxidant activities. The current study was designed to investigate the role of the antioxidant properties of these natural products in their acaricidal activities against Rhipicephalus annulatus larvae. The synergistic and/or antagonistic effects of the addition of vitamins E and C and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to these natural products were also evaluated. Larval packet tests were used to evaluate the acaricidal activities against the larvae of R. annulatus. The antioxidant effectiveness of these products was determined by a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay. The addition of vitamin E at 100 mg/mL to O. majorana and S. thymbra decreased the concentrations required to achieve the death of half of the larvae (LC50) to 0.44 and 0.47%, respectively. The combination of O. majorana and S. thymbra attained the LC50 at 1.54% which was decreased to 0.69% after addition of vitamin E. Also, the addition of vitamin E to carvacrol reduced the LC50 to 0.27%. The total antioxidant activity of these natural products increased significantly in presence of vitamin E. The addition of H2O2 inhibited the acaricidal activity of all tested materials, especially at low concentrations. All treatments induced an increase in lipid peroxidation, whereas carvacrol-treated larvae revealed the lowest values for the superoxide dismutase. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity decreased in larvae treated with S. thymbra combined with vitamin E. In conclusion, the addition of vitamins E and C increased the acaricidal activities of the tested compounds, whereas the addition of H2O2 decreased these activities. The antioxidant activities of essential oils and their active components may play an important role in mediating their acaricidal activities.

Molecular diagnosis of Eimeria stiedae in hepatic tissue of experimentally infected rabbits.

The early detection of Eimeria stiedae in the hepatic tissue of experimentally infected rabbits was investigated using molecular assay. Forty 6-week-old male New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups. Group A (30 animals) was infected with 2.5 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. stiedae per animal on Day 0 and Group B (10 animals) was used as the uninfected controls. Three animals from Group A and one from Group B were sacrificed at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27 days post infection (PI). Gross and microscopic post-mortem findings were recorded. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the E. stiedae internal transcribed spacer 1 genomic region was conducted on blood, liver tissue, and feces from the Group A experimentally infected animals. Macroscopically, the liver showed irregular yellowish white nodules pathognomonic to E. stiedae infection beginning on Day 15 PI. Hepatomegaly and ascites were obvious from Day 21-24 PI. The presence of different E. stiedae schizonts and gametocytes in the histopathological sections of the biliary epithelium were evident on Day 15 PI. The E. stiedae PCR was first positive in liver tissues on Day 12 and in fecal samples on Day 18 PI, but the blood samples were negative. In conclusion, the PCR can be used for early diagnosis and control of E. stiedae schizonts before shedding of the oocysts in feces.

Ponatinib-induced neutrophilic panniculitis.

Ponatinib is a bcr-abl tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) used to treat resistant and refractory chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia that express bcr-abl. Neutrophilic panniculitis has been described in rare cases of patients on other TKIs in the same class as ponatinib. We present the first case of neutrophilic panniculitis following treatment with ponatinib and summarize the other cases of panniculitis caused by TKIs.

Quantitative near infrared spectroscopic analysis of Q-Switched Nd:YAG treatment of generalized argyria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Generalized argyria is a blue-gray hyperpigmentation of the skin resulting from ingestion or application of silver compounds, such as silver colloid. Case reports have noted improvement after Q-Switched Neodymium-Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser (1,064 nm QS Nd:YAG) laser treatment to small surface areas. No reports have objectively monitored laser treatment of generalized argyria over large areas of skin, nor have long-term outcomes been evaluated. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An incremental treatment plan was developed for a subject suffering from argyria. A quantitative near infrared spectroscopic measurement technique was employed to non-invasively analyze tissue-pigment characteristics pre- and post-laser treatment. Post-treatment measurements were collected at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and again at 1 year. RESULTS: Immediate apparent removal of pigment was observed with 1 Q-switched 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment (3-6 mm spot; 0.8-2 J/cm(2) ) per area. Entire face, neck, upper chest, and arms were treated over multiple sessions. Treatments were very painful and general anesthesia was utilized in order to treat large areas. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize and quantify the concentration of silver particles in the dermis based on the absorption features of the silver particles as well as the optical scattering effects they impart. We were able to estimate that there was, on average, 0.042 mg/ml concentration of silver prior to treatment and that these levels went below the minimum detectable limit of the instrument post-treatment. There was no recurrence of discoloration over the 1-year study period. CONCLUSION: QS 1,064 nm laser treatment of argyria is a viable method to restore normal skin pigmentation with no evidence of recurrence over study period. Quantitative spectroscopic measurements: (1) confirmed dyspigmentation was due to silver, (2) validated our clinical assessment of no recurrence up to 1-year post-treatment, and (3) indicated no collateral tissue damage with treatments.

