Change in Driving Performance following Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

The current study aimed to measure perioperative changes in driving performance following arthroscopic shoulder surgery using a validated driving simulator.21 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff or labral pathology were tested on a driving simulator preoperatively, and 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. An additional 21 subjects were tested to establish driving data in a control cohort. The number of collisions, centerline crossings, and off-road excursions were recorded for each trial. VAS and SPADI scores were obtained at each visit.The mean number of collisions in the study group significantly increased from 2.05 preoperatively to 3.75 at 6 weeks (p<0.001), and significantly decreased to 1.95 at 12 weeks (p<0.001). Centerline crossings and off-road excursions did not significantly change from preoperative through 12 weeks, although centerline crossings were statistically different from the controls at each time point (p<0.001). Surgery on the dominant driving arm resulted in greater collisions at 6 weeks than surgery on the non-dominant driving arm (p<0.001).Preliminary data shows that driving performance is impaired for at least 6 weeks postoperatively, with a return to normal driving by 12 weeks. Driving is more profoundly affected in conditions that require avoiding a collision and when the dominant driving arm is involved.

Amelioration of Benzo[a]pyrene-induced oxidative stress and pulmonary toxicity by Naringenin in Wistar rats: A plausible role of COX-2 and NF-κB

Naringenin is a naturally occurring flavanones and has been found to exhibit free radical scavenging, enzyme inhibition, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Present study was designed to evaluate the protective role of naringenin against benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced oxidative stress and pulmonary toxicity. Rats were treated with naringenin at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.), by oral gavage. B[a]P in a single dose of 50 mg/kg b. wt. was given intraperitoneally. Total protein, total cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, antioxidant enzymes activities, lung histology and expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) was assessed to evaluate protective effects of naringenin. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were also carried out to observe lung toxicity and inflammation. B[a]P administration enhanced the levels of lung injury markers and reduced antioxidant enzymes activities. Naringenin treatment attenuated the levels of oxidative stress by restoring antioxidant enzymes, further improved lung histological damage and significant decrease in inflammatory responses. Naringenin also effectively decreased the expression of NF-κB, and COX-2 induced by B[a]P. These findings suggest that naringenin supplementation is beneficial in maintaining the integrity of alveoli and the epithelium that may be used as a protective agent in B[a]P-induced oxidative stress and lung damage. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential mechanism of action of naringenin.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: Report of a Case With Review of Literature

Background

Pleomorphic adenomas are benign salivary gland tumors, which predominantly affect the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The “pleomorphic” nature of the tumor can be explained on the basis of its epithelial and connective tissue origin. The tumor has a female predilection between 30–50 years of age. Slowly progressing asymptomatic swelling is the usual presentation of the tumor. Surgical excision of the tumor mass forms the mainstay of treatment, with utmost care taken to preserve the facial nerve.

Case Details

This case report aims to throw light on an interesting case of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in a 50 years old female patient. The patient presented with a slowly progressing asymptomatic swelling on the left side of the face. There is also a special emphasis to a detailed review of literature.

Conclusion

Salivary gland neoplasms can occur at any site where salivary tissue is present. Pleomorphic adenoma is the commonest salivary gland tumor characterized by diverse histomorphological features. Early diagnosis and treatment plan entails thorough history taking, clinical examination, coupled with radiographic and histopathological findings.

The Effect of Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix on Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rat Model

The purpose of the current study was to determine if the application of platelet-rich fibrin matrix could improve regeneration of the tendon-bone insertion site in a rat rotator cuff repair model. 25 Lewis syngeneic rats underwent bilateral tenotomy and repair of the supraspinatus tendon. 10 separate rats were used for PRFM harvest. All left (control) shoulders underwent transosseous rotator cuff repair, while all right (treatment) shoulders were repaired similarly with PRFM augmentation. 9 rats were sacrificed at 2-weeks and ten at 4-weeks for biomechanical testing. 3 separate rats were sacrificed at 2-weeks and 4-weeks each for histologic analysis of the insertion site. At 2 weeks, the experimental group repairs were significantly stronger in ultimate load to failure (P=0.01), stress (P=0.03), and stiffness (P=0.03). Differences in biomechanical testing were not found between the groups at 4 weeks. Histological analysis revealed less collagen organization and cartilage formation at the insertion site in the experimental group. Semiquantitative histologic analysis confirmed our qualitative assessment of the specimens. PRFM does not recapitulate the native enthesis, but rather induces an exuberant and disordered healing response that is characterized by fibrovascular scar tissue.

18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) is a known hepatic carcinogen which leads to tumour formation in rodents. 18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid (18 β-GA) derived from liquorice plant has various pharmacological properties such as anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. This study is designed to elucidate the chemopreventive properties of 18 β-GA against 2-AAF-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats and evaluated its effect on inflammatory and tumour promotion marker and activities of different oxidative stress enzymes. Administration of 2-AAF at the dose of (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) intraperitoneally (i.p.)) for five consecutive days induces hepatic toxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress and hyperproliferation. Pretreatment with 18 β-GA at two different doses (45 and 75 mg kg−1 b.w.) significantly ameliorates 2-AAF-induced increased lipid peroxidation, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, xanthine oxidase activities and activities of phase-II detoxifying enzymes along with the levels of glutathione content. Administration of 18 β-GA also significantly restored the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclooxygenase 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor κB. Furthermore, histological observations also support the preventive effects of 18 β-GA. Our findings suggest that pretreatment with 18 β-GA showed potential hepatoprotective effects via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and hyperproliferation.