Surface morphology characterization of laser-induced titanium implants: lesson to enhance osseointegration process

The surface properties of implant are responsible to provide mechanical stability by creating an intimate bond between the bone and implant; hence, play a major role on osseointegration process. The current study was aimed to measure surface characteristics of titanium modified by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The results of this study revealed an optimum density of laser energy (140 Jcm⁻²), at which improvement of osteointegration process was seen. Significant differences were found between arithmetical mean height (Ra), root mean square deviation (Rq) and texture orientation, all were lower for 140 Jcm⁻² samples compared to untreated one. Also it was identified that the surface segments were more uniformly distributed with a more Gaussian distribution for treated samples at 140 Jcm⁻². The distribution of texture orientation at high laser density (250 and 300 Jcm⁻²) were approximately similar to untreated sample. The skewness index that indicates how peaks and valleys are distributed throughout the surface showed a positive value for laser treated samples, compared to untreated one. The surface characterization revealed that Kurtosis index, which tells us how high or flat the surface profile is, for treated sample at 140 Jcm⁻² was marginally close to 3 indicating flat peaks and valleys in the surface profile.

Tissue Engineering of the Intervertebral Disc's Annulus Fibrosus: A Scaffold-Based Review Study

Tissue engineering as a high technology solution for treating disc's problem has been the focus of some researches recently; however, the upcoming successful results in this area depends on understanding the complexities of biology and engineering interface. Whereas the major responsibility of the nucleus pulposus is to provide a sustainable hydrated environment within the disc, the function of the annulus fibrosus (AF) is more mechanical, facilitating joint mobility and preventing radial bulging by confining of the central part, which makes the AF reconstruction important. Although the body of knowledge regarding the AF tissue engineering has grown rapidly, the opportunities to improve current understanding of how artificial scaffolds are able to mimic the AF concentric structure—including inter-lamellar matrix and cross-bridges—addressed unresolved research questions. The aim of this literature review was to collect and discuss, from the international scientific literature, information about tissue engineering of the AF based on scaffold fabrication and material properties, useful for developing new strategies in disc tissue engineering. The key parameter of this research was understanding if role of cross-bridges and inter-lamellar matrix has been considered on tissue engineering of the AF.

Evaluation of effectiveness of herbal medication in cancer care: a review study

Based on a common belief, herbal medicine with the least possible side effects should be the center of attention in cancer care; however, in many cases they have not been properly studied with reliable clinical trials in human subjects. In this review, it was attempted to identify the available evidence on the use and clinical effects of herbs in cancer care. The research consists of two major parts including immunomodulator and chemopreventive herbal compounds whose mechanism, biological response, anticancer element of extract and related benefits were completely studied. Also, the safety of herbal anticancer compounds was discussed. Although the use of herbal medicines in treating cancer shows less chemotherapy-induced, toxicity, more researches are required to reach their full therapeutic potentials

Leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate as diagnostic factors in febrile convulsion

Febrile convulsion [FC] is the most common seizure disorder in childhood. white blood cell [WBC] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] are commonly measured in FC. Trauma, vomiting and bleeding can also lead to WBC and ESR so the blood tests must carefully be interpreted by the clinician. In this cross sectional study 410 children[163 with FC], aged 6 months to 5 years, admitted to Bahrami Children hospital in the first 48 hours of their febrile disease, either with or without seizure, were evaluated over an 18 months period. Age, sex, temperature; history of vomiting, bleeding or trauma; WBC, ESR and hemoglobin were recorded in all children. There was a significant increase of WBC [P<0.001] in children with FC so we can deduct that leukocytosis encountered in children with FC can be due to convulsion in itself. There was no significant difference regarding ESR [P=0.113] between the two groups. In fact, elevated ESR is a result of underlying pathology. In stable patients who don't have any indication of lumbar puncture, there's no need to assess WBC and ESR as an indicator of underlying infection. If the patient is transferred to pediatric ward and still there's no reason to suspect a bacterial infection, there is no need for WBC test

[ religious outlook on end of life ethical issues]

The ethical issues of end of life decisions making are widespread. Nowadays, physicians constantly involve patients whose lives could be prolonged by new medical treatments and advanced technologies. There are debates on medical futility, quality of life, and justice in such cases. Sometimes the health could not be restored and physicians only can provide for patients a comfortable natural death through palliative care. End of life decisions in the case of brain death, Persistent Vegetative State, and Minimally Conscious State would be very different and challenging. The issue of "Death with Dignity" and defining a good death is also a main matter. On occasion that the life is full of pain and suffering, allowing a person to die, Do-not-resuscitate order, withholding and withdrawing medical treatments [such as Mechanical ventilation], and even euthanasia and physicianassisted suicide are suggested as justified decisions by some practitioners. In some countries, legal approaches like "advance directives" facilitate the process of decision making. However, ethical issues and the related decisions are shaped by many factors. Among these factors, religious values are considered as one of the most influential factor. This article will discuss the ethics of end of life, focusing on religious viewpoints about end of life dilemmas, and the way religious beliefs have affected medical practice at the end of life. The teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam about death and dying process are reviewed in brief

[ Islam-based analysis of end of life ethical issues: case studies]

Ending of life is a critical decision which must be made with accountability and through a process of consultation with patient and some experts. The main challenge facing the ethics of end-of-life care is to avoid decisions contrary to patient's religious belief. The rights of individuals, near death, should be safeguarded and their interests at terminal stages of life should be respected. It is noteworthy that the religion is the most important factor we have in coping with dilemmas near the end of life. More than one forth of the world population are Muslims; therefore understanding their attitudes about this critical issue is imperative. We aim to state the main concepts of Islamic teachings about the death and end of life debates. The dilemmas will be discussed through some clinical cases