Safety and Efficacy of Pure and a Nanosuspension of D-limonene for Controlling Pigeon Lice.

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of two forms of D-limonene (DL) against Columbicola columbae (pigeon feather lice); pure and a nanoemulsion formulation (DLN). The cell cytotoxicity of the prepared forms of DL/DLN was investigated using skin cell lines. In vitro and ex vivo bioassays were applied on lice. The ex vivo bioassay was done on cut feathers containing lice eggs. The in vivo experiment was conducted on pigeons naturally infested by lice. The infested pigeons were treated with DL, DLN, or deltamethrin (D) as a positive control. Both forms of D-limonene were found to be safe when applied to the normal human skin fibroblast cell line, but DLN was toxic to skin cell carcinoma. The in vitro and ex vivo results of both DL and DLN forms were similar. All eggs treated with DL, DLN, and D failed to hatch (100%). The in vivo results showed complete elimination of lice 24 h post-treatment (PT), and biochemical analysis showed that the treated birds retained normal kidney and liver functions. Treated groups also showed improved productivity in the 4 months PT. In conclusion, DL and DLN are safe and effective in controlling feather lice infestation in pigeons and successful treatment encourages bird productivity.

Efficacy of D-Limonene Nanoemulsion Against Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus Ticks.

PURPOSE: Ticks infestation has a negative impact against human and animal health through blood sucking, transmission of blood-borne diseases and also caused economic losses. METHODS: In the present study the adulticidal, ovicidal and larvicidal activity of D-limonene nanoemulsion (DLN) were evaluated against two tick species; Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Nanoemulsion form of D-limonene was prepared, and its characteristics were evaluated using a UV spectrophotometer and zeta droplet size measurement. Acetylcholinesterase activity was determined. RESULTS: The results revealed significant adulticidal effect with low LC50 and LC90 for D-limonene pure form (DL) against both adult tick spp. (R. annulatus and R. sanguineus) ((0.958 and 1.559%) and (2.26 and 3.51%), respectively). DLN LC50 and LC90 values were ((1.277 and 2.396) and (3.97 and 7.28), respectively) against R. annulatus and R. sanguineus, respectively. DL and DLN showed significant ovicidal effect against R. sanguineus at high concentrations (10 and 5%). In larval packet test, LC50 and LC90 values of DL were ((1.53 and 2.22%) and (6.81 and 12.07%), respectively) against R. annulatus and R. sanguineus, respectively, while LC50 and LC90 values of DLN were ((6.48 and 11.26%) and (7.82 and 13.59%), respectively) against R. annulatus and R. sanguineus, respectively. Significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition percentage was detected for both ticks spp. which treated by DL and DLN. CONCLUSION: Pure DL is more effective than DLN form against R. annulatus and R. sanguineus.

Cross-face nerve graft with free-muscle transfer for reanimation of the paralyzed face: a comparative study of the single-stage and two-stage procedures.

