Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits the Shh/GLi (Sonic Hedgehog/GLi) Axis and Promotes Repair of Tissue Injury in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are indicated to severe pancreatitis (SAP), whilst level of Shh/GLi axis varies in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). However, little is known the interaction between MSCs and Shh in SAP. In this study, we established animal model of SAP in 10 rats and transplanted MSCs into 10 rats, with another 10 sham-operated rats as control group. The pathological changes of rat pancreatic tissue were observed. ELISA was conducted to determine the MPO level of pancreatic inflammation, and Western blot to detect the expression level of Shh, Gli1 and Gli2 in tissues. Administration of MSCs remarkably alleviated the pancreatic tissue necrosis and inflammation and decreased blood loss in SAP rats. Up-regulated expression of Shh, Gli1 and Gli2 was observed in SAP tissues when compared to tissues in control group, but their expressions declined in the presence of MSCs, and 24 hour later returned to normal levels. Collectively, MSCs regulates the balance of Shh/GLi axis by decreasing Shh and Gli1, thereby attenuating progression and symptoms of SAP.

Biological Therapy on Infected Traumatic Wounds: A Case-Control Study

Background:Traumatic wound is a great challenging issue to surgeons, because of large in size, heavily contaminated, infected and unscenic. Infection proceeded to progressive tissue necrosis, septicemia, organ failure or even death. Majority has polymicrobial infections. Bacteriohage therapy will have revolutionized in the treatment of wound. The present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of topical bacteriophage therapy on large traumatic wounds in comparison with conventional therapy. Methods:The Study conducted from Sept. 2018 to July 2020. Samples between 12- 60 years was taken into study. Customized bacteriophage applied over the wound after serial debridement in case and conventional dressing in control. Fifty four wounded person met the clinical inclusion criteria; 27 in each group. Wound swab and tissue biopsy was taken for bacterial isolation. Isolated specific phage was applied over the wound on alternate day till the wound become sterile and fit for further definitive management. Results: A significant and rapid improvement was observed in wound healing in cases then control group. Average number of day required for complete granulation of wound and attaining sterility was half in cases then control. The hospital stay of the patients on BT was half (20days) than those on CT (40 days). The financial analysis also favours the BT over CT as only 1/third expenditure incurred in BT group as compared to CT Conclusion:Topical Bacteriophage therapy is efficient, effective to clearing the infection in shorter length of time and cost effective for infected traumatic wounds as compared to conventional dressing.

Estimation of a minimum laser power with wavelengths of 1.47, 1.56, and 1.68 μm for efficient obliteration of varicose veins

Experiments modelling endovenous laser obliteration (EVLO) are performed. As a result, laser radiation powers Pc at which collagen denaturation, tissue necrosis, and vasa vasorum destruction occur throughout the entire venous-wall thickness and, at the same time, the surrounding tissues are not subjected to unnecessary heating, are found. The main criterion for determining Pc is the achievement of 100% denaturation of venous-wall proteins, confirmed by morphological and calorimetric analysis. The Pc values for laser wavelengths of 1.47, 1.56, and 1.68 mm are found to be 6.0 ± 0.2, 5.0 ± 0.2, and 6.0 ± 0.2 W, respectively. It is established for all wavelengths in use that the temperature of the external venous-wall surface reaches 91 plusmn; 2 deg;C at the corresponding power Pc. We relate the dependence of Pc on the radiation wavelength to the formation of a coagulum on the optical fibre tip moving through a blood-filled vessel. The achievement of temperature necessary for coagulum formation is determined by the simultaneously occurring processes of energy absorption and its dissipation in the form of heat. These processes become more intense with an increase in the absorption coefficient of the medium. A mechanism is proposed to explain the relationship between the Pc value and laser wavelength, based on the influence of the absorption coefficient of medium (blood) on the temperature near the fibre tip.

Silicon Embolization Syndrome - A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Dilemma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

In scientific literature, silicone embolization syndrome has been well described and multiple presentations have been delineated. The use of non-medical injections of silicone has become very popular with the public in general, in particular with certain groups that are highly focused on their physical image. Local effects including tissue necrosis, foreign body giant cell reaction, and community-acquired infection have been commonly recorded. Distal effects suggesting an embolic phenomenon can present as regional lymphadenopathy, granulomatous hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, and other acute systemic illnesses. But pulmonary and neurologic sequelae especially warrant emergency attention and can be fatal, if not identified immediately. Pulmonary manifestation can sometimes easily mimic bilateral pneumonia, especially if there is no suspicion for illicit silicone use, which was the case with our patients. The injected subcutaneous silicone migrated rapidly from the interstitial subcutaneous tissue into the general bloodstream resulting in systemic silicone embolization. An analysis of the presented case in conjunction with a review of the pertinent medical literature, including relevant case reports revealed the common clinicopathological manifestations of silicon embolism.

Empyema necessitans – An unusual cause of necrotising fasciitis of the breast

Necrotising fasciitis is a dreaded aggressive soft tissue infection that can cause extensive tissue necrosis. It may arise in the breast where its diagnosis may not readily be evoked.

Transplanting Coral Fragments in Close Contact Enhances Their Survival and Growth on Seawalls

Accelerated urbanisation has replaced many natural shorelines with coastal defences, resulting in the loss of natural habitats. However, structures such as seawalls can support some biotic assemblages, albeit of lower species richness. Ecological engineering techniques such as coral transplantation can enhance biodiversity on these artificial structures, but its success is circumscribed by high costs. Little is known about the fusion of discrete coral colonies that could potentially improve coral transplantation success on seawalls, particularly for the slow-growing massive species that are generally well-adapted to living on seawalls. Here, we investigated the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of transplanting Platygyra sinensis on seawalls by comparing the survivability and growth of fragments transplanted adjoining with those transplanted further apart. Fragments (approximately 3 cm diameter; n = 24) derived from three individuals were randomly grouped into two treatments, transplanted at 0.5 cm and 5 cm apart. Fragments in the former treatment came into contact with each other after three months. We observed that in all cases, the contact zones were characterised by a border of raised skeletal ridges without tissue necrosis, often termed nonfusion (=histoincompatible fusion). The adjoining transplants showed better survival (75 vs. 43%) and grew at a rate that was significantly higher than fragments transplanted 5 cm apart (3.7 ± 1.6 vs. 0.6 ± 1.1 cm2 month−1). Our projections demonstrated the possibility of reducing transplantation cost (USD cm−2) by 48.3% through nonfusion. These findings present nonfusion as a possible strategy to increase the overall cost-effectiveness of transplanting slow-growing massive species on seawalls.

Spontaneous Drainage of Lower Lip Abscess by Insect Sting in the Prediabetic Male: A Case Report

Most insects have a stinging apparatus at the tail end of their abdominal segment and can deliver venom. The venom can usually result in pain, erythema, abscess, or allergic reaction in human tissues such as the skin and even the lips. The presentation of lip abscess, especially in the vermilion, is rare and needs to be appropriately managed. A 39-year-old prediabetic male presented with a swollen right lower lip stung by an insect six days before the consult. The swelling started as a vesicle which became bigger, then burst, exuding a yellowish fluid and blood. The swollen area became more significant, and pain was felt. The clinical presentation was that of a lower lip abscess. Adequate antibiotics were prescribed along with a corticosteroid and a topical antiseptic. The treatment was essential to prevent the dissemination of infection and the likelihood of tissue necrosis. This case report is presented as a rare clinical case of a lower lip abscess due to an insect sting with spontaneous drainage after treatment in a prediabetic male. The dentist and clinician needed to identify this condition and to manage the case properly.