The most accepted method for reanimation of the paralyzed face is the two-stage method that combines cross-face nerve graft with free-muscle transfer. Although the results of reconstruction with this method are satisfactory, there is an excessive delay between stages, which prolongs the period of rehabilitation. In 1995, Kumar overcame this and presented his preliminary results from a single-stage transfer of the gracilis. We compared the long-term results of the single-stage with the two-stage method of reconstruction. Patients selected the method of reconstruction on the basis of the information, photographs of scars, and video recording of results given to them at a special facial palsy clinic. Ten patients selected the single-stage reconstruction and 15 selected the two-stage reconstruction. The mean follow-up period was 3 years. The results of the two methods are comparable, with 90 percent of the patients who underwent the single-stage and 93 percent of those who underwent the two-stage procedures having good and fair results. However, the two-stage method scored good symmetry at rest in 67 percent, compared with 20 percent for the single-stage method. There were fewer complications with the single-stage method, and none of the patients had any problems relating to the donor site. The period of rehabilitation was reduced by 10 months with the single-stage method.

Facial skin rejuvenation: ablative laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or photodynamic therapy? Facts and controversies.

Patients and cosmetic surgeons continue to develop innovative devices and techniques in search of the elusive fountain of youth. Our efforts in the past decade can be distilled to three primary approaches: refinement of existing technologies (ablative lasers); refinement of tried-and-true techniques (chemical peeling); and innovative use of new technologies (photorejuvenation). In this contribution, the authors discuss how these three approaches are used to achieve facial skin rejuvenation. Specifically, the authors compare and contrast the clinical benefits and disadvantages of the ablative fractionated and unfractionated carbon dioxide resurfacing lasers, medium-depth and deep chemical peeling, and the combination of photodynamic therapy with intense-pulsed light.

Phacoviscocanalostomy in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of phacoviscocanalostomy in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) versus that in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Prospective comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty eyes of 60 patients who underwent phacoviscocanalostomy for cataract and medically uncontrolled PEXG (30 eyes) or POAG (30 eyes). METHODS: Success rate was based on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and need for antiglaucoma medication. Visual acuity (VA) and complication rates were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 19.7 months (range, 12-36 months). The mean IOP values in both groups were significantly less than the preoperative values at all postoperative intervals (p < 0.001). From 1 month onward, the decrease in IOP was more dramatic in PEXG eyes than in POAG eyes (p < 0.05). At last visit, the mean percentage of IOP reduction was 49.7% in the PEXG group and 30.9% in the POAG group. All study eyes required decreased antiglaucoma medications and showed improved VA postoperatively. Transient complications included Descemet's membrane microperforations, macroperforation, zonular dehiscence, and postoperative IOP spike. No eyes developed trabeculectomy-type bleb, hyphema, fibrin exudation, or bleb-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Phacoviscocanalostomy achieved excellent IOP control and VA improvement in both PEXG and POAG groups. PEXG demonstrated greater IOP reduction and fewer postoperative medications than POAG. The complication rate was low and did not affect surgical outcome. Phacoviscocanalostomy can be an effective and safe surgical alternative to phacotrabeculectomy in both groups of patients.

Outcome of open reduction and internal fixation in lateral condyle humeral fractures in pediatrics

Background: Lateral condyle fractures of the distal humerus are the second most common fractures at the elbow in the paediatric population usually between the ages of 6-10 years old making up 5-20% of fractures in children. The aim of the present study was to assess the early results of patients with a displaced lateral humeral condyle fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Methods: Our clinical trial was conducted involving 12 patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Preoperative stage included clinical evaluation, routine investigations and radiological evaluation. Fractures were classified using the Milch. Patients were followed up weekly until radiological union of the fracture was evident. Results: 83.3% of our patients were males, while 16.7% were females. According to mechanism of injury, falling down continues to play a major role in causing disability. At (3-5) weeks all cases were with soft callus remove K wire; at 8 weeks, all cases were with union fracture; but at 12 weeks, one case (8.3%) was with mild stiffness and the rest was with full range of motion. As regards the carrying angle in our study, only 16.7% were with abnormal carrying angle. 33.3% were complicated; one case with mild limitation of motion and valgus; one case with varus and two cases with superficial infection. Conclusions: The open reduction and internal fixation of lateral humeral condyle fracture is the ideal treatment and it has a rate of complications